Classifications

• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
  • B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
  • B01L3/00—Containers or dishes for laboratory use, e.g. laboratory glassware; Droppers
  • B01L3/50—Containers for the purpose of retaining a material to be analysed, e.g. test tubes
  • B01L3/502—Containers for the purpose of retaining a material to be analysed, e.g. test tubes with fluid transport, e.g. in multi-compartment structures
  • B01L3/5027—Containers for the purpose of retaining a material to be analysed, e.g. test tubes with fluid transport, e.g. in multi-compartment structures by integrated microfluidic structures, i.e. dimensions of channels and chambers are such that surface tension forces are important, e.g. lab-on-a-chip
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
  • B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
  • B01L7/00—Heating or cooling apparatus; Heat insulating devices
  • B01L7/52—Heating or cooling apparatus; Heat insulating devices with provision for submitting samples to a predetermined sequence of different temperatures, e.g. for treating nucleic acid samples
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
  • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
  • G01N27/00—Investigating or analysing materials by the use of electric, electrochemical, or magnetic means
  • G01N27/26—Investigating or analysing materials by the use of electric, electrochemical, or magnetic means by investigating electrochemical variables; by using electrolysis or electrophoresis
  • G01N27/416—Systems
  • G01N27/447—Systems using electrophoresis
  • G01N27/44756—Apparatus specially adapted therefor
  • G01N27/44791—Microapparatus
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
  • B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
  • B01L2200/00—Solutions for specific problems relating to chemical or physical laboratory apparatus
  • B01L2200/14—Process control and prevention of errors
  • B01L2200/143—Quality control, feedback systems
  • B01L2200/147—Employing temperature sensors
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
  • B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
  • B01L2300/00—Additional constructional details
  • B01L2300/08—Geometry, shape and general structure
  • B01L2300/0809—Geometry, shape and general structure rectangular shaped
  • B01L2300/0816—Cards, e.g. flat sample carriers usually with flow in two horizontal directions
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
  • B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
  • B01L2300/00—Additional constructional details
  • B01L2300/18—Means for temperature control
  • B01L2300/1805—Conductive heating, heat from thermostatted solids is conducted to receptacles, e.g. heating plates, blocks
  • B01L2300/1822—Conductive heating, heat from thermostatted solids is conducted to receptacles, e.g. heating plates, blocks using Peltier elements
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
  • B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
  • B01L2300/00—Additional constructional details
  • B01L2300/18—Means for temperature control
  • B01L2300/1805—Conductive heating, heat from thermostatted solids is conducted to receptacles, e.g. heating plates, blocks
  • B01L2300/1827—Conductive heating, heat from thermostatted solids is conducted to receptacles, e.g. heating plates, blocks using resistive heater
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
  • B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
  • B01L2300/00—Additional constructional details
  • B01L2300/18—Means for temperature control
  • B01L2300/1833—Means for temperature control using electrical currents in the sample itself
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
  • B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
  • B01L2300/00—Additional constructional details
  • B01L2300/18—Means for temperature control
  • B01L2300/1838—Means for temperature control using fluid heat transfer medium
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
  • B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
  • B01L2400/00—Moving or stopping fluids
  • B01L2400/04—Moving fluids with specific forces or mechanical means
  • B01L2400/0403—Moving fluids with specific forces or mechanical means specific forces
  • B01L2400/0415—Moving fluids with specific forces or mechanical means specific forces electrical forces, e.g. electrokinetic
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
  • B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
  • B01L2400/00—Moving or stopping fluids
  • B01L2400/04—Moving fluids with specific forces or mechanical means
  • B01L2400/0475—Moving fluids with specific forces or mechanical means specific mechanical means and fluid pressure
  • B01L2400/0487—Moving fluids with specific forces or mechanical means specific mechanical means and fluid pressure fluid pressure, pneumatics

Definitions

• the present invention generally relates to microfluidic systems. More particularly, the present invention provides a technique, including methods and devices, for generating and controlling heat in fluid in a channel of a microfluidic system in an efficient manner. These methods and devices are useful in a broad range of analytical and synthetic operations. Merely by way of example, the invention is applied to a polymerase chain reaction process, commonly termed PCR, but it will be recognized that the invention has a much wider range of applicability. The invention also provides techniques for monitoring and controlling a variety of process parameters using resistivity and/or conductivity measurements. There has been a growing interest in the manufacture and use of microfluidic systems for the acquisition of chemical and biochemical information.
• microfluidic refers to a system or device or “chip” having channels and chambers which are generally fabricated at the micron or submicron scale, e.g., having at least one cross-sectional dimension in the range of from about 0.1 ⁇ m to about 500 ⁇ m.
• planar chip technology for the fabrication of microfluidic systems are provided in Manz et al., Trends in Anal. Chem. (1990) 10(5): 144-149 and Manz et al., Adv. in Chromatog.
• biochemical system generally refers to a chemical interaction which involves molecules of the type generally found within living organisms. Such interactions include the full range of catabolic and anabolic reactions which occur in living systems including enzymatic, binding, signaling and other reactions.
• Biochemical systems of particular interest include, e.g., receptor-ligand interactions, enzyme-substrate • interactions, cellular signaling pathways, transport reactions involving model barrier systems (e.g., cells or membrane fractions) for bio-availability screening, and a variety of other general systems.
• model barrier systems e.g., cells or membrane fractions
• the resistive heating element often fails, which can damage the chip, equipment, and the environment. Furthermore, the resistive heating element generally cannot effectively control heat supplied to the chip, which often causes large undesirable temperature gradients and fluctuations in the chip. Accordingly, the resistive heating element applied directly to the chip is extremely limited (e.g., cannot heat locally) and unreliable in controlling process temperature in the chip.
• process parameters in the microfluidic system such as fluid concentration, pH, and the like typically cannot be controlled by way of conventional techniques.
• a user of the microfluidic system often verifies fluid concentration or pH at the fluid source (e.g., bottle), but the user generally cannot monitor such fluid parameters by conventional techniques, while the fluid is being used in the microfluidic system.
• the present invention techniques including methods and devices for controlling process parameters such as fluid temperature, concentration and the like of material (e.g., fluid) in a microfluidic system are provided.
• the present invention uses, for example, electric current applied through the material for heating purposes. Since only a small volume of the material is heated, the material can be successively heated and cooled by controlling the application of electric current to the material for a variety of chemical and biological applications, e.g., PCR and others.
• the invention provides techniques for monitoring process parameters such as temperature, fluid concentration, pH, and the like during a process step. Accordingly, an in-situ technique for monitoring these process parameters is provided.
• the present invention provides a microfluidic system having a controlled temperature element.
• the system comprises a substrate having at least a first microscale channel disposed therein, the channel typically including a fluid material disposed therein.
• the system also includes an energy source operably coupled to the channel for elevating a temperature of the fluid in the first portion of the channel, by applying a first electrical current or voltage through the first portion of the channel. The current is optionally applied through the first channel or through a second channel intersecting the first channel. Regions may be selectively heated by providing those regions with different, e.g., narrower cross-sectional areas, to increase the current density in those regions, and thus, the heat generated from that current.
• a sensor is also included operably coupled to the channel for sensing the temperature within the channel, whereupon the energy source is responsive to the temperature sensed within the channel.
• the present invention provides a microfluidic system having one or more thermal elements included therein.
• the system comprises a first channel defined in a substrate, where the channel includes a first end and a second end.
• a first energy source is provided coupled between the first end and the second end of the channel.
• the first energy source is further set at a current or voltage such that a fluid is pumped through said first channel.
• a second energy source is also provided coupled to the fluid in the first channel, whereby a voltage from the energy source such that a portion of said fluid is heated in a portion of said first capillary channel.
• the present invention provides a microfluidic system, that comprises a capillary channel comprising a first end and a second end, and an energy source coupled between the first end and the second end.
• the energy source provides a voltage across the fluid such that a portion of a fluid is heated in a portion of the capillary channel.
• the present invention provides a microfluidic system, which comprises a capillary channel defined in a substrate, the channel comprising fluid therein, wherein the capillary channel has a region whereupon fluid in the region is selectively heated using a voltage bias applied to the fluid in the capillary channel.
• the present invention provides a microfluidic system, which comprises a substrate, a channel defined in the substrate which channel includes a first end and a second end. An energy source is coupled to the channel, which energy source comprises a first source comprising an AC component and a second source comprising a DC component.
• the present invention provides a microfluidic system having a temperature control device.
• the system comprises a substrate and a channel defined in the substrate.
• the channel comprises a first end and a second end.
• An energy source is coupled to the channel to provide current through a fluid in said channel the current heating the fluid in the channel.
• a sensor is additionally coupled to the channel to detect a temperature of the fluid in the channel.
• a controller coupled to the sensor and the energy source controls the temperature in the channel based upon a desired set-point temperature.
• the present invention also provides a multi-port, microfluidic device, which comprises a substrate having a first fluid-filled channel region defined therein.
• the substrate includes at least a first port and a second port for transporting a material therebetween, and a second channel region defined in the substrate for applying electric current for heating fluid between the first and second ports.
• the present invention also provides a computer program product for operating a microfluidic system in accordance with other aspects of the present invention.
• the computer program comprises a computer readable memory including a code that directs an energy source to adjust an electric current or voltage to a channel comprising a fluid therein, to heat the fluid to a selected elevated level.
• the present invention also provides methods of controlling temperatures in microfluidic systems.
• the present invention provides a method of elevating temperature in at least a first portion of a fluid-filled microscale channel disposed in a substrate, to a first selected elevated temperature.
• the method typically comprises applying a first selectable current through the first portion of the first channel, wherein the first portion of the first channel has a first electrical resistance. At least one of the first selectable current or the first electrical resistance is then controlled to elevate the temperature in the first portion of the first channel to a first selected elevated temperature.
• the present invention provides a method of heating fluid in a microfluidic system, which comprises providing a channel, disposed in a substrate, having a first end, a second end, and a region defined therebetween. A fluid is provided in at least the region of the channel. An electric current is applied through the fluid to heat the fluid in the region. Further, the electric current selectively heats the fluid in the region of the channel while preventing substantial heating of the fluid outside the region.
• the present invention provides a method for controlling temperature of fluid in a channel defined in a substrate of a microfluidic system, which method comprises applying an electrical source to begin heating said fluid in said channel, adjusting a first parameter from the electrical source to provide a relatively constant second parameter. Wherein the fluid is heated without substantially increasing a temperature of the substrate.
• the present invention provides a method for monitoring parameters of a process in a microfluidic system.
• the method comprises providing a microfluidic system that includes a channel defined in a substrate.
• a material is transported in the channel, and the conductivity value of the material in the channel is determined.
• the conductivity measured in the measuring step is then correlated to a particular process parameter, i.e., buffer concentration, pH or temperature.
• the methods and systems of the present invention are useful in performing aqueous reactions at superheated temperatures. Specifically, such reactions are carried out by placing aqueous reactants into a microscale channel that is disposed in a solid substrate, and which has two ends, each end having an electrical port.
• the channel has at least a first electrical resistance associated with it whereby application of an electrical current through the channel results in heating of the aqueous reactants to temperatures in excess of 100°C.
• the present invention provides a microfluidic system comprising a substrate having at least a first microscale channel contained within.
• a sensor is operably coupled to the channel for determining the temperature of a fluid in at least a portion of the channel.
• an energy source responsive to the temperature determined in the fluid in the first portion of the first channel. This energy source applies a first electrical current through the at least first portion of the first channel to heat a fluid disposed within the first portion of the channel to a first elevated temperature.
• Another aspect of the present invention is a method of controlling temperature of a fluid in at least a first portion of a first channel disposed within a substrate.
• the method comprises applying a first electrical current through at least the first portion of the first channel.
• the first portion has a first electrical resistance.
• At least one of the first current and the first resistance is controlled to elevate the temperature of the fluid in the first portion of the first channel to a first selected elevated temperature.
• Another aspect of the present invention is a method of performing a nucleic acid amplification reaction which comprises providing amplification reaction reagents within at least a first portion of a first microscale channel.
