Liquid distribution system
First Claim
1. A system for selectively distributing liquid from two or more liquid sources to a plurality of cells, the system comprising:
- (A) liquid sources;
(B) a substrate comprising a network of fluid channels of capillary dimensions for directing liquid from the liquid sources to a plurality of outlets for outputting liquid at the cells;
(C) pumps, that move liquid with electrodes, for each outlet, wherein the electrodes are incorporated into the substrate, the pumps for selectively pumping liquid from a liquid source and out of one of the outlets;
(D) capillary barriers interposed in the channels, each comprising an opening into a chamber, each capillary barrier for inhibiting the flow of liquid out a given outlet; and
(E) at least one gas reset mechanism comprising a network of channels having inlets into the chambers operable to inject gas in the chambers and thereby remove liquid from the chambers and improve the operation of the capillary barriers;
wherein the pumps can be selectively operated, and at least one said cell can receive liquid from either a first liquid source or another liquid source depending on the operation of the pumps.
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Accused Products
Abstract
The present invention provides a liquid distribution system, which is useful in a number of contexts, including in accomplishing various synthetic, diagnostic and drug screening reactions. The distribution system can comprise an alpha reservoir and a beta reservoir, a first set of parallel and adjacent first and second feeder channels and a second set of parallel and adjacent third and fourth feeder channels which are offset from the first and second feeder channels, wherein (a) the first and third feeder channels are connected to the alpha reservoir via a first connector channel that is situated above or below the second and fourth feeder channels and are independent of the beta reservoir and (b) the second and fourth feeder channels are connected to the beta reservoir via a second connector channel that is situated above or below the first and third feeder channels and are independent of the alpha reservoir. The distribution system is preferably a microscale distribution system. Various particular mechanisms for controlling flow into a liquid distribution system are described.
134 Citations
24 Claims
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1. A system for selectively distributing liquid from two or more liquid sources to a plurality of cells, the system comprising:
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(A) liquid sources; (B) a substrate comprising a network of fluid channels of capillary dimensions for directing liquid from the liquid sources to a plurality of outlets for outputting liquid at the cells; (C) pumps, that move liquid with electrodes, for each outlet, wherein the electrodes are incorporated into the substrate, the pumps for selectively pumping liquid from a liquid source and out of one of the outlets; (D) capillary barriers interposed in the channels, each comprising an opening into a chamber, each capillary barrier for inhibiting the flow of liquid out a given outlet; and (E) at least one gas reset mechanism comprising a network of channels having inlets into the chambers operable to inject gas in the chambers and thereby remove liquid from the chambers and improve the operation of the capillary barriers; wherein the pumps can be selectively operated, and at least one said cell can receive liquid from either a first liquid source or another liquid source depending on the operation of the pumps. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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7. A liquid distribution system for delivering liquid to one or more locations, the liquid distribution system comprising:
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(a) a liquid source; (b) a substrate formed of two or more plates, the plates each having a first and second major surface and joined each one to another at such major surfaces, wherein one of the plates is a barrier plate; (c) formed within the substrate, a channel addressable by the liquid source and having an outlet; and (d) formed within the substrate, a capillary barrier at the channel outlet, wherein at least a portion of the channel is formed along a junction of two of the plates, and wherein the capillary barrier is formed by an opening through the barrier plate, one end of which opening defines the channel outlet, and wherein the entire circumference of the outlet is surrounded by an uninterrupted portion of a major surface-of the barrier plate. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A liquid distribution system for delivering liquid to two or more locations comprising:
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(a) at least two liquid sources; (b) a substrate comprising therein, for each said liquid source, at least one liquid carrying channel having an outlet and addressable by the liquid source and, two or more manifolds, interposed between the channels addressable by the two liquid sources and the locations, each manifold connected to the outlets of two or more said channels, which are connected to separate liquid sources, and each manifold in fluid connection with a single said location, wherein the outlets of the channels together with their respective manifolds form capillary barriers; and (c) for each liquid source, a pressure regulator for regulating the hydrostatic pressure of the liquid source so that the hydrostatic pressure is changed from less than that required to breach the capillary barrier to at least that required to breach the capillary barrier and initiate liquid flow past the capillary barrier and to the locations. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17)
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18. A liquid distribution system for delivering liquid to one or more locations, the liquid distribution system comprising:
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(a) a liquid source; (b) a substrate comprising therein (i) one or more liquid carrying channels addressable by the liquid source, (ii) a chamber which is in fluid connection with a location, and (iii) an outlet of one of said channels opening into the chamber which, together with the chamber, forms a capillary barrier; and (c) a gas pressure distribution system, which is distinct from the liquid carrying channels having a gas outlet into the chamber, which outlet is distinct from the outlet of the liquid carrying channel and is adapted to direct gas into the chamber and out via the location, the gas effective to remove liquid from the outlet of the liquid carrying channel. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20, 21, 22)
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23. A method of operating a liquid distribution system comprising:
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(i) providing a liquid distribution system according to claims having a first said liquid source and a second said liquid source, each of which liquid sources can be directed to a given location via separate said channels; (ii) operating one or more of the pumps to move liquid from the first liquid source to the given location via a first said capillary barrier; (iii) after step (ii), applying gas to reset the first capillary barrier; and (iv) after step (iii), operating one or more of the pumps to move liquid from the second liquid source to the given location. - View Dependent Claims (24)
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Specification