Methods, Systems, and Devices Relating to Open Microfluidic Channels
First Claim
1. A fluid collection device for use with a patient comprising:
- a. a body comprising a proximal body end, a distal body end and a lumen, wherein the distal body end is configured to be placed on the skin of the patient; and
b. a fluidic network comprising a first open channel disposed within the lumen, wherein the first open channel is configured to be capable of spontaneous capillary flow and at least one portion of the first open channel comprises a cross-section, the cross-section comprising;
i. at least one wetted surface;
ii. a wetted perimeter comprising a length;
iii. a contact angle; and
iv. at least one free surface comprising an open air-liquid; and
v. 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.
1 Assignment
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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.
12 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A fluid collection device for use with a patient comprising:
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a. a body comprising a proximal body end, a distal body end and a lumen, wherein the distal body end is configured to be placed on the skin of the patient; and b. a fluidic network comprising a first open channel disposed within the lumen, wherein the first open channel is configured to be capable of spontaneous capillary flow and at least one portion of the first open channel comprises a cross-section, the cross-section comprising; i. at least one wetted surface; ii. a wetted perimeter comprising a length; iii. a contact angle; and iv. at least one free surface comprising an open air-liquid; and v. 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. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A fluid collection system comprising:
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a. a body comprising; i. a lumen; and ii. a fluid extraction site; and b. a first open channel disposed within the lumen and in fluidic communication with the fluid extraction site, the first open channel comprising a first cross-section comprising; i. a wetted surface; ii. a wetted perimeter defined by fluid contacting the channel on the wetted surface; iii. a free interface comprising an open air-liquid interface; and iv. a free perimeter defined by the open air-liquid interface, wherein the fluid has a contact angle on the wetted surface, the contact angle 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 contact angle, thereby enabling spontaneous capillary flow from the extraction site. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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17. A medical device for collection of fluid from a patient comprising:
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a. a body comprising a lumen and a plunger, the plunger comprising a plurality of lancets; b. at least one fluid collection site disposed within the body; and c. a microfluidic network disposed within the body and in fluidic communication with the at least one fluid collection site, the microfluidic network comprising a first open channel comprising; i. a top portion comprising a first free surface defined by the top portion defining a first free perimeter; and ii. a first wetted surface defining a first wetted perimeter, wherein the first wetted surface contacts fluid flowing through the first open channel at a first contact angle, wherein the ratio of the first free perimeter to the first wetted perimeter is less than the cosine of the first contact angle, thereby enabling spontaneous capillary flow through the first open channel. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19, 20)
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Specification