Caliper Life Sciences, Inc.

Canon U.S. Life Sciences, Inc.

Canon U.s.a., Inc.

Michael Slater

Aaron J Rulison

Michael R Knapp

Steven A Sundberg

Edward P Donlon

Wesley Bryan Dong

Ivor T Knight

Deborah John Boles

Robert John Moti

Andrew Fabans

Allen R Boronkay

Jeffrey A Wolk

Morten Juel Jensen

Ernest Cw Lee

Ernest C W Lee

Ernest CW Lee

Deborah J Boles

Edward Dolon

Allen Borankay

The present invention provides novel methods and devices that employ microfluidic technology to generate molecular melt curves. In particular, the devices and methods in accordance with the invention are useful in providing for the analysis of PCR amplification products.

Method and apparatus for generating thermal melting curves in a microfluidic device

An optical detection system for a microfluidic device and a dry-focus microfluidic device compatible with the compact optical detection system are described. The system includes an LED; means for collimating light emitted by the LED; an aspherical, fused-silica objective lens; means for directing the collimated light through the objective onto a microfluidic device; and means for detecting a fluorescent signal emitted from the microfluidic device. The working distance between the objective and the device allows light from an external LED or laser to be brought in along a diagonal path to illuminate the microfluidic device. The dry-focus microfluidic device includes multiple channels and multiple closed optical alignment marks having curved walls. At least one of the channels is positioned between at least two of the marks. The marks are illuminated for alignment and focusing purposes by light brought in on a diagonal path from an external white LED.

Compact optical detection system for a microfluidic device

Growing community of inventors

Modesto, CA, United States of America

Michael Slater