Patent ID: 6130098
Filing Date: 2000-10-10
Classification: B01F,B01J,B01L,B82Y,F15B,F15C,Y10S,Y10T

Abstract:
A method for moving microdroplets, comprising:(a) providing a device comprising a microdroplet transport channel, said channel i) having one or more hydrophobic regions and ii) in communication with a gas source;(b) introducing liquid into said channel under conditions such that said liquid stops at one of said hydrophobic regions so as to define i) a source of liquid microdroplets disposed within said channel and ii) a liquid abutting hydrophobic region; and(c) separating a discrete amount of liquid from said source of liquid microdroplets using gas from said gas source under conditions such that a microdroplet of defined size i) comes in contact with, and ii) moves over, said liquid-abutting hydrophobic region.