Microfluidic cell trap and assay apparatus for high-throughput analysis
US9902990B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 27, 2011 |
| Grant date | Feb 27, 2018 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 5, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC C)Chemistry; Metallurgy
- CPC primaryC12Q1/6844
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Microfluidic devices are provided for trapping, isolating, and processing single cells. The microfluidic devices include a cell capture chamber having a cell funnel positioned within the cell capture chamber to direct a cell passing through the cell capture chamber towards one or more a cell traps positioned downstream of the funnel to receive a cell flowing. The devices may further include auxiliary chambers integrated with the cell capture chamber for subsequent processing and assaying of the contents of a captured cell. Methods for cell capture and preparation are also provided that include flowing cells through a chamber, funneling the cells towards a cell trap, capturing a predefined number of the cells within the trap, interrupting the flow of cells, flowing a wash solution through the chamber to remove contaminants from the chamber, and sealing the predefined number of cells in the chamber.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.