Abstract: A method is provided for preparing high surface-area texturing of a substrate using methods by which material from a substrate is subtracted from or added to the surface of the substrate. In one embodiment, the method is a subtractive lithographic method that involves exposing a laser-ablatable substrate, such as a polymeric or ceramic substrate, to laser light. A mask may be used to define the pattern of light incident on the substrate. High surface-area textured substrates, in particular, miniaturized planar analysis devices having high surface-area textured features, prepared by the methods disclosed herein, are also provided. A method by which the high surface-area textured substrate or the miniaturized planar analysis device is used as a master from which replicate copies thereof may be made is also provided.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for modifying the surface of a polymeric substrate are provided. In the subject methods, at least a portion of the surface of the polymeric substrate is contacted with a biofouling resistant surfactant composition. At least a portion of the surfactant molecules of the composition are end modified with a non-reactive, charged end group that is charge stable over a pH range of about 2 to 12. The subject methods and compositions find particular use with electrophoretic devices, such as capillary electrophoretic devices.

Abstract: A method is provided for preparing high surface-area texturing of a substrate using methods by which material from a substrate is subtracted from or added to the surface of the substrate. In one embodiment, the method is a subtractive lithographic method that involves exposing a laser-ablatable substrate, such as a polymeric or ceramic substrate, to laser light. A mask may be used to define the pattern of light incident on the substrate. High surface-area textured substrates, in particular, miniaturized planar analysis devices having high surface-area textured features, prepared by the methods disclosed herein, are also provided. A method by which the high surface-area textured substrate or the miniaturized planar analysis device is used as a master from which replicate copies thereof may be made is also provided.

Abstract: A method is provided for preparing high-surface area texturing of a substrate using methods by which material from a substrate is subtracted from or added to the surface of the substrate. In one embodiment, the method is a subtractive lithographic method that involves exposing a laser-ablatable substrate, such as a polymeric or ceramic substrate, to laser light. A mask may be used to define the pattern of light incident on the substrate. High-surface area textured substrates, in particular, miniaturized planar analysis devices having high-surface area textured features, prepared by the methods disclosed herein are also provided. A method by which the high-surface area textured substrate or the miniaturized planar analysis device is used as a master from which replicate copies thereof may be made is also provided.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for modifying the surface of a polymeric substrate are provided. In the subject methods, at least a portion of the surface of the polymeric substrate is contacted with a biofouling resistant surfactant composition. At least a portion of the surfactant molecules of the composition are end modified with a non-reactive, charged end group that is charge stable over a pH range of a bout 2 to 12. The subject methods and compositions find particular use with electrophoretic devices, such as capillary electrophoretic devices.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for modifying the surface of a polymeric substrate are provided. In the subject methods, at least a portion of the surface of the polymeric substrate is contacted with a biofouling resistant surfactant composition. At least a portion of the surfactant molecules of the composition are end modified with a non-reactive, charged end group that is charge stable over a pH range of about 2 to 12. The subject methods and compositions find particular use with electrophoretic devices, such as capillary electrophoretic devices.

Abstract: A microanalytical device is provided for conducting chemical processes using small amounts of fluid. The devices include microstructures, e.g., microcavities, microchannels and the like, that are laser ablated or otherwise formed in a support substrate, and can be used in a variety of chemical and biochemical methods, including chromatographic, electrophoretic and electrochromatographic separations, screening and diagnostics, and chemical and biochemical synthesis. The devices are formed from a material that is thermally and chemically stable and resistant to biofouling, significantly reducing electroosmotic flow and unwanted adsorption of solute. Preferred materials are polymeric.

Abstract: A microanalytical device is provided for conducting chemical processes using small amounts of fluid. The devices include microstructures, e.g., microcavities, microchannels and the like, that are laser ablated or otherwise formed in a support substrate, and can be used in a variety of chemical and biochemical methods, including chromatographic, electrophoretic and electrochromatographic separations, screening and diagnostics, and chemical and biochemical synthesis. The devices are formed from a material that is thermally and chemically stable and resistant to biofouling, significantly reducing electroosmotic flow and unwanted adsorption of solute. Preferred materials are polymeric.

Abstract: The present invention relates to microdevices for introducing a small volume of a fluid sample into an ionization chamber. The microdevices are constructed from a substrate having a first and second opposing surfaces, the substrate having a microchannel formed in the first surface, and a cover plate arranged over the first surface, the cover plate in combination with the microchannel defining a conduit for conveying the sample. A sample inlet port is provided in fluid communication with the microchannel, wherein the sample inlet port allows the fluid sample from an external source to be conveyed in a defined sample flow path that travels, in order, through the sample inlet port, the conduit and a sample outlet port and into the ionization chamber. Optionally, the fluid sample undergoes a chemical or biochemical reaction within an integrated portion of the microdevice before reaching the ionization chamber. A nebulizing means nebulizes the fluid sample in a nebulizing region adjacent to the sample outlet port.

