Patent ID: 8173080

Claim:
A flow cell for use in a microfluidic detection system, comprising: a flow cell body comprising a plurality of substrate layers stacked with respect to each other and having a channel extending along the flow cell body, wherein the channel has a functionalized channel surface that includes reactive groups configured to attach to molecules for biochemical analysis, the channel configured to convey a solution therethrough, wherein the flow cell body is configured to be removably held in the detection system; a bottom and a top surface provided on the flow cell body, the bottom or top surface being transparent and permitting light to pass therethrough; fluidic inlet and fluidic outlet ports provided on the flow cell body, the fluidic inlet and outlet ports being in fluid communication with the channel within the flow cell body; a pump cavity provided in the flow cell body, the pump cavity fluidly communicating with, and being interposed between, an end of the channel and one of the fluidic inlet and outlet ports; and an electroosmotic (EO) pump held in the pump cavity within the flow cell body, the EO pump comprising a porous membrane core and a vapor permeable membrane that separate the fluidic inlet and outlet ports, the EO pump inducing flow of the solution through the core and through the channel between the fluidic inlet and outlet ports, the vapor permeable membrane permitting gases generated during operation of the EO pump to pass through the vapor permeable membrane and bypass the core.