Patent ID: 7192557
Filing Date: 2007-03-20
Classification: B01L,F04B,G01N,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A microfluidic device comprising: a lysing module configured to receive a cell-containing microdroplet; an actuator located upstream of the lysing module and configured to create a difference between an upstream pressure and a downstream pressure acting on the cell-containing microdroplet to move the microdroplet towards the lysing module; a vented positioning element located upstream of the lysing module and downstream of the actuator, wherein the vented positioning element is configured to stop the cell-containing microdroplet in a lysing position with respect to the lysing module, and wherein the vented positioning element is configured to position a portion of the cell-containing microdroplet downstream of the vented positioning element in the lysing position; and a lysing mechanism within the lysing module, configured to release intracellular material from cells within the cell-containing microdroplet in the lysing position with respect to the lysing module.