Diagnostic devices and apparatus for the controlled movement of reagents without membranes
First Claim
1. A method for regulating fluid flow in a device that conducts fluid through one or more capillary channels, comprising:
- introducing fluid into said device which comprises a capillary channel comprising (i) a first capillary region comprising a hydrophilic surface and(ii) a second capillary region comprising a hydrophobic surface adjacent to said first capillary region, and a third capillary region comprising a hydrophilic surface adjacent to said second capillary region, wherein said hydrophobic surface controls the rate of flow of said fluid into said third capillary region, whereby upon introduction of said fluid to said device, fluid flows through said first capillary region to contact said hydrophobic surface which delays fluid flow into said third capillary region until rendered hydrophilic.
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Accused Products
Abstract
The assay devices, assay systems and device components of this invention comprise at least two opposing surfaces disposed a capillary distance apart, at least one of which is capable of immobilizing at least one target ligand or a conjugate in an amount related to the presence or amount of target ligand in the sample from a fluid sample in a zone for controlled fluid movement to, through or away the zone. The inventive device components may be incorporated into conventional assay devices with membranes or may be used in the inventive membrane-less devices herein described and claimed. These components include flow control elements, measurement elements, time gates, elements for the elimination of pipetting steps, and generally, elements for the controlled flow, timing, delivery, incubation, separation, washing and other steps of the assay process.
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Citations
12 Claims
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1. A method for regulating fluid flow in a device that conducts fluid through one or more capillary channels, comprising:
introducing fluid into said device which comprises a capillary channel comprising (i) a first capillary region comprising a hydrophilic surface and(ii) a second capillary region comprising a hydrophobic surface adjacent to said first capillary region, and a third capillary region comprising a hydrophilic surface adjacent to said second capillary region, wherein said hydrophobic surface controls the rate of flow of said fluid into said third capillary region, whereby upon introduction of said fluid to said device, fluid flows through said first capillary region to contact said hydrophobic surface which delays fluid flow into said third capillary region until rendered hydrophilic. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3)
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4. A method for regulating fluid flow in a device that conducts fluid through one or more capillary channels, comprising:
- contacting said fluid with one or more hydrophobic regions on a capillary surface that alter a rate or direction of said fluid flow within said device in comparison to a rate or direction of fluid flow within said device in the absence of said hydrophobic region, wherein said hydrophobic region retards fluid flow into a hydrophilic region until said hydrophobic region is rendered hydrophilic.
- View Dependent Claims (5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A device that conducts fluid through one or more capillary channels, comprising:
- a capillary channel comprising (i) a first capillary region comprising a hydrophilic surface and (ii) a second capillary region comprising a hydrophobic surface adjacent to said first capillary region and a third capillary region comprising a hydrophilic surface adjacent to said second capillary region, wherein said hydrophobic surface controls the direction of flow of said fluid into said third capillary region, wherein said device is configured and arranged such that upon introduction of said fluid to said device, fluid flows through said first capillary region to contact said hydrophobic surface.
- View Dependent Claims (11, 12)
Specification