Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for use in separating sample materials into different fractions that employ bulk fluid flow for loading of samples followed by electrophoretic separation of the sample material. Devices employ configurations that optionally allow bulk sample loading with some or no displacement of a separation matrix within a separation conduit. Methods of using these devices, and systems that incorporate these devices are also envisioned.

Abstract: A series of low molarity conductive media based on non-buffering univalent cations, such as sodium chloride-sodium acetate (SCA), sodium boric acid (SB), lithium boric acid, and lithium acetate mitigate the “runaway” positive feedback heating loop produced by conventional media containing biological amine buffers and permit improved DNA electrophoresis under the conditions of low salt concentration. These media serve well in ultra-fast DNA electrophoresis and in high-resolution separations of RNA and DNA fragments.

Abstract: A device for effecting motion of liquid droplets on a surface through the use of electrostatic field force includes a single substrate on which are disposed a plurality of spaced-apart electrodes. A dielectric material surrounds the electrodes on the substrate. The surface on which the liquid droplets are deposited is fabricated from a material that facilitates motion of the liquid droplets.

Abstract: The present invention relates a method of electrophoretic separation of protein and/or peptide components of a sample in a convection stabilized medium. More specifically, the method comprises the steps to contact the sample with the separation medium; to apply a voltage across said medium; and to observe the results by analysis of one or more sections of the separation medium. In the present method, a disulphide-comprising compound is added before or during the procedure to make an excess of reactive disulphide groups accessible to react with the cysteine groups of the proteins and/or peptides all through the separation procedure. The present invention also relates to electrophoretic separation media that comprises reactive disulphide groups, such as polyacrylamide gels, and the use of a solution that comprises reactive disulphide groups to pretreat an electrophoretic separation medium.

Abstract: The claims describe methods for isolating functionally active Factor VIII using a membrane-based separation system containing a separation membrane to create a first and second interstitial volume between at least two restriction membranes. One or more stabilizing agents are added to the sample and/or an interstitial volume. A solvent in the first interstitial volume maintains FVIII in a desired charge state. Applying a potential between the first and second interstitial volumes separates FVIII on one side of the separation membrane from unwanted molecules on the other side of the separation membrane. These methods may also be used as a substitute for one or more steps in a conventional purification scheme for the separation of native or recombinant FVIII.

Abstract: A solar cell comprising at least one electrode having a plurality of fingers. Specifically, an electrode comprising a planar surface and a plurality of fingers extending therefrom is provided. A second electrode is provided. The second electrode comprises a planar surface and may comprise a plurality of fingers which are interdigitated with the fingers of the first electrode. The second electrode provides a catalyst material for the electron transfer to an oxidant during the photovoltaic process. A semiconductor material is disposed between the electrodes. The semiconductor material is saturated with dye and injected with an electrolyte solution. The fingers are arranged to provide a reduced migration path for the oxidant through the electrolyte and for the electrons through the semiconductor material when exposed to incident light.

Abstract: The present teachings provide a microfluidic apparatus comprising a body defining at least one channel that extends through said body, the channel including an inlet and an outlet; and an electrode positioned in proximity to the body and configured to provide an electrical field near the outlet of the channel to at least partially confine an eluted sample component passing from the channel. The present teachings also provide an electrophoresis system, comprising a microfluidic chip defining a plurality of channels passing therethrough, each of the channels having an inlet and an outlet; a first electrode in electrical communication with the inlet of each of the channels; a second electrode in electrical communication with the outlet of each of the channels; and a third electrode in electrical communication with the outlet of each of the channels, wherein the third electrode is positioned to provide an electrical field to at least partially confine an eluted sample component passing from any of the channels.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for preparing a smear for cytopathology or other analysis. In a representative embodiment, cells of a sample are subjected to a dielectrophoretic force to segregate the cells into two or more zones of a surface. The particles are attached to the surface, thereby defining a “segregated smear.” The segregated smear is then fixed and stained for cytopathology analysis.

Abstract: A solar cell having a plurality of micro-channels. Specifically, a plurality of micro-channels are formed in a semiconductor material that has been disposed on the surface of a planar electrode. The semiconductor material is saturated with dye and injected with an electrolyte solution. The micro-channels are insulated and filled with a material that provides a catalyst material for the electron transfer to an oxidant during the photovoltaic process. The catalyst disposed in the micro-channels forms the upper electrode of the solar cell. The micro-channels are arranged to provide a reduced migration path for the oxidant.

Abstract: The invention is a photon battery device for converting concentrated light into electricity. Daylight is focused into numerous individual optical waveguides which feeds the light into a Faraday Isolator which polarizes the light and prevents it from exiting the first end of the Faraday Isolator. At the second end, a large chamber collects the light where it passes a magnetic field to alter its polarization angle to prevent its reentry into the Faraday Isolator. At the second end of the large light confinement chamber the polarized light will be able to pass into the first end of a smaller light confinement chamber where a second magnetic force alters the angle of polarization so that the light will be able to be directed onto an array of optical waveguides which will focus the light onto a series of photovoltaic cells from which electricity emanates for use.

