Abstract: Microfluidic devices and methods including porous polymer monoliths are described. Polymerization techniques may be used to generate porous polymer monoliths having pores defined by a liquid component of a fluid mixture. The fluid mixture may contain iniferters and the resulting porous polymer monolith may include surfaces terminated with iniferter species. Capture molecules may then be grafted to the monolith pores.

Abstract: A method is provided of generating a gradient within gel matrix received in a channel of a microfluidic device. A source reservoir in communication with the input of the channel is filled with a first fluid. A sink reservoir in communication with the output of the channel is filled with a second fluid. A soluble factor is deposited in the source reservoir such that the soluble factor diffuses into the channel and forms the gradient. The soluble factor in source reservoir is replenished to maintain the gradient in a generally pseudo-steady state and the second fluid in the sink reservoir is replaced.

Abstract: A method is provided for sequentially patterning different particle populations on spatially defined regions in microfluidic device. The microfluidic device has a channel and a plurality of access ports therein. Each access port has an input and an output communicating with the channel. The method includes the step of depositing a drop of a first suspension on the input of a first access port. The first suspension includes a plurality of particles. A drop of a second suspension is deposited on the input of a second access port. The second suspension includes a plurality of particles. The particles in the first and second suspensions settle onto and are patterned along corresponding spaced portions of the channel.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of using the same are provided for generating a gradient of particles within a microfluidic device. The microfluidic device includes a channel having an input and an output. The channel is filled with a predetermined fluid. Thereafter, particles from a source pass through a porous membrane into the input of the channel. A second membrane is provided adjacent the output of the channel to minimize convection therein. A sink communicates with the output of the channel. The source/sink combination creates a pseudo-steady state in the channel wherein the concentration of particles at a point does not vary dramatically with time.