Microfluidic device preparation system
First Claim
1. A priming block for filling a plurality of fluid networks contained in a microfluidic device, each fluid network being externally and fluidly accessible through a priming reservoir, the priming block comprising:
- (a) means for operatively connecting with a plurality of the priming reservoirs, and (b) means for driving fluid into the plurality of fluid networks upon making the operative connection, thereby to fill the plurality of fluid networks.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Devices, systems and methods for filling and processing microfluidic devices are disclosed. A device of the system comprising a priming block is disclosed, that functions to drive fluid into a plurality of separation networks in a microfluidic device, using air pressure or electromotive force. The priming block may be incorporated into a microfluidic device preparation system additionally comprising a platform for positionally holding the microfluidic device and a sample array and fluid dispensing modules that are movable in any direction relative to the platform of the microfluidic device. The preparation system may be further incorporated into a greater system that performs processing functions either preceding or following the preparation system, including sample array preparation, and processing and analysis of the samples contained in the prepared microfluidic devices. Methods for operation of the various components of the disclosed systems are also provided.
51 Citations
39 Claims
-
1. A priming block for filling a plurality of fluid networks contained in a microfluidic device, each fluid network being externally and fluidly accessible through a priming reservoir, the priming block comprising:
-
(a) means for operatively connecting with a plurality of the priming reservoirs, and (b) means for driving fluid into the plurality of fluid networks upon making the operative connection, thereby to fill the plurality of fluid networks. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4)
-
-
5. A system for filling a plurality of fluid networks contained in a microfluidic device, each fluid network being externally and fluidly accessible through a priming reservoir, the system comprising:
-
(a) a platform for positionally holding the microfluidic device; and
(b) a priming block comprising;
(i) means for operatively connecting with a plurality of the priming reservoirs when the microfluidic device is positioned on the platform, and (ii) means for driving fluid into the plurality of fluid networks upon making the operative connection, thereby to fill the plurality of fluid networks. - View Dependent Claims (6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29)
-
-
30. A method for preparing a plurality of separation networks in a microfluidic device for a separation, each separation network being externally and fluidly accessible through a priming reservoir and a sample reservoir, comprising the steps of:
-
(a) dispensing separation medium into one or more of the priming reservoirs fluidly connected to a plurality of the separation networks;
(b) sealing a priming block against the one or more priming reservoirs;
(c) driving fluid into the plurality of separation networks with the priming block to fill the separation networks; and
(d) transferring a plurality of samples from a sample array to the sample reservoirs in fluid connection with the plurality of filled separation networks, thereby preparing the plurality of separation networks contained in the microfluidic device for a separation. - View Dependent Claims (31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39)
-
Specification