Three-dimensional multiple-layer microfluidic micro-droplet arrays for chemical and biochemical microreactors, miniature bioreactors, heat transfer, and other applications

Abstract

A microfluidic transport system for transporting microdroplets in three spatial dimensions among layers of a layered microfluidic system. In an example arrangement, a first microfluidic layer for transporting microdroplets in two spatial dimensions responsive to electric fields created by electrical operation of electrodes is fluidically connected by one or more conduits to other microfluidic layers. Microdroplets can be transported through the one or more conduits so as to be moved among a plurality of layered microfluidic arrangements. The resulting layered system can be used for heat transfer, fluidic transfer, and other uses, and can be implemented using materials such as metal, glass, polymer, plastic, layered materials, fibrous materials, etc. In some applications the layered system can be implemented within a printed circuit board, integrated circuit housing. Example applications include integrated circuit cooling, energy harvesting, microfluidic processing systems, chemical reactors, biochemical reactors, chemical analysis arrangements, biochemical analysis arrangements, and other apparatus.