Abstract: A technology that provides various modular biomimetic microfluidic modules emulating varieties of microvasculature in body. These microfluidic-base capillaries and lymphatic Technology modules are constructed as multilayered-microfluidic microchannels of various shapes, and aspect ratios using diverse biocompatible microfluidic polymers. Then, various semipermeable membranes are sandwiched in between these multilayered microfluidic microchannels. These membranes have different chemical, physical characteristics and MWCO values. Consequently, this design will produce much smaller dimension channels similar to human vasculature to achieve biomimetic properties like of human organs and tissues. By interchanging microfluidic-layers or the membranes various diverse modules are designed that act as building blocks for constructing various medical devices, various forms of dialysis devices including albumin and lipid dialysis, water purification, bioreactors, bio-artificial organ support systems.

Abstract: A method of operating a heat exchanger is disclosed in which an electric field is applied to a hydrophobic surface having condensed water droplets thereon to reduce a contact angle between the individual droplet surfaces and the hydrophobic surface, and to increase droplet surface energy to a second surface energy level. The electric field is removed to increase the contact angle between the individual droplet surfaces and the hydrophobic surface, and to reduce droplet surface energy to a third surface energy level. The third surface energy level is greater than the first surface energy level and greater than a surface energy level for a free droplet. A portion of the droplet surface energy is converted to kinetic energy to detach droplets from the hydrophobic surface. The detached droplets are removed from the heat rejection side fluid flow path.

Abstract: Provided is a multi-flux micro-fluidic chip including a chip body. The chip body includes a fluid inflow cavity communicated with an external air path, reaction-quantification cavities, waste liquid cavities, and a fluid path distribution cavity disposed at a middle position of the chip body. The two or more reaction-quantification cavities are distributed on two sides of the fluid path distribution cavity in rows to form the first and second row of reaction-quantification cavities respectively; and they are communicated with a fluid outlet of the fluid path distribution cavity through fluid path branches, and a fluid inlet of the fluid path distribution cavity through fluid path branches, and a fluid inlet of the fluid path distribution cavity is communicated with a fluid outlet of the fluid inflow cavity and an external fluid path, which making it possible to detect multiple items simultaneously and greatly improving the flux of the micro-fluidic chip.

Abstract: A particle analyzer (1) includes a measurement cell (2) and a measurement section (10). The particle analyzer (1) further includes a migration section. The migration section includes magnets (3a and 3b), electrodes (4a, 4b, and 4c), a power source (5), and a laser light source (6). The migration section causes migration of particles contained in a medium loaded into the measurement cell (2) by at least two of a magnetophoresis method, a dielectrophoresis method, an electromagnetophoresis method, and a photophoresis method. The measurement section (10) performs determination of a physical quantity of the particles and determination of a migration rate of the particles.

Abstract: The present disclosure concerns embodiments of reversibly bonded devices that comprise a reversible bonding component. The reversible bonding component is able to exhibit strong adhesive properties so as to couple device components, but upon exposure to an energy source, the strong adhesive properties are weakened. By weakening the adhesive strength of the reversible bonding component, the device can be deconstructed to access internal biological samples for analysis and characterization.

Abstract: A fluid handling system for applying a plurality of pulses of fluid shear stress to a fluid sample may comprise a first sample chamber; a second sample chamber; a plurality of conduits mounted between and in fluid communication with the first sample chamber and the second sample chamber; and a force delivery system mounted to the first sample chamber and configured to apply a force sufficient to push the fluid sample from the first sample chamber through each of the conduits at a substantially constant flow rate to the second sample chamber. The plurality of conduits may be arranged in series and separated by additional sample chambers or arranged such that the conduits are substantially parallel to one another. The force delivery system may be a gas delivery system or a linear drive assembly.

Abstract: An assay plate assembly comprising a plurality of microfluidic modules arranged in a rectilinear matrix of rows and columns microfluidic channels. Each microfluidic module has an inlet well leading to a serpentine microfluidic channel that is set at a cant angle. The well is laterally offset from the detection area to avoid optical interference. The geometric center of each detection area is positioned according to ANSI/SLAS standards for well-centers. A drain from each microfluidic channel is located so that it does not interfere with any detection areas. An array of optically-transmissive micro-posts are disposed within each microfluidic channel. The micro-posts extend perpendicularly from the top surface of the top plate toward the underside and are equally distributed throughout the entire detection area. The plate assembly provides reduced assay time and sample volume, and increased sensitivity and specificity in biological and chemical assays.

