Mobile phase gradient generation microfluidic device
First Claim
1. A method for separating the components of a fluid sample, comprising:
- (a) providing the microfluidic device comprisinga substrate having a microchannel formed in a surface thereof;
a cover plate arranged over the substrate surface, the cover plate in combination with the microchannel defining a separation conduit for separating the components of the fluid sample according to a specific component property, wherein the separation conduit has an inlet port and an outlet port; and
an integrated gradient-generation means for generating a gradient of a selected mobile-phase component in a mobile phase by the use of pressure driven flow, including a mechanical switching structure adapted to allow the mobile phase from the gradient-generation means to be transported through the inlet port into the separation conduit and out of the outlet port;
(b) using the integrated gradient-generation means to generate a gradient of the selected mobile-phase component in the mobile phase,(c) controllably introducing a predetermined volume of the fluid sample from a sample source into the separation conduit; and
(d) conveying the fluid sample through the separation conduit using a mobile phase, thereby separating the components of the fluid sample.
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Abstract
The present invention relates to a microfluidic device for separating the components of a fluid sample. A cover plate is arranged over the first surface of a substrate, which, in combination with a microchannel formed in the first surface, defines a separation conduit for separating the components of the fluid sample. An inlet port in fluid communication with the separation conduit allows a mobile phase containing a gradient of a selected mobile-phase component to be introduced from an integrated gradient-generation means to the separation conduit. A method is also provided for separating the components of a fluid sample using a mobile phase containing a gradient of a selected mobile-phase component, wherein the gradient is generated within a small volume of mobile phase.
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Citations
9 Claims
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1. A method for separating the components of a fluid sample, comprising:
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(a) providing the microfluidic device comprising a substrate having a microchannel formed in a surface thereof; a cover plate arranged over the substrate surface, the cover plate in combination with the microchannel defining a separation conduit for separating the components of the fluid sample according to a specific component property, wherein the separation conduit has an inlet port and an outlet port; and an integrated gradient-generation means for generating a gradient of a selected mobile-phase component in a mobile phase by the use of pressure driven flow, including a mechanical switching structure adapted to allow the mobile phase from the gradient-generation means to be transported through the inlet port into the separation conduit and out of the outlet port; (b) using the integrated gradient-generation means to generate a gradient of the selected mobile-phase component in the mobile phase, (c) controllably introducing a predetermined volume of the fluid sample from a sample source into the separation conduit; and (d) conveying the fluid sample through the separation conduit using a mobile phase, thereby separating the components of the fluid sample. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5)
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6. A method for producing a flow of mobile phase for a microfluide separation device comprising:
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(a) providing a mobile-phase source comprising (i) a mobile-phase-holding microconduit having a length defined by an upstream terminus and a downstream terminus, and an outlet port located at the downstream terminus, and (ii) a mobile phase, contained in the mobile-phase holding microconduit, that exhibits differing concentrations of selected mobile-phase component along the length of the microconduit a substrate; and (b) pressurizing the microconduit to force the mobile phase within the mobile-phase holding microconduit to flow toward the downstream terminus along the length of the microconduit and out of the outlet port by a mechanical switching structure. - View Dependent Claims (7, 8, 9)
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Specification