| Fluidigm Corporation Patent applications |
| Patent application number | Title | Published |
|---|
| 20120115143 | Universal Probe Assay Methods - Reagents and methods are provided for detecting the presence of a target polynucleotide in a sample are disclosed. In one aspect, a method for producing a labeled amplification product by amplifying a target nucleic acid sequence to produce an amplification product comprising the target sequence, a first probe-binding sequence 5′ to the target sequence, and a second probe-binding sequence 3′ to the target sequence, thereby producing an amplification product; and hybridizing a first detection probe to the amplification product, said first detection probe comprising a first segment that hybridizes to the first probe-binding sequence and a second segment that hybridizes to the second probe-binding sequence, thereby producing a labeled amplification product is disclosed. | 05-10-2012 |
| 20120045087 | ANALYSIS ENGINE AND DATABASE FOR MANIPULATING PARAMETERS FOR FLUIDIC SYSTEMS ON A CHIP - Systems for managing workflows to perform chemical or biological reactions using microfluidic devices. | 02-23-2012 |
| 20120035080 | OPTICAL LENS SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MICROFLUIDIC DEVICES - An apparatus for imaging one or more selected fluorescence indications from a microfluidic device. The apparatus includes an imaging path coupled to least one chamber in at least one microfluidic device. The imaging path provides for transmission of one or more fluorescent emission signals derived from one or more samples in the at least one chamber of the at least one microfluidic device. The chamber has a chamber size, the chamber size being characterized by an actual spatial dimension normal to the imaging path. The apparatus also includes an optical lens system coupled to the imaging path. The optical lens system is adapted to transmit the one or more fluorescent signals associated with the chamber. | 02-09-2012 |
| 20120021523 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CRYSTALLIZATION AND X-RAY DIFFRACTION SCREENING - An integrated fluidic circuit includes a substrate layer and a first structure coupled to the substrate layer and including a plurality of channels. The first structure is configured to provide for flow of one or more materials through the plurality of channels. The integrated fluidic circuit also includes a second structure coupled to the substrate layer. The second structure includes a plurality of control channels configured to receive an actuation pressure. The integrated fluidic circuit is characterized by a thickness of less than 1.5 mm. | 01-26-2012 |
| 20110265304 | INTEGRATED CHIP CARRIERS WITH THERMOCYCLER INTERFACES AND METHODS OF USING THE SAME - Methods and systems are provided for conducting a reaction at a selected temperature or range of temperatures over time. An array device is provided. The array device contains separate reaction chambers and is formed as an elastomeric block from multiple layers. At least one layer has at least one recess that recess has at least one deflectable membrane integral to the layer with the recess. The array device has a thermal transfer device proximal to at least one of the reaction chambers. The thermal transfer device is formed to contact a thermal control source. Reagents for carrying out a desired reaction are introduced into the array device. The array device is contacted with a thermal control device such that the thermal control device is in thermal communication with the thermal control source so that a temperature of the reaction in at least one of the reaction chamber is changed as a result of a change in temperature of the thermal control source. | 11-03-2011 |
| 20110206576 | MICROFLUIDIC MIXING AND REACTION SYSTEMS FOR HIGH EFFICIENCY SCREENING - Microfluidic devices are described that include a rigid base layer, and an elastomeric layer on the base layer. The elastomeric layer may include at least part of a fluid channel for transporting a liquid reagent, and a vent channel that accepts gas diffusing through the elastomeric layer from the flow channel and vents it out of the elastomeric layer. The devices may also include a mixing chamber fluidly connected to the fluid channel, and a control channel overlapping with a deflectable membrane that defines a portion of the flow channel, where the control channel may be operable to change a rate at which the liquid reagent flows through the fluid channel. The devices may further include a rigid plastic layer on the elastomeric layer. | 08-25-2011 |
