Methods, systems, and devices relating to open microfluidic channels
First Claim
1. An open-channel microfluidic device comprising a first open microscaled channel configured to allow the flow of a fluid, wherein at least one portion of the channel comprises a first cross-section comprising:
- a. at least one wetted surface defining a wetted perimeter length, wherein the wetted surface contacts a fluid flowing through the channel at a contact angle; and
b. at least one free surface comprising an open air-liquid interface defining a free perimeter length;
wherein the ratio of the free perimeter length to the wetted perimeter length is less than the cosine of the contact angle, thereby enabling spontaneous capillary flow.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
The various embodiments described herein relate to fabricating and using open microfluidic networks according to methods, systems, and devices that can be used in applications ranging from home-testing, diagnosis, and research laboratories. Open microfluidic networks allow the input, handling, and extraction of fluids or components of the fluid into or out of the open microfluidic network. Fluids can be inserted into an open microfluidic channel by using open sections of the open microfluidic network. Passive valves can be created in the microfluidic network, allowing the creation of logic circuits and conditional flow and volume valves. The fluid can be presented via the microfluidic network to diagnostic and analysis components. Fluids and components of the fluid can be extracted from the open microfluidic network via functional open sections that are easily interfaced with other microfluidic networks or common laboratory tools.
-
Citations
24 Claims
-
1. An open-channel microfluidic device comprising a first open microscaled channel configured to allow the flow of a fluid, wherein at least one portion of the channel comprises a first cross-section comprising:
-
a. at least one wetted surface defining a wetted perimeter length, wherein the wetted surface contacts a fluid flowing through the channel at a contact angle; and b. at least one free surface comprising an open air-liquid interface defining a free perimeter length; wherein the ratio of the free perimeter length to the wetted perimeter length is less than the cosine of the contact angle, thereby enabling spontaneous capillary flow. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 19, 20, 21, 22)
-
-
11. A method for using an open microscale channel, the method comprising:
a. providing fluid to or removing fluid from a first open microscale channel, the first channel comprising a first cross-section comprising; a. a wetted surface, wherein the wetted surface contacts fluid flowing through the channel which defines a wetted perimeter; and b. a free interface comprising an open air-liquid interface which defines a free perimeter; wherein the fluid has a contact angle on the wetted surface, the contact angle further comprising a cosine; and further wherein the ratio of a cross-sectional length of the free perimeter to a cross-sectional length of the wetted perimeter is less than the cosine of the fluid contact angle, thereby enabling spontaneous capillary flow. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
-
23. An open-channel microfluidic device comprising a first open microscaled channel configured to allow the flow of a fluid, wherein the channel comprises a generally quadrilateral cross section, comprising:
-
a. a top portion comprising a first free surface defined by the top portion defining a first free perimeter; b. a bottom portion comprising a second free surface defined by the bottom portion defining a second free perimeter; c. a first wetted surface defining a first wetted perimeter, wherein the first wetted surface contacts a fluid flowing through the channel at a first contact angle; and ii. a second wetted surface defining a second wetted perimeter, wherein the first wetted surface contacts a fluid flowing through the channel at a second contact angle; wherein the ratio of the first and second free perimeters to the first and second wetted perimeters are less than the cosine of the first and second contact angles, respectively, thereby enabling spontaneous capillary flow through the channel. - View Dependent Claims (24)
-
Specification