Device having regions of differing affinities to fluid, methods of making such devices, and methods of using such devices

Abstract

A microfluidic device comprising a first surface portion and a first sample retaining element, which have differing affinities to a fluid, and a method comprising supplying a sample to such a device. In some embodiments, the differing affinity is a result of plasma, ion embedding, surface charging, chemical, optical, electronic and/or electromagnetic treatment. Also, a microfluidic device comprising at least one microcapillary device having a sample retaining element, at least one surface of which exhibits hydrophobicity, hydrophilicity, electromagnetic force exertion and electrostatic force exertion. Also, a microfluidic device comprising a first element having a hydrophilic pattern comprising at least a first sample retaining element. Also, a method comprising supplying a sample to a channel between a first element and a second element, and inducing in the first element at least one hydrophilic pattern by electrets or by internal or external electrodes to provide a charged surface.

1 . A microfluidic device comprising:
 a first element comprising a first surface;   a second element, said second element comprising a second surface, said second surface facing said first surface and being spaced from said first surface;   said first element comprising at least a first sample retaining element,   at least a portion of said first surface of said first element having a first affinity to a first fluid, and   said first sample retaining element having a second affinity to said first fluid, said second affinity differing from said first affinity at least in part as a result of at least one of said first surface and said first sample retaining element being subjected to at least one treatment selected from the group consisting of plasma treatments, ion embedding treatments, surface charging treatments, chemical treatments, optical treatments, electronic treatments and electromagnetic treatments.   
     
     
         2 - 75 . (canceled)