Controlled Magnetohydrodynamic Fluidic Networks and Stirrers
The present invention relates to controlled, magnetohydrodynamically-driven, fluidic networks containing a plurality of individually controlled branches. The branches consist of conduits equipped with pairs of electrodes that are controlled by electrode controllers. In operation, the network is placed within a magnetic field and potentials or currents are applied across electrode pairs within the various branches of the network in specifically determined magnitudes and polarities for specifically determined time intervals in accordance with an activation sequence that may be determined by an algorithm. Placed within a temperature gradient, at least a part of the network can act as a thermal cycler for use in biological interactions that employ temperature variations. The invention also relates to magnetohydrodynamic stirrers comprising a conduit or cavity having at least two electrodes disposed in such an orientation that, upon the application of a potential or current across the electrode pair within a magnetic field, secondary flows such as chaotic advection is generated.
The present application is a continuation of pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/062,050 filed Apr. 3, 2008, now allowed, which is a divisional of U.S. Pat. No. 7,371,051 which issued on May 13, 2008 and was filed as U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/657,302 on Sep. 8, 2003, which in turn is based on and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/409,359, filed Sep. 9, 2002, now expired, all of which are incorporated herein by reference.
GOVERNMENT LICENSE RIGHTS STATEMENTThis invention was supported by funds from the U.S. Government (DARPA Grant No. N66001-97-1-8911 and DARPA Grant No. N66001-01-C-8056). The U.S. Government may therefore have certain rights in the invention.
TECHNICAL FIELDThe invention relates to controlled, magnetohydrodynamically-driven, fluidic networks suitable for use in devices for processing and analyzing biological and chemical samples such as laboratories on chips and micro-total analysis systems. Placed within a temperature gradient, the fluidic networks of the present invention can further act as thermal cyclers, particularly of the type used for polymerase chain reactions (PCR). The invention also relates to magnetohydro-dynamic stirrers that are capable of generating chaotic advection within a microfluidic conduit or chamber.
BACKGROUNDIn recent years, there has been a growing interest in developing minute chemical and biological laboratories, analytical devices, and reactors known collectively as laboratories on chips. The ability to perform chemical and biochemical reactions in such devices offers many benefits including reduced reactant and media volumes for safety and economy, and improved performance from increased thermal and mass transfer. In such devices, a spatially defined and controlled environment permits precise flow of reactants through the network. The flow of a fluid from one part of the device to another, and the efficient mixing of fluids are tasks that are far from trivial. In a micro-scale device such as a laboratory on a chip, mixing of fluids is a particular challenge as flows are at very low Reynolds numbers, turbulence is not available to promote mixing, and the insertion of moving components into these devices is difficult.
Electrostatic forces have been used to move liquids around such devices. These forces usually induce only very low flow rates, require the use of high electrical potentials, and can often cause significant heating of the solution which may be inappropriate for the materials being used or the reactions to be performed. The use of electromagnetic forces offers a means for manipulating at least slightly conductive liquids in microfluidic devices and systems.
The application of electromagnetic forces to pump and/or confine fluids is not new. It is known that magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) systems are capable of converting electromagnetic energy into mechanical work in fluid media. To date, MHD systems have mostly been used to pump highly conducting fluids such as liquid metals and ionized gases, to study ionospheric/astrophysical plasmas, and to control magnetic fusion devices. Recently, however, MHD micro-pumps in silicon and in ceramic substrates have been constructed demonstrating the ability of such pumps to move liquids through microscale conduits. These efforts, however, have addressed individual pumping devices and have not provided an effective means for either the controlled movement of liquids through a microfluidic network or the efficient mixing of liquids in such microscale environments. Although it is envisioned that this invention will be mostly used in the context of minute devices, the concepts are not limited for small devices and can be applied for large devices as well.
Relevant publications, each of which are incorporated herein in their entirety, are identified as follows:
- Bau, H. H., 2001, A Case for Magnetohydrodynamics, Proceedings of the 2001 ASME International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exhibition, New York, N.Y. 2001, November 11-16. CD. Vol 2.
