Methods for isolating constituents of a sample

Abstract

Methods for separating one or more constituents from a sample include drawing a sample through a matrix that is part of a column, trench, or channel. The matrix may be formed from hemispherical grain silicon or from pores formed in a semiconductor substrate. The sample may be drawn through the column, trench or channel by application of pressure thereto, by capillary action, electrophoretically, or by any other suitable technique. As the sample is drawn through the channel, a stationary phase within the matrix may cause different constituents of the sample to flow through the column, trench, or channel at different rates from one another. Capture molecules may be applied to the matrix to bind constituents of the sample, or analytes, for prolonged periods of time, facilitating their detection.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.