MICROFLUIDIC METHODS AND APPARATUSES FOR SAMPLE PREPARATION AND ANALYSIS

摘要

Microfludic channels are constructed for use in preparing and/or analyzing samples. In one embodiment, a microfluidic channel receives a carrier fluid having both non-targets and targets. The non-targets are moved from the carrier fluid by diffusion and into sheathing fluids also present in the channel before contents of the carrier fluid are analyzed. In another embodiment, a microchannel delivers multiple fluid samples from an upstream portion to a downstream portion of the channel where each of the fluid samples are separated from one another by a sheathing fluid that also travels toward the downstream portion. In another embodiment, a microchannel is constructed to create multiple elongational flows in series that can align polymers from a coiled state.