• the amplification reagents typically comprise a template nucleic acid, a primer sequence, nucleoside triphosphates, and a polymerase enzyme.
• a temperature is repeatedly cycled within the at least first portion to temperatures appropriate for carrying out melting, annealing and extension reactions within the amplification reaction. Cycling the temperature comprises variably applying an electrical current through the first portion of the first channel. The electrical current then heats a fluid in the first portion of the first channel.
• Another aspect of the present invention is a microfluidic device comprising a substrate. A first microscale channel is contained within the substrate. The first microscale channel has first and second portions. The first portion comprises an elevated temperature region, which has an increased electrical resistance relative to other portions of the first channel when an electrical current is applied through the first microscale channel.
• the present invention also provides a computer program product for operating a microfluidic system, which comprises a computer readable memory that includes a code that directs an energy source to adjust an electric current applied to a first portion of a fluid containing first channel in response to a sensed temperature in the channel.
• the present invention also provides a computer implemented process for controlling a temperature of a fluid in at least a portion of a microscale channel.
• the process comprises sensing a temperature of a fluid in the portion of the channel and comparing the temperature in the portion of the channel to a preselected temperature.
• the current applied is then increased or decreased through the channel to increase or decrease the temperature in the channel to approximately equal the preselected temperature.
• Figure 1 is a simplified schematic illustration of an embodiment of a microfluidic system
• Figure 2 is a simplified diagram of a microfluidic system with a heating source according to the present invention
• Figure 2A is a simplified diagram of a temperature profile in the system of Figure 2;
• Figure 3 is a simplified diagram of a microfluidic system with a heating source according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention;
• Figure 4 is a simplified diagram of a microfluidic system with a heating source according to yet another alternative embodiment of the present invention
• Figure 5 is a simplified diagram of a microfluidic system with a heating source according to still another alternative embodiment of the present invention
• Figure 6 is a simplified diagram of a microfluidic system with a heating source according to still a further alternative embodiment of the present invention
• Figure 7 is a simplified diagram of a microfluidic system with a heating source according to still yet an alternative embodiment of the present invention
• Figure 8 is a simplified diagram of a microfluidic system with a plurality of heating sources according to the present invention.
• Figures 9 and 9A are simplified diagrams of a microfluidic system with heating and cooling sources according to the present invention.
• Figure 10 is a simplified plot of temperature in the microfluidic system of the above Figure.
• Figure 1 1 is a simplified diagram of a microfluidic system with global heating and cooling sources according to the present invention
• Figure 12 is a simplified diagram of a microfluidic system with a global heating source according to the present invention
• Figure 13 is a simplified flow diagram of a temperature control and detection method according to the present invention.
• FIG. 14 is a simplified flow diagram of an alternative temperature control and detection method according to the present invention.
• Figure 15 is a simplified temperature control and detection method using tracer materials according to the present invention.
• Figure 16 is a simplified flow chart of monitoring a process parameter according to the present invention
• Figure 17 is a simplified plot of experimental results for thermal cycling a nucleic acid material according to the present invention.
• Figure 18 is a plot of temperatures within a microscale channel, as determined from the measured conductivity of the solution within that channel, which temperatures increase to greater than 100°C and up to approximately 150°C.
• Figure 19 is a circuit diagram for a power supply coupled with a microfluidic device for monitoring and/or controlling the temperature of fluids within microscale channels by resistive electrical heating and conductivity based temperature measurement, in accordance with the present invention.
• Figure 20 is a flow chart for a computer program used to control and monitor temperature within a microfluidic device according to the resent invention.
• Figure 21 shows two plots ( Figure 21 A and Figure 2 IB) of increasing fluorescence as a function of the number of cycles in a PCR amplification reaction, where the fluorescence is related to the amount of double-stranded DNA amplification product.
• Figure 22 is a top view of a microfluidic device for carrying out integrated amplification and analysis operations.
• Figure 23 is an electropherogram for an assay.
• Figure 24 is an electropherogram for an assay in which white blood cells are electrophoresed.
• the present invention provides techniques for heating and cooling fluids in a microfluidic system, as well as monitoring a variety of process parameters.
• the present invention also provides techniques for moving and heating fluids through channels or annular regions of a microfluidic system.
• the present invention uses energy such as, for example, electric current, as heating source for providing regional or global heating of a fluid in a microfluidic channel. Details of the present invention are provided below in reference to the Figures that were already briefly described. Before discussing the embodiments directed to heating and cooling fluids by way of the novel heating sources and process monitoring embodiments, it may assist the reader to understand the context of the present invention by way of the next section.
• microscale generally refers to structural elements or features of a device which have at least one fabricated dimension in the range of from about 0.1 ⁇ m to about 500 ⁇ m.
• a device referred to as being microfabricated or microscale will include at least one structural element or feature having such a dimension.
• a fluidic element such as a passage, chamber or conduit
• microscale microfabricated or “microfluidic” generally refer to one or more fluid passages, chambers or conduits which have at least one internal cross-sectional dimension, e.g., depth, width, length, diameter, etc., that is less than 500 ⁇ m, and typically between about 0.1 ⁇ m and about 500 ⁇ m.
• the microscale channels or chambers preferably have at least one cross-sectional dimension between about 0.1 ⁇ m and 200 ⁇ m, more preferably between about 0.1 ⁇ m and 100 ⁇ m, and often between about 0.1 ⁇ m and 20 ⁇ m.
• the microfluidic devices or systems prepared in accordance with the present invention typically include at least one microscale channel, usually at least two intersecting microscale channels, and often, three or more intersecting channels disposed within a single body structure.
• Channel intersections may exist in a number of formats, including cross intersections, "T" intersections, or any number of other structures whereby two channels are in fluid communication.
• Body structures may be integrated structures, or may be aggregations of multiple separate parts that fit together to form the aggregate body structure.
• the body structure of the microfluidic devices described herein comprises an aggregation of two or more separate layers which when appropriately mated or joined together, form the microfluidic device of the invention, e.g., containing the channels and/or chambers described herein.
• the microfluidic devices described herein will comprise a top portion, a bottom portion, and an interior portion, wherein the interior portion substantially defines the channels and chambers of the device.
• Figure 1 illustrates a two-layer body structure 10, for a microfluidic device.
• the bottom portion of the device 12 comprises a solid substrate that is substantially planar in structure, and which has at least one substantially flat upper surface 14.
• substrate materials may be employed as the bottom portion.
• substrate materials will be selected based upon their compatibility with known microfabrication techniques, e.g., photolithography, wet chemical etching, laser ablation, air abrasion techniques, injection molding, embossing, and other techniques.
• the substrate materials are also generally selected for their compatibility with the full range of conditions to which the microfluidic devices may be exposed, including extremes of pH, temperature, salt concentration, and application of electric fields.
• the substrate material may include materials normally associated with the semiconductor industry in which such microfabrication techniques are regularly employed, including, e.g., silica based substrates, such as glass, quartz, silicon or polysilicon, as well as other substrate materials, such as gallium arsenide and the like.
• silica based substrates such as glass, quartz, silicon or polysilicon
• other substrate materials such as gallium arsenide and the like.
• an insulating coating or layer e.g., silicon oxide
• substrates are planar in structure, it will be appreciated that a variety of substrate conformations may be utilized, including concave or convex structures, tubular structures, e.g., capillaries, and the like.
• the substrate materials will comprise polymeric materials, e.g., plastics, such as polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), polycarbonate, polytetrafluoroethylene (TEFLONTM), polyvinylchloride (PVC), polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), polysulfone, and the like.
• polymeric substrates are readily manufactured using available microfabrication techniques, as described above, or from microfabricated masters, using well known molding techniques, such as injection molding, embossing or stamping, or by polymerizing the polymeric precursor material within the mold (See U.S. Patent No. 5,512,131).
• Such polymeric substrate materials are preferred for their ease of manufacture, low cost and disposability, as well as their general inertness to most extreme reaction conditions.
• these polymeric materials may include treated surfaces, e.g., derivatized or coated surfaces, to enhance their utility in the microfluidic system, e.g., provide enhanced fluid direction, e.g., as described in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 08/843,212, filed April 14, 1997 (Attorney Docket No. 17646-002610), and which is inco ⁇ orated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes.
• such alternate substrates may be in any of a variety of conformations, e.g., planar, tubular, concave, convex, or the like.
• the channels and/or chambers of the microfluidic devices are typically fabricated into the upper surface of the bottom substrate or portion 12, as microscale grooves or indentations 16, using the above described microfabrication techniques.
• the top portion or substrate 18 also comprises a first planar surface 20, and a second surface 22 opposite the first planar surface 20.
• the top portion also includes a plurality of apertures, holes or ports 24 disposed therethrough, e.g., from the first planar surface 20 to the second surface 22 opposite the first planar surface.
• the first planar surface 20 of the top substrate 18 is then mated, e.g., placed into contact with, and bonded to the planar surface 14 of the bottom substrate 12, covering and sealing the grooves and/or indentations 16 in the surface of the bottom substrate, to form the channels and/or chambers (i.e., the interior portion) of the device at the interface of these two components.
• the holes 24 in the top portion of the device are oriented such that they are in communication with at least one of the channels and/or chambers formed in the interior portion of the device from the grooves or indentations in the bottom substrate.
• the microfluidic devices will include an optical detection window disposed across one or more channels and/or chambers of the device.
• Optical detection windows are typically transparent such that they are capable of transmitting an optical signal from the channel/chamber over which they are disposed.
• Optical detection windows may merely be a region of a transparent cover layer, e.g., where the cover layer is glass or quartz, or a transparent polymer material, e.g., PMMA, polycarbonate, etc.
• transparent detection windows fabricated from the above materials may be separately manufactured into the device.
• These devices may be used in a variety of applications, including, e.g., the performance of high throughput screening assays in drug discovery, immunoassays, diagnostics, genetic analysis, and the like.
• the devices described herein will often include multiple sample introduction ports or reservoirs, for the parallel or serial introduction and analysis of multiple samples.
• these devices may be coupled to a sample introduction port, e.g., a pipettor, which serially introduces multiple samples into the device for analysis.
• a sample introduction port e.g., a pipettor
• sample introduction systems are described in e.g., U.S. Patent Application Nos. 08/761,575 and 08/760,446 (Attorney Docket Nos. 17646-000410 and 17646-000510, respectively) each of which was filed on December 6, 1996, and is hereby inco ⁇ orated by reference in its entirety for all pu ⁇ oses.
• the devices, methods and systems described herein employ electrokinetic material transport systems, and preferably, controlled electrokinetic material transport systems.
• electrokinetic material transport systems include systems which transport and direct materials within an interconnected channel and/or chamber containing structure, through the application of electrical fields to the materials, thereby causing material movement through and among the channel and/or chambers.
• electrokinetic transport of materials in microfluidic systems it is easily recognized that the heating and control aspects of the present invention are readily adaptable to systems utilizing other material transport systems.
• pressure based or pneumatic flow systems using pumps and/or pressure sources external to the microfluidic device can be used in conjunction with the heating, sensing and control aspects of the present invention.
• electrokinetic material transport and direction systems include those systems that rely upon the electrophoretic mobility of charged species within the electric field applied to the structure. Such systems are more particularly referred to as electrophoretic material transport systems.
• electrokinetic material direction and transport systems rely upon the electroosmotic flow of fluid and material within a channel or chamber structure, which results from the application of an electric field across such structures.
• a fluid is placed into a channel which has a surface bearing charged functional groups, e.g., hydroxyl groups in etched glass channels or glass microcapillaries, those groups can ionize.
• Controlled electrokinetic material transport and direction refers to electrokinetic systems as described above, which employ active control of the voltages applied at multiple, i.e., more than two, electrodes.
• controlled electrokinetic systems concomitantly regulate voltage gradients applied across at least two intersecting channels.
• Controlled electrokinetic material transport is described in Published PCT Application No. WO 96/04547, to Ramsey, which is inco ⁇ orated herein by reference in its entirety for all pu ⁇ oses.
