摘要 |
A method and apparatus for mixing liquids using electroosmotic flow. Multiple capillaries (100, 104, 106) or microchip channels meet at a common junction (102). One capillary (100) is used for mixed liquids and each of the remaining capillaries (104, 106) are used for supplying a liquid (112, 114) to be mixed. Each of the supply capillaries (104, 106) has a free end that is immersed into a vial (108, 110) of liquid (112, 114). A first power supply terminal (112) is attached to a free end of the mixed liquid capillary (100). The liquid in each vial has an electrode that is switchably connected to a second power supply terminal. Closing a switch (116, 118) causes liquid to flow from a vial through the common junction and through the mixed liquid capillary. Each switch is independent and each may be closed continuously, switched at a constant duty cycle, or switched at a variable duty cycle. As a result, continuous mixing or variable ratio mixing may be achieved.
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