Micro-fluidic Device Patents (Class 422/502)
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Patent number: 8715591Abstract: An apparatus to create a homogenous liposome population without post-processing using laminar flow/diffusive mixing, and for reducing waste discharge of the therapeutic or compound to be encapsulated and delivered by the liposomes.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2010Date of Patent: May 6, 2014Assignee: The United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of Commerce, the National Institute of Standards and TechnologyInventors: Michael Gaitan, Andreas Jahn, Laurie E. Locascio, Wyatt Vreeland, Joseph E. Reiner
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Patent number: 8715592Abstract: An integrated electronic-micro fluidic device an integrated electronic-micro fluidic device, comprising a semiconductor substrate on a first support, an electronic circuit on a first semiconductor-substrate side of the semiconductor substrate, and a signal interface structure to an external device. A micro fluidic structure is formed in the semiconductor substrate, and is configured to confine a fluid and to allow a flow of the fluid to and from the microfluidic structure only on a second semiconductor-substrate side that is opposite to the first semiconductor-substrate side and faces away from the first support.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2013Date of Patent: May 6, 2014Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.Inventors: Ronald Dekker, Remco Henricus Wilhelmus Pijnenburg, Nicolaas Johannes Anthonius Van Veen
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Patent number: 8715446Abstract: A latent solvent-based microfluidic apparatus and method involves laminate bonding of two non-elastomeric, cyclic olefin copolymer (COC) components having opposing surfaces to be bonded, wherein in a contacted state there is at least one interstitial space between the contacted surfaces, applying an organic latent solvent to at least one of the opposing surfaces, wherein the latent solvent is in an inactive state, contacting the two opposing surfaces together, actively removing the latent solvent from the at least one interstitial space; and adjusting a latent solvency parameter to activate the latent solvent, wherein the opposing contacted surfaces become bonded.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 2011Date of Patent: May 6, 2014Assignee: Rheonix, Inc.Inventors: Todd Roswech, Peng Zhou, Lincoln C. Young
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Patent number: 8715447Abstract: A method for making a polymeric microfluidic structure in which two or more components (layers) of the microfluidic structure are fixedly bonded or laminated with a weak solvent bonding agent, particularly acetonitrile or a mixture of acetonitrile and alcohol. In an aspect, acetonitrile can be used as a weak solvent bonding agent to enclose a microstructure fabricated in or on a non-elastomeric polymer such as polystyrene, polycarbonate, acrylic or other linear polymer to form a three-dimensional microfluidic network. The method involves the steps of wetting at least one of the opposing surfaces of the polymeric substrate components with the weak solvent bonding agent in a given, lower temperature range, adjacently contacting the opposing surfaces, and thermally activating the bonding agent at a higher temperature than the lower temperature range for a given period of time. The contacted polymeric substrates may also be aligned prior to thermal activation and compressed during thermal activation.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2011Date of Patent: May 6, 2014Assignee: Rheonix, Inc.Inventors: Peng Zhou, Lincoln C. Young
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Publication number: 20140120010Abstract: Techniques and devices are provided related to insert assemblies that may be used in conjunction with microfluidic devices. In one embodiment, the insert assemblies include a functional material, such as a solid stationary phase, that may be coupled to a microfluidic pathway via the insert assembly. In this manner, solid stationary phase materials that may be challenging to directly apply to a microfluidic device may be separately enclosed inside the insert element prior to assembly into a microfluidic device, such as a microfluidic chip.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 31, 2012Publication date: May 1, 2014Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Christian Friedrich Peter Rensch, Victor Donald Samper, Christoph Boeld, Ruben Julian Horvath-Klein
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Patent number: 8709355Abstract: The methods, systems 400 and apparatus disclosed herein concern metal 150 impregnated porous substrates 110, 210. Certain embodiments of the invention concern methods for producing metal-coated porous silicon substrates 110, 210 that exhibit greatly improved uniformity and depth of penetration of metal 150 deposition. The increased uniformity and depth allow improved and more reproducible Raman detection of analytes. In exemplary embodiments of the invention, the methods may comprise oxidation of porous silicon 110, immersion in a metal salt solution 130, drying and thermal decomposition of the metal salt 140 to form a metal deposit 150. In other exemplary embodiments of the invention, the methods may comprise microfluidic impregnation of porous silicon substrates 210 with one or more metal salt solutions 130. Other embodiments of the invention concern apparatus and/or systems 400 for Raman detection of analytes, comprising metal-coated porous silicon substrates 110, 210 prepared by the disclosed methods.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2012Date of Patent: April 29, 2014Assignee: Intel CorporationInventors: Selena Chan, Sunghoon Kwon, Narayan Sundararajan
