Fluid handling device

Abstract

A device for handling a fluid to be introduced into a fluidic device is described. The fluid handling device is designed for alignment with a fluidic device, such as a microfluidic device, where an exit port on the device aligns with one or more apertures in the fluidic for exchange of fluids there between. The fluid handling device includes one or more channels, with at least two pistons spaced apart contained in one or more of the channels. The gap between neighboring pistons define a space between the pistons for containing a fluid. Movement of the pistons from a first position to a second position is effective to move fluid from the fluid handling device into the fluidic device.

1 . A device for introducing a fluid into a fluidic device, comprising
 a substrate having a first inlet port, a first outlet port, a first channel extending between the first outlet port and the first inlet port, and a first exit port in the channel between the first inlet port and the first outlet port,   said first channel containing at least two pistons spaced apart to define a space between the pistons for containing a fluid, wherein said substrate is adapted to mate with the fluidic device such that the first exit port is aligned with an aperture in the fluidic device, and wherein movement of the pistons from a first position to a second position in the first channel is effective to introduce fluid in the first channel through the first exit port and into the fluidic device.   
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein one of the at least two pistons is positioned over the first exit port when the pistons are in the first position. 
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein one of the at least two pistons is positioned over the first exit port when the pistons are in a third position in the first channel. 
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising an actuator adapted for connection with the first inlet port of the first channel, at least part of said actuator being dimensioned for insertion into the first channel to effect movement of at least one of the at least two pistons in the first channel. 
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 4 , wherein the actuator is a plunger. 
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 4 , wherein the actuator is a ratcheting member. 
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 4 , wherein the actuator is an elongate bar with at least one opening through which the first channel extends. 
     
     
         8 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising a first waste channel in fluid communication with an aperture in the microfluidic device. 
     
     
         9 . The device of  claim 8 , further comprising at least one piston positioned in the waste channel. 
     
     
         10 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising a second channel extending between a second inlet port and a second outlet port, and a second exit port disposed along the second channel between the second inlet and second outlet ports, said second channel containing at least two pistons spaced apart to define a space between the pistons for containing a fluid. 
     
     
         11 . The device of  claim 10 , further comprising an actuator adapted for connection with the second inlet port of the second channel, at least part of said actuator being dimensioned for insertion into the second channel to effect movement of at least one of the at least two pistons in the second channel. 
     
     
         12 . The device of  claim 11 , wherein the actuator is an elongate bar with at least two openings through which first channel and the second channel extend. 
     
     
         13 . The device of  claim 10 , further comprising a second waste channel in fluid communication with a second aperture in the fluidic device. 
     
     
         14 . The device of  claim 2 , wherein said at least two pistons comprises three pistons defining a first space and a second space between adjacent pistons, wherein a first fluid is contained in the first space and a second fluid is contained in the second space. 
     
     
         15 . The device of  claim 14 , wherein the first fluid and the second fluid are different. 
     
     
         16 . The device of  claim 14 , wherein movement of the pistons between the inlet port and the outlet port provides sequential introduction of the first fluid and the second fluid into the fluidic device. 
     
     
         17 . A device for introducing a fluid into a fluidic device, comprising
 a substrate comprising an inlet port, an outlet port, a first channel extending between the inlet port and the outlet port, and a first exit port positioned along the first channel between the inlet port and the outlet port, the substrate being adapted for mating with the fluidic device;   at least two pistons within said first channel, the at least two pistons being spaced apart to define a space for containing a fluid,   a second channel in the substrate, the second channel terminating in a first port at a first end of the channel and having a second port in the second channel, and   an actuator at least partly positioned within the first channel for movement of at least one of the at least two pistons.   
     
     
         18 . The device of  claim 17 , wherein the actuator is a plunger. 
     
     
         19 . The device of  claim 17 , wherein the actuator is in contact with at least one of the at least two pistons. 
     
     
         20 . The device of  claim 17 , wherein the actuator includes a ratchet mechanism for sequential advancement of the actuator in the first channel. 
     
     
         21 . The device of  claim 17 , wherein said at least two pistons comprises three pistons defining a first space and a second space between adjacent pistons, wherein a first fluid is contained in the first space and a second fluid is contained in the second space. 
     
     
         22 . The device of  claim 21 , wherein the first fluid and the second fluid are different. 
     
     
         23 . The device of  claim 21 , wherein movement of the pistons within the first channel provides sequential introduction of the first fluid and the second fluid into the fluidic device. 
     
     
         24 . A system for analysis of an analyte in a sample, comprising
 a fluidic device having a first port; and   a device according to  claim 1  or  claim 17 .   
     
     
         25 . The system of  claim 24 , wherein the fluidic device is planar. 
     
     
         26 . The system of  claim 24 , wherein the fluidic device comprises at least one spiral read well.