Sample evaporative control
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A method for performing operations in small volumes with a volatile solvent, said method comprising:
- adding a component for said operation to a liquid zone having (i) an exposed opening to the atmosphere, (ii) an interior border whereby a meniscus is created at said border which is disposed within the zone that is spaced from the exposed opening, and (iii) containing said volatile solvent subject to evaporation;
wherein said liquid zone is in contact with a replenishing medium inma capillary channel; and
maintaining a sample volume in said zone during said operation as said solvent undergoes evaporation by replenishing said sample volume with said replenishing medium from said capillary channel.
4 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Devices and methods are provided using microfluidic devices for manipulating small volumes and determining a variety of chemical and physical events. The devices rely upon an opening to the atmosphere of a small volume in a zone, where a sample is placed in the zone where evaporation can occur. The zone is maintained in contact with a liquid medium that serves to replenish the liquid in the zone and maintain the composition of the mixture in the zone substantially constant. The diffusion of components in the zone is restricted during the course of the determination by the liquid flux into the zone.
130 Citations
13 Claims
-
1. A method for performing operations in small volumes with a volatile solvent, said method comprising:
-
adding a component for said operation to a liquid zone having (i) an exposed opening to the atmosphere, (ii) an interior border whereby a meniscus is created at said border which is disposed within the zone that is spaced from the exposed opening, and (iii) containing said volatile solvent subject to evaporation;
wherein said liquid zone is in contact with a replenishing medium inma capillary channel; and
maintaining a sample volume in said zone during said operation as said solvent undergoes evaporation by replenishing said sample volume with said replenishing medium from said capillary channel. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
-
Specification