Patent ID: 8586348

Claim:
A microfluidic device for controlling flow of a first fluid component and a second fluid component in a fluid sample, the first fluid component comprising at least one target, the device comprising: an inlet channel for introducing the fluid sample in the microfluidic device; a focusing channel in fluidic communication with the inlet channel; and an assaying channel in fluidic communication with the focusing channel, the assaying channel carrying at least one capture agent or component thereof, the at least one capture agent or component thereof attached to the assaying channel, the at least one capture agent having a binding affinity for the target, wherein the focusing channel is adapted to move the second fluidic component of the fluid sample in a distance away from surfaces of the assaying channel and keep the first fluid component in contact with the at least one capture agent or component thereof; and a sequential loading device in fluidic communication with the inlet channel, the sequential loading device comprising: an outlet channel in fluidic communication with the inlet channel; a first loading chamber in fluidic communication with the outlet channel; a second loading chamber in fluidic communication with the outlet channel; and a sequential flow control in fluidic communication with the second loading chamber, wherein the sequential flow control is adapted to impede the fluid of the second loading chamber to flow into the outlet channel before the fluid in the first chamber is depleted through the outlet.