Abstract: The present invention relates to a structure (a solution introducing structure) for introducing a plurality of solutions (a sample and/or a reagent solution) in highly accurate volume, in high amount and simply, into a channel, in particular a channel of a micro fluidic device, a micro fluidic device having said structure, a method for introducing a solution using said device, a method for separation of a substance, and a method for separating a complex between an analyte or analogue thereof, and a substance binding to said analyte or analogue thereof (hereinafter may be abbreviated as a complex forming substance or CFS) which is obtained by reacting a plurality of solutions introduced by these, and said CFS or analogue not involved in formation of said complex, rapidly, simply and in high accuracy, along with a method for measuring an analyte or an analogue thereof in a sample in high sensitivity.

Abstract: The system and method of the present application is a microfluidic array system for biological, chemical and biochemical assessments including a microfluidic chip for reaction assays, wherein the microfluidic chip includes a control layer and a fluidic layer, wherein the control layer is pressurized through pneumatic or hydraulic means in order to control the flow of the reagents in the fluidic layer. The system and method of the present application further includes a method of fabricating such a microfluidic chip, and further a method for operating the same. Lastly, the system and method of the present application further includes a system for operating and analyzing the microfluidic array including a pressure source, a fluidic source, a biochip reader, and a processor configured to control the same.

Abstract: The invention relates to an assay method and a fluid microsystem for carrying out said assay method, in particular, for carrying out miniaturized affinity tests in a micro-array format. According to said invention, a liquid phase comprising at least one type of detectable high-molecular weight soluble substance, for example a labeled reaction partner or product of an affinity reaction is displaced by the hydraulic effect of a high-molecular weight osmotic agent on an ultrafiltration membrane towards a miniaturized measuring chamber defined thereby. The fraction of the detectable high-molecular weight substance(s) is concentrated in the measuring chamber, while the dissolved low-molecular weight components are removed with the solvent through the membrane pores, thereby making it possible to attain a high detection sensitivity.

Abstract: The present invention provides microfluidic devices and methods for using the same. In particular, microfluidic devices of the present invention are useful in conducting a variety of assays and high throughput screening. Microfluidic devices of the present invention include elastomeric components and comprise a main flow channel; a plurality of branch flow channels; a plurality of control channels; and a plurality of valves. Preferably, each of the valves comprises one of the control channels and an elastomeric segment that is deflectable into or retractable from the main or branch flow channel upon which the valve operates in response to an actuation force applied to the control channel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a solution introducing structure for introducing a plurality of solutions (a sample and/or a reagent solution) in highly accurate volume, in high amount and simply, into a channel (1) of a micro fluidic device, said channel (1) comprising not less than three side channels (2) for drain and not less than two side channels (3) for introducing a sample or a reagent solution.

Abstract: A testing microchip includes a specimen storage section; a reagent storage section; a reaction section; a testing section for a test of a reaction product obtained from the reaction; a liquid feed control section; and a gas bubble trapping structure. The sections are connected continuously by a series of flow channels. The liquid feed control section stops passing of liquid until a liquid feeding pressure reaches a predetermined pressure, and passes the liquid when the liquid feeding pressure becomes higher than the predetermined pressure; and the gas bubble trapping structure traps a gas bubble in the liquid that flows in the flow channel so that the gas bubble does not flow to the downstream side and only the liquid passes to the downstream side. A testing apparatus that performs testing in the testing section of the testing microchip, wherein the testing microchip is attachably and detachably mounted to the apparatus.

Abstract: A solution component 18a separated in a separating cavity 23 is connected to a measuring cavity through a connecting channel 37 and a measurement channel 38, and a first capillary cavity 33 is provided on one side of the separating cavity 23 so as to communicate with the connecting channel 37. The first capillary cavity 33 is formed to extend to the outside of a separation interface 18c of a sample liquid separated in the separating cavity 23.

Abstract: An ion-sensitive sensor arrangement includes: a semiconductor chip having a first surface, which has a media-sensitive region and at least one, first, electrical contact surface; and a support having a second surface, which faces the first surface of the semiconductor chip. An opening is provided, which aligns with the sensitive region, and at least one, second, electrical contact surface, which overlaps, or aligns with, the at least one, first, electrical contact surface. Between the support and the semiconductor chip, a preferably elastic, anisotropic conductor is arranged, which produces a conducting connection between the at least one, first, contact surface and the at least one, second, contact surface, and which has a traversing opening, which aligns with the opening, so that the sensitive region of the semiconductor chip can be contacted through the opening by an analyte. The preferably elastic, anisotropic conductor seals the region outside of the opening against contamination with the analyte.

