Apparatus and methods for microfluidic applications

Abstract

Non-rigid tape apparatus and fabrication methods for microfluidic processing applications such as gel electrophoresis are provided, where microfluidic processing is performed on selected areas. Parts of the tape are formed by high pressure plastic film forming. Membranes and other structures are self sealing during and after penetration by pipettes and electrical probes. Rigid exoskeleton elements protect the non-rigid parts during processing and facilitate transport of the tape.

1 - 73 . (canceled) 
     
     
         74 . A microfluidic processing apparatus comprising a non-rigid member provided with at least one microfluidic processing area and a support member adapted to extend across the at least one microfluidic processing area, the support member being provided with at least one access zone for loading and/or unloading the microfluidic processing area of the non-rigid member, wherein the support member provides local rigidity proximate to the microfluidic processing area of the non-rigid member. 
     
     
         75 . The microfluidic processing apparatus of  claim 74  wherein the access zone is penetrable. 
     
     
         76 . The microfluidic processing apparatus of  claim 74  wherein the access zone is sized to be penetrable by a sample loading probe. 
     
     
         77 . The microfluidic processing apparatus of  claim 76  wherein the sample loading probe comprises a pipette tip. 
     
     
         78 . The microfluidic processing apparatus of  claim 74  wherein the at least one access zone is provided with at least one access port. 
     
     
         79 . The microfluidic processing apparatus of  claim 74  wherein the non-rigid member is formed from a single thin polymer film and provided with shallow channels and deep cavities on the non-rigid member so as to provide microfluidic and macro fluidic capabilities. 
     
     
         80 . The microfluidic processing apparatus of  claim 74  wherein microfluidic processing can be enabled by incorporating conductive layers directly on to the non-rigid member. 
     
     
         81 . The microfluidic processing apparatus of  claim 80  wherein the conductive layers are configured to act from one side of the apparatus only, thus allowing the other side of the apparatus to be available for other means of detecting microfluidic reaction processes. 
     
     
         82 . The microfluidic processing apparatus of  claim 74  wherein the at least one access zone is positioned to provide access to an end of the microfluidic processing area. 
     
     
         83 . The microfluidic processing apparatus of  claim 74  wherein the at least one access zone is positioned to provide access to an end edge of the microfluidic processing area at one or more positions along its length. 
     
     
         84 . The microfluidic processing apparatus of  claim 74  wherein the support member is affixed to the non-rigid member by means of a snap-fit connection. 
     
     
         85 . The microfluidic processing apparatus of  claim 74  wherein the support member is affixed to the non-rigid member by an adhesive. 
     
     
         86 . The microfluidic processing apparatus of  claim 78  wherein the access port is provided with a replaceable seal. 
     
     
         87 . The microfluidic processing apparatus of  claim 86  wherein the replaceable seal is a plug. 
     
     
         88 . The microfluidic processing apparatus of  claim 74  wherein the support member is made from a polymer film. 
     
     
         89 . The microfluidic processing apparatus of  claim 74  wherein the support member has a thickness between 0.5 mm and 3 mm. 
     
     
         90 . The microfluidic processing apparatus of  claim 74  comprising a plurality of support members and a plurality of microfluidic processing areas contained on the non-rigid member, wherein one support member extends across one microfluidic processing area. 
     
     
         91 . The microfluidic processing apparatus of  claim 74  wherein the support member is further provided with coupling means to allow attachment of the support member to a drive means. 
     
     
         92 . The microfluidic processing apparatus of  claim 91  wherein the coupling means comprises a plurality of apertures adapted for engagement with the drive means. 
     
     
         93 . The microfluidic processing apparatus of  claim 74  wherein the non-rigid member consists of a layer of deformable tape, the microfluidic processing area thereon being formed by deformation of the layer of deformable tape. 
     
     
         94 . The microfluidic processing apparatus of  claim 93  wherein the deformable tape is constructed from a polymer film.