• the preferred microfluidic devices and systems described herein include a body structure which includes at least two intersecting channels or fluid conduits, e.g., interconnected, enclosed chambers, which channels include at least three unintersected termini.
• intersection of two channels refers to a point at which two or more channels are in fluid communication with each other, and encompasses "T" intersections, cross intersections, "wagon wheel” intersections of multiple channels, or any other channel geometry where two or more channels are in such fluid communication.
• An unintersected terminus of a channel is a point at which a channel terminates not as a result of that channel's intersection with another channel, e.g., a "T" intersection.
• the devices will include at least three intersecting channels having at least four unintersected termini.
• controlled electrokinetic material transport operates to controllably direct material flow through the intersection, by providing constraining flows from the other channels at the intersection. For example, assuming one was desirous of transporting a first material through the horizontal channel, e.g., from left to right, across the intersection with the vertical channel. Simple electrokinetic material flow of this material across the intersection could be accomplished by applying a voltage gradient across the length of the horizontal channel, i.e., applying a first voltage to the left terminus of this channel, and a second, lower voltage to the right terminus of this channel, or by allowing the right terminus to float (applying no voltage). However, this type of material flow through the intersection would result in a substantial amount of diffusion at the intersection, resulting from both the natural diffusive properties of the material being transported in the medium used, as well as convective effects at the intersection.
• the material being transported across the intersection is constrained by low level flow from the side channels, e.g., the top and bottom channels. This is accomplished by applying a slight voltage gradient along the path of material flow, e.g., from the top or bottom termini of the vertical channel, toward the right terminus. The result is a "pinching" of the material flow at the intersection, which prevents the diffusion of the material into the vertical channel.
• the pinched volume of material at the intersection may then be injected into the vertical channel by applying a voltage gradient across the length of the vertical channel, i.e., from the top terminus to the bottom terminus.
• controlled electrokinetic material transport is readily utilized to create virtual valves, which include no mechanical or moving parts. Specifically, with reference to the cross intersection described above, flow of material from one channel segment to another, e.g., the left arm to the right arm of the horizontal channel, can be efficiently regulated, stopped and reinitiated, by a controlled flow from the vertical channel, e.g., from the bottom arm to the top arm of the vertical channel.
• the material is transported from the left arm, through the intersection and into the top arm by applying a voltage gradient across the left and top termini.
• a constraining flow is directed from the bottom arm to the top arm by applying a similar voltage gradient along this path (from the bottom terminus to the top terminus).
• Metered amounts of material are then dispensed from the left arm into the right arm of the horizontal channel by switching the applied voltage gradient from left to top, to left to right.
• the amount of time and the voltage gradient applied dictates the amount of material that will be dispensed in this manner.
• the devices and systems specifically illustrated herein are generally described in terms of the performance of a few or one particular operation, it will be readily appreciated from this disclosure that the flexibility of these systems permits easy integration of additional operations into these devices.
• the devices and systems described will optionally include structures, reagents and systems for performing virtually any number of operations both upstream and downstream from the operations specifically described herein.
• upstream operations include sample handling and preparation operations, e.g., cell separation, extraction, purification, amplification, cellular activation, labeling reactions, dilution, aliquoting, and the like.
• downstream operations may include similar operations, including, e.g., separation of sample components, labeling of components, assays and detection operations.
• Assay and detection operations include without limitation, probe interrogation assays, e.g., nucleic acid hybridization assays utilizing individual probes, free or tethered within the channels or chambers of the device and/or probe arrays having large numbers of different, discretely positioned probes, receptor/ligand assays, immunoassays, and the like.
• probe interrogation assays e.g., nucleic acid hybridization assays utilizing individual probes, free or tethered within the channels or chambers of the device and/or probe arrays having large numbers of different, discretely positioned probes, receptor/ligand assays, immunoassays, and the like.
• the systems described herein generally include microfluidic devices, as described above, in conjunction with additional instrumentation for controlling fluid transport and direction within the devices, detection instrumentation for detecting or sensing results of the operations performed by the system, processors, e.g., computers, for instructing the controlling instrumentation in accordance with preprogrammed instructions, receiving data from the detection instrumentation, and for analyzing, storing and inte ⁇ reting the data, and providing the data and inte ⁇ retations in a readily accessible reporting format.
• processors e.g., computers
• a variety of controlling instrumentation may be utilized in conjunction with the microfluidic devices described above, for controlling the transport and direction of fluids and/or materials within the devices of the present invention.
• fluid transport and direction may be controlled in whole or in part, using pressure based flow systems that inco ⁇ orate external or internal pressure sources to drive fluid flow.
• Internal sources include microfabricated pumps, e.g., diaphragm pumps, thermal pumps, lamb wave pumps and the like that have been described in the art. See, e.g.,
• WO 94/05414 and WO 97/02357 In such systems, fluid direction is often accomplished through the inco ⁇ oration of microfabricated valves, which restrict fluid flow in a controllable manner. See, e.g., U.S. Patent No. 5,171,132.
• the systems described herein preferably utilize electrokinetic material direction and transport systems.
• the controller systems for use in conjunction with the microfluidic devices typically include an electrical power supply and circuitry for concurrently delivering appropriate voltages to a plurality of electrodes that are placed in electrical contact with the fluids contained within the microfluidic devices.
• Examples of particularly preferred electrical controllers include those described in, e.g., U.S.
• the voltages at the electrodes of the microfluidic system are set responsive to the electric currents flowing through the various electrodes of the system.
• This current control is less susceptible to dimensional variations in the process of creating the microfluidic system in the device itself.
• Current control permits far easier operations for pumping, valving, dispensing, mixing and concentrating subject materials and buffer fluids in a complex microfluidic system.
• Current control is also preferred for moderating undesired temperature effects within the channels.
• microfluidic systems a variety of detection methods and systems may be employed, depending upon the specific operation that is being performed by the system. Often, a microfluidic system will employ multiple different detection systems for monitoring the output of the system. Examples of detection systems include optical sensors, temperature sensors, pressure sensors, pH sensors, conductivity sensors, and the like.
• each of these types of sensors is readily inco ⁇ orated into the microfluidic systems described herein.
• such detectors are placed either within or adjacent to the microfluidic device or one or more channels, chambers or conduits of the device, such that the detector is within sensory communication with the device, channel, or chamber.
• the phrase "within sensory communication" of a particular region or element, as used herein, generally refers to the placement of the detector in a position such that the detector is capable of detecting the property of the microfluidic device, a portion of the microfluidic device, or the contents of a portion of the microfluidic device, for which that detector was intended.
• a pH sensor placed in sensory communication with a microscale channel is capable of determining the pH of a fluid disposed in that channel.
• a temperature sensor placed in sensory communication with the body of a microfluidic device is capable of determining the temperature of the device itself.
• Particularly preferred detection systems include optical detection systems for detecting an optical property of a material within the channels and/or chambers of the microfluidic devices that are inco ⁇ orated into the microfluidic systems described herein.
• optical detection systems are typically placed adjacent a microscale channel of a microfluidic device, and are in sensory communication with the channel via an optical detection window that is disposed across the channel or chamber of the device.
• Optical detection systems include systems that are capable of measuring the light emitted from material within the channel, the transmissivity or absorbance of the material, as well as the materials spectral characteristics.
• the detector measures an amount of light emitted from the material, such as a fluorescent or chemiluminescent material.
• the detection system will typically include collection optics for gathering a light based signal transmitted through the detection window, and transmitting that signal to an appropriate light detector.
• Microscope objectives of varying power, field diameter, and focal length may be readily utilized as at least a portion of this optical train.
• the light detectors may be photodiodes, avalanche photodiodes, photomultiplier tubes, diode arrays, or in some cases, imaging systems, such as charged coupled devices (CCDs) and the like.
• CCDs charged coupled devices
• photodiodes are utilized, at least in part, as the light detectors.
• the detection system is typically coupled to the computer (described in greater detail below), via an AD/DA converter, for transmitting detected light data to the computer for analysis, storage and data manipulation.
• the detector will typically include a light source which produces light at an appropriate wavelength for activating the fluorescent material, as well as optics for directing the light source through the detection window to the material contained in the channel or chamber.
• the light source may be any number of light sources that provides the appropriate wavelength, including lasers, laser diodes and LEDs.
• light sources may be required for other detection systems.
• broad band light sources are typically used in light scattering/transmissivity detection schemes, and the like.
• light selection parameters are well known to those of skill in the art.
• the detector may exist as a separate unit, but is preferably integrated with the controller system, into a single instrument. Integration of these functions into a single unit facilitates connection of these instruments with the computer (described below), by permitting the use of few or a single communication port(s) for transmitting information between the controller, the detector and the computer.
• the controller system and/or the detection system are coupled to an appropriately programmed processor or computer which functions to instruct the operation of these instruments in accordance with preprogrammed or user input instructions, receive data and information from these instruments, and inte ⁇ ret, manipulate and report this information to the user.
• the computer is typically appropriately coupled to one or both of these instruments (e.g., including an AD/DA converter as needed).
• the computer typically includes appropriate software for receiving user instructions, either in the form of user input into a set parameter fields, e.g., in a GUI, or in the form of preprogrammed instructions, e.g., preprogrammed for a variety of different specific operations.
• the software then converts these instructions to appropriate language for instructing the operation of the fluid direction and transport controller to carry out the desired operation.
• the computer then receives the data from the one or more sensors/detectors included within the system, and inte ⁇ rets the data, either provides it in a user understood format, or uses that data to initiate further controller instructions, in accordance with the programming, e.g., such as in monitoring and control of flow rates, temperatures, applied voltages, and the like.
• the present invention is generally directed microfluidic systems which selectively provide energy to heat materials, e.g., fluids, including samples, analytes, buffers and reagents, in a desired location(s), e.g., within selected channels and/or chambers, of the microfluidic device in an efficient manner.
• the present invention uses a power source(s) that passes electrical current through fluid that is disposed within the channels and/or chambers of microfluidic systems, for heating that material in a controlled manner.
• the present invention takes the art recognized problem of resistive electrical heating of fluids in electrically controlled systems, and utilizes it to the advantage of the experimenter, e.g., to perform heating and control operations, within microfluidic systems.
• the methods and systems of the present invention provide a multitude of advantages over typical temperature control methods for fluidic systems. For example, such systems provide an ease of control and automation that come with precise electrical control of the temperature. Further such systems provide advantages of speed in changing temperatures of fluids and materials within channels. Additionally, these systems are readily integrated into state of the art electrokinetic microfluidic systems.
• such methods and systems permit the precise regional control of temperature control and /or heating within separate microfluidic elements of a given device, e.g., within one or several separate channels in a given device, without heating other regions where such heating is less desired.
• heat is only generated within the fluidic elements where such heating is desired.
• microfluidic elements are extremely small in comparison to the mass of the substrate in which they are fabricated, such heat remains substantially localized, e.g., it dissipates into and from the substrate before it affects other fluidic elements within the device.
• the relatively massive substrate functions as a heat sink for the separate fluidic elements contained therein.
• not substantially altering the temperature is meant that the temperature of material in the "non- heated” channel(s) will not vary more than about 40% (in terms of degrees C) from the temperature of the temperature of the overall substrate, e.g., typically ambient temperature.
• the ambient temperature of the substrate prior to any heating is 20°C
• heating of one channel portion within that substrate will occur without elevating the remaining channel portions more than 40%, or 8°C.
• the temperature of the remaining, unheated channel portions will not vary more than 10% and more preferably, not more than about 5%.
• a portion of that channel will be subjected to elevated temperatures, e.g., at or near the intersection.
• the majority of the channel portion e.g., greater than 90 % is maintained at or near ambient temperatures.
• unheated channels are maintained within about 10 °C of the temperature at which they would be absent any eating on the chip, preferably, within about 5°C, and more preferably within about 2°C.
• the present invention provides a microfluidic device having at least a first microscale channel having a fluid material disposed therein.
• a power source electrically coupled to different points along the channel, controllably delivers a current through the fluid within the channel to elevate the temperature of that fluid in a controlled, localized manner, i.e., localized within the fluid.
