Moving microdroplets
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A method for moving microdroplets, comprising:
- (a) providing a device comprising a microdroplet transport channel, said channel i) having one or more hydrophobic regions and ii) in communication with a gas source;
(b) introducing liquid into said channel under conditions such that said liquid stops at one of said hydrophobic regions so as to define i) a source of liquid microdroplets disposed within said channel and ii) a liquid abutting hydrophobic region; and
(c) separating a discrete amount of liquid from said source of liquid microdroplets using gas from said gas source under conditions such that a microdroplet of defined size i) comes in contact with, and ii) moves over, said liquid-abutting hydrophobic region.
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Abstract
The movement and mixing of microdroplets through microchannels is described employing microscale devices, comprising microdroplet transport channels, reaction regions, electrophoresis modules, and radiation detectors. The discrete droplets are differentially heated and propelled through etched channels. Electronic components are fabricated on the same substrate material, allowing sensors and controlling circuitry to be incorporated in the same device.
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Citations
14 Claims
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1. A method for moving microdroplets, comprising:
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(a) providing a device comprising a microdroplet transport channel, said channel i) having one or more hydrophobic regions and ii) in communication with a gas source; (b) introducing liquid into said channel under conditions such that said liquid stops at one of said hydrophobic regions so as to define i) a source of liquid microdroplets disposed within said channel and ii) a liquid abutting hydrophobic region; and (c) separating a discrete amount of liquid from said source of liquid microdroplets using gas from said gas source under conditions such that a microdroplet of defined size i) comes in contact with, and ii) moves over, said liquid-abutting hydrophobic region. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A method for moving microdroplets, comprising:
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(a) providing a device comprising a microdroplet transport channel etched in substrate, said substrate selected from the group consisting of silicon, quartz and glass, said channel i) comprising one or more hydrophobic regions and ii) in communication with a gas source; (b) introducing liquid into said channel under conditions such that said liquid stops at one of said hydrophobic regions so as to define i) a source of liquid microdroplets disposed within said channel and ii) a liquid abutting hydrophobic region; and (c) separating a discrete amount of liquid from said source of liquid microdroplets using gas from said gas source under conditions such that a microdroplet of defined size i) comes in contact with, and ii) moves over, said liquid-abutting hydrophobic region. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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Specification