Boehringer Ingelheim Microparts Gmbh

Boehringer Ingelheim International Gmbh

Wolfgang Stoeters

Ralf-Peter Peters

Ying Yu

Tobias Rodenfels

Berthold Lange

Markus Voigt

Silke Knoll

Christian Vesper

The invention relates to a method for washing at least one cavity () in a microfluidic component, the cavity () containing a first liquid (F) and at least one second liquid (F) being supplied to the cavity () for washing. According to the invention an air bubble (L) is supplied to the cavity () before the washing liquid (F) is introduced. The air bubble (L), which acts as a virtual barrier layer between the first liquid (F) and the washing liquid (F) that follows it enables the washing efficiency to be increased considerably. Overall, this method leads to a saving in washing liquid (F) and washing time. Moreover, a microfluidic component is proposed for carrying out the method.

Method for washing a microfluidic cavity

A device, particularly a microfluidic system, is proposed, in which two cavities are arranged spatially close to one another and are sealed off from one another by a common cover. A fluidic connection can be produced between the cavities by movement of a pin-shaped body towards the cover. In this way it is possible to release a reagent in controlled manner without having to put it under pressure.

Device and method for producing a fluidic connection between cavities

A microfluidic network having at least one channel which is open on the top side and in which one end of at least one hollow fiber is inserted and a process for making it. For this it is provided that the outside dimensions of the hollow fiber are matched to the inside dimensions of the channel, capillary channels being formed between the hollow fiber and the walls of the channel. The network is covered with a cover film or plate which closes the channel and preferably fixes the hollow fiber temporarily in the channel, and the capillary channels are filled with a fluidically sealing cement. In the area of the inserted end of the hollow fiber, a capillary stop structure is formed so that the cement as it is added it cannot seal the inserted open end of the hollow fiber.

Process and device for coupling hollow fibers to a microfluidic network

In the swell-welding according to the invention of two bodies, of which at least one body consists of plastic, the connection surface of the plastic body is firstly exposed to a gas which contains the vapor of a swelling agent for the plastic. The plastic body reversibly swollen at the surface is welded to the other body by pressing onto one another, and the pressed-together bodies are conditioned. In all process steps, the temperature of the bodies to be connected is below the glass transition temperature of the plastic. No auxiliary substance remains in the welded body. The flush connection produced by swell welding is durable and strong.

Process for the flush connection of bodies

A process and a device for separating and exhausting gas bubbles from a flowing liquid, especially in a microfluidic system, are proposed. Radial deflection of the liquid, a preferably annular deaeration chamber from which gas can escape through gas separation material, and a following discharge filter are characteristic. The discharge filter is made of a hydrophilic material which forms pores or small channels. Optionally, there is an inlet filter of the corresponding material upstream of the deaeration chamber.

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Muelheim, Germany

Wolfgang Stoeters