Implementation of microfluidic components in a microfluidic system

Abstract

A system and method for integrating microfluidic components in a microfluidic system enables the microfluidic system to perform a selected microfluidic function. A capping module includes a microfluidic element for performing a microfluidic function. The capping module is stacked on a microfluidic substrate having microfluidic plumbing to incorporate the microfluidic function into the system.

1 . A microfluidic system, comprising: 
 a first microchannel formed in a substrate;    a first communication port coupling the first microchannel to a surface of the substrate; and    a capping module having a microfluidic element for performing a microfluidic function, wherein the capping module is adapted to be stacked on the substrate and placed in communication with the microchannel to introduce the microfluidic function into the microfluidic system.    
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising a second communication port connecting a second microchannel to a surface of the substrate.  
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the capping module includes a chamber for coupling the first microchannel to the second microchannel.  
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the microfluidic element comprises a membrane.  
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the microfluidic element comprises one of a valve for regulating fluid flow through the microchannel, a pressure sensor and a microfluidic pump.  
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the capping module is bonded to the substrate to integrate the microfluidic function into the microfluidic system.  
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the capping module has a cross-sectional dimension of between about 1 millimeter and about 5 centimeters.  
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the capping module further includes a membrane for selectively blocking said communication port, and an actuator assembly for controlling a position of the membrane.  
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the capping module has a recess and a membrane covering the recess to form a chamber, wherein the cap is adapted to be assembled on the substrate such that the membrane covers the first communication port.  
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the capping module includes: 
 a membrane for separating a substance into a first and second component;    a first flow path for transmitting a substance;    a first reservoir disposed above the membrane and in communication with the first flow path for receiving the substance.    
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein the substrate forms a second flow path for receiving the second component of the substance and the substrate forms a second reservoir below the membrane for receiving the first component of the substance when the capping module is stacked thereon.  
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 11 , further comprising a first flow source in communication with the first fluid path for inducing a flow in the substance.  
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the substrate has a plurality of microchannels formed therein, wherein each microchannel includes one or more communication ports for connecting the microchannel to a surface of the substrate.  
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 13 , further comprising a plurality of microfluidic capping modules, each having associated therewith a microfluidic element for performing a microfluidic function, one or more of said microfluidic capping modules for placement on the substrate in fluid communication with one or more of the microchannels to incorporate the associated microfluidic function into the system.  
     
     
         15 . A capping module for a microfluidic system, comprising: 
 a substrate; and    a microfluidic element disposed on the substrate for performing a microfluidic function, wherein the capping module is adapted to be stacked on a microfluidic system having a microchannel formed therein so that the microfluidic element is disposed in communication with the microchannel to introduce the microfluidic function into the microfluidic system.    
     
     
         16 . The capping module of  claim 15 , further comprising a chamber formed in the substrate, wherein the chamber is placed in fluid communication with the microchannel when the capping module is stacked on the microfluidic system.  
     
     
         17 . The system of  claim 15 , wherein the microfluidic element comprises a membrane.  
     
     
         18 . The system of  claim 15 , wherein the microfluidic element comprises a valve.  
     
     
         19 . The system of  claim 15 , wherein the microfluidic element comprises a pressure sensor.  
     
     
         20 . The system of  claim 15 , wherein the microfluidic element comprises a microfluidic pump.