Abstract: A liquid handling apparatus includes a substrate that includes a groove which is a channel through which a liquid can be moved on the basis of a capillary phenomenon, and a film that is bonded to the substrate to cover the opening of the groove, in which the channel has a main channel and a guide channel, the groove has a main groove that is the main channel by the film being bonded to the substrate, and a guide groove that is the guide channel by the film being bonded to the substrate, opens on a lateral surface of the main groove, and has a width narrower than the width of the main groove, and the guide groove is placed in an area on a film side of the lateral surface of the main groove and shallower than the main groove.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an immunoaffinity device for capturing one or more analytes present at high or low concentrations in simple or complex matrices. The device is designed as an integrated modular unit and connected to capillary electrophoresis or liquid chromatography for the isolation, enrichment, separation and identification of polymeric macromolecules, primarily protein biomarkers. The integrated modular unit includes an analyte-concentrator-microreaction device connected to a modified cartridge-cassette.

Abstract: An automated apparatus and method for analyzing liquid samples by forming discrete sample aliquots (boluses) in an elongated conduit which contains a hydrophobic carrier liquid. Aliquots may be analyzed by adding at least one reagent to the sample aliquot that reacts selectively with an analyte contained therein. The reaction product, which is selective for the analyte of interest and proportional to its concentration, is measured with an appropriate detector. Intrinsic sample properties of the sample may also be measured without the need for adding chemical reagents. The invention enables simple and accurate testing of samples using time honored wet-chemical analysis methods in microliter volume regimes while producing remarkably small volumes of waste.

Abstract: Embodiments of a fluid delivery system are disclosed.

Abstract: Fluid analyte sensors include a photoelectrocatalytic element that is configured to be exposed to the fluid, if present, and to respond to photoelectrocatalysis of at least one analyte in the fluid that occurs in response to impingement of optical radiation upon the photoelectrocatalytic element. A semiconductor light emitting source is also provided that is configured to impinge the optical radiation upon the photoelectrocatalytic element. Related solid state devices and sensing methods are also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a chromatographic separation device comprising a first substrate body carrying a micro-fabricated separation channel recessed on one of its surfaces and covered by a second substrate body, both perforated with connection-holes for the supply and withdrawal of a sample and carrier liquid. The present device is characterized in that said micro-fabricated separation channel is preceded or succeeded by a flow distribution region that is filled with an array of micro-fabricated pillars, having a shape, size and positioning pattern selected such that said flow distribution region has a ratio of transversal to axial permeability of at least 2.

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: An object of the invention is to provide various flow cells and a method for manufacturing the same, in which formation of a groove on a substrate and formation of components such as an electrode, auxiliary parts such as a pump are not necessary. The inventive flow cells are capable of realize complicated chemical analysis or synthesis or the like. A channel of a porous member provided on a sample-incompatible substrate is formed; the porous member is composed of an air non-contact region having a network structure and an air contact region covering the air non-contact region and having a lower pore density than the air non-contact region; in which a capillary force to be generated within the porous member is a drive force for pumping a liquid.

Abstract: A method of processing a component having a capillary passage, particularly a sample testing device for tests involving capillary flow, comprises passing a treatment fluid through the passage to leave a surface coating on the internal surface of the passage.

Abstract: The various embodiments described herein relate to fabricating and using open microfluidic networks according to methods, systems, and devices that can be used in applications ranging from home-testing, diagnosis, and research laboratories. Open microfluidic networks allow the input, handling, and extraction of fluids or components of the fluid into or out of the open microfluidic network. Fluids can be inserted into an open microfluidic channel by using open sections of the open microfluidic network. Passive valves can be created in the microfluidic network, allowing the creation of logic circuits and conditional flow and volume valves. The fluid can be presented via the microfluidic network to diagnostic and analysis components. Fluids and components of the fluid can be extracted from the open microfluidic network via functional open sections that are easily interfaced with other microfluidic networks or common laboratory tools.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method for determining the osmolarity of a fluid. The apparatus includes at least one micro-fluidic circuit and at least one electrical circuit disposed in communication with the micro-fluidic circuit for determining a property of a fluid contained within the at least one micro-fluidic circuit.

Abstract: A droplet dispensing apparatus has a piston rod driven by a solenoid, the rod for connection to a piston of a droplet dispensing syringe, in which the output member from the solenoid is directly connected to the rod through the entire impulse produced by the solenoid.

