초록 ▼

A system and method for accomplishing a plurality of combinatorial processes in parallel comprising a microelectronic and fluidic array (device array) having micron-sized reservoirs, connecting microchannels and reaction cells etched into a substrate. The device array is supported by a station which

A system and method for accomplishing a plurality of combinatorial processes in parallel comprising a microelectronic and fluidic array (device array) having micron-sized reservoirs, connecting microchannels and reaction cells etched into a substrate. The device array is supported by a station which serves to interface and perform electro-optic measurements of material in the reaction cells of the device array. The device array incorporates a modular configuration with three distinct layers or plates. The device array comprises a top feedthru plate, a center distribution plate and a bottom cell plate. The three plates are stacked vertically and coupled together to form a liquid-tight seal. Reservoirs, microchannels and reactions cells are controllably etched onto the plates using traditional semiconductor fabrication techniques. The top feedthru plate serves as a cover for the device array and contains apertures selectively positioned above the reservoirs located in the center distribution plate. The center distribution plate comprises a plurality of micron sized reservoirs, microchannels, reservoir feeds, cell feeds and overflow feeds for the distribution of reagent fluids to the reaction cells located in the bottom cell plate. The detachable bottom cell plate serves as a microlaboratory tray of reaction cells. Once the proper reagents or other materials are introduced into the reaction cells, the bottom cell plate is decoupled from the device array and removed for incubation or analysis.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A device for separately and selectively distributing liquids from each of one or more liquid sources to a plurality of sectors located on a common surface of a distribution substrate, the device comprising:the distribution substrate;at least a first liquid source;a networ

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A device for separately and selectively distributing liquids from each of one or more liquid sources to a plurality of sectors located on a common surface of a distribution substrate, the device comprising:the distribution substrate;at least a first liquid source;a network of microchannels connecting the at least one liquid source to a plurality of the sectors, wherein the microchannels form outlets at the sectors; anda plurality of micropumps each comprising at least two electrodes, wherein the micropumps move liquids by means of the electrodes, the micropumps located in the substrate to provide selective pumping of liquid out of the outlets.