High resolution systems, kits, apparatus, and methods using magnetic beads for high throughput microbiology applications

Abstract

A method of transferring material from a first microfabricated device to a second microfabricated device. At least one magnetic bead is loaded into at least one microwell of the first microfabricated device, where a plurality of cells are cultivated. The second microfabricated device is positioned such that the at least one microwell of the first array of microwells is aligned with at least one microwell of the second array of microwells. A magnetic field is applied so as to move the at least one magnetic bead contained in the at least one microwell of the first microfabricated device into the at least one microwell of the second microfabricated device. In this manner, at least one cell from the plurality of cells in the at least one microwell of the first microfabricated device is transferred to the at least one microwell of the second microfabricated device.

1 - 25 . (canceled) 
     
     
         26 . A kit comprising:
 a first microfabricated device including a first array of microwells, at least one microwell of which comprises at least one magnetic bead.   
     
     
         27 . The kit of  claim 26 , further comprising:
 a membrane suitable for applying on the first microfabricated device to seal the at least one microwell.   
     
     
         28 . The kit of  claim 26 , further comprising:
 a second microfabricated device including a second array of microwells, wherein each microwell of the first array of microwells can be aligned with a microwell of the second array of microwells.   
     
     
         29 . The kit of  claim 26 , wherein the membrane is one of gas-permeable, liquid-permeable, and impermeable. 
     
     
         30 . The kit of  claim 26 , wherein the surface density of the first array of microwells is at least 150 microwells per cm 2 , at least 250 microwells per cm 2 , at least 400 microwells per cm 2 , at least 500 microwells per cm 2 , at least 750 microwells per cm 2 , at least 1,000 microwells per cm 2 , at least 2,500 microwells per cm 2 , at least 5,000 microwells per cm 2 , at least 7,500 microwells per cm 2 , at least 10,000 microwells per cm 2 , at least 50,000 microwells per cm 2 , at least 100,000 microwells per cm 2 , or at least 160,000 per cm 2 . 
     
     
         31 . The kit of  claim 26 , wherein each microwell of the first array of microwells of the first microfabricated device has a diameter of from about 5 μm to about 500 μm, from about 10 μm to about 300 μm, or from about 20 μm to about 200 μm. 
     
     
         32 . A kit comprising:
 a first microfabricated device including a first array of microwells; and   a solution comprising a solvent and a plurality of magnetic beads.   
     
     
         33 . The kit of  claim 32 , further comprising:
 a membrane suitable for applying on the first microfabricated device to seal at least one microwell of the first array of microwells.   
     
     
         34 . The kit of  claim 33 , further comprising: a magnet.