Moving microdroplets

US6911183B1 · kind B1 · utility

Assignee

• THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN · US

Inventors

• Kalyan Handique · Ann Arbor, US
• Bishnu Prasanna Gogoi · Scottsdale, US
• Mark A. Burns · Ann Arbor, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 6, 2000
• Grant date: Jun 28, 2005
• Expiry date: Mar 6, 2020

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10T436/2575
• WIPO field: Chemical engineering
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

The movement and mixing of microdroplets through microchannels is described employing microscale devices, comprising microdroplet transport channels, reaction regions, electrophoresis modules, and radiation detectors. The discrete droplets are differentially heated and propelled through etched channels. Electronic components are fabricated on the same substrate material, allowing sensors and controlling circuitry to be incorporated in the same device.