Microfluidic interconnects

Pipe joints or couplings – Having plural independent paths – Parallel paths

Reexamination Certificate

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Details

C285S348000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06209928

ABSTRACT:

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to microfabricated fluidic devices, particularly to fluidic connectors, and more particularly to miniature (milli to micro) connectors for introducing fluids to microfabricated fluidic devices or interconnecting various microfluidic devices.
While the ability to fabricate micron-scale mechanical and fluidic structures out of silicon, glass, and plastic is advancing rapidly, one of the main challenges continues to be interfacing these microfabricated devices to each other and to the outside, macroscopic world. Very little effort has been directed to meet this need. For example, institutions performing leading-edge microfluidics research are still connecting devices using epoxy, which is permanent, can cause channel clogging, and cannot withstand significant pressures or other mechanical loading. There is great promise for miniature deployable microfluidic systems which monitor the environment for airborne toxicants, and hand-held medical diagnostic instruments incorporating microfluidic chips. However, introducing fluid samples and reagents into the microfluidic device is challenging, especially when multiple inputs are required.
The present invention directly addresses this need in a manner which is easy to connect and disconnect without the problem of tube twisting during installation. Also, the present invention utilizes no adhesives to make the connection, thus providing a means for quick and easy exchange of microfabricated components. Further, the miniature connectors of the present invention have a low dead volume, are helium leak-tight, can withstand high pressures, and have a small footprint, allowing for multiple connections to be made in a very small area, thereby retaining the advantages of miniaturization.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the invention to provide miniature connectors for introducing fluids, either liquid or gaseous, into microfluidic devices.
A further object of the invention is to provide a fluidic connector which is easy to connect and disconnect multiple times, and no tools are required to connect and disconnect tubing.
A further object of the invention is to provide a miniature fluidic connector which allows for ease of design and manufacture of the packaging required for microfluidic devices.
A further object of the invention is to provide fluidic connectors applicable to many types of microfluidic devices without redesign, making the connector suitable as a standard approach for interfacing microfluidic devices to larger fluidic components and to each other.
A further object of the invention is to provide a miniature connector which uses standard tubing, allowing for adaptation to systems using standard connection systems, such as HPLC connectors.
Another object of the invention is to provide a miniature fluidic connector using no epoxy or adhesive, has a small footprint, is helium leak-tight, and is suitable for high pressure (hundreds to thousands of psi) applications where the inner diameters of the tubing and microfluidic device are small (mm to &mgr;m).
Another object of the invention is to enable multiple connections in a small area.
Another object of the invention is to provide micro-sized, multiple fluidic connections made simultaneously using an array of tubes held by a plug-in strip or polar manifold connector.
Another object of the invention is to provide miniature fluidic connectors that utilize stiff tubing wherein the tubing tip is inserted into the microfluidic device and a ferrule and o-ring, two o-rings without a ferrule, or molded gasket, engage with a formed end of the tubing to create a leakproof seal and mechanically lock the tubing in place.
Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description and accompanying drawings.
Basically, the present invention involves micro-fluidic interconnects utilizing a fluidic connector suitable for introducing or removing gas or liquids to or from microfluidic devices. The connector interfaces one microfluidic device with another, or with a larger fluidic component and is adaptable to many types of microfluidic devices, making it an excellent candidate for a standard connector. The connector can withstand hundreds to thousands of psi pressure. The connector is easy to assemble and disassemble, requiring no tools or adhesives, uses standard tubing, is extremely compact, can be used to make multiple connections in a small area, and requires only simple packaging of the microfluidic device. The present invention is suitable for making fluidic connections to microfluidic devices used for many applications, such as portable and/or deployable counter-biological warfare systems, including PCR and flow-cytometer-based instruments; devices for sequencing or manipulating DNA; handheld, portable, or bench-top microfluidic-based medical diagnostic instruments; microfluidic devices for drug discovery, chemical analysis, and environmental monitoring; micro-channel heat sinks; and fluid droplet ejectors such as ink jet print heads.
The miniature connector of the present invention is made using machining, molding, or otherwise forming the end of a stiff tubing, such as polyetheretherbetone (PEEK), so that the tip of the tubing inserts into the microfluidic device and such that a ferrule and o-ring, or gasket, or two o-rings, engage with a formed (grooved) end of the tubing to create a leakproof seal and mechanically lock the tubing in place. The connector can be incorporated into a design having multiple connections which are made simultaneously using an array of tubes held by a plug-in strip or a polar manifold type connector.
In one embodiment, a screw is used to press a ferrule onto an o-ring or gasket, compressing the o-ring or gasket into a formed tip of the tubing and simultaneously forming a seal and providing mechanical retaining strength. In another embodiment, the tip of the formed tubing does not fit within a hole in the microfluidic device, but makes butted contact therewith. In another embodiment, two o-rings are used without a ferrule to engage the formed tip of the tubing. In another embodiment, a molded gasket is used to engage the formed tip of the tubing. The o-ring or gasket material is an appropriate polymer which has adequate compressibility, optimizes wear resistance, withstands high temperature, or is chemically inert, depending on the demands of the specific application.
In one embodiment, a small cartridge holding the o-rings or gasket is plugged into the package for the microfluidic device by trapping it within a standard sized counter-drilled hole, or screwing it into a standard tapped hole. This approach eliminates the need to handle the o-rings, eliminates the ferrule, and simplifies installation of the connector. After installation of the cartridge, it does not have to be removed. The tubing is connected by plugging it into the cartridge and can be disconnected by pulling on it with sufficient force. When the tubing is inserted, it compresses the o-rings or gasket, forming a seal and providing mechanical retaining strength.


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OMNIFIT, Precision Chromatography Products, Oct. 1974.

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