Patent ID: 6858185
Filing Date: 2005-02-22
Classification: B01F,B01L,G01N,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A method of diluting a first fluid in a microfluidic device, comprising: (i) providing a microfluidic device including a body structure comprising a plurality of microscale channels disposed therein, the plurality of microscale channels comprising: (a) at least a first main channel; and, (b) a plurality of flow reduction channels each having a first and second end, wherein the first end of each of the plurality of flow reduction channels intersects the first main channel, and wherein the second ends of all of the plurality of flow reduction channels are fluidly coupled to a single, common fluid reservoir; (ii) introducing a first fluid into the first main channel; (iii) introducing a second fluid into the first main channel, the first and second fluids mixing in the first main channel; (iv) removing a portion of the first and second fluids mixed in the first main channel through a first one of the plurality of flow reduction channels; (v) introducing at least a third fluid into the first main channel to mix with the first and second fluids mixed in the first channel; and (vi) removing a portion of the first, second and third fluids mixed in the first channel through a second one of the plurality of flow reduction channels, thereby diluting the first fluid with the second and third fluids in the first main channel; wherein at least steps (iv) and (vi) are performed by applying a pressure or vacuum to the common fluid reservoir.