Abstract: An organomimetic device includes a microfluidic device that can be used to culture cells in its microfluidic channels. The organomimetic device can be part of dynamic system that can apply mechanical forces to the cells by modulating the microfluidic device and the flow of fluid through the microfluidic channels. The membrane in the organomimetic device can be modulated mechanically via pneumatic means and/or mechanical means. The organomimetic device can be manufactured by the fabrication of individual components separately, for example, as individual layers that can be subsequently laminated together.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for performing multi-objective optimizations with a relatively large number of objectives to which optimization is to be performed. The objectives of the optimization problem may be partitioned to two or more subsets (e.g., overlapping or non-overlapping subsets) of objectives, and partial optimization(s) may be performed using a subset or combination of subsets of the objectives. One or more of the partial optimizations may use one or more pareto-optimized chromosomes from a prior partial optimization. A final full optimization may be performed according to all of the objectives of the optimization problem and may use one or more chromosomes of any preceding partial optimization as a starting point for finding a final solution to the optimization problem. Any variety of processes may be employed to mitigate archive explosion that may be associated with relatively large objective sets.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for operating to an initial optimized baseline solution to a multi-objective problem. As the initial optimized baseline solution is determined, some regions, such as local or global maxima, minima, and/or saddle points in the objective space may be mapped. The mapping may be performed by storing mesh chromosomes corresponding to some of the features (e.g., extrema, saddle points, etc.) in the objective space along with the location of those chromosomes within the objective space (e.g., objective values corresponding to each of the objectives). The mesh chromosome may be used in subsequent re-optimization problems, such as with reformulation. Although in a re-optimization the objectives, decision variables, and or objective/constraint models may change, the mesh chromosomes may still provide information and direction for more quickly and/or with reduced resources converge on a re-optimized solution.

Abstract: Systems and methods interconnect cell culture devices and/or fluidic devices by transferring discrete volumes of fluid between devices. A liquid-handling system collects a volume of fluid from at least one source device and deposits the fluid into at least one destination device. In some embodiments, a liquid-handling robot actuates the movement and operation of a fluid collection device in an automated manner to transfer the fluid between the at least one source device and the at least one destination device. In some cases, the at least one source device and the at least one destination device are cell culture devices. The at least one source device and the at least one destination device may be microfluidic or non-microfluidic devices. In some cases, the cell culture devices may be microfluidic cell culture devices. In further cases, the microfluidic cell culture devices may include organ-chips.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for performing multi-objective optimizations with a relatively large number of objectives to which optimization is to be performed. The objectives of the optimization problem may be partitioned to two or more subsets (e.g., overlapping or non-overlapping subsets) of objectives, and partial optimization(s) may be performed using a subset or combination of subsets of the objectives. One or more of the partial optimizations may use one or more pareto-optimized chromosomes from a prior partial optimization. A final full optimization may be performed according to all of the objectives of the optimization problem and may use one or more chromosomes of any preceding partial optimization as a starting point for finding a final solution to the optimization problem. Any variety of processes may be employed to mitigate archive explosion that may be associated with relatively large objective sets.

Abstract: Systems and methods for improved flow properties in fluidic and microfluidic systems are disclosed. The system includes a microfluidic device having a first microchannel, a fluid reservoir having a working fluid and a pressurized gas, a pump in communication with the fluid reservoir to maintain a desired pressure of the pressurized gas, and a fluid-resistance element located within a fluid path between the fluid reservoir and the first microchannel. The fluid-resistance element includes a first fluidic resistance that is substantially larger than a second fluidic resistance associated with the first microchannel.

Abstract: Systems and methods interconnect cell culture devices and/or fluidic devices by transferring discrete volumes of fluid between devices. A liquid-handling system collects a volume of fluid from at least one source device and deposits the fluid into at least one destination device. In some embodiments, a liquid-handling robot actuates the movement and operation of a fluid collection device in an automated manner to transfer the fluid between the at least one source device and the at least one destination device. In some cases, the at least one source device and the at least one destination device are cell culture devices. The at least one source device and the at least one destination device may be microfluidic or non-microfluidic devices. In some cases, the cell culture devices may be microfluidic cell culture devices. In further cases, the microfluidic cell culture devices may include organ-chips.

Abstract: Systems and methods for improved flow properties in fluidic and microfluidic systems are disclosed. The system includes a microfluidic device having a first microchannel, a fluid reservoir having a working fluid and a pressurized gas, a pump in communication with the fluid reservoir to maintain a desired pressure of the pressurized gas, and a fluid-resistance element located within a fluid path between the fluid reservoir and the first microchannel. The fluid-resistance element includes a first fluidic resistance that is substantially larger than a second fluidic resistance associated with the first microchannel.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for performing multi-objective optimizations with a relatively large number of objectives to which optimization is to be performed. The objectives of the optimization problem may be partitioned to two or more subsets (e.g., overlapping or non-overlapping subsets) of objectives, and partial optimization(s) may be performed using a subset or combination of subsets of the objectives. One or more of the partial optimizations may use one or more pareto-optimized chromosomes from a prior partial optimization. A final full optimization may be performed according to all of the objectives of the optimization problem and may use one or more chromosomes of any preceding partial optimization as a starting point for finding a final solution to the optimization problem. Any variety of processes may be employed to mitigate archive explosion that may be associated with relatively large objective sets.

Abstract: An incubator assembly includes an incubator enclosure having an internal chamber in which a controlled environment is maintained and which is defined by one or more walls. The incubator assembly further includes a jacket assembly mounted adjacent to at least one of the walls and having an internal airspace in which an internal fluid is enclosed for maintaining a homogenous temperature within the internal chamber. The jacket assembly further has a vent movable between a plurality of positions including an open position in which the internal fluid is allowed to exit the internal airspace into an ambient environment.

