| Abstract: | Disclosed herein are methods of immobilizing a particle which comprise
focusing the flow of a sample fluid containing the particle into a
virtual channel which flows towards an unoccupied hydrodynamic trap in a
microfluidic channel such that the particle flows into the hydrodynamic
trap and becomes immobilized therein. Also disclosed are microfluidic
devices which comprise at least one microchannel having at least one
hydrodynamic trap, at least one focusing fluid inlet, said focusing fluid
inlet is upstream of the hydrodynamic trap such that a focusing fluid
introduced therein results in a virtual channel of a sample fluid when
present which preferentially flows toward the hydrodynamic trap. |