Devices and Methods for Controlling Bubble Formation in Microfluidic Devices
First Claim
1. A microfluidic device, comprising:
- a sample distribution network comprising;
a plurality of sample chambers configured to be loaded with biological sample for biological testing of the biological sample while in the sample chambers, the biological sample having a meniscus that moves within the sample chambers during loading,a plurality of inlet channels, each inlet channel being in flow communication with and configured to flow biological sample to a respective sample chamber, anda plurality of outlet channels, each outlet channel being in flow communication with and configured to flow biological sample from a respective sample chamber,wherein at least some of the sample chambers comprise at least one physical modification configured to control the movement of the meniscus so as to control bubble formation within the at least some sample chambers.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A microfluidic device may include a sample distribution network including a plurality of sample chambers configured to be loaded with biological sample for biological testing of the biological sample while in the sample chambers, the biological sample having a meniscus that moves within the sample chambers during loading. The sample distribution network may further include a plurality of inlet channels, each inlet channel being in flow communication with and configured to flow biological sample to a respective sample chamber, and a plurality of outlet channels, each outlet channel being in flow communication and configured to flow biological sample from a respective sample chamber. At least some of the sample chambers may include a physical modification configured to control the movement of the meniscus so as to control bubble formation within the at least some sample chambers. At least some of the sample chambers may include a dried reagent positioned within the at least some sample chambers proximate the inlet channels in flow communication with the at least some sample chambers.
46 Citations
28 Claims
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1. A microfluidic device, comprising:
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a sample distribution network comprising; a plurality of sample chambers configured to be loaded with biological sample for biological testing of the biological sample while in the sample chambers, the biological sample having a meniscus that moves within the sample chambers during loading, a plurality of inlet channels, each inlet channel being in flow communication with and configured to flow biological sample to a respective sample chamber, and a plurality of outlet channels, each outlet channel being in flow communication with and configured to flow biological sample from a respective sample chamber, wherein at least some of the sample chambers comprise at least one physical modification configured to control the movement of the meniscus so as to control bubble formation within the at least some sample chambers. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. A method of filling a microfluidic device, the method comprising:
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supplying the microfluidic device with a biological sample, the microfluidic device comprising a plurality of sample chambers, a plurality of inlet channels, each inlet channel being in flow communication with and configured to flow biological sample to a respective sample chamber, and a plurality of outlet channels, each outlet channel being in flow communication with and configured to flow biological sample from a respective sample chamber; loading the sample chambers with the biological sample, the biological sample having a meniscus that moves within the sample chambers as the biological sample loads the sample chambers; and during loading, controlling the movement of the meniscus via at least one physical modification of at least some of the sample chambers so as to control bubble formation within the at least some sample chambers. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28)
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Specification