Abstract: Devices are provided for separating and focusing charged analytes, comprising a separation chamber and two or more electrodes, for example, an electrode array. A membrane separates the separation chamber and the electrodes. The separation chamber of the device is configured, that is, the separation chamber has a shaped geometry, which serves to induce a gradient in an electric field generated by the electrodes in the electrode chamber. Optionally, molecular sieve is included in the separation chamber that is operative to shift the location at which a stationary focused band of a charged analyte forms under a given set of focusing process parameters. Methods are provided for separating and focusing charged analytes comprising introducing a first fluid comprising at least one charged analyte into the separation chamber of a device as just described, applying an electric field gradient to the charged analyte to focus the charged analyte in the electric field gradient.

Abstract: Devices are provided for determining the isoelectric point of a charged analyte, comprising a titration chamber and an electrode chamber. The electrode chamber comprises at least two electrodes, for example, an electrode array. Either or both of the titration chamber and the electrode chamber may have a shaped geometry. The electrodes are operative, in conjunction with the shaped geometry of the chamber(s) where appropriate, to generate an electric field gradient in the titration chamber. Permeable material separates the titration chamber and the electrode chamber. A pH Sensor is located in the titration chamber for obtaining the pH of the first fluid. Certain preferred embodiments further include an analyte band detector for detecting the presence and optionally the location of a focused band of charged solute.

Abstract: Novel fluid logic devices are disclosed. Certain examples of the fluid logic devices include two or more fluid logic gates that are each operative to select and/or direct analytes in a sample into one or more fluid flow channels in communication with the fluid logic gates. The fluid logic device can be part of a larger system, such as a chromatography system, or can be stand-alone device.

Abstract: A vortex-stabilized electrophoretic processor comprises an annular processing chamber at least partly defined by concentric first and second processing chamber surfaces. At least one of the processing chamber surfaces is rotatable relative to the other processing chamber surface. The electrophoretic processor further comprises an electric field generator operative to be energized to establish a dynamic field gradient within the processing chamber. At least one fluid port is provided, having fluid communication with the processing chamber. The electric field generator may comprise an elongate electrode array positioned within a central bore of a rotor forming the inside surface of the processing chamber. One or both of the processing chamber surfaces can have shaping comprising multiple spaced tines or annular ridges extending toward the other of the processing chamber surfaces.

Abstract: A fluid separation conduit cartridge comprising a fluid separation conduit is disclosed. In certain embodiments the fluid separation conduit is potted to provide operation at increased pressures. In other embodiments, the fluid separation conduit cartridge has one or more memory units. The memory units are operative to store data such as, for example, cartridge usage and test results.

Abstract: Fluid-handling methods and devices for ultrasonic manipulation of fluid-borne particles comprise a fluid-handling manifold and an ultrasonic particle manipulator defining an ultrasonic cavity within the manifold. Fluid-borne particles introduced into the manifold are manipulated by controlling ultrasonic standing waves at the ultrasonic cavity. Cavities having non-uniform configurations, asymmetric standing waves and/or multiple ultrasonic cavities within the manifold are operative to control the movement of the fluid-borne particles, optionally including collecting and holding such particles, transferring particles through an intersection from one channel to another, etc. Solid phase extraction (SPE) particles, biological particles and other fluid-borne particles can be manipulated within the fluid-handling manifold.

Abstract: A microfluidic substrate assembly includes a substrate body having at least one fluid inlet port. At least one microscale fluid flow channel in the substrate is in fluid communication with the inlet port for transport of a fluid to be tested. The substrate body also has a plurality of sockets, with each of one or sockets configured to receive an operative component. At least one socket is in communication with the microscale fluid flow channel.

Abstract: Fluid processing apparatus comprises a fluid-handling manifold comprising a manifold body having at least a first fluid duct and a second fluid duct. The first and second fluid ducts are in fluid communication with each other at a microfluidic junction of the fluid-handling manifold. The manifold body further comprises a transducer operative to generate ultrasonic acoustic traveling wave radiation into fluid in the microfluidic junction from an active surface toward a non-reflective boundary of the microfluidic junction. The microfluidic junction is operative to pass fluid received from the first and second duct, with micro-mixing effected by the traveling wave radiated into the junction during the fluid flow.

Abstract: A device for performing the manipulation of particles suspended in a fluid is disclosed. The device comprises a duct for the flow of a fluid in which particles are suspended, an acoustic transducer, and a reflector for establishing an acoustic standing wave field across the width of the duct. It has been unexpectedly found that optimum performance of the device occurs when the spacing between the transducer and a reflector is 300 microns or less. The device seeks to overcome prior engineering difficulties that prevented one from observing the individual particle bands or separating the individual particle bands from the duct.