Abstract: A sample receiving chip comprising a substrate that receives an aliquot volume of a sample fluid and a sample region of the substrate, sized such that the volume of the sample fluid is sufficient to operatively cover a portion of the sample region. The energy imparted into the sample fluid is transduced by the sample region to produce an output signal that indicates energy properties of the sample fluid. The sample receiving chip also includes a channel formed in the substrate, the channel configured to collect the aliquot volume of a sample fluid and transfer the aliquot volume of sample fluid to the sample region.

Abstract: Microfluidic devices, assemblies, and systems are provided, as are methods of manipulating micro-sized samples of fluids. Microfluidic devices having a plurality of specialized processing features are also provided.

Abstract: A fluid flow control device controls flow of fluid in a capillary pathway device having a first capillary passage with an inlet and an outlet and a fluid application region for receiving a liquid sample for entry to the capillary passage via the inlet, with the fluid flow control device comprising first sealing means operable for releasably sealing the outlet of the first capillary passage.

Abstract: Multilevel microfluidic devices include a control line that can simultaneously actuate valves for both sample and reagent lines. Microfluidic devices are configured to contain a first reagent in a first chamber and a second reagent in a second chamber, where either or both of the first and second reagents are contained at a desired or selected pressure. Operation of a microfluidic device includes transmitting second reagent from the second chamber to the first chamber, for mixing or contact with the first reagent. Microfluidic device features such as channels, valves, chambers, can be at least partially contained, embedded, or formed by or within one or more layers or levels of an elastomeric block.

Abstract: A fluid analysis chip includes a channel formed within the chip. The chip includes a sample inlet and a sample outlet communicating with an outside of the chip, where the sample inlet and the sample outlet communicate with each other through the closed channel. An expanding part of the channel is formed in a longitudinal direction of the channel in such a manner that a pair of inner walls of the channel define an inner surface of the expanding part, and the expanding part has a larger sectional area than the channel.

Abstract: A microfluidic platform and method are provided. The microfluidic platform includes a base having an outer surface and a plurality of wells formed in the outer surface thereof for receiving fluid therein. The plurality of wells are in fluid communication with each other. A lid includes a plurality of channels having corresponding inputs and outputs. The lid is moveable between a first position wherein the lid is disengaged from the base and a second position wherein the inputs of each channel communicate with corresponding wells in the base. The fluid in each well is drawn into corresponding channels through the inputs thereof by capillary action.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include processing steps and subsystems, within automated-biopolymer-synthesis systems and within other automated systems for organic-chemistry-based processing, for removing reagent solutions and solvents from reaction chambers following various synthetic reaction steps and washing steps undertaken during biopolymer synthesis. Embodiments of the present invention employ any of various different types of liquid-absorbing materials to wick, or remove by capillary action, liquids from reaction chambers. Wicking-based methods and subcomponents of the present invention remove significantly greater fractions of solutions from reaction chambers than conventional methods and subsystems and, in addition, are mechanically simpler and produce fewer deleterious side effects than currently used methods and subsystems.

Abstract: The invention relates to a test element for detecting at least one analyte in a sample, in particular for detecting at least one metabolite in a bodily fluid. The test element comprises at least one test field with a test field surface. The test field comprises at least one detection reagent that is adapted to undergo a detectable reaction in the presence of the analyte. The test element further comprises at least one distribution element that has at least one distribution surface facing the test field surface. Between the distribution surface and the test field surface is at least one capillary gap, wherein the capillary gap is adapted to allow a layer of the sample with a layer thickness of no more than 50 ?m to form within the capillary gap.

Abstract: Provided is a microfluidic device. The microfluidic device includes a sample chamber in which a sample is accommodated. The sample chamber includes: an introduction portion including a loading hole through which the sample is loaded; an accommodation portion including a discharge hole; and a neck portion forming a boundary between the introduction portion and the accommodation portion. The neck portion provides a capillary pressure for controlling flow of the sample between the introduction portion and the accommodation portion.

Abstract: A fluid cartridge, comprising a channel layer within which at least one circumferentially sealed fluid channel is formed, the channel layer comprising a substrate and an elastic layer fixedly arranged on the substrate, wherein the substrate has a rigidity being greater than that of the elastic layer, and wherein the at least one fluid channel is defined on at least one side thereof by the elastic layer.

Abstract: A portable handheld medical diagnostic device includes a housing forming a protective enclosure. A main circuit board is located in the protective enclosure. The main circuit board includes a controller facilitating a physiologic measurement. A display device is connected to the main circuit board that displays information related to the physiologic measurement. An electronic skin is on the housing. The electronic skin comprises a liquid crystal material and is configured to display a color.

Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, and methods utilizing capillary action and to control the movement or placement of liquids or other materials in micro-devices and nano-devices. In some embodiments, the present invention may be used to control polymer addition to micro-cantilevers and nano-cantilevers for biological sensing, chemical sensing, and other sensing. In other embodiments, the present invention may be used to deliver adhesives, dielectrics, chemo resistor materials, and other materials to micro-devices and nano-devices.

