Multistep Reaction Lateral Flow Capillary

Abstract

Disclosed is a lateral flow capillary device and uses thereof comprising a unipath bibulous capillary flow matrix and at least two reservoirs each in fluid communication with the capillary flow matrix wherein a reservoir contacts the capillary flow matrix through a passage having a rim pressing the matrix. The pressure that the rim applies on the matrix prevents leakage of liquids out of the capillary flow matrix at the reservoir/matrix interface, allowing accurate sequential draining of liquid from the reservoirs. During use of the disclosed lateral flow capillary device a static interface is formed between the first liquid and the second liquid in an interface creation zone inside the capillary flow matrix wherein the first amount and second amount are such that first liquid substantially remains in the first reservoir and the second liquid substantially remains in the second reservoir subsequent to the formation of the static interface and wherein the interface begins to move only subsequent to exhaustion of a liquid from a reservoir.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A device useful for preparation of a lateral flow capillary device, comprising:
 a) a single reservoir-containing component with at least one wall configured to hold liquids and a lowest area, said lowest area defined by a non-capillary opening defining a hollow conduit with a rim and at least one extension protruding from an outer surface of said wall; and   b) a second component comprising a body with a counter-support platform at a top-end and at least one extension protruding from said body   wherein a said extension of said single reservoir-containing component and a said extension of said second component are configured to mutually engage so that said rim and said counter-support platform are spaced apart by a distance and substantially parallel.   
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said rim is substantially planar. 
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 1 , said single reservoir-containing component comprising at least two extensions and said second component comprising at least two extensions. 
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 3 , wherein at least one single reservoir-containing component extension and at least one second component extension define a hinge when engaged. 
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said mutual engaging includes interlocking. 
     
     
         6 . A kit for assembly of a lateral flow capillary device, comprising:
 a) a unipath bibulous capillary flow matrix having a thickness; and   b) at least two devices useful for preparation of said lateral flow capillary device, each of said devices comprising:   a single reservoir-containing component with at least one wall configured to hold liquids and a lowest area, said lowest area defined by a non-capillary opening defining a hollow conduit with a rim and at least one extension protruding from an outer surface of said wall; and   a second component comprising a body with a counter-support platform at a top-end and at least one extension protruding from said body   wherein a said extension of said single reservoir-containing component and a said extension of said second component are configured to mutually engage so that said rim and said counter-support platform are spaced apart by a distance and substantially parallel, wherein said distance is sufficient so that a said rim contacts said matrix when said single reservoir-containing component and said second component are engaged about said matrix.   
     
     
         7 . The kit of  claim 6 , wherein said distance is sufficient to clamp said matrix so as to press said rim into said matrix perpendicularly to said thickness when said single reservoir-containing component and said second component are engaged. 
     
     
         8 . The kit of  claim 6 , wherein said matrix is substantially a strip of material. 
     
     
         9 . The kit of  claim 6 , wherein said matrix is attached to a substantially impermeable backing. 
     
     
         10 . The kit of  claim 6 , said capillary flow matrix further comprising a reaction zone comprising at least one capturing entity configured to capture a material flowing through said capillary flow matrix.