초록 ▼

A method for accomplishing a plurality of combinatorial processes in parallel using a microelectronic and fluidic array (device array) having micron-sized reservoirs, connecting microchannels and reaction cells etched into a substrate. The device array has a top feedthru plate, a center distribution

A method for accomplishing a plurality of combinatorial processes in parallel using a microelectronic and fluidic array (device array) having micron-sized reservoirs, connecting microchannels and reaction cells etched into a substrate. The device array has a top feedthru plate, a center distribution plate and a bottom cell plate. 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 includes 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.]1. A method of performing combinatorial processes, comprising the steps of:providing an array having a top layer having reservoirs therein, a distribution plate adjacent to the top layer and a removable bottom plate having a plurality of reaction cells, wherein the distrib

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. A method of performing combinatorial processes, comprising the steps of:providing an array having a top layer having reservoirs therein, a distribution plate adjacent to the top layer and a removable bottom plate having a plurality of reaction cells, wherein the distribution plate comprises at least one micropump, at least one microgate, at least one distribution reservoir, or at least one horizontal microchannel defined between the distribution plate and the top layer;loading the reservoirs of the top layer with a plurality of fluids;distributing fluids from the reservoirs through the distribution plate;applying said plurality of fluids to said plurality of reaction cells sequentially in accordance with a predefined sequence until a combinatorial process is completed; andremoving the bottom plate of said array and analyzing the contents of the reaction cells.