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

摘要

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.

主权项

1. A method of using 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, 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, and the device has liquid droplets on respective hydrophilic immobilisation areas of the plurality of hydrophilic immobilisation areas, the method comprising:
providing the device; disposing the hydrophobic medium into the reservoir; disposing liquid droplets onto respective hydrophilic immobilisation areas of the plurality of hydrophilic immobilisation areas; and disposing the hydrophobic medium prior to disposing the liquid droplets.