초록 ▼

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

The present invention provides for techniques for transporting materials using electrokinetic forces through the channels of a microfluidic system. The subject materials are transported in regions of high ionic concentration, next to spacer material regions of high ionic concentration, which are separated by spacer 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 microfluidic device comprising:a body having at least first and second intersecting microfluidic channels disposed therein wherein the first and second microfluidic channels comprise different depths;a pipettor for sampling a plurality of different sample materials, the

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A microfluidic device comprising:a body having at least first and second intersecting microfluidic channels disposed therein wherein the first and second microfluidic channels comprise different depths;a pipettor for sampling a plurality of different sample materials, the pipettor having a first capillary channel disposed therein, the first capillary channel being fluidly connected at a first end to the first microfluidic channel, whereby materials flowed through the capillary channel flow into the first channel.