Fluid circuit components based upon passive fluid dynamics

摘要

Methods of controlling fluid flow through microchannels by use of passive valves or stopping means in the microchannels is presented. The passive valves act as pressure barriers impeding flow of solution past the stopping means until enough force is built up to overcome the force of the pressure barrier. Well planned use of such stopping means acting as passive valves allows the flow of fluids through microchannels to be regulated so as to allow fluids to be mixed or diluted after being introduced via a single channel, or to be split into multiple channels without the need for individual pipetting. Flow through the multiple channels can be regulated to allow a series of sister wells or chambers to all fill prior to the fluid flowing beyond any one of the sister wells or chambers. The filling of sister wells or chambers in this manner allows all wells or chambers to undergo reactions in unison. The use of air ducts to prevent trapping of air in the microchannels is also presented.