Abstract: A device and method for extracting particles contained in a ferrofluid medium are provided. Such methods may comprise suspending particles of different sizes in a ferrofluid medium and containing the ferrofluid medium in a cylindrical reservoir, and applying a first magnetic field to at least a portion of the reservoir. The first magnetic field is configured to indirectly exert a force on at least a portion of the particles of a predetermined size, and direct the portion of particles in a desired direction.

Abstract: Devices, methods, and systems are provided for extracting particles from a ferrofluid. Such methods may comprise receiving a flow of ferrofluid comprising target particles and background particles and generating a first, focusing magnetic field to focus the target particles towards a capture region. The capture region may capture the target particles and a plurality of background particles. A second, defocusing magnetic field may be configured to remove background particles from the capture region. A detector may be used to detect the target particles bound to the target region.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to systems and methods for separating, directing, and/or extracting a target molecule from a mix of molecules and may comprise a plurality of non-magnetic beads suspended in a ferro fluid, where the non-magnetic beads may be functionalized with at least one predetermined first molecule configured to bind with a target particle. A microfluidic device may be included which may comprise at least one microfluidic channel, the device configured to dynamically and/or statically receive an amount of the mix. Magnetic field means may be included and may be configured to apply a magnetic field to at least a portion of the at least one channel to exert an indirect force on the non-magnetic heads in the ferro fluid mix, and separate the non-magnetic beads from the ferrofluid. The beads may then be directed to at least one receptor region.

Abstract: Devices, methods, and systems are provided for extracting particles from a ferrofluid. Such methods may comprise receiving a flow of ferrofluid comprising target particles and background particles and generating a first, focusing magnetic field to focus the target particles towards a capture region. The capture region may capture the target particles and a plurality of background particles. A second, defocusing magnetic field may be configured to remove background particles from the capture region. A detector may be used to detect the target particles bound to the target region.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to systems and methods for separating, directing, and/or extracting a target molecule from a mix of molecules and may comprise a plurality of non-magnetic beads suspended in a ferro fluid, where the non-magnetic beads may be functionalized with at least one predetermined first molecule configured to bind with a target particle. A microfluidic device may be included which may comprise at least one microfluidic channel, the device configured to dynamically and/or statically receive an amount of the mix. Magnetic field means may be included and may be configured to apply a magnetic field to at least a portion of the at least one channel to exert an indirect force on the non-magnetic heads in the ferro fluid mix, and separate the non-magnetic beads from the ferrofluid. The beads may then be directed to at least one receptor region.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, the disclosure provides an inflatable bladder lid that configures with a cartridge configured for assay testing. The inflatable bladder provides substantially uniform pressure to the cartridge. The pressure is substantially distributed across the one or more regions of the cartridge to extend pressure over a wide cartridge surface. At least a portion of the bladder lid may comprise a flexible membrane material that inflates and stretches over at least a portion of the cartridge to conformally contact its first/top surface.

Abstract: Embodiments herein include a scanning apparatus for detecting target particles present within a ferrofluid, where the scanning apparatus can be used in a microfluidic system. The methods and structures described herein also include, for example, a scanning device comprising an optical system, a first magnet disposed on a first side of the optical system, where the first magnet can be non-rotatable, a second magnet disposed on a second side of the optical system, opposite the first magnet, where the second magnet can be rotatable, and a lever arm coupled to the second magnet, where the lever is capable of rotating the second magnet.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, the disclosure provides an inflatable bladder lid that configures with a cartridge configured for assay testing. The inflatable bladder provides substantially uniform pressure to the cartridge. The pressure is substantially distributed across the one or more regions of the cartridge to extend pressure over a wide cartridge surface. At least a portion of the bladder lid may comprise a flexible membrane material that inflates and stretches over at least a portion of the cartridge to conformally contact its first/top surface.

Abstract: Devices, methods, and systems are provided for extracting particles from a ferrofluid and for rapid affinity measurements. Such systems may comprise a fluidic channel or chamber configured to include a ferrofluid having a plurality of target particles and background particles. The systems may include a capture region configured to capture at least a portion of the plurality of target particles. In addition, the systems include a first magnetic field generator and a second magnetic field generator. The first magnetic field generator may be arranged proximate to the fluidic channel, the first magnetic field generator being configured to generate a first magnetic field configured to direct the plurality of target particles towards the capture region. The second magnetic field generator can be arranged to be proximate to the capture region, and is further configured to generate an affinity thresholding magnetic field configured to remove background particles from the capture region.

Abstract: Devices, methods, and systems are provided for extracting particles from a ferrofluid and for rapid affinity measurements. Such systems may comprise a fluidic channel or chamber configured to include a ferrofluid having a plurality of target particles and background particles. The systems may include a capture region configured to capture at least a portion of the plurality of target particles. In addition, the systems include a first magnetic field generator and a second magnetic field generator. The first magnetic field generator may be arranged proximate to the fluidic channel, the first magnetic field generator being configured to generate a first magnetic field configured to direct the plurality of target particles towards the capture region. The second magnetic field generator can be arranged to be proximate to the capture region, and is further configured to generate an affinity thresholding magnetic field configured to remove background particles from the capture region.