Methods for fabricating separation apparatus

Abstract

Methods for fabricating sample separation apparatus include forming at least one elongate matrix in a solid substrate. The matrix, which may include pores, includes the same material as a nonporous substrate. A stationary phase may be applied to the matrix. Examples of stationary phases include, but are not limited to, capture molecules immobilized to discrete locations of the substrate and stationary phases that are used in chromatographic separation.

1 . A method for fabricating a device for separating at least one constituent of a sample from a remainder of the sample, comprising: 
 providing a silicon substrate;    porifying at least two elongated regions on the silicon substrate to define at least two distinct, unconnected capillary columns, each comprising a matrix in the silicon substrate; and    fabricating at least one detector on the silicon substrate adjacent at least one of the at least two distinct, unconnected capillary columns.    
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising: 
 applying a stationary phase to the matrix of at least one of the at least two distinct, unconnected capillary columns.    
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the applying comprises binding a capture substrate to the matrix of at least one of the at least two distinct, unconnected capillary columns.  
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein binding comprises binding an antibody to the matrix.  
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein binding comprises binding an antigen to the matrix.  
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising disposing a sealing element over at least one of the at least two distinct, unconnected capillary columns.  
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising: 
 providing a processor in communication with the at least one detector.    
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 7 , further comprising: 
 fabricating the processor on the silicon substrate.    
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising: 
 providing a memory device in communication with the separation device.    
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 9 , further comprising: 
 fabricating the memory device on the silicon substrate.    
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising: 
 selecting at least one reaction location along at least one of the at least two distinct, unconnected capillary columns, the at least one reaction location continuous with the at least one capillary column and having a width that differs from a width of the at least one capillary column; and    porifying the at least one reaction location.    
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising: 
 disposing a migration facilitator in communication with at least one of the at least two distinct, unconnected capillary columns.    
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising: 
 fabricating a first electrode proximate a first end of at least one of the at least two distinct, unconnected capillary columns and a second electrode proximate a second end of the at least one capillary column.    
     
     
         14 . A method for manufacturing a separation device, comprising: 
 forming matrices in a semiconductor substrate to define at least two distinct, unconnected separation substrates, each separation substrate: 
 having a plurality of pores that open to a surface of the substrate; and  
 comprising a sufficient surface area to facilitate separation of a constituent from a sample.  
   
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 14 , further comprising: 
 applying a stationary phase to at least one of the matrices.    
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the applying comprises binding a capture substrate to at least one of the matrices.  
     
     
         17 . A method for fabricating a separation device, comprising forming at least one elongate, porous region in at least one surface of a solid substrate, the porous regions comprising a matrix including the same material as the solid substrate.  
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein forming is effected in a substrate comprising silicon.  
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 17 , further comprising fabricating at least one detector on a surface of the solid substrate, in communication with the at least one elongate, porous region.  
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 17 , further comprising applying a solid phase to at least a portion of the at least one elongate, porous region.  
     
     
         21 . The method of  claim 20 , wherein applying comprises applying a chromatographic solid phase to at least the portion of the at least one elongate, porous region.  
     
     
         22 . The method of  claim 20 , wherein applying comprises applying capture molecules to at least the portion of the at least one elongate, porous region.