MICROFLUIDIC CHIP APPARATUSES, SYSTEMS AND METHODS HAVING FLUIDIC AND FIBER OPTIC INTERCONNECTIONS
First Claim
1. A method for connecting a light-guiding conduit to a microfluidic channel, the method comprising:
- (a) providing a first and second substrate comprising first surfaces, wherein the first surfaces of the first and second substrates form a microfluidic channel and a connection channel when the first surfaces are positioned together, wherein the connection channel extends from an edge of the first surface of the first or second substrate to the microfluidic channel;
(b) bonding the first surfaces of the first and second substrates to form the microfluidic channel and the connection channel;
(c) inserting a light-guiding conduit into the connection channel such that the light-guiding conduit connects to the microfluidic channel; and
(d) filling an area between the light-guiding conduit and the connection channel with an adhesive substance for forming a liquid-tight seal between the light-guiding conduit and the connection channel.
3 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Microfluidic Chip Apparatuses, Systems, and Methods having Fluidic and Fiber Optic Interconnections. According to one embodiment, apparatuses and methods are provided for connecting a light-guiding conduit to a microfluidic channel. First and second substrates with first surfaces can be provided, wherein the first surfaces of the first and second substrates form a microfluidic channel and a connection channel when the first surfaces are positioned together, and wherein the connection channel extends from an edge of the first surface of the first or second substrate to the microfluidic channel. The apparatus and method can also include bonding the first surfaces of the first and second substrates to form the microfluidic channel and the connection channel. A light-guiding conduit can be inserted into the connection channel such that the light-guiding conduit connects to the microfluidic channel and filling an area between the light-guiding conduit and the connection channel for forming a liquid-tight seal between the light-guiding conduit and the connection channel.
29 Citations
110 Claims
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1. A method for connecting a light-guiding conduit to a microfluidic channel, the method comprising:
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(a) providing a first and second substrate comprising first surfaces, wherein the first surfaces of the first and second substrates form a microfluidic channel and a connection channel when the first surfaces are positioned together, wherein the connection channel extends from an edge of the first surface of the first or second substrate to the microfluidic channel; (b) bonding the first surfaces of the first and second substrates to form the microfluidic channel and the connection channel; (c) inserting a light-guiding conduit into the connection channel such that the light-guiding conduit connects to the microfluidic channel; and (d) filling an area between the light-guiding conduit and the connection channel with an adhesive substance for forming a liquid-tight seal between the light-guiding conduit and the connection channel. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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21-62. -62. (canceled)
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63. A microfluidic device, comprising:
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(a) a first and a second substrate comprising first surfaces, wherein the first surfaces of the first and second substrate are attached and form a microfluidic channel and a connection channel, wherein the connection channel extends from an edge of the first surface of the first or second substrate to the microfluidic channel; and (b) a filamentous component attached to the connection channel, wherein the filamentous component is connected to the microfluidic channel.
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64-108. -108. (canceled)
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109. A microfluidic system for optically analyzing fluids, comprising:
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(a) a microfluidic device comprising; (i) a first and second substrate comprising first surfaces, wherein the first surfaces of the first and second substrate are attached and form a microfluidic channel and a first fiber optic channel, wherein the first fiber optic channel extends from an edge of the first surface of the first or second substrate in a direction towards the microfluidic channel; and (ii) a fiber optic attached to the first fiber optic channel, wherein the fiber optic at least substantially aligns with the microfluidic channel; (b) a light source operable to transmit light through the fiber optic; and (c) detection equipment for receiving light through the fiber optic.
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110-187. -187. (canceled)
Specification