| abstract |
(57) SUMMARY Disclosed are methods and devices for performing multiple small volume reactions simultaneously. The device comprises an elongated or planar channel, a port for introducing a bulk phase medium into the channel, a plurality of separate small volume reaction zones in the channel and a releasable wall portion of each reaction zone. Reaction-specific reagents. In performing the method of the present invention, a bulk phase medium containing a common reactant is added to the channel. Upon release of the reaction-specific reagent from the wall portion of the reaction region, a reagent-specific reaction can be performed simultaneously in each region. The channel is dimensioned to substantially prevent convection between the reaction zones during such a reaction. |