Abstract: Methods for using semiconductor nanocrystals for determining fluid movement, fluid dilution and fluid removal are described. Methods for using semiconductor nanocrystals for monitoring and quantifying the amounts of solid materials dissolved in a liquid are also described.

Abstract: A sample processing cartridge may include a plurality of segments arranged in an array at least two rows long and two columns wide. Each segment may be defined by at least one wall of the sample cartridge, fluidly isolated from adjacent segments at least in part by at least one breakable seal or by at least one permanent seal, so expandable as to receive a volume of fluid expelled from another segment, and so compressible as to contain substantially no fluid when so compressed. At least two adjacent segments of at least one row of the array may be aligned along a longitudinal axis of the row and have substantially the same height along a latitudinal axis of the row. At least two adjacent segments in at least one row may be separated by a permanent seal to form at least two tracks. At least one segment, or at least two adjacent segments separated by a breakable seal, may be in fluid communication with the at least two tracks. At least one segment may contain at least one reagent.

Abstract: A microfluidic device comprising; i) an inlet; ii) a first layer comprising at least first and second current carrying structures, wherein the at least first and second current carrying structures each comprise a plurality of teeth, and wherein the teeth of the first and second current carrying structures are optionally offset such that the teeth of the first current carrying structure are positioned between the teeth of the second current carrying structure; iii) a second layer comprising a first microfluidic chamber in fluid communication with the inlet positioned above the at least first and second current carrying structures of the first layer; and iv) a third layer comprising at least third and fourth current carrying structures wherein the at least third and fourth current carrying structures each comprise a plurality of teeth, and wherein the teeth of the third and fourth current carrying structures are optionally offset such that the teeth of the third current carrying structure are positioned between

Abstract: The present invention is to present a sample analyzer comprising: a reagent container holder; a measurement unit; and an information processing unit configured to perform operations comprising: controlling the measurement unit so as to start the successive measurement of the plurality of samples; determining whether or not to switch from the first reagent container to the second reagent container while performing the successive measurement by using the reagent contained in the first reagent container; controlling the measurement unit so as to suspend a start of aspiration of a next sample, to measure a quality control measurement sample prepared from the reagent contained in the second reagent container, when determined to switch from the first reagent container to the second reagent container; and controlling the measurement unit so as to start the aspiration of the next sample when an analysis result of the quality control measurement sample meets a predetermined condition.

Abstract: A fluidic configuration, both structural and methodological, for the injection of sample greatly reduces dead volume allowing rapid transition to 100% sample in a flow cell. For a continuous flow injection analysis system the structure and method provide counter flows to remove in one direction the dispersed region of the sample to waste before injecting non-dispersed sample into the flow cell by reversing the effective flow direction. The injection point itself is directly adjacent to the flow cell where all channels are microfluidic channels. Therefore, only the flow cell volume needs to be displaced during injection of sample in order to achieve 100% transition to sample within the flow cell. This greatly accelerates the rise and fall times thereby extending the kinetic range of the real-time interaction analysis instrument. In addition such rapid transition to sample improves overall data quality thereby improving kinetic model fitting.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a droplet actuator and methods of making and using the droplet actuator including one or more substrates configured to form a droplet operations gap and including a physical or chemical feature that may be provided at a predetermined locus within or exposed to the droplet operations gap and configured to retain a bubble in position within the droplet operations gap.

Abstract: Methods of detecting a component of interest, such as a protein, in a microfluidic system are provided. The methods include the use of a component-binding moiety specific to the component of interest, such as an antibody, to detect the component of interest. Also included are microfluidic devices and integrated systems for performing such assays, including devices utilizing flowable or fixed particle sets.

