Abstract: The present invention provides a device that decreases deformation during manufacturing of the device, provides a firm joint without use of an adhesive, and allows chemical modification of a channel during manufacturing of the device. The device includes two joined substrates, and a concavity is formed on at least one of the opposing surfaces of the two substrates so as to make a channel, where the two substrates are joined together by a covalent bond via a crosslinking agent (A), and the crosslinking agent (A) is exposed on an inner wall surface of the channel.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for dispensing liquid, comprising the steps of: (a) positioning a droplet to be dispensed in a gap of an electrowetting device using an electrowetting array; and (b) dispensing the droplet through a hole in a housing or substrate of the electrowetting device. The invention further provides a method for withdrawing liquid comprising the steps of: (a) positioning a droplet to be withdrawn from a gap of an electrowetting device using an electrowetting array; and (b) withdrawing the droplet through a hole in a housing or substrate of the electrowetting device.

Abstract: An analysis chip that enables an apparatus to be small, analysis to be simple, analysis time to be short and analysis of both glycosylated hemoglobin and glucose to be highly accurate is provided. The electrophoresis chip includes an upper substrate 4, a lower substrate 1, a first introduction reservoir 2a, a first recovery reservoir 2b and a capillary channel for sample analysis 3x; the first introduction reservoir 2a and the first recovery reservoir 2b are formed in the lower substrate 1; and the first introduction reservoir 2a and the first recovery reservoir 2b are in communication with each other via the capillary channel for sample analysis 3x.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a composition and method for sample preparation of proteins for their size separation by electrophoresis, suitable for molecular-weight determination of proteins in the range between about 14,000 and 500,000. In an embodiment, proteins, particularly those exhibiting biased migration, are modified to change their intrinsic charge, or carbohydrate component to improve accuracy of their molecular weights as determined by electrophoretic size separation via their interaction with ionic surfactants. In a preferred embodiment, the proteins are carbamylated with potassium cyanate and their carbohydrate components are oxidized with sodium periodate.

Abstract: An analysis chip that enables an apparatus to be small, analysis to be simple, analysis time to be short and analysis of both glycosylated hemoglobin and glucose to be highly accurate is provided. The electrophoresis chip includes an upper substrate 4, a lower substrate 1, a first introduction reservoir 2a, a first recovery reservoir 2b and a capillary channel for sample analysis 3x; the first introduction reservoir 2a and the first recovery reservoir 2b are formed in the lower substrate 1; and the first introduction reservoir 2a and the first recovery reservoir 2b are in communication with each other via the capillary channel for sample analysis 3x.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of determining the risk of developing acute renal failure (ARF) in an individual, or of determining an ARF, and a method of predicting the progression of an ARF, by detecting and/or quantifying the protein Ganglioside GM2 Activator Protein (GM2AP). The failure can be due to the administration of at least one nephrotoxic agent, wherein the nephrotoxic agent can be an aminoglycoside antibiotic as for example gentamicin.

Abstract: An electrophoresis apparatus is generally disclosed for sequentially analyzing a single sample or multiple samples having one or more analytes in high or low concentrations. The apparatus comprises a relatively large-bore transport capillary which intersects with a plurality of small-bore separation capillaries and includes a valve system. Analyte concentrators, having antibody-specific (or related affinity) chemistries, are stationed at the respective intersections of the transport capillary and separation capillaries to bind one or more analytes of interest. The apparatus allows the performance of two or more dimensions for the optimal separation of analytes. The apparatus may also include a plurality of valves surrounding each of the analyte concentrators to localize each of the concentrators to improve the binding of one or more analytes of interest.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for diagnosing acute renal failure, comprising the step of determining a presence or absence or amplitude of at least three polypeptide markers in a sample, wherein the polypeptide marker is among the markers characterized in table 1 by values for the molecular weights and the migration time.

