U.S. patent application number 10/789376 was filed with the patent office on 2004-11-18 for well-plate microfluidics.
This patent application is currently assigned to Micronics, Inc.. Invention is credited to Kesler, Natasa, Morris, Christopher J., Schulte, Thomas H., Weigl, Bernhard H..
Application Number | 20040229378 10/789376 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26960720 |
Filed Date | 2004-11-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040229378 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Schulte, Thomas H. ; et
al. |
November 18, 2004 |
Well-plate microfluidics
Abstract
Microfluidic devices and methods for performing a microfluidic
process are presented. A microfluidic device conforms with a
standard well plate format. The device includes a well plate
comprising a plate and an array of wells formed on or in the plate,
and a microfluidic structure connecting at least two of the wells.
The device can rely exclusively on gravitational and capillary
forces that exist in channels within the microfluidic structure
when receiving fluid streams. Also disclosed is a microfluidic
device having an array of microfluidic structures, each connecting
at least two wells of a well plate, and connecting three or more
wells in alternative embodiments. With the present invention, a
large number of microfluidic processes or reactions can be
performed simultaneously.
Inventors: |
Schulte, Thomas H.;
(Redmond, WA) ; Weigl, Bernhard H.; (Seattle,
WA) ; Morris, Christopher J.; (Redmond, WA) ;
Kesler, Natasa; (Bothell, WA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SEED INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LAW GROUP PLLC
701 FIFTH AVE
SUITE 6300
SEATTLE
WA
98104-7092
US
|
Assignee: |
Micronics, Inc.
Redmond
WA
|
Family ID: |
26960720 |
Appl. No.: |
10/789376 |
Filed: |
February 27, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10789376 |
Feb 27, 2004 |
|
|
|
09932687 |
Aug 17, 2001 |
|
|
|
6742661 |
|
|
|
|
60281114 |
Apr 3, 2001 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
436/180 ;
422/400 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F16K 99/0057 20130101;
G01N 2001/4094 20130101; B01L 2300/0829 20130101; B01L 2400/0436
20130101; F16K 7/17 20130101; Y10T 436/2575 20150115; B01L 3/502753
20130101; Y10T 137/2224 20150401; B01L 2200/0636 20130101; Y10T
436/25 20150115; B01L 3/5025 20130101; F16K 99/0028 20130101; B01L
2200/0647 20130101; F16K 99/0017 20130101; B01L 2400/0457 20130101;
F16K 99/0001 20130101; B01L 2300/0861 20130101; F16K 2099/0084
20130101; F16K 2099/0074 20130101; B01L 2200/027 20130101; B01L
3/502776 20130101; F16K 2099/0078 20130101; B01L 2200/0668
20130101; F16K 2099/008 20130101; G01N 2001/4016 20130101; G01N
2035/00247 20130101; B01L 2400/0487 20130101; B01L 2400/0406
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
436/180 ;
422/102 |
International
Class: |
G01N 001/10 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A microfluidic device, comprising: a well plate comprising a
plate and an array of wells formed on or in the plate; and a
microfluidic structure connecting at least two of the wells.
2. The device of claim 1, wherein the microfluidic structure is an
H-Filter.
3. The device of claim 2, wherein the H-Filter includes at least
two inlets and a microfluidic channel connected to the inlets.
4. The device of claim 3, wherein a first inlet is connected to a
first well, and a second inlet is connected to a second well.
5. The device of claim 4, wherein the first inlet is configured to
provide a first fluid from the first well to the microfluidic
channel, and the second inlet is configured to provide a second
fluid to the microfluidic channel in parallel with the first
fluid.
6. The device of claim 2, wherein the H-Filter includes a
microfluidic channel and at least two outlets connected to the
channel.
7. The device of claim 6, wherein a first outlet is connected to a
first well, and a second outlet is connected to a second well.
8. The device of claim 7, wherein the first outlet and the second
outlet are configured to receive a portion of one or more fluids
flowing from the microfluidic channel.
9. The device of claim 2, wherein the H-Filter includes at least
one inlet, a microfluidic channel connected to the inlet, and at
least one outlet connected to the channel.
10. The device of claim 9, wherein the at least one inlet is
connected to a first well, and the at least one outlet is connected
to a second well.
11. The device of claim 1, wherein one of the wells connected by
the microfluidic structure has a bottom that is higher than the at
least one other well.
