High efficiency and high precision microfluidic devices and methods

摘要

New high density microfluidic devices and methods provide precise metering of fluid volumes and efficient mixing of the metered volumes. A first solution is introduced into a segment of a flow channel in fluidic communication with a reaction chamber. A second solution is flowed through the segment so that the first solution is displaced into the reaction chamber, and a volume of the second solution enters the chamber. The chamber can then be isolated and reactions within the chamber can be initiated and/or detected. High throughput methods of genetic analysis can be carried out with greater accuracy than previously available.

主权项

1. A microfluidic device comprising an array of fluidically interconnected unit cells, wherein each unit cell comprises:
a) a reaction chamber b) a main channel connected at one end to a reaction chamber, wherein the main channel is divided along its length into segments by valves that when closed prevent movement of solution from one segment to another, such that each segment is delimited by two valves; wherein the main channel comprises a first segment and an adjacent second segment, and the first segment lies between the reaction chamber and the second segment; c) a first inlet channel connected to the main channel within the first segment at a junction between the valves that delimit the first segment, and a closable or one-way valve that regulates flow from the first segment into the first inlet channel, wherein the first inlet channel terminates at the junction, and wherein the first inlet channel is the only channel connected to the main channel within the first segment; d) a second inlet channel connected to the main channel within the second segment, at a junction between the valves that delimit the second segment, and a closable or one-way valve that regulates flow from the second segment into the second inlet channel, wherein the second inlet channel terminates at the junction, and wherein the second inlet channel is the only channel connected to the main channel within the second segment; wherein the main channel is in fluidic communication with a source of first sample or reagent; the first inlet channel is in fluidic communication with a source of a second sample or reagent, which is different from the first sample or reagent; the second inlet channel is in fluidic communication with a source of a third sample or reagent, which is different from the first and second sample or reagent.