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Microfluidic device with sample injector and method of using

  • US 6,818,113 B2
  • Filed: 02/10/2001
  • Issued: 11/16/2004
  • Est. Priority Date: 02/11/2000
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A method of injecting a liquid sample into an electrolyte channel in a microfluidics device having a channel network that includes an electrolyte channel having upstream and downstream channel portions and first, second, and third side channels that intersect the electrolyte channel between the two channel portions at first, second, and third ports, respectively, where at least one of the ports is axially spaced along the electrolyte channel from the other two ports, said method comprising(a) supplying a sample to the first side channel, (b) applying across the first side channel and at least one of the other two side channels, a voltage potential effective to move sample in the first channel into a volume element of the electrolyte channel extending between the first port and at least one other port which is axially offset from the first port, (c) simultaneously controlling the voltage applied to the three side channels, and optionally, at least one of said upstream and downstream channel end portions, to create a sample volume element in the electrolyte channel that has a desired leading- and trailing-edge shape and/or distribution of sample components within the volume element, and (d) simultaneously controlling the voltage applied to the upstream and downstream channel portion, and to at least two of the side channels, to advance the sample element having a desired leading- and trailing-edge shape and/or distribution of sample components in a downstream direction within the electrolyte channel.

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