• the heating current may be applied directly to the channel or chamber in which an elevated temperature is desired, to portions of that channel, or it may be applied to an auxiliary, heating channel, e.g., that intersects or is adjacent to the channel in which the material to be heated is disposed.
• the temperature within the channel is monitored, and the power source varies the amount of power in response to the actual temperature. For example, where the actual temperature is lower than a desired temperature, the power source can increase the electrical current passing through the channel to heat the fluid until the desired temperature is achieved.
• the power source is typically responsive to the temperature that is sensed within the channel in which temperature control is desired. Examples of controllers responsive to temperatures in the channel are described in terms of the use of temperature set-points, below.
• the invention is preferably utilized in microfluidic systems that employ electrokinetic material transport systems, as noted above.
• the same electrical controllers, power supplies and electrodes can be readily used to control temperature contemporaneously with their control of material transport. This is discussed in greater detail below.
• the material is disposed within and preferably passes through a channel in which temperature control is desired.
• the channel typically has a desired cross-section (e.g., diameter, width or depth) that enhances the heating effects of the current passed therethrough, and the thermal transfer of energy from the current to the fluid.
• the channel(s) described herein can be formed on almost any type of substrate material such as, for example, amo ⁇ hous materials (e.g., glass, plastic, silicon), composites, multi-layered materials, combinations thereof, and the like, as described in greater detail, above. To assist in the understanding of the present invention, it may be helpful to briefly describe the present embodiments directed to heating fluid as described herein.
• POWER I 2 R
• I electric current passing through fluid
• R electric resistance of fluid
• the above equation provides a relationship between power dissipated ("POWER") to current (“7") and resistance (“R”).
• POWER power dissipated
• 7 current
• R resistance
• a portion of the power goes into kinetic energy of moving the fluid through the channel.
• the present embodiment uses a selected portion of the power to heat the fluid in the channel or a selected channel region(s). This channel region is often narrower or smaller in cross-section than other channel regions in the channel structure. The smaller cross-section provides higher resistance in the fluid, which increases the temperature of the fluid as electric current passes therethrough.
• the electric current can be increased along the length of the channel by increased voltage, which also increases the amount of power dissipated into the fluid to correspondingly increase fluid temperature.
• FIG. 2 is a simplified diagram of one example of a microfluidic system 400 with a heating source according to the present invention.
• the diagram is merely an illustration and should not limit the scope of the claims herein.
• the diagram illustrates a channel network or configuration 405 for moving and heating a volume of material, e.g., fluid, in channel or capillary region 407, which is located at the intersection of channels 413 and 421.
• Channel 413 can have a similar length and width such as those described herein, but can also be others.
• Channel 413 connects to regions 409 and 411. Regions 409 and 411 supply power to channel 413 for moving the fluid between regions 409 and 41 1.
• Power supply 403 is operab;ly coupled to the channel and provides power through lines 415 and 417 to regions 409 and 411, respectively.
• power supply 403 provides a voltage differential or electric field between regions 409 and 411 by application of a voltage differential to electrodes in regions 409 and 41 1, which voltage differential drives the electrokinetic movement of the material. As shown, the voltage differential applies along the length of channel 413.
• the phrase "operably coupled” refers to a connection between two elements such that one element is capable of imparting a desired function to the other element, or deriving a desired function from the other element.
• an electrical element e.g., a power supply or electrode
• the power supply is connected to the channel so as to impart the described function of the power supply, such as transmit an electrical current into and through the channel.
• Such connections typically employ commonly known electrical connectors, e.g., wires, electrical contact pads, swipe connectors, immersion electrodes, and the like.
• a computer that is operably coupled to a sensor is capable of receiving data from the sensor such that the computer can manipulate and/or analyze the data, while the same computer operably coupled to an electrical controller is capable of transmitting directions to the controller while receiving feedback information from the controller, e.g., resistances, actual voltages, etc.
• operable couplings for computers are generally supplied through appropriate, commercially available data transmission cables.
• an optical detection system that is operably coupled to a channel is typically within sensory communication of the channel. Specifically, the detection system is capable of sensing an optical signal within the channel.
• power supply 403 also provides power to regions 423 and 425 for the pu ⁇ ose of heating the fluid and material in region 407 in the channel configuration.
• power supply 403 provides a voltage differential between regions 423 and 425, resulting in an electric current between regions 423 and 425.
• the electric current is used to distribute energy to the fluid and material in region 407 for at least heating pu ⁇ oses.
• Channel 421 includes a novel geometric configuration, which is designed to effectively heat the fluid in region 407 in an efficient manner. As shown, channel 421 includes outer portions 421, each having a larger width or cross-sectional (e.g., diameter) dimension than inner portion or region 407, which has a corresponding larger fluid or electrical resistance than outer portions 421.
• the precise dimensions of the wider and narrower portions can be optimized depending upon the amount of current applied through the system, the amount of desired heating, the thermal capacity of the substrates and the like, which can be easily optimized experimentally. In any event, such dimensions typically fall within the dimensions described for microscale channels, herein, e.g., at least one cross-sectional dimension between 0.1 and 500 ⁇ m.
• power supply 403 applies voltage and/or current in one of many ways.
• power supply 403 applies direct current (i.e., DC), which passes through channel 421 and into channel region 407 which is smaller in cross-section to heat fluid and material in region 407.
• DC direct current
• This direct current can be selectively adjusted in magnitude to complement any voltage or electric field that may be applied between regions 409 and 411 to move materials in and out of region 407.
• alternating current i.e., AC
• AC can be selectively applied by the power supply 403 through channel 421 and into channel region 407 to heat fluid in region 407.
• This alternating current used to heat the fluid can be selectively adjusted to complement voltage or electric field that may be applied between regions 409 and 41 1 to move fluid in and out of region 407.
• AC current, voltage, and/or frequency can be adjusted, for example, to heat the fluid without substantially moving the fluid.
• power supply 403 applies a pulse or impulse of current and/or voltage, which passes through channel 421 and into channel region 407 to heat fluid in region 407 at a given instance in time. This pulse can be selectively adjusted to complement any voltage or electric field that may be applied between regions 409 and 41 1 to move materials, e.g., fluids or other materials, in and out of region 407.
• Pulse width, shape, and/or intensity can be adjusted, for example, to heat the fluid substantially without moving the fluids or materials, or to heat the material while moving the fluid or materials. Still further, the power supply may apply any combination of DC, AC, and pulse, depending upon the application.
• a controller or computer 437 such as a personal computer, commonly termed
• controller or computer monitors the temperature of the fluid in region 407 of the channel.
• the controller or computer receives current and voltage information from, for example, the power supply and identifies or detects temperature of fluid in region 407 in the channel.
• controller or computer adjusts voltage and/or current to meet the desired fluid temperature in a manner that is responsive to the temperature sensed within the channel by a temperature sensor which can be the electrical power supply itself, as described herein.
• the controller or computer also can be set to be "current controlled” or "voltage controlled” or “power controlled” depending upon the application.
• Controller or computer 437 includes a monitor 439, which is often a cathode ray tube ("CRT") display, a flat panel display (e.g., active matrix liquid crystal display, liquid crystal display), and others.
• Computer circuitry is often placed in a box 441, which includes numerous integrated circuit chips, such as a microprocessor, memory, interface circuits, and others.
• the box 441 also includes a hard disk drive, a floppy disk drive, a high capacity drive (e.g., ZipDriveTM sold by Iomega Co ⁇ oration), and other elements.
• keyboard 443 and mouse 445 which provide for a human interface to computer box 441.
• a variety of techniques by way of a computer program can be used to detect and monitor temperature, as well as other process parameters. Some of these techniques are described in more detail below.
• computer 437 is coupled to a network such as a local or wide area network.
• the local network can be configured as, for example, Ethernet or Token Ring.
• the local area network can also be an "Intranet.” Any one or a combination of these local area networks can be connected to a wide area network such as the "Internet” among others.
• the network can also be wireless, depending upon the application.
• the network allows for users to be off-site or allows multiple users to monitor or control or view processes of the present microfluidic system.
• Fig. 2A is a simplified diagram of temperature distribution 450 along the channel. As shown, the vertical axis represents temperature ("7") and the horizontal axis represents length or distance ("D") along the channel. Fluid in channel region 421 is maintained at temperature T u . Fluid in channel region 407 is maintained at temperature T s . The fluid temperature at region 407 is higher than the fluid temperature at region 421 as a result of the higher current density (and higher resistance) at region 407 from the cross-section of the channel at region 407 being smaller relative to the cross-section of the channel in region 421.
• the temperature profile from one end of the channel to the other end of the channel can vary selectively.
• temperature control along the length of the channel can be varied by varying the cross-sectional dimension of that channel, while allowing the current to remain unchanged.
• FIG. 3 is a simplified diagram of a microfluidic system 500 with a heating source according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention.
• the microfluidic system 500 includes a channel 502 having a variety of temperature zones, e.g., A, B, C, D, E, and fluid therein.
• a power supply such as the one described above, provides electric current between regions 501 and 503 for the pu ⁇ ose of heating fluid in region 505, 509 and 513 of the channel configuration.
• the power supply also provides a voltage differential between regions 501 and 503 that drives the transport of material through channel 502.
• the electric current is used, at least in part, to distribute energy to fluid in region 509 for at least heating pu ⁇ oses.
• the power supply (or another power supply) can also drive or move fluid between regions 501 and 503.
• Channel 502 includes a novel geometric configuration, which is designed to heat the fluid in region 505, 509 and 513 in an efficient manner.
• channel 502 includes outer portions 507, 51 1 that each has a larger width or cross-section dimension than inner portion or region 509.
• the narrower dimensions result in an increased current density within these regions when a current is passed through channel 502, resulting in a heating of the fluid located within these regions. Accordingly, fluid also increases in temperature in regions 505 and 513. Material can also be transported from region 501 to 503 while being heated in region 509, allowing heating of only a portion of the material. Further, additional regions of narrower dimension are optionally provided along the length of channel 502, to provide thermal cycling, "on the fly," as material is transported along channel 502.
• fluid is heated in certain regions and cools in other regions.
• fluid in regions 507 and 511 is cooler than fluid in regions 505, 509, and 513.
• channel 502 can be coupled to other channels, which move fluid from one region of channel 502 to another region of channel 502.
• the power supplied between regions 501 and 503 can be varied depending upon the application.
• the power source supplies energy in the form of electric current and/or voltage across regions 501 and 503.
• the electric current and/or voltage can be DC, AC, pulsed, a combination thereof, and others.
• the type of power used depends upon the application.
• FIG. 4 is a simplified diagram of a microfluidic system 600 with a heating source according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.
• This diagram is merely an illustration and should not limit the scope of the claims herein.
• a power source provides a voltage differential between regions 601 and 603. The voltage differential causes or drives a current to flow through fluid between regions 601 and 603.
• Current density near region 601 is higher than current density near region 603, which provides fluid at a higher temperature near region 601.
• the power supplied between regions 601 and 603 can be varied depending upon the application.
• the power source supplies energy in the form of electric current and/or voltage across regions 601 and 603.
• the electric current and/or voltage can be direct, alternating, pulsed, a combination thereof, and others.
• the type of power used depends upon the application.
• Material can also be electrokinetically moved or transported from region 601 to 603 while the fluid is being cooled from region 601 to 603. Moving fluid and/or material increases in temperature from region 603 to region 601 by way of the present embodiment. Alternatively, moving the material from region 601 to 603 decreases its temperature or cools it as it is being transported or moved from region 603 to region 601. Material movement or flow occurs using any of the techniques described herein and others. Of course, the particular combination of fluid movement and heating or cooling depends upon the application.
• FIG. 5 is a simplified diagram of a microfluidic system 700 with a heating source according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.
• This microfluidic system 700 includes a channel having region 705 with a first cross-section and region 709 with a second cross-section, wherein the second cross-section is larger than the first cross- section.
• Transition region 707 is located between regions 705 and 709.
