Fluid mixing and delivery in microfluidic systems

摘要

The specification generally discloses systems and methods for mixing and delivering fluids in microfluidic systems. The fluids can contain, in some embodiments reagents that can participate in one or more chemical or biological reactions. Some embodiments relate to systems and methods employing one or more vent valves to controllably flow and/or mix portions of fluid within the microfluidic system. Advantageously, fluid control such as a sequence of fluid flow and/or a change in flow rate, can be achieved by opening and closing one or more vent valves and by applying a single source of fluid flow (e.g., a vacuum) operated at a substantially constant pressure. This can simplify the operation and use of the device by an intended user.

主权项

1. A device comprising:
an upstream microfluidic channel portion having a cross-sectional dimension of less than 1 mm; a first liquid positioned in the upstream microfluidic channel portion; a downstream microfluidic channel portion having a cross-sectional dimension of less than 1 mm; a second liquid positioned in the downstream microfluidic channel portion; and a component of a vent valve comprising a port positioned between the upstream and downstream microfluidic channel portions, wherein the device can be configured such that when the port is in an open position, the second liquid in the downstream microfluidic channel portion can be flowed without substantially flowing the first liquid, and when the port is in a closed position, the first liquid from the upstream microfluidic channel portion can be flowed to the downstream microfluidic channel portion.