| 20110189678 | Microfluidic Device and Methods of Using Same - A variety of elastomeric-based microfluidic devices and methods for using and manufacturing such devices are provided. Certain of the devices have arrays of reaction sites to facilitate high throughput analyses. Some devices also include reaction sites located at the end of blind channels at which reagents have been previously deposited during manufacture. The reagents become suspended once sample is introduced into the reaction site. The devices can be utilized with a variety of heating devices and thus can be used in a variety of analyses requiring temperature control, including thermocycling applications such as nucleic acid amplification reactions, genotyping and gene expression analyses. | 08-04-2011 |
| 20110166044 | MICROFLUIDIC REACTION APPARATUS FOR HIGH THROUGHPUT SCREENING - An SBS-formatted microfluidic device where the geometry of the plate defines an array of interrogation areas, and where each interrogation area encompasses at least one reaction site. | 07-07-2011 |
| 20110143949 | ANALYSIS USING MICROFLUIDIC PARTITIONING DEVICES - The invention relates to methods, reagents and devices for detection and characterization of nucleic acids, cells, and other biological samples. Assay method are provided in which a sample is partitioned into sub-samples, and analysis of the contents of the sub-samples carried out. The invention also provides microfluidic devices for conducting the assay. The invention also provides an analysis method using a universal primers and probes for amplification and detection. | 06-16-2011 |
| 20110129841 | ANALYSIS USING MICROFLUIDIC PARTITIONING DEVICES - The invention relates to methods, reagents and devices for detection and characterization of nucleic acids, cells, and other biological samples. Assay method are provided in which a sample is partitioned into sub-samples, and analysis of the contents of the sub-samples carried out. The invention also provides microfluidic devices for conducting the assay. The invention also provides an analysis method using a universal primers and probes for amplification and detection. | 06-02-2011 |
| 20110126910 | Microfluidic devices and methods for binary mixing - The invention provides microfluidic devices and methods for carrying out sequential binary reactions. | 06-02-2011 |
| 20110053806 | INTEGRATED CARRIER FOR MICROFLUIDIC DEVICE - A carrier for holding a microfluidic device includes a substrate with a plurality of wells, each well defining a volume of between 0.1 μl and 100 μl; a plurality of channels within the substrate wherein each well is in fluid communication with at least one of the plurality of channels; and a receiving portion for receiving a microfluidic device and placing the microfluidic device in fluid communication with the plurality of wells. The carrier has a polymeric composition and/or an array of structural features that enhance its performance and compatibility with existing instrumentation. | 03-03-2011 |
| 20110053784 | Microfluidic Device and Methods of Using Same - A variety of elastomeric-based microfluidic devices and methods for using and manufacturing such devices are provided. Certain of the devices have arrays of reaction sites to facilitate high throughput analyses. Some devices also include reaction sites located at the end of blind channels at which reagents have been previously deposited during manufacture. The reagents become suspended once sample is introduced into the reaction site. The devices can be utilized with a variety of heating devices and thus can be used in a variety of analyses requiring temperature control, including thermocycling applications such as nucleic acid amplification reactions, genotyping and gene expression analyses. | 03-03-2011 |
| 20110020918 | Microfluidic Assay Devices And Methods - A microfluidic device adapted to perform many simultaneous binding assays including but not limited to immunological experiments, such as ELISA assays, with minimal cross-talk between primary and secondary antibodies. | 01-27-2011 |
| 20100320364 | OPTICAL LENS SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MICROFLUIDIC DEVICES - An apparatus for imaging one or more selected fluorescence indications from a microfluidic device. The apparatus includes an imaging path coupled to least one chamber in at least one microfluidic device. The imaging path provides for transmission of one or more fluorescent emission signals derived from one or more samples in the at least one chamber of the at least one microfluidic device. The chamber has a chamber size, the chamber size being characterized by an actual spatial dimension normal to the imaging path. The apparatus also includes an optical lens system coupled to the imaging path. The optical lens system is adapted to transmit the one or more fluorescent signals associated with the chamber. | 12-23-2010 |
