Methods and systems for fluid control in microfluidic devices
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A valve for use in a microfluidic system, comprising:
- a substrate defining an upstream channel and a downstream channel joined by a passage, the passage comprising a first surface; and
a thermally responsive substance (TRS) disposed, when the valve is in the closed state, to substantially obstruct the passage, wherein pressure present in the upstream channel urges at least a portion of the TRS against the first surface.
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Abstract
The present invention relates to a valve for use in a microfluidic system. The valve includes a substrate defining an upstream channel and a downstream channel joined by a passage, wherein the passage comprises a first opposed wall disposed at an angle to a central axis of the upstream channel. A thermally responsive substance (TRS) obstructs the passage. At least a portion of the TRS that obstructs the passage abuts the first opposed wall. Upon the actuation of the heat source in thermal contact with the TRS an opening motion of the TRS opens the passage.
195 Citations
24 Claims
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1. A valve for use in a microfluidic system, comprising:
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a substrate defining an upstream channel and a downstream channel joined by a passage, the passage comprising a first surface; and
a thermally responsive substance (TRS) disposed, when the valve is in the closed state, to substantially obstruct the passage, wherein pressure present in the upstream channel urges at least a portion of the TRS against the first surface. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A method for producing a valve for a microfluidic system, comprising:
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providing a substrate defining a passage that joins an upstream and a downstream channel of the microfluidic system, the passage comprising a retaining surface; and
introducing a mass of temperature responsive material (TRS) into the passage, wherein, when the valve is in the closed state, pressure in the upstream channel urges the TRS against the retaining surface.
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9. A method for producing a valve for a microfluidic system, comprising:
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providing a substrate defining a passage that joins an upstream and a downstream channel of the microfluidic system; and
introducing a mass of temperature responsive material (TRS) into a reservoir channel adjacent the passage, wherein capillary action draws the TRS into the passage, and wherein a surface tension of the TRS substantially prevents the TRS in the passage from entering the upstream or downstream channel.
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10. A valve for providing a passage between an upstream and a downstream channel of a microfluidic system, the valve comprising:
a temperature responsive substance (TRS), wherein, at a first temperature, the TRS is disposed to obstruct the passage, and wherein, at a second temperature, at least a portion of the (TRS) enters the downstream channel, thereby opening the passage. - View Dependent Claims (11)
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12. A valve for providing a passage between upstream and downstream channels of a microfluidic system, comprising:
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a temperature responsive substance (TRS) configured to substantially obstruct the passage;
a heat source disposed in thermal contact with the (TRS), wherein, upon actuation of the heat source, at least a portion of the (TRS) enters the downstream channel, thereby opening the passage. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16)
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17. A microfluidic system, comprising:
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a substrate defining a processing chamber, a source channel, and a downstream channel, the source channel joining the processing chamber at a first point and the downstream channel joining the processing chamber at a second point;
a thermally responsive substance (TRS) disposed to obstruct a passage between the processing chamber and downstream channel; and
a heat source in thermal contact with the TRS, wherein, upon actuation of the heat source, at least a portion of the TRS enters the downstream channel, thereby opening the passage.
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18. A valve for use in a microfluidic system, comprising:
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a substrate defining an upstream channel and a downstream channel joined by a passage;
a thermally responsive substance (TRS) disposed to substantially obstruct the passage, wherein a length of the TRS obstructing the passage is greater than a width of the upstream channel adjacent the passage; and
a heat source in thermal contact with the TRS, wherein, upon actuation of the heat source, an opening motion of the TRS opens the passage. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20, 21)
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22. A valve for use in a microfluidic system, comprising:
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a substrate defining a first and second channel joined by a passage, the first channel and the passage defining an opening therebetween;
a thermally responsive substance (TRS) disposed to substantially obstruct the passage, wherein a height of the opening is less than a height of the first channel adjacent the opening such that capillary action draws TRS into the passage and a surface tension of the TRS substantially prevents the TRS from entering the first or second channel; and
a heat source in thermal contact with the TRS, wherein, upon actuation of the heat source, an opening motion of the TRS opens the passage. - View Dependent Claims (23, 24)
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Specification