Multilayerd microfluidic devices for analyte reactions

• US 20040043479A1
• Filed: 11/14/2002
• Published: 03/04/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 12/11/2000
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Motorola, Inc. (Motorola Solutions, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Motorola, Inc. (Motorola Solutions, Inc.)
• Inventors: Chan, Tony, Huang, Rong-Fong, Kahn, Peter, Barenburg, Barbara Foley, McGarry, Mark W., Marcero, Robert, Hawkins, George, Yu, Huinan, Burdon, Jeremy W., Briscoe, Cynthia G., Grodzinski, Piotr, Tuggle, Todd
• Application Number:
  US10/149,318
• Publication Number:
  US 20040043479A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 435/288.5
• 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 2200/147 Employing temperature sensors
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 2300/0816 Cards, e.g. flat sample carriers usually with flow in two horizontal directions
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 2300/087 Multiple sequential chambers
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 2300/0874 Three dimensional network
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 2300/0887 Laminated structure
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 2300/1822 using Peltier elements
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 2300/1827 using resistive heater
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 2300/1883 using thermal insulation
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 3/5025 for parallel transport of multiple samples
• 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: F28F 2260/02 having microchannels
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 30/6095 Micromachined or nanomachined, e.g. micro- or nanosize
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 30/66 Thermal conductivity detectors
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 30/68 Flame ionisation detectors

Abstract

The invention relates generally to methods and apparatus for conducting analyses, particularly microfluidic devices. In preferred aspects, the devices are fabricated using ceramic multilayer technology to form devices in which parallel, independently controlled molecular reactions, such as nucleic acid amplification reactions including the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) can be performed. Additionally, the devices can include and comprise micro-gas chromatographs similarly fabricated from ceramics.

Claims

1. A microfluidic device comprising a ceramic support comprising:

a) at least a first sample inlet port;

b) at least a first sample handling well comprising a least one well port;

c) a first microchannel to allow fluid contact between said sample inlet port and said sample handling well port; and

d) at least a first thermal module in thermal contact with said first sample handing well.

2. A device according to claim 1, wherein said ceramic support comprises a plurality of sample handling wells.

3. A device according to claim 2, wherein each of said sample handling wells comprises a thermal module.

4. A device according to claim 1, further comprising a detection module.

5. A device for performing biological reactions on a substrate layer having a surface containing a plurality of biologically reactive sites disposed thereon, comprising:

a) a base plate having a first surface and a second surface, wherein the first surface further comprises a cavity comprising one or a plurality of wells;

b) a compression plate removably seated on said substrate for removably affixing the substrate to said base plate;

c) a sealing member disposed in each well structure, wherein each sealing member defines a reaction chamber between the surface of the substrate layer containing the biologically reactive sites and the first surface of the base plate;

d) a first fluid port and a second fluid port extending from each reaction chamber to the lower surface of the base plate; and

e) a fluid port seal for temporily closing the fluid ports and isolating the reaction chambers from the environment.

6. A method for performing biological reactions, comprising the steps of:

a) loading a substrate having a first surface containing containing a plurality of biologically reactive sites into the apparatus of claim 5;

b) loading a biological fluid sample into each reaction chamber of said apparatus;

c) affixing the fluid port seal to the second surface of said base plate;

d) heating the apparatus;

e) allowing the reaction to proceed to completion;

f) removing the fluid port seal;

g) removing the fluid samples from the reaction chambers; and

h) removing the substrate from the apparatus.

7. A multilayered micro-gas chromatograph device for analyzing an analyte gas comprising a plurality of chemical components, said device comprising ceramic solid support comprising a micro-gas chromatograph column comprising:

a) an inlet port for receiving said analyte gas;

b) a stationary phase for differentially absorbing chemical components in said analyte gas; and

c) an outlet port for releasing said analyte gas.

8. A device according to claim 7 further comprising a detector linked to said outlet port.

9. A device according to claim 8 wherein said detector is a thermal conductivity detector.

10. A device according to claim 8 wherein said ceramic solid support comprises said detector.

11. A device according to claim 7 wherein said ceramic solid support comprises a thermal module.

12. A device according to claim 7 further comprising:

a) a supply of a carrier gas;

b) a sample injection valve, connected to said supply; and

c) a detector linked to said outlet port.