- Bau, H. H., Zhong, J., and Yi, M., 2001, A Minute Magneto Hydro Dynamic (MHD) Mixer, Sensors and Actuators B, 79/2-3, 205-213.
- Bau, H., H., Zhu, J., Qian, S., and Xiang, Y., 2003, A Magneto-Hydrodynamically Controlled Fluidic Network, Sensors and Actuators B, 88, 205-216
- Bau. H., H., Zhu, J., Qian, S., Xiang, Y., 2002, A Magneto-Hydrodynamic Micro Fluidic Network, IMECE 2002-33559, Proceedings of IMECE'02, 2002 ASME International Mechanical Engineering Congress & Exposition, New Orleans, La., Nov. 17-22, 2002.
- Jang, V., and Lee, S. S., 2000, Theoretical and Experimental Study of MHD (Magneto-hydrodynamic) Micropump, Sensors and Actuators A, 80, 84-89.
- Lemoff, A. V., and Lee, A. P., 2000, An AC Magnetohydrodynamic Micropump, Sensors and Actuators B, 63, 178-185.
- Lee, A. P. and Lemoff, A., V., Micromachined Magnetohydrodynamic Actuators and Sensors, U.S. Pat. No. 6,146,103.
- Qian, S., Zhu, J., and Bau, H. H., 2002, A Stirrer for Magneto-Hydrodynamically Controlled Micro Fluidic Networks, Physics of Fluids, 14 (10): 3584-3592.
- Yi, M., Qian, S., and Bau, H. H., A Magneto-hydrodynamic (MHD) Chaotic Stirrer, J. Fluid Mechanics, 468, 153-177.
- Xiang, Y. and Bau, H. H., 2003, Complex Magneto Hydrodynamic, Low Reynolds Number Flows, Physical Review Letters E, 68, 016312-1-016312-11.
- Zhong, J., Yi, M., and Bau, H. H., 2002, A Magneto Hydrodynamic Pump Fabricated with Low Temperature Co-fired Ceramic Tapes, Sensors and Actuators A: Physical, 96, 1, 59-66.
One aspect of the present invention is a controlled, magnetohydrodynamically-driven, fluidic network comprising a plurality of connected and individually controlled conduits each having at least one pair of opposing walls and at least one pair of electrodes disposed along the opposing walls, and at least one electrode controller in operational engagement with the electrodes for implementing an activation sequence comprising a current or potential across electrode pairs. In a preferred embodiment, the network further comprises an algorithm for determining the activation sequence. In operation, the fluidic network is provided with an at least slightly conductive fluid, is placed at least partially within a suitable magnetic field, and an electric field of a specific current or potential is applied for a predetermined period of time across electrode pairs and through the fluid within the network. In accordance with MHD principles, the magnetic field is oriented approximately perpendicular both to the orientation of the electric field and to the axis of flow along the conduit. Interaction of the electric and magnetic fields generate volumetric forces, called Lorentz body forces that propel the fluid through the network. By the selective application of electric fields of specific currents or potentials at various points in the network for specific time intervals, the fluid may be directed with precision through the network in any desired pattern without the need for moving parts such as mechanical pumps or valves. In this manner, the control and flow of fluid through the network is similar to the control and flow of an electrical current in an electronic circuit.
The fluidic network is controlled by means of at least one electrode controller in operational engagement with the electrodes positioned on the sidewalls of the conduits. The controller or controllers implement an activation sequence of currents or potentials that are applied across the electrode pairs of the network. In one embodiment, the activation sequence is determined in accordance with an algorithm. The algorithm can be in any form that is capable of determining the magnitude, polarity and duration of current or potential across various electrode pairs throughout the network associated with generating a precise pattern of Lorentz forces for propelling the fluid in a controlled manner along any desired path through the network including, for example, an equation, a series of equations, a series of iterative steps, or software. The activation sequence may be entirely pre-determined by the algorithm or determined with the use of feedback generated by the operation of the network.
Another aspect of the invention is a controlled, magnetohydrodynamically-driven thermal cycler comprising the fluidic network of the present invention positioned at least partially within a temperature gradient. The imposition of a temperature gradient across the network allows fluid to move through one or more zones of differing temperatures as it circulates within the network. By circulating materials through different temperature zones, chemical and biochemical reactions such as, for example, PCR may be readily accomplished. The thermal cycler described herein may be used singly or in combination, and may operate either as part of an MHD-driven fluidic network, as a component in a non-MHD fluidic system, or as a stand-alone device.
Yet another aspect of the invention is a MHD stirrer for use in microfluidic networks. The MHD stirrer comprises a conduit or cavity having at least two electrodes disposed therein such that complex secondary flows including flows characterized by chaotic advection are generated upon application of a current or potential across electrode pairs in a magnetic field. If two electrodes are used, at least one electrode must be movable between at least two positions to allow for the alternating application of current or potential across the electrodes in at least two different positions. If three or more electrodes are used, then the electrodes may be movable or fixed provided that a current or potential is alternately applied between electrode pairs in at least two different positions. In either embodiment, the application of a current or potential across the electrodes induces at least two different alternating flow patterns which in turn induces chaotic advection. The MHD stirrer may be used singly or in combination, and may operate either as part of an MHD-driven microfluidic network, as a component in a non-MHD microfluidic system, or as a stand-alone device.
A further aspect of the invention is a method for controlling the flow of fluid through a MHD-driven fluidic network comprising a plurality of connected and individually controlled conduits each having a pair of opposing walls and at least one pair of electrodes disposed along the opposing walls, comprising the step of implementing an activation sequence of electrical currents or potentials across the electrode pairs by means of at least one electrode controller governed by an algorithm and in operable engagement with the electrode pairs.
Yet another aspect of the present invention is a method for generating chaotic advection within a conduit or chamber of a microfluidic network having at least two electrodes disposed therein comprising the step of applying an electrical current or potential across the electrodes to generate at least two different alternating flow patterns and induce chaotic advection. In one embodiment, the current or potential is alternately applied between a stirring electrode and at least two different electrodes disposed along the internal walls of the conduit. The two electrodes may be disposed on the same wall, on adjacent walls or on opposing walls of the conduit. In an alternative embodiment, the current or potential is alternately applied between one electrode disposed along an internal wall of the conduit and at least two stirring electrodes positioned within the conduit and away from the internal wall. In another embodiment, the polarity of the electric field between the one or more stirring electrodes and the one or more electrodes disposed along the internal walls is repeatedly reversed. The Lorentz forces generated by the configuration of electrodes and applied currents or potentials within the conduit result in secondary flows, and in particular flows characterized by chaotic advection, which are effective in mixing laminar fluids such as fluids present within a microfluidic network.
The foregoing summary and the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the invention are better understood when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
Controlled-flow MHD fluidic networks, thermal cyclers, and chaotic advection stirrers for use in microfluidic devices for processing and analyzing biological and chemical samples such as laboratories on chips and micro-total analysis systems are described.
The controlled-flow MHD fluidic network comprises a plurality of connected and individually controlled conduits for the transmission of fluid each conduit having a pair of opposing walls, at least one pair of electrodes disposed along the opposing walls of the conduits, and at least one electrode controller in operational engagement with the electrodes for implementing an activation sequence of currents or potentials across the electrode pairs. In preferred form, the network further comprises an algorithm for determining the activation sequence. Movement of fluid through the network is accomplished in accordance with principles of magnetohydrodynamics which utilize the interaction of approximately perpendicularly oriented electric and magnetic fields to generate Lorentz forces within the network. The pattern of Lorenz forces moving fluid through the network is governed by the activation sequence which defines the particular magnitude, polarity and timing of current or potential to be applied across individual electrode pairs. The activation sequence itself is determined by an algorithm which may produce a predetermined activation sequence or a sequence which uses information about the state of the fluidic network or of the fluid circulating within the network during operation of the network. In this manner, fluid within the network that is at least slightly conductive may be directed with precision and control through the network along any desired path and without the need for mechanical valves or pumps.
The basic building block of the controlled-flow MHD fluidic network is the conduit. Described generally with reference to
The network of conduits may be simple or complex comprising any combination of curved or straight conduits with few or many interconnections arrayed in either two or three dimensions. A network comprising solely of straight conduits is shown in
The MHD-controlled networks can be fabricated from a variety of substrate materials including, for example, silicon, monomers, prepolymers, polymers, elastomers, glass, plastics, metals (in combination with dielectric materials) and ceramic materials such as, for example, low temperature, co-fired ceramic tapes. Ceramic tapes are a convenient substrate material as they are dielectric and amenable to layered manufacturing techniques. Individual tapes may be machined and electrodes, conductors, and resistors may be printed or otherwise applied on the tapes with metallic pastes or inks in their green (pre-fired) state when the tapes are soft and pliable. A plurality of individually processed tapes can then be stacked, aligned, laminated, and co-fired to form a monolithic device that integrates hydraulic conduits and conductive paths arrayed in a two or three dimensions. Such manufacturing techniques also provide a means for inexpensive and rapid prototyping. Ceramic tapes may further include magnetic materials such as magnetic particles thus integrating the magnetic field source into the substrate and eliminating the need for the use of external magnets to generate Lorentz forces within the network.
In the pre-fired (green) state, ceramic tapes may comprise oxide particles such as alumina and/or silica, glass frit, and an organic binder that can be made from photo-resist. The tapes are available in a variety of thicknesses, typically from about 100 flm±7% to a few hustred microns, although thinner tapes of about 40 flm can be casted. The tapes in their green state are soft and pliable, and can be readily machined by a variety of known techniques including laser, milling, and photolithography when the binder is photo-resist. Conductive paths such as metallic circuits may be either printed, processed photolithographically, or otherwise applied to the tapes to form electrical circuits and components such as electrodes, resistors, conductors, and thermistors. Conduit sizes may be any size suitable for use in MHD-driven fluidic networks, and in one embodiment may range from about 10 flm to several millimeters. Individual tapes may be stacked, aligned, laminated, and co-fired to form sintered, monolithic structures having complex, either two- or three-dimensional networks of fluidic conduits, electronic circuits, and electrodes. Glass or other materials can be attached to or incorporated in the tapes to facilitate optical paths. Further, the tapes may include a magnetic material such as magnetic particles and/or a single or multiple layers of coils may be embedded in the tapes to generate a magnetic field.
The conduits of the fluidic network are provided with at least one pair of electrodes (denoted in
It is further aspect of the invention that not every individual conduit within the network need be provided with driving electrodes provided that conduits that are not so equipped are in communication with at least one conduit that is so equipped. In this manner, the propulsion of fluid through the conduit having driving electrodes is capable of driving fluid through the conduit lacking such electrodes. In preferred form, the driving electrodes terminate some distance away from the ends of the conduit so as to minimize current leakage (cross-talk) between or among adjacent conduits comprising the network.
The driving electrodes themselves may be used to form virtual conduits, that is, conduits which lack physical walls for the containment of the fluid. Flow of fluid through a network comprising virtual conduits is spatially defined by the configuration of the electrodes on the substrate and controlled by the current or voltage applied across electrode pairs. In such networks, the electrodes may either protrude from, be flush with, and/or terminate beneath the surface of the substrate.
Each pair of driving electrodes is in operable engagement with an electrode controller that acts to control the magnitude, polarity and timing of the current or potential applied across pairs of driving electrodes. The network may comprise a single electrode controller in operable engagement with each of the driving electrodes of the network. Alternatively, the network may comprise a plurality of electrode controllers each of which controls one or more driving electrodes of the network. In one embodiment, each pair of driving electrodes is controlled by a separate electrode controller. By controlling the current and/or potential applied across each electrode pair, the one or more electrode controllers regulate in a precise pattern and with precise timing the generation of Lorentz forces that propel the fluid through the conduits of the network. An implementation of an exemplary electrode controller and algorithm are described in greater detail in Bau, H., H., Zhu, J., Qian, S., and Xiang, 2003, Y., A Magneto-Hydrodynamically Controlled Fluidic Network, Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical, 88, 205-216, which is incorporated herein in its entirety.
The one or more electrode controllers of the network are governed by an activation sequence that coordinates and controls the flow and combination of fluids within the network. In one embodiment, the activation sequence is determined in accordance with an algorithm which computes and defines the magnitudes, polarities and timing of currents or potential differences applied across the various driving electrode pairs of the network that are necessary to achieve the desired control of flow paths and flow rates throughout the network. The algorithm can be in any form that is capable of determining the specific current or potential across various electrode pairs throughout the network associated with generating a precise pattern of Lorentz forces for propelling the fluid in a controlled manner along any desired path through the network including, for example, an equation, a series of equations, a series of iterative steps, or software. In one embodiment, the user specifies the desired flow path and the flow rates associated with the various conduits. The algorithm then computes the magnitudes, polarities and timing of currents or the voltages that are needed to implement the desired conditions. The algorithm may also compute the magnitudes, polarities and timing of currents or voltages while minimizing an objective function such as, for example, the total power dissipation of the device. The sequence of specific magnitudes, polarities and timing of currents or voltages across particular electrode pairs comprises the activation sequence that is used by the electrode controllers to generate the Lorentz forces necessary to propel fluid in the network along the desired flow path.
Preferably, the algorithm is in the form of a software program capable of calculating specific magnetic and/or electric field strengths associated with flow rates within conduits of a known size. As a software program, the algorithm may be resident on the one or more electrode controllers or located remote from the controllers provided the activation sequence generated by the algorithm is capable of communication with and implementation by the one or more electrode controllers. The algorithm may determine the magnitude, polarity and timing of current or potential in a predetermined mode or in a mode that uses feedback generated by the operation of the network in determining the activation sequence. In embodiments in which the activation sequence is determined at least partially with the use of feedback, the network further comprises a sensor assembly capable of continuously or periodically collecting information about the state of the network or the fluid circulating within it during operation and inputting this information into the algorithm. MHD-driven fluidic networks in which movement through the network can be controlled by an activation sequence generated by an algorithm are suitable for a variety of applications including point-of-care medical diagnosis; laboratory diagnosis; drug discovery; air, food, and water quality monitoring; and detection of pathogens and chemical agents associated with biological and chemical warfare agents.
In accordance with MHD principles, the orientation of the magnetic field need not be vertical with respect to a conduit oriented in a horizontal plane. For example, if a pair of driving electrodes were positioned on the top and bottom walls of the conduit oriented in a horizontal plane, MHD principles would require the magnetic field to be oriented also horizontally but transverse to the direction of flow of the conduit. Thus, the controlled-flow MHD fluidic network of the present invention may accommodate any combination of electrical and magnetic fields that are approximately perpendicular to each other and in any orientation with respect to the conduit provided both fields are approximately perpendicular with respect to the axis of flow through the conduit. In one embodiment, the conduits comprising the network are arranged in a planar configuration and the magnetic field is oriented approximately perpendicular to the plane in which the conduits are arrayed.
As shown in
Fluid is transmitted from one region of the MHD network to another by currents Ii or potential differences Vi applied across the driving electrode pairs within the conduits of the network. The potential difference Vi in a given conduit (i) induces an electric current of density Ji-s
An exemplary MHD-controlled fluidic network is shown in
An embodiment of the network as shown in
In one embodiment, a planar, MHD-controlled fluidic network is fabricated with LTCC 951AX co-fired ceramic tapes supplied by DuPont that have a nominal (pre-fired) thickness of ˜250 μm.
In one embodiment as shown in
In one embodiment, the electrodes of the network may be controlled by an electrode controller comprising computer-controlled relay actuators and aD/Icard. The relays are programmed to switch on and off in such a way that any one or combination of electrode pairs in the network can be active at any given time and for any given interval. Additionally, the relays allow for the switching of the polarity of any given pair of electrodes and the supply of power either in controlled-voltage or controlled-current modes.
In operation, the conduits are filled with a fluid that is at least slightly conductive such as, for example, saline solution. While 0.1M and 0.3M solutions are suitable, MHD-driven networks can operate with ion concentrations as low as about 50 mM. The device is placed on top of a neodymium (NdFeB) permanent magnet of approximate intensity B=0.4T (Edmund Scientific). Dye (Cole Parmer Instrument Co.) is injected at various locations to achieve flow visualization.
The fluidic network may be analyzed using linear graph theory methodology, and the potentials Vi or currents Ii may be determined so as to direct the fluid to follow any desired path. In one set of experiments utilizing a network configured as shown in
MHD-controlled networks can operate with a wide variety of electrolyte and buffer solutions such as, for example, solutions containing NaCl, KCl, NH4Cl, CuSO4, FeCl2/FeCl3, NaH2PO2, and Hydroquinone among many others. The performance of the device, however, may be affected by the particular solution and electrode materials that are used. For example, the use of NaCl solutions may lead to bubble production at relatively high current densities and electrode corrosion. To the extent MHD-driven devices are used as disposable devices, electrode corrosion may not be an issue of significance. Moreover, the MHD-driven devices, depending on the application, can operate either open or capped. With open conduits, bubble formation may not present a problem. In closed conduits, however, bubble generation must be addressed and preferably limited. In one embodiment, the use of redox species such as FeCl2/FeCl3 solution with platinum electrodes may sustain higher current densities than a NaCl solution without bubble formation and without electrode corrosion. Ultimately, though, the choice of the electrolyte or buffer is dictated by, among other things, the compatibility of the electrolyte or buffer with the specific processes to be performed in the system. In addition to the MHD forces, the fluid within the network may also be subject to a pressure gradient that is either flow assisting or flow adverse.
Another aspect of the present invention is an MHD stirrer. Chemical reactions and biological interactions in a microfluidic device often involve mixing or stirring fluids in order to bring various molecules together. Mixing by diffusion alone in a microfluidic device is often not efficient. The diffusion time of macromolecules may be prohibitively large even when the lengths are measured in hundreds of microns. Moreover, since flows are often laminar and corresponding Reynolds numbers in microdevices are usually very small, one is also denied the benefits of turbulence as an efficient mixer.
In one embodiment, the MHD stirrer of the present invention comprises a conduit or chamber having at least two electrodes disposed therein such that the application of a current or potential across the electrodes within a magnetic field generates secondary flows such as flows characterized by chaotic advection. In embodiments in which two electrodes are used to induce chaotic advection, at least one electrode must be movable so that the current or potential may be applied alternately across electrode pairs in at least two positions. In embodiments in which at least three electrodes are used, the electrodes may be movable or fixed and disposed along and/or away from the internal walls of the conduit or chamber. In either embodiment, a current or potential is alternately applied across electrodes occupying at least three positions to induce at least two alternating flow patterns which generates chaotic advection.
In one embodiment, the MHD stirrer of the present invention comprises a conduit having at least one electrode disposed along the wall of the conduit, and at least two electrodes positioned within the conduit and away from the wall. In another embodiment, the MHD stirrer comprises at least two electrodes disposed along at least one wall, and at least one electrode positioned within the conduit and away from the wall. In a further embodiment, the stirrer has at least two electrodes aligned along at least one wall, and at least one electrode disposed along another wall. In yet another embodiment as shown in
MHD stirrers that generate chaotic advection may operate either by varying the current or potential applied across electrode pairs between zero and a prescribed value (either positive or negative) or by repeatedly reversing the polarity of each electrode by varying the current or potential between negative and positive values. Depending on the particular electrolyte used, reversal of polarity may be advantageous in certain cases since by reducing electrode corrosion and bubble accumulation on electrode surfaces. Furthermore, in applications in which analyte migration in the electric field is a problem, reversing polarity is likely to reduce or eliminate such migration.
In the embodiment shown in
In order to operate a MHD conduit as a stirrer, the electrodes intended for use in creating secondary flows are in operable engagement with at least one electrode controller such as, for example, a computer-controlled relay actuator. In one embodiment, relay-actuators combine both driving electrodes and into a single electrode C. When a potential difference is applied across the electrode pair C-Ai, circulatory motion of the fluid within the conduit is generated, with the fluid circulating around electrode Ai. When the electrode pair C-A1 is pair C-A1 once again, and so on in a periodic fashion, chaotic advection is generated. As the magnitude of the period (T=T1+T2) increases, the chaotic region increases in size and complexity. In some circumstances, it may be advantageous to alternate the electrode potentials in a non-periodic fashion.activated for a time interval T1, electrode pair C-A2 for another time interval T2, then electrode potentials in a non-periodic fashion.
In demonstrating this effect, flow visualization experiments of the stretching and deformations of a dye blob were performed.
Stirring electrodes such as electrodes Ai shown in the embodiment depicted in
The MHD stirrer may comprise either an open or a closed cavity of any suitable shape. With reference to
As the period T increases, chaotic islands become visible.
The electrodes may be patterned in many different ways to induce various flow patterns. The embodiments described above are just a few examples of numerous possible variants of MHD stirrers.
Another aspect of the invention is a controlled, MHD-driven thermal cycler comprising the fluidic network of the present invention positioned at least partially within a temperature gradient. Magnetohydrodynamics provides the means to circulate fluids continuously in a closed loop. Different parts of the loop may be maintained at different temperatures, enabling the cycling of the liquid to subject the liquid to different temperature zones.
At the beginning of operation, an electrical potential is applied to the electrodes such that the material is drawn into the loop. The polarities of either electrode pair A1 and A2 or electrode pair B1 and B2 are then reversed so that the material within the conduit loop is forced to circulate continuously around the loop. The particular choice of polarity will determine whether the motion is in the counterclockwise or clockwise direction. If necessary, the polarities and the magnitudes of the potentials applied to electrodes C1, C2, D1, and D2 may be adjusted so as to prevent the material within the conduit from leaving the loop. Also, if necessary, the direction of the flow in the thermal cycler may be periodically changed to minimize analyte migration in the electric field. As the material within the conduit cycles around the loop, it is exposed to different temperatures. In certain embodiments, this cycling between or among different temperature zones facilitates biological interactions such as, for example, those needed for PCR.
After the material within the conduit has completed the desired number of cycles around the loop, electrical potentials are supplied to the various electrodes so as to pump the reaction products out of the loop. The reaction products may be pumped either through the exit port defined by electrodes D1 and D2, back through the inlet port defined by electrodes C1 and C2, or split among any number of exit ports (not shown in the figure) so as to transport parts of the sample to different subsequent analysis paths. The embodiment of the MHD thermal cycler depicted in
One application of the MHD thermal cycler is for PCR. The MHD thermal cycler has the advantage over other continuous flow devices in that the number of cycles may be readily adjusted in a predetermined mode according to the characteristics of the analyte to be amplified or in a feedback mode with the use of a sensor capable of detecting the amplification rate. Since it is not necessary to cycle the substrate temperature as is done in conventional PCRs, the MHD thermal cycler is capable of facilitating rapid amplification of DNA.
Claims
1.-14. (canceled)
15. A magnetohydrodynamic stirrer comprising:
- a chamber that defines a void, the chamber having at least one sidewall that defines a perimeter of the void, the chamber further including a top wall and an opposing bottom wall that each extend perpendicularly from said at least one sidewall, wherein the top wall and bottom wall define a top and bottom of the void, respectively;
- a first electrode disposed about the perimeter of the void, proximate the at least one sidewall;
- a second electrode disposed on either of the top wall or bottom wall of the chamber;
- a third electrode disposed on either of the top wall or bottom wall of the chamber; and
- a controller in operational engagement with said electrodes,
- said controller, during operation, being capable of modulating the application of a potential, a current, or both between at least two of said electrodes so as to give rise to flow of a liquid within said chamber during operation of said stirrer.
16. The magnetohydrodynamic stirrer of claim 15, wherein at least one of said second and third electrodes extends into the void.
17. The magnetohydrodynamic stirrer of claim 15, wherein at least one of said electrodes is essentially flush with said top wall or flush with said bottom wall.
18. The magnetohydrodynamic stirrer of claim 15, wherein the first electrode is disposed about an entirety of the perimeter.
19. The magnetohydrodynamic stirrer of claim 15, wherein the first electrode is disposed about less than an entirety of the perimeter.
20. The magnetohydrodynamic stirrer of claim 15, wherein the first electrode extends vertically between the top wall and the bottom wall.
21. The magnetohydrodynamic stirrer of claim 15, wherein said chamber comprises an inlet and an outlet.
22. The magnetohydrodynamic stirrer of claim 15, wherein said controller is configured to effect application of a periodic potential, current, or both between at least two of said electrodes so as to give rise to chaotic advection within a liquid disposed within said chamber during operation of said stirrer.
23. The magnetohydrodynamic stirrer of claim 15, wherein said controller is configured to effect application of a non-periodic potential, current, or both between at least two of said electrodes so as to give rise to chaotic advection within a liquid disposed within said chamber during operation of said stirrer.
24. A magnetohydrodynamic stirrer comprising:
- a chamber that defines a void, the chamber having at least one sidewall that defines a perimeter of the void, the chamber further including a top wall and an opposing bottom wall that each extend perpendicularly from said at least one sidewall, wherein the top wall and bottom wall define a top and bottom of the void, respectively;
- a first electrode having at least a partially annular shape spaced apart from said at least one sidewall;
- a second electrode disposed on either of the top wall or bottom wall of the chamber;
- a third electrode disposed on either of the top wall or bottom wall of the chamber; and
- a controller in operational engagement with said electrodes,
- said controller, during operation, being capable of the application of a potential, a current, or both between at least two of said electrodes so as to give rise to flow of a liquid within said chamber during operation of said stirrer.
25. The magnetohydrodynamic stirrer of claim 24, wherein at least one of said second and third electrodes is a pin that extends into the void.
26. The magnetohydrodynamic stirrer of claim 24, wherein at least one of said electrodes is essentially flush with said top wall or bottom wall, respectively.
27. A method for generating Lorentz body forces in a fluid that is at least slightly conductive within a magnetohydrodynamic stirrer, the magnetohydronamic stirrer comprising a chamber that defines a void, the chamber having at least one sidewall that defines a perimeter of the void, the chamber further including a top wall and an opposing bottom wall that each extend perpendicularly from said at least one sidewall, wherein the top wall and bottom wall define a top and bottom of the void, respectively; the method comprising:
- charging the chamber with the fluid; and
- among (a) a first electrode disposed about the perimeter of the void, proximate the at least one sidewall, (b) a second electrode disposed on either of the top wall or bottom wall of the chamber, and (c) a third electrode disposed on either of the top wall or bottom wall of the chamber, applying a potential, a current, or both between at least two of said electrodes so as to give rise to flow of a liquid within said chamber.
28. The method of claim 27, wherein the fluid is at least partially disposed within a magnetic field oriented approximately perpendicular both to the orientation of an axis of flow of the liquid through the chamber and to the orientation of a current or potential applied across the electrodes.
29. The method of claim 27 wherein the applying includes implementing an activation sequence of currents or potentials having specific magnitudes and polarities across specific electrode pairs of the fluidic network for specific time intervals.
30. The method of claim 29 wherein the activation sequence is determined by an algorithm.
31. The method of claim 29 wherein the activation sequence is determined prior to its implementation in the chamber.
32. The method of claim 29 wherein the activation sequence is determined with information about a state of fluid within the chamber.
Type: Application
Filed: Sep 23, 2013
Publication Date: Jan 23, 2014
Inventor: Haim H. Bau (Swarthmore, PA)
Application Number: 14/033,865