Integrated device based upon semiconductor technology, in particular chemical microreactor

• US 20040206749A1
• Filed: 03/08/2004
• Published: 10/21/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 04/23/2001
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Flavio Villa, Gabriele Barlocchi, Manlio Gennaro Torchia, Ubaldo Mastromatteo
• Original Assignee: Flavio Villa, Gabriele Barlocchi, Manlio Gennaro Torchia, Ubaldo Mastromatteo
• Inventors: Villa, Flavio, Barlocchi, Gabriele, Mastromatteo, Ubaldo, Torchia, Manlio Gennaro
• Granted Patent: US 6,909,073 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 219/521
• CPC Class Codes: B01J 19/0093 Microreactors, e.g. miniaturised or microfabricated reactors laboratory containers with capillary fluid transport in microfabricated channels or chambers B01L3/5027
• CPC Class Codes: B01J 2219/00783 Laminate assemblies, i.e. the reactor comprising a stack of plates
• CPC Class Codes: B01J 2219/00822 Metal
• CPC Class Codes: B01J 2219/00828 Silicon wafers or plates
• CPC Class Codes: B01J 2219/0086 Dimensions of the flow channels
• CPC Class Codes: B01J 2219/00873 Heat exchange
• CPC Class Codes: B01J 2219/00961 Temperature
• CPC Class Codes: B01J 2219/00986 Microprocessor
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 2300/1827 using resistive heater
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 2300/185 using a liquid as fluid
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 2300/1883 using thermal insulation
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 2300/1894 Cooling means; Cryo cooling
• 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 3/502707 characterised by the manufacture of the container or its components by shaping or joining plastic parts B29C59/00, B29C65/00; by laminating B32B37/00; manufacture of microstructural devices in general B81C
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 7/525 with physical movement of samples between temperature zones

Abstract

An integrated device based upon semiconductor technology, in particular a chemical microreactor, including a semiconductor body having a high-temperature operating portion and a low temperature operating portion. The semiconductor body is provided with a thermal-insulation device including a dissipator element arranged between the high-temperature operating portion and the low-temperature operating portion. The dissipator includes a membrane connecting the high-temperature operating portion and the low-temperature operating portion, and a plurality of diaphragms that extend substantially orthogonal to the membrane and are parallel to one another.

Claims

1. A method of performing a biological test, comprising applying a biological fluid to an integrated device including:

a) a semiconductor body having a first portion, a second portion, and a mid-portion positioned between the first and second portions;

b) a hydraulic circuit including an inlet fluidly connected to a buried channel positioned in the first portion of the body, fluidly connected to an outlet positioned in the second portion of the body;

c) a heating element positioned in the first portion of the body and thermally linked to the buried channel;

d) a heat dissipator positioned in the mid-portion of the body and thermally linked to the outlet to substantially block propagation of heat from the heating element to the second portion of the body; and

e) a sensing electrode positioned in the outlet;

whereby said biological fluid is tested in the buried channel and the results of the test are sensed at the sensing electrode.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein the biological fluid contains nucleic acid and the test is amplification of nucleic acid.

3. The method of claim 1 wherein the biological fluid contains DNA and the test is amplification of DNA.