Polymer-based platform for microfluidic systems
US7601286B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 26, 2002 |
| Grant date | Oct 13, 2009 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 20, 2026 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB29L2031/756
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method of forming a polymer-based microfluidic system platform using network building blocks selected from a set of interconnectable network building blocks, such as wire, pins, blocks, and interconnects. The selected building blocks are interconnectably assembled and fixedly positioned in precise positions in a mold cavity of a mold frame to construct a three-dimensional model construction of a microfluidic flow path network preferably having meso-scale dimensions. A hardenable liquid, such as poly (dimethylsiloxane) is then introduced into the mold cavity and hardened to form a platform structure as well as to mold the microfluidic flow path network having channels, reservoirs and ports. Pre-fabricated elbows, T's and other joints are used to interconnect various building block elements together. After hardening the liquid the building blocks are removed from the platform structure to make available the channels, cavities and ports within the platform structure. Microdevices may be embedded within the cast polymer-based platform, or bonded to the platform structure subsequent to molding, to create an integrated microfluidic system. In this manner, the new microfluidic platform …
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.