Abstract: A micro-droplet fluorescence detection system, comprising a microfluidic chip (1), an optical path device, and a movement control device for controlling the chip (1) and an optical path device to move, so that the chip (1) moves relative to the optical path device during a fluorescence scanning detection process of micro-droplets in the chip (1), and the micro-droplets inside the chip (1) remains stationary relative to the chip (1). The micro-droplet fluorescence detection system has advantages of avoiding cross contamination due to closed detection, high detection rate, high throughput and high sensitivity.

Abstract: A liquid ejection head is provided with an ejection orifice array having multiple ejection orifices in order to eject a liquid; multiple energy-generating elements for generating energy in order to eject the liquid; a substrate provided with the energy-generating elements; a through-port array having multiple through-ports penetrating the substrate; multiple linear liquid flow paths positioned between the through-port array and the ejection orifice array and connected to respective ejection orifices of the ejection orifice array and respective through-ports of the through-port array; and first and second electrodes arranged in each of the multiple liquid flow paths for generating an electroosmotic flow in the liquid.

Abstract: Artificial microvascular network (AMVN) devices are provided and related methods of making and methods of using such devices are provided. The present disclosure generally relates to an AMVN device comprising a substrate including a capillary network configured so as to simulate those actually encountered in the circulation of various humans and animal model systems. In certain aspects, the AMVN devices may be used, e.g., to investigate the effect of storing RBCs under aerobic and anaerobic conditions. However, the use of such AMVN devices is not so limited.

Abstract: An organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display device and a pressure touch driving method, the OLED display device includes: a silicon substrate; a pixel unit and a magneto-dependent sensor disposed on one side of the silicon substrate; and a magnetic field generator configured to provide magnetic fields running through a plane provided with the magneto-dependent sensor to the magneto-dependent sensor; the magneto-dependent sensor is configured to detect magnetic variation and convert the magnetic variation into a voltage difference for output.

Abstract: Constricted nanochannel devices suitable for use in analysis of macromolecular structure, including DNA sequencing, are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for fabricating such devices and for analyzing macromolecules using such devices.

Abstract: A microfluidic device for detecting rare cells in a fluid sample comprises the rare cell and other cells. The microfluidic device comprises an inlet for receiving the fluid sample, a labyrinth channel structure in fluid communication with the inlet, and an outlet in fluid communication with the labyrinth channel structure for collecting the rare cells separated from the other cells in the fluid sample. The labyrinth channel structure comprises at least one channel through which the fluid sample flows. The at least one channel has a plurality of segments and a plurality of corners with each corner defined between adjacent segments. The presence of the plurality of corners induces separation of the rare cells from the other cells in the fluid sample as the rare cells move to a first equilibrium position within the at least one channel when a ratio of inertial lift forces (FZ) and Dean flow (FD) of the fluid sample is from 2 to 10.

Abstract: Methods of forming two-dimensional nanopatterns are provided. The method may comprise periodically contacting a vibrating tool comprising a patterned grating edge with a substrate along a first direction in a grating-vibrational indentation patterning process. The patterned grating edge defines a plurality of rows and a plurality of interspersed troughs. The periodic contacting creates a two dimensional array of discontinuous voids in a single-stroke across the surface of the substrate. In other aspects, a microfluidic device for selective arrangement of a microspecies or nanospecies is provided, that includes a substrate comprising a surface defining a two-dimensional pattern of microvoids or nanovoids. In yet other aspects, the present disclosure provides a method for selective arrangement of a microspecies or nanospecies on a substrate.

Abstract: A method of driving an element of an active matrix electro-wetting on dielectric (AM-EWOD) device comprise applying a first alternating voltage to a reference electrode of the AM-EWOD device; and either (i) applying to the element electrode a second alternating voltage that has the same frequency as the first alternating voltage and that is out of phase with the first alternating voltage or (ii) holding the element electrode in a high impedance state. The effect of applying the second alternating voltage to the element electrode is to put the element in an actuated state in which the element is configured to actuate any liquid droplet present in the element, while the effect of holding the element electrode in the high impedance state is to put the element in a non-actuated state.