Abstract: The invention herein provides improved sample injection systems and related methods to create microfluidic devices with symmetrical channel configurations that can produce relatively large sample volumes. An embodiment of the invention provides microfluidic structures with different geometries that are symmetrical from the perspective of a sample load channel and a sample waste channel, which essentially eliminates issues of time offset and other problems commonly associated with twin-T sample formation techniques. A split-injection approach and related methods of sample plug formation are therefore provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sensor device for detecting a substance contained in a fluid comprising a first photonic crystal region, a second photonic crystal region, a first channel which is connected to the first photonic crystal region, and passes the fluid containing the substance therein, a second channel which is connected to the second photonic crystal region, and passes a fluid for reference therein, an optical waveguide which is connected to the first photonic crystal region and the second photonic crystal region, and guides light, and a detecting section for detecting a difference between a light which has passed through the optical waveguide and the first photonic crystal region and a light which has passed through the optical waveguide and the second photonic crystal region.

Abstract: A novel Flame Temperature Analyzer (FTA) method and apparatus for measuring combustible gas concentration and oxygen content in a sample gas includes supplying a mixture of oxidant and fuel to a sensing flame and measuring the temperature of the flame as the sample is added to the combustion chamber.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for detecting contaminants in a liquid comprises: contacting a sensor with a liquid, generating electrical information based upon a concentration of the contaminant in the liquid, transmitting the electrical information to a controller, and determining the concentration of a contaminant in the liquid. The sensor can comprise a film, a purge chamber, and a transducer, which are configured such that a first surface of the film is in fluid communication with the liquid and the purge chamber is in fluid communication with a second surface of the film that is opposite the first surface, and wherein the transducer is in fluid communication with the purge chamber.

Abstract: A structure for controlling fluid flow from a sample receiving pad into a lateral flow assay test strip, including: a lateral flow assay test strip; a sample pad abutting the lateral flow assay test strip; a pinch wall positioned to direct fluid flow from the sample pad to the lateral flow assay test strip; a top support structure positioned on top of the test strip; and a bottom support structure positioned underneath the test strip, wherein each of the top and bottom support structures comprise a plurality of separate spaced-apart support ribs positioned along the length of the test strip.

Abstract: A planar-sensor arrangement is disclosed, which is used to detect particles possibly contained in an analyte. The sensor element includes a substrate, a first planar-sensor electrode and a second planar-sensor electrode which are formed on and/or in the substrate and whereon catcher molecules can be immobilized. The first sensor-electrode and the second sensor-electrode are divided, respectively, into a plurality of planar sensor-electrode partial areas. The sensor electrode partial areas of the first sensor electrode and the sensor electrode partial areas of the second sensor electrode are arranged in an alternating manner in two dimensions on the surface plane of the substrate. The sensor element also includes a wiring structure by which at least one part of the sensor electrode partial areas of the first sensor electrode are electrically coupled together, and by which at least one part of the sensor-electrode partial areas of the second sensor electrode are electrically coupled together.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a class of luminescent and conductive polymer compositions having chromophores, and particularly solid films of these compositions exhibiting increased luminescent lifetimes, quantum yields and amplified emissions. These desirable properties can be provided through polymers having rigid groups designed to prevent polymer reorganization, aggregation or ?-stacking upon solidification. These polymers can also display an unusually high stability with respect to solvent and heat exposures. The invention also relates to a sensor and a method for sensing an analyte through the luminescent and conductive properties of these polymers. Analytes can be sensed by activation of a chromophore at a polymer surface. Analytes include aromatics, phosphate ester groups and in particular explosives and chemical warfare agents in a gaseous state.

Abstract: A method of rapidly detecting trace materials including biohazards, toxins, radioactive materials, and narcotics in situ is disclosed. A corresponding apparatus is disclosed. A trace of the material is collected on a pad of the card component, collected by swiping the pad on suspected surface or exposure to the suspected air volume. A novel card component is disclosed that when inserted in a chemical detection unit (CDU), releases reaction chemicals from flexible walled capsules in desired sequence. The exposed pad containing trace material and chemicals are heated in the chemical detection unit to produce a spectral pattern that is analyzed by the optical electronics in the CDU and results are displayed, stored and/or transmitted over a communications network.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for dispensing portions of viscous material, such as the viscous materials used to form crystals of membrane proteins or soluble proteins. A liquid under pressure is used to divide the viscous materials into portions. The divided viscous material portions can optionally be deposited into are receptacle.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for capillary zone electrophoresis includes a polyelectrolyte multilayer positioned in a capillary tube for analytical separations of macromolecules. The capillary comprises a passage defined by passage walls comprising fused silica. The polyelectrolyte multilayer is positioned within the passage adjacent the walls, and comprises an organic polyelectrolyte. The passage may further comprise nonporous silica particles coated with a multilayer including a plurality of polyelectrolyte layers. An apparatus includes a power supply having a positive electrode and a negative electrode for generating an electric field therebetween. The apparatus includes a capillary having a passage formed by passage walls and comprising therein a polyelectrolyte multilayer positioned substantially within the passage.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for handling biological samples. Segments of ionic liquid can provide voltage across segments of immiscible liquid to concentrate or separate charged species in the biological samples. Reactants in biological samples can be contacted and reacted in segments of immiscible liquid.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to microfluidic structures, and more specifically, to microfluidic structures and methods including microreactors for manipulating fluids and reactions. In some embodiments, structures and methods for manipulating many (e.g., 1000) fluid samples, i.e., in the form of droplets, are described. Processes such as diffusion, evaporation, dilution, and precipitation can be controlled in each fluid sample. These methods also enable conditions within the fluid samples (e.g., concentration) to be controlled. Manipulation of fluid samples can be useful for a variety of applications, including testing for reaction conditions, e.g., in crystallization, chemical, and biological assays.

