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OwnerJoel Stephane Rossier, Frederic Reymond +1inventors
InventorsJoel Stephane Rossier, Frederic Reymond, Philippe Michel
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Apparatus method for performing an electrochemical assay or a reaction, using electrical conductivity and/or power in order either to perform a reduction or an oxidation or an ion transfer reaction, or to perform conductimetry and/or impedance measurements, or to generate an electric field in a solution, or to perform any combination of the aforesaid. The apparatus comprises at least one micro-chip (1) possessing a microstructure (2) (for example a microchannel or array or network of microchannels) having a tip end (3) adapted for uptake of a fluid sample into and/or discharge of a fluid sample from said microstructure, a microfluidic connection end (4) and an integral electrode. It also comprises a microfluidic control unit (11) communicating with the microfluidic connection end of the microstructure and adapted to push, pull or block fluids in the microstructure, and an electrochemical unit adapted to apply an electric field or a current to fluid in the microstructure and/or to measure an electrochemical event therein. Optionally, there is support means adapted to support the micro-chip(s) in relation to the microfluidic control unit in such a manner as to ensure fluid-tight connection therebetween.
Apparatus for performing an electrochemical assay or a reaction, using electrical conductivity and/or power in order either to perform a reduction or an oxidation or an ion transfer reaction, or to perform conductimetry and/or impedance measurements, or to generate an electric field in a solution, or to perform any combination of the aforesaid, the apparatus comprising:
Apparatus according to any preceding claim, comprising a plurality of microstructures provided in one or a plurality of micro-chips, permitting simultaneous electrochemical measurement in more than one microstructure.
Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein said electrochemical unit is adapted to detect a molecule by reduction and/or oxidation.
Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein said electrochemical unit is adapted to induce electrokinetic pumping of molecules.
Apparatus according to any preceding claim, further comprising a valve disposed between said microfluidic control unit and said microfluidic connection end of said at least one microstructure.
Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the or each said microchip is made of polymer, glass, quartz or a combination thereof.
Apparatus according to any preceding claims, wherein the or each said microchip is disposable.
Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the or each said microchip is produced by laser photoablation, injection moulding, embossing, plasma etching, elastomer casting, silicone technology or a combination thereof.
Apparatus according to any preceding claim, further comprising a detector disposed outside the or each said microstructure, said detector(s) being interfaced with said micro-chip(s).
Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein said microstructure comprises a microchannel, or a network or array of interconnected microchannels.
Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein said microstructure is sealed.
Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein at least a portion of walls of said microstructure is modified by chemical, biological or physical means, by the provision of porous material or by any combination of the aforesaid.
Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein said microstructure comprises a solid phase.
Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein said tip is formed at the edge of said micro-chip.
Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein said tip is adapted to generate an electrospray.
Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein said tip is integrated in or is surrounded by a fluid reservoir.
Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein said tip comprises an electrode.
Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein said support means comprises a clamping system to ensure fluid-tight connection between said microfluidic connection end(s) and said microfluidic control unit.
Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein said apparatus and/or said microchip can be displaced in x, y and/or z direction either manually or by means of an automated device.
Apparatus according to any preceding claim, further comprising a temperature control unit, an electrical isolation chamber (for example a Faraday cage) and/or a humidity-controlled chamber preventing evaporation.
Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein said electrochemical unit, said microfluidic control unit and said support means are integrated in a single platform, so as to provide a portable system.
Apparatus according to any preceding claim that is further connected to and/or integrated into a computer.
A method of performing an electrochemical assay or a reaction, using the apparatus of any preceding claim, the method comprising the steps of:
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.