Figure 3

Basic sample-handling procedures. (a) Digital (discrete) addition of samples into MMV wells. (b) Initial filling an MMV with sample solution. Aero-bubbles are removed by centrifugation. (c) Two ways of regulatory replica-transfer: template way and filtering way. (d) Magnetic separation of beads. During the centrifugation, magnetic beads can resist against falling owing to the magnetic force. (e) Replica-transferring of samples into recipient MMV wells. (f) Template MMVs (T0~T7) used for selective introduction of samples. These 8 patterns of MMVs can generate 256 species of different conditions (see Fig.5).