Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to improved microfluidic devices and systems, and particularly to a microfluidic device which comprises a planar body structure, at least a first channel network comprising intersecting channels disposed within the body structure wherein the first channel network is contained within an area of the planar body structure that is less than about 6 cm2; and a holder assembly configured to receive the body structure, the holder assembly having at least one aperture disposed therethrough from an upper surface to a lower surface thereof, and wherein the body structure is fixedly mounted to the holder assembly.

Abstract: Electrokinetic devices having a computer for correcting for electrokinetic effects are provided. Methods of correcting for electrokinetic effects by establishing the velocity of reactants and products in a reaction in electrokinetic microfluidic devices are also provided. These microfluidic devices can have substrates with channels, depressions, and/or wells for moving, mixing and monitoring precise amounts of analyte fluids.

Abstract: Throughput rates for microfluidic serial analysis systems are optimized by maximizing the proximity and speed with which multiple different samples may be serially introduced into a microfluidic channel network. Devices are included that include optimized parameters based upon desired throughput rates for a given set of reagents, reaction times and the like.

Abstract: An analytical or preparatory microfluidic system is disclosed which generally comprises a base unit comprising a first adapter interface array; a first adapter plate selected from a set of a plurality of different adapter plates, wherein the first adapter plate comprises a base unit interface array that is complementary to the first adapter interface array, and a first substrate interface array, wherein the first adapter plate is removably coupled to the base unit such that energy passes from the base unit to the adapter plate through the first adapter and base unit interface arrays. The system further comprises a first microfluidic substrate selected from a set of a plurality of different microfluidic substrates, the first microfluidic substrate comprising a plurality of mesoscale channels disposed therein and a second adapter interface array, wherein the second adapter interface array is complementary to the first substrate interface array.

Abstract: Methods and systems for designing optimized fluidic channel networks for performing different analytical operations, which include the steps of selecting a driving force, identifying at least a first reaction parameter, and designing the channel network by determining channel lengths and cross-sectional dimensions that are optimized for the reaction requirements in view of the selected driving force. Preferred methods are used to design integrated microscale fluidic systems.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of assaying an enzyme-mediated coupling reaction between a first and a second reactant. The method includes contacting the first reactant with the second reactant in the presence of the enzyme. The second reactant includes a thiol derivative to yield a first product including a thiol derivative. The thiol derivative is then detected in the first product.

Abstract: The present invention provides microfluidic devices and systems that utilize optical detection systems, and where one or more light altering optical elements are integrated into the body structure of the microfluidic device. The resulting devices perform at least a portion of the optical manipulations used in the optical detection method employed.

Abstract: Microfluidic devices and systems that include keying, registration or indication elements that communicate a functionality of the microfluidic device to the instrumentation which is used in conjunction with these devices. Indicator elements include structural indicators, electrical indicators, optical indicators and chemical indicators. Different indicator elements are indicative of different functionalities, e.g., applications, new vs. used, and the like.

Abstract: Multiplexed microfluidic devices include a plurality of modular microfluidic elements, all of which are attached to a common frame or substrate, which itself includes one or more common input elements that are connected to corresponding input elements within several or each of the microfluidic modules for use in common control and/or common detection operations for each of the modules.

Abstract: The present invention provides microfluidic devices that comprise a body structure comprising at least a first microscale channel network disposed therein. The body structure has a plurality of ports disposed in the body structure, where each port is in fluid communication with one or more channels in the first channel network. The devices also include a cover layer comprising a plurality of apertures disposed through the cover layer. The cover layer is mated with the body structure whereby each of the apertures is aligned with a separate one of the plurality of ports.

Abstract: The present invention provides for techniques for transporting materials using electrokinetic forces through the channels of a microfluidic system. The subject materials are transported in regions of high ionic concentration, next to spacer material regions of high ionic concentration, which are separated by spacer material regions of low ionic concentration. Such arrangements allow the materials to remain localized for the transport transit time to avoid mixing of the materials. Using these techniques, an electropipettor which is compatible with the microfluidic system is created so that materials can be easily introduced into the microfluidic system. The present invention also compensates for electrophoretic bias as materials are transported through the channels of the microfluidic system by splitting a channel into portions with positive and negative surface charges and a third electrode between the two portions, or by diffusion of the electrophoresing materials after transport along a channel.