Abstract: Devices are provided for separating and focusing charged analytes, comprising a separation chamber and two or more electrodes, for example, an electrode array. A membrane separates the separation chamber and the electrodes. The separation chamber of the device is configured, that is, the separation chamber has a shaped geometry, which serves to induce a gradient in an electric field generated by the electrodes in the electrode chamber. Optionally, molecular sieve is included in the separation chamber that is operative to shift the location at which a stationary focused band of a charged analyte forms under a given set of focusing process parameters. Methods are provided for separating and focusing charged analytes comprising introducing a first fluid comprising at least one charged analyte into the separation chamber of a device as just described, applying an electric field gradient to the charged analyte to focus the charged analyte in the electric field gradient.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods are provided for processing fluid samples containing one or more analytes. In certain examples, an electrophoretic device comprises a separation chamber and an electrode chamber, each of which may be uniform or non-uniform. The electrode chamber includes two or more electrodes or may include an electrode array. Molecular sieve may be included in the separation chamber, and the molecular sieve is operative to shift the location at which a stationary focused band of a charged analyte forms under a given set of focusing process parameters. Such systems are especially suitable for linking up analytical instruments in a hyphenated fashion, particularly where the instruments have differing system parameters.

Abstract: Novel fluid logic devices are disclosed. Certain examples of the fluid logic devices include two or more fluid logic gates that are each operative to select and/or direct analytes in a sample into one or more fluid flow channels in communication with the fluid logic gates. The fluid logic device can be part of a larger system, such as a chromatography system, or can be stand-alone device.

Abstract: A bulk fluid flow gate is provided. In accordance with certain exemplary embodiments the bulk fluid flow gate includes a first and second entry port and first and second exit ports. Bulk fluid is flowed into the chamber to provide greater hydrodynamic resistance at the first exit port than at the second exit port. The bulk fluid flow gate is useful for separation, testing and or analysis of analytes. Methods of making and using the bulk fluid flow gate are also provided. In accordance with certain exemplary embodiments a fluid flow gate includes a first entry port to a microscale chamber and first and second exit ports. In accordance with certain exemplary embodiments a fluid flow gate includes a first entry port to a chamber and first and second exit ports, wherein greater hydrodynamic resistance is provided at the first exit port than at the second exit port.

Abstract: Fluid processing apparatus comprises a fluid-handling manifold comprising a manifold body having at least a first fluid duct and a second fluid duct. The first and second fluid ducts are in fluid communication with each other at a microfluidic junction of the fluid-handling manifold. The manifold body further comprises a transducer operative to generate ultrasonic acoustic traveling wave radiation into fluid in the microfluidic junction from an active surface toward a non-reflective boundary of the microfluidic junction. The microfluidic junction is operative to pass fluid received from the first and second duct, with micro-mixing effected by the traveling wave radiated into the junction during the fluid flow.

Abstract: A novel microfluidic substrate assembly and method for making same are disclosed. The substrate assembly comprises a multi-layer laminated substrate defining at least one fluid inlet port and at least one microscale fluid flow channel within the multi-layer substrate in fluid communication with the inlet port for transport of fluid. The substrate assembly may optionally comprise additional components and elements located within the substrate assembly or attached to the substrate assembly.

Abstract: An NMR system comprises an NMR probe comprising multiple NMR detection sites. Each of the multiple NMR detection sites comprises a sample holding void and an associated NMR microcoil. The NMR system further comprises a controllable fluid router operative to direct fluid sample to the multiple NMR detection sites.

Abstract: Fluid-handling methods and devices for ultrasonic manipulation of fluid-borne particles comprise a fluid-handling manifold and an ultrasonic particle manipulator defining an ultrasonic cavity within the manifold. Fluid-borne particles introduced into the manifold are manipulated by controlling ultrasonic standing waves at the ultrasonic cavity. Cavities having non-uniform configurations, asymmetric standing waves and/or multiple ultrasonic cavities within the manifold are operative to control the movement of the fluid-borne particles, optionally including collecting and holding such particles, transferring particles through an intersection from one channel to another, etc. Solid phase extraction (SPE) particles, biological particles and other fluid-borne particles can be manipulated within the fluid-handling manifold.

Abstract: An NMR system comprises an NMR probe comprising multiple NMR detection sites. Each of the multiple NMR detection sites comprises a sample holding void and an associated NMR microcoil. The NMR system further comprises a controllable fluid router operative to direct fluid sample to the multiple NMR detection sites.

Abstract: A fluid separation conduit cartridge comprising a fluid separation conduit is disclosed. In certain embodiments the fluid separation conduit is potted to provide operation at increased pressures. In other embodiments, the fluid separation conduit cartridge has one or more memory units. The memory units are operative to store data such as, for example, cartridge usage and test results.

Abstract: A fluid separation conduit cartridge that is operative to encrypt, decrypt, transmit and receive information is disclosed. The conduit cartridge encrypts information sent to an analytical system or an operating facility in communication with the conduit cartridge and can decrypt encrypted information received from an analytical system or an operating facility in communication with the conduit cartridge.