Acoustic ejection of fluids using large F-number focusing elements

摘要

The present invention provides a method and device for the acoustic ejection of fluid droplets from fluid-containing reservoirs using focusing means having an F-number greater than approximately 2. The droplets are ejected toward designated sites on a substrate surface for deposition thereon. In one embodiment, the device is comprised of: a plurality of reservoirs each adapted to contain a fluid; an ejector comprising a means for generating acoustic radiation and a large F-numbered means for focusing the acoustic radiation at a focal point near the fluid surface in each of the reservoirs; and a means for positioning the ejector in acoustically coupled relationship to each of the reservoirs. The invention is useful in a number of contexts, particularly in the preparation of biomolecular arrays.