Abstract: Provided are methods and devices for assessing biological particles for use in cell immunotherapy. By utilizing a microfluidic chip device together with optical force measurement and cell imaging, the methods enable comprehensive assessment and characterization of biological particles with regard to morphology, motility, binding affinities, and susceptibility to external forces, including but not limited to, chemical, biochemical, biological, physical and temperature influences. The methods enable the selection and production of biological particles, such as engineered T-cells, for use in immunotherapy and biomanufacturing.

Abstract: A microfluidic chip configuration wherein injection occurs in an upwards vertical direction, and fluid vessels are located below the chip in order to minimize particle settling before and at the analysis portion of the chip's channels. The input and fluid flow up through the bottom of the chip, in one aspect using a manifold, which avoids orthogonal re-orientation of fluid dynamics. The contents of the vial are located below the chip and pumped upwards and vertically directly into the first channel of the chip. A long channel extends from the bottom of the chip to near the top of the chip. Then the channel takes a short horizontal turn that nearly negates any influence of cell settling due to gravity and zero flow velocity at the walls. The fluid is pumped up to a horizontal analysis portion that is the highest channel/fluidic point in the chip and thus close to the top of the chip, which results in clearer imaging.

Abstract: Provided are devices for automated analysis of one or more samples in single or multi-well plates or vessels, wherein the process of automated analysis comprises automated flow, wherein the samples comprise liquid or particles in a sample vessel, and wherein the devices comprise an assembly of components that enable processing of a sample for analytical assessment by fluidic and/or particle based instruments. Automated flow may comprise systems for moving samples including vacuum systems, pressure-based systems, pneumatic systems, pumps, peristaltic pumps, diaphragms, or syringes. The devices may comprise an assembly of components that enable movement in X, Y, and Z dimensions, as well as switches, microfluidic tubing, well plate block, electronic pressure controllers, pneumatic or fluidic mixing devices, components for fluid handling, sampling vessels, and mechanical components for translating or transporting system components.

Abstract: Provided are devices for automated analysis of one or more samples in single or multi-well plates or vessels, wherein the process of automated analysis comprises automated flow, wherein the samples comprise liquid or particles in a sample vessel, and wherein the devices comprise an assembly of components that enable processing of a sample for analytical assessment by fluidic and/or particle based instruments. Automated flow may comprise systems for moving samples including vacuum systems, pressure-based systems, pneumatic systems, pumps, peristaltic pumps, diaphragms, or syringes. The devices may comprise an assembly of components that enable movement in X, Y, and Z dimensions, as well as switches, microfluidic tubing, well plate block, electronic pressure controllers, pneumatic or fluidic mixing devices, components for fluid handling, sampling vessels, and mechanical components for translating or transporting system components.

Abstract: Provided are methods and devices for assessing biological particles for use in cell immunotherapy. By utilizing a microfluidic chip device together with optical force measurement and cell imaging, the methods enable comprehensive assessment and characterization of biological particles with regard to morphology, motility, binding affinities, and susceptibility to external forces, including but not limited to, chemical, biochemical, biological, physical and temperature influences. The methods enable the selection and production of biological particles, such as engineered T-cells, for use in immunotherapy and biomanufacturing.

Abstract: Provided are methods and devices for automated analysis of one or more samples in single or multi-well plates or vessels, wherein the process of automated analysis comprises flow and hydrodynamic, electrokinetic, and optical forces for the analysis and sorting of samples, wherein the samples comprise liquid or particles in microfluidic channels, and wherein the devices comprise an assembly of components that enable processing of a said samples for analytical assessment by fluidic and/or particle based instruments. Microfluidic structures (channels, “T's”, “Y's”, branched “Y's”, wells, and weirs) are described for facilitating sample interaction and observation, sample analysis, sorting, or isolation. Detection can be accomplished using spectroscopic methods including, but not limited to, Raman spectroscopy of single cells and bulk cellular samples (collections of cells; several individuals to hundreds or thousands of cells).