초록 ▼

The present invention provides for techniques for transporting materials using electrokinetic forces through the channels of a microfluidic system. The materials are transported in slug regions of high ionic concentration, next to buffer material regions of high ionic concentration, which are separa

The present invention provides for techniques for transporting materials using electrokinetic forces through the channels of a microfluidic system. The materials are transported in slug regions of high ionic concentration, next to buffer material regions of high ionic concentration, which are separated by buffer material regions of low ionic concentration. Such arrangements allow the materials to remain localized for the transport transit time to avoid mixing of the materials. Using these techniques, an electropipettor which is compatible with the microfluidic system is created so that materials can be easily introduced into the microfluidic system. The present invention also compensates for electrophoretic bias as materials are transported through the channels of the microfluidic system by splitting a channel into portions with positive and negative surface charges and a third electrode between the two portions, or by diffusion of the electrophoresing materials after transport along a channel.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A combination comprising:a microfluidic system comprising at least two intersecting channels disposed within a substrate;an electropipettor for introducing materials into at least one of said at least two intersecting channels in said microfluidic system, said electropipe

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A combination comprising:a microfluidic system comprising at least two intersecting channels disposed within a substrate;an electropipettor for introducing materials into at least one of said at least two intersecting channels in said microfluidic system, said electropipettor comprising:a body having a capillary channel therein, said capillary channel having a first end for contacting at least one source of said materials and a second end fluidly connected to at least one of said two intersecting channels in said microfluidic system; anda voltage source for applying a voltage between said one source of said materials and a first electrode in said microfluidic system when said capillary channel end contacts said one source of said materials such that material from said one source is electrokinetically introduced into said electropipettor toward said microfluidic system.