Abstract: A microfluidic device including at least one channel in fluid communication with a sample trap array. Specifically, the configuration and geometry of the trap arrays according to the present invention allows for performing sample digitization that supports passive self-discretization within the sample traps without the need for any external flow control or actuation. Geometrical parameters defining the sample traps, including the trap width and the trap depth, are selected to optimize self-filling of the sample traps. Reagents are incorporated into the sample traps during device fabrication to allow for performing multiplexed reactions within the sample traps.

Abstract: Bare porous polymer monoliths, fluidic chips, methods of incorporating bare porous polymer monoliths into fluidic chips, and methods for functionalizing bare porous polymer monoliths are described. Bare porous polymer monoliths may be fabricated ex situ in a mold. The bare porous polymer monoliths may also be functionalized ex situ. Incorporating the bare preformed porous polymer monoliths into the fluidic chips may include inserting the monoliths into channels of channel substrates of the fluidic chips. Incorporating the bare preformed porous polymer monoliths into the fluidic chips may include bonding a capping layer to the channel substrate. The bare porous polymer monoliths may be mechanically anchored to channel walls and to the capping layer. The bare porous polymer monoliths may be functionalized by ex situ immobilization of capture probes on the monoliths. The monoliths may be functionalized by direct attachment of chitosan.

Abstract: Bare porous polymer monoliths, fluidic chips, methods of incorporating bare porous polymer monoliths into fluidic chips, and methods for functionalizing bare porous polymer monoliths are described. Bare porous polymer monoliths may be fabricated ex situ in a mold. The bare porous polymer monoliths may also be functionalized ex situ. Incorporating the bare preformed porous polymer monoliths into the fluidic chips may include inserting the monoliths into channels of channel substrates of the fluidic chips. Incorporating the bare preformed porous polymer monoliths into the fluidic chips may include bonding a capping layer to the channel substrate. The bare porous polymer monoliths may be mechanically anchored to channel walls and to the capping layer. The bare porous polymer monoliths may be functionalized by ex situ immobilization of capture probes on the monoliths. The monoliths may be functionalized by direct attachment of chitosan.

Abstract: Bare porous polymer monoliths, fluidic chips, methods of incorporating bare porous polymer monoliths into fluidic chips, and methods for functionalizing bare porous polymer monoliths are described. Bare porous polymer monoliths may be fabricated ex situ in a mold. The bare porous polymer monoliths may also be functionalized ex situ. Incorporating the bare preformed porous polymer monoliths into the fluidic chips may include inserting the monoliths into channels of channel substrates of the fluidic chips. Incorporating the bare preformed porous polymer monoliths into the fluidic chips may include bonding a capping layer to the channel substrate. The bare porous polymer monoliths may be mechanically anchored to channel walls and to the capping layer. The bare porous polymer monoliths may be functionalized by ex situ immobilization of capture probes on the monoliths. The monoliths may be functionalized by direct attachment of chitosan.

Abstract: A microfluidic device including at least one channel in fluid communication with a sample trap array. Specifically, the configuration and geometry of the trap arrays according to the present invention allows for performing sample digitization that supports passive self-discretization within the sample traps without the need for any external flow control or actuation. Geometrical parameters defining the sample traps, including the trap width and the trap depth, are selected to optimize self-filling of the sample traps. Reagents are incorporated into the sample traps during device fabrication to allow for performing multiplexed reactions within the sample traps.

Abstract: Bare porous polymer monoliths, fluidic chips, methods of incorporating bare porous polymer monoliths into fluidic chips, and methods for functionalizing bare porous polymer monoliths are described. Bare porous polymer monoliths may be fabricated ex situ in a mold. The bare porous polymer monoliths may also be functionalized ex situ. Incorporating the bare preformed porous polymer monoliths into the fluidic chips may include inserting the monoliths into channels of channel substrates of the fluidic chips. Incorporating the bare preformed porous polymer monoliths into the fluidic chips may include bonding a capping layer to the channel substrate. The bare porous polymer monoliths may be mechanically anchored to channel walls and to the capping layer. The bare porous polymer monoliths may be functionalized by ex situ immobilization of capture probes on the monoliths. The monoliths may be functionalized by direct attachment of chitosan.

Abstract: A device and method for the formation of vesicles is disclosed herein. The device comprises a fluid introduction zone and a vesicle formation zone. The fluid introduction zone comprises a first inlet and a second inlet configured and disposed to provide parallel flow of an outer flow stream, flowing from the first inlet, sheathing an inner flow stream, flowing from the second inlet. The vesicle formation zone is configured and disposed to receive the parallel flow of the outer flow stream sheathing the inner flow stream and configured for a controlled and substantially uniform dispersion of an organic material, flowing in the inner flow stream, at a plane perpendicular to the vesicle formation zone.