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Patent number: 8709790Abstract: A valved microfluidics device, microfluidics cell-culture device and system incorporating the devices are disclosed. The valved microfluidics device includes a substrate, a microchannel through which liquid can be moved from one station to another within the device, and a pneumatic microvalve adapted to be switched between open and closed states to control the flow of fluid through a microchannel. The microvalve is formed of three flexible membranes, one of which is responsive to pneumatic pressure applied to the valve and the other two of which deform to produce a more sealable channel cross-section. The cell culture device provides valving to allow controlled loading of cells into the individual well of the device, and exchange of cell-culture components in the wells.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2012Date of Patent: April 29, 2014Assignee: EMD Millipore CorporationInventors: Paul Ju-Sung Hung, Philip Janmin Lee
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Patent number: 8709360Abstract: An automated processing machine, in particular an automated coverslipper or an automated stainer used for processing samples placed on slides and having an output device for outputting slides that have been processed by the automated processing machine. The output device includes an extensible and retractable drawer unit. The drawer unit includes at least one receiving channel for receiving a plurality of holders for slides. Holders received in any position in the receiving channel can be removed therefrom when the output device is in the open position. The automated processing machine is designed such that holders intended for output are inserted into the at least one receiving channel.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2012Date of Patent: April 29, 2014Assignee: Leica Biosystems Nussloch GmbHInventors: Midhat Hajrovic, Bernhard Neef, Karl-Heinz Westerhoff, Simon Keimer
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Patent number: 8709356Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for minimizing or eliminating diffusion effects. Diffused regions of a segmented flow of multiple, miscible fluid species may be vented off to a waste channel, and non-diffused regions of fluid may be preferentially pulled off the channel that contains the segmented flow. Multiple fluid samples that are not contaminated via diffusion may be collected for analysis and measurement in a single channel. The systems and methods for minimizing or eliminating diffusion effects may be used to minimize or eliminate diffusion effects in a microfluidic system for monitoring the amplification of DNA molecules and the dissociation behavior of the DNA molecules.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2010Date of Patent: April 29, 2014Assignee: Canon U.S. Life Sciences, Inc.Inventors: Brian Murphy, Scott Corey, Alex Flamm, Ben Lane, Conrad Laskowski, Chad Schneider
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Patent number: 8709354Abstract: In one aspect, the invention provides a method for making a hydrophilic-silk composition. The method includes providing at least one strand of silk fiber, treating the silk fiber with an alkaline solution to provide at least one strand of degummed silk fiber, and treating the degummed silk fiber with a treatment solution to provide a hydrophilic-silk composition. The degummed silk fiber or the hydrophilic-silk composition is further immobilized with at least one reagent to make a silk-based diagnostic composition. The invention provides a silk-based diagnostic composition made by the method of the invention, and a diagnostic device that comprises the silk-based diagnostic composition. In another aspect, the invention provides a method of making a diagnostic device.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2010Date of Patent: April 29, 2014Assignee: Achira Labs Pvt. Ltd.Inventors: Paridhi Bhandari, Dhananjaya Dendukuri, Vijayakumar Ganapathy, Srinivasan Kandaswamy, Diya Lewis
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Patent number: 8709357Abstract: Embodiments described herein provide micro-fluidic systems and devices for use in performing various diagnostic and analytical tests. According to one embodiment, the micro-fluidic device includes a sample chamber for receiving a sample, and a reaction chamber for performing a chemical reaction. A bubble jet pump is structured on the device to control delivery of a fluid from the sample chamber to the reaction chamber. The pump is fluidically coupled to one or more chambers of the device using a fluidic channel such as a capillary. A valve may be coupled to one or more chambers to control flow into and out of those chambers. Also, a sensor may be positioned in one or more of the chambers, such as the reactant chamber, for sensing a property of the fluid within the chamber as well as the presence of a chemical within the chamber.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2013Date of Patent: April 29, 2014Assignee: Incube Labs, LLCInventor: Mir Imran
