Microfluidic assay devices
First Claim
1. An assay device for detecting the presence or concentration of an analyte within a fluid test sample, said assay comprising:
- an input channel;
an analysis zone in fluid communication with said input channel, said analysis zone defining a periphery, wherein said analysis zone serves as a location for detecting the analyte;
from 3 to about 500 microfluidic wicking channels extending radially from the periphery of said analysis zone, wherein the assay device is configured so that the fluid test sample is capable of flowing through said input channel and said analysis zone primarily via capillary action, andan absorbent material positioned within all of the wicking channels.
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Abstract
A microfluidic assay device for determining the presence or absence of an analyte within a fluid test sample is provided. The present invention provides a technique for achieving continuous flow in a microfluidic device by using at least one input channel, an analysis zone, and a plurality of wicking channels disposed about the perimeter of the analysis zone. In one embodiment, for example, the wicking channels extend radially from the analysis zone. As a result of the particular configuration of the microfluidic device, an assay may performed in a “single step” without the need for active forces, such as a pressure source, electrokinetic force, etc., to induce flow of the fluid test sample through the device. Likewise, flow rate is controlled so that the dwell time of the fluid test sample within the analysis zone is long enough to allow for the desired reactions and/or detection.
84 Citations
25 Claims
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1. An assay device for detecting the presence or concentration of an analyte within a fluid test sample, said assay comprising:
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an input channel; an analysis zone in fluid communication with said input channel, said analysis zone defining a periphery, wherein said analysis zone serves as a location for detecting the analyte; from 3 to about 500 microfluidic wicking channels extending radially from the periphery of said analysis zone, wherein the assay device is configured so that the fluid test sample is capable of flowing through said input channel and said analysis zone primarily via capillary action, and an absorbent material positioned within all of the wicking channels. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 19, 20, 21, 23, 24, 25)
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18. An assay device for detecting the presence or concentration of an analyte within a fluid test sample, said assay comprising:
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an input channel; a substantially circular analysis zone in fluid communication with said input channel, said analysis zone defining a periphery, wherein said analysis zone serves as a location for detecting the analyte; from 3 to about 500 wicking channels extending radially from the periphery of said analysis zone, wherein said wicking channels have an aspect ratio of from about 0.1 to about 10 and a cross-sectional area of less than about 20 square millimeters; an absorbent material positioned within one or more of the wicking channels; and an overflow zone that is in fluid communication with and directly connected to each of the wicking channels, wherein the assay device is configured so that the fluid test sample is capable of flowing through said input channel and said analysis zone primarily via capillary action. - View Dependent Claims (22)
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Specification