A Method for Constructing Flow Constrictions Inside Microfluidic Channels
- 詳細技術說明
- This technology enables microfluidic devices to be constructed more cost-efficiently.
- *Abstract
-
A necessary function for microfluidic devices used in biology is the ability to "hold" a cell or other object (e.g., embryo) is a known physical location while maintaining the flow around it. This is particularly useful in bioproduction and applications such as incubation/maturation, infection, fertilization, or chemical treatment of a biological object. Although lithographic etching can be used to construct the holding areas (i.e., constriction regions), this method is expensive and complex. This technology uses a simple and inexpensive method — polymerization — to construct flow constriction regions. A prepolymer mixture is flowed into the microfluidic channel and polymerized using an ultraviolet source. As it is polymerized, the polymer shrinks, creating a small gap at the top of the channel. This gap, allows the fluid flow to continue while the cell/object is held in place. Thus, this technology enables microfluidic devices to be constructed more cost-efficiently.
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
- 國家
- United States
- 申請號碼
- 7111635
- 國家/地區
- 美國
