US 12,465,915 B2
Microfluidic array for sample digitization
Robert Lin, Palo Alto, CA (US); and Ju-Sung Hung, Palo Alto, CA (US)
Assigned to COMBINATI INCORPORATED, Carlsbad, CA (US)
Filed by Combinati Incorporated, Palo Alto, CA (US)
Filed on Aug. 10, 2020, as Appl. No. 16/989,415.
Application 16/989,415 is a continuation of application No. PCT/US2019/065287, filed on Dec. 9, 2019.
Claims priority of provisional application 62/777,616, filed on Dec. 10, 2018.
Prior Publication US 2020/0384471 A1, Dec. 10, 2020
Int. Cl. B01L 3/00 (2006.01)
CPC B01L 3/502784 (2013.01) [B01L 3/502723 (2013.01); B01L 2200/027 (2013.01); B01L 2200/0605 (2013.01); B01L 2200/0684 (2013.01)] 20 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A microfluidic device for processing a biological sample, comprising:
a substrate, including:
a single inlet port configured to direct a solution including said biological sample;
a channel connected to said single inlet port, wherein said channel is configured to receive said solution comprising said biological sample via said single inlet port;
a plurality of chambers in fluid communication with said channel, wherein each chamber of said plurality of chambers comprises a chamber port connected directly to said channel,
wherein the single inlet port, the channel and the plurality of chambers collectively define a fluid flow path,
wherein said chamber is configured to (i) receive, via said single chamber port, at least a portion of said solution from said channel and (ii) retain said at least said portion of said solution during said processing; and
a thermoplastic film over said channel and said plurality of chambers, wherein said thermoplastic film is made from a material that is configured to prevent gas fouling of said microfluidic device via pressurized off-gassing of gas from said channel and said plurality of chambers whereby pressure is applied at said single inlet port.