Abstract: The invention provides microfluidic devices, methods for imaging cells, and methods for preparing such microfluidic devices. The microfluidic devices are contemplated to provide advantages for use in imaging of cells and subcellular compartments in an environment that mimics in vivo conditions. The microfluidic devices can used with a microscope equipped with an oil emersion objective lens.

Abstract: A method of forming a metal mold for casting a micro-scale dry adhesive structure includes securing a master patch of material including a micro-scale dry adhesive structure on a plating fixture, electroforming the metal mold on the patch of material, and removing the metal mold from the plating fixture and patch of material.

Abstract: The invention provides microfluidic devices, methods for imaging cells, and methods for preparing such microfluidic devices. The microfluidic devices are contemplated to provide advantages for use in imaging of cells and subcellular compartments in an environment that mimics in vivo conditions. The microfluidic devices can used with a microscope equipped with an oil emersion objective lens.

Abstract: A microfluidic device is provided. The microfluidic device includes a first transparent, solid support layer. A first polymeric layer defining at least one chamber is attached to the first transparent, solid support layer. A semi-permeable membrane is attached to the first polymeric layer. A second polymeric layer is attached to the opposite side of the semi-permeable membrane from the first polymeric layer. The second polymeric layer has a thickness of less than 300 microns and defines at least one chamber positioned to overlap with at least one chamber in the first polymeric layer. A first manifold structure is attached to an input end of at least one chamber and a second manifold structure is attached to an output end of at least one chamber.

Abstract: A microfluidic device is provided. A manifold having a first channel, a second channel, and a third channel configured to transport blood can be coupled to a substrate defining an artificial vasculature. The first channel can be configured to carry blood in a first direction. Each of the second and third channels can couple to the first channel at a first junction and can be configured to receive blood from the first channel. The second channel can be configured to carry blood in a second direction away from the first direction. The third channel can be configured to carry blood in a third direction away from the second direction. The first, second, and third channels can be non-coplanar.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a blood oxygenator that includes a checkerboard layout of fluid (e.g., blood) and gas (e.g., oxygen) channels. When viewed as a cross-section through each of the channels of the oxygenator, the checkerboard configuration includes alternating gas and fluid channels in both the x-axis (e.g., in-plane) and in the y-axis (e.g., out-of-plane) directions. The oxygenator described herein reduces manufacturing complexity by using first, second, and third polymer layers that include asymmetrical channel designs. The channel designs include “open” gas channels, which are exposed to the ambient atmosphere. The oxygenator is placed within a pressure vessel to drive gas into each of the open gas channels, which in some implementations, negates the need for a gas manifold.

Abstract: A device and method for oxygenating blood is disclosed herein. The device includes a plurality of passive mixing elements that causes a fluid to mix as it flows through the device. The passive mixing elements continually expose new red blood cells to the portion of the flow channel where oxygenation can occur. Accordingly, in some implementations, the device and method uses less blood to prime the device and allows for the oxygenation of blood with a substantial shorter flow channel when compared to conventional oxygenation methods and devices.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a blood oxygenator that includes a checkerboard layout of fluid (e.g., blood) and gas (e.g., oxygen) channels. When viewed as a cross-section through each of the channels of the oxygenator, the checkerboard configuration includes alternating gas and fluid channels in both the x-axis (e.g., in-plane) and in the y-axis (e.g., out-of-plane) directions. The oxygenator described herein reduces manufacturing complexity by using first, second, and third polymer layers that include asymmetrical channel designs. The channel designs include “open” gas channels, which are exposed to the ambient atmosphere. The oxygenator is placed within a pressure vessel to drive gas into each of the open gas channels, which in some implementations, negates the need for a gas manifold.

Abstract: A microfluidic device is provided. A manifold having a first channel, a second channel, and a third channel configured to transport blood can be coupled to a substrate defining an artificial vasculature. The first channel can be configured to carry blood in a first direction. Each of the second and third channels can couple to the first channel at a first junction and can be configured to receive blood from the first channel. The second channel can be configured to carry blood in a second direction away from the first direction. The third channel can be configured to carry blood in a third direction away from the second direction. The first, second, and third channels can be non-coplanar.

Abstract: Systems and methods for culturing and monitoring, ex vivo, pharmacologic and metabolic response in a biological sample, including receiving at a fluidic apparatus the biological sample retrieved from the patient, retaining the biological sample within a channel of the fluidic apparatus, providing for the culture of the biological sample within the channel of the fluidic apparatus, flowing a fluid past the biological sample, retrieving and analyzing the fluid to determine a pharmacologic and/or metabolic response of the sample.

Abstract: Systems and methods for culturing and monitoring, ex vivo, pharmacologic and metabolic response in a biological sample, including receiving at a fluidic apparatus the biological sample retrieved from the patient, retaining the biological sample within a channel of the fluidic apparatus, providing for the culture of the biological sample within the channel of the fluidic apparatus, flowing a fluid past the biological sample, retrieving and analyzing the fluid to determine a pharmacologic and/or metabolic response of the sample.

Abstract: The invention provides microfluidic devices, methods for imaging cells, and methods for preparing such microfluidic devices. The microfluidic devices are contemplated to provide advantages for use in imaging of cells and subcellular compartments in an environment that mimics in vivo conditions. The microfluidic devices can used with a microscope equipped with an oil emersion objective lens.