Abstract: A microfluidic device comprising a plurality of reaction chambers in fluid communication with a flow channel formed in an elastomeric substrate, a vapor barrier for preventing evaporation from the plurality of reaction chambers, and a continuous phase fluid for isolation of each of the plurality of reaction chambers.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for concentrating particles may be applied, for example, to concentrating DNA, RNA, proteins and the like. Proteins may be pre-treated to facilitate concentration by scodaphoresis. The pre-treatment may comprise, for example, heating or chemical treatment to denature and/or apply a net charge to the protein, binding handle particles to the protein and combinations thereof. High-conductivity samples may be subjected to a conductivity-reduction step to facilitate electrical injection of target particles into scodaphoresis media. The conductivity-reduction step may comprise a buffer exchange process or a salt extraction process, for example. Methods and apparatus can allow two or more different types of target particles to be extracted from the same sample and separately concentrated. These various aspects may be applied individually or in any combination.

Abstract: A microfluidic device comprising a plurality of reaction chambers in fluid communication with a flow channel formed in an elastomeric substrate, a vapor barrier for preventing evaporation from the plurality of reaction chambers, and a continuous phase fluid for isolation of each of the plurality of reaction chambers.