Abstract: The present invention relates to a microfluidic system including a temperature controller and a thermoplastic microfluidic chip that enables rapid PCR in a PCR chamber of the microfluidic chip. Thermal control of the PCR chamber is achieved by applying voltage to heater electrodes patterned directly onto one layer of the microfluidic chip. The temperature controller adjusts the voltage applied to the heater electrodes by changing temperature controller parameters selected to minimize duration of each PCR cycle. Furthermore, simple operation of the microfluidic chip is provided through using an integrated passive capillary valve, requiring minimum operator intervention and eliminating the need for fluidic interfacing, pumping, or metering during chip loading.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a microfluidic system including a temperature controller and a thermoplastic microfluidic chip that enables rapid PCR in a PCR chamber of the microfluidic chip. Thermal control of the PCR chamber is achieved by applying voltage to heater electrodes patterned directly onto one layer of the microfluidic chip. The temperature controller adjusts the voltage applied to the heater electrodes by changing temperature controller parameters selected to minimize duration of each PCR cycle. Furthermore, simple operation of the microfluidic chip is provided through using an integrated passive capillary valve, requiring minimum operator intervention and eliminating the need for fluidic interfacing, pumping, or metering during chip loading.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a microfluidic system including a temperature controller and a thermoplastic microfluidic chip that enables rapid PCR in a PCR chamber of the microfluidic chip. Thermal control of the PCR chamber is achieved by applying voltage to heater electrodes patterned directly onto one layer of the microfluidic chip. The temperature controller adjusts the voltage applied to the heater electrodes by changing temperature controller parameters selected to minimize duration of each PCR cycle. Furthermore, simple operation of the microfluidic chip is provided through using an integrated passive capillary valve, requiring minimum operator intervention and eliminating the need for fluidic interfacing, pumping, or metering during chip loading.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a microfluidic system including a temperature controller and a thermoplastic microfluidic chip that enables rapid PCR in a PCR chamber of the microfluidic chip. Thermal control of the PCR chamber is achieved by applying voltage to heater electrodes patterned directly onto one layer of the microfluidic chip. The temperature controller adjusts the voltage applied to the heater electrodes by changing temperature controller parameters selected to minimize duration of each PCR cycle. Furthermore, simple operation of the microfluidic chip is provided through using an integrated passive capillary valve, requiring minimum operator intervention and eliminating the need for fluidic interfacing, pumping, or metering during chip loading.

Abstract: Disclosed are an apparatus, system, and method for performing electrospray of biomolecules, particularly peptides, polypeptides, and proteins. The apparatus comprises at least (1) a microfluidic substrate for containing an electrospray microchannel for delivering analyte molecules to a side edge of the substrate, and (2) a porous membrane attached to the side edge for performing electrospray from the exposed membrane surface. In one preferred embodiment, the exposed membrane surface is positioned above a target surface for depositing analyte molecules onto the target surface by electrospray. In another preferred embodiment, a proteolytic enzyme is bound to the porous membrane for performing protein digestion during electrospray.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for performing multiple analyses of protein and/or peptide samples and correlating the results of the analyses. The system comprises a sample inlet, a splitter means, at least two sample delivery capillaries, at least two sample deposition tools, and at least two sample collectors, wherein said splitter means is in fluid communication with the sample inlet and the sample delivery capillaries, and wherein liquid flow entering the splitter means is split into a number of sub-flows equal to the number of sample delivery capillaries. In one preferred embodiment, at least one microenzyme reactor is interfaced to a first sample delivery capillary in order to digest a protein sample within the capillary, while a second sample delivery capillary does not contain a microenzyme reactor, thereby enabling correlated analysis of the same protein sample in digested and undigested form.