Microfluidic device

摘要

Microfluidic devices of the present disclosure relate to quick and inexpensive microfluidic manipulation/handling. A number of channels may be provided for supply of fluid ingredients to a number of cavities. A separating material may provide fluid separation between a number of cavities, such as corresponding cavities of a reaction chamber. Once the cavities are supplied with fluid ingredient, channels connecting the cavities may be sealed off; that is, the cavities may be subject to fluid isolation. In some embodiments, a sealing material may be compressed so as to deform into the channels obstructing fluid flow. The separating material may be manipulated so that the initial fluid separation between cavities is removed. Removal of this fluid separation subsequently permits mixing of fluid ingredient(s) contained within previously separated cavities. In some embodiments, the fluid separation may be removed by heating or dissolving portions of the separating material. When appropriate, contents within reaction chambers may be subject to further processing (e.g., thermal cycling, various analyzes).

主权项

1. A microfluidic device, comprising:
a first layer defining a first cavity; a first channel arranged to provide fluid entry to the first cavity; a second layer defining a second cavity; a second channel arranged to provide fluid entry to the second cavity; and at least one separating material located between the first layer and the second layer and providing fluid separation between the first cavity and the second cavity, the at least one separating material comprising at least one of plastic, polymer, polyethylene, ethylene-vinyl acetate, polycarbonate, PTFE, polypropylene, elastomer, silicone, silicone rubber, wax, paraffin wax and microcrystalline wax, wherein compression of the first and second layers relative to one another causes sealing of the first channel and the second channel resulting in obstruction of the first cavity and the second cavity from further fluid entry, and wherein manipulation of the at least one separating material causes removal of the fluid separation allowing for fluid communication between the first cavity and second cavity.