Abstract: A droplet control and detection device and an operating method thereof are provided. The droplet control and detection device includes: a light source; a first electrode; a second electrode; a droplet arranged on a light-exiting side of the light source, where the droplet is movable under the effect of an electric field formed between the first electrode and the second electrode; a photoelectric detection structure configured to detect light emitted by the light source and reflected by the droplet; and a processing circuit configured to obtain droplet information according to a detection result of the photoelectric detection structure and control an electrical signal applied on the first electrode and the second electrode according to the droplet information.

Abstract: Various aspects of the present invention relate to the control and manipulation of fluidic species, for example, in microfluidic systems. In one aspect, the invention relates to systems and methods for making droplets of fluid surrounded by a liquid, using, for example, electric fields, mechanical alterations, the addition of an intervening fluid, etc. In some cases, the droplets may each have a substantially uniform number of entities therein. For example, 95% or more of the droplets may each contain the same number of entities of a particular species. In another aspect, the invention relates to systems and methods for dividing a fluidic droplet into two droplets, for example, through charge and/or dipole interactions with an electric field. The invention also relates to systems and methods for fusing droplets according to another aspect of the invention, for example, through charge and/or dipole interactions. In some cases, the fusion of the droplets may initiate or determine a reaction.

Abstract: A method is described for chiral resolution of chiral species contained in a liquid placed in a cell formed by an inner wall and an outer wall surrounding the inner wall over at least a portion of the inner wall, where each of the outer and inner walls are a solid of revolution about a longitudinal axis and are coaxial to one another, where the method comprises rotating the outer wall in one direction of rotation with respect to the inner wall for generating a Taylor-Couette flow within the liquid; collecting at least one of the chiral species.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a device for chromatic discrimination and counting of organisms in a liquid medium with application to organisms belonging to the genus Daphnia, Ceriodaphnia, Artemia, as well Collembola; or similar organisms. The device can be applied in the field of ecotoxicology and involves technologies in the areas of analytical instrumentation, electronics, computer science and biology.

Abstract: Devices and methods for characterization of samples are provided. Samples may comprise one or more analytes. Some methods described herein include performing enrichment steps on a device. Some methods described herein include performing mobilization of analytes. Analytes may then be further processed and characterized.

Abstract: An AM-EWOD device comprises: first and second substrates (72,36); first and second array element electrodes (38A, 38B) disposed on the first substrate (72) and defining first and second array elements in the AM-EWOD device; a reference electrode (28) disposed on the first substrate (72); a sensor; and a reference electrode drive circuit (50). The reference electrode drive circuit (50) is configured to drive the reference electrode with a first voltage waveform for actuating an array element or with a second voltage waveform different from the first voltage waveform when performing a sensing operation.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for sequencing protein samples are provided. In some examples, currents generated when a monomer passes through between electrodes of a nanogap electrode pair are measured for each of several different distances, so that monomers are identified when compared to a reference physical quantity of a known monomer, which may be obtained from a current measured with a similar inter-electrode distance(s) at which each of plural kinds of monomers are identifiable and ordered with predetermined accuracy and based on a detected physical quantity obtained from a tunneling current, which may be further normalized by the use of one or more reference substances.

Abstract: A fluidic chip includes at least one nanochannel array, the nanochannel array including a surface having a nanofluidic area formed in the material of the surface; a microfluidic area on said surface; a gradient interface area having a gradual elevation of height linking the microfluidic area and the nanofluidic area; and a sample reservoir capable of receiving a fluid in fluid communication with the microfluidic area. In another embodiment, a fluidic chip includes at least one nanochannel array, the nanochannel array includes a surface having a nanofluidic area formed in the material of the surface; a microfluidic area on said surface; and a gradient interface area linking the microfluidic area and the nanofluidic area, where the gradient interface area comprises a plurality of gradient structures, and the lateral spacing distance between said gradient structures decreases towards said nanofluidic area; and a sample reservoir capable of receiving a fluid in fluid communication with the microfluidic area.

Abstract: A micro-channel reaction apparatus includes a first mixing device and a first jetting device. The first mixing device includes a first inflow channel and a second inflow channel respectively used to direct a first fluid and a second fluid into the micro-channel reaction apparatus. The first jetting device includes a first tapering portion and a first flared portion, wherein one end of the first tapering portion is connected to the first inflow channel and the second inflow channel; another end of the first tapering portion is connected to the first flared portion; and the first tapering portion has a contract ratio of inner diameter ranging from 0.1 to 0.75.

Abstract: A system comprising a protein and a channel. The channel has a domain that binds a membranal component. The channel is configured to carry a liquid sample to an isotachophoresis (ITP) apparatus. The liquid sample comprising or suspected of comprising a cell, a cell membrane or a fraction of a cell membrane. The ITP apparatus comprises a first zone and a second zone. The first zone is configured to contain a solution of high effective mobility leading electrolyte (LE) ion. The second zone is configured to contain a solution of low effective mobility trailing electrolyte (TE) ion. The first zone and the second zone are configured to be operably connected to at least one anode and at least one cathode.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are devices, systems, and methods for sorting a particle based on a characteristic of a particle.

Abstract: A microreactor includes: a substrate (2; 102; 202) made of semiconductor material; a plurality of wells (5; 105; 205) separated by walls (6; 106; 206) in the substrate (2; 102; 202); a dielectric structure (7; 107; 207a, 207b) coating at least the top of the walls (6; 106; 206); a cap (3; 103; 203), bonded to the substrate (2; 102; 202) and defining a chamber (10; 110; 210) above the wells (5; 105; 205); and a biasing structure (2, 8, 13; 102, 108, 113; 202, 208a, 208b, 213), configured for setting up a voltage (VB) between the substrate (2; 102; 202) and the chamber (10; 110; 210).

Abstract: Devices to detect a substance and methods of producing such a device are disclosed. An example device to detect a substance includes a housing defining a first chamber and a substrate coupled to the housing. The substrate includes nanostructures positioned within the first chamber. The nanostructures are to react to the substance when exposed thereto. The device includes a first heater positioned within the first chamber. The heater is to heat at least a portion of the substance to ready the device for analysis.

Abstract: Methods for introducing exogenous material into a cell are provided, which include exposing the cell to a transient decrease in pressure in the presence of the exogenous material. Also provided are devices for performing the method of the invention.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (20), comprising: a liquid container (21) for containing a liquid; a capillary-stop valve (22) that is in medium through flow connection with said liquid container (21) for stopping said liquid in said container from flowing out of said container via said capillary-stop valve (22); a first electrode (7) being arranged such that in use said first electrode is in contact with said liquid in said liquid container; a second electrode (2) that is spaced apart from said capillary-stop valve by an electrically insulating medium gap (24), and a voltage source (V) connected to said first and second electrode which is activatable for applying an electric potential difference at the first and second electrode such that the liquid in the liquid container is attracted in the direction of said second electrode so as to allow the liquid to overcome the stopping effect of the capillary-stop valve for discharging liquid from said liquid container via said capillary-stop valve.

Abstract: An electronic paper and a manufacturing method thereof are provided. The electronic paper includes a first substrate provided with a microstructure and multiple first electrodes thereon; a second substrate arranged opposite to the first substrate and provided with multiple second electrodes thereon, the microstructure is arranged on a side of the first substrate facing the second substrate; and pixel isolation walls arranged between the first and second substrates, for dividing the electronic paper into pixel units; each pixel unit includes: one first substrate; one second substrate; charged particles arranged between the first and second electrodes, the first and second electrodes control, depending on a voltage applied thereto, contact between the charged particles and the microstructure; when the charged particles are not in contact with the microstructure, light from outside is subject to total internal reflection after being radiated to the microstructure through the first substrate.

Abstract: An optical sensor and airborne pathogen proliferation assembly for remote, optical detection and monitoring of pathogens is disclosed.

Abstract: During analysis of samples of unknown concentration, situations frequently occur in which the dynamic range is insufficient, necessitating reanalysis. Accordingly, a fluorescence spectrometer which splits a single object image into multiple images having different fluorescent intensity by means of image splitting elements, and simultaneously detects the plurality of images obtained thereby in different regions within the same detection plane, is proposed.

Abstract: There is provided a microfluidic device comprising: a plurality of wells, each well having an inlet and an outlet, wherein the inlets are in fluid communication with one or more entry channels and the outlets are in fluid communication with one or more exit channels, wherein said outlet is connected to the exit channel via an outlet connecting channel and said inlet is connected to the entry channel via an inlet connecting channel wherein the dimension of the outlet connecting channel is configured such that the surface tension of a liquid comprised in the well prevents the release of the liquid through the outlet connecting channel. There is also provided a system, method and use of the device.

Abstract: Method includes providing a droplet actuator having a droplet-operations gap and a plurality of electrodes positioned along the droplet-operations gap. The method also includes positioning an input droplet in the droplet-operations gap. The input droplet has a starting concentration of a substance-of-interest. The method also includes conducting droplet operations within the droplet-operations gap using the electrodes to generate discrete dilution droplets that are formed from the input droplet. The dilution droplets and a remainder of the input droplet form a droplet set. At least two of the dilution droplets in the droplet set having different concentrations of the substance-of-interest. The method also includes combining a select number of the droplets from the droplet set to form an output droplet having a modified concentration that is substantially equal to a designated target concentration.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to cell sorting methods, and particularly cell sorting methods that improve the efficiency or productivity of sorting in a particle sorting instrument utilizing a measured parameter of sorting efficiency. In one embodiment, minimum productivity and minimum purity may be established and maintained while attempting to maximize the sorting efficiency. While in another embodiment, a minimum sorting efficiency and a minimum purity may be established and maintained while attempting to maximize the productivity of a sort.

Abstract: Provided herein are devices, systems, and methods for conducting electrophoresis. The devices, systems, and methods are suited for portability, low power consumption, integrated operation, and remote monitoring.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of performing electrophoretic analysis on an substrate comprising: providing a substrate on a surface of at least one supporting member; and performing electrophoresis on the substrate by submerging the or each supporting member in an electrophoresis tank having a base and side walls enclosing a volume containing an electrophoresis buffer and inducing an electric current between ends thereof; wherein the or each supporting member is aligned within the tank such that each surface upon which the substrate is located is nonparallel with respect to the base of the electrophoresis tank and is substantially parallel with the direction of the electric current.

Abstract: A method for analyzing a component is provided. The method includes the steps of: (iii) providing the electrophoretic or thermophoretic movement of the component into a second fluid flow; (iv) diverting a part of a first fluid flow, a part of the second fluid flow, or parts of the first fluid flow and the second fluid flow, wherein the diverted part is a third fluid flow which includes, the component; (v) contacting the third fluid flow with a fourth fluid flow, such as to form a laminar flow; (vi) providing the diffusion of the component into the fourth fluid flows.

Abstract: A method is described in which data representing a three-dimensional object to be printed is obtained. The data comprises object property data indicative of properties of the three-dimensional object. Layers within the three-dimensional object to be printed are identified. The obtained data is processed by comparing object property data associated with an identified layer to object property data associated with a reference layer selected from the identified layers. Where a difference in object property data associated with an identified layer and object property data associated with a reference layer is determined, the determined difference is stored.

Abstract: Provided is a microparticle separation system capable of continuously separating microparticles from a solution in a short period of time in which microparticles having different particle diameters are mixed, without the need to use antibodies or the like. The microparticle separation system comprises a microparticle separation chip; a thin plate for a sample liquid; a thin plate for a sheath liquid; and suctioning means and/or a suctioning device for suctioning the sheath liquid; and the microparticle separation chip comprises a single capture site for capturing to-be-captured microparticles being formed using the at least three pillars having one end provided on the substrate and the other end open upward.

Abstract: The inventive concepts disclosed herein are generally directed to a sensor array device that has a prolonged shelf life but requires only a minimal amount of sample volume in order to test two or more analytes concurrently. In order to ensure the sensor array has a sufficient shelf life, anti-diffusion regions are positioned among the reaction wells in order to slow the processes of diffusion. The use of anti-diffusion regions, as described herein, can be used to optimize the number of sensors that can be fit into a sensor array designed for reduced sample liquid volumes (e.g., less than 100 ?L) as well as extending the test strip's shelf life.

Abstract: Nanochannel arrays that enable high-throughput macromolecular analysis are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods of preparing nanochannel arrays and nanofluidic chips. Methods of analyzing macromolecules, such as entire strands of genomic DNA, are also disclosed, as well as systems for carrying out these methods.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are example embodiments of a transformative sensor apparatus that is capable of detecting and quantifying the presence of a substance of interest such as a specified bacteria within a sample via changes in impedance exhibited by a detection electrode array. In an example embodiment, sensitivity is improved by including a focusing electrode array in a rampdown channel to focus a concentration of the substance of interest into a detection region. The focusing electrodes include an opposing pair of electrodes in a rampdown orientation. The focusing electrode may also include tilted thin film finger electrodes extending from the rampdown electrodes. In another example embodiment, trapping electrodes are positioned to trap a concentration of the substance of interest onto the detection electrode array.

Abstract: A system for detecting a biomolecule comprises a nano-gap electrode device including a first electrode and a second electrode adjacent to the first electrode. The first electrode can be separated from the second electrode by a nano-gap that is dimensioned to permit the biomolecule to flow through the nano-gap. The nano-gap can have at least a first gap region and a second gap region. The second gap region can be oriented at an angle that is greater than zero degrees with respect to a plane having the first gap region. The system can further include an electrical circuit coupled to the nano-gap electrode device. The electrical circuit can receive electrical signals from the first electrode and the second electrode upon the flow of the biomolecule through the nano-gap.

Abstract: A water stream is passed between two juxtaposed similar ion exchange membranes (AEMs or CEMs), forming an ion depletion and ion enrichment zones when an electric field is applied. As cations are selectively transferred through the CEMs, for example, anions are relocated in order to achieve electro-neutrality, resulting in the concentration drop (increase) in ion depletion (enrichment) zone. Trifurcation of the output channel allows collection of concentrated, dilute and intermediate streams, with the intermediate stream serving as input to the next stage of a serialized implementation.

Abstract: In one representative embodiment, a device includes a main microchannel and at least two other microchannels. The main microchannel defines a main fluid flow path and has an opening, and first and second microchannels defining a first and second fluid flow paths, respectively. The first fluid flow path is in fluidic communication with the main fluid flow path via the opening and forms a first angle relative to the main microchannel less than 90 degrees. The second microchannel defines a second fluid flow path in fluidic communication with the main fluid flow path via the opening and in fluidic communication with the first fluid flow path. The second microchannel forms a second angle relative to the main microchannel less than 90 degrees. The first and second microchannels form a third angle relative to one another, with the third angle being between 60 and 135 degrees.

Abstract: The present invention provides technology that uses current measurements to identify nucleotides and determine a nucleotide sequence in polynucleotides. The present invention calculates a modal value of a tunnel current that arises when a nucleotide or polynucleotide for analysis passes through between electrodes, and then employs the calculated modal value. The present invention accordingly enables direct rapid implementation to identify nucleotides and to determine a nucleotide sequence in a polynucleotide without marking.

Abstract: A method of operating a heat exchanger is disclosed in which an electric field is applied to a hydrophobic surface having condensed water droplets thereon to reduce a contact angle between the individual droplet surfaces and the hydrophobic surface, and to increase droplet surface energy to a second surface energy level. The electric field is removed to increase the contact angle between the individual droplet surfaces and the hydrophobic surface, and to reduce droplet surface energy to a third surface energy level. The third surface energy level is greater than the first surface energy level and greater than a surface energy level for a free droplet. A portion of the droplet surface energy is converted to kinetic energy to detach droplets from the hydrophobic surface. The detached droplets are removed from the heat rejection side fluid flow path.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and systems for ruggedizing a nucleic acid analyzing apparatus. The ruggedized apparatus can be used reliably and effectively in uncontrolled environments, such as, for example at a crime scene to collect and analyze forensic data, as well as in semi-controlled environments, such as, for example at a point of care location.