Abstract: A capillary dispenser includes at least one plunger-cylinder unit having a cylinder module and a plunger module disposed together on an axis. The cylinder module has an inner cylinder that is pneumatically connected to at least one capillary. The plunger module includes a hollow plunger that is closable on one side and is movable in the inner cylinder along the axis between an upper end position and a lower end position of the plunger module.

Abstract: A microfluidic device for separating emulsion solution into separate particles by passing the emulsion solution through a passive filter. The separated particles can then be sorted into separate chambers through active filtering.

Abstract: A device for sampling, transporting and/or disposal of fluid media in the nI and ?l-range comprises a substrate with an open or closed capillary-like groove or channel respectively, the substrate with the open or closed groove or capillary respectively is bent or arcuated at least at one location. The substrate comprises at least one end into which the open or closed capillary-like groove or channel respectively is extended, which end is shaped according to its application or use as e.g. needle-like, straight-lined cut, tip-like, at least most half circle-shape, rounded, etc.

Abstract: A device for controlling a flow of fluids through n=2m microfluidic channels, m being a natural number>0 includes a substrate having the microfluidic channels therein. Each channel includes m contact points. A respective heating element corresponds to each contact point. Each of a plurality of m pairs of conductor paths corresponds to a respective contact point of each of the microfluidic channels. Each pair includes a first conductor path that is in contact with a respective first half of the heating elements that correspond to the respective contact points of each microfluidic channel and a second conductor path that is in contact with a respective second half of the heating elements that correspond to the respective contact points of each microfluidic channel. A respective control line corresponds to each of the m pairs of conductor paths, where each control line is operable to actuate the corresponding pair of conductor paths with a switching status TRUE or a switching status FALSE.

Abstract: Multilevel microfluidic devices include a control line that can simultaneously actuate valves for both sample and reagent lines. Microfluidic devices are configured to contain a first reagent in a first chamber and a second reagent in a second chamber, where either or both of the first and second reagents are contained at a desired or selected pressure. Operation of a microfluidic device includes transmitting second reagent from the second chamber to the first chamber, for mixing or contact with the first reagent. Microfluidic device features such as channels, valves, chambers, can be at least partially contained, embedded, or formed by or within one or more layers or levels of an elastomeric block.

Abstract: A cassette for preparing a sample is disclosed herein. The cassette includes a housing, which encloses the structures and the processes used to prepare the sample.

Abstract: Disclosed is a lateral flow capillary device and uses thereof comprising a unipath capillary flow matrix and a plurality of reservoirs each in fluid communication with the capillary flow matrix. The device includes one or more pressure delivery systems configured to urge capillary flow matrix toward a portion of the housing in which it resides, such that a substantially uniform pressure is applied over a portion of the capillary flow matrix.

Abstract: Microfluidic cartridges for agglutination reactions are provided. The cartridges include a microfluidic reaction channel with at least two intake channels, one for an antigen-containing fluid and the other for an antibody-containing fluid, conjoined to a reaction channel modified by incorporation of a downstream flow control channel. At low Reynolds Number, the two input streams layer one on top of the other in the reaction channel and form a flowing, unmixed horizontally-stratified laminar fluid diffusion (HLFD) interface for an extended duration of reaction. Surprisingly, the design, surface properties, and flow regime of microfluidic circuits of the present invention potentiate detection of antibody mediated agglutination at the stratified interface. Antigen:antibody reactions involving agglutination potentiated by these devices are useful in blood typing, in crossmatching for blood transfusion, and in immunodiagnostic agglutination assays, for example.

Abstract: A microfluidic flow cell for removably interfacing with a removable-member for performing a reaction therebetween. The microfluidic flow cell device comprises at least one reaction portion defining with the removable-member a reaction chamber when in an interfaced position thereof. The microfluidic flow cell comprises at least one fluid-receiving portion for receiving a fluid therein and being in fluid communication with the reaction chamber. When the microfluidic flow cell and the removable-member are in the interfaced position, the cell is adapted to allow for the fluid in the fluid-receiving portion to flow to the reaction chamber. Devices, systems and methods comprising this microfluidic flow cell are also disclosed.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention provides a method for making a hydrophilic-silk composition. The method includes providing at least one strand of silk fiber, treating the silk fiber with an alkaline solution to provide at least one strand of degummed silk fiber, and treating the degummed silk fiber with a treatment solution to provide a hydrophilic-silk composition. The degummed silk fiber or the hydrophilic-silk composition is further immobilized with at least one reagent to make a silk-based diagnostic composition. The invention provides a silk-based diagnostic composition made by the method of the invention, and a diagnostic device that comprises the silk-based diagnostic composition. In another aspect, the invention provides a method of making a diagnostic device.

