| abstract |
The present invention provides methods and apparatus for mixing two or more liquids. The method comprises forming a liquid droplet (14), containing two or more liquids on a substantially planar surface (12) in containerless containment on the surface and causing the droplet to deform in an essentially zero air flow environment thereby mixing the liquids. An apparatus of the invention comprises a) a substantially planar support (12), b) means (22, 24) for dispensing liquids onto the support to form a droplet, and c) non-evaporative means for causing the droplet to deform without deforming the support thereby mixing the liquids. The drop can be deformed by, for example, application of acoustic energy or a variable electrostatic field. The methods and apparatus have particular application to the determination of an analyte. |