Microscale reaction devices

US7066453B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN · US

Inventors

• Mark A. Burns · Ann Arbor, US
• Carlos H. Mastrangelo · Andover, US
• Timothy S. Sammarco · Ann Arbor, US
• Francis Man · Lexington, US
• James Russell Webster · Minnetonka, US
• Brian N. Johnson · Ann Arbor, US
• Bradley Foerster · Ann Arbor, US
• Darren Jones · Ann Arbor, US
• Yakeitha Fields · Ann Arbor, US
• Adam Kaiser · Ann Arbor, US
• David T. Burke · Ann Arbor, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Dec 28, 2000
• Grant date: Jun 27, 2006
• Expiry date: Dec 28, 2020

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10T436/143333
• WIPO field: Measurement
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

The movement and mixing of microdroplets through microchannels is described employing silicon-based 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.