Abstract: In one aspect, described herein are field effect chemical sensor devices useful for chemical and/or biochemical sensing. Also provided herein are methods for single molecule detection. In another aspect, described herein are methods useful for amplification of target molecules by PCR.

Abstract: The invention features methods of quantifying cells in a sample by lysing the cells followed by the measurement of at least one intracellular component. Methods of the invention are especially useful for quantifying small numbers of cells, e.g., over a large surface area or volume compared to the cell size. In a preferred embodiment, methods of the invention are performed using a microfluidic device.

Abstract: Provided are methods and devices for label-free detection of nucleic acids that are amplified by polymerase chain reaction. A solution containing the components necessary for a PCR is introduced to a microfluidic amplification chamber and an electric field applied to a confined region in which PCR occurs. PCR product generated in the confined region is detected by measuring an electrical parameter that is, for example, solution impedance. The devices and methods provided herein are used, for example, in assays to detect one or more pathogens or for point-of-care tests. In an aspect, the PCR product is confined to droplets and the assay relates to detecting an electrical parameter of a flowing droplet, thereby detecting PCR product without a label. In an aspect, the PCR occurs in the droplet.

Abstract: A device for rapid concentration and detection of live cells in fluids includes a filter to capture a cell sample. The filter includes a first physical barrier with apertures of a first size and a second physical barrier with apertures of a second size smaller than the first size to isolate the cell sample on the filter. Growth detection circuitry associated with the filter electrically measures a cell growth rate associated with the cell sample in less than 2 days. The growth detection circuitry includes a mechanical filter for concentration of cells. The filter and growth detection circuitry are integrally formed within the device, which is sealed.

Abstract: A device for rapid concentration and detection of live cells in fluids includes a filter to capture a cell sample. The filter includes a first physical barrier with apertures of a first size and a second physical barrier with apertures of a second size smaller than the first size to isolate the cell sample on the filter. Growth detection circuitry associated with the filter electrically measures a cell growth rate associated with the cell sample in less than 2 days. The growth detection circuitry includes a mechanical filter for concentration of cells. The filter and growth detection circuitry are integrally formed within the device, which is sealed.

Abstract: A device for rapid concentration and detection of live cells in fluids includes a filter to capture a cell sample. The filter includes a first physical barrier with apertures of a first size and a second physical barrier with apertures of a second size smaller than the first size to isolate the cell sample on the filter. Growth detection circuitry associated with the filter electrically measures a cell growth rate associated with the cell sample in less than 2 days. The growth detection circuitry includes a mechanical filter for concentration of cells. The filter and growth detection circuitry are integrally formed within the device, which is sealed.

Abstract: A device for rapid concentration and detection of live cells in fluids includes a filter to capture a cell sample. The filter includes a first physical barrier with apertures of a first size and a second physical barrier with apertures of a second size smaller than the first size to isolate the cell sample on the filter. Growth detection circuitry associated with the filter electrically measures a cell growth rate associated with the cell sample in less than 2 days. The growth detection circuitry includes a mechanical filter for concentration of cells. The filter and growth detection circuitry are integrally formed within the device, which is sealed.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for detecting molecules in a fluidic environment are provided, including nanodevices and methods for fabricating, functionalizing, and operating such nanodevices. At least one of the methods includes selective heating of nanodevices in an array.

Abstract: A microscale biosensor for use in the detection of target biological substances includes a detection chamber disposed on the substrate and defining a volume between 1 pico-liter and 1 micro-liter. The detection chamber is adapted to confine a composition containing microorganisms. Specimen concentration componentry is connected to the detection chamber for rapidly concentrating the microorganisms in the detection chamber. A heater is operatively connected to the substrate to heat the composition in the detection chamber. Electrodes are mounted on the substrate in communication with the detection chamber to identify AC impedance changes within the detection chamber from bacterial metabolism of the microorganisms of the composition over time.

Abstract: A device for processing fluids includes a filter to capture a cell sample. The filter has a physical barrier to isolate the cell sample on the filter. Growth detection circuitry is associated with the filter. The growth detection circuitry identifies, through electrical measurements, a cell growth rate and hence the presence of live cells associated with the cell sample.