12. The device of claim 1, wherein a pattern of the array of wells
conforms to one of a 12-, 24-, 48-, 96-, 192-, 384-, or 1536-well
plate format.
13. The device of claim 1, wherein the microfluidic structure
connects at least four of the wells.
14. The device of claim 1, further comprising two or more
microfluidic structures, each microfluidic structure connecting at
least two of the wells.
15. A microfluidic device, comprising: a well plate comprising an
array of wells situated on or in the plate; and at least one
microfluidic structure formed in, or in contact with the plate,
each microfluidic structure being connected to the bottom of at
least two of the wells.
16. The device of claim 15, wherein the array of wells conforms to
one of a 12-, 24-, 48-, 96-, 192-, 384-, or 1536-well plate
format.
17. The device of claim 15, wherein the at least one microfluidic
structure includes at least two microfluidic structures.
18. The device of claim 15, wherein at least one microfluidic
structure is an H-Filter.
19. The device of claim 15, wherein at least one microfluidic
structure is a T-Sensor.
20. The device of claim 18, wherein the at least one microfluidic
structure is connected to at least four wells.
21. The device of claim 19, wherein the at least one microfluidic
structure is connected to at least three wells.
22. The device of claim 15, further comprising a microfluidic card
that houses the at least one microfluidic structure, the card
having a form and shape generally conforming to the form and shape
of the well-plate.
23. The device of claim 22, wherein the microfluidic card is
connected with the well plate by a hinge mechanism.
24. The device of claim 15, further comprising a pressure
application mechanism, configured to apply a pressure to the
wells.
25. The device of claim 24, wherein the pressure application
mechanism includes a membrane configured to be overlaid on the well
plate.
26. The device of claim 24, wherein the pressure application
mechanism further includes a plurality of fingers, each finger
controlling displacement of a fluid within a selected well by a
portion of the membrane.
27. A system for performing a microfluidic process, comprising: a
well plate comprising an array of wells formed on or in the first
plate; and a microfluidic card comprising an array of microfluidic
circuits, each circuit having at least one port hole, the card
being sized and adapted for contact with the well plate such that
the at least one port hole of each circuit is connected to at least
one well.
28. The system of claim 27, wherein each well has a volume that is
partially defined by a bottom.
29. The system of claim 28, wherein at least one well in the array
has a larger volume than at least one other well.
30. The system of claim 28, wherein at least one well in the array
has a lower bottom than at least one other well.
31. The system of claim 28, wherein the at least one port hole of
each microfluidic circuit is connected to the bottom of a well.
32. A microfluidic device, comprising: a plate having an array of
wells formed on or in the plate, and a plurality of microfluidic
structures, each microfluidic structure connecting at least two
wells; and a plurality of microfluidic channels, each channel
provided within the connection between each group of said at least
two wells, and being adapted for receiving a plurality of fluid
streams that flow in parallel.
33. The device of claim 32, wherein the fluids flow one on top of
another within each channel.
34. The device of claim 32, wherein each microfluidic channel is
linear.
35. The device of claim 32, wherein each microfluidic channel is
curved.
36. A method of performing a microfluidic process, comprising:
providing a plurality of fluid samples to a well plate, the well
plate having an array of wells formed in or on the well plate;
transferring the fluid samples from each well into a corresponding
microfluidic structure, wherein each microfluidic structure
connects at least two wells; and combining, in a channel within the
microfluidic structure, at least two fluid samples in a parallel
flow.
37. The method of claim 36, further comprising transferring the
combined fluid samples from each microfluidic structure to at least
one other well.
38. The method of claim 37, wherein the at least one other well is
provided in a separate well plate.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates to microfluidic platforms. In
particular, this invention provides microfluidic devices and
methods adapted for use with standard well plate filling and reader
systems.
[0002] Microfluidics relates to one or more networks of microscale
channels in which a chemical or molecular process or reaction takes
place by virtue of fluidic properties at such scale. The terms
"microscale" and "microfluidic" typically refer to fluids provided
to channels having internal dimensions of between 0.1 and 500
micrometers. While the utilization of fluidic properties in
microscale platforms is relatively well-established, enhancements
and the discovery of new properties are continually being made.
[0003] Certain well plate formats have achieved widespread use as a
standard in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industry sectors
for high-throughput medical diagnostics, drug screening, and other
applications where fairly simple chemical analysis processes are
performed on multiple samples in parallel. One area that has
received some attention is the trend toward fabricating
microfluidic platforms to increase throughput, for performing a
large number of processes or reactions simultaneously.
