Abstract: One aspect of the invention provides a method of generating three-dimensional biological structures. The method includes: (a) depositing a first layer of a suspension over a substrate, the suspension including a liquid and a plurality of cells; (b) allowing the plurality of cells to attach to the substrate and form a first layer of attached cells; (c) depositing a cell-attachment agent over the first layer of attached cells; and (d) depositing a second layer of the suspension over the cell-attachment agent.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention provides a method for fabrication of a membrane on a surface. The method includes: providing a surface interfacing two environments, wherein one of the environments is a liquid; providing a flow-recirculating fluidic device having channel exits in the liquid environment in proximity of the surface; and delivering locally one or more processing solutions. The one or more processing sources including one or more membrane sources adapted and configured to form a membrane on the surface.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention provides a system adapted and configured to generate a localized flow circulation zone. The system includes: a free-standing microfluidic pipette comprising three or more channels with exits separated from each other by an outer surface of the pipette; and a controller programmed to control fluid flows through each of the three or more channels to generate a localized recirculating fluid flow path outside the pipette. Liquid leaving the microfluidic pipette through at least one outlet channel exit is withdrawn through at least two inlet channel exits.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention provide a freestanding microfluidic pipette with integrated wells for solution storage. Further aspects of the invention provide a holding interface to provide connectivity with external control components. One aspect of the invention provides a system for applying a microfluidic device in microscopy. The system includes: a microfluidic device having an elongated shape and defining one or more wells for solution storage and processing; and an interface adapted and configured to hold the microfluidic device in a freestanding manner and facilitate simultaneous connection of the one or more wells with a flow controller. Another aspect of the invention provides a method for utilizing a microfluidic device. The method includes: providing a device as described herein; positioning the device adjacent to a microscope; and actuating the interface to operate the microfluidic device.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention provides a system adapted and configured to generate a localized flow circulation zone. The system includes: a free-standing microfluidic pipette comprising three or more channels with exits separated from each other by an outer surface of the pipette; and a controller programmed to control fluid flows through each of the three or more channels to generate a localized recirculating fluid flow path outside the pipette. Liquid leaving the microfluidic pipette through at least one outlet channel exit is withdrawn through at least two inlet channel exits.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention provides a method for fabrication of a membrane on a surface. The method includes: providing a surface interfacing two environments, wherein one of the environments is a liquid; providing a flow-recirculating fluidic device having channel exits in the liquid environment in proximity of the surface; and delivering locally one or more processing solutions. The one or more processing sources including one or more membrane sources adapted and configured to form a membrane on the surface.

Abstract: The present invention features a freestanding microfluidic pipette with both solution exchange capability and fluid re-circulation, enabling highly localized and contamination- free fluid delivery within a confined volume in the vicinity of the pipette exit. Preferably, the device features direct positioning, so the pipette can be directed at a point or object of interest, such as a biological or artificial cell, a defined surface area or a sensor element within an open volume, using micro- or nanopositioning techniques. One aspect of the invention provides a free-standing pipette. The free-standing pipette includes a microfluidic device comprising one or more channels with exits leading into an open-volume and a positioning device programmed to hold the microfluidic device at an angle from a horizontal axis.