MOVING MICRODROPLETS IN A MICROFLUIDIC DEVICE

摘要

The present invention relates to a system and method for moving samples, such as fluid, within a microfluidic system using a plurality of gas actuators for applying pressure at different locations within the microfluidic. The system includes a substrate which forms a fluid network through which fluid flows, and a plurality of gas actuators integral with the substrate. One such gas actuator is coupled to the network at a first location for providing gas pressure to move a microfluidic sample within the network. Another gas actuator is coupled to the network at a second location for providing gas pressure to further move at least a portion of the microfluidic sample within the network. A valve is coupled to the microfluidic network so that, when the valve is closed, it substantially isolates the second gas actuator from the first gas actuator.

主权项

1. A method of identifying one or more nucleic acids in a sample in a microfluidic process module of a microfluidic device, the method comprising:
moving the sample from an upstream channel into a zone located in the microfluidic process module of the microfluidic device; closing a first valve disposed upstream of the zone and a second valve disposed downstream of the zone such that gas and liquid are prevented from exiting the zone; thermal cycling the sample in the zone; and identifying the presence of one or more nucleic acids in the sample in the zone.