Microfluidic hubs, systems, and methods for interface fluidic modules

US8940147B1 · kind B1 · utility

Assignee

• Sandia Corporation · US

Inventors

• Michael Bartsch · Menlo Park, US
• Mark R. Claudnic · Livermore, US
• Hanyoup Kim · Pleasanton, US
• Kamlesh D. Patel · Dublin, US
• Ronald F. Renzi · Tracy, US
• James L. Van De Vreugde · Livermore, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Apr 25, 2012
• Grant date: Jan 27, 2015
• Expiry date: May 23, 2033

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G01N2035/00158
• WIPO field: Measurement
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

Embodiments of microfluidic hubs and systems are described that may be used to connect fluidic modules. A space between surfaces may be set by fixtures described herein. In some examples a fixture may set substrate-to-substrate spacing based on a distance between registration surfaces on which the respective substrates rest. Fluidic interfaces are described, including examples where fluid conduits (e.g. capillaries) extend into the fixture to the space between surfaces. Droplets of fluid may be introduced to and/or removed from microfluidic hubs described herein, and fluid actuators may be used to move droplets within the space between surfaces. Continuous flow modules may be integrated with the hubs in some examples.