Microfluidic reaction apparatus for high throughput screening

Abstract

An SBS-formatted microfluidic device where the geometry of the plate defines an array of interrogation areas, and where each interrogation area encompasses at least one reaction site.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A positive-displacement cross-injection junction in an elastomeric microfluidic device, the positive-displacement cross-injection junction comprising:
 a split channel forming a loop;   a first flow channel intersecting the split channel;   a peristaltic pump comprising first, second, and third valves, the peristaltic pump positioned to meter fluid through the first flow channel into the split channel;   a first cross channel that joins the first flow channel between the peristaltic pump and the split channel;   a fourth valve positioned to open and close the first cross channel;   a second flow channel that joins the split channel approximately opposite the first flow channel;   a fifth valve positioned to open and close the second flow channel;   a second cross channel that joins the second flow channel between the split channel and the fifth valve;   a sixth valve positioned to open and close the second cross channel.   
     
     
         2 . A slug mixing arrangement in an elastomeric microfluidic device, the slug mixing arrangement comprising:
 a reaction well;   a flow channel in fluid communication with the reaction well at one end of the flow channel and in fluid communication with a supply of a solution at a second end of the flow channel;   at least three valves dividing the flow channel into segments, one of the valves positioned to open and close the flow channel at its connection to the reaction well, and another of the valves positioned to open and close the flow channel at its connection to the supply of solution, the remaining valves dividing the flow channel into segments between the first and second valves;   at least two junction inlets, one junction inlet for each segment of the flow channel between the first and second valves, each junction inlet in fluid communication with its respective segment of the flow channel and gated by a respective valve.