Devices, methods and systems for low volume microarray processing are disclosed.
The microarray devices preferably include a plurality of reactant sites on a reactant
surface. The reactant sites include reactants that operate to capture one or more
selected analytes that can then be detected based on an electromagnetic signal,
e.g., fluorescence, that is emitted by each analyte in response to excitation energy
incident on the microarray device. Mixing and/or distribution of the analyte sample
over the reactant surface is accomplished by tilting the reactant surface such
that the analyte sample flows over the reactant surface under the force of gravity.
The tilting is performed such that a portion of the analyte sample accumulates
in a bead along a first edge of the reactant surface. The reactant surface is then
tilted in a different direction such that a portion of the analyte sample flows
over the reactant surface and accumulates at a second edge. The reactant surface
preferably generates sufficient capillary forces with the analyte sample such that
the analyte sample is retained on the reactant surface. The tilting and resultant
flow may be performed as many times as necessary to obtain the desired mixing and/or
distribution of analyte sample over the reactant surface.