• Power is supplied between regions 701 and 703. In particular, power is applied to fluid in channel 705 and 709 using electrodes applied to the fluid.
• a power source supplies energy in the form of electric current and/or voltage across regions 701 and 703.
• the electric current and/or voltage can be direct, alternating, pulsed, a combination thereof, and others. Of course, the type of power used depends upon the application.
• fluid and/or material In combination with cooling the fluid, fluid and/or material also is moved from region 705 to region 709. Fluid is moved or is transported between region 705 to region 709 using any of the techniques described herein and others. During this transport, the fluid or material cools. Alternatively, fluid or material is moved from region 709 to region 705 in combination with heating the fluid at region 707. Of course, the particular combination of fluid movement and heating or cooling depends upon the application.
• FIG. 6 is a simplified diagram of another example of a microfluidic system 800 according to the present invention.
• This diagram is merely an illustration and should not limit the scope of the claims herein.
• One of ordinary skill in the art would recognize other variations, alternatives, and modifications.
• the alternate embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in conjunction with a channel structure or network as shown in Figure 2. Accordingly, some of the same reference numerals are used herein for easy cross-referencing.
• microfluidic system 800 includes heating/cooling channel 801 disposed in substrate 811, but which is not directly fluidly connected to the channel or chamber in which elevated temperatures are desired.
• this heating channel 801 also termed a heating coil, is disposed in the substrate adjacent to the channel in which elevated temperatures are desired.
• Heating coil 801 provides thermal energy to channel 421, via conduction and/or convection.
• Heating coil 801 includes regions 803 and 805, among others.
• Coil 801 can be a heating coil or cooling coil, depending upon the application.
• coil 801 includes a fluid therein.
• a voltage is applied between regions 803 and 805 to direct current through the fluid for heating pu ⁇ oses.
• a power supply provides a voltage differential between regions 803 and 805.
• Current flows between 803 and 805 and traverses through a plurality of coils 809 (which can be planar), which are defined in a substrate 81 1. Shape and size of the coils can influence an ability of current to heat the fluid. As current traverses through the fluid, energy is transferred to the fluid for heating pu ⁇ oses.
• channel 801 can be a cooling coil.
• a fluid traverses from region 805 through coils 809 to region 803.
• region 805 can be a source of cooling fluid
• region 803 can be a sink for the cooling fluid after traversing through coil 809.
• Heated fluid in region 407 can be transferred to channel region 421 where fluid is cooled.
• heat from the fluid dissipates through walls of channel 421, through substrate 811, to heat sink or cooling fluid in coils 809.
• Cooling fluid in coils 809 take heat away from fluid in channel region 421 through either region 803 or 805, depending upon the application.
• the cooling fluid can be a variety of substances including liquids and gases.
• the cooling fluid includes aqueous solutions and others.
• the cooling fluid can be moved between regions 803 and 805 using any of the techniques described herein, and others.
• material in combination with heating or cooling, material also moves or is transported between any of the regions described in Figure 6.
• fluid or material flows from region 409 to region 411 or in the inverse direction.
• Fluid also can flow from region 423 to region 425, or the inverse direction.
• Fluid flow or movement occurs by any of the techniques described herein and others.
• the particular combination of fluid movement and heating or cooling depends upon the application.
• FIG. 7 is a simplified diagram of a microfluidic system with a heating or cooling source according to another alternative embodiment of the present invention. This diagram is merely an illustration and should not limit the scope of the claims herein. One of ordinary skill in the art would recognize other variations, alternatives, and modifications.
• microfluidic system 900 includes a variety of features including a channel
• a power source supplies a voltage differential between regions 905 and
• the voltage differential is applied to the fluid using a pair of electrodes in contact with the fluid in regions 905 and 907.
• Coils 906 can be defined in a substrate to include coils 906 and channel 902.
• coils 906 can be made of an independent structure, which is wrapped around channel 902. Coils 906 are preferably close enough to or in contact to channel 902 to transfer thermal energy from fluid in coils 906 to fluid in channel 902. Fluid in coils 906 can be moved using a variety of techniques including those described in this present specification.
• cooling fluid traverses through coils 906 to carry away thermal energy in the form of heat from channel 902. Cooling fluid is removed from either region 905 or 907, depending upon the application. Cooling fluid can be moved using a variety of techniques, including those described in this specification. Heat from fluid in channel 902 is removed from the fluid through a substrate, which includes coils 906 and channel 902, to the cooling fluid via a temperature gradient. That is, heat is removed from fluid in channel 902 using a combination of conduction, and convection if necessary.
• fluid moves between region 901 and region 903.
• fluid can move or is transferred from region 901 to region 903.
• fluid can move or is transferred from region 903 to region 901. Fluid movement occurs using any of the techniques described herein and others.
• System 1000 includes a variety of elements including a main channel, including channel regions 1021, 1025, 1033, 1035, and 1037, which extends from end region 1019 to end region 1009. Fluid generally traverses through the main channel from end region 1009 to end region 1019, or in reverse, depending upon the application.
• System 1000 also includes a plurality of heating source channels 1023, 1027, 1029, and 1031. Each of these heating channels has at least two end regions. For example, channel 1023 has end regions 1001 and 1017. Channel 1027 has end regions 1003 and 1015. Channel 1029 has end regions 1005 and 1013. Channel 1031 has end regions 1007 and 101 1.
• Each heating channel also has a region that intersects main channel 1021.
• channel 1023 intersects with main channel between channel regions 1021 and 1025 at channel region 1024.
• Channel 1027 intersects with main channel between channel regions 1025 and 1033 at channel region 1026.
• Channel 1029 intersects with main channel between channel regions 1033 and 1035 at channel region 1028.
• Channel 1031 intersects with main channel between channel regions 1035 and 1037 at channel region 1030.
• heating of fluid occurs at intersection regions 1024,
• a power source provides a voltage differential between each of the end regions of at least one of the heating channels to provide current that heats fluid in at least one of the intersection regions, 1024, 1026, 1028, and 1030.
• a voltage differential between regions 1001 and 1017 causes current to flow through the fluid which heats fluid in region 1024.
• a voltage differential between regions 1003 and 1015 heats fluid in region 1026.
• a voltage differential between regions 1005 and 1013 heats fluid in region 1028.
• a voltage differential between regions 1007 and 1011 heats fluid in region 1030. Voltage applied between any pair of end regions can be the same or different from any other pair of end regions.
• Figure 9 is a simplified cross-sectional view diagram of an example of a microfluidic channel system 1100 having a cooling source according to the present invention.
• the diagram is merely an illustration and should not limit the scope of the claims herein.
• Fluid in channel 1 103 can be heated using any of the techniques described herein.
• Protruding section 1 107 can be made using a variety of techniques such as masking and etching, milling, and others. As shown, protruding section 1107 is shaped as a "fin" to allow for thermal dissipation of heat from fluid in channel
• FIG. 9 A shows a more detailed diagram of the channel 1103 of Figure 9. This diagram is merely an illustration and should not limit the scope of the claims herein.
• Channel 1103 includes a width ("D") and region 1 107 has a thickness ("t").
• Fluid is heated in channel 1103 by way of a heating source such as electric current applied directly to the fluid along the length of the channel. Removing the electric current from the fluid removes the heating source from the fluid, and heat dissipates out of the fluid via a temperature gradient from the fluid through region 1107 and out to region 1105.
• a heating source such as electric current applied directly to the fluid along the length of the channel. Removing the electric current from the fluid removes the heating source from the fluid, and heat dissipates out of the fluid via a temperature gradient from the fluid through region 1107 and out to region 1105.
• FIG. 10 is a simplified diagram illustrating a temperature gradient of a heated fluid in channel 1103, as shown by Figure 9 A, for example. Temperature is shown on the vertical axis, and length along axis L is defined on the horizontal axis.
• the diagram illustrates region 1201, which is fluid in channel 1103 from the center region of channel 1103 to an outer periphery of channel 1103.
• the diagram also illustrates region 1203, which is defined by the thickness t of region 1107.
• External region 1105 is defined by reference numeral 1205.
• the series of line plots 1211, 1213, 1215, 1217, and 1219 represent temperature profiles across the fluid through the channel region, the thickness t, and ambient region 1105 for different times.
• fluid in channel 1103 has a temperature ("T F "), which is greater than ambient temperature (“T ''), when electric current is applied to the fluid for heating pu ⁇ oses.
• T F temperature in the channel drops toward T a , as shown by the arrow and the line plots 1213, 1215, 1217, and 1219.
• temperature of the fluid drops continuously from T F to T 2 down to T n , which is also T a .
• T F to T a drives heat out of the fluid in the channel to region 1205 until equilibrium is achieved as referenced to line plot 1219.
• a similar plot can be made for heating the fluid from ambient temperature to T F in reference to time.
• region 1105 can be filled or be in contact with a variety of fluids or materials to enhance or reduce heat transfer from or to fluid in the channel.
• region 1105 can be filled or in contact with a highly conductive fluid at a relatively low temperature to further enhance heat transfer from the fluid to region 1 105.
• the highly conductive fluid can be flowed over surface 1106 to provide convective forces, which move heat away from fluid in channel 1103.
• This fluid includes, among others, water, oils.
• region 1105 can be in contact with or filled with a heating source, which further drives heat into fluid in channel 1103. The type of fluid used depends upon the application.
• the present invention is used in conjunction with such conventional systems to provide complementary temperature control.
• an elevated temperature e.g., above ambient.
• the base temperature is elevated over typical ambient temperatures.
• power requirements for heating all of the channels of the system using the methods of the invention can be quite high.
• ⁇ globally controlling the temperature of the system at the elevated base temperature can be carried out utilizing conventional means, thereby minimizing the control and power requirements of such heating.
• conventional means include common external temperature control systems, such as water baths, ovens, hot plates and the like.
• integrated global temperature control systems e.g., integrated into the structure of the microfluidic device, may be utilized.
• resistive heaters e.g., thin film heaters and heating coils, peltier heaters, and the like.
• Figure 1 1 is a simplified diagram of a microfluidic system 200 with an energy source, external to the fluid, used to globally raise and/or lower temperature of the microfluidic device or system, and thereby heat and/or cool fluid or material in the microfluidic system according to the present invention.
• This diagram is merely an illustration and should not limit the scope of the claims herein.
• the system includes a variety of features such as microfluidic system 200, which has a plurality of channels 203, which are defined on a substrate 201.
• These channels include fluid or material to be heated or cooled and transported. Fluid can be selectively heated in a specific location in the channel according to any of the techniques described above. Fluid also can be transported or moved within the channel using any of the techniques described herein and others. In certain embodiments, fluid is moved to a specific location in the channel and heated during the same process sequences. In the present embodiment, fluid temperature also is globally raised or lowered during any process or processes as described herein and others.
• a variety of methods can be used to globally raise or lower fluid temperature in the microfluidic system, using energy sources or sinks to affect this temperature change.
• the energy source can be a thermal source, a chemical source, or an electrical source, as well as any other source.
• the energy sink can be a thermal sink or a chemical sink.
• the energy source or sink can be flood, time-varying, spatially varying, or continuous.
• global heating can be supplied by radiation, convection, or conduction.
• Heat sources can include photon beams, a fluid jet, a liquid jet, an electromagnetic field, a gas jet, an electron beam, a thermoelectric heater, e.g., a peltier device, resistive heaters, e.g., thin film or coil heaters, water baths, or a furnace.
• the thermal sink can include, among others, a fluid jet, a liquid jet, a gas jet, a cryogenic fluid, a super-cooled liquid, a thermoelectric cooling means, e.g., peltier device or an electromagnetic field.
• the electrical source can be an applied voltage or an applied electromagnetic means. Other types of energy sources can also be used.
• Global heating or cooling systems can be external, i.e., separate, from the microfluidic device, or alternatively, integrated into the device structure.
• the energy source is a heating element, such as a resistive thin film or coil heater, or peltier heater, that is either external to or integrated within the device.
• the heating element is which is placed against a surface or surfaces of the substrate in the microfluidic system, such as the one of Figure 12.
