Abstract:
The present invention concerns an apparatus for conducting a microfluidic process. The apparatus comprises integral first and second plates (100, 110). The first plate (100) comprises an array of sample receiving elements (102) for receiving a plurality of samples from an array of sample containers and dispensing the samples. The second plate (110) comprises a planar array of microfluidic networks of cavity structures and channels for conducting a microfluidic process. Also disclosed is a method for processing an array of samples. At least a portion of each sample in an array of sample wells is simultaneously transferred to a corresponding array of microfluidic networks of cavity structures and channels by means of a corresponding array of sample receiving elements that is in integral fluid communication with the array of microfluidic networks. The samples are then processed. Also disclosed is a device for conducting a microfluidic process wherein the device comprising a planar substrate having a planar array of microfluidic networks of cavity structures and channels for conducting a microfluidic process. A plurality of such devices may be present on a continuous sheet. The invention further includes kits for carrying out microfluidic processes comprising an apparatus as described above.
Abstract:
A method for securing an array of samples comprising simultaneously transferring at least a portion of each sample in an array of samples in sample containers to a corresponding array of capillaries and simultaneously transferring at least a portion of sample from each of said capillaries to a corresponding array of reservoirs of an electrophoresis column.
Abstract:
The present invention concerns an apparatus for conducting a microfluidic process. The apparatus comprises integral first and second plates (100, 110). The first plate (100) comprises an array of sample receiving elements (102) for receiving a plurality of samples from an array of sample containers and dispensing the samples. The second plate (110) comprises a planar array of microfluidic networks of cavity structures and channels for conducting a microfluidic process. Also disclosed is a method for processing an array of samples. At least a portion of each sample in an array of sample wells is simultaneously transferred to a corresponding array of microfluidic networks of cavity structures and channels by means of a corresponding array of sample receiving elements that is in integral fluid communication with the array of microfluidic networks. The samples are then processed. Also disclosed is a device for conducting a microfluidic process wherein the device comprising a planar substrate having a planar array of microfluidic networks of cavity structures and channels for conducting a microfluidic process. A plurality of such devices may be present on a continuous sheet. The invention further includes kits for carrying out microfluidic processes comprising an apparatus as described above.
Abstract:
A method and device are provided for transporting a liquid sample into a third microchannel (13) from an intersection (5) of at least a first microchannel (11), a second microchannel (12), and a fourth microchannel (14), by stages. In a first stage, liquid sample is moved in and from the fourth microchannel through the intersection and into the second microchannel and concurrently carrier liquid is moved in and from the first and third microchannels through the intersection and into the second microchannel. Thereafter in a second stage, at least part of the contents of the intersection is moved into the third channel and concurrently a part of the contents of the second and fourth microchannels is moved through the intersection and into the third microchannel. Thereafter in a third stage, carrier liquid is moved from the first microchannel simultaneously through the intersection and into the second, third, and fourth microchannels. In some embodiments the liquid sample and the carrier liquid are moved electrokinetically, that is, by application of an electric field to segments of the microchannels.
Abstract:
Electrophoretic chambers having at least a region of surface modification, and methods for their fabrication, are provided. In some embodiments the subject chambers include in the region of surface modification an anchoring polymeric layer interpenetrating the surface of the chamber and an electrophoretic polymeric layer copolymerized with the anchoring polymeric layer. The subject chambers are prepared by sequentially contacting the chamber surface with a first monomer capable of interpenetrating the surface and a second monomer capable of copolymerization with the first monomer, followed by copolymerization of the first and second monomers. In other embodiments an electrophoretic polymeric layer is noncovalently bound on the surface of a rigid polymeric base material without the aid of a separate anchoring polymeric layer. The subject devices find use in any of a variety of electrophoretic applications in which entities are moved through a medium under the influence of an applied electric field.