Small volume liquid manipulation, method, apparatus and process

Abstract

An apparatus, a method and a process to achieve manipulation of particles and/or solutions through the use of electrokinetic properties are disclosed. The manipulation is performed using a disposable device positioned on top of a stage for purposes of powering the electrodes. The fluidic solution is brought into contact with the active part of the device and then manipulated.

1 . A device for manipulating fluidic solutions, comprising:
 a vessel for containing a fluidic solution; and   a plurality of electrodes, coupled to the vessel, the plurality of electrodes being arranged in an array and each applying an electric field to the fluidic solution,   wherein the plurality of electrodes manipulate at least one of:   a flow of the fluidic solution, and   a separation of particles in the fluidic solution,   
       the manipulation using electrokinetic properties resulting from the applied electric fields, wherein the fluidic solution comprises a total volume of fluid on the order of microliters. 
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the electrokinetic property is at least one of electrothermal convection and electroosmosis. 
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 2 , wherein at least a first electrode in the plurality of electrodes is made from a first material and at least a second electrode in the plurality of electrodes is made from a second material. 
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 2 , wherein the array is a periodic array. 
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 4 , wherein each electrode in the periodic array is controlled independently. 
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 2 , wherein at least a first electrode in the plurality of electrodes has a first shape and at least a second electrode in the plurality of electrodes has a second shape. 
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the electric field induces a time-dependent electrohydrodynamic fluid flow. 
     
     
         8 - 12 . (canceled) 
     
     
         13 . A device for mixing a fluid, comprising:
 a vessel for containing the fluid to be mixed;   a plurality of electrodes, inside the vessel;   a plurality of connectors, coupled to the plurality of electrodes, the plurality of connectors being electrically coupled to a plurality of applied electric fields,   wherein the plurality of electric fields electrically excite the electrodes thereby creating a flow within the fluid.   
     
     
         14 . The device of  claim 13 , wherein the plurality of electric fields generates at least one of electrothermal convection and electroosmosis within the fluid. 
     
     
         15 . The device of  claim 14 , wherein at least a first electrode in the plurality of electrodes is made from a first material and at least a second electrode in the plurality of electrodes is made from a second material. 
     
     
         16 . The device of  claim 14 , wherein the plurality of electrodes are arranged in a periodic array. 
     
     
         17 . The device of  claim 16 , wherein each electrode in the periodic array is controlled independently. 
     
     
         18 . The device of  claim 14 , wherein at least a first electrode in the plurality of electrodes has a first shape and at least a second electrode in the plurality of electrodes has a second shape. 
     
     
         19 . The device of  claim 13 , wherein the electric field induces a time-dependent electrohydrodynamic fluid flow. 
     
     
         20 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the fluidic solution, when contained in each vessel, comprises a total volume of fluid on the order of microliters in each vessel. 
     
     
         21 . The device of  claim 13 , wherein the fluidic solution, when contained in each vessel, comprises a total volume of fluid on the order of microliters in each vessel. 
     
     
         22 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said plurality of electrodes are connected to a plate, said plate being attachable and removable from said plurality of vessels to permit access for adding and removing fluid to said plurality of vessels. 
     
     
         23 . The device of  claim 22 , wherein said plate comprises electrical pathways to selectively adder each of said plurality of electrodes.