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Customizable microfluidic chips

Detailed Technology Description: University researchers have developed two separate methods for the design and fabrication of customizable microfluidic chips.

Countries: United States

Application No.: 7351303

*Abstract

University researchers have developed two separate methods for the design and fabrication of customizable microfluidic chips. Microfluidic chips, sometimes known as Labs on a Chip (LOC), allow movement and processing of biological samples and reagents inside the microchannels of a chip. LOCs enable scaling down of required reagent volume by orders of magnitude which in turn makes it possible to run a multiple number of parallel processes on a relatively small platform. The new technologies will allow the manufacture of more efficient microfluidic chips, at lower cost and with less development time than current methods. One technology utilizes a unique 2-layer chip design, which includes one soft elastomer layer that can be easily customized at the lab (customer) level. The second technology encompasses a low-cost design and processes for manufacturing modular single-function chips, which can then be stacked to perform customized analyses.

DESCRIPTION/DETAILS

HOW IT WORKS

TF02036

This technology uses stacked single function units (SFUs) - chips standardized to perform a single function. Individual chips are then stacked to perform the desired customized analysis. A significant facet of this design is the "o-ring" type soft silicone gasket between each SFU, which permits the stacking without leakage problems between SFUs.

TF03002

The LOCs manufactured using this method contain a unique two-layer architecture. This architecture is sufficiently generic so that it can be adopted and customized to suit myriad individual needs.

The top layer of the cell, the fluid layer (F-layer), is constructed of an inexpensive material (glass or silicone elastomer) and may be customized. For example, it can be easily designed to contain multiple fluid channels and chemical reaction chambers. The bottom layer, the electromechanical (EM) layer, consists of inlet/outlet openings, electrode detectors, and valves and is made of silicon wafer. Liquid flows from the inlet, through the channel and the valves and sensors, to the outlet.

APPLICATIONS

DNA sequencing
Drug discovery
Microarrays used in studies of gene expression and genotyping
Biochemical testing
Pollutant detection

BENEFITS

Use of soft elastomer components enable lower cost microfluidic chip design
Reduces the time required to develop customized "Labs on a Chip"
Increases the versatility of products through modular cell stacks or modification to chip layers

For more information about this technology, please contact the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Office of Technology Management at otm@illinois.edu.

*IP Issue Date: None

*IP Type: Utility

Country/Region: USA

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