Abstract: A system is provided for developing a predictive immunity profile on the basis of the quantitative analysis of one or more samples from an individual. The system comprises: a device configured to perform quantitative analysis of the interaction between one or more target species and one or more probes in solution on a fluid sample to provided quantitative analysis data; a data store storing: personal data relating to at least one individual; at least one model of target/probe interaction; processing circuitry configured to access the data store and identify and retrieve data relevant to the sample; receive quantitative analysis data of the sample from the device; perform analysis to fit the model to the received quantitative analysis data; extrapolate, through the model, to create a predictive immunity profile for the individual, and update the data store with the quantitative analysis data.

Abstract: A flow apparatus for measuring at least one biophysical property of one or more components is provided. The apparatus comprises one or more microfluidic devices. Each microfluidic device comprises: a sample channel having a sample inlet port for introducing a sample fluid flow comprising one or more components at a first flow rate into an elongate distribution channel, an auxiliary channel having an auxiliary inlet port for introducing an auxiliary fluid flow at a second flow rate into the elongate distribution channel. The distribution channel is configured to enable a lateral distribution of the components from the sample fluid flow into the auxiliary fluid flow. Each microfluidic device further comprises two or more capillary channels provided downstream and in fluid communication with the distribution channel, at least one outlet port provided downstream of each of the capillary channels.

Abstract: A system is provided for improving the quantitative analysis of a sample. The system comprises a device; a data store and processing circuitry configured to operate the system. The device is configured to perform quantitative analysis of bio-macromolecular interactions in solution on a fluid sample to provided quantitative analysis data. The data store stores: personal data relating to a plurality of individuals; and data relating to bio-macromolecular interactions.

Abstract: An apparatus for characterising a biomolecule is provided.

Abstract: A method of separating and analysing a plurality of components in a heterogeneous sample is provided. The method comprising the steps of: introducing a separation fluid into a separation channel that is elongate in a first direction; introducing the heterogeneous sample into said channel; separating, in the first direction, the components in the sample; introducing an auxiliary fluid into said channel; creating a lateral distribution of the components in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction; and determining, sequentially, a property of each of the components based on the regimen by which the lateral distribution was created. An apparatus for separating and analysing a plurality of components in a heterogeneous sample is also provided.

Abstract: A microfluidic device (11) is provided for separation and analysis of microfluidic samples. The device comprises: a separation channel (10); a first electrolyte channel (12) configured to provide a flow of high conductivity electrolyte solution, in use; and provided with a positive electrode (13) at a downstream outlet of the channel; a second electrolyte channel (14) configured to provide a flow of high conductivity electrolyte solution, in use, and provided with a negative electrode (15) at a downstream outlet of the channel; and wherein the flow of electrolyte through the first and second electrolyte channels removes electrophoresis products and gas bubbles from the device; and wherein the presence of the electrolyte provides a substantially homogenous electric field across the separation channel.

Abstract: A fluid flow controller for introducing fluids into a microfluidic device is provided. The fluid flow controller comprising, at least one high resistance fluid pathway provided between an inlet port and a connection port; at least one low resistance fluid pathway between the inlet and connection port; and at least one valve configured to enable fluid flow through the high resistance fluid pathway, the low resistance fluid pathway or both.

Abstract: A device and method for fluorescent labelling a component is provided. The device comprising a first user-replaceable reservoir comprising a strongly buffered alkaline solution of aromatic ortho-dialdehyde dye, a second user-replaceable reservoir comprising a weakly buffered acidic solution of a reducing agent, one or more fluid pathways comprising the component, and a network of connection channels linking the reservoirs and the fluid pathway to enable the alkaline solution and the acidic solution to combine with the component in order to label the component by reacting the component with the alkaline solution and the acidic solution.

Abstract: A device and a method is provided for profiling particles such as proteins. The device comprises: a liquid chromatography column (16) in a mixture separation module (10); a fractionation device (22, 24) and a plurality of microfluidic analysis modules (26, 28) in a microfluidic network (14). The microfluidic analysis modules are configured to provide multi-dimensional analysis of the particles. Furthermore, a fluidic flow adaptor (20) allows for controlled flow between separator (16) and the microfluidic network to provide a continuous fluid flow.

Abstract: A device for controlling a fluid flow in an array of fluid pathways on a microfluidic chip is provided. The device comprising: two or more resistors provided upstream of the chip wherein each upstream resistor is configured to provide a resistance at an upstream end of a fluid pathway; two or more resistors provided downstream of the chip wherein each downstream resistor is configured to provide a resistance at a downstream end of a fluid pathway, wherein the values of the resistances are selected in order to control a proportion of fluid that flows through each fluid pathway.