Abstract: A liquid dielectrophoretic device comprises: a first container unit defining a first micro containing space including an electrode pair for generating a dielectrophoretic force; a second container unit defining a second micro containing space and including an electrode pair for generating a dielectrophoretic force; and a fluid channel unit defining a micro-channel between the first and second micro containing spaces and including an electrode pair having a middle region layer that has first and second enlarged sections and a middle section disposed between the first and second enlarged sections. The first and second enlarged sections are enlarged gradually from the middle section to the first and second micro containing spaces. A method for controllably transporting a liquid using the liquid dielectrophoretic device is also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for size separation of proteins by capillary sieving electrophoresis with cationic surfactant, suitable for size separation of proteins with molecular weights in the range between about 14,000 and about 500,000, further a composition of a separation medium and denaturing solution for said method of separation method. In a preferred embodiment, the separation medium comprises a buffer having pH between about 3 and 5.5, a neutral hydrophilic sieving polymer, and between about 0.5 and about 30 g/L cationic surfactant.

Abstract: The invention relates to a microfabricated device and methods of using the device for analyzing and sorting polynucleotide molecules by size.

Abstract: A calibration method that enables calibration easily in a short time in a measurement of hemoglobin A1c by use of a separation analysis is provided. In a measurement of a hemoglobin A1c amount by use of a separation analysis, a one-point calibration using a single calibration standard is performed to obtain calibration data to be used for correcting a measured value.

Abstract: A nanoparticle translocation device includes a first reservoir having a first reservoir electrode, a second reservoir having a second reservoir electrode, and at least one nanopore providing fluid communication between the first and second reservoirs. The device also includes one or more inner electrode portions on an inner wall of the nanopore and one or more outer electrode portions disposed on an outer wall of the nanopore. The device further includes at least one DC voltage supply for selectively applying a DC voltage to each of the first reservoir electrode, the second reservoir electrode, and the outer electrode layer, where the inner electrode portions, the outer electrode portions, and the nanopore are in a substantially coaxial arrangement.

Abstract: A method for dispensing liquid for use in biological analysis may comprise positioning liquid to be dispensed via electrowetting. The positioning may comprise aligning the liquid with a plurality of predetermined locations. The method may further comprise dispensing the aligned liquid from the plurality of predetermined locations through a plurality of openings respectively aligned with the predetermined locations. The dispensing may be via electrowetting.

Abstract: We report unique findings on the voltage dependence of protein exclusion from the pores of nanoporous polymer exclusion membranes. The pores are small enough that proteins are excluded from passage with low applied electric fields, but increasing the field enables proteins to pass through. The requisite field necessary for a change in exclusion is protein-specific with a correlation to protein size. The field-dependence of exclusion is important to consider for preconcentration applications. The ability to selectively gate proteins at exclusion membranes is also a promising means for manipulating and characterizing proteins. We show that field-gated exclusion can be used to selectively remove proteins from a mixture, or to selectively trap protein at one exclusion membrane in a series.

Abstract: The object of this patent advances the State of the Art by the following innovations: 1st—It creates a new electrophoretic process to be carried out in fused silica capillary that was previously covered internally with neutral hydrophilic substances that reduces the seven mandatory steps of the electrophoretic process according to the State of the Art into one single electrophoretic migration in the new process, with high power of separating the “protein oligonucleotide” compound, which allows the achievement of results in which the sample protein, as well as other substances, get physically well separated from similar complexes, therefore attaining a narrow compound zone in the internally covered capillary tube, constituted of the sample protein bound to, at least, one oligonucleotide by means of the stronger and specific bound, eliminating the fraction collection window which is a typical phenomenon described in the State of the Art.

Abstract: Methods and devices for liquid-liquid extraction using digital microfluidic arrays are provided. A polar droplet is transported to a separation region containing a substantially non-polar solvent, where non-polar impurities may be extracted from the polar droplet while maintaining a distinct phase separation. In a preferred embodiment, biological samples containing hormones are dried on a digital microfluidic array, lysed by a lysing solvent, dried, subsequently dissolved in a polar solvent, and further purified in a separation step in which droplets are transported through a volume of non-polar solvent. The method disclosed herein provides the distinct advantage of an automated sample preparation method that is capable of extracting hormones from low sample volumes with high precision and recovery.

