Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to methods, apparatus and systems for use in performing in situ dilution or concentration of a particular subject material in a microfluidic device or system. These methods and apparatus may generally be integrated with other microfluidic operations and/or systems, to perform a number of different manipulations, wherein dilution or concentration, carried out within the context of the microfluidic device or system, is just one part.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides methods for enhancing transport and direction of materials in fluidic systems, which systems utilize electroosmotic (E/O) flow systems, to affect that transport and direction. The methods generally comprise providing an effective concentration of at least one zwitterionic compound in the fluid containing the material that is to be transported or directed.

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 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: Enzyme assays are performed in microfluidic devices including, e.g., in-line labeling, separation, and detection of assay products. In-line labeling allows assays, e.g., protease assays, to be performed in a continuous flow microfluidic format. Also included are microfluidic devices and integrated systems for performing in-line labeling in continuous flow enzyme assays.

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: The present invention generally provides microfluidic devices (200) and systems that utilize electrokinetic material transport systems to selectively control and direct the transport of materials through and among complex arrangements of integrated microscale channels (for example, 202 and 208+2n, where n=0, 1, . . . 8) disposed within integrated body structures.

Abstract: Microfluidic devices, systems and methods that are operated and/or configured to enhance the passage of electrical current from power supplies to the fluids within the system. The devices, methods and systems utilize alternate electrode and system configurations to permit transfer of current at lower voltages, minimize water hydrolysis at the electrode/fluid interface and/or permit accurate in situ measurement of the parameters of processes carried out in those devices and systems.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to improved methods and apparatuses for manufacturing microfabricated devices, and particularly, microfluidic devices. In general the methods and apparatuses of the invention provide improved methods of bonding substrates together by applying a vacuum to the space between the substrates during the bonding process.

Abstract: Methods of controlling environmental conditions within a fluidic system, where such environmental conditions can affect the operation of the system in its desired function, and fluidic channels, devices and systems that are used in practicing these methods. Such environmental conditions are generally directed to the fluids themselves, the movement of such fluids through these systems, and the interaction of these fluids with other components of the system, e.g., other fluids or solid components of the system.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for reducing adsorption in microscale devices are provided. In the methods and apparatus, an electrical current such as an alternating current is applied to materials under pressure-induced flow. Integrated systems for simultaneous control of current and pressure in a channel are also provided.

Abstract: Techniques for displaying chromatographic data using a graphical user interface are provided. Chromatographic separation data that is a series of measurements for a sample at a scanning location over time can be displayed on a display device in a series of bands. Additionally, the series of bands for multiple samples can be aligned on the display device.

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.

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: Methods and devices for delivering fluids into microfluidic device body structures are described. The methods and devices include the use of fluid manifolds which are integrated or interchangeable with device body structures. Methods of fabricating manifolds are also provided.

Abstract: Intracellular binding reactions, and particularly DNA/DNA binding protein reactions are detected in situ, using intracellular fluorescence polarization detection. The methods comprise providing a biological cell having at least a first component of a binding reaction disposed therein. The cell is contacted with a second component of the binding reaction whereby the second component is internalized within the biological cell. At least one of the first and second components has a fluorescent label. The amount of binding between the first and second components within the cell is determined by measuring a level of polarized and/or depolarized fluorescence emitted from within the biological cell.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides microfluidic devices and systems that utilize electrokinetic material transport systems to selectively control and direct the transport of materials through and among complex arrangements of integrated, interconnected microscale channels disposed within integrated body structures.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus and systems are provided for introducing large numbers of different materials into a microfluidic analytical device rapidly, efficiently and reproducibly. In particular, improved integrated pipettor chip configurations, e.g. sippers or electropipettors, are described which are capable of sampling extremely small amounts of material for which analysis is desired, transporting material into a microfluidic analytical channel network, and performing the desired analysis on the material.

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: 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.