Abstract: The invention provides a microfluidic system, including an optional separation system for separating and preparing an analyte solution, a microfluidic device downstream from the separation system for dispensing and analyte solution, comprising a substrate having a channel defining a portion of a microfluidic channel; a polymeric substrate having a channel for contacting the substrate to define the second portion of the microfluidic channel; a cooling element associated with the substrate and channel for cooling an analyte solution in the microfluidic channel; and a heating element adjacent to the microfluidic channel for heating the analyte solution, wherein the cooling element operates to maintain the channel in a closed state by cooling the analyte solution in the channel and wherein the heating element may be activated to place the channel in an open state by heating the analyte solution in the channel; and a detector for detecting the dispensed analyte solution The invention also provides a microfluidic d

Abstract: A microdevice is constructed from a substrate having a microchannel formed therein and a cover plate arranged over the substrate. The cover plate in combination with the microchannel at least partially defines a conduit within the microdevice. The conduit has a surface that extends from an upstream region toward a downstream region and terminates at an opening. The microdevice also includes an annular lining that conforms to the conduit surface at the downstream region and extends from the opening toward the upstream region in the conduit. An emitter may be produced in situ by depositing an emitter material on the annular lining. In addition, material may be removed from the cover plate and/or substrate about the opening. As a result, an exterior microdevice surface is formed and a downstream portion of the emitter is exposed that protrudes from the exterior surface.

Abstract: A system for controlling fluid flow in a microfluidic circuit located in a liquid chromatograph includes at least one microfluidic channel and a flexible membrane adjacent the at least one microfluidic channel, wherein when actuated, the flexible membrane deflects into the microfluidic channel, thus impeding fluid flow in the microfluidic channel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an optical detection cell for micro-fluidics. The detection cell provides a first layer, a detection cell layer contacting the first layer, a third layer contacting the detection cell layer, a micro-fluidic chip having a fluidic port and a detection channel defined through the detection cell and being in fluid communication with the fluidic port of the chip, the detection channel serving as a light path for receiving light for detecting a molecule. Methods of detecting molecules and making the detection cell are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an optical detection cell for micro-fluidics.

Abstract: A system for controlling fluid flow in a microfluidic circuit includes at least one microfluidic channel, and a heating element adjacent the at least one microfluidic channel, wherein when activated, the heating element boils liquid in the at least one microfluidic channel.

Abstract: A fluidic device is provided that includes a body and a contiguous electrically conductive layer. The body has interior and exterior surfaces. The interior surface defines at least a well and a fluid-transporting feature, e.g., a microfeature in fluid-communication with the well. The well has a sidewall and an exterior opening terminating at the exterior surface. The contiguous electrically conductive layer is located on at least the sidewall of the well and selected regions of the interior and exterior surfaces so as to form a contact pad region on the exterior surface in electrical communication with any fluid within the fluid-transporting feature. Also provided is a method for forming a fluidic device.

Abstract: Fluidic separation devices and methods with reduced sample broadening are provided. A column is located downstream from a holding chamber, and a flow providing means provides fluid flow effective to convey a sample along a flow path that extends from the holding chamber into the separation column. The sample is typically focused in the flow path upstream from the separation column. Optionally, the invention may be employed with electrospray mass spectrometry and in microfluidic applications.

Abstract: A fluidic device is provided that includes a plurality of fluid-transporting features extending from a common inlet to a common outlet and a means for effecting fluid flow through the fluid-transporting features. The features are associated with differing fluid dwell times. The means for effecting fluid flow cooperates with the fluid-transporting features to merge fluids from the fluid-transporting features in a manner effective to produce an output stream from the common outlet that exhibits at least one desired characteristic generated as a result of the differing dwell times. Also provided is a method for producing a fluid stream exhibiting at least one desired characteristic. Optionally, the device and/or method are used in microfluidic applications.

Abstract: The invention described herein provides a mass spectrometry system, having an ion source including an ionization device for producing ions, a collection conduit adjacent to the ionization device for collecting ions produced by the ionization device, a first gas source for supplying gas to desolvate ions produced by the ionization device, a second gas source for supplying gas at a defined flow to the ionization region, and a detector downstream from the ion source for detecting ions produced by the ion source. The invention also provides an ion source including an ionization device for producing ions, a collection conduit adjacent to the ionization device for collecting ions produced by the ionization device, a first gas source for supplying gas to desolvate ions produced by the ionization device, and a second gas source for supplying gas at a defined flow to the ionization region. A method for producing analyte ions is also disclosed.