• the heating element 205 transfers thermal energy from, e.g., resistive element 207 in the heating element to the microfluidic system by way of conduction.
• Thermal energy provided to the microfluidic system globally increases temperature of the microfluidic system to a desired temperature. More particularly, electric current, which flows through the heating element, is converted to thermal energy.
• the thermal energy flows from hotter to cooler regions. Since the resistive element of the heating element is the hottest region, thermal energy flows from the resistive element towards the microfluidic system via conduction. Conduction of thermal energy or heat from the heating element transfers to the surface of the microfluidic system into the substrate.
• This thermal energy globally increases the temperature of the substrate in the microfluidic system. Accordingly, fluid temperature within the channels and/or chambers of the microfluidic system is also globally increased.
• An internal controller in the heating element or within the microfluidic device can be used to regulate the temperature of the microfluidic system.
• numerous other energy sources can be used to globally raise fluid temperature in the microfluidic system in other applications.
• Numerous techniques can be used to control power to the microchannels for the pu ⁇ ose of moving the fluid. These techniques can also be used to selectively monitor and adjust temperature in the microchannels or annular regions, as well. As noted above, one example of one of these techniques is the use of a processor or controller and/or computer software such as the one described above. Alternatively, exclusively hardware or preferably a combination of hardware and software can perform these techniques. Details with regard to specific computer programs that can perform selected techniques according to the present inventions are described below.
• the present invention provides a technique used to detect and control temperature of a fluid being heated in a microchannel by way of current and voltage measurements.
• other techniques may also be used. These techniques, of course, depend upon the application.
• the present technique may be briefly described by way of the following sequence of steps:
• the above sequence of steps can be performed using, for example, a computer program.
• the computer program provides an easy-to-use method to perform the above steps in a microfluidic system.
• the computer program can be executed in the form of computer software, firmware, hardware, or combinations thereof.
• the program executes the above functions using an interface that is coupled to the microfluidic system.
• the interface receives signals from the microfluidic system and provides signals to, for example, the power source, which supplies electric current to fluid for heating pu ⁇ oses. Details of the above sequence of steps are described below in reference to a simplified flow diagram of Figure 13.
• a process 1300 begins with step 1301, which generally requires the use of a microfluidic system such as those described herein and others.
• the process flows fluid (step 1302) into a microchannel or capillary by way of electroosmotic and/or electrophoretic forces, but are not limited to these forces. These forces are described throughout the present specification, but are not limited.
• the fluid can be controlled by way of a controller or computer.
• fluid flow slows, increases, or stops in the channel (step 1305) by way of selectively applying energy to the fluid through the controller.
• fluid flow can remain at a constant flow in the channel.
• electric current is applied to the fluid (step 1305) by way of, for example, electrodes coupled directly to the channel.
• the controller or computer provides a signal to turn-on a power supply to provide current directly to the electrodes.
• the electric current can be DC, AC, or pulsed, depending upon the application.
• a controller or computer can be coupled to the power supply to identify a voltage and a current applied to the fluid as shown in step 1307. The amount of voltage and current can be converted into power being dissipated into the fluid.
• temperature is calculated (step 131 1). For example, fluid temperature can be found in look-up tables. These calculations can be performed by, for example, computer software programs on a controller or computer.
• the controller or more properly a computer program compares (step 1313) the actual temperature from the calculation to a desired set-point temperature, which is previously stored in memory of the computer. Depending upon the difference between the actual temperature and the set-point, current may be added to the fluid or reduced using the controller (e.g., switches). For example, if the temperature of the fluid is equal to the set- point (step 1315), the process cycles back to step 1307 via branch 1317. Alternatively, the method provides adjustment (e.g., increase, decrease) to current to the fluid via branch 1319. This sequence of steps can be repeated indefinitely as required by the application.
• the global or overall temperature of the microfluidic system can be raised or lowered during any one of the above process steps.
• Overall fluid temperature is preferably globally raised or lowered using the technique described above, but can be others. Accordingly, fluid can be moved from one region to another in the microfluidic system. Fluid movement can be combined with selective heating of the fluid at a selected portion of a microchannel and/or global fluid heating of the entire microfluidic system. Additionally, the fluid in the microfluidic system can be static and heated globally or selectively in a specific location of the microfluidic system.
• a technique for controlling and detecting temperature of a fluid in a microchannel by way of a resistance measurement is provided.
• other techniques may also be used. These techniques, of course, depend upon the application.
• the present technique may be briefly described using the following steps: ( 1 ) Flow fluid in channel of microfluidic system;
• the above sequence of steps can be performed using, for example, a computer program.
• the computer program provides an easy-to-use method to perform the above steps in a microfluidic system.
• the computer program can be executed in the form of computer software, firmware, hardware, or combinations thereof.
• the program executes the above functions using an interface that is coupled to the microfluidic system.
• the interface receives signals from the microfluidic system and provides signals to, for example, the power source, which supplies electric current to the fluid for heating pu ⁇ oses. Details of the above sequence of steps are described below in reference to Figure 14.
• a process 1400 according to the present invention begins with step 1401, which generally requires the use of a microfluidic system such as those described herein and others.
• the process flows fluid (step 1403) into a microchannel or capillary by way of electroosmotic and/or electrophoretic forces. These forces are described throughout the present specification, but is not limited, e.g., hydrodynamic.
• the fluid can be controlled by way of a controller or computer.
• fluid flow slows, increases, or stops in the channel (step 1405) by way of selectively applying energy to the fluid through the controller.
• fluid flow can remain at a constant flow in the channel.
• electric current is applied to the fluid (step 1407) by way of, for example, electrodes coupled directly to the channel.
• the controller or computer provides a signal to turn-on a power supply or energy source to provide current directly to the electrodes.
• the electric current can be DC, AC, or pulsed, depending upon the application.
• a controller or computer can be coupled to the fluid via the electrodes or probes to measure resistance or conductivity of the fluid as shown in step 1409. The measured resistivity can be converted into temperature of the fluid.
• temperature is calculated (step 141 1). For example, fluid temperature can be found in a look-up table.
• step 1413 The controller or more properly a computer program compares (step 1413) the actual temperature from the calculation to a desired set-point temperature, which is previously stored in memory of the computer. Depending upon the difference between the actual temperature and the set-point, current may be added to the fluid or reduced by using the controller. For example, if the temperature of the fluid is equal to the set-point (step 1415), the process cycles back to step 1409 via branch 1419. Alternatively, the process provides an adjustment in current to the fluid by cycling back to step 1407 via branch 1417. This sequence of steps can be repeated indefinitely as required by the application.
• the global or overall temperature of the microfluidic system can be raised or lowered during any one of the above process steps.
• Overall fluid temperature is preferably globally raised or lowered using the technique described above, but can be others. Accordingly, fluid can be moved from one region to another in the microfluidic system. Fluid movement can be combined with selective heating of the fluid in at a selected portion of a microchannel and/or global fluid heating of the entire microfluidic system. Additionally, the fluid in the microfluidic system can be static and heated globally or selectively in a specific location of the microfluidic system.
• temperature of the fluid is detected in the microchannel using fluorescent materials according the present invention.
• the method may be briefly outlined as follows: ( 1 ) Provide fluid having a tracer material in channel of microfluidic system;
• the above sequence of steps can be performed using, for example, a computer program.
• the computer program provides an easy-to-use sequence of steps to perform the above steps in a microfluidic system.
• the computer program can be executed in the form of computer software, firmware, hardware, or combinations thereof.
• the program executes the above functions using an interface that is coupled to the microfluidic system.
• the interface receives signals from the microfluidic system and provides signals to, for example, the power source, which supplies electric current to fluid for heating pu ⁇ oses. Details of these steps are described below in reference to the simplified diagram of Figure 15.
• a process 1500 according to the present invention begins with step 1501, which generally requires the use of a microfluidic system such as those described herein and others.
• the process provides within these systems fluid with a tracer therein, as shown in step 1503.
• the tracer generally emits light in a manner that is proportional to the temperature of the tracer. More particular, the tracer emits light in proportion to the temperature of the fluid.
• An example of this tracer is a temperature sensitive fluorescent dye. Of course, the type of tracer used depends upon the application.
• a power source applies current (step 1505) to the fluid to heat the fluid in the channel.
• the electric current is applied to the fluid using, for example, electrodes coupled directly to the fluid in the channel.
• the controller or computer provides a signal to turn-on the power supply or energy source to provide the current directly to the electrodes.
• the electric current can be DC, AC, or pulsed, depending upon the application.
• a sensor measures a property (e.g., an optical intensity such as fluorescence)
• the tracer emits a certain amount of light, depending upon its temperature.
• the sensor reads the intensity level of light emitted from the tracer.
• the sensor is an optical sensor.
• the sensor can be a
• CCD charge coupled device
• a light intensity value captured by the sensor is transmitted as an electrical signal to the controller or computer.
• the controller correlates the intensity value to standards (step 151 1) to determine (step 1509) the actual temperature of the fluid. Correlation occurs, for example, by way of the computer program run by the controller or computer. Of course, there are other ways of determining the actual temperature of the fluid using the measured intensity value(s).
• the controller or more properly a computer program compares (step 1513) the actual temperature with a desired set-point temperature, which is previously stored in memory of the computer. Depending upon the difference between the actual temperature and the set-point, current may be added to the fluid or removed using the controller. For example, if the temperature of the fluid is equal to the set-point (step 1515), the process cycles back to step 1507 via branch 1519. Alternatively, the process provides additional current to the fluid by cycling back to step 1505 via branch 1517. This sequence of steps can be repeated indefinitely as required by the application.
• the embodiments directed to controlling temperature of fluid can be further modified or controlled by way of an active feedback process or control, depending upon the application.
• the active feedback process generally receives a signal such as temperature from the microfluidic process, for example.
• the actual temperature is compared with a set- point temperature and a difference is calculated. If the actual temperature is less than the set- point, a result based upon a function of the temperature difference is used to provide additional current or voltage to the fluid for heating pu ⁇ oses.
• the function prevents any substantial "overshoot" or "oscillation" of the actual temperature from the set-point temperature. Additionally, the function ensures that the set-point is achieved in an efficient manner. Examples of functions used to provide feedback control include among others, proportional control, differential control, integral control, or a combination thereof.
• a feedback process uses, for example, proportional control to provide an active feedback to the process based upon a multiplier.
• An output of a proportional controller is a fixed multiple of a measured difference or "error." That is, the proportional controller is simply the multiplier.
• Terms often used in describing proportional controllers include a proportional band and a controller gain. Controller gain is an amount by which the error is multiplied to obtain an output. The controllers can be calibrated to the proportional band rather than the gain depending upon the application.
• a process according to the present invention generally measures a signal such as these described above for identifying a temperature of the fluid. The signal is transduced. The transduced signal is compared with a desired set-point.
• a difference between the transduced signal and signal corresponding to the desired set-point is calculated.
• the difference is amplified by a constant, which is the proportional gain.
• the amplified difference provides an output, which drives current to reduce the difference.
• the global or overall temperature of the microfluidic system can be raised or lowered during any one of the above process steps.
• Overall fluid temperature is preferably globally raised or lowered using the technique described above, but can be others. Accordingly, fluid can be moved from one region to another in the microfluidic system. Fluid movement can be combined with selective heating of the fluid in at a selected portion of a microchannel and/or global fluid heating of the entire microfluidic system. Additionally, the fluid in the microfluidic system can be static and heated globally or selectively in a specific location of the microfluidic system.
• the temperature can also be controlled by simply setting the current or the voltage or power applied to the fluid by way of the power supply.
• the power supply can be operated in a current controlled mode such that the amount of current applied to the fluid remains constant and voltage varies depending upon any changes or fluctuations in resistance of the fluid.
• voltage of the power supply can remain constant while current is varied depending upon any changes or fluctuations in resistance of the fluid.
• the power supply can be operable in a mode where a combination of current and voltage remains constant, depending upon the application. Of course, the mode used depends upon the application.
• the present inventions can also be carried out in many other ways.
