Patent ID: 6379974
Filing Date: 2002-04-30
Classification: B01L,G01N,Y10T

Abstract:
A microfluidic device, comprising:a body structure; a plurality of integrated channels disposed in the body structure, the plurality of integrated channels comprising: at least a first transverse channel; at least first and second side channels disposed on a first side of the transverse channel, each of the first and second side channels having first and second ends, the first ends of the first and second side channels intersecting the transverse channel, and the second ends of the first and second side channels being in fluid communication with at least a first source of first material; at least third and fourth side channels disposed on a second side of the transverse channel, each of the third and fourth channels having first and second ends, the first ends of the third and fourth channels being in fluid communication with the transverse channel, and the second ends of the third and fourth channels being in fluid communication with a waste reservoir; and a material transport system for transporting a second material into the transverse channel, and for transporting portions of the second material into the third and fourth channels by directing a flow of first material from the first source, through the first and second channels into the transverse channel, the material transport system comprising one or more electrode disposed in electrical contact with the waste reservoir, or the first or second ends of the first, second, third or fourth microchannels, or the first source, wherein an electrical current path between the one or more electrode and an additional electrode through the first side channel provides substantially equal resistance to a resistance between the one or more electrode and the additional electrode through the second side channel.