Abstract: An improved microscale diffusion immunoassay utilizing multivalent reactants is disclosed. In particular, a method for detecting the presence of analyte particles in an analyte fluid is disclosed, the method comprising: (a) providing the analyte fluid comprising the analyte particles; (b) providing a diffusion fluid comprising binding particles capable of binding with the analyte particles; (c) flowing the analyte fluid and the diffusion fluid in adjacent laminar flow through a microfluidic channel; (d) allowing the analyte particles to diffuse into the diffusion fluid and bind with the binding particles to form analyte/binding particle complexes; and (e) detecting the presence of the analyte particles and the analyte/binding particle complexes, wherein each of the binding particles is capable of binding with more than one analyte particle, and wherein each of the analyte particles is capable of binding with more than one binding particle.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods consistent with certain principles related to the present invention include a first channel, where a fluid flows through the first channel, where the first channel comprises an upstream region, a tagging region downstream of the upstream region, where at least one analyte is tagged when the fluid flows through the tagging region, a capture region downstream of the tagging region, where at least one tagged analyte is captured when the fluid flows through the capture region. A second channel communicating the upstream region of the first channel with the first channel intermediate the tagging region and capture regions, where a portion of the fluid flows through the second channel and subsequently flows into the capture region of the first channel, and where the fluid flowing through the tagging region flows into the capture region before the portion of the fluid flowing through the second channel flows into the capture region of the first channel.

Abstract: This invention is a method and device for use with multi-dimensional chromatography that utilizes partial modulation with multiple secondary retention times. An analyte-bearing sample is subjected to a first dimension of chromatography. Thereafter the separated analyte-bearing sample is diluted with a modulated second carrier such at the analyte-bearing sample is not stopped or its temperature altered. The secondary retention time period at which the modulator cycles is variable among multiple secondary retention time periods to prevent loss of resolution with less complex and/or low boiling point compounds and to prevent loss of data with more complex and/or higher boiling point compounds. The partially modulated analyte-bearing sample then feeds into a secondary column where the analyte-bearing sample is further separated.

Abstract: The system comprises a flow through reaction vessel having an inlet, an outlet and a reaction zone intermediate said inlet and outlet. The system further comprises reagent feed means for introducing one or more reagents into said vessel, said one or more reagents forming one or more reaction products in said reaction zone. Said reagent feed means at least include a liquid feed means for introducing a liquid into said inlet of said vessel. The vessel has a liquid evaporation zone intermediate said inlet and said reaction zone. Said liquid evaporation zone comprises an evaporation structure contacting said liquid and providing a liquid residence time in said liquid evaporation zone improving evaporation of said liquid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a microstructure arrangement for the bubble-free filling with a liquid of at least one system for draining off liquids. The arrangement has an inlet for the arrangement to be connected to a system for the supply of liquids and at least one outlet for the arrangement to be connected to the at least one liquid-discharging system. The arrangement has a transition region, through which the liquid can be transported from the inlet to the at least one outlet. At a start of the transition region, at least one first microstructure element for producing a point with increased capillary force is provided, in order to achieve gap-free wetting of the areas bounding this point with increased capillary force, in particular side walls, a cover and/or a bottom.