Abstract: A modified porous anodic alumina template (PAA) containing a thin CNT catalyst layer directly embedded into the pore walls. CNT synthesis using the template selectively catalyzes SWNTs and DWNTs from the embedded catalyst layer to the top PAA surface, creating a vertical CNT channel within the pores. Subsequent processing allows for easy contact metallization and adaptable functionalization of the CNTs and template for a myriad of applications.

Abstract: A method for collecting a microbiological substance utilizes a micro fabricated biochip having a collection chamber. A fluid sample containing a microbiological entity of interest is delivered to the collection chamber in the biochip. Then a non-uniform electric field is generated in the collection chamber, to retain the microbiological entity of interest in the collection chamber. The microbiological entity is retained through dielectrophoresis induced by the energization of the electrodes by a periodically applied, alternating current.

Abstract: A cartridge includes a first layer to receive a printed circuit board hosting a biochip. A second layer is connected to the first layer and is configured for sample injection to the biochip. The second layer includes a first septum to isolate fluidic ports. A third layer is connected to the second layer and is configured for fluidic purge operations. The third layer includes a second septum to isolate a fluidic channel. A fourth layer is connected to the third layer and is configured to receive and route fluidic samples to the third layer.

Abstract: A monitoring apparatus useful in detecting viability of biological cells. A substrate defines a microscopic chamber. One or more microcantilevers extend from the substrate into the chamber. A detector is operatively connected to the microcantilevers for sensing a state of deformation thereof. On each microcantilevers is deposited a layer of an environmentally sensitive hydrogel polymer having a configuration changing in accordance with presence of an environmental parameter.

Abstract: A device for processing fluids includes a filter to capture a cell sample. The filter has a physical barrier to isolate the cell sample on the filter. Growth detection circuitry is associated with the filter. The growth detection circuitry identifies, through electrical measurements, a cell growth rate and hence the presence of live cells associated with the cell sample.

Abstract: A microscale biosensor for use in the detection of target biological substances includes a detection chamber disposed on the substrate and defining a volume between 1 pico-liter and 1 micro-liter. The detection chamber is adapted to confine a composition containing microorganisms. Specimen concentration componentry is connected to the detection chamber for rapidly concentrating the microorganisms in the detection chamber. A heater is operatively connected to the substrate to heat the composition in the detection chamber. Electrodes are mounted on the substrate in communication with the detection chamber to identify AC impedance changes within the detection chamber from bacterial metabolism of the microorganisms of the composition over time.

Abstract: A microscale biosensor for use in the detection of target biological substances including molecules and cells is a microfluidic system with integrated electronics, inlet-outlet ports and interface schemes, high sensitivity detection of pathogen specificity, and processing of biological materials at semiconductor interfaces. A fabrication process includes an all top-side processing for the formation of fluidic channels, planar fluidic interface ports, integrated metal electrodes for impedance measurements, and a glass cover sealing the non-planar topography of the chip using spin-on-glass as an intermediate bonding layer. Detection sensitivity is enhanced by small fluid volumes, use of a low-conductivity buffer, and electrical magnitude or phase measurements over a range of frequencies.

Abstract: A monitoring apparatus useful in detecting viability of biological cells. A substrate defines a microscopic chamber. One or more microcantilevers extend from the substrate into the chamber. A detector is operatively connected to the microcantilevers for sensing a state of deformation thereof. On each microcantilevers is deposited a layer of an environmentally sensitive hydrogel polymer having a configuration changing in accordance with presence of an environmental parameter.

Abstract: A method for collecting a microbiological substance utilizes a microfabricated biochip having a collection chamber. A fluid sample containing a microbiological entity of interest is delivered to the collection chamber in the biochip. Then a non-uniform electric field is generated in the collection chamber, to retain the microbiological entity of interest in the collection chamber. The microbiological entity is retained through dielectrophoresis induced by the energization of the electrodes by a periodically applied, alternating current.

Abstract: A microscale biosensor for use in the detection of target biological substances including molecules and cells is a microfluidic system with integrated electronics, inlet-outlet ports and interface schemes, high sensitivity detection of pathogen specificity, and processing of biological materials at semiconductor interfaces. A fabrication process includes an all top-side processing for the formation of fluidic channels, planar fluidic interface ports, integrated metal electrodes for impedance measurements, and a glass cover sealing the non-planar topography of the chip using spin-on-glass as an intermediate bonding layer. Detection sensitivity is enhanced by small fluid volumes, use of a low-conductivity buffer, and electrical magnitude or phase measurements over a range of frequencies.