Abstract: Nucleic acid sequencing methods and related products and methods for detection and presentation of the same are disclosed. Methods for sequencing a target nucleic acid comprise providing a daughter strand produced by a template-directed synthesis, the daughter strand comprising a plurality of subunits coupled in a sequence corresponding to a contiguous nucleotide sequence of all or a portion of the target nucleic acid.

Abstract: Electroosmotic (EO) devices are provided which are not subject to mechanical wear and tear and with no moving parts, and having improved flow rates and electrical properties. Atomic layer deposition can be used to prepare three electrical terminal active zeta potential modulated EO devices from porous membranes. First, second, and further thin layers of materials can be formed with the pores. Thus, embedded electrodes can be formed along the length of the pores. The zeta potential in the pores can be modified by use of a voltage potential applied the embedded electrode, thereby achieving active control of surface zeta potential within the pores and active control of flow through the pores.

Abstract: In a particle focusing apparatus and a method for focusing particles, the particle focusing apparatus includes a channel, a fixing member, a fluid feeding portion and a power supply. The channel has first and second ends and extends substantially in a line. The fixing member includes a first fixing portion connected to and fixing the first end, and a second fixing portion connected to and fixing the second end. The fluid feeding portion feeds fluid having particles into the channel. The power supply has first and second terminals. The first terminal passes through the first fixing portion and is electrically connected to an anode of the power supply. The second terminal passes through the second fixing portion and is electrically connected to a cathode of the power supply. Thus, particles fed into the channel may be more easily and efficiently focused to a central region inside the channel.

Abstract: Devices are provided for separating and focusing charged analytes, comprising a separation chamber and two or more electrodes, for example, an electrode array. A membrane separates the separation chamber and the electrodes. The separation chamber of the device is configured, that is, the separation chamber has a shaped geometry, which serves to induce a gradient in an electric field generated by the electrodes in the electrode chamber. Optionally, molecular sieve is included in the separation chamber that is operative to shift the location at which a stationary focused band of a charged analyte forms under a given set of focusing process parameters. Methods are provided for separating and focusing charged analytes comprising introducing a first fluid comprising at least one charged analyte into the separation chamber of a device as just described, applying an electric field gradient to the charged analyte to focus the charged analyte in the electric field gradient.

Abstract: A method of controlling nematode response in a microfluidic environment is provided comprising exposing the nematode to an electric field that induces a nematode response. In one embodiment, a method of sorting a group of nematodes based on a selected parameter is provided comprising the step of exposing the nematodes to an electric field that induces a differential response among the nematodes based on the selected parameter, wherein the differential response functions to separate the nematodes based on the selected parameter. Devices useful to achieve these methods are also provided.

Abstract: The present teachings provide emulsions using ionic liquids for separation of biomolecules and related methods, compositions, and devices.

Abstract: A subject of the present invention is to provide a measurement method using an internal standard substance in an electrophoresis where an analyte is a protein or a compound. The present invention relates to a measurement method for an analyte by an electrophoresis, characterized in that a peak of the analyte is identified by using as an internal standard substance (1) a combination of a compound I having 3 or more anion groups in a molecule and a compound II where 1 to 3 groups of the anion groups of said compound I have been substituted by cation groups, or (2) a combination of a compound III having 3 or more cation groups in a molecule and a compound IV where 1 to 3 groups of the cation groups of said compound III have been substituted by cation groups.

