Devices and methods for using centripetal acceleration to drive fluid movement in a microfluidics system

US6548788B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• TECAN TRADING AG · CH

Inventors

• Gregory John Kellogg · Somerville, US
• Stephen Kieffer-Higgins · Milton, US
• Bruce L. Carvalho · Watertown, US
• Gene Davis · Lexington, US
• John Willis · Shirley, US
• Ted Minior · Bedford, US
• Laura L. Chapman · Somerville, US
• Mikayla Kob · Brookline, US
• Sarah D. Oeltjen · Somerville, US
• Shari Ommert · Medford, US
• Alec Mian · Cambridge, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Oct 16, 2001
• Grant date: Apr 15, 2003
• Expiry date: Nov 13, 2021

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10T137/4643
• WIPO field: Measurement
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

This system provides methods and apparatus for performing microanalytic and microsynthetic analyses and procedures. Specifically, the system provides a microsystem platform for use with a micromanipulation device to manipulate the platform by rotation, thereby utilizing the centripetal force resulting from rotation of the platform to motivate fluid movement through microchannels embedded in the microplatform. The microsystem platforms of the system are also provided having microfluidics components, resistive heating elements, temperature sensing elements, mixing structures, capillary and sacrificial valves, and methods for using these microsystems platforms for performing biological, enzymatic, immunological and chemical assays. An electronic spindle designed rotor capable of transferring electrical signals to and from the microsystem platforms of the system is also provided.