Microfluidic devices and methods
First Claim
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1. A method for chemically affecting a sample comprising:
- providing a microanalysis chip including a body having a transfer-separation channel with a channel bottom having a bottom opening;
inserting a pillar into the bottom opening such that a sample supported by the pillar communicates with the transfer-separation channel; and
passing a reagent fluid into the transfer-separation channel in order for the reagent fluid to come in contact with the sample to chemically affect the sample.
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Abstract
Embodiments of the invention are directed to microfluidic devices. In one embodiment, a microanalysis chip comprises a body having at least one transfer-separation channel with a channel bottom that has a bottom opening. The transfer-separation channel terminates in a discharge aperture.
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Citations
12 Claims
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1. A method for chemically affecting a sample comprising:
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providing a microanalysis chip including a body having a transfer-separation channel with a channel bottom having a bottom opening;
inserting a pillar into the bottom opening such that a sample supported by the pillar communicates with the transfer-separation channel; and
passing a reagent fluid into the transfer-separation channel in order for the reagent fluid to come in contact with the sample to chemically affect the sample. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3)
sealing a region between the microanalysis chip and the base with a seal member.
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4. A method of processing analytes, the method comprising:
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inserting a plurality of sample surfaces into a plurality of vertical channels in a dispenser chip, wherein the plurality of sample surfaces are on pillars of a sample chip;
depositing a plurality of liquid samples on the sample surfaces while the sample surfaces are in the vertical fluid channels;
binding analytes from the plurality of liquid samples to the sample surfaces;
withdrawing the sample surfaces from the vertical fluid channels;
inserting the plurality of sample surfaces into a plurality of openings in a microanalysis chip so that the plurality of sample surfaces are in communication with a plurality of transfer-separation channels in the microanalysis chip; and
processing the analytes using reagents flowing through the transfer-separation channels while the analytes are bound to the sample surfaces. - View Dependent Claims (5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
discharging the processed analytes from the microanalysis chip using a plurality of nozzles in the microfluidic chip.
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6. The method of claim 4 further comprising:
transferring the processed analytes to a mass spectrometer.
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7. The method of claim 4 wherein the analytes are proteins, DNA, or RNA.
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8. The method of claim 4 wherein processing includes at least one of derivatizing, cleaving, or unfolding the analyte.
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9. The method of claim 4 wherein each vertical fluid channel comprises a passive valve.
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10. The method of claim 4 wherein each pillar has an aspect ratio greater than about 1.
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11. The method of claim 4 further comprising:
performing a chromatography process on the processed analytes.
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12. The method of claim 4 further comprising:
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separating the processed analytes from the sample surfaces; and
transferring the processed analytes downstream of the sample surfaces in the transfer-separation channels.
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Specification