Patent ID: 9205468
Filing Date: 2015-12-08
Classification: B01L,B08B,F16K

Abstract:
1. A method for removing nucleic acid from reaction chambers in a microfluidic device, wherein the device comprises: (1) a microfluidic delivery channel with an input at one end and an output at the other end; (2) microfluidic reaction chambers each having at least one wall formed from an elastomeric material, the reaction chambers being connected with the delivery channel between the input and output; (3) an input valve between the input and the microfluidic reaction chambers; and (4) an output valve between the microfluidic reaction chambers and the output; wherein the method for removing nucleic acid includes the following steps: (a) introducing a nucleic acid inactivating solution into the delivery channel under pressure through the input with the input valve open and the output valve closed, thereby increasing volume of the reaction chambers by expanding their elastomeric walls outwards; (b) closing the input valve; then (c) opening the output valve, allowing the reaction chambers to return to their unpressurized volume and forcing solution out through the output; (d) repeating steps (a) to (c) so as to remove or inactivate residual nucleic acid from the reaction chambers.