Method and apparatus for separation of particles in a microfluidic device
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A microfluidic device for separating a mixture of a liquid and particles comprising:
- (a) an entry port for receiving a sample of said mixture of a liquid and particles;
(b) a capillary passageway in fluid communication with said entry port, optionally containing a hydrophobic or hydrophilic stop. (c) a separation chamber in fluid communication with said capillary passageway of (b), said separation chamber comprising (1) a volume for receiving at least a portion of said sample;
(2) a depth to particle diameter ratio of about 5/1 to 100/1; and
(3) a wall surface having a surface energy equal to or less than the surface energy of said particles to facilitate separation of said sample;
(d) a vent for removing air from the entry port of (a) and the separation chamber of (c) displaced by said sample.
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Abstract
A microfluidic device provides separation of particles in a liquid sample, particularly, separation of a sample of whole blood into its components for further analysis. Separation into red blood cells and plasma occurs within a few seconds after the blood sample has been transferred into a separation chamber with the application of centrifugal force of less than one up to about five times gravity. With the application of greater force measurement of hematocrit is possible.
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Citations
25 Claims
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1. A microfluidic device for separating a mixture of a liquid and particles comprising:
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(a) an entry port for receiving a sample of said mixture of a liquid and particles;
(b) a capillary passageway in fluid communication with said entry port, optionally containing a hydrophobic or hydrophilic stop. (c) a separation chamber in fluid communication with said capillary passageway of (b), said separation chamber comprising (1) a volume for receiving at least a portion of said sample;
(2) a depth to particle diameter ratio of about 5/1 to 100/1; and
(3) a wall surface having a surface energy equal to or less than the surface energy of said particles to facilitate separation of said sample;
(d) a vent for removing air from the entry port of (a) and the separation chamber of (c) displaced by said sample. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 23, 24, 25)
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6. A microfluidic device for separating whole blood into red blood cells and plasma comprising:
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(a) an entry port for receiving a sample of whole blood;
(b) a capillary passageway in fluid communication with said entry port, said passageway optionally containing a hydrophobic or hydrophilic stop;
(c) a separation chamber in fluid communication with said capillary passageway of (b), said separation chamber comprising;
(1) a volume for receiving at least a portion of said sample, (2) a depth to red blood cell diameter ratio of about 5/1 to 100/1; and
(3) a wall surface having a contact angle relative to water of about 20°
to 80°
to facilitate separation of said sample(d) a vent for removing air from the entry port of (a), and the separation chamber of (c) displaced by said sample. - View Dependent Claims (7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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18. A microfluidic device for measuring hematocrit of whole blood samples comprising:
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(a) an entry port for receiving a sample of whole blood;
(b) a capillary passageway in fluid communication with said entry port, said passageway containing a hydrophobic or hydrophilic stop;
(c) a separation chamber in fluid communication with said capillary passageway of (b), said separation chamber comprising;
(1) a volume for receiving at least a portion of said sample, (2) depth to red blood cell diameter ratio of about 5/1 to 100/1; and
(3) a wall surface having a contact angle relative to water of about 20°
to 80°
to facilitate separation of said sample;
(d) a vent from the entry port of (a) and the separation chamber of (c) for removing air displaced by said sample. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20, 21, 22)
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Specification