Abstract: A flow apparatus for measuring at least one biophysical property of one or more components is provided. The apparatus comprises one or more microfluidic devices. Each microfluidic device comprises: a sample channel having a sample inlet port for introducing a sample fluid flow comprising one or more components at a first flow rate into an elongate distribution channel, an auxiliary channel having an auxiliary inlet port for introducing an auxiliary fluid flow at a second flow rate into the elongate distribution channel. The distribution channel is configured to enable a lateral distribution of the components from the sample fluid flow into the auxiliary fluid flow. Each microfluidic device further comprises two or more capillary channels provided downstream and in fluid communication with the distribution channel, at least one outlet port provided downstream of each of the capillary channels.

Abstract: An apparatus for characterising a biomolecule is provided.

Abstract: A method of separating and analysing a plurality of components in a heterogeneous sample is provided. The method comprising the steps of: introducing a separation fluid into a separation channel that is elongate in a first direction; introducing the heterogeneous sample into said channel; separating, in the first direction, the components in the sample; introducing an auxiliary fluid into said channel; creating a lateral distribution of the components in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction; and determining, sequentially, a property of each of the components based on the regimen by which the lateral distribution was created. An apparatus for separating and analysing a plurality of components in a heterogeneous sample is also provided.

Abstract: A device and method for fluorescent labelling a component is provided. The device comprising a first user-replaceable reservoir comprising a strongly buffered alkaline solution of aromatic ortho-dialdehyde dye, a second user-replaceable reservoir comprising a weakly buffered acidic solution of a reducing agent, one or more fluid pathways comprising the component, and a network of connection channels linking the reservoirs and the fluid pathway to enable the alkaline solution and the acidic solution to combine with the component in order to label the component by reacting the component with the alkaline solution and the acidic solution.

Abstract: A device and a method is provided for profiling particles such as proteins. The device comprises: a liquid chromatography column (16) in a mixture separation module (10); a fractionation device (22, 24) and a plurality of microfluidic analysis modules (26, 28) in a microfluidic network (14). The microfluidic analysis modules are configured to provide multi-dimensional analysis of the particles. Furthermore, a fluidic flow adaptor (20) allows for controlled flow between separator (16) and the microfluidic network to provide a continuous fluid flow.

Abstract: A fluidic system is provided. The system comprises: a rigid housing (12), a plurality of flexible reagent containers (14) contained within the housing (12); wherein each reagent container (14) has a connection port (16) through which a reagent can flow, in use, on the application of pressure. The system further comprises a single pressure source (18) configured to apply pressure to the interior of the rigid housing (12); a microfluidic device configured to analyse one or more fluids provided from the plurality of reagent containers; and a plurality of channels (20) configured to transfer fluid from the plurality of reagent containers (14) to the microfluidic device. The ratio of resistances provided by a combination of the connection ports and the plurality of channels dictates the ratio of flow rates of the reagents. The claimed system allows for an accurate control of the various reagent flow rates while minimizing fluctuations in the relative flow rates.

Abstract: A device and method for fluorescent labelling a component is provided. The device comprising a first user-replaceable reservoir comprising a strongly buffered alkaline solution of aromatic ortho-dialdehyde dye, a second user-replaceable reservoir comprising a weakly buffered acidic solution of a reducing agent, one or more fluid pathways comprising the component, and a network of connection channels linking the reservoirs and the fluid pathway to enable the alkaline solution and the acidic solution to combine with the component in order to label the component by reacting the component with the alkaline solution and the acidic solution.

Abstract: A fluidic system is provided. The system comprises: a rigid housing (12), a plurality of flexible reagent containers (14) contained within the housing (12); wherein each reagent container (14) has a connection port (16) through which a reagent can flow, in use, on the application of pressure. The system further comprises a single pressure source (18) configured to apply pressure to the interior of the rigid housing (12); a microfluidic device configured to analyse one or more fluids provided from the plurality of reagent containers; and a plurality of channels (20) configured to transfer fluid from the plurality of reagent containers (14) to the microfluidic device. The ratio of resistances provided by a combination of the connection ports and the plurality of channels dictates the ratio of flow rates of the reagents. The claimed system allows for an accurate control of the various reagent flow rates while minimizing fluctuations in the relative flow rates.