Devices and methods for the performance of miniaturized homogeneous assays

Abstract

This invention relates to methods and apparatus for performing microanalytic and microsynthetic analyses and procedures. The invention provides a microsystem platform and a micromanipulation device for manipulating the platform that utilizes the centripetal force resulting from rotation of the platform to motivate fluid movement through microchannels. These assays may be performed for a variety of purposes, including but not limited to screening of drug candidate compounds, life sciences research, and clinical and molecular diagnostics. Methods specific for the apparatus of the invention for performing any of a wide variety of microanalytical or microsynthetic processes are provided.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . In a centripetally-motivated microsystems platform, a microfluidics structure comprising: 
 one or a plurality of microchannels that join one or a plurality of capillary junctions, wherein each microchannel passes through a change in a lateral dimension where the microchannel joins a capillary junction; and    one or a plurality of mixing microchannels, each mixing microchannel being fluidly connected to the capillary junction of a microchannel, wherein each mixing microchannel is configured to bend a plurality of times around a plurality of curves as the mixing microchannel traverses a longitudinal path on the platform.    
     
     
         2 . The microfluidics structure of  claim 1 , wherein each mixing microchannel fluidly connects to a second capillary junction, wherein the second capillary junction is separated by the longitudinal extent of the mixing microchannel from the capillary junction between the mixing microchannel and one of the plurality of microchannels.  
     
     
         3 . The microfluidics structure of  claim 1 , wherein each mixing microchannel fluidly connects to a detection chamber.  
     
     
         4 . The microfluidics structure of  claim 1 , further comprising one or a plurality of reagent reservoirs containing a reagent solution fluidly connected to the one or a plurality of microchannels.  
     
     
         5 . The microfluidics structure of  claim 1 , further comprising one or a plurality of sample reservoirs containing a sample solution fluidly connected to the one or a plurality of microchannels.  
     
     
         6 . The microfluidics structure of  claim 1 , wherein the change in the lateral dimension includes an interior diameter of the microchannel changing by between about 0% and about 95%.  
     
     
         7 . The microfluidics structure of  claim 1 , wherein a length of the one or a plurality of mixing microchannels is chosen to provide a sufficient time for mixing via diffusion under an influence of centripetal acceleration.  
     
     
         8 . The microfluidics structure of  claim 1 , wherein each mixing microchannel has a length of from about 1 mm to about 100 mm.  
     
     
         9 . The microfluidics structure of  claim 1 , wherein each mixing microchannel comprises a plurality of bends having angles greater than 90°.