MICROFABRICATED DETECTION STRUCTURES

摘要

Disclosed are devices for detecting the presence of a preselected analyte in a fluid sample. The devices comprise a substrate microfabricated to define a sample inlet port (16), and a mesoscale flow sys tem that includes a sample flow channel (20) extend- ing from the inlet port. The mesoscale flow system further includes an analy te detection region (22) in fluid communication with the flow channel (20) comprised of a binding moiety for specifically binding the analyte. The detection region is constructed with a mesoscale dimension sufficiently small to enhance binding of the binding m oiety and the analyle. The binding moiety may be immobilized in the detection region. The mecoscale detection systems of the invention may be used in a wide range of applica- tions, including the detection of cells or macromolecules, or for monitoring reactions or cell culture growth.