Abstract: A method for determining the hydrodynamic radius for the constituents of an admixture, includes: (A) by separating capillary electrophoresis, the constituents of the admixture, leaving them within the capillary; (B) at one of the ends of the capillary obtained in this manner, containing, in different zones, the separated constituents, a detectable marker is injected in the region of a detection device which is placed at the side of the other end of the capillary; (C) a pressure difference is induced between the ends of the capillary in order to cause the various constituents separated in step (A) and finally the marker to migrate towards the outlet of the capillary; and (D) by analyzing the Taylor dispersion produced in step (C), the hydrodynamic radius is determined for each of the constituents, based on the detection time of the marker and the elution profile of each of the constituents.

Abstract: A method for the diagnosis of tubular kidney diseases comprising the step of determining the presence or absence or amplitude of at least three polypeptide markers in a urine sample, the polypeptide marker being selected from the markers characterized in Table 1 by values for the molecular masses and migration times.

Abstract: A reusable bio-analysis cartridge that includes a built-in mechanism to track various parameters and usage data. The tracking mechanism includes a non-volatile rewritable memory “smart-key” that is associated with the cartridge to provide automatic tracking dedicated to the cartridge. The key may be physically coupled to the cartridge with good high voltage insulating properties. When the cartridge is used in an instrument, the associated key is inserted into an I/O interface to communicate with the instrument. The instrument may be configured to “authenticate” the cartridge and conduct an integrity check to determine if the particular cartridge has the correct properties (e.g., gel-chemistry, serial no., Patient I.D.) for the particular sample analysis to be conducted. Further, the instrument may communicate/record information concerning usage of the cartridge (e.g., usage history, test parameters, and perhaps test results).

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide devices and methods for extracting nucleic acid molecules from solution using electric fields. The structures and methods of embodiments of the invention are suited to incorporation into micro and nano fluidic devices, such as lab-on-a-chip devices and micro total analysis systems.

Abstract: The present invention relates to diuretic pharmaceutical compositions and methods and in particular to certain derivatives of the formula I: or a prodrug or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for detecting a 5T4-positive cancer in a subject, which comprises the following steps: (i) identifying and/or isolating exosomes in a sample from the subject; and (ii) detecting exosome-associated 5T4.

Abstract: The invention includes nanochannel devices and methods for using such nanochannel devices for separating molecules, ions and biomolecules. The nanochannel devices have at least one nanochannel through which fluid can move, wherein ionic double layers form in the fluid near walls of the nanochannel and those ionic double layers overlap within the nanochannel. Electrical voltage can be applied to the nanochannel to modify an electrostatic potential in the nanochannel and thereby control movement of ions and biomolecules through the nanochannel. The invention also includes arrays and networks of such nanochannel devices.

Abstract: The analysis apparatus for microchips, each at least having a main flow path performing migration of a sample for analysis inside a sheet-like member, comprises a holding part holding microchips so that the multiple main flow paths are provided; a pretreatment part common to the multiple main flow paths for performing a pretreatment step prior to an analysis step in each of the multiple main flow paths; a processing part for performing analysis in each of the main flow paths independently of the others; and a control part controlling an operation in the pretreatment part so that when a pretreatment step for one main flow path ends, a pretreatment for a next main flow path starts and further controlling an operation in the processing part so that an analysis is subsequently performed for the main flow path where the pretreatment step has ended.

Abstract: A method of modifying the concentration of reactants and carrying out a chemical reaction on a microfluidic device in which first and second reactants are delivered into a reaction channel combined, the second reactant different from the first reactant and capable of reacting with the first reactant. The first reactant is subjected to a stacking process, thereby producing a first stacked reactant. The second reactant is subjected to the stacking process, thereby producing a second stacked reactant. The first stacked reactant is exposed to the second stacked reactant so that the first stacked reactant and the second stacked reactant undergo a chemical reaction.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to double emulsion droplet compositions, polymer particles that can be formed from such double emulsion droplet compositions, and to methods and apparatuses for making such compositions and particles. A double emulsion generally describes larger droplets that contain smaller droplets therein. These double emulsion droplet compositions can be used to create a variety of materials including polymer particles and polymeric shells and are further useful for encapsulating a variety of species including catalyst compounds and pharmaceutical agents. The double emulsion droplet compositions disclosed herein are readily formed using planar droplet (“digital”) microfluidic devices without channels, and either air or an immiscible liquid as an ambient medium.

