Implementation of microfluidic components, including molecular fractionation devices, in a microfluidic system

Abstract

A system and method for integrating microfluidic components in a microfluidic system enables the microfluidic system to perform a selected microfluidic function. A capping module includes a microfluidic element for performing a microfluidic function. The capping module is stacked on a microfluidic substrate having microfluidic plumbing to incorporate the microfluidic function into the system. The microfluidic element may comprise a matrix having an affinity for selected molecules in a sample. The matrix binds, reacts with and/or retains the selected molecules without affecting other molecules in the sample.

1 .- 33 . (canceled) 
   
   
       34 . A method of processing a sample, comprising the steps of:
 providing a molecular fractionation device including a matrix having enzymes that react with selected fractions of the sample;   passing a buffer containing the sample through the molecular fractionation device, whereby the enzymes react with and process the selected fractions of the sample to form a reacted sample.   
   
   
       35 . The method of  claim 34 , further comprising the step of:
 passing the reacted sample through an outlet of the molecular fractionation device.   
   
   
       36 . The method of  claim 34 , wherein the enzyme comprises trypsin, the sample comprises protein and the reacted sample contains trypsin digested proteins. 
   
   
       37 . A method of analyzing a sample, comprising the steps of:
 passing the sample through a molecular fractionation device including a matrix including detection molecules that react with the sample to produce a measurable reaction; and   detecting the measurable reaction.   
   
   
       38 . The method of  claim 37 , further comprising the step of:
 determining a quantity of the sample based on the step of detecting.   
   
   
       39 . The method of  claim 37 , wherein the detection molecules react with a sample to produce light, or bind to the sample to produce shifts in optical fluorescence or optical absorbency of the detection molecules. 
   
   
       40 . The method of  claim 37 , wherein the detection molecules comprise a luciferin-luciferase system, which emits photons when an ATP molecule is converted. 
   
   
       41 . The method of  claim 40 , further comprising the step of determining a quantity of ATP present in the sample by measuring the photons emitted from the luciferin-luciferase system. 
   
   
       42 . A method of fabricating a molecular fractionation device, comprising:
 providing a capping module; and   bonding a trapping filter to the capping module to form a chamber for holding a matrix.   
   
   
       43 . The method of  claim 42 , further comprising the step of:
 inserting a matrix into the chamber.   
   
   
       44 . The method of  claim 43 , further comprising the step of:
 chemically modifying the matrix after the step of inserting the matrix into the chamber.   
   
   
       45 . The method of  claim 42 , wherein the capping module includes a connector port for providing fluid communication between the chamber and an exterior of the capping module. 
   
   
       46 . The method of  claim 45 , further comprising the step of:
 assembling the capping module on a microfluidic chip including a microchannel formed in a substrate and a communication port coupling the microchannel to a surface of the substrate, such that the connector port of the capping module is in communication with the communication port of the microfluidic chip.   
   
   
       47 . A microfluidic system, comprising:
 a first channel for conveying a sample; and   a plurality of molecular fractionation devices coupled to the channel and arranged in series, such that a first outlet of a first molecular fractionation device is in communication with a first inlet of a second molecular fractionation device, wherein each molecular fractionation device includes a matrix having an affinity for a selected set of molecules.   
   
   
       48 . The system of  claim 47 , further comprising a release channel connected to a second outlet of one of said molecular fractionation devices. 
   
   
       49 . The system of  claim 47 , wherein each molecular fractionation device further includes a second outlet, wherein the system further comprises a plurality of release channels, each release channel being connected to a second outlet of one of the molecular fractionation devices. 
   
   
       50 . The system of  claim 49 , wherein each molecular fractionation device further includes a second inlet for providing a buffer solution to the matrix. 
   
   
       51 . The system of  claim 50 , further comprising a filtration system coupled to one of said release channels. 
   
   
       52 . The system of  claim 51 , wherein the filtration system comprising a capping module having a membrane for performing a filtering a sample, wherein the capping module is adapted to be stacked on the substrate and placed in communication with the release channel. 
   
   
       53 . The system of  claim 51 , further comprising a capillary electrophoresis column coupled to the filtration system. 
   
   
       54 . The system of  claim 47 , further comprising an ejection component for ejecting a sample fraction from the system.