Abstract: A modular membrane supported bioreactor for anaerobic conversion of gas into liquid products including membrane module(s) having a plurality of hollow fibers packed across a cross sectional area of the membrane module in a direction transverse to the axis of the membrane module; a membrane vessel for retaining the membrane module(s) at least partially submerged in a process liquid and isolated from ambient atmosphere; and a gas supply conduit operably connected to the hollow fibers for supplying a process gas to the hollow fiber lumens. The gas supply conduit enables the formation of a biofilm on the outer surface of the hollow fiber wall by interaction of microorganisms with the process gas and the production of a liquid product that mixes with the process liquid.

Abstract: The invention provides a method, a system, and a computer readable medium for determining the fill-ready status of one or more wells of a plurality of wells formed in a filter or solid-phase extraction (SPE) plate. In the method, a signal is directed toward a well of the plurality of wells. A reflected signal is received from the well responsive to the directed signal. The fill-ready status of the well is determined based on the received reflected signal. The steps may be repeated until the fill-ready status of each of the plurality of wells has been determined. In the method and the apparatus, the directed signal may be generated by a piezoelectric crystal. Some of the reflected vibrations impact the piezoelectric crystal, which oscillates in response. The piezoelectric crystal transmits a signal to a processor, the signal corresponding to the height of the liquid or other material in the well.

Abstract: An upstream affinity purification region is used to bind one or more component of interest in a mixture of components prior to separating the mixture of components. Detection of the separated components and a released component of interest provide identification of the component of interest. In addition, post separation dilution is optionally used to improve detection of the mixture of components and the released component of interest. Microfluidic devices and systems suitable for performing such analyses are also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides fluidic devices having incorporated electrodes, systems for using such devices, and methods for manufacturing such devices. The invention also provides fluidic devices configured to absorb joule heating within the device.

Abstract: Techniques and systems for displaying chromatographic data using a graphical user interface are provided. Chromatographic separation data that represent a series of measurements for multiple samples detected at a single point along the length of a channel as they move through the channel past that point can be displayed on a display device of a computer system as a series of bands, the bands being arranged to resemble output from an electrophoresis gel. The bands may be aligned using a marker included in each sample.

Abstract: An array of transportable particle sets is used in a microfluidic device for performing chemical reactions in the microfluidic device. The microfluidic device comprises a main channel and intersecting side channels, the main channel and side channels forming a plurality of intersections. The array of particle sets is disposed in the main channel, and the side channels are coupled to reagents. As the particle sets are transported through the intersections of the main channel and the side channels, reagents are flowed through the side channels into contact with each array member (or selected array members), thereby providing a plurality of chemical reactions in the microfluidic system.

Abstract: This invention provides methods and systems, e.g., to control the flow of photo-polymerizable resins. In the method, e.g., flow of a photo-polymerizable resin is restricted from illuminated resin exclusion regions on a substrate surface by precisely situated flow barriers. A system to control photo-polymerizable resin flow includes, e.g., a light source, a mask and a substrate.

Abstract: Techniques for displaying chromatographic data using a graphical user interface are provided. Chromatographic separation data that represent a series of measurements for multiple samples at a detection location over time can be displayed on a display device as a series of bands, the bands being arranged to resemble output from an electrophoresis gel. Additionally, the chromatographic separation data may be displayed in the form of measured intensity at the detection location versus time.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel methods for controlling/manipulating materials flowing in a fluidic device. In particular, the methods of the invention create and utilize differences between dispersion rates and/or average velocity of materials in order to manipulate the materials.

Abstract: Methods for removing a residue of one or more biological materials deposited on the walls of a microfluidic conduit in microscale devices are provided. In an example of the methods, one or more colloidal-size particles, such as colloidal silica particles, are flowed in a fluid within the microfluidic conduit having residues of materials previously deposited on the walls thereof to adsorb to the materials and to remove such deposits from the walls of the microfluidic conduit.

Abstract: The invention provides a device, system, and method for isolating one or more sample components of a sample material following separation of the sample material into a plurality of sample components. The device includes first and second pinching channels, a separation channel extending between the first and second pinching channels, a collection leg that includes a collection well, and a waste leg, all of which are in fluid communication with a switching region. In the method, a sample material is separated into a plurality of separated components in the device, and one or more of the separated components are isolated in the collection well. The separated components are constrained and elongated in the switching region by first and second buffer streams.

Abstract: This invention provides methods and systems for injection of analytes into a separation channel for resolution and detection. Samples can be preconditioned and concentrated by isotachophoresis (ITP) before the injection is triggered by a detected voltage event. Separation of analytes from other sample constituents can be enhanced using skewing channel ITP.

Abstract: A system for holding a slide. The system includes a housing having a side wall and a top. The top includes a recess surrounded by an outer rim. The system also includes an inlet port in communication with the recess and an elevating mechanism capable of receiving the slide and for raising the slide toward the top of the housing to engage the slide with the outer rim to form an analytical cavity. Together these elements form an analytical cavity in which the assay may be performed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for priming sample substrates such as DNA sipper chips are disclosed. According to one aspect of the present invention, a priming system that is suitable for priming a substrate which has a plurality of wells and at least one channel includes a base unit and a top unit. The base unit is arranged to accommodate, or support, the substrate. The top unit, which is substantially physically separate from the base unit, fits over the substrate when the substrate is held by the base unit. The top unit includes an adapter portion that interfaces with the substrate. Included in the adapter portion is a first cavity that is used to facilitate pressurizing a first well of the substrate when the adapter portion is interfaced with the substrate such that the first cavity is aligned with the first well.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel microfluidic devices and methods for preventing/ameliorating formation of precipitate blockages in microfluidic devices. In particular, the devices and methods of the invention utilize microchannels of specific cross-sectional configuration and of specific arrangement as well as application of AC current orthogonal to the direction of fluid flow, in order to prevent/ameliorate formation of precipitate blockages in microfluidic devices.

Abstract: Microfluidic devices and systems for affecting the serial to parallel conversion of materials introduced into the device or system. Material or materials to be converted from a serial orientation, e.g., a single channel, into a parallel orientation, e.g., multiple channels, are introduced into an open chamber or field in which containing flows of materials maintain the cohesiveness of the sample material plugs serially introduced into the open chamber. The sample material or materials are then redirected in the chamber toward and into a plurality of parallel channels that also communicate with the chamber.

Abstract: An upstream affinity purification region is used to bind one or more component of interest in a mixture of components prior to separating the mixture of components. Detection of the separated components and a released component of interest provide identification of the component of interest. In addition, post separation dilution is optionally used to improve detection of the mixture of components and the released component of interest. Microfluidic devices and systems suitable for performing such analyses are also provided.

Abstract: A method to achieve controlled conductivity in microfluidic devices, and a device formed thereby. The method comprises forming a microchannel or a well in an insulating material, and ion implanting at least one region of the insulating material at or adjacent the microchannel or well to increase conductivity of the region.

Abstract: Techniques for displaying chromatographic data using a graphical user interface are provided. Chromatographic separation data that represent a series of measurements for multiple samples at a detection location over time can be displayed on a display device as a series of bands, the bands being arranged to resemble output from an electrophoresis gel. Additionally, the chromatographic separation data may be displayed in the form of measured intensity at the detection location versus time.

Abstract: Methods for determining total analyte concentrations and amounts, especially in combination with analyte separations are provided. Microfluidic devices are used to separate analyte mixtures and detect the individual analytes. Signal areas are summed for each individual analyte to quantitate the total analyte amount. Separate measurements of the total analyte sample are also used to determine total analyte concentration.