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Publication number: 20140113295Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for the isolation of extracellular vesicles from human fluid, and more particularly, to an apparatus comprising a channel formed on a microchip and a porous polymer monolith filter connected to the channel. The apparatus can be used to the diagnosis of disease including cancer from vesicular nucleic acid in a non-invasive manner. Capable of isolating and purifying a large quantity of vesicles from a small amount of a body fluid sample within a short time, the apparatus is expected to be advantageously and widely applied in the medical research and clinical diagnosis of disease including cancer.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2013Publication date: April 24, 2014Applicant: POSTECH ACADEMY-INDUSTRY FOUNDATIONInventors: JAE SUNG PARK, JUN HO KIM, RYAN THOMAS DAVIES
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Patent number: 8703061Abstract: The present invention relates to an immunoaffinity device for capturing one or more analytes present at high or low concentrations in simple or complex matrices. The device is designed as an integrated modular unit and connected to capillary electrophoresis or liquid chromatography for the isolation, enrichment, separation and identification of polymeric macromolecules, primarily protein biomarkers. The integrated modular unit includes an analyte-concentrator-microreaction device connected to a modified cartridge-cassette.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2012Date of Patent: April 22, 2014Assignee: Princeton Biochemicals, Inc.Inventor: Norberto A. Guzman
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Patent number: 8703069Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods, and devices for processing samples on a microfluidic device. One method includes moving a sample from an upstream channel of a microfluidic device into a DNA manipulation module located downstream of the upstream channel. The DNA manipulation module includes a DNA manipulation zone configured to perform amplification of the sample, a first valve disposed upstream of the DNA manipulation zone, and a second valve disposed downstream of the DNA manipulation zone. The method also includes receiving the sample in the DNA manipulation zone; closing the first valve and the second valve such that as and liquid are prevented from flowing into or out of the DNA manipulation zone; and thermal cycling the sample in the DNA manipulation zone.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2012Date of Patent: April 22, 2014Assignee: Handylab, Inc.Inventors: Kalyan Handique, Gene Parunak
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Patent number: 8703070Abstract: Apparatus for immunoassay includes: a cartridge, including at least one test unit; a pin-film assembly, having a second sealing film, a plurality of pierce mechanisms, and a first actuation unit; a plurality of magnetic particles; at least one first magnetic unit; and at least one second magnetic unit. The test unit includes a plurality of fluid chambers, a plurality of pin chambers, a microchannel structure, a buffer chamber, a detection chamber and a waste chamber. The first actuation unit drives the pierce mechanisms to enable a working fluid to flow into the detection chamber storing the magnetic particles. As the second magnetic unit has a magnetic force larger than that of the first magnetic unit and can move reciprocatingly between a third position and a fourth position, the magnetic particles are driven to move reciprocatingly inside the detection chamber, thereby fully mixing the magnetic particles with the working fluid.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2012Date of Patent: April 22, 2014Assignee: Industrial Technology Research InstituteInventors: Shaw-Hwa Parng, Chih-Wen Yang, Yu-Yin Tsai, Yi-Chau Huang
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Publication number: 20140106364Abstract: Microfluidic devices, assemblies, and systems are provided, as are methods of manipulating micro-sized samples of fluids. Microfluidic devices having a plurality of specialized processing features are also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2013Publication date: April 17, 2014Applicant: Applied Biosystems, LLCInventors: Sean M. Desmond, Zbigniew T. Bryning, John S. Shigeura, Gary Lim, Adrian Fawcett, Jacob K. Freudenthal, Gary Bordenkircher
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Patent number: 8696991Abstract: An apparatus and method for detection of anything to which an antibody can be raised, or to which a chemical receptor can be fashioned, based on surface plasmon resonance. The apparatus and method have the capability to detect proteins, viruses, bacteria, toxins, pathogens, contaminants, chemical compounds, or nucleic acids based on surface plasmon resonance and surface receptor technologies which may include antibodies or chemical receptors. The device is field deployable and utilizes a single use sample holder card which includes the sample to be tested, test channels, waste reservoir and a functionalized test surface.Type: GrantFiled: January 4, 2011Date of Patent: April 15, 2014Inventors: Harold W. Howe, Timothy S. Troutman, Michael E. Meichle, Adrian L. Krag
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Patent number: 8695639Abstract: A micro fluidic probe head includes a first layer, a second layer, and a first tubing port extending from an upper face of the first layer. The first layer has a first via, enabling fluid communication between the first port and a lower face of the first layer. The second layer includes a first aperture on a face, and a first microchannel enabling fluid communication between an upper face of the second layer, facing the lower face of the first layer, and the first aperture. The head enables fluid communication between the first via and the first microchannel. At least a portion of the first microchannel is a groove open on the upper face of the second layer, closed by a portion of a lower face of a layer of the head. The probe head further comprises a second tubing port, a second via, a second aperture and a second micro channel.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2010Date of Patent: April 15, 2014Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Emmanuel Delamarche, Ute Drechsler, Robert Lovchik
