METHODS AND DEVICES FOR MICROFLUIDIC EXTRACTION
(19)AUSTRALIAN PATENT OFFICE(54) Title METHODS AND DEVICES FOR MICROFLUIDIC EXTRACTION (51)6 International Patent Classification(s) BOIL 003/00 B01D oii/04(21) Application No: 2003234566 (22) Application Date: 2003.05.13(87) WIPONo: WO03/10383G (30) Priority Data (31) Number (32) Date (33) Country 60/387,829 2002.06.11US60/390,235 2002.06.20US10/437,727 2003.05.13US(43) Publication Date : 2003.12.22(43) Publication Journal Date : 2004.02.19(71) Applicant(s) KIONIX, INC.(72) Inventor(s) ZHOU, Peng; PINNISI, Michael D.;MARUSAK, Ronald E.; MOON, James E.; YOUNG,Lincoln C. (H) Application NoAU2003234566 A1(19)AUSTRALIAN PATENT OFFICE(54) Title METHODS AND DEVICES FOR MICROFLUIDIC EXTRACTION (51)6 International Patent Classification(s) BOIL 003/00 B01D oii/04(21) Application No: 2003234566 (22) Application Date: 2003.05.13(87) WIPONo: WO03/10383G (30) Priority Data (31) Number (32) Date (33) Country 60/387,829 2002.06.11US60/390,235 2002.06.20US10/437,727 2003.05.13US(43) Publication Date : 2003.12.22(43) Publication Journal Date : 2004.02.19(71) Applicant(s) KIONIX, INC.(72) Inventor(s) ZHOU, Peng; PINNISI, Michael D.;MARUSAK, Ronald E.; MOON, James E.; YOUNG,Lincoln C. Devices for performing liquid extraction of one or more constituents from one fluid to another fluid are provided. In operation, the fluids are separated by channel structures that stabilize the interfacial boundary between the fluids allowing, for example, countercurrent flow and exchange or other flow conditions incompatible with unassisted maintenance of laminar flow. Also provided are channel structures which aid in mixing the fluids. Thin membranes may be formed using liquid extraction devices according to the invention. A process for manufacturing such devices using DRIE is described.