Abstract: Provided are apparatuses and methods for introducing particles into a microdevice conduit. Also provided are microdevices containing a plurality of particles that occupy at least about 25 volume percent of a microconduit. In some instances, particles may controllably form a particle bridge in a bridging zone within a microdevice.

Abstract: Nanopore analysis systems, methods of preparing nanopore analysis systems, and methods of automating the analysis of samples using nanopore analysis systems, are provided.

Abstract: Systems having clamping structures are provided.

Abstract: A method is provided for preparing high surface-area texturing of a substrate using methods by which material from a substrate is subtracted from or added to the surface of the substrate. In one embodiment, the method is a subtractive lithographic method that involves exposing a laser-ablatable substrate, such as a polymeric or ceramic substrate, to laser light. A mask may be used to define the pattern of light incident on the substrate. High surface-area textured substrates, in particular, miniaturized planar analysis devices having high surface-area textured features, prepared by the methods disclosed herein, are also provided. A method by which the high surface-area textured substrate or the miniaturized planar analysis device is used as a master from which replicate copies thereof may be made is also provided.

Abstract: Provided are apparatuses and methods for introducing particles into a microdevice conduit. Also provided are microdevices containing a plurality of particles that occupy at least about 25 volume percent of a microconduit. In some instances, particles may controllably form a particle bridge in a bridging zone within a microdevice.

Abstract: A method is provided for preparing high-surface area texturing of a substrate using methods by which material from a substrate is subtracted from or added to the surface of the substrate. In one embodiment, the method is a subtractive lithographic method that involves exposing a laser-ablatable substrate, such as a polymeric or ceramic substrate, to laser light. A mask may be used to define the pattern of light incident on the substrate. High-surface area textured substrates, in particular, miniaturized planar analysis devices having high-surface area textured features, prepared by the methods disclosed herein are also provided. A method by which the high-surface area textured substrate or the miniaturized planar analysis device is used as a master from which replicate copies thereof may be made is also provided.

Abstract: A device for mixing fluids is provided. The device is comprised of a substrate containing a first mixing feature that terminates at a first opening located on a surface of the substrate and a cover plate containing a second mixing feature that terminates at a second opening located on a surface of the cover plate. Also provided is a means for producing relative sliding motion between the cover plate and substrate surfaces. The substrate and cover plate surfaces are maintained in fluid-tight contact with each other such that relative sliding motion between the first and second mixing features induces fluid mixing through the first and second openings when fluid is present in the mixing features. Also provided is a method for mixing fluids. The device and method are particularly suited for microfluidic applications.

Abstract: A microdevice is constructed from a substrate having a microchannel formed therein and a cover plate arranged over the substrate. The cover plate in combination with the microchannel at least partially defines a conduit within the microdevice. The conduit has a surface that extends from an upstream region toward a downstream region and terminates at an opening. The microdevice also includes an annular lining that conforms to the conduit surface at the downstream region and extends from the opening toward the upstream region in the conduit. An emitter may be produced in situ by depositing an emitter material on the annular lining. In addition, material may be removed from the cover plate and/or substrate about the opening. As a result, an exterior microdevice surface is formed and a downstream portion of the emitter is exposed that protrudes from the exterior surface.

Abstract: A device for mixing fluids is provided. The device is comprised of a substrate containing a first mixing feature that terminates at a first opening located on a surface of the substrate and a cover plate containing a second mixing feature that terminates at a second opening located on a surface of the cover plate. Also provided is a means for producing relative sliding motion between the cover plate and substrate surfaces. The substrate and cover plate surfaces are maintained in fluid-tight contact with each other such that relative sliding motion between the first and second mixing features induces fluid mixing through the first and second openings when fluid is present in the mixing features. Also provided is a method for mixing fluids. The device and method are particularly suited for microfluidic applications.

Abstract: A microanalytical device is provided for conducting multiple chemical and/or biochemical reactions and analyzing multiple sample fluids in parallel using minute volumes of reaction or sample fluid. The devices comprises a well plate with an integrated microfluidic system containing processing compartments such as microcavities, microchannels and the like, that are in fluid communication with electrospray emitters. The novel microanalytical device can be used in a variety of chemical and biochemical contexts, including mass spectroscopy, chromatographic, electrophoretic and electrochromatographic separations, screening and diagnostics, and chemical and biochemical synthesis. The devices may be formed from a material that is thermally and chemically stable and resistant to biofouling, significantly reducing electroosmotic flow and unwanted adsorption of solute.