Abstract: A microfluidic device is described that has a slug mixing arrangement. A reaction well has an input flow channel with a first valve near the reaction well, and a second valve further from the reaction well. A fluid source is connected to the segment in between the two valves. A second fluid source is connected behind the second valve. The channel between the two valves receives the first fluid by blind filling when the two valves are closed. The reaction well receives the first fluid followed by the second fluid when the first and second valves are open.

Abstract: A centrifugal force-based microfluidic device for nucleic acid extraction and a microfluidic system are provided. The microfluidic device includes a body of revolution; a microfluidic structure disposed in the body of revolution, the microfluidic structure including a plurality of chambers, channels connecting the chambers, and valves disposed in the channels to control fluid flow, the microfluidic structure transmitting the fluid using centrifugal force due to rotation of the body of revolution; and magnetic beads contained in one of the chambers which collect a target material from a biomaterial sample flowing into the chamber, wherein the microfluidic structure washes the magnetic beads which collect the target material, and separates nucleic acid by electromagnetic wave irradiation from an external energy source to the magnetic beads.

Abstract: A liquid-transport device has a liquid-tight support (12) on which there is applied a start zone (24; 24?) for applying transport liquid to be transported and a target zone (26, 28; 26a-e) into which the transport liquid is to be transported and also a conduction zone that extends between the start zone (24, 24?) and the target zone (26, 28; 26a-e) and that has a microporous transport layer (14) in which the transport liquid flows by capillary force from the start zone (24; 24?) to the target zone (26, 28; 26a-e). The conduction zone has a multiplicity of open flow channels separated from one another by microporous bridges having open-pored side walls.

Abstract: A test module for excitation of electrochemiluminescent probes configured to detect target nucleic acid sequences, the test module having an outer casing having a receptacle for receiving a fluid containing the target nucleic acid sequences, electrochemiluminescent (ECL) probes having an ECL luminophore for emitting photons when in an excited state and a functional moiety for quenching photon emission from the ECL luminophore by resonant energy transfer, electrodes for receiving an electrical pulse to excite the ECL luminophores, a detection photosensor for exposure to the photons emitted by the ECL luminophores, control circuitry providing the electrical pulse to the electrodes, and, a universal serial bus (USB) connection such that the outer casing is configured as a USB drive for transmitting data regarding detection of the targets in the fluid to an external device, wherein during use, the ECL probes that have detected one of the target nucleic acid sequences reconfigure such that the functional moiety do

Abstract: A microfluidic thermal bend actuated pressure pulse valve having an inlet for receiving a flow of liquid, an outlet for outputting the flow of liquid, a meniscus anchor between the inlet and the outlet such that the flow from the inlet towards the outlet stops at the meniscus anchor where the liquid forms a meniscus, a movable member for contacting the liquid, and, a thermal expansion actuator for displacing the movable member to generate a pulse in the liquid to dislodge the meniscus such that the liquid flow towards the outlet resumes.

Abstract: A microchannel 4 for transporting a specimen S using capillary phenomenon includes an analysis chamber 6 having a cross-sectional area larger than those of portions located in front of and behind the analysis chamber 6 in the direction of flow, an inflow opening 5 through which the specimen S flows into the analysis chamber 6, and a discharge portion 7 through which the specimen S is discharged from the analysis chamber 6. The discharge portion 7 includes a pair of discharge openings 71a and 71b located opposite to each other with respect to the inflow opening 5. With this structure, impairment of transport of the specimen S due to the presence of a residual air bubble is avoided.

Abstract: A microfluidic test module for detecting target nucleic acid sequences in a fluid, the test module having an outer casing configured for hand-held portability, the outer casing having an inlet for receiving the fluid containing the target nucleic acid sequences, a hybridization chamber mounted in the casing, the hybridization chamber containing electrochemiluminescent (ECL) probes for detecting the target nucleic acid sequences, each of the ECL probes having an ECL luminophore for emitting photons when in an excited state and a functional moiety for quenching photon emission from the ECL luminophore by resonant energy transfer, and electrodes for receiving an electrical pulse to excite the ECL luminophores, wherein, the hybridization chamber has a volume less than 900,000 cubic microns.

