Abstract: A technique relates to a machine for sorting. A removable cartridge includes a nanofluidic module. The removable cartridge includes an input port and at least two output ports. The nanofluidic module is configured to sort particles in a sample fluid. A holder is configured to receive the removable cartridge. A pressurization system is configured to couple to the input port of the removable cartridge. The pressurization system is configured to drive the sample fluid into the nanofluidic module for separation to the at least two output ports.

Abstract: Microfluidic devices and nanobiosensors comprising a magnetic nanoparticle attached to a reporter molecule via a release unit for microfluidic-based detection of a target analyte in a biological sample. The nanobiosensors can be magnetically manipulated or guided through the microfluidics channels for incubation with the biological sample, concentration of the nanobiosensors, and detection of target analytes, without having to pump the entire initial sample through a microfluidic channel of the microfluidic device. The magnetic nanoparticles are separated from the reporter molecules before detection and can be re-used.

Abstract: A magnetic separation device has a membrane having a plurality of pores, a magnetically soft material layer disposed on the membrane, and a passivation layer disposed on the magnetically soft material layer. The magnetic separation device may be part of a microfluidic device having a lateral flow channel and a vertical flow magnetic separation filter. The magnetic separation device may be used to separate magnetically tagged particles, such as cells.

Abstract: Provided are improved optical detection systems and methods for using same, which systems and methods comprise single channel interferometric detection systems and methods for determining a characteristic property of samples. Such interferometric detection systems and methods employ a light beam that impinges two or more discrete zones along a channel, thereby avoiding variations that can result in increases in detection limits and/or measurement errors.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating an interlocked cap and receptacle comprises a top wall and a cap removal station. The cap removal station comprises an opening, a raised collar for engaging and releasing interlocking elements of the cap and receptacle, and tabs on a side of the top wall opposite the raised collar for retaining the receptacle within the opening when the cap is separated from the receptacle. A method for separating an interlocked cap and receptacle comprises moving the cap and receptacle in a first direction into a cap removal station, contacting interlocking elements of the cap and receptacle with a raised collar to thereby release the interlocking elements, retaining the receptacle within the cap removal station; and with the interlocking elements released and the receptacle retained within the cap removal station, moving the cap in a second direction opposite the first direction to separate the cap from the receptacle.

Abstract: This invention is in the field of medical devices. Specifically, the present invention provides portable medical devices that allow real-time detection of analytes from a biological fluid. The methods and devices are particularly useful for providing point-of-care testing for a variety of medical applications.

Abstract: Example fluidic channels for microfluidic devices are disclosed. In examples disclosed herein, an example microfluidic device includes a body having a microfluidic network. The microfluidic network includes a main fluid channel to transport a biological fluid from a first cavity of the microfluidic network to a second cavity of the microfluidic network. An auxiliary fluid channel is in fluid communication with to the main fluid channel. The auxiliary fluid channel has a first end and a second end. The first end is in fluid communication with the main fluid channel and the second end is spaced from the main fluid channel. A fluid actuator is positioned in the auxiliary fluid channel to induce fluid flow in the main fluid channel.

Abstract: Disclosed is a test tube rack designed to hold a plurality of test tubes suspended in a bath. The rack is a unitary design having an outer rim with an internal diameter sized to fit over a rim of a vessel that forms the bath. The rack includes a plurality of openings sized to fit a test tube. A top end of each opening includes a plurality of raised portions and a plurality of lowered portions. The raised portions support an outwardly flared rim of a test tube placed in the opening and thus suspends the test tube in the vessel. A central hub joins the plurality of openings together. The rack is formed from a temperature resistant material and can be utilized with both cold and hot baths. The rack is economical and readily scalable to work in conjunction with a variety of vessel sizes.

Abstract: An embodiment provides a method for measuring dissolved oxygen of an aqueous sample, including: introducing an aqueous sample into a measurement device comprising at least two dissolved oxygen sensors, wherein at least one of the at least two dissolved sensors comprises a trend sensor and at least another of the at least two dissolved sensors comprises a reference sensor; measuring a first value of dissolved oxygen using the trend sensor, wherein the trend sensor samples at a trend frequency; measuring a second value of dissolved oxygen from a reference sensor, wherein the reference sensor samples at a reference frequency, the reference frequency being less than the trend frequency; and correcting the first value of dissolved oxygen based upon the second value of dissolved oxygen. Other aspects are described and claimed.

Abstract: A capillary structure for passive, directional fluid transport includes a capillary having a forward direction and a backward direction, the capillary including first and second capillary units each having a sequence of capillary components including a connective section in fluid communication with a diverging section, the diverging section having a forward side and dimensions inducing a concave meniscus in the forward direction, wherein the connective section of the second capillary unit is connected to the forward side of the diverging section of the first capillary unit to form at least one transition section, and wherein a change in the dimensions in the transition section induces in the backward direction a convex liquid meniscus or a straight liquid meniscus with an infinite radius of curvature.

