Abstract: A fluid interface port in a microfluidic system and a method of forming the fluid interface port is provided. The fluid interface port comprises an opening formed in the side wall of a microchannel sized and dimensioned to form a virtual wall when the microchannel is filled with a first liquid. The fluid interface port is utilized to perform a labeling operation on a sample.

Abstract: A system for crystallizing a protein and other biomolecules comprises a flow channel for conveying a solution containing the biomolecule to be crystallized and one or more substations related to the crystallization process formed along the flow channel. The system operates by flowing a biomolecule solution through a the flow channel, then performing dialysis on a micro-scale to set crystallization conditions. After dialysis, the concentration of the biomolecule solution is changed by removing water or solvent from the biomolecule solution to promote formation of crystals in a segment of the flow channel. Formed crystals may be observed and harvested from the flow channel.

Abstract: A system and method for integrating microfluidic components in a microfluidic system enables the microfluidic system to perform a selected microfluidic function. A capping module includes a microfluidic element for performing a microfluidic function. The capping module is stacked on a microfluidic substrate having microfluidic plumbing to incorporate the microfluidic function into the system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sorting particles moving through a closed channel system of capillary size comprises a bubble valve for selectively generating a pressure pulse to separate a particle having a predetermined characteristic from a stream of particles. The particle sorting system may further include a buffer for absorbing the pressure pulse. The particle sorting system may include a plurality of closely coupled sorting modules which are combined to further increase the sorting rate. The particle sorting system may comprise a multi-stage sorting device for serially sorting streams of particles, in order to decrease the error rate.

Abstract: A cooled liquid sample dispensing system comprises a pair of pins for holding a droplet of liquid therebetween and a cooling element. Each pin includes a tip spaced predetermined distance from the other pin to define a sample acquisition region. The pins acquire and hold a droplet of the liquid sample in the sample acquisition region formed in the space between the tips and apply the droplet to a selected sample handing system. The cooling element, when activated, cools the droplet of liquid to reduce evaporation.

Abstract: An electromagnetic micropump for pumping small volumes of liquids and gases comprises a magnetic actuator assembly, a flexible membrane and a housing defining a chamber and a plurality of valves. The magnetic actuator assembly comprises a coil and a permanent magnet for deflecting the membrane to effect pumping of the fluid. A plurality of micropumps may be stacked together to increase pumping capacity.

Abstract: A two-pin liquid handling system for crystallizing biomolecules comprises a pair of interacting pins for holding a droplet of liquid therebetween. Each pin includes a tip spaced predetermined distance from the other pin to define a sample acquisition region. The two-pin liquid handling system includes a temperature and humidity control element for controlling the temperature of the sample acquisition region to cause transpiration of water to and from a droplet of biomolecule solution to promote crystallization of the biomolecule.