Apparatus for processing a sample in a liquid droplet and method of using the same

Abstract

A device for processing a sample in a liquid droplet containing a hydrophilic liquid is described. The device includes: a circumferential wall and a base including an immobilisation member. The circumferential wall and the base define a reservoir adapted to accommodate a hydrophobic medium immiscible with the liquid droplet. The medium is of a lower surface energy than a liquid of the liquid droplet. The immobilisation member includes a surface with a plurality of hydrophilic immobilisation areas and a hydrophobic area. The plurality of hydrophilic immobilisation areas is: (a) of a higher surface energy than the medium, (b) of a higher surface energy than the hydrophobic area, and (c) of a sufficient surface energy and a sufficient width to allow, in the medium, immobilisation of liquid droplets on the hydrophilic immobilisation areas via interfacial interactions. Methods of using and rinsing the device are also described.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A device for processing a sample in a liquid droplet containing a hydrophilic liquid, the device comprising:
 a circumferential wall; and   a base including an immobilisation member,   wherein the circumferential wall and the base define a reservoir adapted to accommodate a hydrophobic medium immiscible with the liquid droplet, wherein the medium is of a lower surface energy than a liquid of the liquid droplet, and the immobilisation member includes a surface with a plurality of hydrophilic immobilisation areas and a hydrophobic area, wherein the plurality of hydrophilic immobilisation areas is:
 (a) of a higher surface energy than the medium, 
 (b) of a higher surface energy than the hydrophobic area, and 
 (c) of a sufficient surface energy and a sufficient width to allow, in the medium, immobilisation of liquid droplets on the hydrophilic immobilisation areas via interfacial interactions.