Abstract: Nucleotides and nucleotide analogs are used in various sequencing by incorporation/sequencing by synthesis methods. Nucleotide analogs comprising 3?-blocking groups are used to provide reversible chain-termination for sequencing by synthesis. Typical blocking groups include phosphate groups and carbamate groups. Fluorescent nucleotides are used to perform sequencing by synthesis with detection by incorporation of the fluorescently labeled nucleotide, optionally followed by photobleaching and intercalating dyes are used to detect addition of a non-labeled nucleotide in sequencing by synthesis with detection by intercalation. Microfluidic devices, including particle arrays, are used in the sequencing methods.

Abstract: Methods and systems that employ hybrid fluid flow profiles for optimized movement of materials through channel networks. These systems employ hybrid pressure-based and electrokinetic based flow systems for moving materials through interconnected channel networks while maintaining interconnection among the various channel segments. In particular, the invention is generally directed to channel networks where flow in a first channel segment is driven by pressure flow with its consequent parabolic flow profile, while flow in an interconnected channel segment is dominated by electrokinetic flow with its consequent plug flow profile. The invention also provides channel networks wherein fluid flow in channel segments is driven by both pressure and electric field and the multiple species contained in a fluid plug are separated (and can be concentrated) by altering the applied pressure and electric fields in the various channel segments of the channel networks.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for determining the molecular weight and diffusivity of a sample solute by providing a plus shaped microchannel network on a microfluidic chip, having at least four microchannels intersecting at a cross point; flowing a sample stream comprising a sample solute of unknown diffusivity and a blank stream from separate microchannels through the cross point and out to separate microchannels; creating a sample curve measuring the concentration of the sample solute that diffuses from the sample stream to the blank stream at the cross point while altering the flowrate of one of the blank stream or the sample stream; and determining a diffusion coefficient of the sample solute by extrapolating data from similar curves of at least two solutes having known molecular weights and/or diffusion coefficients created under similar conditions as those generated by the sample solute.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel microfluidic devices and methods that are useful for performing high-throughput screening assays. In particular, the devices and methods of the invention are useful in screening large numbers of different compounds for their effects on a variety of chemical, and preferably, biochemical systems.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of electrophoretically separating macromolecular species, as well as compositions and systems useful in carrying out such methods. Specifically, the methods of the present invention comprise providing a substrate that has at least a first capillary channel disposed therein. The surface of the channel has a first surface charge associated therewith, and is filled with a water soluble surface adsorbing polymer solution that bears a net charge that is the same as the charge on the capillary surface.

Abstract: The present invention provides multi-layered microfluidic devices comprising an interface layer between every two substrate layers. The interface layer simplifies the manufacturing process of the multi-layered devices because the interface may comprise a material suitable for etching whereby manufacturing of these devices is simplified to a great extent. The invention also provides methods of manufacturing the multi-layered devices wherein the devices may comprise substrates composed of non-similar materials that are bonded together by anodic bonding.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel microfluidic devices and methods that are useful for performing high-throughput screening assays. In particular, the devices and methods of the invention are useful in screening large numbers of different compounds for their effects on a variety of chemical, and preferably, biochemical systems.

Abstract: Methods and systems of monitoring reactions, e.g., assays, that filter out background signal from substrate, in detecting the product. The methods and systems controllably move detectable reaction product from a first location to a second location at which the product is detected while controllably moving potentially interfering substrate materials away from or not toward the second location. Controllable movement of the different species is accomplished through the controlled combination of bulk fluid flow and differential electrophoresis of substrate and product to move the product, but not the substrate past the detection region.

Abstract: A container is provided for shipping and storing a pre-wetted and pre-conditioned microfluidic “sipper” chip. The container contains both dry compartments and wet compartments. A base contains a fluid-filled reservoir configured to house the capillaries. The opening of the reservoir is sealed with an O-ring. The plastic mount of the chip rests on the base in a dry compartment. The upper surface of the chip contains several wells containing fluid. A gasket is provided with plugs configured to be disposed within and seal the wells. Alternatively, the wells are first sealed with a foil film adhered to the well openings with an adhesive and a gasket is disposed between the foil and a cover, which is removably attached to the base. When the cover is closed, the gasket and O-ring seal the wet compartments to prevent leakage and to slow evaporation.