[0004] Multi-parallel microfluidic platforms would allow more
complex chemical processes to be performed in a high-throughput
mode in much the same way as more simple chemical processes can be
performed with well plate formats. A recent development toward this
trend is a microfluidic platform that is compatible with a standard
well-plate format. Significant improvements in the number of
processes or reactions that can be accomplished have been made by
developing microfluidic platforms that conform to a well plate
standard format.
[0005] Despite development in this area, however, numerous problems
exist. Other well plate-compatible microfluidic devices do not
provide a fluidic connection from one well to another well, let
alone fluidic connection among three or more wells. Further, recent
microfluidic devices lack an interface, in combination with two or
more wells, in which diffusion or extraction can take place. One
such interface is known as a laminar fluid diffusion interface
(LFDI), and is formed when two or more fluid streams flow
substantially in parallel in a single microfluidic structure.
[0006] Another shortcoming of recent well plate-adapted devices is
their complexity, both of construction and of use. Most such
devices require two or more plates that must be somehow mated
together. Each plate must conform to the well plate dimensions,
giving rise to mating and alignment problems. Still another problem
is how to connect the wells in a well plate with the microfluidic
channels in a device.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
[0007] FIG. 1 shows a standard well-plate.
[0008] FIG. 2 is a sectional view of a well-plate shown in FIG. 1
to illustrate the wells formed on or in the plate.
[0009] FIG. 3 shows an H-Filter-type microfluidic structure.
[0010] FIG. 4 shows a T-Sensor-type microfluidic structure.
[0011] FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate a microfluidic device having an
array of wells and a microfluidic structure connecting at least two
of the wells.
[0012] FIG. 6 is a top view of a device showing an embodiment of a
microfluidic structure connected to a number of wells.
[0013] FIG. 7 illustrates a microfluidic process using a
microfluidic device in combination with a standard well plate.
[0014] FIG. 8 illustrates a semi-integrated microfluidic platform,
according to an embodiment of the invention.
[0015] FIG. 9 illustrates a fully-integrated microfluidic platform,
according to an alternative embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0016] The above-mentioned shortcomings, as well as other problems,
are overcome by this invention. Specifically, this invention
provides a relatively simple microfluidic platform that conforms to
a standard well plate format, and which maximizes the fluid
interfaces within which many microfluidic processes or reactions
can be performed, without the need for electrodes or voltage. This
invention can be adapted for use entirely with gravitational and
capillary forces that exist in microscale fluid channels, and
utilizes properties that exist in fluids at such as scale.
[0017] This invention relates to microfluidic platforms that are
compatible with common well-plate formats (e.g., having an array of
6, 12, 48, 96, 384, or 1536 wells). A microfluidic platform can
include a network of microscale channels, inlets, outlets,
containers, and other structures. For example, and incorporated by
reference herein, U.S. Pat. No. 5,932,100 to Yager et al. describes
planar microscale fluid filters, called "H-filters," that
capitalize on properties existing at an LFDI. Also incorporated by
reference herein, U.S. Pat. No. 5,716,852 to Yager et al.,
describes several microfluidic differential extraction devices,
known as "T-Sensors," where extraction is generated within an
LFDI.
[0018] These microfabricated structures can also be adapted for
performing sample separation, diffusion or cleanup using microscale
fluid properties that exist in an LFDI. LFDIs have been
specifically applied, among many other applications, to DNA
desalting, extraction of small proteins from whole blood samples,
and detection of various constituents in whole blood. Other
applications include the uniform and controlled exposure of cells
to lysing agents, thus allowing any of a number of differentiations
of cells by their sensitivity to specific agents. Specifically,
these differentiations can be controlled in an on-chip
microfabricated cytometer coupled directly to the lysing
structure.
[0019] One H-Filter can be connected to at least two wells.
H-Filters are configured to move fluid through a channel according
to a pressure differential between inlets and outlets. These
H-Filters can be operated in several ways. In one configuration,
the H-Filters are driven by hydrostatic pressure. The wells are
filled to different levels to produce a variable level of
hydrostatic pressure for the H-Filters. In alternative
configurations, the H-Filters can be interfaced with a pressure
source, such as an array of pressure transducers, or an array of
displacement pumps. Additionally, the wells of the well-plate can
be manufactured to have different or variable bottom levels,
allowing for wells connected to H-Filter inlets to completely drain
through the H-Filter into wells connected to H-Filter outlets.
