Method for forming polymerized microfluidic devices
US8047829B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 26, 2009 |
| Grant date | Nov 1, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 26, 2029 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB81B2201/058
- WIPO fieldMicro-structural and nano-technology
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
Methods for making a micofluidic device according to embodiments of the present invention include defining a cavity. Polymer precursor solution is positioned in the cavity, and exposed to light to begin the polymerization process and define a microchannel. In some embodiments, after the polymerization process is partially complete, a solvent rinse is performed, or fresh polymer precursor introduced into the microchannel. This may promote removal of unpolymerized material from the microchannel and enable smaller feature sizes. The polymer precursor solution may contain an iniferter. Polymerized features therefore may be capped with the iniferter, which is photoactive. The iniferter may aid later binding of a polyacrylamide gel to the microchannel surface.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.