Abstract: The invention provides systems, including apparatus, methods, and kits, for the microfluidic manipulation and/or detection of particles, such as cells and/or beads. The invention provides systems, including apparatus, methods, and kits, for the microfluidic manipulation and/or analysis of particles, such as cells, viruses, organelles, beads, and/or vesicles. The invention also provides microfluidic mechanisms for carrying out these manipulations and analyses. These mechanisms may enable controlled input, movement/positioning, retention/localization, treatment, measurement, release, and/or output of particles. Furthermore, these mechanisms may be combined in any suitable order and/or employed for any suitable number of times within a system.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to microfluidic devices. In one embodiment, a microanalysis chip comprises a body having at least one transfer-separation channel with a channel bottom that has a bottom opening. The transfer-separation channel terminates in a discharge aperture.

Abstract: A microfluidic device comprising one, two, three or more enclosed microchannel structures, each of which comprises a) an inlet arrangement with an inlet opening for liquid, b) a reaction microcavity (RM1) downstream to the inlet opening, and c) an upstream section that is located between the inlet opening and the reaction microcavity (RM1) and is defined between two planar substrates made of plastic material which substrates are common for said microchannel structures. The characteristic feature is that the inner wall in said upstream section exposes a hydrophilic surface area with an underlying base layer comprising metal oxide. In one aspect the microfluidic device as such is covered.

Abstract: A measuring device for the amperometric measurement of test strips 12, each having a test field moistenable by a liquid to be investigated and having measuring electrodes associated with the test field. The device includes at least one test strip receiver 20 for the insertion of a test strip 12, first contact elements arranged in the region of the strip receiver 20 for contacting the measuring electrodes of a test strip 12 located in the strip receiver 20, and an evaluation and control circuit. The strip receiver 20 is formed with a separate unitary housing which on its external side has second external contact elements 50 electrically connected with the first internal contact elements. The external contact elements 50 are designed for contacting opposite contact elements 16 connected with the evaluation and control circuit.

Abstract: A method for determining total and bound plasma bilirubin. The method utilizes zone fluidics to enable accurate determination of the bilirubin using small volumes of sample and reagents, and significantly reduces dilution errors caused by inherent changes in bilirubin-binding with sample dilution, as well as the effects of weak bilirubin-binding competitors.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for mixing samples in-line in a microfluidic system, comprising methods of and means for introducing a first fluid sample into a flow-tube at a first end at a first velocity via a first conduit; methods of and means for introducing a second fluid sample into the flow-tube at the first end at a second velocity, the second velocity different from the first velocity, via a second conduit, wherein the first fluid sample and the second fluid sample converge in the flow tube to form an interface; whereby the first fluid sample and the second fluid sample mix at the interface within the flow-tube, wherein fluid flow at the first end of the flow-tube is laminar and fluid flow at a second end of the flow-tube is laminar, and wherein the flow-tube has a constant diameter between the first end and the second end of the flow-tube.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a class of luminescent and conductive polymer compositions having chromophores, and particularly solid films of these compositions exhibiting increased luminescent lifetimes, quantum yields and amplified emissions. These desirable properties can be provided through polymers having rigid groups designed to prevent polymer reorganization, aggregation or ?-stacking upon solidification. These polymers can also display an unusually high stability with respect to solvent and heat exposures. The invention also relates to a sensor and a method for sensing an analyte through the luminescent and conductive properties of these polymers. Analytes can be sensed by activation of a chromophore at a polymer surface. Analytes include aromatics, phosphate ester groups and in particular explosives and chemical warfare agents in a gaseous state.

Abstract: Methods for using semiconductor nanocrystals for determining fluid movement, fluid dilution and fluid removal are described. Methods for using semiconductor nanocrystals for monitoring and quantifying the amounts of solid materials dissolved in a liquid are also described.

Abstract: In a chemical analysis apparatus for extracting a specific substance, such as nucleic acid, from a sample containing a plurality of chemical substances, solutions remaining in valves are prevented so that a reagent in an earlier step does not contaminate the subsequent steps. Predetermined quantities of solutions are carried and supplied by centrifugal force without providing valves for controlling the flow of the solutions. After perforating the lids of ventilation holes 272, 273, 274 communicated with a detection container 450 and disposal containers 460 and 470 in an analysis disc 2, the analysis disc 2 is rotated to supply and carry a predetermined quantity of the sample.