Other configurations for the microfluidic structures include
T-Sensors having one or more inlets connected to a common
microfluidic channel, and at least one outlet.
[0020] FIG. 1 depicts a well plate 100, conforming to a standard
well plate, which is also commonly known as a microtiter plate. The
well plate 100 includes a plate 102 and a patterned array 104 of
wells 106. The wells 106 can be formed in the plate 102, or can be
formed on the plate in a separate layer overlying the plate 102.
Each well 106 preferably has a cylindrical or conical shape, or,
alternatively, a rounded shape. The circumference and/or shape of
each well 106 may also be angular.
[0021] A well plate 100 having 96 wells patterned in a planar,
two-dimensional array is the most common standard in the
pharmaceutical industry for biological and chemical analysis and
testing. Other numbers and arrangements of the patterned array 104
of wells 106 are possible. For example, other standard well plates
100 exist with 6, 12, 24, 48, 192, 384, 1536, or more, wells 106.
Further, while a standard array has a linear M-row by N-column
pattern of wells, the wells 106 can also be arranged according to
other patterns to accommodate different robotic filling systems,
for example.
[0022] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of a portion 200 of a well plate
as shown in FIG. 1. The plate 102 may be formed of one or more
layers of a material. The material can be metal, plastic, glass, or
any other rigid or semi-rigid material. Multiple layers can be
fused, glued or otherwise affixed together. Each well 106 is formed
to a particular dimension and/or volume, defined in part by a
bottom 108. The shape of the well 106 and bottom 108 are formed
such that the well 106 has a specific volume and/or fluid
displacement or flow rate. A bottom 108 of one well 106 may be
relatively higher or lower in a plane as a bottom 108 of at least
one other well 106 on the plate 102, also to allow for different
rates of flow and/or volume. In sum, the shape, bottom 108, volume,
relative depth, and other factors pertaining to each well 106 can
be configured for a particular application.
[0023] FIG. 3 illustrates one type of microfluidic structure 300,
embodied as an H-filter. Microfluidic structure 300 has a first
inlet 302 and a second inlet 304 connected to a channel 306, which
is in turn connected to a first outlet 308 and a second outlet 310.
The H-filter is so-called because of its general "H" shape.
However, each of the inlets, outlets, and channel of the
microfluidic structure 300 can be formed to any shape or
orientation. For example, in order to lengthen the channel 306, the
channel 306 can be formed into a curve or serpentine structure.
[0024] A fluid is provided in each of the first and second inlets
302, 304, which flow in parallel in the channel 306, providing an
interface 307 at which a process or reaction between the
parallel-flowing fluids can take place. It is important to note
that the first and second inlets 302 and 304 are preferably
oriented to the channel 306 so as to allow one fluids to flow on
top of the other, in order to maximize the interface 307. Thus, the
side-by-side flow shown in FIG. 3 is provided for purpose of
example only.
[0025] The parallel flow of fluids in the channel 306 allows for
any number of different types of reactions or processes which take
advantage of micro-scale flow properties. For instance, diffusion
of particles from one fluid to another will occur between
parallel-flowing fluids, based on factors such as temperature,
viscosity, etc. The first outlet 308 and second outlet 310 are
configured to output a fluid sample of interest, waste, or both.
Those having skill in the art would recognize that more or less
inlets and/or outlets can be used depending on the microfluidic
application or process.
[0026] FIG. 4 shows a T-Sensor as another type of suitable
microfluidic structure. The microfluidic structure 400 has first,
second, and third inlet collectors 401, 403 and 405. The inlet
collectors 401, 403 and 405 temporarily store a fluid, and provide
the fluid to each of connected inlet channels 402, 404, and 406.
The inlet channels 402, 404 and 406 converge to a common channel
408, in which diffusion, absorption or other reactions or processes
take place. The parallel-flowing fluids in the common channel 408
are ultimately provided to a waste collector 407.
[0027] Those having skill in the art would recognize that the
microfluidic structures 300 and 400 illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4
respectively, are described for the benefit of example only. Many
different arrangements of microfluidic structures are possible. For
example, with reference to microfluidic structure 400, the length
of the common channel 408 can measure from a few microns, to over
10 centimeters or more. Further, the common channel 408 is shown
here as linear, but can also be curved, rounded, serpentine, etc.