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Patent number: 8697009Abstract: The present invention relates to microfluidic devices and methods for manipulating and analyzing fluid samples. The disclosed microfluidic devices utilize a plurality of microfluidic channels, inlets, valves, filter, pumps, liquid barriers and other elements arranged in various configurations to manipulate the flow of a fluid sample in order to prepare such sample for analysis.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2013Date of Patent: April 15, 2014Assignee: Micronics, Inc.Inventors: Patrick Saltsman, Mingchao Shen, Jeffrey M. Houkal, Christy A. Lancaster, C. Frederick Battrell, Bernhard H. Weigl
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Patent number: 8697007Abstract: Provided are analysis cassettes that include removable sealing layers and deformable connector layers that place various channels, chambers, and reservoirs on the cassettes into fluid communication with one another. The cassettes are suitable for use in self-contained, immunoassay devices that may be operated in an automated fashion. Also disclosed are methods for analyzing samples by use of the disclosed cassettes.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2009Date of Patent: April 15, 2014Assignee: The Trustees Of The University Of PennsylvaniaInventors: Haim H. Bau, Changchun Liu, Xianbo Qiu
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Patent number: 8695641Abstract: A microfluidic probe head includes a first layer, a second layer, and a first tubing port extending from an upper face of the first layer. The first layer has a first via, enabling fluid communication between the first port and a lower face of the first layer. The second layer includes a first aperture on a face, and a first microchannel enabling fluid communication between an upper face of the second layer, facing the lower face of the first layer, and the first aperture. The head enables fluid communication between the first via and the first microchannel. At least a portion of the first microchannel is a groove open on the upper face of the second layer, closed by a portion of a lower face of a layer of the head. The probe head further comprises a second tubing port, a second via, a second aperture and a second microchannel.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2012Date of Patent: April 15, 2014Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Emmanuel Delamarche, Ute Drechsler, Robert Lovchik
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Patent number: 8697008Abstract: A method and device for periodically perturbing the flow field within a microfluidic device to provide regular droplet formation at high speed.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2010Date of Patent: April 15, 2014Assignee: Eastman Kodak CompanyInventors: Andrew Clarke, Nicholas J. Dartnell, Christopher B. Rider
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Patent number: 8691164Abstract: Apparatus and Methods are provided for a microfabricated fluorescence activated cell sorter based on a switch for rapid, active control of cell routing through a microfluidic channel network. This sorter enables low-stress, highly efficient sorting of populations of small numbers of cells (i.e., 1000-100,000 cells). The invention includes packaging of the microfluidic channel network in a self-contained plastic cartridge that enables microfluidic channel network to macro-scale instrument interconnect, in a sterile, disposable format. Optical and/or fluidic switching forces are used alone or in combination to effect switching.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2007Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignee: Celula, Inc.Inventors: William Frank Butler, Haichuan Zhang, Philippe Marchand, Keunho Ahn, Yi Zhang, John Francis, Benjamin Lai, Eugene Tu
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Patent number: 8691165Abstract: A process for the production of paraffin sections of biological tissue, especially for molecular pathology studies is disclosed. In the process, the tissue sample is simultaneously fixed, dehydrated and cleared in a first step, subsequently dehydrated and cleared in a second step and infiltrated with an inert specimen matrix in a third step. The specimen can then be further embedded in a casting supporting matrix according to the standard procedures followed by any local pathology or research laboratory. A kit and a processing station for automating paraffin embedding of a tissue sample suitable for histopathological and molecular analysis is also described. A bio-indicator system is described for measuring the degree of crosslinking. A tissue sample holding means or a vial which includes a tissue sample holding means provided with a data logging device capable of registering and transmitting data regarding the sample and conditions where the sample was processed is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2006Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignee: Histogenex N.V.Inventors: Carla Duymelinck, Mark Kockx
