Microfluidic Devices and Methods of Manufacture and Use

摘要

Series of bio-detection elements, shown as short hollow transparent reaction vessels (32), batch-surface-coated with capture-agent, are placed in channel of larger width (a3; c8; 15; 28; 44), and fixed by flexible or elastomeric over-lying sheet (a1; c7; 13; 38). Portions of sheet form pneumatically-activated pistons (22; 36) and valves (23-27; 54) to produce and control channel flow. Overlying sheet is of reflectively-coated Mylar (b4) or PDMS, bonded with channel-defining structure. PDMS sheet is surface-activated for molecular-bond with PDMS channel-defining structure, molecular-bond with PDMS-valve-seat-forming portions (34) defeated by repeated make-and-break contact during cure. Pick-and-place of detection elements in channel employs electrostatic attraction to seize elements, enabling tool removal. Rigidly-backed parts are brought together to channel-fix detection elements. Active capture-agent on batch-coated bio-elements defeated by shear-force removal or laser-scanning deactivation, so, e.g. inside surface only of hollow elements carries capture-agent. Sample may flow through hollow elements and by-pass outside without assay disturbance.

主权项

1. A microfluidic device for conducting a fluid assay, for example a biological assay, having a flow channel in which is inserted at least one discrete flow detection element (preferably an extremely short hollow flow element with length less than about 700 micron, preferably less than about 500 micron, and internal diameter of between about 75+/−50 micron, preferably in many instances, 50+/−25 micron, in fixed position), that is provided with capture agent, the flow element being positioned for exposure to fluid flows within the device for conducting an assay.