Microfluidic devices for introducing and dispensing fluids from microfluidic systems

Abstract

The present invention provides microfluidic devices, systems and methods for using the same, which facilitate the introduction of fluid to and from a microfluidic channel located within the microfluidic devices.

1 - 60 . (canceled)  
     
     
         61 . A method for producing a microfluidic fluid sampling device, said method comprising: 
 producing a first elastomeric layer comprising a top surface, a bottom surface and an orifice;    producing a second elastomeric layer comprising a top surface, a bottom surface and a microscale recess disposed on the bottom surface;    attaching the bottom surface of the first elastomeric layer on to the top surface of the second elastomeric layer;    creating an orifice on the second elastomeric layer such that the orifice on the first elastomeric layer becomes operatively connected to and in fluid communication with the microscale recess located on the bottom surface of the second elastomeric layer; and    attaching a base layer to the bottom surface of the second elastomeric layer, thereby forming a microfluidic channel from the microscale recess, wherein the microfluidic channel is disposed within the interface of the second elastomeric layer and the base layer.    
     
     
         62 . The method of  claim 61 , wherein the base layer comprises an orifice such that when the base layer is attached to the bottom surface of the second elastomeric layer the orifice on the base layer is in fluid communication with the microfluidic channel that is formed on the interface of the second elastomeric layer and the base layer.  
     
     
         63 . The method of  claim 62  further comprising attaching a capillary element, which comprises a capillary channel disposed therethrough, to the microfluidic device by inserting the capillary element into the orifice on the first elastomeric layer or the bottom layer such that the capillary channel is in fluid communication with the microfluidic channel.  
     
     
         64 . The method of  claim 61 , wherein the first elastomeric layer comprises a second orifice, and said method further comprising creating a second orifice on the second elastomeric layer prior to attaching the base layer to the second elastomeric layer, such that the second orifice on the first elastomeric layer becomes operatively connected to and in fluid communication with the microscale recess located on the bottom surface of the second elastomeric layer.  
     
     
         65 . The method of  claim 64  further comprising attaching a capillary element, which comprises a capillary channel disposed therethrough, to the microfluidic device by inserting the capillary element into one of the orifices on the first elastomeric layer such that the capillary channel is in fluid communication with the microfluidic channel.  
     
     
         66 . The method of  claim 61 , wherein the first elastomeric layer further comprises a microscale recess on the bottom surface such that when the bottom surface of the first elastomeric layer is attached to the top surface of the second elastomeric layer, the microscale recess on the bottom surface of the first elastomeric layer forms a control channel disposed within the interface of the first elastomeric layer and the second elastomeric layer.