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Reagent storage in microfluidic systems and related articles and methods

  • US 8,591,829 B2
  • Filed: 12/17/2009
  • Issued: 11/26/2013
  • Est. Priority Date: 12/18/2008
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A fluidic device comprising:

  • an article comprising first and second surfaces;

    one or more first microfluidic channel segments formed in the first surface of the article;

    one or more second microfluidic channel segments formed in the second surface of the article;

    one or more intervening channels passing through the article from the first surface to the second surface and connecting the one or more first microfluidic channel segments and the one or more second microfluidic channel segments;

    a first fluid reagent stored in at least a portion of one of the one or more first or second microfluidic channel segments;

    a second fluid reagent stored in at least a portion of one of the one or more first or second a third fluid positioned between, and substantially immiscible with, the first and second fluid reagents, wherein the third fluid is configured to prevent or substantially reduce mixing between the first and second fluid reagents, wherein the third fluid is a gas bubble or a gaseous bubble;

    microfluidic channel segments;

    a fluid-tight seal covering an inlet in fluid communication with the one or more first and second microfluidic channel segments; and

    a fluid-tight seal covering an outlet in fluid communication with the one or more first and second microfluidic channel segments,wherein the fluid-tight seal covering the inlet and the fluid-tight seal covering the outlet are adapted and arranged to prevent or reduce evaporation and/or contamination of the first or second fluid reagents,wherein the first and second fluids are separated by at least one intervening channel, and wherein the at least one intervening channel is configured to prevent or substantially reduce mixing between the first and second fluid reagents,wherein the fluidic device is adapted and arranged to statically maintain the first and second fluid reagents for greater than one day, andwherein the fluidic device is adapted and arranged to store the first and second reagents in the device for a period of at least one week.

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