Gradient structures interfacing microfluidics and nanofluidics
US8333934B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 28, 2006 |
| Grant date | Dec 18, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 12, 2027 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T436/143333
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The present invention relates to a device for interfacing nanofluidic and microfluidic components suitable for use in performing high throughput macromolecular analysis. Diffraction gradient lithography (DGL) is used to form a gradient interface between a microfluidic area and a nanofluidic area. The gradient interface area reduces the local entropic barrier to nanochannels formed in the nanofluidic area. In one embodiment, the gradient interface area is formed of lateral spatial gradient structures for narrowing the cross section of a value from the micron to the nanometer length scale. In another embodiment, the gradient interface area is formed of a vertical sloped gradient structure. Additionally, the gradient structure can provide both a lateral and vertical gradient.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.