MICROFLUIDIC SYSTEMS AND NETWORKS

摘要

A network of microfluidic channels may include at least three loops interconnected at a junction. Each of the loops may include a fluid channel having a length extending from the junction to a second end; and a fluid actuator along the fluid channel and located at a first distance from junction along the length of the fluid channel and at a second distance less than the first distance from the second end. Activation of the fluid actuator of selected ones of the at least three loops may selectively produce net fluid flow in different directions about the loops. In one implementation, a fluid channel having a fluid actuator may have a bridging portion that extends over another fluid channel.

主权项

1. A microfluidic system comprising:
a first fluid channel having a first end and a second end, the first fluid channel having a length extending from the first end to the second end, the first end coupled to a first fluid reservoir or a second fluid channel, the second end coupled to a second fluid reservoir or a third fluid channel; a first fluid actuator located at a first distance from the first end along the length of the first fluid channel, the first fluid actuator to generate first and second waves, respectively, propagating toward the first end and the second end of the channel to produce a first unidirectional net fluid flow from the first end to the second end; a second fluid channel having a first end, a second end and a first fluid channel bridging portion between the first end and the second end of the second fluid channel, the first fluid channel bridging portion extending over the first fluid channel, wherein the first end of the second fluid channel extends in a first plane, wherein the first fluid channel bridging portion extends in a second plane different than the first plane, the second fluid channel having a second length extending from the first end of the second fluid channel to the second end of the second fluid channel; a second fluid actuator located at a first distance from the first end of the second fluid channel along the second length of the second fluid channel, the second fluid actuator to generate third and fourth waves, respectively, propagating toward the first end and the second end of the second fluid channel to produce a first unidirectional net fluid flow from the first end of the second fluid channel.