Microfluidic arrays of fluid-fluid diffusional contacts as detection elements and combinatorial tools

This paper describes microfluidic systems that can be used to investigate m ultiple chemical or biochemical interactions in a parallel format. These th ree-dimensional systems are generated by crossing two sets of microfluidic channels, fabricated in two different layers, at tight angles. Solutions of the reagents are placed in the channels; in different modes of operation, these solutions can be either flowing or stationary-the latter is important when one set of channels is filled with viscous gels with immobilized reag ents. At every crossing, the channels are separated either by a single memb rane or by a composite separator comprising a membrane, a microwell, and a second membrane. These components allow diffusive mass transport and minimi ze convective transport through the crossing. Polycarbonate membranes with 0.1-1-mum vertical pores were used to fabricate the devices. Each crossing of parallel channels serves as an element in which chemical or biochemical interactions can take place; interactions can be detected by monitoring cha nges in fluorescence and absorbance. These all-organic systems are straight forward to fabricate and to operate and may find applications as portable m icroanalytical systems and as tools in combinatorial research.