Abstract: Microfluidic devices, systems, and methods measure viscosity, flow times, and/or pressures, other flow characteristics within the channels, and the measured flow characteristics can be used to generate a desired flow. Multi-reservoir pressure modulator and pressure controller systems, electrokinetic systems and/or other fluid transport mechanisms can generate the flow, controllably mix fluids, and the like.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel microfluidic devices and methods that are useful for performing high-throughput screening assays. In particular, the devices and methods of the invention are useful in screening large numbers of different compounds for their effects on a variety of chemical, and preferably, biochemical systems.

Abstract: Microfluidic methods, devices, and systems are provided for monitoring and controlling flow rates in response to one or more marker signals. The marker signals are used to provide an indication of flow rate in the various channels of the devices. Signals obtained from the markers are deconvoluted and used in a feedback loop to make flow rate adjustments.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel devices for measuring internal dimensions of microscale structures. Methods in accordance with the invention use the voltage measured at a midpoint between a reference structure and a sample structure to determine the resistance of the sample structure, and to then calculate an internal dimension of the sample structure.

Abstract: A method for determining the molecular diffusivity of a solute in a microchannel where a solute is introduced into a first end of a microchannel and a first concentration profile is measured at first and second locations along the microchannel. A theoretical concentration profile can be calculated at the second location based on the measured first concentration profile at the first location. The molecular diffusivity can be found by minimizing the error when comparing the theoretical concentration profile to the measured second concentration profile. Further, this technique allows for average velocity to be measured simultaneously with molecular diffusivity.

Abstract: A container is provided for shipping and storing a pre-wetted and pre-conditioned microfluidic “sipper” chip. The container contains both dry compartments and wet compartments. A base contains a fluid-filled reservoir configured to house the capillaries. The opening of the reservoir is sealed with an O-ring. The plastic mount of the chip rests on the base in a dry compartment. The upper surface of the chip contains several wells containing fluid. A gasket is provided with plugs configured to be disposed within and seal the wells. Alternatively, the wells are first sealed with a foil film adhered to the well openings with an adhesive and a gasket is disposed between the foil and a cover, which is removably attached to the base. When the cover is closed, the gasket and O-ring seal the wet compartments to prevent leakage and to slow evaporation.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides microfluidic devices which incorporate improved channel and reservoir geometries, as well as methods of using these devices in the analysis, preparation, or other manipulation of fluid borne materials, to achieve higher throughputs of such materials through these devices, with lower cost, material and/or space requirements.

Abstract: Computer implemented methods for contacting or sampling materials in arrays having x materials sites with microfluidic devices having n capillary elements are provided. Devices, integrated systems, and computer program products for performing these methods are also provided.

Abstract: This invention provides methods and systems, e.g., to control the flow of photo-polymerizable resins. In the method, e.g., flow of a photo-polymerizable resin is restricted from illuminated resin exclusion regions on a substrate surface by precisely situated flow barriers. A system to control photo-polymerizable resin flow includes, e.g., a light source, a mask and a substrate.

Abstract: A channel (140) is divised into portions (142, 144). The sidewalls of each channel portion (142, 144) have surface charges of opposite polarity. The two channel portions (142, 144) are physically connected together by a salt bridge (133), such as a glass frit or gel layer. The salt bridge (133) separates the fluids in channel (140) from an ionic fluid reservoir (135). To impart electroosmotic and electrophoretic forces along the channel (140) between parts A and B, respectively. Additionally, a third electrode (137) is placed in the reservoir (135).

Abstract: Methods for monitoring time dependent reactions that comprise providing a flow channel, typically microscale in dimension, flowing at least two reagents into the flow channel and varying the flow rate of the mixture through the flow channel. By increasing and/or decreasing the flow rate of the reagent mixture from the point of mixing to the point of detection, one alters the amount of reaction time, allowing monitoring reaction kinetics over time.