| 20100311060 | Integrated Chip Carriers With Thermocycler Interfaces And Methods Of Using The Same - Methods and systems are provided for conducting a reaction at a selected temperature or range of temperatures over time. An array device is provided. The array device contains separate reaction chambers and is formed as an elastomeric block from multiple layers. At least one layer has at least one recess that recess has at least one deflectable membrane integral to the layer with the recess. The array device has a thermal transfer device proximal to at least one of the reaction chambers. The thermal transfer device is formed to contact a thermal control source. Reagents for carrying out a desired reaction are introduced into the array device. The array device is contacted with a thermal control device such that the thermal control device is in thermal communication with the thermal control source so that a temperature of the reaction in at least one of the reaction chamber is changed as a result of a change in temperature of the thermal control source. | 12-09-2010 |
| 20100285537 | SELECTIVE TAGGING OF SHORT NUCLEIC ACID FRAGMENTS AND SELECTIVE PROTECTION OF TARGET SEQUENCES FROM DEGRADATION - Methods are provided for selective tagging of short nucleic acids comprising a short target nucleotide sequence over longer nucleic acids comprising the same target nucleotide sequence. The methods can involve performing one or two cycles of amplification of a sample comprising long nucleic acids and short nucleic acids, each comprising the same target nucleotide sequence with at least two target-specific primers or primer pairs under suitable annealing conditions, wherein the primer pairs comprise: an inner primer or primer pair that can amplify the target nucleotide sequence on long and short nucleic acids (wherein each inner primer comprises a 5′ nucleotide tag; and an outer primer or primer pair that amplifies the target nucleotide sequence on long nucleic acids, but not on short nucleic acids); whereby the amplification after a second cycle produces at least one tagged target nucleotide sequence that comprises two nucleotide tags, one from each inner primer, with the target nucleotide sequence located between the nucleotide tags. | 11-11-2010 |
| 20100273219 | MULTI-PRIMER AMPLIFICATION METHOD FOR BARCODING OF TARGET NUCLEIC ACIDS - In certain embodiments, the present invention provides amplification methods in which nucleotide tag(s) and, optionally, a barcode nucleotide sequence are added to target nucleotide sequences. In other embodiments, the present invention provides a microfluidic device that includes a plurality of first input lines and a plurality of second input lines. The microfluidic device also includes a plurality of sets of first chambers and a plurality of sets of second chambers. Each set of first chambers is in fluid communication with one of the plurality of first input lines. Each set of second chambers is in fluid communication with one of the plurality of second input lines. The microfluidic device further includes a plurality of first pump elements in fluid communication with a first portion of the plurality of second input lines and a plurality of second pump elements in fluid communication with a second portion of the plurality of second input lines. | 10-28-2010 |
| 20100263757 | Microfabricated Fluidic Circuit Elements and Applications - A microfabricated fluidic unidirectional valve includes a microfabricated elastomer material having a flow through channel. The microfabricated fluidic unidirectional valve also includes an elastomer flap attached to the elastomer material in the flow through channel. The elastomer flap forms a seal in the flow through channel to prevent fluid from flowing in a first direction through the flow through channel and to allow fluid flow in a second direction through the flow through channel. | 10-21-2010 |
| 20100230613 | MICROFLUIDIC DEVICES AND METHODS - Embodiments of the present invention provide improved microfluidic devices and related apparatus, systems, and methods. Methods are provided for reducing mixing times during use of microfluidic devices. Microfluidic devices and related methods of manufacturing are provided with increased manufacturing yield rates. Improved apparatus and related systems are provided for supplying controlled pressure to microfluidic devices. Methods and related microfluidic devices are provided for reducing dehydration of microfluidic devices during use. Microfluidic devices and related methods are provided with improved sample to reagent mixture ratio control. Microfluidic devices and systems are provided with improved resistance to compression fixture pressure induced failures. Methods and systems for conducting temperature controlled reactions using microfluidic devices are provided that reduce condensation levels within the microfluidic device. Methods and systems are provided for improved fluorescent imaging of microfluidic devices. | 09-16-2010 |
| 20100203538 | DETERMINATION OF COPY NUMBER DIFFERENCES BY AMPLIFICATION - The present invention provides for determining relative copy number difference for one or more target nucleic acid sequences between a test sample and a reference sample or reference value derived therefrom. The methods facilitate the detection of copy number differences less than 1.5-fold. | 08-12-2010 |