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Patent number: 8691151Abstract: This invention provides an apparatus for particle sorting, particle patterning, and methods of using the same. The sorting or patterning is opto-fluidics based, in that particles are applied to individual chambers in the device, detection and/or analysis of the particles is carried out, such that a cell or population whose removal or conveyance is desired is defined, and the cell or population is removed or conveyed via application of an optical force and flow-mediated conveyance or removal of the part.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2007Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyInventors: Joseph Kovac, Joel Voldman
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Patent number: 8691592Abstract: Disclosed are mechanically-actuated devices for transporting fluids within a microfluidic circuit and performing diagnostic operations on a sample. Also disclosed are related methods for performing sample analysis effected by the motion of an actuator proximate to a microfluidic system.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2007Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignee: The Trustees Of The University Of PennsylvaniaInventors: Zongyuan Chen, Haim H. Bau, Michael Mauk, Xianbo Qiu, Jason Kwa
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Publication number: 20140093431Abstract: The systems and methods disclosed herein include a microfluidic system, comprising a pneumatic manifold having a plurality of apertures, and a chip manifold having channels disposed therein for routing pneumatic signals from respective ones of the apertures to a plurality of valves in a microfluidic chip, wherein the channels route the pneumatic signals in accordance with a configuration of the plurality of valves in the microfluidic chip.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 11, 2013Publication date: April 3, 2014Applicant: RHEONIX, INC.Inventors: PENG ZHOU, LINCOLN C. YOUNG
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Patent number: 8683877Abstract: The invention relates to different designs of a microelectronic device comprising an array of heating elements (HE) with local driving units (CU2) and optionally with an array of sensor elements (SE) adjacent to a sample chamber (SC). By applying appropriate currents to the heating elements (HE), the sample chamber can be heated according to a desired temperature profile. The local driving units comprise means for compensating variations of their individual characteristics.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2007Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: Koninklijk Philips N.V.Inventors: Mark Thomas Johnson, David Andrew Fish, Marc Wilhelmus Gijsbert Ponjee
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Patent number: 8685344Abstract: The present invention relates to surface assisted fluid loading and droplet dispensing on a droplet micro actuator. A droplet actuator is provided and includes one or more electrodes configured for conducting one or more droplet operations on a droplet operations surface of the substrate. The droplet actuator further includes a wettable surface defining a path from a fluid reservoir into a locus which is sufficiently near to one or more of the electrodes that activation of the one or more electrodes results in a droplet operation. Methods and systems are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2008Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: Advanced Liquid Logic, Inc.Inventors: Arjun Sudarsan, Michael G. Pollack, Vamsee K. Pamula, Vijay Srinivasan
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Patent number: 8685341Abstract: Provided herein are systems and methods for reducing the number of input/output connections required to connect a microfluidic substrate to an external controller for controlling the substrate. For example, provided herein is a device with three groups of independently controllable components, where the first group includes a first lead and a first heater configured to heat a valve; where the second group includes a second lead and a second heater configured to heat a reaction chamber; where the third group includes a third lead and the first and second heaters; and where the first heater is independently controllable via a combination of the first lead and the third lead, and the second heater is independently controllable via a combination of the second lead and the third lead.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2012Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: HandyLab, Inc.Inventor: Karthik Ganesan
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Patent number: 8685340Abstract: A liquid dispenser for a microfluidic assay system is described. The dispenser includes at least one transfer pin for transferring a microfluidic sample of liquid to a target receptacle. A pin tip at one end of the transfer pin is structured to cooperate with an opening in the target receptacle. The tip uses capillary action to transfer the sample from the pin to the receptacle.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2008Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: Life Technologies CorporationInventors: Leila Hasan, John Linton, Colin J. H. Brenan
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Patent number: 8685343Abstract: An apparatus and methods for concentrating samples for application to microfluidic devices are disclosed. The methods involve electrophoresing charged molecules from a high volume sample into a smaller volume. The analyte of interest can be a charged molecule or can be modified to be charged using, for example, one or more ionic moieties.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2012Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: Headway Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Celine Hu
