Acoustically mediated fluid transfer methods and uses thereof
US6596239B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 12, 2000 |
| Grant date | Jul 22, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 16, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T436/2575
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Acoustic waves are used to transfer small amounts of fluid in a non-contact manner. Acoustic waves are propagated through a pool of a source fluid in such a manner that causes the ejection of a single micro-droplet from the surface of the pool. The droplet is ejected towards a target with sufficient force to provide contact of the droplet with the target. Because the fluid is not contacted by any fluid transfer device such as a pipette, the opportunities for contamination are minimized. Methods may be employed to transfer fluids from an array of source sites to an array of target sites, thereby enabling the precise automation of a wide variety of procedures including screening and synthesis procedures commonly used in biotechnology.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.