Device for the distribution of sample and carrier liquid across a micro-fabricated separation channel

1. A chromatographic separation device comprising,

directly extending into each other in the fluid flow direction:

a) an inlet channel;

b) optionally, an open region of 1-20 μm;

c) a first flow distribution region that is filled with an array of micro-fabricated pillars, the width of said first flow distribution region being more than doubled with respect to the width of said inlet channel and whereby

said pillars have a diamond-like or ellipsoidal shape with a ratio of lateral width to axial width that is larger than 3/2,

said pillars are in a diagonal alternating arrangement forming laterally extending interconnected channels, and

the size and the positioning of said pillars is such that said first flow distribution region has a ratio of transversal to axial permeability of at least 2;

d) a micro-fabricated separation channel;

e) a second flow distribution region that is filled with an array of micro-fabricated pillars, whereby

said pillars have a diamond-like or ellipsoidal shape with a ratio of lateral width to axial width that is larger than 3/2,

said pillars are in a diagonal alternating arrangement forming laterally extending interconnected channels, and

the size and the positioning of said pillars is such that said second flow distribution region has a ratio of transversal to axial permeability of at least 2;

and

e) an outlet channel; the width of said second flow distribution region being more than doubled with respect to the width of said outlet channel;

wherein said micro-fabricated separation channel comprises a micro-pillar array with micro-pillars substantially smaller in diameter than the micro-fabricated pillars of said first and said second flow distribution region.

2. The chromatographic separation device according to claim 1 , wherein within said first flow distribution region said micro-fabricated pillars are arranged in different zones of different pillar sizes, whereby said different zones are arranged in a substantially monotonic order from a zone containing the smallest pillars to a zone containing the largest pillars, and whereby said zone containing the largest pillars is arranged closest to said inlet channel.

3. The chromatographic separation device according to claim 1 , wherein within said second flow distribution region said micro-fabricated pillars are arranged in different zones of different pillar sizes, whereby said different zones are arranged in a substantially monotonic order from a zone containing the smallest pillars to a zone containing the largest pillars, and whereby said zone containing the largest pillars is arranged closest to said outlet channel.

4. The chromatographic separation device according to claim 1 , wherein said micro-fabricated separation channel is formed by a first substrate body having micro-fabricated channels recessed on one of its surfaces, which channels are covered by a second substrate body.

5. The chromatographic separation device according to claim 1 , wherein the size and the inter-pillar distance of said micro-fabricated pillars in said first and/or second flow distribution region is varied in lateral direction.

6. The chromatographic separation device according to claim 1 , wherein at least one part of said first and/or second flow distribution region has a lesser depth than said micro-fabricated separation channel.

7. The chromatographic separation device according to claim 1 , wherein said micro-fabricated separation channel and said first and/or second flow distribution regions are each formed on a surface, and at least one part of the first and/or second flow distribution region is arranged on a surface which is different from the surface on which said micro-fabricated separation channel is formed.

8. The chromatographic separation device according to claim 1 , comprising two or more first flow distribution regions wherein said first flow distribution regions are connected to different liquid reservoirs through a different inlet channel.

9. The chromatographic separation device according to claim 1 , wherein one or both of said first and second flow distribution region is/are provided with one or more impermeable thin walls, which at least partly divide said flow distribution region in two or more sections, said walls being provided parallel with the mean flow direction, and wherein each of said sections is connected to a different inlet and/or outlet channel.

10. The chromatographic separation device according to claim 1 , wherein said device further comprises a sample injector connected to said inlet channel through a cylindrical connection capillary.

11. The chromatographic separation device according to claim 1 , wherein said device further comprises a detector device connected to said outlet channel through a cylindrical connection capillary.

12. The chromatographic separation device according to claim 1 , wherein said device comprises an open region devoid of micro-fabricated pillars between said inlet channel and said first flow distribution region, the width of said open region being 1-10 μm.

13. A method for the chromatographic separation of a sample by a micro-fabricated separation channel, said method comprising introducing the sample into a chromatographic device according to claim 1 , thereby improving the dispersion and/or permeability of said sample and carrier liquid across said micro-fabricated separation channel.