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Patent number: 8679422Abstract: A single disposable cartridge for performing a process on a particle, such as particle sorting, encapsulates all fluid contact surfaces in the cartridge for use with microfluidic particle processing technology. The cartridge interfaces with an operating system for effecting particle processing. The encapsulation of the fluid contact surfaces insures, improves or promotes operator isolation and/or product isolation. The cartridge may employ any suitable technique for processing particles.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2011Date of Patent: March 25, 2014Assignee: Cytonome/ST, LLCInventors: John R. Gilbert, Hugh Lewis, Derek Beaupre, Jaishree Trikha, Manish Deshpande
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Patent number: 8679423Abstract: A microfluidic device, including a microfluidic network, including: a) two parallel plates each including one or more electrodes, b) at least one channel, arranged between the two plates, made from a material obtained by solidification or hardening of a material of a first fluid, and c) a mechanism varying a physical parameter of the material constituting walls of the channel so as to cause the material to pass at least from the liquid state to the solid state.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2009Date of Patent: March 25, 2014Assignee: Commissariat a l'energie atomique et aux energies alternativesInventor: Yves Fouillet
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Publication number: 20140079602Abstract: Microchannel chip (100) has film (120) adhered on the second surface of base (110) having a through-hole (111), and conductive layer (130). Film (120) has hole (121) and covers a second opening of the through-hole (111). Conductive layer (130) is integrally formed so as to extend from a portion of a bottom of hole (121) of base (110) to a portion of an inner surface of through-hole (111). Upon comparison with a microchannel chip in the related art, microchannel chip (100) is further reduced in size, has excellent handleability and is easy to be manufactured.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 19, 2013Publication date: March 20, 2014Applicant: Enplas CorporationInventor: Koichi ONO
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Patent number: 8673215Abstract: The invention relates to the test device for platelet aggregation detection comprising: —an element (1) for receiving a blood sample—a capillary tube (3) connected at a first end (31) to said element (1) and at a second end (32) to a pressure lowering device (5) to pump said blood sample through said capillary tube (3)—at least a pair of facing electrodes (8) on the capillary tube—a device for measuring an impedance between said pair of facing electrodes. The invention also relates to a process for using this device, comprising: a) receiving a blood sample and pumping it through the capillar tube (3) b) determining a dynamic change of the value of the impedance between at least one pair of electrodes (8).Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2008Date of Patent: March 18, 2014Assignee: Centre National de la Recherche ScientifiqueInventors: Francine Rendu, Daniel Fruman, Jaime Levenson
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Patent number: 8673625Abstract: A valved microfluidics device, microfluidics cell-culture device and system incorporating the devices are disclosed. The valved microfluidics device includes a substrate, a microchannel through which liquid can be moved from one station to another within the device, and a pneumatic microvalve adapted to be switched between open and closed states to control the flow of fluid through a microchannel. The microvalve is formed of three flexible membranes, one of which is responsive to pneumatic pressure applied to the valve and the other two of which deform to produce a more sealable channel cross-section. The cell culture device provides valving to allow controlled loading of cells into the individual well of the device, and exchange of cell-culture components in the wells.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2012Date of Patent: March 18, 2014Assignee: EMD Millipore CorporationInventors: Paul Ju-Sung Hung, Philip Janmin Lee
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Patent number: 8673645Abstract: The present invention provides microfluidic devices and methods for using the same. In particular, microfluidic devices of the present invention are useful in conducting a variety of assays and high throughput screening. Microfluidic devices of the present invention include elastomeric components and comprise a main flow channel; a plurality of branch flow channels; a plurality of control channels; and a plurality of valves. Preferably, each of the valves comprises one of the control channels and an elastomeric segment that is deflectable into or retractable from the main or branch flow channel upon which the valve operates in response to an actuation force applied to the control channel.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2012Date of Patent: March 18, 2014Assignee: California Institute of TechnologyInventors: Stephen R. Quake, Marc A. Unger, Hou-Pu Chou, Todd A. Thorsen, Axel Scherer