Abstract: Methods for determining if a subject has or is susceptible to having an age-associated vascular disorder are disclosed. The method includes determining if the subject exhibits altered expression of a product of one or more of the genes listed in Table 1 relative to a control level of expression of the gene product. Altered expression of one or more of the genes listed in Table 1 indicates that the subject has or is susceptible to having an age-associated vascular disorder. In specific examples the gene product is a product of the MFG-E8 and an increase in expression indicates the subject has or is susceptible to having an age-associated vascular disorder.

Abstract: A method of preparing a sol-gel monolithic column includes the step of forming a separation bed (14) from a sol-gel solution in a single process step. This column has improved characteristics for CEC based on its incorporated surface charge and ease of operation due to a lack of or need for end frits. Also, a second type of column includes an optical window (30) for on-column detection.

Abstract: A microfabricated device employing a bridging membrane and methods for electrokinetic transport of a liquid phase biological or chemical material using the same are described. The bridging membrane is deployed in or adjacent to a microchannel and permits either ionic current flow or the transport of gas species, while inhibiting the bulk flow of material. The use of bridging membranes in accordance with this invention is applicable to a variety of processes, including electrokinetically induced pressure flow in a region of a microchannel that is not influenced by an electric field, sample concentration enhancement and injection, as well as improving the analysis of materials where it is desired to eliminate electrophoretic bias. Other applications of the bridging membranes according to this invention include the separation of species from a sample material, valving of fluids in a microchannel network, mixing of different materials in a microchannel, and the pumping of fluids.

Abstract: System for modifying the chemical composition of atmosphere within an enclosed space and incubator system including such a system. The concentration of oxygen within the enclosed space may be either increased or decreased using an electrochemical device. The concentration of carbon dioxide within the enclosed space may be increased using an electrochemical or chemical device. As necessary, purging of the system with ambient air can be a part of the process of controlling the chemical composition of the atmosphere. The present invention obviates the need to use pressurized gas cylinders to supply atmospheric gases to the enclosed space.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for effecting the concentration of a polar analyte in an alternating electric field. In the method, a relative translation of the polar analyte and an alternating electric field along a translation path is effected. A portion of the polar analyte is then trapped and concentrated in a concentration zone formed by the intersection of the translation path and the alternating electric field. Also disclosed are various devices for carrying out the forgoing method.

Abstract: The present invention provides a nano-fluidic field effective device. The device includes a channel having a first side and a second side, a first set of electrodes adjacent to the first side, a second set of electrodes adjacent to the second side, a control unit for applying electric potentials to the electrodes and a fluid within the channel containing a charge molecule. The first set of electrodes is disposed such that application of electric potentials produces a spatially varying electric field that confines a charged molecule within a predetermined area of said channel. The second set of electrodes is disposed such that application of electric potentials relative to the electric potentials applied to the first set of electrodes creates an electric field that confines the charged molecule to an area away from the second side of the channel.

Abstract: A method for performing electrophoretic separation of ionic compounds which involves varying a bulk fluid flow though a separation path into which ionic species are continuously introduced and separated. The method can also include the introduction of a leading electrolyte into the separation path to form an ionic interface with the sample and an optional terminating electrolyte to enrich ionic species for higher detection resolution.

Abstract: Analysis tools for use in analytical separations are provided including a stationary phase comprising an electroconducting material, for example, a conducting polymer. There is further provided a method for manufacturing monolithic stationary phases in various formats including in chip-format, column or capillary column format and method of separation using stationary phases. Also provided is a method for analytical separation comprising selective manipulation of the stationary phase making it is possible to tune the device to specific applications.