Abstract: The present invention provides microfluidic devices and methods for using the same. In particular, microfluidic devices of the present invention are useful in conducting a variety of assays and high throughput screening. Microfluidic devices of the present invention include elastomeric components and comprise a main flow channel; a plurality of branch flow channels; a plurality of control channels; and a plurality of valves. Preferably, each of the valves comprises one of the control channels and an elastomeric segment that is deflectable into or retractable from the main or branch flow channel upon which the valve operates in response to an actuation force applied to the control channel.

Abstract: The present invention, provides a flow cytometry apparatus for the detection of particles from a plurality of samples comprising: means for moving a plurality of samples comprising particles from a plurality of respective source wells into a fluid flow stream; means for introducing a separation gas between each of the plurality of samples in the fluid flow stream; and means for selectively analyzing each of the plurality of samples for the particles. The present invention also provides a flow cytometry method employing such an apparatus.

Abstract: The invention relates to a microfabricated device for the rapid detection of DNA, proteins or other molecules associated with a particular disease. The devices and methods of the invention can be used for the simultaneous diagnosis of multiple diseases by detecting molecules (e.g. amounts of molecules), such as polynucleotides (e.g., DNA) or proteins (e.g., antibodies), by measuring the signal of a detectable reporter associated with hybridized polynucleotides or antigen/antibody complex. In the microfabricated device according to the invention, detection of the presence of molecules (i.e., polynucleotides, proteins, or antigen/antibody complexes) are correlated to a hybridization signal from an optically-detectable (e.g. fluorescent) reporter associated with the bound molecules.

Abstract: A process for the on-line determination of the hydrogen peroxide content of a mixture obtained in a chemical reaction comprises at least the following steps: (1) admixing the mixture comprising hydrogen peroxide with at least one reagent which is capable of forming a substance which can be detected by optical methods on reaction with hydrogen peroxide, so as to form this substance, (2) determining the amount of the substance present by measuring its specific absorption in an appropriate wavelength range.

Abstract: A vessel arrangement having a base and multiple vessels suited for simultaneously conducting a plurality of isolated experimental reactions or treatments at atmospheric process conditions or elevated temperatures and pressure condition has been developed. A component of a first material is introduced into one independent vessel through an opening in its top of the first vessel and another component of a second material is introduced into a different independent vessel through its top. Both vessels are removably located about a base at different first locations. Transformation of the components in the vessels then occurs to produce different materials therein. After completion of the experiments a displacement medium simultaneously urges the vessels from their respective locations about the base for discard or reuse after any necessary cleaning. Typically at least one property of the materials from the vessels is determined either within the vessel or after recovery of the materials.

Abstract: This invention significantly reduces the frequency of hydraulic failure in the analytical line of a capsule chemistry sample liquid analysis system which can occur when the reagents required for the specific analytical test have an imperfect merger with the sample aliquot reagent in the vanish zone of the analytical line. It has been found that the dynamic surface tension of the sample aliquot reagent and the analytical reagent influence the merging process. It has also been found that optimum merging of these reagent capsules in the vanish zone can be obtained when the dynamic surface tension of the sample aliquot reagent and analytical reagent is different.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and method for inserting one or several chemical or biological species into phospholipid containers that are controlled within a microfluidic network, wherein individual containers are tracked and manipulated by electric fields and wherein the contained species may be chemically processed.

Abstract: Microfluidic devices for manipulating relatively dense materials, such as colloidal rod particles, are provided. Microfluidic devices for separating a denser first material from a less-dense second material are provided. Methods of manipulating a relatively dense first material, for example, colloidal rod particles, and separating the first material from a less-dense second material, are provided. Methods of marking samples or sample components with relatively dense materials, are also provided.

Abstract: Provided are an apparatus for circulating a carrier fluid having two or more chambers or sections, an apparatus for amplifying a nucleic acid using the same, and a chip containing the same. The apparatus for circulating a carrier fluid includes two or more chambers maintained at different temperatures, each chamber having an inlet valve containing a pneumatic air pressure port for controlling inflow of the carrier fluid to the chamber (inlet pneumatic air pressure port), and an outlet valve containing a pneumatic air pressure for controlling outflow of the carrier fluid from the chamber (outlet pneumatic air pressure port), wherein the chambers are sequentially connected such that the outlet valve of one chamber is connected to the inlet valve of an adjacent chamber in a direction the fluid flows.