High throughput screening assay systems in microscale fluidic devices
The present invention provides novel microfluidic devices and methods that are useful for performing high-throughput screening assays. In particular, the devices and methods of the invention are useful in screening large numbers of different compounds for their effects on a variety of chemical, and preferably, biochemical systems.
1 . A method of determining whether a test compound is a substrate for an enzyme, comprising:
providing a body structure having at least a first surface, and at least two intersecting channels fabricated in said first surface, at least one of said at least two intersecting channels having at least one cross-sectional dimension in a range from 0.1 to 500 μm;
flowing an enzyme in a first of said at least two intersecting channels;
flowing said test compound from a second channel into said first channel whereby said test compound contacts said enzyme; and
detecting a signal indicative of whether the enzyme has induced a change in the test compound.