Patent ID: 8454811

Claim:
A microfluidic system that is dimensioned and arranged to convey a first solution, the first solution comprising an analyte, wherein the microfluidic system comprises: a first fused silica substrate including a first layer that comprises a trench having a first surface comprising a first material, the first material and the first solution being characterized by a first electrokinetic potential having a first magnitude; a second layer comprising a second surface of a second material, wherein the second layer is disposed on and in contact with the first surface, the second material and the first solution being characterized by a second electrokinetic potential having a second magnitude that is greater than the first magnitude; and a second substrate, wherein the second substrate comprises a third surface, and wherein the third surface comprises the second material, the first substrate and the second substrate being physically coupled such that the third surface and the trench collectively define a channel whose cross-section has a closed perimeter comprising at least one straight portion.