High-throughput screening assay systems in microscale fluidic devices
First Claim
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1. An apparatus for screening a plurality of test compounds for an effect on at least a first biochemical component, the apparatus comprising:
- (i) a body structure comprising at least two intersecting microscale channels disposed therein;
(ii) a source of the plurality of test compounds fluidly coupled to at least one of the at least two microscale channels, which source is coupled to the at least one of the at least two microscale channels via a capillary or microchannel; and
, (ii) a source of the first biochemical component fluidly coupled to at least one of the at least two microscale channels.
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Abstract
The present invention provides novel microfluidic devices and methods that are useful for performing high-throughput screening assays. In particular, the devices and methods of the invention are useful in screening large numbers of different compounds for their effects on a variety of chemical, and preferably, biochemical systems.
432 Citations
68 Claims
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1. An apparatus for screening a plurality of test compounds for an effect on at least a first biochemical component, the apparatus comprising:
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(i) a body structure comprising at least two intersecting microscale channels disposed therein;
(ii) a source of the plurality of test compounds fluidly coupled to at least one of the at least two microscale channels, which source is coupled to the at least one of the at least two microscale channels via a capillary or microchannel; and
,(ii) a source of the first biochemical component fluidly coupled to at least one of the at least two microscale channels. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45)
at least three electrodes, each electrode being in electrical contact with the at least two microscale channels on a different side of an intersection formed by the at least two channels; and
,a control system for concomitantly applying a variable voltage at each of said electrodes, whereby movement of the test compounds or the first biochemical component in the at least two channels is controlled.
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36. The apparatus of claim 32, wherein the fluid direction system comprises a pressure source.
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37. The apparatus of claim 36, wherein the pressure source comprises a pump.
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38. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a fluid direction system and a source of a second biochemical component fluidly coupled to at least one of the two microscale channels, which fluid direction system generates a continuous flow of a mixture of the first biochemical component and the second biochemical component along at least one of the at least two microscale channels and periodically injects a member of the plurality of test compounds into the at least one of the at least two microscale channels.
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39. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a detection zone in at least one of the at least two microscale channels for detecting an effect on the at least one biochemical component.
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40. The apparatus of claim 39, wherein the detection zone comprises a detection window in the at least one of the at least two microscale channels.
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41. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a detection system for detecting an effect on the at least one biochemical component.
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42. The apparatus of claim 41, wherein the detection system comprises a fluorescent detection system.
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43. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of electrodes in a plurality of reservoirs fluidly connected to one or more of the at least two microscale channels and a control system for concomitantly applying a voltage to each of the electrodes, whereby movement of the at least first biochemical component or a member of the plurality of test compounds in the at least two microscale channels is controlled.
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44. The apparatus of claim 43, wherein the apparatus comprises an electrode interface, which electrode interface minimizes degradation of one or more chemical species present in plurality of reservoirs.
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45. The apparatus of claim 44, wherein the apparatus further comprises one or more component for reducing electroosmotic flow selected from:
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a frit on one or more member of the plurality of electrodes, which frit reduces electroosmotic flow towards the one or more member of the plurality of electrodes;
a channel between at least two members of the plurality of reservoirs, which channel limits diffusion of the one or more chemical species, the channel having low electroosmotic flow;
a filled channel between at least two members of the plurality of reservoirs, which filled channel comprises a matrix to limit transport of the one or more chemical species through the filled channel, the filled channel thereby having low electroosmotic flow;
a high reservoir having a fluid level higher than at least one low reservoir, which high reservoir is fluidly connected to the low reservoir, which low reservoir comprises an electrode, wherein fluid pressure between the high reservoir and the low reservoir reduces electroosmotic flow towards the electrode; and
,a dual reservoir system with a first reservoir fluidly coupled through a connecting channel to a narrow diameter second reservoir adapted to receive at least one member of the plurality of electrodes, the narrow diameter second reservoir adapted to draw fluid by capillary electrophoresis towards the at least one member of the plurality of electrodes, thereby countering electroosmotic flow in the connecting channel.
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46. A method of screening a plurality of test compounds for an effect on at least one biochemical component, the method comprising:
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continuously flowing the at least one biochemical component through at least a first microscale channel;
contacting the at least one biochemical component with at least a first member of the plurality of test compounds; and
,detecting an effect of the first member of the plurality of test compounds on the at least one biochemical component. - View Dependent Claims (47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68)
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Specification