Patent ID: 8367397

Claim:
An active biochip for nucleic acid analysis, the biochip comprising: a nucleic acid sample; an inlet, for introducing the nucleic acid sample; one or more fluid channels; two or more valves, comprising hydrogels enclosed by an elastic and waterproof polymer in contact with the fluid channels; two or more pumps, in contact with the fluid channels and adapted to generate a carrier gas; one or more hydroxyapatite columns, for separating a portion of the nucleic acid sample; one or more high salt buffer reservoirs containing one or more high salt buffers, in contact with the one or more fluid channels and positioned adjacent to at least one pump; one or more low salt buffer reservoirs containing one or more low salt buffers, in contact with the one or more fluid channels and positioned adjacent to at least one pump; one or more air exits, positioned within or adjacent at least one pump and adapted to relieve gas pressure buildup; a waste reservoir; and a nucleic acid analysis region wherein the biochip is a microfluidic biochip and whole-sealed.