• the computer software can be placed in hardware such as a memory device, e.g., field programmable gate arrays ("FPGAs"), electrically erasable programmable read only memories (“EEPROMs”), read only memories (“ROMs”), random access memories (“RAMs”), etc.
• a memory device e.g., field programmable gate arrays ("FPGAs"), electrically erasable programmable read only memories (“EEPROMs”), read only memories (“ROMs”), random access memories (“RAMs”), etc.
• FPGAs field programmable gate arrays
• EEPROMs electrically erasable programmable read only memories
• ROMs read only memories
• RAMs random access memories
• Another type of memory device would be a compact disk read only memories (“CDROMs”), hard disks, floppy disks, high capacity disks (e.g., ZipDriveTM sold by Iomega Co ⁇ oration), and others.
• the present invention provides techniques for monitoring a variety of process parameters such as concentration of species in the fluid or material, pH, temperature, and the like More particularly, these parameters can be found by measuring fluid conductivity. That is, a fluid conductivity measurement is correlated to a fluid parameter such as fluid concentration, pH, temperature, and such parameter is compared to a desired parameter set-point. . These techniques may be used alone, or in combination with the heating applications and/or material transport systems described above. A method according to the present embodiment may be briefly outlined as follows:
• a program executes the above functions using at least an interface that is coupled to the microfluidic system.
• the interface receives signals from the microfluidic system, which correspond to conductivity values, and provides signals as intensity values to a controller.
• the controller reads the intensity value or values and determines the actual parameter value or values based upon, for example, a look up table or the like. Details of these steps are described below in reference to the simplified diagram of Figure 16.
• a process 1600 according to the present invention begins with step 1601, which generally requires the use of a microfluidic system such as those described herein and others.
• the process flows fluid (step 1603) into a microchannel or capillary by way of electroosmotic and/or electrophoretic forces. These forces are described throughout the present specification, but are not limited, e.g., hydrodynamic.
• the fluid can be controlled by way of a controller or computer.
• fluid flow slows, increases, or stops in the channel (step 1605) by way of selectively applying energy to the fluid through the controller. Alternatively, fluid flow can remain at a constant flow in the channel.
• a controller or computer coupled to the fluid via the electrodes or probes measures resistance or conductivity of the fluid, as shown in step 1609.
• the measured resistivity or conductivity can be converted into fluid concentration, pH, temperature or other fluid characteristics or parameters.
• selected fluid parameters are calculated (step 1611).
• the selected fluid parameter can be determined or calculated by way of a look-up table or tables. These calculations can be performed by, for example, by computer software programs on a controller or computer.
• the controller compares (step 1613) the measured or calculated fluid parameter to a desired set-point, which is previously stored in memory of the computer. Depending upon the difference between the measured fluid parameter and the set-point, the measured parameter or other parameters in the system may be adjusted, step 1615. Alternatively, the system may be shut down temporarily to reset certain parameters. Additional conductivity valves are measured via branch 1617.
• conductivity of a buffer fluid determines the type of buffer and pH value.
• the conductivity of the buffer is a function of acid/salt concentration, pH and temperature. Additionally, the conductivity may also be utilized to determine the contents of the buffer solution, as well as other features.
• a buffer consisting of 1 M Sodium acetate buffer (NaOAc) at pH 5 made with hydrochloric acid (HC1) (e.g., IM NaOAc adjusted to pH 5 by adding HC1) has a specific conductivity that is higher than a 1 M NaOAc buffer at pH 5 made with sodium hydroxide (NaOH) (e.g., IM acetic acid (HO Ac), adjusted to pH 5 by adding NaOH).
• a look-up table of conductivity values for commonly used buffers as a function of, for example, concentration, pH, temperature can be made and used to identify the buffer fluid being measured and used in the microfluidic system, or as a quality assurance mechanism to ensure that the proper buffers are being utilized in the system.
• Specific values for given buffers can be readily determined by routine experimentation.
• the present invention allows the user of the microfluidic system to identify and determine a number of parameters by way of a measured fluid conductivity value. Numerous benefits are achieved by way of monitoring process parameters according to the present invention. For example, the user of the microfluidic system can easily determine whether the proper fluid is being used in a selected microchannel by way of a simple conductivity measurement, which will be correlated to a variety of inherent fluid parameters or characteristics.
• the present invention allows the user to have greater confidence in the data being generated in the microfluidic system, which is often difficult to monitor using conventional tools and monitoring equipment. Furthermore, the present invention provides for "high quality" data, which can be shown to a potential customer of the data. Moreover, the present invention provides a technique for in-situ process monitoring by way of simple conductivity measurements. Accordingly, the in-situ monitoring technique can provide the user with greater "confidence" in the results of the operation being performed.
• fluid can be selectively heated during the process monitoring step or steps.
• a power supply providing electric current through the fluid selectively heats a portion or portions of the fluid in the microchannel.
• Any of the techniques described herein and others can be used to heat the fluid.
• the fluid can even be cooled by way of the techniques described herein using the present monitoring techniques. Accordingly, fluid can be selectively cooled and heated in combination with the present monitoring technique.
• the global or overall temperature of the microfluidic system can be raised or lowered during any one of the above process steps. Overall fluid temperature is preferably globally raised or lowered using the technique described above, but can be others. Accordingly, fluid can be moved from one region to another in the microfluidic system.
• Fluid movement can be combined with selective heating of the fluid in a selected portion of a microchannel and/or global fluid heating of the entire microfluidic system. Additionally, the fluid in the microfluidic system can be static and heated globally or selectively heated in a specific location of the microfluidic system.
• the present inventions can also be carried out in many other ways.
• the computer software can be placed in hardware such as a memory device, e.g., field programmable gate arrays ("FPGAs"), electrically erasable programmable read only memories (“EEPROMs”), read only memories (“ROMs”), random access memories (“RAMs”), etc.
• a memory device e.g., field programmable gate arrays ("FPGAs"), electrically erasable programmable read only memories (“EEPROMs”), read only memories (“ROMs”), random access memories (“RAMs”), etc.
• FPGAs field programmable gate arrays
• EEPROMs electrically erasable programmable read only memories
• ROMs read only memories
• RAMs random access memories
• Another type of memory device would be a compact disk read only memories (“CDROMs”), hard disks, floppy disks, high capacity disks (e.g., ZipDriveTM sold by Iomega Co ⁇ oration), and others.
• the present invention relates to processes for the treatment of nucleic acid material in order to effect a complete or partial change from double stranded form to single stranded form and to processes of amplifying or detecting nucleic acids involving such denaturation processes.
• the processes for treatment of nucleic acid material occurs by successively changing temperature of the nucleic acid material by way of thermal cycling.
• Thermal cycling in accordance with the present invention occurs by applying current to the nucleic acid material in the microcapillary of the microfluidic system.
• the present invention applies current to the nucleic acid material using any of the techniques described herein, but are not limited to such techniques.
• Double stranded DNA commonly termed “deoxyribonucleic acid” and DNA/RNA, and RNA/RNA complexes in the familiar double helical configuration are stable molecules that, in vitro, require aggressive conditions to separate the complementary strands of the nucleic acid.
• Methods that are typically employed for strand separation require the use of high temperatures of at least 60° C and often 100° C or more or use of an alkaline pH of 11 or higher.
• the present invention provide methods for obtaining the elevated temperatures often required for strand separation.
• Mullis et al. discloses a process for amplifying and detecting a target nucleic acid sequence contained in a nucleic acid or mixture thereof by separating the complementary strands of the nucleic acid, hybridizing with specific oligonucleotide primers, extending the primers with a nucleic acid polymerase to form complementary primer extension products and then using those extension products for the further synthesis of the desired nucleic acid sequence by allowing hybridization with the specific oligonucleotide primers to take place again.
• thermostable polymerases e.g., the Thermus aquaticus polymerase (Taq)
• the process can be carried out repetitively to generate large quantities of the required nucleic acid sequence from even a single molecule of the starting material. Separation of the complementary strands of the nucleic acid is achieved preferably by thermal denaturation in successive cycles, since the thermal process offers simple reversibility of the denaturation process to reform the double stranded nucleic acid, in order to continue the amplification cycle.
• thermal denaturation in successive cycles occurs by way of successively heating a region of the channel or channels using the techniques described herein. Since the region being heated is for a small volume of fluid, heating and cooling occurs at a sufficient speed or rate to effectively perform the denaturation process.
• a technique for thermal denaturation in successive cycles according to the present invention may be briefly outlined as follows: (1) Provide nucleic acid material into channel;
• the above sequence of steps provides for successive thermal cycles in a regional area of a channel. This allows for efficient thermal transfer of heat to the fluid itself, which allows for efficient heating and cooling of the nucleic acid material. Additionally, the present invention provides regional heating of the material itself, and it may not generally require the use of special heat resistant polymerase enzymes from thermophilic organisms for, steps such as, for example, a primer extension step if the continuous addition of heat labile enzyme is to be avoided.
• the present invention provides for heating (e.g., 90°C and greater) the nucleic acid material in the enclosed volume of a channel, which substantially prevents evaporation of liquid, which evaporation was often associated with previously used techniques. Still further, the present invention allows for reactions to occur in very small volumes to provide, for example, reagent economy in applications such as the Human Genome Project and in routine diagnostics industry where reagent economy, design of assay format and the speed of the DNA denaturation renaturation process are important.
• the temperature control methods and systems described herein are capable of rapidly elevating the temperature of fluids and other materials within microscale channels, without concomitant heating of the overall substrate in which the channels are disposed.
• the advantages of rapid and/or localized heating provide additional advantages when used in conjunction with a number of biochemical processes, and particularly with amplification processes such as the polymerase chain reaction (PCR).
• PCR polymerase chain reaction
• the rapid and/or localized heating capability of the devices and systems of the present invention enables one to carry out thermal amplification without the need for thermostable polymerases. While thermostable polymerases have proven effective in thermal amplification processes in the past, these enzymes have a number of problems associated with their use.
• Taq Thermus aquaticus polymerase
• problems of relatively low fidelity e.g., up to 1 % of the inco ⁇ orated nucleotides can be incorrect, e.g., improperly inco ⁇ orated based upon the template sequence.
• the methods of the present invention provide the ability to amplify a nucleic acid sequence without requiring the use of a thermostable polymerase enzyme, i.e. Taq.
• a thermostable polymerase enzyme i.e. Taq.
• nonthermostable polymerase enzymes are commercially available, e.g., T4 DNA polymerase, etc., and are much less expensive than the thermostable varieties.
• these nonthermostable polymerases typically inco ⁇ orate nucleotides in an extension product at greater speeds and with greater fidelity than the thermostable varieties.
• the methods, devices and systems of the present invention take advantage of the extremely localized heating capability of these methods and devices.
• thermal cycling of the reagents for an amplification reaction e.g., for melting and annealing the template and primers
• the extension reaction involving the polymerase enzyme is carried out in a different region of the channel or channel network, which is not subjected to the elevated temperatures of thermal cycling, or is carried out within the thermal cycling region at unheated times in the thermal cycling.
• the reagents e.g., template, primers, extension reagents, polymerases, etc.
• the polymerase enzyme which is stored or maintained in a different region of the device is substantially unaffected by the elevated temperature within the reaction region of the device.
• the methods, devices and systems take advantage of the extreme high speed at which such systems are capable of heating fluids within microscale channels.
• the resistive heating methods and systems of the present invention are capable of heating fluid within microscale channels to temperatures approaching 100 °C and higher, within a matter of seconds, and even milliseconds. This is compared to the several minutes required to achieve such temperatures in conventional thermal cyclers. This rapid and precise control over temperature allows the reaction mixtures, including template, primers and enzymes, to reach melting temperatures for the template and primers very fast.
• the mixture is maintained at the melting temperature for a period just long enough to melt the strands of the template and primers apart, without resulting in the denaturation of the polymerase enzyme.
• nucleic acids will typically be thermally denatured, e.g., melted apart, within a matter of seconds or milliseconds, at temperatures approaching boiling, e.g., 100°C, while non-thermostable proteins typically must endure several seconds, tens of seconds, and in some cases, minutes to thermally denature at such temperatures.
