High-throughput analytical microfluidic systems and methods of making same

• US 6,773,567 B1
• Filed: 09/14/2000
• Issued: 08/10/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 03/12/1999
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Caliper Life Sciences Incorporated (Revvity, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Caliper Life Sciences Incorporated (Revvity, Inc.)
• Inventors: Wolk, Jeffrey A.
• Primary Examiner(s): Nguyen, Nam
• Assistant Examiner(s): STARSIAK, JOHN S
• Application Number:
  US09/662,409
• Time in Patent Office: 1,426 Days
• Field of Search: 204/450, 204/451, 204/453, 204/600, 204/601, 204/604, 422/99, 422/100
• US Class Current: 204/604
• CPC Class Codes: B01F 33/3031 using electro-hydrodynamic [EHD] or electro-kinetic [EKI] phenomena to mix or move the fluids
• CPC Class Codes: B01F 33/3032 using magneto-hydrodynamic [MHD] phenomena to mix or move the fluids
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 2200/027 for microfluidic devices
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 2200/12 Specific details about manufacturing devices
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 2300/0838 Capillaries
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 2300/16 Surface properties and coatings
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 2400/0415 electrical forces, e.g. electrokinetic
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 3/502707 characterised by the manufacture of the container or its components by shaping or joining plastic parts B29C59/00, B29C65/00; by laminating B32B37/00; manufacture of microstructural devices in general B81C
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 3/50273 characterised by the means or forces applied to move the fluids micropumps F04B19/006, of the membrane type F04B43/043
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 27/44704 Details; Accessories
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 366/02 Micromixers: segmented laminar flow with boundary mixing orthogonal to the direction of fluid propagation with or without geometry influences from the pathway
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/49117 Conductor or circuit manufacturing
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/49787 Obtaining plural composite product pieces from preassembled workpieces
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/49798 Dividing sequentially from leading end, e.g., by cutting or breaking

Abstract

A method for fabricating a capillary element for electrokinetic transport of materials. The method comprises providing a first capillary element which has a first capillary channel disposed through its length. The capillary channel comprises first and second ends and an outer surface. A continuous layer of an electrically conductive material is applied along a length of the outer surface such that the continuous layer of electrically conductive material extends along the outer surface to a point proximal to, but not up to at least one of the first and second ends. The capillary element is then segmented into at least first and second separate capillary element portions at an intermediate point of the capillary element and the continuous layer.

Claims

1. A microfluidic device, comprising:

a body structure having at least a first microscale channel disposed therein;

a capillary element having first and second ends and a capillary channel disposed therethrough, the first end of the capillary element being attached to the body structure whereby the capillary channel is in fluid communication with the at least first microscale channel; and

a conductive layer deposited on at least a portion of a surface of the capillary element, the conductive layer extending from a point proximal to the first end of the capillary element up to the second end of the capillary element, wherein the capillary element is attached to the body structure by the first end being inserted into an aperture in the body structure.

2. The microfluidic device of claim 1, wherein the conductive layer is deposited along a portion of a length of the capillary element that extends to a point proximal to but not up to the first end of the capillary element.

3. A microfluidic device, comprising:

a body structure having at least a first microscale channel disposed therein;

a capillary element having first and second ends and a capillary channel disposed therethrough, the first end of the capillary element being attached to the body structure whereby the capillary channel is in fluid communication with the at least first microscale channel; and

a conductive layer deposited on at least a portion of a surface of the capillary element, the conductive layer extending from a point proximal to the first end of the capillary element up to the second end of the capillary element, wherein the capillary element is substantially rectangular.