Evaporation management in digital microfluidic devices
US11471888B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 29, 2020 |
| Grant date | Oct 18, 2022 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 12, 2040 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB01L2400/0427
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
Described herein are digital microfluidic (DMF) devices and corresponding methods for managing reagent solution evaporation during a reaction. Reactions on the DMF devices described here are performed in an air or gas matrix. The DMF devices include a means for performing reactions at different temperatures. To address the issue of evaporation of the reaction droplet especially when the reaction is performed at higher temperatures, a means for introducing a replenishing droplet has been incorporated into the DMF device. A replenishing droplet is introduced every time when it has been determined that the reaction droplet has fallen below a threshold volume. Detection and monitoring of the reaction droplet may be through visual, optical, fluorescence, colorimetric, and/or electrical means.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.