초록 ▼

This invention provides methods and apparatus for performing microanalytic and microsynthetic analyses and procedures. Specifically, the invention provides a microsystem platform for use with a micromanipulation device to manipulate the platform by rotation, thereby utilizing the centripetal force r

This invention provides methods and apparatus for performing microanalytic and microsynthetic analyses and procedures. Specifically, the invention provides a microsystem platform for use with a micromanipulation device to manipulate the platform by rotation, thereby utilizing the centripetal force resulting from rotation of the platform to motivate fluid movement through microchannels embedded in the microplatform. The microsystem platforms of the invention are also provided having microfluidics components, resistive heating elements, temperature sensing elements, mixing structures, capillary and sacrificial valves, and methods for using these microsystems platforms for performing biological, enzymatic, immunological and chemical assays. An electronic spindle designed rotor capable of transferring electrical signals to and from the microsystem platforms of the invention is also provided.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A microsystem platform comprisinga) a rotatable platform, comprising a substrate having a first flat, planar surface and a second flat, planar surface opposite thereto, each surface comprising a center about which the platform is rotated, wherein the first surface compris

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A microsystem platform comprisinga) a rotatable platform, comprising a substrate having a first flat, planar surface and a second flat, planar surface opposite thereto, each surface comprising a center about which the platform is rotated, wherein the first surface comprises in combinationb) an entry port comprising a depression in the first surface having a volumetric capacity of about 1 to about 150 .mu.L, that is fluidly connected withc) a first metering capillary array comprising a multiplicity of metering capillaries, and an overflow capillary, each being fluidly connected with the entry port, wherein each capillary defines a cross-sectional area of about 0.02 mm to about 1 mm in diameter, and wherein each capillary extends radially from the center of the platform and defines a first end proximally arrayed towards the center of the platform and a second end distally arrayed from the center of the platform, wherein the proximal end of each capillary defines a curved opening; wherein the first metering capillary array defines a volume of the fluid and wherein the first metering capillary array is fluidly connected withd) a first fluid chamber having a depth in the surface of the platform equal to or greater than the metering capillary and positioned radially more distant from the center of the platform than the entry port, and wherein the overflow capillary is fluidly connected withe) an overflow chamber having a depth in the surface of the platform equal to or greater than the overflow capillary and positioned radially more distant from the center of the platform than the holding channel and the entry port, rein a capillary junction is formed at the junction of each of the metering capillaries comprising the metering capillary array and the first fluid chamber and at the junction of the overflow capillary and the overflow chamber, whereby fluid placed onto the disk at the entry port flows by capillary action to the junction of each of the metering capillaries comprising the metering capillary array and the first fluid chamber, and excess fluid flows by capillary action to the junction of the overflow capillary and the overflow chamber; and wherein rotation of the platform at a first rotation speed motivates fluid displacement in the overflow capillary into the overflow chamber but not fluid displacement in any of the metering capillaries comprising the metering capillary array, whereby rotation of the platform at the first rotational speed drains the fluid from the entry port into the overflow chamber; and rein rotation of the platform at a second rotation speed that is greater than the first rotational speed motivates fluid displacement of the volume of the fluid in the metering capillary array into the first fluid chamber; and wherein each of the first fluid chamber and overflow chamber also comprise air displacement channels whereby air displaced by fluid movement is vented to the surface of the platform.