Apparatus and methods for sample analysis
First Claim
1. A sample plug formation device comprising:
- a housing defining a separation channel comprising a longitudinal axis, and an introduction channel which forms a juncture with the separation channel;
a pressure control device independently in communication with the separation channel and the introduction channel wherein a first pressure differential applied to the introduction channel transports a sample to the juncture, and a second pressure differential applied to the separation channel transports a portion of the sample in the juncture into the separation channel to form a sample plug; and
a voltage generator in communication with the separation channel, wherein the voltage generator is adapted to apply an electric potential along the longitudinal axis.
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Abstract
The present invention is directed to apparatus and methods for rapid, automated, microscale sample analysis using pressure differentials. The invention includes an apparatus having intersecting channels for introduction of a sample and separation of that sample into its components. The sample introduction and separation channels preferably are etched in a microfabricated device, such as a microchip, to form a junction. Pressure gradients are applied to the channels to form a sample plug in the separation channel. The separation channel may have disposed within it a medium for separation of the components suspected to be contained in the sample. For example, with the proper medium, a voltage gradient may be applied along the separation channel to separate the components of the sample electrophoretically. The apparatus also may include means for detecting the components of the sample subsequent to separation.
177 Citations
17 Claims
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1. A sample plug formation device comprising:
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a housing defining a separation channel comprising a longitudinal axis, and an introduction channel which forms a juncture with the separation channel;
a pressure control device independently in communication with the separation channel and the introduction channel wherein a first pressure differential applied to the introduction channel transports a sample to the juncture, and a second pressure differential applied to the separation channel transports a portion of the sample in the juncture into the separation channel to form a sample plug; and
a voltage generator in communication with the separation channel, wherein the voltage generator is adapted to apply an electric potential along the longitudinal axis. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 11)
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8. A method for forming a sample plug comprising the steps of:
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(a) providing a sample plug formation device comprising;
a housing defining a separation channel comprising a longitudinal axis, and an introduction channel which forms a juncture with the separation channel; and
a pressure control device in communication with the separation channel;
(b) applying a first pressure differential to the introduction channel to transport a sample in communication with the introduction channel to the juncture;
(c) applying a second pressure differential to the separation channel to transport a portion of the sample in the junction into the separation channel to form a sample plug; and
(d) applying an electric potential along the longitudinal axis of the separation channel. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. A scientific instrument comprising:
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a microfabricated solid comprising, a housing defining a separation channel comprising a longitudinal axis, an introduction channel which forms a juncture with the separation channel, and a pressure control device independently in communication with the separation channel and the introduction channel wherein a first pressure differential applied to the introduction channel transports a sample to the juncture, and a second pressure differential applied to the separation channel transports a portion of the sample in the juncture into the separation channel to form a sample plug;
a voltage generator in communication with the separation channel to apply an electric potential along the longitudinal axis;
a computer in communication with the pressure control device to control the pressure control device; and
a detector spaced apart from the junction and in communication with the separation channel to detect a chemical component. - View Dependent Claims (17)
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Specification