Rapid freeze-quench device and methods of use thereof

摘要

This invention provides mixing, reaction and ejection devices for small volume samples. This invention also provides cooling devices, sample preparation apparatuses and sample preparation methods for studying chemical and biological reactions. The mixing, reaction and ejection devices of this invention allow ejection of small volume liquid samples from a microfluidic channel. Cooling devices of the invention enable serial cooling and collection of samples in an efficient and accurate manner. This invention also provides apparatuses comprising the mixing, reaction and ejection devices and cooling devices. This invention provides methods of using the novel devices and apparatuses.

主权项

1. A microfluidic device comprising:
a microfluidic channel comprising a first mixing part and a second reaction part, wherein said channel further comprises a first inlet and a second inlet; a product outlet, wherein said product outlet is attached to said microfluidic channel; and a gas compartment surrounding at least a portion of said product outlet such that said gas compartment is coaxial with said product outlet, wherein said gas compartment is attached to a gas inlet channel, and wherein said gas compartment comprises a gas outlet proximal to said product outlet;wherein upon introduction of a first material from said first inlet and a second material from said second inlet, said first material and said second material are mixed within said first mixing part, and wherein at least a portion of said materials react within said second reaction part and wherein upon ejection of mixed and at least partially reacted materials from said product outlet, a gas from said gas compartment is mixed with said materials thus facilitating ejection of said materials from said product outlet.