Category:

Research Tool

Description:

The technology described here consists of a design for a "genderless" connector for microfluidic devices that can be used either to directly interconnect devices or to make external connections to devices.  There is a rapidly increasing work in the development of microfluidic devices in multiple fields including analytical systems, chemical process microreactors, and systems for manipulation and study of biological cells.  In spite of major activity in microfluidic device development, a generally applicable standard approach to connecting these systems with one another and with the outside world has yet to emerge. 

This interconnection is extremely cost effective, and can easily be incorporated into existing devices without a major investment in additional engineering.  As such, this interconnection system should facilitate further development of microfluidic systems.

Potential Applications:

•  Extremely cost effective
• "Universal" system will connect to all existing microfluidic devices

Inventor(s):

Dr. D. Knapp

Patent Status:

Provisional Patent Application in Progress (MUSC-FRD#P0739)

Availability:

Available for:
exclusive
non-exclusive
licensing.

Technology Status:

Prototype completed, and ready for licensing

Licensing Contact:

Ryan N. Fiorini, MBA, Ph.D.
MUSC Foundation for Research Development
PO Box 250828
Charleston, SC 29425
843.876.1906
fiorinir@musc.edu