Microfluidic device forming enhanced spatial and temporal gradients

Microfluidic device improving on current chemical gradient-generation designs in the forming of spatial and temporal gradients in a compact structure

TECH FIELD(S)
Microfluidic devices

FEATURES
Available is an improved microfluidic design for generating spatial and temporal chemical gradients. Bifurcated and trifurcated channels serve as basic fluidic elements splitting flow between two and three channels, respectively. The number of discrete steps in the gradient is 2^(N + 1) for N gradient-forming levels. And, this improved ratio of gradient steps to levels allows for a compact structure.

Temporal gradient formation is improved by a small total channel length permitting fast switching (only 2.6 s) between gradients of different compositions. Additional benefits include complex temporal sequences and reduction in total displacement volume and reagent use. Chemical gradients may be used in chemotaxis assessment of neutrophils, hippocampal neurons, leukemia cells, and E. Coli.

BENEFITS
* Reduction in device size and displacement volume by a factor of 10 for improved spatial and temporal gradient formation
* Establishment of free flow gradients without the use of permeable membranes
* Increased number of discrete steps in the gradient formation: for N divider-layers, the invention produces 2N + 1 outputs
* Design is simple, compact, and low cost with a flexible platform design
* Gradients with variable slope and adjustable offsets may be made
* Permits opposing-gradient experiments and periodic (multiple) gradient experiments * Linear and nonlinear monotone gradients reproduced

Inventor(s): Dragos Amaire, PhD, Stephen C. Jacobson, PhD, James A. Glazier, PhD

Type of Offer: Licensing



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