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Publication Number
US-9803237-B2
Publication Date
2017-10-31
Expiration Date
Abstract
The present invention relates to fluidic devices for compartmentalizing samples. In particular, the devices and related systems and methods allow for compartmentalization by using one or more first chambers connect by a first channel (e.g., where the cross-sectional dimension of the first channel is less than the cross-sectional dimension of at least one first chamber).
Core Innovation
The invention provides a compartmentalization system comprising a device, a target fluid, an immiscible fluid, and a surface energy. The device includes a first layer having a first region and a second layer having a plurality of second regions, and the first and second layers are connected by relative movement from a first position, in which the first region is not connected to the plurality of second regions, to a second position, in which the first region is connected to the plurality of second regions to form a plurality of combined regions.
In the first position, the target fluid is present in the first region. Relative movement from the first position to the second position separates the target fluid into compartments that are separated by the immiscible fluid and located in the plurality of combined regions.
The system includes a reduction of surface energy associated with compartmentalization. In the second position, the surface energy of the system is reduced from a first surface energy before separation into compartments to a second surface energy after separation into compartments. The disclosed microfluidic SlipChip-like approach uses design of regions in first and second layers to promote breakup into compartments and can include regions and patterns that vary surface energy.
Claims Coverage
The partial content provided includes one independent claim (clm-00001). The independent claim covers a layered microfluidic device that compartmentalizes a target fluid into immiscible-fluid-separated compartments by relative movement, together with a reduction in system surface energy from before to after compartment separation.
Layered device connected by relative movement to form combined regions
A device comprising a first layer with a first region and a second layer with a plurality of second regions, where the first region and the plurality of second regions are connected by relative movement from a first position, in which the first region is not connected to the plurality of second regions, to a second position, in which the first region is connected to the plurality of second regions to form a plurality of combined regions.
Compartment separation of target fluid into immiscible-fluid-separated compartments
In the first position, the target fluid is present in the first region, and relative movement from the first position to the second position results in separation of the target fluid into compartments that are separated by the immiscible fluid and located in the plurality of combined regions.
Reduction of system surface energy upon compartment separation
In the second position, the surface energy of the system is reduced from a first surface energy before the separation of the target fluid into the compartments to a second surface energy after the separation of the target fluid into the compartments.
Across the provided independent claim, the core coverage is directed to using relative movement between a first layer region and plural second layer regions to form combined regions, thereby separating a target fluid into compartments separated by an immiscible fluid, while reducing the system surface energy from a first value before separation to a second value after separation.
Stated Advantages
The system includes a reduction of surface energy associated with compartmentalization.
Documented Applications
Compatible with assay workflows and downstream digital PCR.
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