| WARF: P05150US |  |
| Microfluidic Platform and Method |
| INVENTORS | • | David Beebe, Francisco Atencia-Fernandez |
The Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation (WARF) is seeking commercial partners interested in developing a closed-loop, microfluidic circulatory system through which fluid flows steadily.
OVERVIEW
Because closed-loop fluid paths are essential to many organisms, most attempts to create a functioning microfluidic system involve continuous fluid flow through a channel in the device. However, the small size of these devices makes it difficult to prime or fill a channel without introducing bubbles into the system and can also lead to fluctuations in fluid flow.
THE INVENTION
UW-Madison researchers have developed a closed-loop, microfluidic circulatory system through which fluid flows steadily. The system includes a cartridge containing a microchannel, along with a removable passageway that connects the channel’s inlet and outlet. After the channel is filled with fluid, the passageway is filled with a second fluid and connected to the channel. The fluids may be mixed together and may also incorporate particles, molecules, cells or other objects. A pump located in the cartridge mechanically circulates fluid in the channel and the connecting passage to provide a steady flow. The system may include multiple channels and passageways, wherein the channels can communicate with one another.
APPLICATIONS
- Provides a simple method for moving fluids from one device to another, or for handling tiny amounts of expensive reagents
KEY BENEFITS
- Avoids bubble formation during channel filling
- Enables steady fluid flow
- After the fluids have mixed, the passageway may be removed to transfer a portion of the mixture to a second cartridge to analyze the sample or perform another reaction.
- A flow droplet may be located in the channel to provide an access point for introducing or extracting fluid and/or particles.
- Sample is not lost or diluted in connectors or tubing following introduction into the closed system.
- Cartridges may be preloaded with small volumes of reagents, much like ink cartridges
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
For More Information About the Inventors
Intellectual Property Status
Tech Fields
Micro & Nanotech - Microfluidics
CONTACT INFORMATION
For current licensing status, please contact our team at
licensing@warf.org
or phone 608.262.4924. (Clicking this link will open a contact form in a popup window. If you have problems viewing the form, try disabling your popup blocker software.)
Since its founding in 1925 as the patenting and licensing organization for the University of Wisconsin-Madison, WARF has been working with business and industry to transform university research into products that benefit society. WARF intellectual property managers and licensing staff members are leaders in the field of university-based technology transfer. They are familiar with the intricacies of patenting, have worked with researchers in relevant disciplines, understand industries and markets, and have negotiated innovative licensing strategies to meet the individual needs of business clients.
