Abstract: The present invention is directed to an integrated microsystem and method for detecting biomolecules in a liquid sample. The integrated microsystem is made up of a sensor that includes microelectrodes connected to a matrix of carbon nanotubes deposited on a substrate, a micropump, a microcontroller for regulating the sample delivery, a signal processor for analyzing the sensor signal, a microheater that surrounds the carbon nanotube sensor, and microfluidic channel formed by a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) silicone elastomer cap containing a trench with the cap aligned with the carbon nanotube sensor. The method includes using the integrated microsystem to detect the presence of a biomolecule based on changes in the electrical conductance or resonant frequency of the carbon nanotube matrix.

Abstract: A tissue cassette includes a body having a first floor and a first perimeter wall encircling and extending from the first floor so that the first floor and first perimeter wall at least partially bound a body cavity, the first floor having a plurality of spaced apart openings extending therethrough. A mold has a second floor and a second perimeter wall encircling and extending from the second floor so that the second floor and second perimeter wall at least partially bound a mold cavity, the second floor having at least one micropore extending therethrough, the at least one micropore having a maximum diameter less than 0.040 inches. A hinge couples the body to the mold so that the body and mold can move between a closed position wherein the first floor overlies the second floor so as to form a tissue compartment therebetween and an open position.

Abstract: A fluid flow-powered generator and a method for using the same are described herein. The generator has a rotatable frame, with a first wing and a second wing. The first wing and second wing are pivotally mounted to the frame to allow the angle of attack to be adjusted. A controller is also provided to direct adjustment of the angle of attack of the first wing and the second wing in a coordinated manner while the fluid flow-powered generator is in use. In certain embodiments, the fluid flow-powered generator is operable as an oscillating generator and in other embodiments, the fluid flow-powered generator is operable as a rotating generator. The rotating generator can be arranged along a horizontal axis or a vertical axis. Additionally, certain horizontally oriented generators may be operated as either oscillating generators or rotating generators.

Abstract: An integrated microsystem for detecting biomolecules is made up of a micropump for delivering a sample, a microsensor for detecting the presence of a target biomolecule in the sample, a microheater for maintaining the temperature of operation, a microcontroller for regulating the sample delivery and a signal processor for analyzing the sensor signal. A single wall carbon nanotube based biological sensor can be used as the microsensor. The single wall carbon nanotube based sensor can either have a chance in conductance based on the presence and/or quantity of the target biomolecule or quantify the mass uptake of the sensor matrix.