• PCR process described above is not intended to be limiting. The PCR process is also described in e.g., U.S. Patent Nos. 4,683,195; 4,683,202; and 4,965,188; PCR
• amplification systems include the ligase chain reaction, QB RNA replicase and RAN-transcripti on-based amplification systems.
• ligase chain reaction QB RNA replicase
• RAN-transcripti on-based amplification systems Other amplification systems.
• the resent invention provides for the use of an electrical energy source, e.g., a power supply, t control the temperature of fluids that are disposed within microscale channels or portions thereof.
• an electrical energy source e.g., a power supply
• the use of such energy sources involves the application of an electrical current, e.g., from the energy source, through the fluid disposed in the microscale channel or portion thereof.
• this use employs electrodes that are operably coupled to the energy source at one end and at the channel at the other end.
• the applied current can be AC, DC, arbtrary current, or a combination of any or all of these.
• This experiment was performed to illustrate thermal denaturation of nucleic acids by heating cycles according to the present invention.
• the nucleic acid was heated in a microchannel, having a length of about 5 mm and a dimension of about 70 X lO ⁇ m, and was rectangular in cross-section.
• the microchannel was defined in a substrate made of glass, but is not limited to such a material.
• the channel was similar to the one illustrated by way of Figure 1, for example.
• Fluid containing nucleic acid was introduced into the microchannel using the fluid movement techniques described herein.
• the nucleic acid in this experiment included DNA sequences GACACAGCTACTCCT and AGGAGTAGCTGTGTC.
• an intercalating dye was added to the fluid to provide a fluorescent signal, depending upon whether the nucleic acid was double stranded or denatured, e.g., melted apart. That is, a fluorescent signal from the intercalating dye is greater when the nucleic acids are double stranded, and less when the nucleic acids are denatured.
• the intercalating dye used was a product sold under the tradename of SyberGreenTM, which is manufactured by Molecular Probes, Inc., Eugene, Oregon. Other types of dyes can also be used depending upon the application.
• FIG. 17 shows a simplified relationship between the intensity of the fluorescent signal and time according to the present experiment.
• the vertical axis represents intensity, as measured in some arbitrary units. Intensity is generally positive and increases along the positive length of the vertical axis.
• the horizontal axis represents time, which generally relates to selected periods when current was applied to the fluid for heating pu ⁇ oses.
• the dashed lines near the bottom portion of the Figure represent times when current was applied to the fluid and the magnitude of the electric currents is indicated on the vertical axis on the right hand side of the Figure.
• the type of nucleic acid material is intended to be limiting.
• the nucleic acid material can be almost any type capable of being heated and cooled for a variety of reactions such as, for example, PCR, LCR, and others.
• the present invention provides fluid having one of many flow and temperature characteristics in the channel of a microfluidic system.
• the fluid moves through the channel at a relatively constant temperature, which is not adjusted by way of a heating source.
• fluid moves through the channel at an elevated temperature throughout the length of the channel or in a specific region of the channel, which is often dependent upon the geometric shape of the specific region.
• fluid moves into the channel and then stops in the channel, and is heated completely or partially by way of the present embodiments.
• fluid moves at varying rates through the length of the channel.
• Temperature of the fluid can also be heated and/or cooled throughout the channel or at a specific region of the channel.
• the flow and temperature characteristic of the channel will depend highly upon the application, e.g., PCR, LCR, and others.
• thermal control of nucleic acid melting and reannealing is carried out utilizing applied currents.
• a molecular beacon consisting of a fluorescent donor-acceptor pair coupled to opposite ends of a self-hybridizing nucleic acid sequence is used.
• the molecular beacon self-hybridizes placing the donor and acceptor moieties in sufficiently close proximity to quench the fluorescence.
• the donor and acceptors are separated and no quenching occurs, resulting in a fluorescent reaction mixture.
• FIG. 18 A plot of the fluorescence is shown in Figure 18 (diamond-increasing temperature in microscale channel, open circle-decreasing temperature in microscale channel, square-control).
• thermal control of nucleic acid melting by electrical means tracks nearly identically with conventional heating techniques during both increasing and decreasing temperature operations.
• FIG. 19 illustrates a circuit diagram of the AC power supply connected to the reservoirs at the termini of an experimental amplification channel in a microfluidic device. The power supply is also shown with a DC power supply that can be used to electroosmotically transport materials in a microfluidic system.
• the power supply was capable of producing a high voltage, high frequency current through the amplification channel in the microfluidic device, to heat the fluid therein, while a low voltage, low frequency signal was used to measure the conductivity through the channel.
• the temperature-conductance relationship was used to determine the temperature of the fluid within the channel according to the following relationship:
• the low frequency signal was generated by the Lock-in amplifier while the heating signal was generated by amplifying the output from the function generator, and stepping up the voltage through a series of transformers.
• a passive filter was inco ⁇ orated into the system to prevent more than 1 ⁇ A of high frequency current from going into the input of the lock-in amplifier.
• the overall amplification reaction was carried out in a microfluidic device
• microfluidic channels in which the reactions were carried out were of uniform cross-sectional dimension, and were approximately 9 mm long, 70 ⁇ m wide and 10 ⁇ m deep. Simple straight channels were used for pu ⁇ oses of demonstration, however, it should be appreciated that more complex channel networks could be used to integrate an amplification process as demonstrated, with other analytical or preparative reactions (See, e.g., Example 3, below). Electrical connections between the power supply and the microfluidic test channels of the device were made via platinum electrodes placed into the reservoirs at the termini of the test channels, which electrodes were coupled to appropriate leads of the power supply, as shown in Figure 19.
• FIG. 20 is a flow chart illustrating the organization of the Lab VIEW subroutines, and their communication with each other (Lab VIEW Programs are generally referred to as Virtual Instruments or Vis, and thus, sub Vis are equivalent to subroutines).
• Subroutine 2002 is used to store all of the variables that describe the system (the Experimental Parameters), as well as all of the data that changes on a continual basis during the experiment, and that needs to be shared among the various subroutines (the Living Variables).
• the experimental parameters were: DAQ Device; ADC Channels; ADC Channels; DAC Output Channel; DAC Shutter Channel; Lock-in Sensitivity; Function Generator amplitude; Reference Temperature; Reference Conductivity; Filename; and Comments.
• the Living Variables were: Temperature Setpoint; Lock-in Voltage Setpoint; Lock-in Voltage Output; % Output; Binary Data (data read from ADC inputs with 0-2 12
• subroutine 2004 (“Read Data and Control Temperature” subroutine)
• the data/voltages from the microscope/PMT and the Lock-in amplifier was read, and the data in the living variable section of the subroutine 2002 ("Global Variables and Parameters” subroutine) are updated.
• this subroutine controlled the temperature by changing the output from the function generator.
• the % Output is the percentage of the amplitude displayed on the front panel of the function generator that is going into the amplifier transformer circuit.
• subroutine 2006 Live Data Viewer subroutine
• data is continually displayed: temperature, temperature setpoint, % output, and fluorescent signal read on channels A and B.
• the data is obtained from subroutine 2002 ("Global Variables and Parameters) at the user specified rate. Once the overall experiment is completed, this subroutine prompts the user to save the file to disk.
• subroutine 2008 "PCR Temperature Profiler" subroutine
• the temperature setpoint and voltage setpoints are changed in the Global Variables and Parameters subroutine 2002 to generate the temperature profile input by the user.
• the user selects a state, which includes a temperature setpoint, hold time and shutter state (open or closed). States can be chosen for initial hard melting, final extension, and a series of additional states that can be programmed to cycle through any number of times, e.g., annealing, extension, melting.
• the program changes the temperature setpoint to 20°C to maintain the system in a safe, low voltage condition.
• subroutine 2010 (“Shutter (background)” subroutine
• the shutter state is toggled between open and closed by changing the voltage on the "DAC out” pin.
• the “Shutter (background)” subroutine is called by the PCR Temperature Profiler subroutine 2008, as noted above.
• the “Shutter” subroutine 2012 on the other hand, is used by the user to manually open and close the shutter on the microscope.
• Subroutine 2014 (“Data Reviewer” subroutine) is used to open data files from previously saved experiments, and plot the data in the same format as the Live Data Viewer subroutine 2006. As shown, both the Data Reviewer and Shutter subroutines, 2014 and 2012, respectively, are independent from the operation of the overall system.
• a conventional Lambda PCR protocol was used to demonstrate the performance of a PCR operation in a microfluidic device utilizing controlled electrical or resistive heating according to the present invention.
• a 500 nucleotide segment of the lambda DNA (48,500 bases total) was used as the target sequence for amplification.
• the PCR buffer and primers used were commercially available in the GeneAmp PCR Reagent Kit sold by Perkin Elmer Co ⁇ . (Norwalk, Conn.).
• Primer #1 had the following sequence 5'-GATGA GTTCG TGTCC GTACA ACTGG-3' while the primer #2 sequence was 5'-GGTTA TCGAA ATCAG CCACA GCGCC-3'.
• an intercalating dye (Sybr Green I) was used to indicate an increase in the amount of ds DNA, or amplified product.
• the fluorescence signal is expected to be constant over the first several cycles of the reaction until a sufficient number of copies are made to overcome the background fluorescence.
• the cycle that the signal begins to rise is an indication of the number of DNA template copies that the reaction started with; the earlier the signal increases, the more template copies there are.
• the fluorescence then begins to increase exponentially with cycle number as the DNA copies double each cycle. Before long, the fluorescence begins to level off as the amount of primers and dNTPs are diminished and as it becomes increasingly difficult to anneal the primers to the targeted DNA sequence.
• the device used in the second experiment included extension collars applied to the reservoirs, permitting a larger volume (20 ⁇ l) of mineral oil to be overlaid onto the solution to prevent evaporation and drifts in the conductivity. These conductivity drifts produced variations in the temperature.
• the second run used a three- temperature cycle with two different temperatures for the anneal and extension steps whereas the first run used a two-temperature cycle.
• Example 3- Integrated Nucleic Acid Amplification and Analysis in Microfluidic Systems The microfluidic device depicted in Figure 22 was used to perform multiple operations in a biochemical assay were run on the microfluidic device. This demonstrates the ability to integrate functions such as complex (blood) sample preparation, specialized reaction (polymerase chain reaction, PCR), and sophisticated analysis (DNA size separation) in a single format.
• functions such as complex (blood) sample preparation, specialized reaction (polymerase chain reaction, PCR), and sophisticated analysis (DNA size separation) in a single format.
• the microfluidic device 2210 was used to prepare whole blood, load DNA template from whole blood, run the PCR reaction and then size the resulting PCR product by gel separation.
• Channels 2230 and 2240 were filled with sieving matrix gel 2250.
• wells 2260 and 2270 at the ends of separation channel 2230 were filled with gel.
• approximately 2000 lymphocytes (white blood cells) purified from whole blood in a conventional way (centrifugation) were added to 20 ⁇ L of PCR reaction mix and placed in sample well 2280 of chip 2210. The wells were overlaid with mineral oil and the chip was cycled using a thermocycler. After cycling, the PCR product was separated by passage through a second chip through channel 2230.
• Figure 23 shows the electropherogram for this portion where the amplified peak of the HLA locus (about 300 bp) is seen at around 34 seconds at the same time as the 270-310 bp fragments in the PhiX 174 standard ladder.
• PCR reaction mix without DNA template was placed in well 2280 of a fresh microfluidic device
• Lymphocytes (white blood cells) were electrophoresed through the channel to the well containing the PCR reaction mixture until 20-100 lymphocytes were in the PCR well.
• the entire device was thermally cycled and DNA separated as for the previous example. The results are shown in Figure 24. Amplification was achieved for both purified and electrophoresed lymphocytes, although the amount of product for purified lymphocytes was larger than for electrophoresed lymphocytes. Sufficient PCR cycles were run to ensure that the reaction had reached a plateau stage since the number of starting copies was different.

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