Abstract: A fluid propelling apparatus, including a plastic compound, a MEMS at least partially surrounded by the compound, and a heat sink next to the MEMS, to transfer heat away from the MEMS, wherein the heat sink is at least partly surrounded by the compound.

Abstract: A cap manipulator and a cap assembly are provided. The cap manipulator includes a first airbag member, a second airbag member, and an airstream channel structure therebetween and enabling inner spaces of the first airbag member and the second airbag member to be communicated. If the second airbag member is squeezed, a volume of the first airbag member is greater than that of an insertion space, and if the second airbag member is not squeezed, the volume of the first airbag member is smaller than or equal to that of the insertion space.

Abstract: Microfluidic structures and methods for manipulating fluids, fluid components, and reactions are provided. In one aspect, such structures and methods can allow production of droplets of a precise volume, which can be stored/maintained at precise regions of the device. In another aspect, microfluidic structures and methods described herein are designed for containing and positioning components in an arrangement such that the components can be manipulated and then tracked even after manipulation. For example, cells may be constrained in an arrangement in microfluidic structures described herein to facilitate tracking during their growth and/or after they multiply.

Abstract: A laboratory flask holder, comprising a holder portion configured to receive a laboratory flask, a frame connected to the holder portion, wherein the holder portion is configured to pivot about the frame such that a liquid may be dispensed from the laboratory flask without moving the frame, a temperature sensor arranged on the holder portion configured to determine a temperature of a liquid in the laboratory flask, and a display for providing an indication of the temperature of the liquid is provided. Methods of using the flask holder and a dispensing system are also provided.

Abstract: The disclosed technology includes a planar device for performing multiple biochemical assays at the same time, or nearly the same time. Each assay may include a biosample including a biochemical, enzyme, DNA, and/or any other biochemical or biological sample. Each assay may include one or more tags including dyes and/or other chemicals/reagents whose optical characteristics change based on chemical characteristics of the biological sample being tested. Each assay may be optically pumped to cause one or more of luminescence, phosphorescence, or fluorescence of the assay that may be detected by one or more optical detectors. For example, an assay may include two tags and a biosample. Each tag may be pumped by different wavelengths of light and may produce different wavelengths of light that is filtered and detected by one or more detectors. The pump wavelengths may be different from one another and different from the produced wavelengths.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to a microfluidic device. The device comprises a flow path structure that includes an inlet microchannel and chambers. The flow path structure is configured as an arborescence extending from the inlet microchannel to the chambers. Thus, liquid introduced in said inlet microchannel can potentially enter the chambers via respective flow paths to remain essentially confined in the chambers, in operation. The device further comprises substances in selected ones of the chambers. That is, a subset of the chambers is loaded with substances adapted for interacting with liquid to yield a detectable change in a property of the liquid and/or the substance in each of the chambers of said subset, in operation. The invention is further directed to related devices, and methods of operation and conditioning.

Abstract: Example apparatus are provided to measure characteristics of a test strip. The apparatus may include an accessory for a mobile device to measure characteristics of a test strip. The accessory may include a mobile device adaptor and a test strip adaptor. The mobile device adaptor may include a first sheath and a second sheath coupled to the first sheath to secure the mobile device. The test strip adaptor may be detachably coupled to the mobile device adapter. The test strip adaptor is configured to receive different types of test strips.

Abstract: A sensor system comprises a permselective medium positionable to contact a fluid in a microchannel, an arrangement of electrodes arranged to generate an electric field across the permselective medium, an ion concentration sensing system having a sensing element configured to provide sensing signals indicative of a local ion concentration pattern, and a signal processor for analyzing a sensing signal received from the ion concentration sensing system to determine at least one flow parameter characterizing the flow.

Abstract: Provided herein are microfluidic devices that can be configured to generate an electrophoretic flow that is in opposition to a fluid flow through a microcapillary of a microfluidic device provided herein. Also provided herein are methods that include adding an amount of particle to the inlet area of a microfluidic device as provided herein, generating a first fluid flow through a microcapillary of a microfluidic device provided herein; and applying a uniform electric field to the microfluidic device, where the uniform electric field generates an electrophoretic flow that is in opposition to the fluid flow.

Abstract: A system and method for using new biomarkers to assess individual diseases is provided. In one embodiment of the present invention, absolute quantification of annotated metabolites by mass spectrometry is used to identify certain biomarkers and derivatives thereof (i.e., signatures), which are then used to screen for, diagnose, predict, prognose, and treat various diseases, including, but not limited to, breast cancer, ovarian cancer, colorectal cancer, pancreatic cancer, and acute graft-versus-host disease.