Abstract:
A substrate assembly includes a first substrate, a second substrate and a bonding member. The first substrate includes a first surface-modified region having a functionality different from that of a remainder region of the first substrate. The second substrate includes a second surface-modified region connected to the first surface-modified region through a physical interaction and having a functionality different from that of a remainder region of the second substrate. The first and second substrates cooperatively define a space therebetween. The bonding member is disposed within said space to bond said first and second substrates together. A method for bonding substrates is also disclosed.
Abstract:
A sensor for use in a fluid flow application is provided. The sensor includes an inlet chamber configured to receive a fluid flow from a first conduit, an outlet chamber configured to provide the fluid flow to a second conduit, and a membrane separating the inlet chamber from the outlet chamber, the membrane including a fluid passage to allow the fluid flow from the inlet chamber to the outlet chamber. The sensor also includes a circuit component disposed on the membrane, having an electrical property configured to change according to a deformation of the membrane, and a conductor formed on a substrate and coupled with the circuit component, to provide an electrical signal based on a change in the electrical property of the circuit component. The membrane includes an epitaxial layer formed on the substrate. Methods for fabricating and using the above sensor are also presented.
Abstract:
The present disclosure relates to fluidic systems and devices for processing, extracting, or purifying one or more analytes. These systems and devices can be used for processing samples and extracting nucleic acids, for example by isotachophoresis. In particular, the systems and related methods can allow for extraction of nucleic acids, including non-crosslinked nucleic acids, from samples such as tissue or cells. The systems and devices can also be used for multiplex parallel sample processing.
Abstract:
The disclosed invention provides a biofluid collection device configured with a hexagonal open microfluidic network, which facilitates nanoliter-scale biofluid collection and transport for biosensing applications. In one embodiment, a biofluid sensing device placed on the skin for measuring a characteristic of an analyte in sweat includes one or more biofluid sensors and a hexagonal open microfluidic network biofluid collector. The disclosed collector provides a volume-reduced pathway for sweat biofluid between the one or more sensors and sweat glands when the device is positioned on the skin. In another embodiment, a biofluid collector includes a network of microchannels comprising three or more repeatedly intersecting channels that provide redundant pathways for biofluid transport.
Abstract:
The present disclosure is directed to a microfluidic die that includes ejection circuitry and one time programmable memory with a minimal number of contact pads to external devices. The die includes a relatively large number of nozzles and a relatively small number of contact pads. The die includes decoding circuitry that utilizes the small number of contact pads to control the drive and ejection of the nozzles and the reading/writing of the memory with the same contact pads.
Abstract:
The present disclosure is directed to a microfluidic die that includes ejection circuitry and one time programmable memory with a minimal number of contact pads to external devices. The die includes a relatively large number of nozzles and a relatively small number of contact pads. The die includes decoding circuitry that utilizes the small number of contact pads to control the drive and ejection of the nozzles and the reading/writing of the memory with the same contact pads.
Abstract:
We describe a method of layer-by-layer deposition of a plurality of layers of material onto the wall or walls of a channel of a microfluidic device, the method comprising: loading a tube with a series of segments of solution, a said segment of solution bearing a material to be deposited; coupling said tube to said microfluidic device; and injecting said segments of solution into said microfluidic device such that said segments of solution pass, in turn, through said channel depositing successive layers of material to perform said layer-by-layer deposition onto said wall or walls of said channel. Embodiments of the methods are particularly useful for automated surface modification of plastic, for example PDMS (Poly(dimethylsiloxane)), microchannels. We also describe methods and apparatus for forming double-emulsions.
Abstract:
The invention is directed to a patterned aerogel-based layer that serves as a mold for at least part of a microelectromechanical feature. The density of an aerogel is less than that of typical materials used in MEMS fabrication, such as poly-silicon, silicon oxide, single-crystal silicon, metals, metal alloys, and the like. Therefore, one may form structural features in an aerogel-based layer at rates significantly higher than the rates at which structural features can be formed in denser materials. The invention further includes a method of patterning an aerogel-based layer to produce such an aerogel-based mold. The invention further includes a method of fabricating a microelectromechanical feature using an aerogel-based mold. This method includes depositing a dense material layer directly onto the outline of at least part of a microelectromechanical feature that has been formed in the aerogel-based layer.
Abstract:
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a method of forming a micro-electric machine, which achieves reduction of a material removal amount and shortening of machining time. SOLUTION: According to the method, an aerogel base layer 31 is deposited on a substrate 30, and a cavity 32 is formed in the aerogel base layer 31 by gallium ion beams. The shape of the aerogel base layer inclusive of the cavity is the same as the surface external shape of the micro-electric machine. Then the aerogel base layer 31 is employed as a mold, and a heavy metallic layer 34 made of silicon oxide, gold, platinum, polysilicon, or the like is deposited on the mode to form part of the micro-electric machine. COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT