Sample preparation devices and methods for processing analytes

A polymer pipette tip device which comprises:

• a continuous and tapered polymer wall defining a first void and a second void located at opposite termini, wherein the first void is a slot and the cross section of the second void is substantially circular;
• a plug in contact with the inner surface of the wall and disposed within the pipette tip device between the slot and the second void, which plug is constructed from a porous material;
• and
• beads located within the interior of the pipette tip device between the first plug and the slot, wherein:
• the slot width is less than the bead diameter,
• the slot and plug contain the beads within the pipette tip device, and
• the beads interact with an analyte under analyte interaction conditions.

A method for isolating an analyte, which comprises:

• contacting an analyte with a polymer pipette tip device under conditions in which the analyte associates with the beads;
• and
• exposing the beads to conditions that elute the analyte from the insert;
• which polymer pipette tip device comprises:
• a continuous and tapered polymer wall defining a first void and a second void located at opposite termini, wherein the first void is a slot and the cross section of the second void is substantially circular;
• a plug in contact with the inner surface of the wall and disposed within the pipette tip device between the slot and the second void, which plug is constructed from a porous material;
• and
• beads located within the interior of the pipette tip device between the first plug and the slot, wherein:
• the slot width is less than the bead diameter,
• the slot and plug contain the beads within the pipette tip device, and
• the beads interact with an analyte under analyte interaction conditions.

A method for attaching a pipette tip extension device to a pipette tip, comprising:

• contacting a pipette tip comprising a fluid dispensing portion with a pipette tip extension device comprising:
• a continuous and tapered polymer wall defining a first void and a second void located at opposite termini, wherein the first void is a slot and the cross section of the second void is substantially circular,
• a plug in contact with the inner surface of the wall and disposed within the pipette tip device between the slot and the second void, which plug is constructed from a porous material, and
• beads located within the interior of the pipette tip device between the first plug and the slot, wherein:
• the slot width is less than the bead diameter,
• the slot and plug contain the beads within the pipette tip device, and
• the beads interact with an analyte under analyte interaction conditions;
• applying pressure between the pipette tip and the pipette tip extension device, and
• optionally twisting the pipette tip extension device with reference to the pipette tip,
• whereby the pipette tip extension device is seated onto the fluid dispensing portion of the pipette tip, and
• wherein the continuous and tapered polymer wall at the first void of the pipette tip extension device is in contact with the fluid delivery terminus of a pipette tip.