Multi-Directional Microfluidic Devices and Methods

• US 20110177618A1
• Filed: 05/18/2010
• Published: 07/21/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 05/19/2009
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Regents of the University of California (University of California)
• Original Assignee: Regents of the University of California (University of California)
• Inventors: Hou, Chenlu, Herr, Amy E., He, Mei
• Granted Patent: US 9,110,057 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 436/515
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 2200/0652 Sorting or classification of particles or molecules
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 2300/069 Absorbents; Gels to retain a fluid
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 2300/0816 Cards, e.g. flat sample carriers usually with flow in two horizontal directions
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 2400/0421 electrophoretic flow
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 3/502761 specially adapted for handling suspended solids or molecules independently from the bulk fluid flow, e.g. for trapping or sorting beads, for physically stretching molecules investigating characteristics of particles G01N15/00
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 33/5302 Apparatus specially adapted for immunological test procedures
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 33/54386 Analytical elements

Abstract

Multi-directional microfluidic devices and methods for using the same are provided. Aspects of the invention include microfluidic devices that are configured to subject a sample to two or more directionally distinct flow fields, and include a separation medium and a binding medium, where the binding medium is in fluid communication with the separation medium. Also provided are methods of using the devices as well as systems and kits that include the devices. The devices, systems and methods find use in a variety of different applications, including diagnostic and validation assays.

Claims

1. A microfluidic device for detecting an analyte in a fluid sample, wherein the microfluidic device comprises:

a separation medium having a separation flow path with a first directional axis; and

a binding medium having a labeling flow path with a second directional axis, wherein the binding medium is in fluid communication with the separation medium,

wherein the microfluidic device is configured to subject a sample to two or more directionally distinct flow fields.

2. The microfluidic device according to claim 1, wherein the two or more directionally distinct flow fields comprise two or more directionally distinct electric fields.

3. The microfluidic device according to claim 1, wherein the separation medium comprises a polymeric gel.

4. The microfluidic device according to claim 1, wherein the binding medium comprises a binding member stably associated with a support.

5. The microfluidic device according to claim 4, wherein the support comprises a membrane.

6. The microfluidic device according to claim 4, wherein the support comprises a polymeric gel.

7. The microfluidic device according to claim 4, wherein the binding member comprises a protein or a binding fragment thereof.

8. The microfluidic device according to claim 7, wherein the protein is an antibody.

9. The microfluidic device according to claim 1, wherein the analyte comprises a fluorescent label.

10. The microfluidic device according to claim 1, wherein the second directional axis is orthogonal to the first directional axis.

11. The microfluidic device according to claim 1, wherein the microfluidic device comprises a chamber containing the separation medium and the binding medium.

12. A method of detecting an analyte in a fluid sample, the method comprising:

(a) introducing the fluid sample into a microfluidic device configured to subject a sample to two or more directionally distinct flow fields, wherein the microfluidic device comprises;

(i) a separation medium having a separation flow path with a first directional axis; and

(ii) a binding medium having a labeling flow path with a second directional axis, wherein the binding medium is in fluid communication with the separation medium;

(b) directing the sample through the separation medium to produce a separated sample; and

(c) detecting the analyte in the separated sample.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein the two or more directionally distinct flow fields comprise two or more directionally distinct electric fields.

14. The method according to claim 12, wherein the method comprises transferring the separated sample to the binding medium.

15. The method according to claim 12, wherein the method comprises transferring a binding member to the separated sample.

16. The method according to claim 12, further comprising concentrating the sample prior to directing the sample.

17. The method according to claim 12, wherein the method is a diagnostic method.

18. The method according to claim 12, wherein the method is a validation method.

19. A system for detecting an analyte in a fluid sample, the system comprising:

(a) a microfluidic device configured to subject a sample to two or more directionally distinct flow fields, wherein the microfluidic device comprises;

(i) a separation medium having a separation flow path with a first directional axis; and

(ii) a binding medium having a labeling flow path with a second directional axis, wherein the binding medium is in fluid communication with the separation medium; and

(b) a detector.

20. The system according to claim 19, wherein the two or more directionally distinct flow fields comprise two or more directionally distinct electric fields.

21. The system according to claim 19, wherein the detector is a photomultiplier tube, a charge-coupled device, an intensified charge-coupled device, a complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor sensor, visual colorimetric readout, or a photodiode.

22. The system according to claim 19, further comprising microfluidic components configured to direct a fluid through the microfluidic device.

23. A kit comprising:

(a) a microfluidic device configured to subject a sample to two or more directionally distinct flow fields, wherein the microfluidic device comprises;

(i) a separation medium having a separation flow path with a first directional axis; and

(ii) a binding medium having a labeling flow path with a second directional axis, wherein the binding medium is in fluid communication with the separation medium; and

(b) a buffer.

24. The kit according to claim 23, wherein the two or more directionally distinct flow fields comprise two or more directionally distinct electric fields.