High throughput screening assay systems in microscale fluidic devices
First Claim
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1. An apparatus for conducting a microfluidic process, said apparatus comprising:
- (a) a first plate comprising an array of sample access ports adapted for receiving a plurality of samples from an array of sample containers and dispensing said samples; and
,(b) a second plate integral with said first plate for receiving said dispensed samples, said second plate comprising a planar array of microfluidic networks of cavity structures and channels for conducting a microfluidic process.
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Abstract
The present invention provides novel microfluidic devices and methods that are useful for performing high-throughput screening assays. In particular, the devices and methods of the invention are useful in screening large numbers of different compounds for their effects on a variety of chemical, and preferably, biochemical systems.
158 Citations
16 Claims
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1. An apparatus for conducting a microfluidic process, said apparatus comprising:
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(a) a first plate comprising an array of sample access ports adapted for receiving a plurality of samples from an array of sample containers and dispensing said samples; and
,(b) a second plate integral with said first plate for receiving said dispensed samples, said second plate comprising a planar array of microfluidic networks of cavity structures and channels for conducting a microfluidic process. - View Dependent Claims (2)
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3. An apparatus for conducting a microfluidic process, said apparatus comprising:
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(a) a first plate comprising an array of sample access ports adapted for receiving a plurality of samples from an array of sample wells; and
,(b) a second plate integral with said first plate, said second plate comprising a planar array of microfluidic networks of cavity structures and channels for conducting a microfluidic process wherein each of said microfluidic networks is adapted for fluid communication with a corresponding sample access port of said first plate. - View Dependent Claims (4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A method for processing an array of samples, said method comprising:
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(a) simultaneously transferring at least a portion of each sample in an array of sample wells to a corresponding array of sample access ports that are part of a first plate comprising an array of sample access ports adapted for receiving a plurality of samples from an array of sample wells, (b) simultaneously transferring at least a portion of each sample from said sample access ports to a corresponding array of microfluidic networks that is a part of a second plate integral with said first plate, said second plate comprising a planar array of microfluidic networks of cavity structures and channels for conducting a microfluidic process wherein each of said microfluidic networks is adapted for fluid communication with a corresponding sample access port, and (c) processing said array of samples. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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Specification