Abstract: Systems and methods for improved flow properties in fluidic and microfluidic systems are disclosed. The system includes a microfluidic device having a first microchannel, a fluid reservoir having a working fluid and a pressurized gas, a pump in communication with the fluid reservoir to maintain a desired pressure of the pressurized gas, and a fluid-resistance element located within a fluid path between the fluid reservoir and the first microchannel. The fluid-resistance element includes a first fluidic resistance that is substantially larger than a second fluidic resistance associated with the first microchannel.

Abstract: A microfluidic device for determining a response of cells comprises a microchannel and a seeding channel. The microchannel is at least partially defined by a porous membrane having cells adhered thereto. The microchannel has a first cross-sectional area. The seeding channel delivers a working fluid to the cells within the microchannel. The seeding channel has a second cross-sectional area that is less than the first cross-sectional area such that a flow of the working fluid produces a substantially higher shear force within the seeding channel to inhibit the attachment of cells within the seeding channel. And when multiple seeding channels are used to deliver fluids to multiple microchannels that define an active cellular layer across the membrane, the seeding channels are spatially offset from each other such that fluid communication between the fluids occurs only at the active region via the membrane, not at the seeding channels.

Abstract: According to aspects of the present invention, a cartridge assembly for transporting fluid into or out of one or more fluidic devices includes a first layer and a second layer. The first layer includes a first surface. The first surface includes at least one partial channel disposed thereon. The second layer abuts the first surface, thereby forming a channel from the at least one partial channel. At least one of the first layer and the second layer is a resilient layer formed from a pliable material. At least one of the first layer and the second layer includes a via hole. The via hole is aligned with the channel to pass fluid thereto. The via hole is configured to pass fluid through the first layer or the second layer substantially perpendicularly to the channel. Embossments are also used to define aspects of a fluidic channel.

Abstract: Systems and methods interconnect cell culture devices and/or fluidic devices by transferring discrete volumes of fluid between devices. A liquid-handling system collects a volume of fluid from at least one source device and deposits the fluid into at least one destination device. In some embodiments, a liquid-handling robot actuates the movement and operation of a fluid collection device in an automated manner to transfer the fluid between the at least one source device and the at least one destination device. In some cases, the at least one source device and the at least one destination device are cell culture devices. The at least one source device and the at least one destination device may be microfluidic or non-microfluidic devices. In some cases, the cell culture devices may be microfluidic cell culture devices. In further cases, the microfluidic cell culture devices may include organ-chips.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for generating an initial optimized baseline solution to a multi-objective problem. As the baseline solution is implemented, live (e.g., real-time or near real-time) data associated with one or more parameters may be received and compared to expectations of those parameters with the implementation of the initial optimized solution. If a deviation is detected between the expectation of the time progression of the parameters and live data associated with the parameter, then that deviation may be compared to a threshold. If the deviation meets a threshold condition, then an irregular operation may be declared and a new baseline solution may be implemented. The new baseline solution may be obtained as a re-optimized solution.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for providing an optimized solution to a multi-objective problem. Potential solutions may be generated from parent solutions to be evaluated according to multiple objectives of the multi-objective problem. If the potential solutions are infeasible, the potential solutions may be perturbed according to a perturbation model to bring the potential solution to feasibility, or at least a reduced level of constraints. The perturbation models may include a weight vector that indicates the amount of perturbation, such as in a forward and/or reverse direction, of decision variables of the potential solutions. In some cases, the perturbation models may be predetermined. In other cases, the perturbation models may be learned, such as based on training constraint data.

Abstract: Systems and methods interconnect cell culture devices and/or fluidic devices by transferring discrete volumes of fluid between devices. A liquid-handling system collects a volume of fluid from at least one source device and deposits the fluid into at least one destination device. In some embodiments, a liquid-handling robot actuates the movement and operation of a fluid collection device in an automated manner to transfer the fluid between the at least one source device and the at least one destination device. In some cases, the at least one source device and the at least one destination device are cell culture devices. The at least one source device and the at least one destination device may be microfluidic or non-microfluidic devices. In some cases, the cell culture devices may be microfluidic cell culture devices. In further cases, the microfluidic cell culture devices may include organ-chips.

Abstract: Systems and methods for improved flow properties in fluidic and microfluidic systems are disclosed. The system includes a microfluidic device having a first microchannel, a fluid reservoir having a working fluid and a pressurized gas, a pump in communication with the fluid reservoir to maintain a desired pressure of the pressurized gas, and a fluid-resistance element located within a fluid path between the fluid reservoir and the first microchannel. The fluid-resistance element includes a first fluidic resistance that is substantially larger than a second fluidic resistance associated with the first microchannel.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided to engage in multi-objective optimization where there may be potential solutions for evaluation (e.g., chromosomes) that each have one or more conditional genes. The value of each of the conditional genes in each of the chromosomes may be equivalent to one of a plurality of hidden genes in each of the chromosomes. The value of each of the conditional genes may be evaluated prior to determining objective values of each of the chromosomes. The objective values of each of the chromosomes may be used to evaluate the potential solutions embodied in the chromosomes and further drive to more optimized solutions. The use of the conditional genes in the chromosomes may reduce the amount of constraint violation checks that may need to be performed.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided to engage in multi-objective optimization where there may be one or more constraints. At least one of the constraints may be soft constraints, such that if a potential solution to the multi-objective optimization problem violates only soft constraint(s), then that potential solution may be allowed to persist in a population of potential solutions that may be used to propagate child potential solutions. Potential solutions that violate soft constraints may be tested for non-domination sorting against other potential solutions that violate soft constraints and based at least in part on values associated with the soft constraint violations.