Thus, many variations are possible within the scope of the
invention.
[0028] FIG. 5A illustrates a section of a microfluidic device 500
having a plate 102, an array of wells 106 formed on or in the plate
102, and a microfluidic structure 300 connected to at least two of
the wells 106. The wells 106 and/or microfluidic structure 300 can
be formed integral with the plate 102, or into a substrate 103
formed over the plate 102, as illustrated. The microfluidic
structure 300 shown is an H-Filter-type structure, as discussed
above with respect to FIG. 3. The microfluidic structure 300 is
shown having two inlets and two outlets, for connecting to four
wells 106.
[0029] The connection of the microfluidic structure 300 to the
wells 106 can be made anywhere which allows fluidic transference
between the wells 106 and the microfluidic structure 300. The
connection between the wells 106 and the microfluidic structure 300
can made in substantially the center of the bottom of each well
106, and can be made via a port hole 320. The connection may also
be made into the side of the well 106 for better optical
observation of the well. The port hole 320 connection to a well 106
can also be sized according to a desired flow rate between the well
106 and the microfluidic structure 300.
[0030] Fluid from at least one well 106 is provided to the
microfluidic structure 300, where a microfluidic process or
reaction is performed. For instance, fluid from two wells can flow
to a channel via two inlets, where an extraction process occurs.
The fluid can be transferred from the microfluidic structure 300 to
another well 106 on the same platform, or to another type of
collector on the same or different platform, such as another
microfluidic channel.
[0031] FIG. 5B depicts a microfluidic platform as a microfluidic
card 502 to illustrate the integration of a patterned array 104 of
wells, selectively interconnected by an array of microfluidic
structures 300. In a preferred embodiment, the well plate and array
of microfluidic structures are formed in a laminar diffusion
interface card using a one-dimensional diffusion model. This model
yields optimal concentration of a species as it diffuses into a
receiver fluid. The microfluidic platform preferably utilizes
gravitational forces and capillary action to promote fluid flow.
However, a pressure generating mechanism can be used to apply a
controlled pressure to a specific number of wells and the fluid
therein, or for increased hydrostatic pressure.
[0032] Since the wells 106 of the well plate 102 are limited in
height, the achievable hydrostatic pressure in each well can be
very low. The low hydrostatic pressure can be overcome by a second
plate (not shown) placed over the well plate 102. The second plate
can be formed of a heavy, rigid or semi-rigid material. The second
plate can include protrusions corresponding to the individual wells
106, for sealing against the side walls of the wells 106. The
second plate would provide extra weight, and therefore increased
pressure.
[0033] A microfluidic process occurs within the microfluidic
structure, such as extraction or separation between two parallel
flowing fluids or solutions. The hydrostatic driving force will
typically be in a direction normal to the plane of the well plate
102. However, the microfluidic device of the invention can be
configured such that the well plate 102 can be flipped to various
orientations for multiple directions of hydrostatic pressure.
[0034] FIG. 6 is a top plan view of a group of four wells connected
by an H-filter, according to a specific exemplary embodiment. A
sample well 602 is filled with a first solution containing a
sample, such as, for example, a fluorescein and blue dextran. A
receiver well 604 is filled with a second solution, such as a clear
buffer, for example. The sample well 602 and receiver well 604 are
each connected to a microscale channel 610 by an inlet. As
depicted, the wells 602, 604 can be formed to a different shape
and/or volume so as to achieve a particular rate of flow from the
wells. solution into the second solution. A product from the
microfluidic process is collected at a product well 606. For
instance, in the example, the product well 606 receives the blue
dextran and a lower concentration of the fluorescein. A waste well
608 receives a waste solution from the microfluidic process, such
as the fluorescein extracted from the first solution. The product
well 606 and waste well 608 are connected to the channel via
outlets. The wells 606 and 608 can also be formed to a particular
size and/or volume, respective or not to the other wells, to
achieve a certain in-flow rate.
[0035] A similar structure, having one or more outlet wells, can
also be used to perform a chemical reaction between chemical
components contained in two fluids. The product of this chemical
reaction can then be observed, or its concentration measured, in
the outlet well. This structure can also be used to monitor a
chemical reaction in a different way using the T-Sensor. Two fluids
will flow next to each other in a microfluidic structure while the
chemical components contained in each of the fluids will diffuse
into each other. The reaction product is formed in this diffusion
interaction zone, and can be observed through the bottom of the
plate. The intensity, width, and other properties of this zone can
be proportional to the concentration of the reaction product.