Abstract: A single-layer valve is provided. The valve comprises a microfluidic pathway at least partially defined by a flexible membrane which is configured to deform when subjected to an actuation torque, and a discontinuity bounded by a first surface. The length of the discontinuity is constant across the full width of the first surface. The valve is configured such that the actuation torque on the membrane is larger in a first direction than a second direction substantially opposite to the first direction.

Abstract: A fluidic system is provided. The system comprises: a rigid housing (12), a plurality of flexible reagent containers (14) contained within the housing (12); wherein each reagent container (14) has a connection port (16) through which a reagent can flow, in use, on the application of pressure. The system further comprises a single pressure source (18) configured to apply pressure to the interior of the rigid housing (12); a microfluidic device configured to analyse one or more fluids provided from the plurality of reagent containers; and a plurality of channels (20) configured to transfer fluid from the plurality of reagent containers (14) to the microfluidic device. The ratio of resistances provided by a combination of the connection ports and the plurality of channels dictates the ratio of flow rates of the reagents. The claimed system allows for an accurate control of the various reagent flow rates while minimizing fluctuations in the relative flow rates.

Abstract: A fluidic device is provided. The fluidic device comprises a separation channel having at its upstream end a junction, a first channel for supplying a first fluid flow, a second channel for supplying a second fluid flow. The first and second channels meet at the junction are adapted to provide the first fluid flow in the separation channel sheathed by the second fluid flow, such that the first fluid flow does not contact the separation channel walls. The separation channel, the first and second channels are provided as a unitary piece, or where the separation channel and the first and second channels are provided as a non-unitary piece comprising a plurality of parts, the parts are of the same material.

Abstract: A microfluidic device (11) is provided for separation and analysis of microfluidic samples. The device comprises: a separation channel (10); a first electrolyte channel (12) configured to provide a flow of high conductivity electrolyte solution, in use; and provided with a positive electrode (13) at a downstream outlet of the channel; a second electrolyte channel (14) configured to provide a flow of high conductivity electrolyte solution, in use, and provided with a negative electrode (15) at a downstream outlet of the channel; and wherein the flow of electrolyte through the first and second electrolyte channels removes electrophoresis products and gas bubbles from the device; and wherein the presence of the electrolyte provides a substantially homogenous electric field across the separation channel.

Abstract: A device for controlling a fluid flow in an array of fluid pathways on a microfluidic chip is provided. The device comprising: two or more resistors provided upstream of the chip wherein each upstream resistor is configured to provide a resistance at an upstream end of a fluid pathway; two or more resistors provided downstream of the chip wherein each downstream resistor is configured to provide a resistance at a downstream end of a fluid pathway, wherein the values of the resistances are selected in order to control a proportion of fluid that flows through each fluid pathway.

Abstract: A device and method for fluorescent labelling a component is provided. The device comprising a first user-replaceable reservoir comprising a strongly buffered alkaline solution of aromatic ortho-dialdehyde dye, a second user-replaceable reservoir comprising a weakly buffered acidic solution of a reducing agent, one or more fluid pathways comprising the component, and a network of connection channels linking the reservoirs and the fluid pathway to enable the alkaline solution and the acidic solution to combine with the component in order to label the component by reacting the component with the alkaline solution and the acidic solution.

Abstract: A fluid flow controller for introducing fluids into a microfluidic device is provided. The fluid flow controller comprising, at least one high resistance fluid pathway provided between an inlet port and a connection port; at least one low resistance fluid pathway between the inlet and connection port; and at least one valve configured to enable fluid flow through the high resistance fluid pathway, the low resistance fluid pathway or both.

Abstract: A pedestal for loading a sample into a microfluidic device is provided. The pedestal comprising, a surface for receiving the sample and positioning it above a port; and a side support configured to provide a liquid barrier by the action of surface tension.

Abstract: A single-layer valve is provided. The valve comprises a microfluidic pathway at least partially defined by a flexible membrane which is configured to deform when subjected to an actuation torque, and a discontinuity bounded by a first surface. The length of the discontinuity is constant across the full width of the first surface. The valve is configured such that the actuation torque on the membrane is larger in a first direction than a second direction substantially opposite to the first direction.

Abstract: A fluidic system is provided. The system comprises: a rigid housing (12), a plurality of flexible reagent containers (14) contained within the housing (12); wherein each reagent container (14) has a connection port (16) through which a reagent can flow, in use, on the application of pressure. The system further comprises a single pressure source (18) configured to apply pressure to the interior of the rigid housing (12); a microfluidic device configured to analyse one or more fluids provided from the plurality of reagent containers; and a plurality of channels (20) configured to transfer fluid from the plurality of reagent containers (14) to the microfluidic device. The ratio of resistances provided by a combination of the connection ports and the plurality of channels dictates the ratio of flow rates of the reagents. The claimed system allows for an accurate control of the various reagent flow rates while minimizing fluctuations in the relative flow rates.