Diagnostic devices and apparatus for the controlled movement of reagents without membranes
First Claim
74. A method for regulating fluid flow in a device that conducts fluid through one or more capillary channels, comprising:
- introducing fluid into a capillary channel comprising (i) a first capillary region comprising a hydrophilic surface and (ii) a second capillary region comprising a hydrophobic surface adjacent to said first capillary region, whereby fluid flows through said first capillary region to contact said hydrophobic surface.
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Accused Products
Abstract
The assay devices, assay systems and device components of this invention comprise at least two opposing surfaces disposed a capillary distance apart, at least one of which is capable of immobilizing at least one target ligand or a conjugate in an amount related to the presence or amount of target ligand in the sample from a fluid sample in a zone for controlled fluid movement to, through or away the zone. The inventive device components may be incorporated into conventional assay devices with membranes or may be used in the inventive membrane-less devices herein described and claimed. These components include flow control elements, measurement elements, time gates, elements for the elimination of pipetting steps, and generally, elements for the controlled flow, timing, delivery, incubation, separation, washing and other steps of the assay process.
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Citations
93 Claims
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74. A method for regulating fluid flow in a device that conducts fluid through one or more capillary channels, comprising:
introducing fluid into a capillary channel comprising (i) a first capillary region comprising a hydrophilic surface and (ii) a second capillary region comprising a hydrophobic surface adjacent to said first capillary region, whereby fluid flows through said first capillary region to contact said hydrophobic surface. - View Dependent Claims (75, 76, 77, 78, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85)
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79. A method for regulating fluid flow in a device that conducts fluid through one or more capillary channels, comprising:
contacting said fluid with one or more hydrophobic regions on a capillary surface that alter a rate or direction of said fluid flow within said device in comparison to a rate or direction of fluid flow within said device in the absence of said hydrophobic region.
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86. A device that conducts fluid through one or more capillary channels, comprising:
a capillary channel comprising (i) a first capillary region comprising a hydrophilic surface and (ii) a second capillary region comprising a hydrophobic surface adjacent to said first capillary region. - View Dependent Claims (87, 88, 89, 90)
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91. A method for regulating fluid flow in a device that conducts fluid through one or more capillary channels, comprising:
introducing fluid into a capillary channel comprising (i) a first capillary region comprising a surface having a first contact angle and (ii) a second capillary region adjacent to said first capillary region comprising a surface having a second contact angle less than that of said first contact angle, whereby fluid flows through said first capillary region to contact said second capillary region. - View Dependent Claims (92, 93)
Specification