초록 ▼

This invention provides a microfabricated extraction system and methods for extracting desired particles from a sample stream containing desired and undesired particles. The sample stream is placed in laminar flow contact with an extraction stream under conditions in which inertial effects are negli

This invention provides a microfabricated extraction system and methods for extracting desired particles from a sample stream containing desired and undesired particles. The sample stream is placed in laminar flow contact with an extraction stream under conditions in which inertial effects are negligible. The contact between the two streams is maintained for a sufficient period of time to allow differential transport of the desired particles from the sample stream into the extraction stream. In a preferred embodiment the differential transport mechanism is diffusion. The extraction system of this invention coupled to a microfabricated diffusion-based mixing device and/or sensing device allows picoliter quantities of fluid to be processed or analyzed on devices no larger than silicon wafers.

대표청구항 ▼

[ We claim:] [1.] A microfabricated extraction device for extracting desired particles from a sample stream containing said desired particles comprising:a. a sample stream inlet;b. an extraction stream inlet;c. an extraction channel having an aspect ratio (w/d) less than 50 joining with said sample

[ We claim:] [1.] A microfabricated extraction device for extracting desired particles from a sample stream containing said desired particles comprising:a. a sample stream inlet;b. an extraction stream inlet;c. an extraction channel having an aspect ratio (w/d) less than 50 joining with said sample stream inlet and said extraction stream inlet for receiving a sample stream from said sample stream inlet and an extraction stream from said extraction stream inlet, and forming parallel laminar flow therewith;d. a by-product stream outlet in fluid communication with said extraction channel for receiving a by-product stream comprising at least a portion of said sample stream from which desired particles have been extracted; ande. a product stream outlet in fluid communication with said extraction channel for receiving a product stream comprising at least a portion of said extraction stream and comprising desired particles extracted from said sample stream; d device being constructed and arranged such that said parallel laminar flow is preserved throughout said extraction channel. [2.] The device of claim 1 wherein said extraction channel has an aspect ratio less than about 25. [3.] A method for extraction of at least a portion of desired particles from a sample stream comprising said desired particles and also containing undesired particles, comprising:a. introducing said sample stream into the sample stream inlet of a microfabricated extraction device of claim 2;b. introducing an extraction stream into the extraction channel of said extraction device;c. withdrawing a product stream comprising desired particles from the product stream outlet of said device.