Abstract: The process for the diagnosis, early detection and prognosis of the clinical development of autosomal-dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) comprises the step of determining the presence or absence or amplitude of at least three polypeptide markers in a urine sample, the polypeptide markers being selected from the markers characterized in Table 1 by values for the molecular masses and migration times.

Abstract: This invention provides a capillary electrophoresis device in which capillaries are thermally regulated on a thermally responsive electrical path attached to an electrically insulating circuit board. This invention also provides an optical scanner useful for scanning an array of capillaries. A laser, optical detector and optical selector are in an arrangement that allows the optical detector to selectively detect an optical signal from any one or more of the plurality of electrophoresis capillaries.

Abstract: The conventional micropump and the conventional micromixer have the following problems. In a mechanical or hydrodynamic method, the structure of the inside of a flow path is complex so as to easily cause clogging, and manufacturing cost is high, and dead volume is large. Additionally, in an electrical method, the conventional micropump or the conventional micromixer was incapable of operating with a liquid having the concentration of a physiological saline that is important in the medical or biological field although the structure of the flow path is simple. These problems are solved by applying an AC voltage to a pair of electrodes in which an electrode-to-electrode gap between the pair of electrodes is vertically arranged and by generating the flow of a fluid in the direction opposite to gravity along the electrode-to-electrode gap.

Abstract: A process for the diagnosis of diabetes mellitus comprising the step of determining the presence or absence or amplitude of at least three polypeptide markers in a urine sample, the polypeptide markers being selected from the markers characterized by the values for the molecular masses and migration times according to Table 1.

Abstract: The invention is directed to the elimination of changes of the chemical composition of a pumped liquid caused by introduction of strange components or by modification of original components. Another object of the invention is to provide the possibility of use of electrodes of the first order in order to increase productivity and decrease size and cost of the micropump. For this purpose, the electrokinetic micropump comprises a multichannel structure 810 made of non-conducting material, for example, a piece of a polycapillary column. The inlet and outlet end of this structure are adjacent to electrode sections 803, 804 having openings 821, 822 for inlet and outlet of the pumped liquid. These sections are divided by ion-exchange membranes 811, 812 into chambers 813, 814 for flow of the pumped liquid, communicating with the ends 841, 842 of the multichannel structure, and chambers 815, 816 filled with an auxiliary medium for transfer of electric charges. In the latter electrodes 817, 818 are located.

Abstract: A disposable microsensor is designed, fabricated and tested for standard BOD (Biochemical Oxygen Demand) measurements. A transparent Cyclic Olefin Copolymer (COC) substrate is used for sensor fabrication. Standard lithographic procedures in addition to techniques like screen printing and electroplating are used to fabricate the sensor. A microbial strain of Trichosporon Cutaneum is immobilized over one pair of sensor electrodes while the other is used as a reference. Depending on the respiratory activities of the microbial strain in different samples, the BOD values of the samples can be measured in terms of difference between the output signals. The sensor layer is attached to an injection-molded passive microfluidic channel on the top. Advantages of the BOD microsensor include, but are not limited to, fast BOD measurement, disposability because of its low cost, chemically inert polymer substrate, flow-through sample injection scheme and integration of on-chip optics.

Abstract: A microfluidic device for separating, fractionating, or preconcentrating analytes contained in an electrolyte having at least two reservoirs separated by at least one microchannel and/or nanochannel. At least part of the wall of the microchannel is made of and/or coated interiorly with a conducting and polarizable material or group of materials constituting a polarizable interface or a network of polarizable interfaces. In that at least one electrode or at least one electrode network is connected at least one point of the polarizable material or group of materials, the surface electrical conductance of said material being equal to at least 100 nS.

Abstract: The present invention provides an on-chip packed reactor bed design that allows for an effective exchange of packing materials such as beads at a miniaturized level. The present invention extends the function of microfluidic analysis systems to new applications including on-chip solid phase extraction (SPE) and on-chip capillary electrochromatography (CEC). The design can be further extended to include integrated packed bed immuno- or enzyme reactors.