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Patent number: 8668886Abstract: A bioreactor that combines the steps of recombinant expression and separation of a biological product by binding the secreted biological product with a resin, discarding the nutrient medium and eluting the biological product as a concentrated solution, eliminating the steps of sterile filtration and volume reduction. The method also allows loading of resin for column-purification, eliminating all steps of perfusion process and maintaining a sink condition of a toxic product in nutrient medium to optimize productivity of host cells. The instant invention also allows harvesting of solubilized inclusion bodies after the cells have been lysed and refolding of proteins inside the bioreactor.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2011Date of Patent: March 11, 2014Assignee: Therapeutic Proteins International, LLCInventor: Sarfaraz Niazi
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Publication number: 20140065631Abstract: A microfluidic chip, device, system, the use thereof and method for the generation of aqueous droplets in emulsion oil for nucleic acid amplification.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 3, 2013Publication date: March 6, 2014Applicant: Roche Molecular Systems, Inc.Inventors: Thomas Froehlich, Jens Bolle
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Publication number: 20140065035Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a microvalve device of a lab-on-a-chip by interposing a polyvinylidene chloride film between upper and lower substrates, each of which is produced by injection molding of a rigid polymer resin, and heating and pressurizing the resultant structure. The present invention also relates to a microvalve device manufactured by the method. According to the method of the present invention, each of the upper and lower substrates can be produced by injection molding of a rigid polymeric material, thus being appropriate for mass production in a short time. Excellent thermal bonding properties between the polyvinylidene chloride film and the substrates enable the formation of the rigid substrate/film membrane/rigid substrate structure in an easy and reliable manner, which shortens the time required to manufacture the microvalve device. Therefore, the method of the present invention is suitable for the mass production of labs-on-a-chip.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 18, 2012Publication date: March 6, 2014Applicant: BIO FOCUS CO., LTD.Inventor: Mun-tak Son
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Publication number: 20140065034Abstract: Lab-on-a-chip microfluidic devices having micro-channels able to withstand an internal channel pressure of more than 4,000 psi are described. The micro-channels have rounded cross-sections that prevent turbulent flow within a fluid conveyed within the channel. The channel may have serpentine-shaped length extending between a channel inlet and a channel outlet, the channel thereby being of sufficient length to observe both the stationary and moving phases of the fluid in a chip having a sufficiently small footprint that it is suitable for incorporation into a miniaturized spectrometer. Methods of fabricating lab-on-a-chip microfluidic devices are described by etching recesses in chip substrates such that a first substrate recess mirrors a second substrate recess in an opposed orientation, aligning the substrates such the recesses cooperatively define a micro-channel having a rounded cross-section, and bonding the substrates to define a smooth-walled micro-channel.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 31, 2012Publication date: March 6, 2014Inventors: Yun Zheng, Edward Wassell, Manuel Balvin, Stephanie Getiy
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Patent number: 8663575Abstract: There is described a sample holder and associated fluid container assembly for optical analysis of a fluid sample within a translucent container of the fluid container assembly. The sample holder includes clamping members rotatably mounted to a frame for rotation, about parallel axes spaced apart from each other, between a container accepting position in which the clamping members are spaced apart from the translucent container, and an analysis position in the clamping members abut the translucent container. The clamping members each define an optical waveguide slot extending therethrough that is substantially aligned with the translucent container when the clamping members are disposed in the analysis position, to thereby provide optical access to the translucent container for optical analysis of the fluid sample therein.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2010Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Assignee: Canadian Blood ServicesInventors: Elisabeth Maurer, Georg Maurer, Keddie Brown, Gyasi Bourne, Kenneth MacCallum, Paul Charlebois
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Patent number: 8663578Abstract: A liquid droplet introducing tank 3A includes a tank body 31, which is formed by mutually opposing top surface 31a and bottom surface 31b, and a side surface 31c. The tank also includes an injection hole 32 that is opened in the top surface 31a. Liquid droplets Dr are injected from the injection hole 32. The center of the injection hole 32 is closer to the side surface 31c than the center of the top surface 31a. The liquid droplet introducing tank 3A enables liquid droplets to be suitably injected therein and is suitable for reducing size.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2009Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Assignee: ARKRAY, Inc.Inventor: Yukihiro Sukawa
