METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR CONTROL OF MICROFLUIDIC DEVICES
First Claim
1. A system configured for controlling a microfluidic device, wherein the microfluidic device comprises a micro-channel, a reaction chamber, at least one micro-valve, and at least one heater, the system comprising:
- memory comprising stored instructions, the stored instructions comprisingat least one actuator level function that controls a group of one or more components to achieve a particular actuator-type function, the at least one actuator level function comprising a close valve actuator level function that identifies a micro-valve to be closed and at least one heater which corresponds to the identified micro-valve to be closed, the close valve actuator level function directing the closing of the at least one micro-valve by directing a change in temperature by the at least one heater corresponding to the micro-valve, anda microdroplet level function corresponding to an operation performed on the microfluidic device; and
an interface configured to receive a user request to perform a desired reaction program, wherein the desired reaction program comprises the microdroplet level function and the microdroplet level function comprises the at least one actuator level function.
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Accused Products
Abstract
The present invention provides control methods, control systems, and control software for microfluidic devices that operate by moving discrete micro-droplets through a sequence of determined configurations. Such microfluidic devices are preferably constructed in a hierarchical and modular fashion which is reflected in the preferred structure of the provided methods and systems. In particular, the methods are structured into low-level device component control functions, middle-level actuator control functions, and high-level micro-droplet control functions. Advantageously, a microfluidic device may thereby be instructed to perform an intended reaction or analysis by invoking micro-droplet control function that perform intuitive tasks like measuring, mixing, heating, and so forth. The systems are preferably programmable and capable of accommodating microfluidic devices controlled by low voltages and constructed in standardized configurations. Advantageously, a single control system can thereby control numerous different reactions in numerous different microfluidic devices simply by loading different easily understood micro-droplet programs.
40 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A system configured for controlling a microfluidic device, wherein the microfluidic device comprises a micro-channel, a reaction chamber, at least one micro-valve, and at least one heater, the system comprising:
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memory comprising stored instructions, the stored instructions comprising at least one actuator level function that controls a group of one or more components to achieve a particular actuator-type function, the at least one actuator level function comprising a close valve actuator level function that identifies a micro-valve to be closed and at least one heater which corresponds to the identified micro-valve to be closed, the close valve actuator level function directing the closing of the at least one micro-valve by directing a change in temperature by the at least one heater corresponding to the micro-valve, and a microdroplet level function corresponding to an operation performed on the microfluidic device; and an interface configured to receive a user request to perform a desired reaction program, wherein the desired reaction program comprises the microdroplet level function and the microdroplet level function comprises the at least one actuator level function. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. A system comprising:
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a microfluidic device comprising a micro-channel, a reaction chamber, at least one micro-valve, and at least one heater; memory comprising stored instructions corresponding to a reaction program, the stored instructions comprising a micro-valve actuator level function corresponding to the closing of a passage of the micro-channel, and a heater component level function corresponding to the controlled heating of the reaction chamber; an interface configured for allowing a user to select a desired reaction program for the microfluidic device, wherein the desired reaction program corresponds to a micro-valve actuator level function and a heater component level function; and control circuitry configured for creating and transmitting a control signal responsive to the heater component level function for controlling the heating of the micro-channel. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15)
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16. A system comprising:
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a microfluidic device comprising a micro-channel, a reaction chamber, at least one micro-valve comprising an inert material and a gas reservoir, and at least one heater; memory comprising stored instructions corresponding to a reaction program, the stored instructions comprising a microdroplet level function corresponding to an operation performed on a micro-volume of liquid contained within the microfluidic device, at least one actuator level function corresponding to an actuator operation, and at least one component level function directing the generation of a control signal for an individual component of the microfluidic device; and control circuitry configured for creating and transmitting a control signal responsive to the component level function for controlling the individual component of the microfluidic device. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification