Microfluidic pressure regulator for robust hydrogel loading without bursting
US11180724B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 24, 2016 |
| Grant date | Nov 23, 2021 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 2, 2037 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB01L2400/0688
- WIPO fieldBiotechnology
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A pressure regulator module for a chip-based microfluidic platform is provided. The module includes a microfluidic channel for passing flowable material from the inlet region through the outlet region and into a downstream compartment; one or more microvalves fluidly connected to the microfluidic channel and upstream of the outlet region; and one or more reservoirs fluidly connected to the microvalves, for receiving flowable material diverted by the microvalves, where a flow of flowable material passing from the inlet region toward the downstream compartment is at least partially diverted by the microvalves into the reservoirs as a result of a pressure increase in the microfluidic channel. In some versions, the microvalves are capillary burst valves. A microfluidic chip containing the module and a method of using the module are provided.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.