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Patent number: 8663561Abstract: An automated apparatus and method for analyzing liquid samples by forming discrete sample aliquots (boluses) in an elongated conduit which contains a hydrophobic carrier liquid. Aliquots may be analyzed by adding at least one reagent to the sample aliquot that reacts selectively with an analyte contained therein. The reaction product, which is selective for the analyte of interest and proportional to its concentration, is measured with an appropriate detector. Intrinsic sample properties of the sample may also be measured without the need for adding chemical reagents. The invention enables simple and accurate testing of samples using time honored wet-chemical analysis methods in microliter volume regimes while producing remarkably small volumes of waste.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2010Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Inventor: Charles J. Patton
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Patent number: 8662860Abstract: A microfluidic driving system includes a first planar electrode, a second planar electrode, a third planar electrode, a fourth planar electrode, a power supply unit and a detection module. The second, third and fourth planar electrodes are disposed parallel to the first planar electrode and face-to-face with the first planar electrode to form an accommodation space for accommodating a fluid. An AC power is provided by the power supply unit and an AC electrical field is applied by alternately connecting the third planar electrode and the fourth planar electrode with the first planar electrode for driving the first fluid and the second fluid to flow; and then AC electrical field is also applied by connecting the second planar electrode to the first planar electrode to mix the first fluid and the second fluid. Finally, a detection is performed upon a mixture of the fluids through the detection module.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2010Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Assignee: National Chung Cheng UniversityInventors: Wen-Hsin Hsieh, Jhih-Lin Chen, Wei-Hung Shih
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Patent number: 8663583Abstract: A disposable blood analysis cartridge may include a sample collection reservoir, an absorbance measurement channel, and an optical light scattering measurement channel. One or more valves may be disposed between the sample collection reservoir and the absorbance measurement channel and/or the optical light scattering measurement channel. A negative pressure may be applied to the cartridge to pull sample from the sample collection reservoir through the one or more valves and into the absorbance measurement channel and/or the optical light scattering measurement channel. Once the sample is pulled into the absorbance measurement channel and/or the optical light scattering measurement channel, the one or more valves may be closed. With the one or more valves closed, and in some cases, a pusher fluid may be provided to push the fluid sample to other regions of the disposable fluid blood analysis cartridge.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2011Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventors: Mark Kelley, Ron Bardell, Robert Janisch, Pam Wong, Eric Peltola
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Patent number: 8663560Abstract: A flow cell includes: a flow channel through which a sample solution flows; an inlet section which communicates with the flow channel and to which the sample solution is supplied; a transfer section which includes a plurality of opening sections, one end side of which communicates with the flow channel and an other side of which opens to outside air, and which communicates with the flow channel, and draws in and guides the sample solution supplied into the inlet section to the flow channel; a detecting section which faces the sample solution in the flow channel; and a sealing member which unsealably seals at least either one of the opening section or the inlet section.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2009Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Assignee: Nippon Telegraph and Telephone CorporationInventors: Tsutomu Horiuchi, Toru Miura, Yuzuru Iwasaki, Michiko Seyama, Tsuyoshi Hayashi, Jun-ichi Takahashi, Tsuneyuki Haga
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Publication number: 20140057271Abstract: Devices for use in extracting an analyte of interest from a sample are described. In one embodiment, a device is comprised of a first plurality of chambers, where one or more chambers in the plurality of chambers has a deep end and a shallow end with a depth d1. A channel disposed between at least two adjacent chambers in the plurality of chambers has a depth greater than d1. The dimensions of the chamber and channel provide control of fluid movement in the device, particularly when introducing fluid into the device for its use and during use of the device.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 21, 2013Publication date: February 27, 2014Applicants: Quidel Corporation, Northwestern UniversityInventors: David M. Kelso, Kunal Sur, Tom Westberg, Zaheer Parpia, Mark J. Fisher
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Patent number: 8657121Abstract: Disclosed herein is a microchip including a substrate and a sample flow path within the substrate. The sample flow path includes a changing flow path and a microtube connected to the changing flow path. The changing flow path is configured to change a cross sectional shape of the sample flow path from a quadrangular shape at a first end to a circular shape at a second end. The microtube is connected to the second end of the changing flow path and is disposed within the substrate.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2011Date of Patent: February 25, 2014Assignee: Sony CorporationInventors: Masataka Shinoda, Takeshi Matsui, Akiko Tsuji, Takeshi Yamasaki, Shoji Akiyama