Fluid control structures in microfluidic devices

Methods and apparatus for implementing microfluidic analysis devices are provided. A monolithic elastomer membrane associated with an integrated pneumatic manifold allows the placement and actuation of a variety of fluid control structures, such as structures for pumping, isolating, mixing, routing, merging, splitting, preparing, and storing volumes of fluid. The fluid control structures can be used to implement a variety of sample introduction, preparation, processing, and storage techniques

Monolithic integrated microfluidic dna amplification and capillary electrophoresis analysis system

Abstract A monolithic integrated DNA analysis system comprised of microfluidic valves and vents, PCR amplification chambers, and capillary electrophoretic separation channels has been microfabricated in a glass sandwich structure. Valves and hydrophobic vents provide controlled and sensorless sample loading into 280 nl PCR chambers; the low volume reactor and the use of thin film heaters permit thermal cycle times as fast as 30 s. The amplified product is labeled with an intercalating fluorescent dye and directly injected into a microfabricated capillary electrophoresis channel. Analyses with this device have produced and detected PCR products from reactions Ž . with as few as 20 starting DNA template copiesrml, five to six copiesrchamber . The extrapolated limit of detection based on data using 20 cycles is two copiesrchamber. The optimization of heater placement, thermal anisotropy measurements, and the optimization of thermal profiles are also discussed. q 2000 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved