Abstract:
A microfluidic device includes a first microchannel, a second microchannel, and a valve comprising at least an input port and an output port, the ports respectively connected to the first microchannel and the second microchannel, the valve designed to control a flow of a liquid along a flow direction (z) defined by the ports; wherein the valve further comprises one or more walls joining the ports and defining a hollow chamber that is wider than each of the microchannels in a direction perpendicular to the flow direction, the walls at least partly deformable along a deformation direction (−y) intersecting the flow direction, such that the walls can be given at least a first deformation state and a second deformation state, such that the liquid can be pulled along the flow direction substantially more in the second deformation state than in the first deformation state.
Abstract:
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To perform a printing of a large area, which is mechanized, regarding a stamp device which prints a pattern on the surface of a substrate. SOLUTION: This stamp device which prints a pattern on the surface of the substrate 4 is equipped with a carrier layer 1 having rigidity. The carrier layer 1 is equipped with a first surface and a second surface. On the first surface, a layer 3 on which the pattern is formed, made of a first material, is provided. On the second surface, a soft layer 5 made of a material which is softer than the first material is provided. The layer 3 on which the pattern is formed and the soft layer 5 function while cooperating, and even when a contact surface formed between the stamp and the substrate 4 is not accurately smooth and flat, a printing of a high quality is realized.
Abstract:
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a method for producing a silicone elastomer stamp with a hydrophilic surface. SOLUTION: The method for fabricating silicone elastomer stamps with hydrophilic surfaces is provided. The concept of polymer grafting is used to produce the stamps. The stamps thus produced have the great advantage that grafting of a thin hydrophilic polymer on a hydrophobic PDMS surface can render PDMS stamps permanently hydrophilic. With such stamps, it becomes possible to print aqueous or highly polar inks reproducibly over days and weeks.
Abstract:
A method for transferring a pattern from an elastic stamp to a substrate in the presence of a third medium is described. A proximity contact is achieved between the stamp and the substrate. A layer of the third medium between the stamp and the substrate is controlled to a predetermined thickness. Stamps for carrying out this method are also described.
Abstract:
The invention is directed to a multilayer microfluidic probe (MFP) head (100). The head typically comprises a first (110) and second (120) layers facing each others, and at least one tubing port (182), extending from the first layer (110). The first layer comprises one or more via (112), whereby fluid communication is enabled through the first layer towards the second layer. The second layer comprises at least one microchannel (124), relaying fluid communication to an aperture (122). Such a multilayered MFP head is easier to fabricate than heads made with unitary construction. In particular, a microchannel can advantageously be engraved a groove (124) at the level of the interface between the two layers. The MFP head can further be interfaced with tubing using e.g. a standard fitting for tubing port. The invention has substantial potential for e.g. patterning continuous and discontinuous patterns of biomolecules on surfaces as well as for direct processing of resist materials in a non- contact mode.
Abstract:
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a system and method for determining the osmolarity of a fluid.SOLUTION: A system 200 for determining the osmolarity of a fluid comprises: a holder 205 which has a substantially planar layer 225, a receiving portion 235 disposed on the layer, at least one shelf 230 disposed beneath the layer, and a hole 240 within a perimeter of the receiving portion and extending through the layer; and a guide 210 having a through hole 260 and an external shape substantially corresponding to an internal shape of the receiving portion. The hole and the through hole are aligned with each other, and are arranged to be aligned with a test site, when the guide is received in the receiving portion. The system further comprises electrodes 270 disposed in the vicinity of the at least one shelf.
Abstract:
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a technique of confinement of a fluid on a surface, which enables the formation of a two-dimensional pattern. SOLUTION: An apparatus for applying the fluid on the surface comprises a first conduit which directs the flow of a fist fluid towards the surface, and a second conduit which directs the flow of a second fluid away from the surface. The first conduit is arranged to the second conduit so that the second fluid substantially includes the first fluid when the apparatus operates. The first conduit includes a first aperture and the second conduit includes a second aperture. The first aperture is arranged at a certain distance from the second aperture. COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI
Abstract:
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an apparatus, system and method for determining the osmolarity of a fluid. SOLUTION: The apparatus includes at least one micro-fluidic circuit and at least one electrical circuit arranged in communication with the at least one micro-fluidic circuit for determining a property of a fluid contained in the at least one micro-fluidic circuit. In the device, the micro-fluidic circuit is formed in at least two layers of a laminar structure, and a hole and a tunnel are included in the layers, and as for the electrical circuit, the first electrode and the second electrode are arranged in the tunnel. COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT
Abstract:
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a fine structure by etching a substrate having a region covered with self-assembly monomolecule(SAM). SOLUTION: A wet etching system for selectively forming a pattern on the substrate having the region covered with SAM and controlling an etching profile, includes (a) a fluid etching solution, and (b) additives having higher affinity for the region covered with the SAM than for the other region. The method for selectively forming the pattern on the substrate having the region covered with the SAM and controlling the etching profile, includes (a) a step of providing a fluid etching solution, (b) a step of adding the additives having the higher affinity for the region covered with SAM than for the other region to the above etching solution, and (c) a step of etching the above substrate with the above fluid etching solution containing the above additives.
Abstract:
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an apparatus, system and method for determining the osmolarity of a fluid. SOLUTION: The system includes an apparatus having a chip with a substantially planar top surface; a first circuit part and a second circuit part each having a plurality of redundant electrically conductive lines disposed on the top surface; and a gap arranged between the first circuit part and the second circuit part. When the gap is filled with the fluid, and the first circuit part and the second circuit part are connected together, a circuit is created. COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT