Abstract: Devices, processes, and kits for the extraction of nucleic acids from biological samples are disclosed. The devices comprise a first port, a second port, and a binding chamber intermediate and in fluid communication with the first port and the second port. The binding chamber comprises an unmodified flat glass surface effective for binding a heterogeneous population of nucleic acids. The first port, second port, and binding chamber define a continuous fluid pathway that is essentially free of nucleic acid-specific binding sites.

Abstract: Devices, processes, and kits for the extraction of nucleic acids from biological samples are disclosed. The devices comprise a first port, a second port, and a binding chamber intermediate and in fluid communication with the first port and the second port. The binding chamber comprises an unmodified flat glass surface effective for binding a heterogeneous population of nucleic acids. The first port, second port, and binding chamber define a continuous fluid pathway that is essentially free of nucleic acid-specific binding sites.

Abstract: An integrated heat exchange system on a microfluidic card. According to one aspect of the invention, the portable microfluidic card has a heating, cooling and heat cycling system on-board such that the card can be used portably. The microfluidic card includes one or more reservoirs containing exothermic or endothermic material. Once the chemical process of the reservoir material is activated, the reservoir provides heat or cooling to specific locations of the microfluidic card. Multiple reservoirs may be included on a single card to provide varying temperatures. The assay chemicals can be moved to the various reservoirs to create a thermal cycle useful in many biological reactions, for example, Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) or rtPCR.

Abstract: Device and methods for extracting and analyzing nucleic acids from biological samples.

Abstract: Devices, processes, and kits for the extraction of nucleic acids from biological samples are disclosed. The devices comprise a first port, a second port, and a binding chamber intermediate and in fluid communication with the first port and the second port. The binding chamber comprises an unmodified flat glass surface effective for binding a heterogeneous population of nucleic acids. The first port, second port, and binding chamber define a continuous fluid pathway that is essentially free of nucleic acid-specific binding sites.

Abstract: An integrated heat exchange system on a microfluidic card. According to one aspect of the invention, the portable microfluidic card has a heating, cooling and heat cycling system on-board such that the card can be used portably. The microfluidic card includes one or more reservoirs containing exothermic or endothermic material. Once the chemical process of the reservoir material is activated, the reservoir provides heat or cooling to specific locations of the microfluidic card. Multiple reservoirs may be included on a single card to provide varying temperatures. The assay chemicals can be moved to the various reservoirs to create a thermal cycle useful in many biological reactions, for example, Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) or rtPCR.

Abstract: An integrated heat exchange system on a microfluidic card. According to one aspect of the invention, the portable microfluidic card has a heating, cooling and heat cycling system on-board such that the card can be used portably. The microfluidic card includes one or more reservoirs containing exothermic or endothermic material. Once the chemical process of the reservoir material is activated, the reservoir provides heat or cooling to specific locations of the microfluidic card. Multiple reservoirs may be included on a single card to provide varying temperatures. The assay chemicals can be moved to the various reservoirs to create a thermal cycle useful in many biological reactions, for example, Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) or rtPCR.

Abstract: A microfluidic device for isolating genomic DNA from human leukocytes, simultaneously capturing and measuring the DNA for simplifying genetic analysis. The device contains a fluid inlet port, a fluid outlet port, and a DNA binding channel in contact with the fluid inlet port wherein at least a portion of at least one surface within the DNA binding channel is modified with a binding reagent such that DNA is preferentially bound to the surface.

Abstract: Described herein is microfluidic device for joining fluids and a related method for doing the same. The device according to the present invention includes a microfluidic junction, an outlet channel, and a plurality of circuit units. A microfluidic junction is an area for converging multiple fluids. An outlet channel is capable of receiving fluid from the microfluidic junction. An outlet channel includes a first end connected with the microfluidic junction, a second end connected with a waste reservoir, and an analysis region positioned between the first end and the second end of the outlet channel. The device also includes a plurality of circuit units.

Abstract: Microfluidic devices and methods are provided for enhancing detection of a diffusion pattern formed by particles diffusing between at least two fluid streams in parallel laminar flow such that an interface is formed between them by increasing the dimension of the streams in the diffusion direction. This may be accomplished by flowing the streams through a transforming turn, or by flowing the streams through a channel having diverging walls. Devices and methods are also provided for enhancing diffusion between two streams comprising changing the interface between said streams from a narrow interface to a broad interface.

Abstract: A microfluidic device which operates without the need for an external power source. The device includes a body structure, at least one microscale channel within the structure, a port for introducing fluid into the channel, and a power source internal to the structure for propelling the fluid through the channel. Various structures are described which embody the invention.

Abstract: Described herein is microfluidic device for joining fluids and a related method for doing the same. The device according to the present invention includes a microfluidic junction, an outlet channel, and a plurality of circuit units. A microfluidic junction is an area for converging multiple fluids. An outlet channel is capable of receiving fluid from the microfluidic junction. An outlet channel includes a first end connected with the microfluidic junction, a second end connected with a waste reservoir, and an analysis region positioned between the first end and the second end of the outlet channel. The device also includes a plurality of circuit units.

Abstract: A microfluidic device for sorting cells is described. The device includes an input channel, a primary channel, at least two branch channels which connect with the primary channel at a junction, and a sheath injector positioned upstream from the junction. Sample solution, which may contain a population of cells, can be entered into the input channel and hydrodynamically focused into a sample ribbon. The device employs a system for directing fluid flow, and particularly the flow of the sample ribbon, into a branch channel based on a detected cell feature. The system can employ a variety of sorting techniques to change or direct the flow of cells into a particular branch channel.

Abstract: A capillary for introduction of whole blood into an analysis device. The capillary has a variable volume along its length, which allows the liquid sample to be drawn into the interior of the cartridge, away from the inlet, reducing the risk of contamination of the sample from the outside.

Abstract: A device for analyzing sample solutions such as whole blood based on coagulation and agglutination which requires no external power source or moving parts to perform the analysis. Single disposable cartridges for performing blood typing assays can be constructed using this technology.

Abstract: A microfluidic device for concentrating particles in a concentrating solution. A sample and a concentrating fluid flow laminarly with a microfluidic channel wherein the concentrating fluid is formulated such that it extracts fluid from the sample and thus concentrates the particles in the sample.

Abstract: Multifluidic devices and methods are provided for enhancing detection of a diffusion pattern formed by particles diffusing between at least tow fluid streams I parallel laminar flow such that an interface is formed between them by increasing the dimension of the streams in the diffusion direct. This may be accomplished by flowing the streams through a transforming turn, or by flowing the streams through a channel having diverging walls. Devices and methods are also provided for enhancing diffusion between two streams comprising changing the interface between said streams from a narrow interface to a broad interface.

Abstract: A device and method for performing a microfluidic process. A device includes a plurality of reservoirs, each connected a microfluidic channel. The microfluidic channel is arranged to use gravitational force to combine at least two fluids, from respective reservoirs of the plurality of reservoirs, when the respective reservoirs are positioned above an end of the microfluidic channel. The microfluidic channel is further arranged such that by rotation of the microfluidic channel, the direction of flow of the combined fluids is reversed to prolong the interaction between the fluids.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing a microfluidic process. An apparatus includes an arrangement comprising a first tank and a second tank having an inlet connected to an outlet of the first tank. The arrangement also includes a third tank adjacent to the first tank and a fourth tank, adjacent to the second tank, and having an inlet connected to an outlet of the third tank. The arrangement further includes a microfluidic channel having a first inlet connected to an outlet of the second tank, a second inlet connected to an outlet of the fourth tank, and a first outlet connected to an inlet of the first tank. In operation, the first and third tank are filled with fluids in a first, initial position. The arrangement is rotated to transfer the fluids to respective second and fourth tanks in a second position, and then rotated back to the first position where the fluids enter the microfluidic channel. The steps can be repeated until the desired process is accomplished.

Abstract: A capillary for introduction of whole blood into an analysis device. The capillary has a variable volume along its length, which allows the liquid sample to be drawn into the interior of the cartridge, away from the inlet, reducing the risk of contamination of the sample from the outside.