Patent ID: 7318912

Claim:
A multi-layer microfluidic device for combining discrete volumes of at least two fluids, the device comprising: a microfluidic chamber; a first microfluidic channel adapted to supply a first fluid to the microfluidic chamber; a second microfluidic channel adapted to supply a second fluid to the microfluidic chamber; a deformable membrane bounding a surface of the microfluidic chamber, the deformable membrane including a first membrane portion adapted to selectively block the passage of the first fluid from the first microfluidic channel into the microfluidic chamber, and including a second membrane portion adapted to selectively block the passage of the second fluid from the second microfluidic channel into the microfluidic chamber; wherein the first membrane portion and the second membrane portion are independently actuatable, and the deformable membrane is adapted to permit the first fluid to contact the second fluid within the microfluidic chamber.