Separation column devices and fabrication methods

A pressure-driven microfluidic separation device comprising:

• a fluidic inlet port;
• a fluidic outlet port;
• and
• a plurality of microfluidic separation channels in fluid communication with a common junction or manifold region upstream of the outlet port;
• wherein the microfluidic separation channels and common junction or manifold region are substantially filled with packed particulate stationary phase material.

A method for packing a plurality of separation channels, the method comprising the steps of:

• providing a fluidic device having a plurality of separation channels;
• supplying a pressurized slurry to the device, the slurry comprising particulate material and a liquid;
• splitting the slurry among the plurality of separation channels;
• and
• retaining the particulate material within the plurality of separation channels.

A method for fabricating at least one separation column, the method comprising the steps of:

• providing a fluidic device having a slurry inlet port, an internal void defining a plurality of channels that connect to a common junction or manifold region, and a solvent outlet port downstream of the common junction or manifold region;
• supplying a slurry comprising particulate material and a liquid to the slurry inlet port;
• applying a pressure differential between the slurry inlet port and the solvent outlet port to promote the flow of slurry into the void;
• and
• substantially filling the common junction or manifold region and the plurality of channels with slurry.