System for detection of spaced droplets
First Claim
1. A method of detection for droplet-based assays, the method comprising:
- placing an open end of a channel network into an emulsion;
driving droplets of the emulsion along a flow path from the open end, through a confluence region where a dilution fluid is introduced into the flow path from at least one dilution inlet channel to increase an average distance between droplets, and through an examination region disposed downstream of the confluence region; and
detecting light from the examination region as droplets pass through;
wherein the channel network includes a droplet inlet channel that meets the at least one dilution inlet channel at the confluence region, and wherein the droplet inlet channel forms a tapered region that is sized such that droplets leave the tapered region in single file.
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Abstract
Method of detection for droplet-based assays. In an exemplary method, an open end of a channel network may be placed into an emulsion. Droplets of the emulsion may be driven along a flow path from the open end, through a confluence region where a dilution fluid is introduced into the flow path from at least one dilution inlet channel to increase an average distance between droplets, and through an examination region disposed downstream of the confluence region. Light may be detected from the examination region as droplets pass through. The channel network may include a droplet inlet channel that meets the at least one dilution inlet channel at the confluence region. The droplet inlet channel may form a tapered region that is sized such that droplets leave the tapered region in single file.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A method of detection for droplet-based assays, the method comprising:
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placing an open end of a channel network into an emulsion; driving droplets of the emulsion along a flow path from the open end, through a confluence region where a dilution fluid is introduced into the flow path from at least one dilution inlet channel to increase an average distance between droplets, and through an examination region disposed downstream of the confluence region; and detecting light from the examination region as droplets pass through; wherein the channel network includes a droplet inlet channel that meets the at least one dilution inlet channel at the confluence region, and wherein the droplet inlet channel forms a tapered region that is sized such that droplets leave the tapered region in single file. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A method of detection for droplet-based assays, the method comprising:
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placing an open end of a conduit into an emulsion; driving droplets of the emulsion along a flow path from the open end to an examination region; and detecting light from the examination region as droplets pass through; wherein the flow path is defined in part by a droplet inlet channel that forms a tapered region, and wherein the tapered region is sized such that droplets leave the tapered region in single file. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19)
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20. A method of detection for droplet-based assays, the method comprising:
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placing an open end of a conduit into an emulsion; driving droplets of the emulsion into the conduit and along a flow path extending continuously from the open end to an examination region; introducing a dilution fluid into the flow path at a position upstream of the examination region to increase an average distance between droplets; and detecting light from the examination region as droplets pass through.
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Specification