[0036] A microfluidic platform can be contained in a single card,
with the same form factor as a standard well plate. The
microfluidic platforms are implemented as low-cost, plastic
disposable integrated circuits, where each circuit includes one or
more microfluidic structures. According to one embodiment, the
microfluidic circuits are formed of laminates built of individually
cut or stamped fluidic circuits. The lamination process yields
complex 3-dimensional structures. The lamination process can
include a number of layers of different types of thin plastic
sheets, preferably ranging in thickness from about 10 micrometers
to a few hundred micrometers. The layers can be bonded together
using an adhesive, or by a thermal bonding process. In ranging in
thickness from about 10 micrometers to a few hundred micrometers.
The layers can be bonded together using an adhesive, or by a
thermal bonding process. In some cases, the internal surfaces of
the laminates can be chemically treated, e.g. with oxygen plasma,
to change their wettability.
[0037] The microfluidic structures and circuits can be first
modeled using a fluid modeling software package. The modeling takes
account of fluid properties at microscales. Since fluid dynamics at
this scale is computationally intensive, simpler models may be used
based on a series solution for cases where the flow field and
related properties are known. The microfluidic structures can then
be designed using a computer-aided design software program. For
instance, one microfluidic circuit can contain up to 12, or more,
layers, the collective layout of which is indexed as a "cut file."
The plastic is subjected to a cutting mechanism, such as a laser
cutter, for forming the channels and circuits according to each cut
file.
[0038] In specific preferred embodiments, channel dimensions can
range from 100-3000 .mu.m in width, and from 500-400 .mu.m in
depth. Typically, the lower limits of these dimensions are defined
by the size of the largest particles to be passed through a
channel, whereas upper limits are set by the requirements for
laminar flow, and the need to provide sufficiently small diffusion
dimensions between adjacent streams flowing in parallel.
Accordingly, these dimensions are mentioned for exemplary purposes
only, and not by way of limitation.
[0039] Other fabrication processes may be employed, such as hot
embossing, micro-injection molding, and silicon or glass
lithographic techniques. While the embodiments described above
function without power or external forces, the fabrication process
outlined above allow for incorporating hybrid elements into the
design of the microfluidic devices, such as electrodes, filter
membranes, and sensors, etc.
[0040] FIG. 7 illustrates several processes in which a microfluidic
card is used in conjunction with one or more standard well plates.
A first standard well plate 702 is used for an initial reaction.
The first well plate 702 can be accessed and loaded robotically,
according to any one of several known or new mechanisms. Then, the
first well plate 702 is contacted with a microfluidic platform 502
card, in which a microfluidic operation or process is performed.
Then, the microfluidic platform 502 is contacted with a second
standard well plate 704 for readout and analysis, to which the
fluids would drain or be transferred from the microfluidic platform
502. The readout and analysis can be accomplished by an automated
reader.
[0041] FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate alternative arrangements for a
process combining a microfluidic platform card and standard well
plate. FIG. 8 shows a semi-integrated work flow system for carrying
out a microfluidic process. A microfluidic card 502 is used for
performing an initial reaction, much like the first standard well
plate 702 in FIG. 7, and a microfluidic operation. The microfluidic
card 502 is then contacted with a standard well plate 801. In one
embodiment, the microfluidic card 502 is placed on top of the
standard well plate 801. The contact enables removal of the fluids
from the microfluidic card 502 and transfer to the well plate 801.
The card 502 is removed, and readout can be executed.
[0042] FIG. 9 shows a fully integrated system having a microfluidic
card 502 permanently, or semi-permanently, connected to a standard
well plate 802. The system can be used for performing the initial
reaction, including fluid deposition, the microfluidic operation,
such as extraction or separation, for example, and the readout or
analysis process.
[0043] Other arrangements, configurations and methods for executing
a block cipher routine should be readily apparent to a person of
ordinary skill in the art. Other embodiments, combinations and
modifications of this invention will occur readily to those of
ordinary skill in the art in view of these teachings. Therefore,
this invention is to be limited only be the following claims, which
include all such embodiments and modifications when viewed in
conjunction with the above specification and accompanying
drawings.
* * * * *