FLUID MIXING AND DELIVERY IN MICROFLUIDIC SYSTEMS
First Claim
1. A method, comprising:
- providing a device comprising;
a main channel;
a first branching channel containing a first fluid;
a second branching channel containing a second fluid, wherein the first and second branching channels connect at an intersection and are fluidically connected to the main channel; and
a vent valve positioned between a portion of the first branching channel and a portion of the main channel;
actuating the vent valve;
causing the first and second fluids to flow into the intersection substantially simultaneously; and
mixing at least portions of the first and second fluids to produce a mixed fluid.
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Accused Products
Abstract
The specification generally discloses systems and methods for mixing and delivering fluids in microfluidic systems. The fluids can contain, in some embodiments reagents that can participate in one or more chemical or biological reactions. Some embodiments relate to systems and methods employing one or more vent valves to controllably flow and/or mix portions of fluid within the microfluidic system. Advantageously, fluid control such as a sequence of fluid flow and/or a change in flow rate, can be achieved by opening and closing one or more vent valves and by applying a single source of fluid flow (e.g., a vacuum) operated at a substantially constant pressure. This can simplify the operation and use of the device by an intended user.
148 Citations
44 Claims
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1. A method, comprising:
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providing a device comprising; a main channel; a first branching channel containing a first fluid; a second branching channel containing a second fluid, wherein the first and second branching channels connect at an intersection and are fluidically connected to the main channel; and a vent valve positioned between a portion of the first branching channel and a portion of the main channel; actuating the vent valve; causing the first and second fluids to flow into the intersection substantially simultaneously; and mixing at least portions of the first and second fluids to produce a mixed fluid. - View Dependent Claims (5, 7, 8, 10, 16, 18, 19, 21, 22, 27, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 41, 42, 43, 44)
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2. A method, comprising:
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providing a device comprising; an upstream channel portion containing a first fluid; a downstream channel portion containing a second fluid different from the first fluid; a vent valve positioned between the upstream and downstream channel portions; while the first and second fluids are in fluid communication with one another, flowing the second fluid in the downstream channel portion without substantially flowing the first fluid; and flowing the first fluid from the upstream channel portion to the downstream channel portion after the flowing of the second fluid.
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3. A device, comprising:
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an inlet; an outlet; an upstream channel portion in fluid communication with the inlet; a downstream channel portion in fluid communication with the outlet; a vent valve positioned between the downstream and upstream channel portions; and a first fluid stored in at least one of the upstream and downstream channel portions, wherein the device is sealed and constructed and arranged for storing the first fluid in the device for at least one hour prior to first use.
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4. A device, comprising:
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an inlet; an outlet; a main channel between the inlet and the outlet; and a first and a second vent valve positioned in series along the main channel between the inlet and the outlet.
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6. (canceled)
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11-15. -15. (canceled)
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23-26. -26. (canceled)
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28. (canceled)
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37-40. -40. (canceled)
Specification