Abstract: A microfluidic test module for detecting target nucleic acid sequences in a fluid, the test module having an outer casing having an inlet for receiving the fluid containing the target nucleic acid sequences, electrode pairs for receiving an electrical pulse, electrochemiluminescent (ECL) probe spots in contact with each of the electrode pairs respectively, the ECL probe spots containing ECL probes having an ECL luminophore for emitting photons when in an excited state and a functional moiety for quenching photon emission from the ECL luminophore by resonant energy transfer, such that the electrical pulse to the electrode pair excites the ECL luminophores, wherein, the mass of the ECL probes in each of the probe spots is less than 270 picograms.

Abstract: A portable test module for excitation of electrochemiluminescent probes configured to detect target nucleic acid sequences, the test module having an outer casing configured for hand-held portability, the outer casing having a receptacle for receiving a fluid containing the target nucleic acid sequences, electrochemiluminescent (ECL) probes having an ECL luminophore for emitting photons when in an excited state and a functional moiety for quenching photon emission from the ECL luminophore by resonant energy transfer, and, electrodes for receiving an electrical pulse to excite the ECL luminophores, wherein during use, the ECL probes that have detected one of the target nucleic acid sequences reconfigure such that the functional moiety does not quench the photon emission from the ECL luminophore when excited by the electrodes.

Abstract: A microfluidic device and method is provided for coupling discrete channels and for co-culture. The microfluidic device includes first and second bodies. Each body has a bottom surface and defines a channel. The channel in each body includes an inlet and an outlet communicating with the bottom surface. A first fluid, such as a first cell suspension, is provided within the channel of the first body and a second fluid, such a second cell suspension, is provided within the channel of the second body. The first and second bodies are movable between a first position wherein the outlet of the channel of the first body is spaced from the inlet of the channel of the second body and a second position wherein the fluid at the outlet of the channel of the first body communicates with the fluid at the inlet of the channel of the second body.

Abstract: A test module for detecting target nucleic acid sequences in a fluid, the test module having an outer casing having a receptacle for receiving the fluid containing the target nucleic acid sequences, electrochemiluminescent (ECL) probes having an ECL luminophore for emitting photons when in an excited state and a functional moiety for quenching photon emission from the ECL luminophore by resonant energy transfer, electrodes for receiving an electrical pulse to excite the ECL luminophores, and, a detection photosensor for exposure to the photons emitted by the ECL luminophores.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, there are surfaces exhibiting anisotropic wetting, microfluidic devices and microreactors including the surfaces and methods of controlling anisotropic wetting behavior of the surfaces. The exemplary surface can include a substrate and a plurality of rectangular shaped structures arranged to form a macroscopic pattern over the substrate, wherein the plurality of rectangular shaped structures delineate a top surface of the rectangular structures from a surface of the substrate, the rectangular shaped structures including substantially vertical walls having a height of about 100 nm to about 10 ?m and wherein the shape of the macroscopic pattern, the height of the substantially vertical walls, and a surface chemistry of the top surface controls anisotropic wetting at the top surface of the rectangular structures.

Abstract: A rotatable microfluidic device that comprises a hydrophilic microchannel structure in which there is a) an upstream microcavity I with a liquid outlet I, b) a microconduit I connected to liquid outlet I, and c) a capillary valve I associated with microconduit I. The inlet end of the microconduit is closer to the spin axis than the outlet end of the microconduit. The difference in radial distance between the inlet end and the outlet end of microconduit I is typically ?5%, such as ?10% or ?100% or ?500%, of the difference in radial distance between the uppermost part of the upstream microcavity and liquid outlet I.

Abstract: The invention provides, inter alia, methods, devices and reagents for the preparation of native and non-denatured biomolecules using solid-phase extraction channels. The invention is particularly suited for the purification, concentration and/or analysis of protein analytes. The invention further provides, inter alia, methods, devices and reagents for the purification, concentration and/or analysis of multi-protein complexes.

Abstract: A test module for concentrating pathogens in a biological sample, the test module having an outer casing with a receptacle for receiving the sample, a dialysis device in fluid communication with the receptacle and configured to separate the pathogens from other constituents in the sample, and, a lab-on-a-chip (LOC) device being in fluid communication with the dialysis device and configured to analyze the pathogens.

Abstract: A microfluidic system including: a substrate, one surface of which is covered with electrodes configured to move, under effect of an electric field, microdrops of a liquid phase including at least one functionalized ionic liquid; and capillaries for introducing a liquid extraction fluid onto the surface and for extracting the liquid extraction fluid from an orifice by forced convection, to obtain an extraction bath located on the surface for extraction of at least one chemical or biological compound from the liquid phase, and the bath is open to a surrounding space on at least two of its opposite sides, for moving, in contact with the surface, the microdrop upstream and downstream of the bath.