Air flow regulation in microfluidic circuits for pressure control and gaseous exchange
US6607907B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 15, 2001 |
| Grant date | Aug 19, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 3, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T436/2575
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A method and system are disclosed for manipulating the flow of gases into and out of a microfluidic circuit to regulate pressure within the circuit or to provide for the delivery of gases to or removal of gases from the circuit. Pressure within the microfluidic circuit may be increased or decreased to modify physical or chemical properties of fluid within the circuit, or to modify reaction kinetics. Gaseous reactants may be added to the circuit, and reaction products or excess reactant gases may be removed the circuit according to the invention. Warm or cool air or other gas may be flowed over liquid reactants within the circuit to perform a warming or cooling function. Various biochemical reactions or processes, including for example polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and ligand-receptor binding, may be performed with the use of the inventive method and system.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.