Patent ID: 7833719
Filing Date: 2010-11-16
Classification: B01F,B01J,B01L,C40B,H01J,Y02P

Abstract:
1. A method for simultaneously conducting a plurality of micro-volume polynucleotide amplification reactions, the method comprising: (a) introducing a plurality of liquid samples into the sample chambers of a microhole apparatus, whereby the chambers contain necessary polynucleotide amplification reaction components; (b) protecting the samples from evaporation by submerging the microhole apparatus in a hydrophobic medium during the plurality of micro-volume polynucleotide amplification reactions; and (c) placing the apparatus into an environment favorable to the polynucleotide amplification reaction; wherein the microhole apparatus comprises a substrate, wherein the substrate is solid and defines a plurality of sample chambers, wherein each sample chamber: (i) extends through the substrate; (ii) comprises one or more walls and an opening at each end; and (iii) holds a sample such that the sample is retained in the apparatus through surface tension and such that (i) a liquid sample present in one sample chamber does not intermix with a liquid sample present in another sample chamber and (ii) the liquid samples are maintained in the sample chambers when the microhole device is submerged in a hydrophobic medium for a polynucleotide amplification reaction.