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 method, comprising:
in a device comprising an upstream microfluidic channel portion having a cross-sectional dimension of less than 1 mm and containing a first liquid, a downstream microfluidic channel portion having a cross-sectional dimension of less than 1 mm and containing a second liquid, and a vent valve positioned between the upstream and downstream microfluidic channel portions, flowing the second liquid in the downstream microfluidic channel portion without substantially flowing the first liquid; and flowing the first liquid from the upstream microfluidic channel portion to the downstream microfluidic channel portion after the flowing of the second liquid.