Abstract: Methods and devices for the interfacing of microchips to various types of modules are disclosed. The technology disclosed can be used as sample preparation and analysis systems for various applications, such as DNA sequencing and genotyping, proteomics, pathogen detection, diagnostics and biodefense.

Abstract: The present technology relates to pins that are used for moving liquid samples from source wells into target wells. A releasable fastening mechanism simplifies calibration of positions (e.g., vertical positions) of the pins relative to a frame releasably holding the pins.

Abstract: The invention provides a system that can process a raw biological sample, perform a biochemical reaction and provide an analysis readout. For example, the system can extract DNA from a swab, amplify STR loci from the DNA, and analyze the amplified loci and STR markers in the sample. The system integrates these functions by using microfluidic components to connect what can be macrofluidic functions. In one embodiment the system includes a sample purification module, a reaction module, a post-reaction clean-up module, a capillary electrophoresis module and a computer. In certain embodiments, the system includes a disposable cartridge for performing analyte capture. The cartridge can comprise a fluidic manifold having macrofluidic chambers mated with microfluidic chips that route the liquids between chambers. The system fits within an enclosure of no more than 10 ft3. and can be a closed, portable, and/or a battery operated system. The system can be used to go from raw sample to analysis in less than 4 hours.

Abstract: This invention provides fluidic devices, in particular microfluidic devices, with diaphragm valves having low failure rates. Low failure rates are achieved by inhibiting sticking of the diaphragm to functional surfaces such as valve seats, valve chamber and fluidic channels and conduits. One way to implement this is to provide exposed surfaces facing the diaphragm, particularly valve seats, with a low energy material, such as a noble metal, a perfluorinated polymer, a self-assembled monolayer, hard diamond, diamond-like carbon or a metal oxide. In other embodiments, the valves are provided with ridges and the diaphragm is adhered to the fluidic or actuation layer with an adhesive material.

Abstract: The invention provides for devices and methods for interfacing microchips to cartridges and pneumatic manifolds. The cartridges, microchips, and pneumatic manifolds can be integrated with downstream preparation devices, such as thermal regulating devices and separation and analysis devices.

Abstract: Methods and devices for the interfacing of microchips to various types of modules are disclosed. The technology disclosed can be used as sample preparation and analysis systems for various applications, such as DNA sequencing and genotyping, proteomics, pathogen detection, diagnostics and biodefense.

Abstract: The invention provides for devices and methods for interfacing microchips to cartridges and pneumatic manifolds. The cartridges, microchips, and pneumatic manifolds can be integrated with downstream preparation devices, such as thermal regulating devices and separation and analysis devices.

Abstract: This invention provides a device comprising at least one diaphragm valve actuated by a hydraulic actuation system. The device comprises a fluidics layer, an actuation layer and an elastic layer sandwiched between the fluidics layer and the actuation layer. The diaphragm valve comprises: a valve inlet and valve outlet comprised in the fluidics layer; a valve seat; a diaphragm comprised in the elastic layer; and an actuator. The diaphragm is actuatable to move into contact or out of contact with the valve seat, thereby closing or opening the diaphragm valve. The actuator comprises: a hydraulic conduit; a translator; and an incompressible fluid contained within the hydraulic conduit, wherein the incompressible fluid communicates with the translator and with the diaphragm. Translation of the translator transmits pressure through the incompressible fluid to actuate the diaphragm. The invention also provides systems including elements to operate the device and methods of using the device.

Abstract: The present invention discloses the integration of programmable microfluidic circuits to achieve practical applications to process biochemical and chemical reactions and to integrate these reactions. In some embodiments workflows for biochemical reactions or chemical workflows are combined. Microvalves such as programmable microfluidic circuit with Y valves and flow through valves are disclosed. In some embodiments microvalves of the present invention are used for mixing fluids, which may be part of an integrated process. These processes include mixing samples and moving reactions to an edge or reservoir for modular microfluidics, use of capture regions, and injection into analytical devices on separate devices. In some embodiments star and nested star designs, or bead capture by change of cross sectional area of a channel in a microvalve are used. Movement of samples between temperature zones are further disclosed using fixed temperature and movement of the samples by micropumps.

