Patent ID: 7560267
Filing Date: 2009-07-14
Classification: B01F,B01L,G01N

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for on-chip monitoring of cellular reactions comprising: a surface formed with a plurality of channels for fluid flow and a first inlet for supplying a cell bearing fluid to a first of said channels, wherein a second of said channels extends parallel and adjacent to said first channel for at least a part of their length defining a plurality of separate spaced-apart zones and wherein said first channel and said second channel are separated over said at least one part of their length by a wall defining a plurality of separate spaced-apart dams, said wall comprising a first height and said plurality of separate spaced-apart dams comprising a second height and wherein said second height is lower than said first height, a respective one of said plurality of separate spaced-apart dams being disposed in a respective one of said plurality of separate spaced-apart zones, over which said plurality of separate spaced-apart dams fluid flows from said first channel into said second channel, and wherein said wall disposed between adjacent ones of said plurality of separate spaced-apart dams is operable to inhibit the flow of fluid from said first channel to said second channel between said spaced-apart zones; and a dilution channel for supplying a reagent, said dilution channel being bifurcated and intersecting with said first channel at two of said plurality of separate spaced-apart dams forming a first dilution intersection at the junction of said first channel and one of said bifurcated channels and a second dilution intersection at the junction of said first channel and another of said bifurcated channels for generating a concentration gradient of the reagent within said first channel whereby the reagent concentration varies in the direction of fluid flow in said first channel.