Abstract: A novel electrokinetic instability (EKI) micromixer and method takes advantage of the EKI to effect active rapid stirring of confluent microstreams of biomolecules without moving parts or complex microfabrication processes. The EKI is induced using an alternating current (A/C) electric field. Within seconds, the randomly fluctuating, three-dimensional velocity field created by the EKI rapidly and effectively stirs an initially heterogeneous solution and generates a homogeneous solution that is useful in a variety of biochemical and bioanalytical systems. Microfabricated on a glass substrate, the inventive EKI micromixer can be easily and advantageously integrated in molecular diagnostics apparatuses and systems, such as a chip-based “Lab-on-a-Chip” microfluidic device.

Abstract: A method for the manufacture of a separation gel, which comprises the steps: (i) providing a polymerization mixture containing a first monomer (I) having a polymerizable unsaturated structure and a second monomer (II) comprising two or more polymerizable unsaturated structures and an initiator, and (ii) polymerizing the mixture. The method is characterized in that monomer (I) is an N-vinyl carboxamide; and that (a) the initiating system for the polymerization comprises a UV photoinitiator and polymerization is initiated by UV irradiating the mixture at a wave-length appropriate for the initiator, and/or (b) preselecting monomer (I) and monomer (II) to have comparable reactivities to become incorporated into the growing polymer. A kit for use in the production of an electrophoretic gel is also described.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for discriminating matter utilizing dielectrophoresis combined with magnetophoresis. A sample having one or more constituents is injected into an inlet port of a chamber. A carrier medium flow is initiated at the inlet port to establish a flow within the chamber. A dielectrophoretic force is generated to act on the constituents of the sample. A magnetophoretic force is generated to act on the constituents of the sample. The dielectrophoretic force and magnetophoretic forces are balanced to position the constituents within the chamber. The constituents are then collected at one or more outlet ports of the chamber according to the dielectric and magnetic characteristics of the constituents. The constituents may be collected as a function of time-of-exit from the chamber and/or position within the chamber.

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: Carboxylic acid-substituted polyalkylene polyamines in which amine nitrogen atoms on the polyamine backbone structure are replaced by guanidine groups provide a pH range extending into high pH values. These substances are useful as carrier ampholytes in isoelectric focusing.

Abstract: Sulfur is used to improve the performance of CIGS devices prepared by the evaporation of a single source ZIS type compound to form a buffer layer on the CIGS. The sulfur may be evaporated, or contained in the ZIS type material, or both. Vacuum evaporation apparatus of many types useful in the practice of the invention are known in the art. Other methods of delivery, such as sputtering, or application of a thiourea solution, may be substituted for evaporation.

Abstract: A technique processes a sample of biomolecular analyte. The technique uses an apparatus having a support assembly that receives and supports a test module, a load assembly that loads the sample of biomolecular analyte onto the test module, an electrophoresis assembly that applies a current to the test module such that components within the sample separate by electrophoresis, and a controller that controls operations of the load assembly and the electrophoresis assembly. The load assembly and the electrophoresis assembly are coupled to the support assembly. The controller controls the operation of the load assembly in an automated manner. Preferably, the test module includes a dielectric plate member having an upper planar surface and a lower planar surface that is spaced apart from and coplanar with the upper planar surface. The dielectric plate member has at least one set of channels that includes an injection channel and a separation channel.

Abstract: A sample taking apparatus comprises a plurality of separation tools (10) (for example, punching capillaries) on a holding device (20), wherein the separation tools (10) are each provided with actuating means (30) for separate control thereof. In a sample taking method (for example, for punching samples from separation gels), successively removed samples are deposited in parallel onto a target substrate.

Abstract: An electrochemical device for moving particles covered with a protein is provided. The device includes at least two electrodes that are in contact with a liquid containing the protein-covered particles and a circuit that generates a potential difference in a range that does not cause electrolysis of the liquid between the electrodes. The particles are moved by electrophoresis in the direction of the arrangement of the electrodes. The invention provided herein has numerous applications, including use in a microorganism concentration condensing device, a blood component induction device, and/or a blood component induction method, and/or an electric appliance that decreases the concentration of microorganisms present on the surface of a heat exchanger.

Abstract: In a method for controlling sample introduction in microcolumn separation techniques, more particularly in capillary electrophoresis (CE), where a sample is injected as a sample plug into a sampling device which comprises at least a channel for the electrolyte buffer and a supply and drain channel for the sample. The supply and drain channels discharge into the electrolyte channel at respective supply and drain ports. The distance between the supply port and the drain port geometrically defines a sample volume. The injection of the sample plug into the electrolyte channel is accomplished electrokinetically by applying an electric field across the supply and drain channels for a time at least long enough that the sample component having the lowest electrophoretic mobility is contained within the geometrically defined volume. The supply and drain channels each are inclined to the electrolyte channel. Means are provided for electrokinetically injecting the sample into the sample volume.