Abstract: A method of characterizing a polypeptide, comprising providing a first capillary channel having a separation buffer disposed within, wherein the separation buffer comprises a non-crosslinked polymer solution, a buffering agent, a detergent, and a lipophilic dye. The separation buffer is provided such that, at the time of detection, the detergent concentration in the buffer is not above the critical micelle concentration. The polypeptide is introduced into one end of the capillary channel. An electric field is applied across a length of the capillary channel, which transports polypeptides of different sizes through the polymer solution at different rates. The polypeptide is then detected as it passes a point along the length of the capillary channel.

Abstract: Methods, systems, kits for carrying out a wide variety of different assays that comprise providing a first reagent mixture which comprises a first reagent having a fluorescent label. A second reagent is introduced into the first reagent mixture to produce a second reagent mixture, where the second reagent reacts with the first reagent to produce a fluorescently labeled product having a substantially different charge than the first reagent. A polyion is introduced into at least one of the first and second reagent mixtures, and the fluorescent polarization in the second reagent mixture relative to the first reagent mixture is determined, this fluorescent polarization being indicative of the rate or extent of the reaction.

Abstract: Compositions for monitoring transmembrane potential across cellular membranes. The compositions typically comprise a cell having a plasma membrane that comprises a first leaflet and a second leaflet, the membrane comprising first and second membrane associated components which, when placed adjacent each other either produce or quench a fluorescent signal, wherein. The first membrane associated component translocates from a first leaflet of the membrane to a second leaflet of the membrane in response to an electrical potential gradient across the membrane, the first membrane associated component being selected from a non-fluorescent cationic fluorescence quencher a non-fluorescent anionic fluorescence quencher and a cationic fluorophore.

Abstract: Integrated systems, apparatus, software, and methods for performing biochemical analysis, including DNA sequencing, genomic screening, purification of nucleic acids and other biological components and drug screening are provided. Microfluidic devices, systems and methods for using these devices and systems for performing a wide variety of fluid operations are provided. The devices and systems of are used in performing fluid operations which require a large number of iterative, successive or parallel fluid manipulations, in a microscale, or sealed and readily automated format.

Abstract: Integrated systems, apparatus, software, and methods for performing biochemical analysis, including DNA sequencing, genomic screening, purification of nucleic acids and other biological components and drug screening are provided. Microfluidic devices, systems and methods for using these devices and systems for performing a wide variety of fluid operations are provided. The devices and systems of are used in performing fluid operations which require a large number of iterative, successive or parallel fluid manipulations, in a microscale, or sealed and readily automated format.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of electrophoretically separating macromolecular species, as well as compositions and systems useful in carrying out such methods. Specifically, the methods of the present invention comprise providing a substrate that has at least a first capillary channel disposed therein. The surface of the channel has a first surface charge associated therewith, and is filled with a water soluble surface adsorbing polymer solution that bears a net charge that is the same as the charge on the capillary surface.

Abstract: Methods, systems, kits for carrying out a wide variety of different assays that comprise providing a first reagent mixture which comprises a first reagent having a fluorescent label. A second reagent is introduced into the first reagent mixture to produce a second reagent mixture, where the second reagent reacts with the first reagent to produce a fluorescently labeled product having a substantially different charge than the first reagent. A polyion is introduced into at least one of the first and second reagent mixtures, and the fluorescent polarization in the second reagent mixture relative to the first reagent mixture is determined, this fluorescent polarization being indicative of the rate or extent of the reaction.

Abstract: An analytical or preparatory system comprised as a base unit, an adapter, and a substrate. The adapter is attached to an attachment region on the base unit, and containing flow biasing connectors for delivering energy to selected regions of the substrate. The substrate is attached to an attachment region on the adapter. The adapter permits the base unit to be interfaced with a wide variety of different substrates to perform chemical and biological analytical analyses and preparatory procedures.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to methods and systems for performing chemical and biochemical reactions at superheated temperatures by carrying out the reactions in microscale fluidic channels. Also provided are applications of these methods and systems, as well as ancillary systems for use with these methods and systems in monitoring and controlling the performance of the methods of the invention.