Micromachined filter-chamber array with passive valves for biochemical assays on beads

Electrophoresis. 2001 Jan;22(2):249-57. doi: 10.1002/1522-2683(200101)22:2<249::AID-ELPS249>3.0.CO;2-4.

Abstract

The filter-chamber array presented here enables a real-time parallel analysis of three different samples on beads in a volume of 3 nL, on a 1 cm2 chip. The filter-chamber array is a system containing three filter-chambers, three passive valves at the inlet channels and a common outlet. The design enables parallel sample handling and time-controlled analysis. The device is microfabricated in silicon and sealed with a Pyrex lid to enable real-time analysis. Single nucleotide polymorphism analysis by using pyrosequencing has successfully been performed in single filter-chamber devices. The passive valves consist of plasma-deposited octafluorocyclobutane and show a much higher resistance towards water and surface-active solutions than previous hydrophobic patches. The device is not sensitive to gas bubbles, clogging is rare and reversible, and the filter-chamber array is reusable. More complex (bio)chemical reactions on beads can be performed in the devices with passive valves than in the devices without valves.

MeSH terms

  • Biochemistry / instrumentation*
  • Computer Systems
  • DNA, Single-Stranded / analysis
  • Equipment Design
  • Genes, p53
  • Microchemistry / instrumentation*
  • Microspheres*
  • Miniaturization
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction / methods
  • Rheology
  • Silicon
  • Ultrafiltration / instrumentation*

Substances

  • DNA, Single-Stranded
  • Silicon