Method of generating a fluid stream in a microfluidic device
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A method of flow cytometry, comprising the steps of:
- a. providing a variable volume container having a flexible wall;
b. establishing an amount of fluid in said variable volume container;
c. exerting an amount of pressure in the range of about 70 psi to 200 psi with an amount of a gas on an exterior surface of said flexible wall of said variable volume container;
d. providing a conduit between said variable volume container and a flow path of a flow cytometer;
e. generating a fluid stream of said amount of fluid in said flow path of said flow cytometer by exerting said amount of pressure with an amount of gas on said exterior surface of said flexible wall of said variable volume container having a fluid stream pressure of between 25 psi and about 50 psi;
f. intermittently entraining a particle in said fluid stream in said flow path of said flow cytometer;
g. generating oscillations in said fluid stream to establish a plurality of droplets;
h. establishing said particle in one of said plurality of droplets;
i. illuminating said particle in said one of said plurality of droplets for a duration of time;
j. detecting an emission generated by said particle which varies based upon corresponding variation of at least one particle characteristic of said particle; and
k. differentiating said particle based upon relative presence or absence of said at least one particle characteristic.
9 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A method of continuously regulating external gas pressure on a variable volume container for the delivery of fluids to a microfluidic device and analysis of particles based upon relative presence or absence of at least one particle characteristic.
51 Citations
19 Claims
-
1. A method of flow cytometry, comprising the steps of:
-
a. providing a variable volume container having a flexible wall; b. establishing an amount of fluid in said variable volume container; c. exerting an amount of pressure in the range of about 70 psi to 200 psi with an amount of a gas on an exterior surface of said flexible wall of said variable volume container; d. providing a conduit between said variable volume container and a flow path of a flow cytometer; e. generating a fluid stream of said amount of fluid in said flow path of said flow cytometer by exerting said amount of pressure with an amount of gas on said exterior surface of said flexible wall of said variable volume container having a fluid stream pressure of between 25 psi and about 50 psi; f. intermittently entraining a particle in said fluid stream in said flow path of said flow cytometer; g. generating oscillations in said fluid stream to establish a plurality of droplets; h. establishing said particle in one of said plurality of droplets; i. illuminating said particle in said one of said plurality of droplets for a duration of time; j. detecting an emission generated by said particle which varies based upon corresponding variation of at least one particle characteristic of said particle; and k. differentiating said particle based upon relative presence or absence of said at least one particle characteristic. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
-
Specification