Microfluidic devices and methods

• US 20020110835A1
• Filed: 02/13/2002
• Published: 08/15/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 02/13/2001
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Rajan Kumar
• Original Assignee: Rajan Kumar
• Inventors: Kumar, Rajan
• Application Number:
  US10/076,741
• Publication Number:
  US 20020110835A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 435/7.1
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 2200/02 Adapting objects or devices to another
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 2200/10 Integrating sample preparation and analysis in single entity, e.g. lab-on-a-chip concept
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 2300/0609 Holders integrated in container to position an object
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 2300/0636 Integrated biosensor, microarrays
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 3/5027 by integrated microfluidic structures, i.e. dimensions of channels and chambers are such that surface tension forces are important, e.g. lab-on-a-chip B01L3/5023 takes precedence; micromixers B01F33/30; microreactors for synthesis B01J19/0093; microcapillary devices in general B81B1/00

Abstract

This invention describes novel microfluidic methods for performing biochemical analysis involving multiple steps. Microfluidic devices that can be used for performing such assays are also described. The uses of such methods include genomic and proteomic analysis, diagnostic assays, and drug discovery.

Claims

1. Any method for analysis of biomolecules comprising removal of a substrate from one microfluidic chip and insertion of the said substrate into a second microfluidic chip for further processing or analysis.

2. A method of claim 1 comprising the substrate is inserted into and removed from more than two chips.

3. A method of claim 2 comprising two substrates removed from two different microfluidic chips are combined for further processing in a third microfluidic chip.

4. Any microfluidic chip used for performing an analysis method of claim 1.

5. Any combination of microfluidic chips used for performing an analysis method of claim 1.

6. Any microfluidic chip of claim 3 comprising a chamber in which multiple substrates can be exposed to the same sample.

10. A method of claim 1 comprising the method is used for capture and isolation of molecules of interest from the sample flowing in the microfluidic device.

7. Any substrate used to transfer material among different microfluidic chips.

8. A substrate of claim 7 comprising an array of affinity molecules on its surface.

9. A substrate of claim 7 comprising the said substrate is composed of porous material.