Patent ID: 6491804
Filing Date: 2002-12-10
Classification: C07K,G01N

Abstract:
A method for introducing a sample into a microfluidics device, which device comprises a supply channel that contains the sample, a drain channel, and an electrolyte channel that contains an electrolyte buffer, wherein said supply and drain channels are each inclined with respect to the electrolyte channel, and the supply and drain channels intersect said electrolyte channel at a supply port and a drain port, respectively, comprisingelectrokinetically loading sample into said electrolyte channel by applying an electric field across the supply and drain channels, to form a sample plug between the sample and drain ports, electrokinetically injecting the sample plug along the electrolyte channel by applying an electric field across a reservoir for the electrolyte buffer and a drain at an opposite end of the electrolyte channel, and immediately after said injecting, allowing said electrolyte buffer to advance into said supply channel and into said drain channels at said supply and drain ports, respectively, thus pushing back said sample into said respective supply and drain channels and substantially preventing said sample from uncontrollably diffusing into said electrolyte buffer which is transported past said supply and drain ports.