Microfluidic cartridge with integrated electronics

• US 20020114739A1
• Filed: 12/24/2001
• Published: 08/22/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 12/26/2000
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: PerkinElmer Health Sciences, Inc. (Revvity, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: PerkinElmer Health Sciences, Inc. (Revvity, Inc.)
• Inventors: Mukkamala, Ramachandra, Lemay, William E., Foley, Stephen P. Sr., Battrell, C. Frederick, Weigl, Bernard H.
• Application Number:
  US10/035,755
• Publication Number:
  US 20020114739A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 422/100
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0031 Implanted circuitry
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 2200/148 Specific details about calibrations
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 2300/022 Transponder chips
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 2300/023 Sending and receiving of information, e.g. using bluetooth
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 2300/0645 Electrodes
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 2300/0816 Cards, e.g. flat sample carriers usually with flow in two horizontal directions
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 2400/0406 capillary forces
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 2400/0418 electro-osmotic flow [EOF]
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 2400/0439 ultrasonic vibrations, vibrating piezo elements
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 2400/0487 fluid pressure, pneumatics
• 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
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 3/545 for laboratory containers
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 2035/00237 Handling microquantities of analyte, e.g. microvalves, capillary networks
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 35/00871 Communications between instruments or with remote terminals

Abstract

A microfluidic device which comprises a microelectronic chip that is remotely coupled to external power and data sources. The device includes a body structure, at least one microscale channel within the structure, a port for introducing fluid into the channel, a microelectronic chip internal to the structure, and a power source external to the structure coupled remotely to said structure by non-contact means. Various structures are described which embody the invention.

Claims

1. A microfluidic device, comprising:

a body structure;

at least one microscale channel disposed within said structure;

means for introducing a fluid stream into said channel;

driving means, for propelling said fluid through said channel;

and an microelectronic chip located within said body structure and capable of being coupled to an external power source without physical contact, for storing information relative to said device and for controlling operation of said device such that said microelectronic chip can be controlled remotely.

2. The microfluidic device of claim 1, wherein said microelectronic chip is coupled to an external power source by means of RF.

3. The microfluidic device of claim 1, wherein said microelectronic chip is coupled to an external power source by means of infrared radiation.

4. The microfluidic device of claim 1, wherein said microelectronic chip is coupled to an external power source by means of a magnetic field.

5. The microfluidic device of claim 1, wherein said microelectronic chip is coupled to an external power source by means of microwave radiation.

6. The microfluidic device of claim 1, wherein said microelectronic chip is capable of being programmed with data containing information for carrying out specific functions in the operation of said device.

7. The microfluidic device of claim 6, wherein said specific function is to uniquely identify said microfluidic device.

8. The microfluidic device of claim 6, wherein said specific function is to provide data for calibrating said microfluidic device.

9. The microfluidic device of claim 6, wherein said specific function is to detect the presence or concentration of a substance contained within said microfluidic device.

10. The microfluidic device of claim 6, wherein said specific function is to move fluids through said microfluidic device.

11. The microfluidic device of claim 1, wherein said device is implantable within the body of a human or an animal.

12. The microfluidic device of claim 11, further comprising a control device, located remote from said body for providing energy for controlling operation of said microfluidic device.

13. The microfluidic device of claim 12, wherein said microfluidic device is programmable by said control device which is external to said body.

14. The device of claim 1, wherein said microfluidic device further comprises detection means located within said device.

15. The device of claim 14, wherein said detection means comprises a T-Sensor.

16. The device of claim 1, wherein said microfluidic device further includes separation means located within said device.

17. The device of claim 11, wherein said microfluidic device further includes means for delivering a chemical substance into said body.

18. The device of claim 11, wherein said microfluidic device further includes means for controlling a function of said human or animal.

19. A microfluidic device, comprising:

a body structure;

at least one microscale channel disposed within said structure;

means for introducing a fluid stream into said channel;

means for receiving radio energy;

a microelectronic chip, located within said body structure and coupled to said means for receiving radio energy, for controlling introduction means; and

means for transforming said energy into electrical power for operating said chips contained in said microfluidic device.