Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention introduces integrated fluid injection and mixing devices to enable pH control in a miniature parallel integrated bioreactor array system. In another embodiment, the environmental conditions of the growth chamber is enabled through fluidic injections in a miniature parallel cell culture system. In still another embodiment, the present invention utilizes gas switches to control oxygen concentration within a miniature parallel integrated bioreactor array.

Abstract: An elastomeric mask is provided that allows deposition of a variety of materials through mask openings. The mask seals effectively against substrate surfaces, allowing simple deposition from fluid phase, gas phase, and the like or removal of material using gaseous or liquid etchants. The mask then can be simply peeled from the surface of the substrate leaving the patterned material behind. Multi-layered mask techniques are described in which openings in an upper mask allow selected openings of a lower mask to remain un-shielded, while other openings of the lower mask are shielded. A first deposition step, following by re-orientation of the upper mask to expose a different set of lower mask openings, allows selective deposition of different materials in different openings of the lower mask. Pixelated organic electroluminescent devices are provided via the described technique.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention introduces integrated fluid injection and mixing devices to enable pH control in a miniature parallel integrated bioreactor array system. In another embodiment, the environmental conditions of the growth chamber is enabled through fluidic injections in a miniature parallel cell culture system. In still another embodiment, the present invention utilizes gas switches to control oxygen concentration within a miniature parallel integrated bioreactor array.

Abstract: The present invention represents a radical departure from most conventional macro-scale batch processing methods employed to synthesize and coat colloidal nanoparticles. Synthesis and coating are in series and in-situ, obviating the need for numerous cumbersome, and often expensive intermediate-processing steps. In one embodiment, the invention is a method and apparatus for synthesizing colloidal nanoparticles. In another embodiment, the invention is a method and apparatus for enabling coating of colloidal nanoparticles using an electrophoretic switch for contacting and separating said colloid nanoparticles.

Abstract: An elastomeric mask is provided that allows deposition of a variety of materials through mask openings. The mask seals effectively against substrate surfaces, allowing simple deposition from fluid phase, gas phase, and the like or removal of material using gaseous or liquid etchants. The mask then can be simply peeled from the surface of the substrate leaving the patterned material behind. Multi-layered mask techniques are described in which openings in an upper mask allow selected openings of a lower mask to remain un-shielded, while other openings of the lower mask are shielded. A first deposition step, following by re-orientation of the upper mask to expose a different set of lower mask openings, allows selective deposition of different materials in different openings of the lower mask. Pixelated organic electroluminescent devices are provided via the described technique.

Abstract: Here we describe an integrated microfluidic chip for delivery of fluids inside or in proximity of individual cells or for measurement of physical quantities. In this device, a cell suspension is pumped through a microchannel in which cells are lined up, pushed on a static microneedle or micropipette, and then collected in a reservoir. The channels are microfabricated. Valves can be embedded in the system to allow fluid flow control thus enhancing the efficiency of the system and reducing malfunctioning due to clogging or any other unexpected issues.

Abstract: A population of nanocrystals having a narrow and controllable size distribution and can be prepared by a segmented-flow method.

Abstract: A method of separating a first fluid from a second fluid may include prewetting with the first fluid at least one channel defined by a separation device, the at least one channel thereby containing a column of the first fluid along its length. A combined flow of the first fluid and the second fluid may be presented to the separation device, so that the at least one channel is in fluid communication with the combined flow. Fluid pressure may be applied across the combined flow and the separation device, but the applied pressure should not exceed the capillary pressure in the at least one channel. Otherwise, the combined flow may be forced through the separation device. In this manner, the first fluid flows through the at least one channel, and the second fluid is excluded from the at least one channel, thereby separating at least a portion of the first fluid from the second fluid.

Abstract: A micromachined device for efficient thermal processing at least one fluid stream includes at least one fluid conducting tube having at least a region with wall thickness of less than 50 ?m. The device optionally includes one or more thermally conductive structures in thermal communication with first and second thermally insulating portions of the fluid conducting tube. The device also may include a thermally conductive region, and at least a portion of the fluid conducting tube is disposed within the region. A plurality of structures may be provided projecting from a wall of the fluid conducting tube into an inner volume of the tube. The structures enhance thermal conduction between a fluid within the tube and a wall of the tube. A method for fabricating, from a substrate, a micromachined device for processing a fluid stream allows the selective removal of portions of the substrate to provide desired structures integrated within the device.

Abstract: A nanocrystal capable of light emission includes a nanoparticle having photoluminescence having quantum yields of greater than 30%.

Abstract: The present invention microscale bioreactors (microfermentors) and microscale bioreactor arrays for use in culturing cells. The microfermentors include a vessel for culturing cells and means for providing oxygen to the interior of the vessel at a concentration sufficient to support cell growth, e.g., growth of bacterial cells. Depending on the embodiment, the microfermentor vessel may have various interior volumes of less than approximately 1 ml. The microfermentors may include an aeration membrane and optionally a variety of sensing devices. Methods of using the microfermentors, e.g., to select optimum cell strains or bioprocess parameters are provided. The microbioreactors having a variety of different designs, some of which incorporate active fluid mixing and/or have the capability to operate in batch, fed-batch, or continuous mode. In certain embodiments the microreactors operate as microchemostats. Methods for culturing cells under chemostat conditions in a microbioreactor are also provided.

Abstract: A population of nanocrystals having a narrow and controllable size distribution and can be prepared by a continuous flow method.

Abstract: The present invention provides a variety of microscale bioreactors (microfermentors) and microscale bioreactor arrays for use in culturing cells. The microfermentors include a vessel for culturing cells and means for providing oxygen to the interior of the vessel at a concentration sufficient to support cell growth, e.g., growth of bacterial cells. Depending on the embodiment, the microfermentor vessel may have various interior volumes less than approximately 1 ml. The microfermentors may include an aeration membrane and optionally a variety of sensing devices. The invention further provides a chamber to contain the microfermentors and microfermentor arrays and to provide environmental control. Certain of the microfermentors include a second chamber that may be used, e.g., to provide oxygen, nutrients, pH control, etc., to the culture vessel and/or to remove metabolites, etc. Various methods of using the microfermentors, e.g., to select optimum cell strains or bioprocess parameters are provided.

Abstract: The present invention represents a radical departure from most conventional macro-scale batch processing methods employed to synthesize and coat colloidal nanoparticles. Synthesis and coating are in series and in-situ, obviating the need for numerous cumbersome, and often expensive intermediate-processing steps. In one embodiment, the invention is a method and apparatus for synthesizing colloidal nanoparticles. In another embodiment, the invention is a method and apparatus for enabling coating of colloidal nanoparticles using an electrophoretic switch for contacting and separating said colloid nanoparticles.