Abstract: A microfilter having a hydrophilic surface and suited for size-based capture and analysis of cells, such as circulating cancer cells, from whole blood and other human fluids is disclosed. The filter material is photo-definable, allowing the formation of precision pores by UV lithography. Exemplary embodiments provide a device that combines a microfilter with 3D nanotopography in culture scaffolds that mimic the 3D in vivo environment to better facilitate growth of captured cells.

Abstract: A microfilter comprising a polymer layer formed from epoxy-based photo-definable dry film, and a plurality of apertures each extending through the polymer layer. A method of forming a microfilter is also disclosed. The method includes providing a first layer of epoxy-based photo-definable dry film disposed on a substrate, exposing the first layer to energy through a mask to form a pattern, defined by the mask, in the first layer of dry film, forming, from the exposed first layer of dry film, a polymer layer having a plurality of apertures extending therethrough, the plurality of apertures having a distribution defined by the pattern, and removing the polymer layer from the substrate.

Abstract: A microfilter having a hydrophilic surface and suited for size-based capture and analysis of cells, such as circulating cancer cells, from whole blood and other human fluids is disclosed. The filter material is photo-definable, allowing the formation of precision pores by UV lithography. Exemplary embodiments provide a device that combines a microfilter with 3D nanotopography in culture scaffolds that mimic the 3D in vivo environment to better facilitate growth of captured cells.

Abstract: A microfilter having a hydrophilic surface and suited for size-based capture and analysis of cells, such as circulating cancer cells, from whole blood and other human fluids is disclosed. The filter material is photo-definable, allowing the formation of precision pores by UV lithography. Exemplary embodiments provide a device that combines a microfilter with 3D nanotopography in culture scaffolds that mimic the 3D in vivo environment to better facilitate growth of captured cells.

Abstract: A microfilter having a hydrophilic surface and suited for size-based capture and analysis of cells, such as circulating cancer cells, from whole blood and other human fluids is disclosed. The filter material is photo-definable, allowing the formation of precision pores by UV lithography. Exemplary embodiments provide a device that combines a microfilter with 3D nanotopography in culture scaffolds that mimic the 3D in vivo environment to better facilitate growth of captured cells.

Abstract: A microfilter having a hydrophilic surface and suited for size-based capture and analysis of cells, such as circulating cancer cells, from whole blood and other human fluids is disclosed. The filter material is photo-definable, allowing the formation of precision pores by UV lithography. Exemplary embodiments provide a device that combines a microfilter with 3D nanotopography in culture scaffolds that mimic the 3D in vivo environment to better facilitate growth of captured cells.

Abstract: A microfilter comprising a polymer layer formed from epoxy-based photo-definable dry film, and a plurality of apertures each extending through the polymer layer. A method of forming a microfilter is also disclosed. The method includes providing a first layer of epoxy-based photo-definable dry film disposed on a substrate, exposing the first layer to energy through a mask to form a pattern, defmed by the mask, in the first layer of dry film, forming, from the exposed first layer of dry film, a polymer layer having a plurality of apertures extending therethrough, the plurality of apertures having a distribution defined by the pattern, and removing the polymer layer from the substrate.

Abstract: A method of detecting fluorescence/absorbance/luminescence from 24-well, 48-well, 96-well, 384-well and 1536-well microplates and other sample containers. The sample is pumped into a waveguide. The waveguide efficiently gathers and guides the emission light to the end of the waveguide. The emission light exits the ends of the waveguide and is focused into a detector. To minimize background caused by the excitation light used for fluorescence, the excitation illuminates the waveguides at 90 degrees. To facilitate reuse, the waveguide assembly can be configured to be washed by an appropriate wash solution.

Abstract: Grids and collimators, for use with electromagnetic energy emitting devices, include at least a metal layer that is formed, for example, by electroplating/electroforming or casting. The metal layer includes top and bottom surfaces, and a plurality of solid integrated walls. Each of the solid integrated walls extends from the top to bottom surface and has a plurality of side surfaces. The side surfaces of the solid integrated walls are arranged to define a plurality of openings extending entirely through the layer. At least some of the walls also can include projections extending into the respective openings formed by the walls.

Abstract: A luminometer is provided comprising a waveguide sample holder and one or more detectors. The waveguide sample holder may include a hollow region to hold the sample. The waveguide sample holder can be made of material that guides emission light to a bottom end of the waveguide sample holder. One or more detectors may be provided which detect the emission light coming out of the bottom of the waveguide sample holder. A fluorometer/photometer is also provided that comprises a waveguide sample holder, one or more excitation light sources, and one or more optical detectors. The waveguide sample holder has a hollow region to hold the sample. The excitation light is introduced at an angle or perpendicular to one surface of the waveguide sample holder. The waveguide sample holder is made of material that can guide emission light to the bottom end of the waveguide sample holder. There are one or more detectors that detect the emission light coming out of the bottom of the waveguide sample holder.

Abstract: A luminometer is provided comprising a waveguide sample holder and one or more detectors. The waveguide sample holder may include a hollow region to hold the sample. The waveguide sample holder can be made of material that guides emission light to a bottom end of the waveguide sample holder. One or more detectors may be provided which detect the emission light coming out of the bottom of the waveguide sample holder. A fluorometer/photometer is also provided that comprises a waveguide sample holder, one or more excitation light sources, and one or more optical detectors. The waveguide sample holder has a hollow region to hold the sample. The excitation light is introduced at an angle or perpendicular to one surface of the waveguide sample holder. The waveguide sample holder is made of material that can guide emission light to the bottom end of the waveguide sample holder. There are one or more detectors that detect the emission light coming out of the bottom of the waveguide sample holder.

Abstract: Micro- and nanofilters have a wide range of applications in many fields, including medical diagnostics, drug delivery, medical implants, and hemodialysis. Some issues that limit commercial application of current nanofilters in medicine are low pore density, non-uniform pore size, and the use of materials that are not biocompatible. A method is described to fabricate high porosity polymer and diamond micro- and nanofilters producing smooth, uniform and straight pores of high aspect ratio. Pore size, density, and shape can be predetermined with a high degree of precision by masks and controlled etch. The method combines energetic neutral atom beam lithography and a mask. This technology allows etching polymeric materials in a clean, well-controlled, and charge-free environment, making it very suitable for fabricating nanofilters and other components for biomedical applications.

Abstract: A method of detecting fluorescence/absorbance/luminescence from 24-well, 48-well, 96-well, 384-well and 1536-well microplates and other sample containers. The sample is pumped into a waveguide. The waveguide efficiently gathers and guides the emission light to the end of the waveguide. The emission light exits the ends of the waveguide and is focused into a detector. To minimize background caused by the excitation light used for fluorescence, the excitation illuminates the waveguides at 90 degrees. To facilitate reuse, the waveguide assembly can be configured to be washed by an appropriate wash solution.