Vented microfluidic separation devices and methods

摘要

A pressure-driven microfluidic device for separating chemical or biological species from a sample provides an on-board stationary phase packing manifold or distribution network for simultaneously packing multiple separation channels. The packing manifold or distribution may include both a stationary phase inlet port and a vent port, and the vent port may include an associated porous material or frit. Methods for operating pressure-driven microfluidic separation devices include the steps of venting the packing manifold to an environment having a lower pressure than that present in the separation columns to allow any retained sample portions to migrate away from the separation channels, thereby minimizing or eliminating cross-talk and sample contamination.