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Manipulation of fluids and reactions in microfluidic systems

  • US 10,603,662 B2
  • Filed: 09/07/2018
  • Issued: 03/31/2020
  • Est. Priority Date: 02/06/2007
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A method for forming and collecting a plurality of droplets, the method comprising:

  • providing a microfluidic device comprising a substrate comprising a microfluidic channel operably coupled to a plurality of fluidic regions, the microfluidic channel including an inlet and an outlet;

    providing a solution of an aqueous fluid containing at least one target molecule and one or more reagents for conducting a reaction with the at least one target molecule;

    introducing, via the inlet, the solution of aqueous fluid into the microchannel and flowing the solution of aqueous fluid through the microfluidic channel towards the outlet to form a plurality of droplets of the aqueous fluid based, at least in part, on the flow of the aqueous fluid and surface tension of the aqueous fluid relative to a carrier fluid at the outlet, wherein the solution of aqueous fluid flows through the microchannel in response to application of pressure upon the microfluidic device;

    positioning each of the plurality of aqueous droplets in a respective fluidic region, wherein each of the plurality of droplets is substantially surrounded by the carrier fluid;

    maintaining separation of each of the plurality of aqueous droplets from one another within the carrier fluid and maintaining positioning of each of the plurality of aqueous droplets relative to the substrate and within the respective fluidic region by holding each of the plurality of aqueous droplets in place relative to the substrate; and

    conducting the reaction in one or more of the plurality of droplets within the fluidic regions while the one or more of the plurality of droplets is held in place relative to the substrate.

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