Abstract: The present invention relates to microdevices for introducing a small volume of a fluid sample into an ionization chamber. The microdevices are constructed from a substrate having a first and second opposing surfaces, the substrate having a microchannel formed in the first surface, and a cover plate arranged over the first surface, the cover plate in combination with the microchannel defining a conduit for conveying the sample. A sample inlet port is provided in fluid communication with the microchannel, wherein the sample inlet port allows the fluid sample from an external source to be conveyed in a defined sample flow path that travels, in order, through the sample inlet port, the conduit and a sample outlet port and into the ionization chamber. Optionally, the fluid sample undergoes a chemical or biochemical reaction within an integrated portion of the microdevice before reaching the ionization chamber. A nebulizing means nebulizes the fluid sample in a nebulizing region adjacent to the sample outlet port.

Abstract: “A miniaturized planar device is described for use in a liquid phase analysis system. The device comprises a separation compartment that is in fluidic communication with a make-up flow channel and a channel compartment that terminates in an on-device mass spectrometer delivery means. The device is formed by microfabrication of microstructures in novel support substrates.

Abstract: A microanalysis device having a plurality of sample processing compartments is described for use in liquid phase analysis. A microanalysis device system, comprising a plurality of interconnected microanalysis devices. The device is formed by microfabrication of microstructures in novel support substrates. The invention herein can be used for the analysis of small and/or macromolecular and/or other solutes in the liquid phase.

Abstract: Micro-fluid devices and methods for their use are provided. The subject devices are characterized by the presence of at least one micro-valve comprising a phase reversible material, e.g. a reversible gel, that reversibly changes its physical state in response to an applied stimulus, e.g. a thermoreversible gel. In using the subject device, fluid flow along a flow path of the device is modulated by applying an appropriate stimulus, e.g. changing the temperature, to the microvalve. The subject devices find use in a variety of applications, including micro-analytical applications.

Abstract: Micro-fluid devices and methods for their use are provided. The subject devices are characterized by the presence of at least one micro-valve comprising a phase reversible material, e.g. a reversible gel, that reversibly changes its physical state in response to an applied stimulus, e.g. a thermoreversible gel. In using the subject device, fluid flow along a flow path of the device is modulated by applying an appropriate stimulus, e.g. changing the temperature, to the microvalve. The subject devices find use in a variety of applications, including micro-analytical applications.

Abstract: A microanalysis device having a plurality of sample processing compartments is described for use in liquid phase analysis. A microanalysis device system, comprising a plurality of interconnected microanalysis devices. The device is formed by microfabrication of microstructures in novel support substrates. The invention herein can be used for the analysis of small and/or macromolecular and/or other solutes in the liquid phase.

Abstract: Miniaturized planar column devices for use in a liquid phase separation apparatus are described. The devices include microstructures that have been fabricated by laser ablation in a variety of novel support substrates. Devices formed according to the methods of the invention include associated laser-ablated features required for function, such as on-device reservoirs or makeup flow compartments, analyte detection means and sample injection means. The miniaturized columns can be used in an apparatus intended for analysis of either small and/or macromolecular solutes in the liquid phase which employs chromatographic, electrophoretic or electrochromatographic separation means. The apparatus can include a variety of optional injection means, manifolds, keeper means, post column collection means, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: A microanalysis device having a plurality of sample processing compartments is described for use in liquid phase analysis. A microanalysis device system, comprising a plurality of interconnected microanalysis devices. The device is formed by microfabrication of microstructures in novel support substrates. The invention herein can be used for the analysis of small and/or macromolecular and/or other solutes in the liquid phase.

Abstract: A miniaturized total analysis system with an in-line NMR detection compartment and an NMR rf microcoil detector is described for use in liquid phase analysis. The device is formed by microfabrication of microstructures in novel support substrates. The NMR detector coil may be fabricated directly in the support body at the point of detection or, alternatively, may be formed as part of a modular structure that is insertable into the device at the point of detection. In addition, an integrated device for sample preparation and NMR detection is provided comprising the miniaturized total analysis system and a miniature magnet configured to accept the miniaturized total analysis system, wherein the device is capable of generating an NMR spectrum. The invention herein is used for the analysis of small and/or macromolecular and/or other solutes in the liquid phase.

Abstract: Miniaturized planar column devices are described for use in liquid phase analysis, the devices comprising microstructures fabricated by laser ablation in a variety of novel support substrates. Devices formed according to the invention include associated laser-ablated features required for function, such as analyte detection means and fluid communication means. Miniaturized columns constructed under the invention find use in any analysis system performed on either small and/or macromolecular solutes in the liquid phase and may employ chromatographic, electrophoretic, electrochromatographic separation means, or any combination thereof.

Abstract: In a method of forming a microchannel and/or microcavity structure by bonding together two elements (1, 2) having opposed plane surfaces of the same or different material, one or both surfaces having open channels and/or cavities, bonding is effected by applying to one or both element surfaces (1, 2) a thin layer (3) of a solution of a material capable of fusing with and having a lower melting point than that of the material or materials of the two element surfaces (1, 2) in a solvent which substantially does not dissolve the element surface material or materials. The solvent is then removed, and the two elements (1, 2) are brought together and heated to a temperature where the dissolved material is caused to melt but not the element surface material or materials.