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Micralyne Inc.

Christopher Backhouse

Herbert A Hartshorne

Iveta Sosova

Dammika Manage

Moira Glerum

The present invention provides for a novel method of supercoiled DNA isolation using a microfluidic device. In a preferred embodiment, the supercoiled DNA is a plasmid present in combination with chromosomal DNA. The present invention also provides for a novel method of mitochondrial DNA isolation using a microfluidic device.

Microfluidic methods for the separation of supercoiled DNA

A method of controlling flow of a driven fluid in a channel, the channel being defined by an encircling wall, the method comprising the steps of sealing the channel with a sealing fluid immiscible in the driven fluid blocking the channel at an initial position, in which the sealing fluid has a first contact angle with the encircling wall and the driven fluid has a second contact angle with the encircling wall and the first contact angle is less than the second contact angle; and moving the sealing fluid in the channel by a force generated outside of the channel. Apparatus for controlling flow of a driven fluid in a channel, the apparatus comprising, an encircling wall defining a channel, a sealing fluid in the channel, the sealing fluid having a first contact angle with the encircling wall, a driven fluid in the channel having an interface with the sealing fluid, the driven fluid having a second contact angle with the encircling wall, the first contact angle being less than the second contact angle; and a force generator exterior to the channel, the force generator being operable to move the sealing fluid within the channel.

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Edmonton, Canada

Christopher Backhouse