| 20100184202 | Thermal Reaction Device and Method for Using the Same - An M×N matrix microfluidic device for performing a matrix of reactions, the device having a plurality of reaction cells in communication with one of either a sample inlet or a reagent inlet through a via formed within an elastomeric block of the device. Methods provided include a method for forming vias in parallel in an elastomeric layer of an elastomeric block of a microfluidic device, the method comprising using patterned photoresist masks and etching reagents to etch away regions or portions of an elastomeric layer of the elastomeric block. | 07-22-2010 |
| 20100183481 | Devices And Methods For Holding Microfluidic Devices - Carriers or holders for holding microfluidic devices are provided. Some of the carriers that are provided include a hydration control device and/or a source of controlled fluid pressure to facilitate use of the carrier in conducting various types of analyses. | 07-22-2010 |
| 20100178655 | SINGLE-CELL NUCLEIC ACID ANALYSIS - The present invention provides methods for analysis of genomic DNA and/or RNA from small samples or even single cells. Methods for analyzing genomic DNA can entail whole genome amplification (WGA), followed by preamplification and amplification of selected target nucleic acids. Methods for analyzing RNA can entail reverse transcription of the desired RNA, followed by preamplification and amplification of selected target nucleic acids. | 07-15-2010 |
| 20100166608 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR MICROFLUIDIC DEVICE AND IMAGING THEREOF - A biological substrate, e.g., microfluidic chip. The substrate includes a rigid substrate material, which has a surface region capable of acting as a handle substrate. The substrate also has a deformable fluid layer coupled to the surface region. One or more well regions are formed in a first portion of the deformable fluid layer and are capable of holding a fluid therein. The one or more channel regions are formed in a second portion of the deformable fluid layer and are coupled to one or more of the well regions. An active region is formed in the deformable fluid layer. At least three fiducial markings are formed within the non-active region and disposed in a spatial manner associated with at least one of the well regions. A control layer is coupled to the fluid layer. | 07-01-2010 |
| 20100120077 | MICROFLUIDIC PARTICLE-ANALYSIS SYSTEMS - The invention provides systems, including apparatus, methods, and kits, for the microfluidic manipulation and/or detection of particles, such as cells and/or beads. The invention provides systems, including apparatus, methods, and kits, for the microfluidic manipulation and/or analysis of particles, such as cells, viruses, organelles, beads, and/or vesicles. The invention also provides microfluidic mechanisms for carrying out these manipulations and analyses. These mechanisms may enable controlled input, movement/positioning, retention/localization, treatment, measurement, release, and/or output of particles. Furthermore, these mechanisms may be combined in any suitable order and/or employed for any suitable number of times within a system. Accordingly, these combinations may allow particles to be sorted, cultured, mixed, treated, and/or assayed, among others, as single particles, mixed groups of particles, arrays of particles, heterogeneous particle sets, and/or homogeneous particle sets, among others, in series and/or in parallel. In addition, these combinations may enable microfluidic systems to be reused. Furthermore, these combinations may allow the response of particles to treatment to be measured on a shorter time scale than was previously possible. Therefore, systems of the invention may allow a broad range of cell and particle assays, such as drug screens, cell characterizations, research studies, and/or clinical analyses, among others, to be scaled down to microfluidic size. Such scaled-down assays may use less sample and reagent, may be less labor intensive, and/or may be more informative than comparable macrofluidic assays. | 05-13-2010 |
| 20100119154 | IMAGE PROCESSING METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR MICROFLUIDIC DEVICES - A method for processing an image of a microfluidic device. The method includes receiving a first image of a microfluidic device. The first image corresponds to a first state. Additionally, the method includes receiving a second image of the microfluidic device. The second image corresponds to a second state. Moreover, the method includes transforming the first image and the second image into a third coordinate space. Also, the method includes obtaining a third image based on at least information associated with the transformed first image and the transformed second image, and processing the third image to obtain information associated with the first state and the second state. | 05-13-2010 |
