Microfluidic devices and methods for two-dimensional separations

Abstract

A microfluidic device for achieving protein separation based on charge and molecular weight or size is provided and includes: (1) a first substrate having a raised structure protruding from a first face of the first substrate such that the raised structure partially defines a microfluidic cavity; (2) a second substrate having a raised section protruding from a first face of the second section, wherein the raised section has a shape and dimensions complementary to the microfluidic cavity to permit the raised section to be received between the raised structure to enclose the microfluidic cavity. The raised section seals with the raised structure in a liquid tight manner while still permitting removal of the first and second substrates from one another. The microfluidic device also includes: (3) sample inlet and outlet ports formed in the second substrate in communication with the microfluidic cavity; (4) buffer and gel input and output ports formed in the second substrate in communication with the microfluidic cavity; and (5) a plurality of ports formed in the second substrate for sample selection and sample output.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.