Multi-channel chemical transport bus providing short-duration burst transport using sensors for microfluidic and other applications

摘要

A controllable multiple-channel chemical transport bus providing routing and transport of fluids, gasses, aerosols, slurries and the like within a larger system. The system and methods are applicable for use in Lab-on-a-Chip (LoC) technology, arid can be useful in the implementation of reconfigurable LoC devices. Routes through the bus are determined by control signals and/or sequences of control signals issued under algorithmic control. Several independent flows may occur simultaneously. The controllable multiple-channel chemical transport bus can be configured to support chemical flow durations short enough that the chemical flow at a first chemical flow port ends at a time before the chemical flow is first received at a second chemical flow port. At least one sensor detects the flow in an associated flow line, such that a controller uses at least one signal from the sensor to time fluid flow between the two flow ports.