| 20090299545 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR MICROFLUIDIC DEVICE AND IMAGING THEREOF - A biological substrate, e.g., microfluidic chip. The substrate includes a rigid substrate material, which has a surface region capable of acting as a handle substrate. The substrate also has a deformable fluid layer coupled to the surface region. One or more well regions are formed in a first portion of the deformable fluid layer and are capable of holding a fluid therein. The one or more channel regions are formed in a second portion of the deformable fluid layer and are coupled to one or more of the well regions. An active region is formed in the deformable fluid layer. At least three fiducial markings are formed within the non-active region and disposed in a spatial manner associated with at least one of the well regions. A control layer is coupled to the fluid layer. | 12-03-2009 |
| 20090294703 | OPTICAL LENS SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MICROFLUIDIC DEVICES - An apparatus for imaging one or more selected fluorescence indications from a microfluidic device. The apparatus includes an imaging path coupled to least one chamber in at least one microfluidic device. The imaging path provides for transmission of one or more fluorescent emission signals derived from one or more samples in the at least one chamber of the at least one microfluidic device. The chamber has a chamber size, the chamber size being characterized by an actual spatial dimension normal to the imaging path. The apparatus also includes an optical lens system coupled to the imaging path. The optical lens system is adapted to transmit the one or more fluorescent signals associated with the chamber. | 12-03-2009 |
| 20090257920 | MULTILEVEL MICROFLUIDIC SYSTEMS AND METHODS - Multilevel microfluidic devices include a control line that can simultaneously actuate valves for both sample and reagent lines. Microfluidic devices are configured to contain a first reagent in a first chamber and a second reagent in a second chamber, where either or both of the first and second reagents are contained at a desired or selected pressure. Operation of a microfluidic device includes transmitting second reagent from the second chamber to the first chamber, for mixing or contact with the first reagent. Microfluidic device features such as channels, valves, chambers, can be at least partially contained, embedded, or formed by or within one or more layers or levels of an elastomeric block. | 10-15-2009 |
| 20090239308 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DETERMINING COPY NUMBER VARIATION USING DIGITAL PCR - A method of estimating a concentration of DNA molecules in a biological sample includes storing a number of a plurality of reaction sites in a memory and distributing the biological sample among the plurality of reaction sites. The method also includes determining a number of the plurality of reaction sites characterized by a presence of one or more of the DNA molecules and computing a portion of the plurality of reaction sites characterized by the presence of the one or more of the DNA molecules. The method further includes estimating the concentration of the DNA molecules as a function of the portion of the plurality of reaction sites and computing a confidence interval for the estimated concentration of DNA molecules. | 09-24-2009 |
| 20090187009 | SCALE-UP METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR PERFORMING THE SAME - The present invention provides methods of and systems for translating conditions from a small-volume experiment to a larger-volume experiment. | 07-23-2009 |
| 20090176230 | Microfluidic device and methods of using same - A variety of elastomeric-based microfluidic devices and methods for using and manufacturing such devices are provided. Certain of the devices have arrays of reaction sites to facilitate high throughput analyses. Some devices also include reaction sites located at the end of blind channels at which reagents have been previously deposited during manufacture. The reagents become suspended once sample is introduced into the reaction site. The devices can be utilized with a variety of heating devices and thus can be used in a variety of analyses requiring temperature control, including thermocycling applications such as nucleic acid amplification reactions, genotyping and gene expression analyses. | 07-09-2009 |
| 20090147918 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CRYSTALLIZATION AND X-RAY DIFFRACTION SCREENING - An integrated fluidic circuit includes a substrate layer and a first structure coupled to the substrate layer and including a plurality of channels. The first structure is configured to provide for flow of one or more materials through the plurality of channels. The integrated fluidic circuit also includes a second structure coupled to the substrate layer. The second structure includes a plurality of control channels configured to receive an actuation pressure. The integrated fluidic circuit is characterized by a thickness of less than 1.5 mm. | 06-11-2009 |
