IMPROVED HIGH THROUGHPUT MICROFLUIDIC SYSTEMS AND METHODS

摘要

The invention provides improved systems (10), devices, and methods for analyzing a large number of sample compounds contained in standard multiwell microtiter plates (12) or other array structures. The multiwell plates (12) travel along a conveyor system (14) to a test station (26) having a microfluidic device (40). At the test station (26), each plate (12) is removed from the conveyor (14) and the wells (70) of the multiwell plate (12) are sequentially aligned with input port (60) of the microfluidic device (40). After at least a portion of each sample has been input into the microfluidic channel system (40), the plate (12) is returned to the conveyor system (14). Pre and/or post testing stations may be disposed along the conveyor system, and the use of an X-Y-Z robotic arm (44) and novel plate support bracket (56) allows each of the samples in the wells to be input into the microfluidic network through a probe (46) affixed to a microfluidic chip. A clamshell structure (42) having a hinged lid (62) can releasably support the chip (40) while providing and/or accommodating the electrical, optical, structural, and other interface connections between the microfluidic device (40) and the surrounding system.