Microfluidic device

Abstract

A microfluidic device comprising; i) an inlet; ii) a first layer comprising at least first and second current carrying structures, wherein the at least first and second current carrying structures each comprise a plurality of teeth, and wherein the teeth of the first and second current carrying structures are optionally offset such that the teeth of the first current carrying structure are positioned between the teeth of the second current carrying structure; iii) a second layer comprising a first microfluidic chamber in fluid communication with the inlet positioned above the at least first and second current carrying structures of the first layer; and iv) a third layer comprising at least third and fourth current carrying structures wherein the at least third and fourth current carrying structures each comprise a plurality of teeth, and wherein the teeth of the third and fourth current carrying structures are optionally offset such that the teeth of the third current carrying structure are positioned between the teeth of the fourth current carrying structure; and wherein the at least third and fourth current carrying structures are positioned in the third layer so as to be above the first microfluidic chamber and such that the teeth of the third current carrying structure are positioned substantially vertically above or offset from the teeth of the first current carrying structure and the teeth of the fourth current carrying structure are positioned substantially vertically above or offset from the teeth of the second current carrying structure; wherein the teeth have a stem having substantially elliptical tip.

Description

technical field [0001] The present invention relates to microfluidic devices and methods for isolating and detecting analytes from biological samples using the same. Background technique [0002] In the past decade, the emergence of microelectromechanical systems (MEMS), based on the miniaturization of mechanical components and the integration of mechanical components and microelectric systems, has created the potential to fabricate various micron-sized structures and devices. The technology utilizes nearly the same fabrication techniques, equipment and materials as those developed by the semiconductor industry. The range of applications of MEMS has expanded significantly and is mainly in the field of microsensors and microactuators. In recent years, there has been great interest in the miniaturization and integration of biochemical analysis systems with MEMS devices, which has led to the invention of micro-total analysis systems (μ-TAS) and lab-on-a-chip (LOC) systems. ...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

However, the structures of these components tend to be complex, requiring complex fabrication processes such as multilayer stacking or multi-step photolithography

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