| 20090142236 | Microfluidic Devices and Methods of Using Same - An M.times.N matrix microfluidic device for performing a matrix of reactions, the device having a plurality of reaction cells in communication with one of either a sample inlet or a reagent inlet through a via formed within an elastomeric block of the device. Methods provided include a method for forming vias in parallel in an elastomeric layer of an elastomeric block of a microfluidic device, the method comprising using patterned photoresist masks and etching reagents to etch away regions or portions of an elastomeric layer of the elastomeric block. | 06-04-2009 |
| 20090069194 | COPY NUMBER VARIATION DETERMINATION, METHODS AND SYSTEMS - The present invention methods and systems for determining copy number variation of a target polynucleotide in a genome of a subject including amplification based techniques. Methods can include pre-amplification of the sample followed by distribution of sample and a plurality of reaction volumes, quantitative detection of a target polynucleotide and a reference polynucleotide, and analysis so as to determine the relative copy number of the target polynucleotide sequence in the genome of the subject. | 03-12-2009 |
| 20090061428 | Thermal Reaction Device and Method for Using the Same - An M times.N matrix microfluidic device for performing a matrix of reactions, the device having a plurality of reaction cells in communication with one of either a sample inlet or a reagent inlet through a via formed within an elastomeric block of the device. Methods provided include a method for forming vias in parallel in an elastomeric layer of an elastomeric block of a microfluidic device, the method comprising using patterned photoresist masks and etching reagents to etch away regions or portions of an elastomeric layer of the elastomeric block. | 03-05-2009 |
| 20080281090 | Microfluidic Chemical Reaction Circuits - New microfluidic devices, useful for carrying out chemical reactions, are provided. The devices are adapted for on-chip solvent exchange, chemical processes requiring multiple chemical reactions, and rapid concentration of reagents. | 11-13-2008 |
| 20080257437 | MICROFABRICATED FLUIDIC CIRCUIT ELEMENTS AND APPLICATIONS - Microfabricated fluidic devices of the present invention include switches that can be opened and closed to allow or block the flow of fluid through a channel in response to the pressure level in a gate of the switch. The microfabricated fluidic switches may be coupled together to perform logic functions and Boolean algebra, such as inverters, AND gates, NAND, gates, NOR gates, and OR gates. The logic gates may be coupled together to form flip-flops that latch signals. The present invention also includes microfabricated fluidic pressure multipliers that increase the pressure in a second chamber relative to a first chamber. Microfabricated fluidic devices of the present invention also include high or low pressure sources. A pressure source of the present includes a pump coupled to a reservoir through unidirectional valves. Microfabricated fluidic devices of the present invention may also include devices that perform analog functions such as switching regulator. | 10-23-2008 |
| 20080230387 | Microfluidic Devices and Methods of Using Same - A variety of elastomeric-based microfluidic devices and methods for using and manufacturing such devices are provided. Certain of the devices have arrays of reaction sites to facilitate high throughput analyses. Some devices also include reaction sites located at the end of blind channels at which reagents have been previously deposited during manufacture. The reagents become suspended once sample is introduced into the reaction site. The devices can be utilized with a variety of heating devices and thus can be used in a variety of analyses requiring temperature control, including thermocycling applications such as nucleic acid amplification reactions, genotyping and gene expression analyses. | 09-25-2008 |
| 20080223721 | High Efficiency and High Precision Microfluidic Devices and Methods - New high density microfluidic devices and methods provide precise metering of fluid volumes and efficient mixing of the metered volumes. A first solution is introduced into a segment of a flow channel in fluidic communication with a reaction chamber. A second solution is flowed through the segment so that the first solution is displaced into the reaction chamber, and a volume of the second solution enters the chamber. The chamber can then be isolated and reactions within the chamber can be initiated and/or detected. High throughput methods of genetic analysis can be carried out with greater accuracy than previously available. | 09-18-2008 |
