SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR STABILIZING DROPLETS
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Abstract
This disclosure provides systems, devices, and methods for sample preparation and/or analysis comprising a droplet generator having a first channel in fluid communication with a carrier fluid reservoir and a second channel in fluid communication with a sample reservoir. The first channel and second channel may meet at an intersection that receives a sample from the sample reservoir and a carrier fluid from the carrier fluid reservoir and generates one or more droplets that flow along a droplet channel to a droplet reservoir. An energy application member in thermal communication with the intersection, at least a portion of the droplet channel, the sample reservoir and/or the carrier fluid reservoir may provide energy to an individual droplet of the one or more droplets, such as at the intersection and/or as the droplet moves along the droplet channel to the droplet reservoir.
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Citations
211 Claims
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1-101. -101. (canceled)
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102. A system for sample preparation and/or analysis, comprising:
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a droplet generator comprising a first channel in fluid communication with a carrier fluid reservoir and a second channel in fluid communication with a sample reservoir, said first channel and second channel meeting at an intersection that receives a sample from said sample reservoir and a carrier fluid from said carrier fluid reservoir and generates one or more droplets that flow along a droplet channel to a droplet reservoir; and an energy application member in thermal communication with (i) said intersection, (ii) at least a portion of said droplet channel, (iii) said carrier fluid reservoir and/or (iv) said sample reservoir, wherein said energy application member transfers energy to an individual droplet of said one or more droplets at said intersection, said carrier fluid reservoir and/or said sample reservoir.
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103-135. -135. (canceled)
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136. A method for forming a droplet containing a sample to be detected, comprising:
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a. generating a droplet at an intersection of a first channel and a second channel, said first channel in fluid communication with a carrier fluid reservoir and said second channel in fluid communication with a sample reservoir, wherein said droplet is generated by bringing a carrier fluid from said carrier fluid reservoir in contact with a sample or sample partition from said sample reservoir at said intersection; b. flowing said droplet along a droplet channel leading from said intersection to a droplet reservoir; and c. providing thermal energy to said droplet at said intersection, said carrier fluid reservoir and/or said sample reservoir. - View Dependent Claims (137, 138, 139, 140, 141, 142, 143, 144, 145, 146, 147, 149, 150, 152, 154, 162, 164, 165, 166)
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148. (canceled)
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151. (canceled)
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153. (canceled)
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155-161. -161. (canceled)
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163. (canceled)
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167-176. -176. (canceled)
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177. A method for forming a droplet containing a sample or sample partition, comprising:
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a. generating a droplet at an intersection of a first channel and a second channel, said first channel in fluid communication with a carrier fluid reservoir and said second channel in fluid communication with a sample reservoir, wherein said droplet is generated by bringing a carrier fluid from said carrier fluid reservoir in contact with a sample partition from said sample reservoir at said intersection; b. flowing said droplet along a droplet channel leading from said intersection to a droplet reservoir; and c. forming a skin around said droplet at or downstream of said intersection. - View Dependent Claims (181, 190, 191, 209, 210)
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178-180. -180. (canceled)
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182-189. -189. (canceled)
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192-198. -198. (canceled)
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199. A system for sample preparation and/or analysis, comprising:
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a droplet generator having a first channel in fluid communication with a carrier fluid reservoir and a second channel in fluid communication with a sample reservoir, said first channel and second channel meeting at an intersection that receives a sample from said sample reservoir and a carrier fluid from said carrier fluid reservoir and generates one or more droplets that flow along a droplet channel to a droplet reservoir; and an energy application device coupled to (i) said intersection, (ii) at least a portion of said droplet channel, (iii) said carrier fluid reservoir and/or (iv) said sample reservoir, wherein said energy application device provides energy to form a skin around an individual droplet of said one or more droplets. - View Dependent Claims (205)
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200-204. -204. (canceled)
- 206. An emulsion comprising a plurality of droplets having sample partitions, wherein at least a subset of said droplets are capable of emitting a detectable signal, and wherein said emulsion comprises at most about 70% by volume droplets and at least about 30% by volume oil.
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208. (canceled)
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211-217. -217. (canceled)
Specification