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 ▼

1. A system, comprising:a microfluidic device that includes a body structure having at least first and second microscale channels disposed therein, and a pipettor element extending from the body structure that comprises a capillary channel disposed therethrough, the capillary channel being in fluid

1. A system, comprising:a microfluidic device that includes a body structure having at least first and second microscale channels disposed therein, and a pipettor element extending from the body structure that comprises a capillary channel disposed therethrough, the capillary channel being in fluid communication with at least one of the first and second microscale channels; a first collection of sample sources positioned adjacent the body structure; a translation system for bringing the pipettor element into contact with one or more sample sources in the first collection of sample sources; and a material transport system operably coupled to the microfluidic device, for introducing sample material into the pipettor element from the sample sources.