High-throughput screening assay systems in microscale fluidic devices
AssigneeCaliper Technologies Corp.
InventorsJohn Wallace Parce, Anne Kopf-Sill, Luc J. Bousse
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Abstract
The present invention provides novel microfluidic devices and methods that are useful for performing high-throughput screening assays. In particular, the devices and methods of the invention are useful in screening large numbers of different compounds for their effects on a variety of chemical, and preferably, biochemical systems.
Claims68
An apparatus for screening a plurality of test compounds for an effect on at least a first biochemical component, the apparatus comprising:
- (i) a body structure comprising at least two intersecting microscale channels disposed therein;
- (ii) a source of the plurality of test compounds fluidly coupled to at least one of the at least two microscale channels, which source is coupled to the at least one of the at least two microscale channels via a capillary or microchannel;
- and,
- (ii) a source of the first biochemical component fluidly coupled to at least one of the at least two microscale channels.
A method of screening a plurality of test compounds for an effect on at least one biochemical component, the method comprising:
- continuously flowing the at least one biochemical component through at least a first microscale channel;
- contacting the at least one biochemical component with at least a first member of the plurality of test compounds;
- and,
- detecting an effect of the first member of the plurality of test compounds on the at least one biochemical component.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.