Abstract: Methods and devices for the interfacing of microchips to various types of modules are disclosed. The technology disclosed can be used as sample preparation and analysis systems for various applications, such as DNA sequencing and genotyping, proteomics, pathogen detection, diagnostics and biodefense.

Abstract: This invention provides a capillary electrophoresis device in which capillaries are thermally regulated on a thermally responsive electrical path attached to an electrically insulating circuit board. This invention also provides an optical scanner useful for scanning an array of capillaries. A laser, optical detector and optical selector are in an arrangement that allows the optical detector to selectively detect an optical signal from any one or more of the plurality of electrophoresis capillaries.

Abstract: In one aspect this invention provides an article fabricated in one piece comprising at least one aperture through the piece, wherein the aperture defines a non-microfluidic volume, and a microfluidic channel formed in a surface of the piece onto which the aperture opens, wherein the channel is in fluidic communication with the aperture, wherein the aperture and the microfluidic channel define a fluidic circuit.

Abstract: This invention provides composite plastic articles and methods of making them. The articles can be fluidic or microfluidic devices having fluidic conduits and, optionally, pneumatic conduits that regulate flow in the fluidic conduits. The articles comprise a first substrate coated with a layer of a material that comprises, or onto which have been introduced, reactive groups. For example, the substrate can be a plastic coated with an oxide or a siloxane onto which hydroxyl groups have been introduced. These articles are covalently bonded with other articles comprising reactive groups on their surfaces, for example, polysiloxanes treated to have silanol groups. Certain articles have specified locations on their surfaces that are not bonded to the other piece. For example, the coating can be removed from these locations before bonding. Such locations can be useful as functional elements of various devices, such as valve seats in valves of microfluidic devices.

Abstract: The invention provides a system that can process a raw biological sample, perform a biochemical reaction and provide an analysis readout. For example, the system can extract DNA from a swab, amplify STR loci from the DNA, and analyze the amplified loci and STR markers in the sample. The system integrates these functions by using microfluidic components to connect what can be macrofluidic functions. In one embodiment the system includes a sample purification module, a reaction module, a post-reaction clean-up module, a capillary electrophoresis module and a computer. In certain embodiments, the system includes a disposable cartridge for performing analyte capture. The cartridge can comprise a fluidic manifold having macrofluidic chambers mated with microfluidic chips that route the liquids between chambers. The system fits within an enclosure of no more than 10 ft3. and can be a closed, portable, and/or a battery operated system. The system can be used to go from raw sample to analysis in less than 4 hours.

Abstract: This invention provides fluidic devices, in particular microfluidic devices, with diaphragm valves having low failure rates. Low failure rates are achieved by inhibiting sticking of the diaphragm to functional surfaces such as valve seats, valve chamber and fluidic channels and conduits. One way to implement this is to provide exposed surfaces facing the diaphragm, particularly valve seats, with a low energy material, such as a noble metal, a perfluorinated polymer, a self-assembled monolayer, hard diamond, diamond-like carbon or a metal oxide. In other embodiments, the valves are provided with ridges and the diaphragm is adhered to the fluidic or actuation layer with an adhesive material.

Abstract: The invention herein provides improved sample injection systems and related methods to create microfluidic devices with symmetrical channel configurations that can produce relatively large sample volumes. An embodiment of the invention provides microfluidic structures with different geometries that are symmetrical from the perspective of a sample load channel and a sample waste channel, which essentially eliminates issues of time offset and other problems commonly associated with twin-T sample formation techniques. A split-injection approach and related methods of sample plug formation are therefore provided.

Abstract: Methods and devices for the interfacing of microchips to various types of modules are disclosed. The technology disclosed can be used as sample preparation and analysis systems for various applications, such as DNA sequencing and genotyping, proteomics, pathogen detection, diagnostics and biodefense.