Process for filling microfluidic channels
DCFirst Claim
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1. A method of filling at least one microfluidic element of a microfluidic device with a gas or fluid, the method comprising:
- placing the microfluidic device in a vacuum chamber;
applying a vacuum to the vacuum chamber;
while the microfluidic device remains under vacuum, introducing the gas or fluid into the vacuum chamber such that the microfluidic device is submerged in to gas or fluid;
venting the at least one microfluidic element to the gas or fluid; and
filling the at least one microfluidic element with the gas or fluid.
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Abstract
The present invention provides novel methods and devices for filling at least one microfluidic channel with a gas or with a degassed fluid. In particular the methods and devices of the invention are useful in completely filling substantially all areas of a microfluidic device with a gas or with a degassed fluid without incorporating bubbles within such microfluidic devices.
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Citations
22 Claims
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1. A method of filling at least one microfluidic element of a microfluidic device with a gas or fluid, the method comprising:
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placing the microfluidic device in a vacuum chamber; applying a vacuum to the vacuum chamber; while the microfluidic device remains under vacuum, introducing the gas or fluid into the vacuum chamber such that the microfluidic device is submerged in to gas or fluid; venting the at least one microfluidic element to the gas or fluid; and filling the at least one microfluidic element with the gas or fluid. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. A system for filling a microfluidic element of a microfluidic device with a gas or a fluid, the system comprising:
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a) a chamber configured to receive the microfluidic device; b) a vacuum source which is fluidly coupled to the chamber and which is configured to apply a vacuum to the chamber; c) at least one source of a gas or fluid which is fluidly coupled to the chamber and which is configured to introduce at least one of a gas or a fluid into the chamber; and d) a detector configured to monitor filling of the microfluidic element of the microfluidic device with the gas or fluid. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22)
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Specification