MICROFLUIDIC CARTRIDGE DEVICES AND METHODS OF USE AND ASSEMBLY

摘要

Methods and systems for controlling fluid flow through a cartridge for use in an assay of a fluid sample for detection of a target analyte. In one aspect, the cartridge includes a microfluidic device having a network of microfluidic channels, one or more reservoirs and one or more actuatable valves for controlling fluid flow from the reservoirs through the microfluidic channels. In some embodiments, the valve includes a deformable membrane movable between a closed configuration in which the membrane seals against the microfluidic device inhibiting fluid flow and an open configuration moved away from the microfluidic device to allow fluid flow through the microfluidic channels. Other valve embodiments utilize frangible membranes or user-removable membrane.

主权项

1. A microfluidic cartridge assembly for performing an assay of a target analyte in a biological sample, the microfluidic cartridge comprising:
a cartridge housing defining one or more reservoirs, the one or more reservoirs including a reagent reservoir containing a reagent; a microfluidic substrate attached to the cartridge housing, the microfluidic substrate having a plurality of microfluidic channels in fluid communication with the one or more reservoirs, the plurality of microfluidic channels being adapted for performing an assay of the target analyte in the sample using the reagent; one or more valves in fluid communication with the plurality of microfluidic channels that are actuatable between a closed configuration that inhibits fluid flow through the microfluidic channels and an open configuration allowing fluid flow from the one or more reservoirs through the plurality of microfluidic channels; and one or more pressure septa in fluid communication with the plurality of microfluidic channels adapted for introducing pressure into the plurality of microfluidic channels to facilitate fluid flow through the plurality of microfluidic channels in a controlled manner so as to perform the assay of the target analyte in the sample during fluid flow through the plurality of microfluidic channels when the one or more valves are in the open configuration.