APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR CONDUCTING ASSAYS AND HIGH THROUGHPUT SCREENING

摘要

The present invention provides microfluidic devices and methods for using the same. In particular, microfluidic devices of the present invention are useful in conducting a variety of assays and high throughput screening. Microfluidic devices of the present invention include elastomeric components and comprise a main flow channel; a plurality of branch flow channels; a plurality of control channels; and a plurality of valves. Preferably, each of the valves comprises one of the control channels and an elastomeric segment that is deflectable into or retractable from the main or branch flow channel upon which the valve operates in response to an actuation force applied to the control channel.

主权项

1. A microfluidic device for conducting cellular assays, comprising:
a main flow channel; an input adapted to receive a first solution and in fluid communication with the main flow channel, whereby solution introduced into the input can flow into the main flow channel; a plurality of control channels; a plurality of chambers positioned along the main flow channel and in fluid communication therewith, such that solution flowing through the main flow channel can be stored in the chambers; a plurality of branch flow channels, wherein each branch flow channel is in fluid communication with a branch inlet, each branch inlet adapted to receive a second solution and in fluid communication with one of the chambers, different branch flow channels being in fluid communication with different chambers; a plurality of storage valves, wherein a pair of storage valves are operatively disposed with respect to each of the branch flow channels, and wherein each of the storage valves comprises an elastomeric segment that separates one of the branch flow channels and one of the control channels and that is deflectable into or retractable from the flow channel upon which the valve operates in response to an actuation force applied to the control channel, the storage valves of a pair being disposed with respect to one another such that when the elastomeric segment of each storage valve of the pair extends into the branch flow channel a holding space is formed between the segments in which one or more cells can be retained; and one or more pumps to transport the first and/or second solution through the branch flow channels.