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.

Abstract: Analytical systems and methods that use a modular interface structure for providing an interface between a sample substrate and an analytical unit, where the analytical unit typically has a particular interface arrangement for implementing various analytical and control functions. Using a number of variants for each module of the modular interface structure advantageously provides cost effective and efficient ways to perform numerous tests using a particular substrate or class of substrates with a particular analytical and control systems interface arrangement. Improved optical illumination and detection system for simultaneously analyzing reactions or conditions in multiple parallel microchannels are also provided.

Abstract: Microfluidic devices for performing integrated reaction and separation operations. The devices have a planar substrate having a first surface with an integrated channel network disposed therein. The reaction region in the integrated microscale channel network has a mixture of at least first and second reactants located therein, wherein the mixture interacts to produce one or more products. The reaction region is configured to maintain contact between the first and second reactants contained within it. The device also includes a separation region in the integrated channel network, where the separation region is configured to separate the first reactant from the product, when the first reactant and product are flowing through the separation region.

Abstract: Analytical systems and methods that use a modular interface structure for providing an interface between a sample substrate and an analytical unit, where the analytical unit typically has a particular interface arrangement for implementing various analytical and control functions. Using a number of variants for each module of the modular interface structure advantageously provides cost effective and efficient ways to perform numerous tests using a particular substrate or class of substrates with a particular analytical and control systems interface arrangement. Improved optical illumination and detection system for simultaneously analyzing reactions or conditions in multiple parallel microchannels are also provided.

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: Electrokinetic devices having a computer for correcting for electrokinetic effects are provided. Methods of correcting for electrokinetic effects by establishing the velocity of reactants and products in a reaction in electrokinetic microfluidic devices are also provided. These microfluidic devices can have substrates with channels, depressions, and/or wells for moving, mixing and monitoring precise amounts of analyte fluids.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems, devices and methods for performing fast and efficient separation and collection of components of a sample mixtures. The present invention provides integrated systems for performing separation using a multi port control system to sort and collect components of sample mixtures.

Abstract: Throughput rates for microfluidic serial analysis systems are optimized by maximizing the proximity and speed with which multiple different samples may be serially introduced into a microfluidic channel network. Devices are included that include optimized parameters based upon desired throughput rates for a given set of reagents, reaction times and the like.

Abstract: Methods and systems for particle focusing to increase assay throughput in microscale systems are provided. The invention includes methods for providing substantially uniform flow velocity to flowing particles in microfluidic devices. Methods of sorting members of particle populations, such as cells and various subcellular components are also provided. Integrated systems in which particles are focused and/or sorted are additionally included.

Abstract: Methods and systems for designing optimized fluidic channel networks for performing different analytical operations, which include the steps of selecting a driving force, identifying at least a first reaction parameter, and designing the channel network by determining channel lengths and cross-sectional dimensions that are optimized for the reaction requirements in view of the selected driving force. Preferred methods are used to design integrated microscale fluidic systems.

Abstract: Electrokinetic devices having a computer for correcting for electrokinetic effects are provided. Methods of correcting for electrokinetic effects by establishing the velocity of reactants and products in a reaction in electrokinetic microfluidic devices are also provided. These microfluidic devices can have substrates with channels, depressions, and/or wells for moving, mixing and monitoring precise amounts of analyte fluids.

Abstract: Methods devices and systems that employ non-mechanical valve modules for controllably directing fluid and other material movement through integrated microscale channel networks. These non-mechanical valve modules apply forces that counter the driving forces existing through a given channel segment, via fluidly connected channel segments, so as to selectively arrest flow of material within the given channel segment.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for reducing adsorption in microscale devices are provided. In the methods and apparatus, an electrical current such as an alternating current is applied to materials under pressure-induced flow. Integrated systems for simultaneous control of current and pressure in a channel are also provided.

Abstract: Methods and devices for delivering fluids into microfluidic device body structures are described. The methods and devices include the use of fluid manifolds which are integrated or interchangeable with device body structures. Methods of fabricating manifolds are also provided.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus and systems are provided for introducing large numbers of different materials into a microfluidic analytical device rapidly, efficiently and reproducibly. In particular, improved integrated pipettor chip configurations, e.g. sippers or electropipettors, are described which are capable of sampling extremely small amounts of material for which analysis is desired, transporting material into a microfluidic analytical channel network, and performing the desired analysis on the material.

Abstract: Non-sipper microfluidic devices, e.g., planar devices that do not comprise an external capillary, are used to emulate or simulate the fluid flow profile of a device having an external capillary, e.g., a microfluidic sipper device. Samples are typically flowed through a sipper device, e.g., in sample plugs. To emulate fluid flow in a sipper device, emulator devices create sample plugs and flow them through the channels of a planar device.

Abstract: Methods and devices for inducing high bulk hydrodynamic resistance and/or for inducing low electrical resistance in microscale systems including bulk viscosity enhancers, surfactants, and electrolytes. High bulk hydrodynamic resistance is optionally utilized to regulate the effects of spontaneous injection and/or dispersion. Induced high hydrodynamic resistance in conjunction with induced low electrical resistance are optionally utilized to provide and regulate electrical fields within microfluidic devices. Integrated systems incorporating the methods of the invention are also provided.

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: Analytical systems and methods that use a modular interface structure for providing an interface between a sample substrate and an analytical unit, where the analytical unit typically has a particular interface arrangement for implementing various analytical and control functions. Using a number of variants for each module of the modular interface structure advantageously provides cost effective and efficient ways to perform numerous tests using a particular substrate or class of substrates with a particular analytical and control systems interface arrangement. Improved optical illumination and detection system for simultaneously analyzing reactions or conditions in multiple parallel microchannels are also provided.

Abstract: Methods of performing high throughput screening, e.g., for assays with long incubation times and/or reaction times, in a microfluidic device are provided. The methods combine the use of multiple channels with serially loading to provide high throughput and long incubations. Also included are microfluidic devices and integrated systems for performing high throughput long incubation assays as well as methods for designing devices for use in such assays.