Microfluidic system with fluid pickups

摘要

Microfluidic system, including methods and apparatus, for processing fluid, such as by droplet generation. In some embodiments, the system may include a well and a channel component attached to the well. The channel component may include (a) a body, (b) an input tube (a “fluid pickup”) projecting from a bottom surface of the body and having an open bottom end disposed in the input well, (c) a microchannel, and (d) a passage extending through the input tube and the body and connecting the well to the microchannel. The system may be configured to receive a sample-containing fluid in the well and retain the sample-containing fluid below a top end of the passage, until a pressure differential is created that drives at least a portion of the sample-containing fluid from the well via the passage and through the microchannel.

主权项

1. A system for fluid processing, comprising:
an input well; an output well; a channel component including (a) a plate including a bottom surface at which the plate is attached to each of the wells, and a top surface having a substantially horizontal microchannel formed therein, (b) a substantially vertical input tube projecting into the input well from the bottom surface of the plate, and (c) a cover attached to the top surface of the plate and providing a top wall of the microchannel; and at least one vacuum/pressure source operatively connected to the channel component; wherein the system is configured to receive a sample-containing fluid in the input well such that the sample-containing fluid is in contact with a bottom end of the input tube and is retained, with assistance from gravity, out of contact with the microchannel until a pressure differential is created with the at least one vacuum/pressure source that drives at least a portion of the sample-containing fluid from the input well via the input tube, and through the microchannel, and into the output well.