Abstract: Microfluidic devices with improved channel and reservoir configurations are provided. More specifically, efficient microfluidic devices for the performance of temperature mediated reactions are provided. These reactions can be performed in an ease of use and efficient manner so as to enable high through put of multiple samples. Methods for performing temperature mediated reactions using the microfluidic devices with improved channel and reservoir configurations have also been provided.

Abstract: This invention provides reagent array chips having, e.g., reagents spotted at a high density onto self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) for consistent and high recovery. The invention teaches, e.g., methods to make and use reagent array chips to screen for protease substrates. Identified substrates can, e.g., then be used to screen for modulators of the protease activity and to establish quantitative assays for the protease.

Abstract: A method is provided for identifying components of a mixture by labeling the individual components with fluorescent agents having different fluorescence lifetimes. The components are subsequently separated, fluorescent labels detected and their lifetimes measured. Based on the measured fluorescent lifetimes, the components of mixtures of small organic molecules, polymers, peptides, saccharides and nucleic acids can be identified.

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: Fluid introduction is facilitated through the use of a port which extends entirely through a microfluidic substrate. Capillary forces can be used to retain the fluid within the port, and a series of samples or other fluids may be introduced through a single port by sequentially blowing the fluid out through the substrate and replacing the removed fluid with an alternate fluid, or by displacing the fluid in part with additional fluid. In another aspect, microfluidic substrates have channels which varying in cross-sectional dimension so that capillary action spreads a fluid only within a limited portion of the channel network. In yet another aspect, the introduction ports may include a multiplicity of very small channels leading from the port to a fluid channel, so as to filter out particles or other contaminants which might otherwise block the channel at the junction between the channel and the introduction port.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel methods and systems for determining the interaction of molecules using the phenomena of Taylor-Aris dispersion present in fluid flow in conduits. The method involves relating a change in dispersion of molecules to their level of interaction. The present invention also relates to an assay method using Taylor-Aris dispersion in a microfluidic system in order to examine molecular interactions in a variety of chemical and biochemical systems.

Abstract: Transmembrane potential measurement methods using cationic dyes, and anionic dyes are provided. Compositions of the cationic and anionic dyes and microfluidic systems which include the dyes and membranes are provided in conjunction with processing elements for transmembrane potential measurements.

Abstract: Methods of monitoring transporter activity, gradient induced activity, and binding activity in microscale systems, as well as corresponding microscale devices, systems and kits are provided.

Abstract: Methods of detecting a component of interest, such as a protein, in a microfluidic system are provided. The methods include the use of a component-binding moiety specific to the component of interest, such as an antibody, to detect the component of interest. Also included are microfluidic devices and integrated systems for performing such assays, including devices utilizing flowable or fixed particle sets.

Abstract: Sieving mediums comprising less than about 0.5% polymer, less than about 0.4% polymer, and 0.35% polymer or less are used to perform nucleic acid separations and PCR. The low polymer concentration does not inhibit PCR reactions and is sufficient for performing nucleic acids separations. Microfluidic devices are used to perform nucleic acids separations and PCR reactions in the sieving mediums described.

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: 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: Methods of concentrating materials within microfluidic channel networks by moving materials into regions in which overall velocities of the material are reduced, resulting in stacking of the material within those reduced velocity regions. These methods, devices and systems employ static fluid interfaces to generate the differential velocities, as well as counter-current flow methods, to concentrate materials within microscale channels.

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: The present invention provides novel microfluidic devices and methods that are useful for performing high-throughput screening assays. In particular, the devices and methods of the invention are useful in screening large numbers of different compounds for their effects on a variety of chemical, and preferably, biochemical systems.

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: Microfluidic devices, systems, and methods measure viscosity, flow times, and/or other flow characteristics within the channels, and the measured flow characteristics can be used to generate a desired flow. Multi-reservoir pressure modulator and pressure controller systems, electrokinetic systems and/or other fluid transport mechanisms can generate the flow, controllably mix fluids, and the like.

Abstract: Methods devices and systems that employ non-mechanical valve modules for controllably directing fluid and other material movement through integrated microscale channel networks. These non-mechanical valve modules apply forces that counter the driving forces existing through a given channel segment, via fluidly connected channel segments, so as to selectively arrest flow of material within the given channel segment.

Abstract: Ultra-high throughput systems and methods are used for sampling large numbers of different materials from surfaces of substantially planar library storage components. The systems and methods typically employ: microfluidic devices having integrated capillary elements for carrying out the analysis of the sampled materials; library storage components, e.g., planar solid substrates, capable of retaining thousands, tens of thousands and hundreds of thousands of different materials in small areas; sensing systems for allowing rapid and accurate sampling of the materials by the microfluidic devices, and associated instrumentation for control and analysis of the overall operation of these systems.

Abstract: Transmembrane potential measurement methods using cationic dyes, and anionic dyes are provided. Compositions of the cationic and anionic dyes and microfluidic systems which include the dyes and membranes are provided in conjunction with processing elements for transmembrane potential measurements.