METHOD AND DEVICES FOR ELECTRONIC SENSING

摘要

The presence of a detectable entity within a detection volume of a microfabricated elastomeric structure is sensed through a change in the electrical or magnetic environment of the detection volume. In embodiments utilizing electronic detection, an electric field is applied to the detection volume and a change in impedance, current, or combined impedance and current due to the presence of the detectable entity is measured. In embodiments utilizing magnetic detection, the magnetic properties of a magnetized detected entity alter the magnetic field of the detection volume. This changed magnetic field induces a current which can reveal the detectable entity. The change in resistance of a magnetoresistive element may also reveal the passage of a magnetized detectable entity.

主权项

1. An apparatus configured for determining macromolecules of a certain size range, comprising:
(1) a microfabricated device that includes:
(a) a plurality of flow channels, each having a detection volume that is configured with physical dimensions and a width such that at a preselected flow rate, only one macromolecule within the size range will pass through the detection volume at a time;(b) source electrodes positioned and configured to apply an electric field across the detection volume of the flow channels;(c) sensing electrodes positioned and configured to detect a change in current of the applied electric field resulting form macromolecules within the size range passing through and past the detection volume of the flow channels; and (2) a flow regulation system that is connected and regulated so as to cause macromolecules within the size range to pass through the detection volume of the flow channels at the preselected flow rate.