Patent ID: 7887753
Filing Date: 2011-02-15
Classification: B01D,B01F,B01L,C12M,F04B,F16K,G01N,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A microfluidic device for conducting assays, comprising: (a) a main flow channel adapted to allow the flow of a solution therethrough; (b) a plurality of branch flow channels, wherein each branch flow channel is in fluid communication with the main flow channel; (c) at least one detection region associated with at least one of the plurality of branch flow channels; (d) a plurality of control channels; and (e) a plurality of valves operatively disposed with respect to the main flow channel and/or the plurality of branch flow channels to regulate flow of the solution through the main and branch flow channels, wherein each of the valves comprises one of the control channels and an elastomeric segment that is deflectable into or retractable from the main or branch flow channel upon which the valve operates in response to an actuation force applied to the control channel, the elastomeric segment when positioned in the flow channel restricting solution flow therethrough.