Lab901 Limited

Agilent Technologies, Inc.

Stuart Polwart

Joel Fearnley

Peter Ghazal

Douglas Roy

Kenneth G Macnamara

David Barlow

Urs Lamb

Ken MacNamara

Joel Fearnel

David Thomson

Non-rigid tape apparatus and fabrication methods for microfluidic processing applications such as gel electrophoresis are provided, where microfluidic processing is performed on selected areas. Parts of the tape are formed by high pressure plastic film forming. Membranes and other structures are self sealing during and after penetration by pipettes and electrical probes. Rigid exoskeleton elements protect the non-rigid parts during processing and facilitate transport of the tape.

Apparatus and methods for microfluidic applications

An analysis instrument for processing a microfluidic device, having sample storage means, a microfluidic device holder, sample loading means for loading sample into a microfluidic device disposed in the holder, processing means for enabling a reaction in a microfluidic device, and detection means for detecting and/or measuring the reaction is disclosed. The microfluidic device holder is adapted to hold the microfluidic device including a tape in position for processing and/or detection. A microfluidic processing device is also disclosed which includes a reaction chamber, and a sample loading chamber into which a sample is injectable. The reaction chamber is operatively connected to the sample loading chamber. A cover extends across at least part of the sample loading chamber. The cover and the reaction chamber include pierceable material and are separated by an overspill cavity configured to accept any overspill of an injected sample. A kit is also disclosed which has the analysis instrument and the microfluidic processing device as described above.

Analysis instrument

Growing community of inventors

Stirlingshire, United Kingdom

Stuart Polwart