Devices, systems, and methods for processing biological samples using isotachophoresis

An apparatus comprising:

• a substrate defining a fluidic network, the fluidic network comprising:
• a plurality of inlet channels each comprising an inlet and an outlet, the outlets of the inlet channels meeting at a juncture, and the inlets of the inlet channels being separated from each other and configured to be placed in flow communication with one or more components to receive substances to introduce to the fluidic network,
• an intermediate channel extending from the juncture and fluidically coupled to outlets of the plurality of inlet channels,
• a first reservoir at the juncture and fluidically coupled to the inlet channels and the intermediate channel,
• a second reservoir fluidically coupled to the intermediate channel at a location downstream of the juncture,
• wherein the inlet channels and the intermediate channel are co-planar, and wherein the first reservoir and second reservoir are configured to produce substantially equal pressure heads;
• and
• a first electrode in electrically conductive communication with the first reservoir;
• and
• a second electrode in electrically conductive communication with the second reservoir.

A method of processing a biological sample, the method comprising:

• introducing into a channel a biological sample containing an ionic analyte and additive reagent containing an ionic component different than the ionic analyte;
• and
• using an electric field to cause migration of the ionic analyte and ionic component along the channel,
• wherein the migration of the ionic analyte and ionic component occurs at approximately a same rate and results in separation of the ionic analyte and ionic component from one or more other components of the biological sample.