Abstract: A method of making a flowcell includes bonding a first surface of an organic solid support to a surface of a first inorganic solid support via a first bonding layer, wherein the organic solid support includes a plurality of elongated cutouts. The method further includes bonding a surface of a second inorganic solid support to a second surface of the organic solid support via a second bonding layer, so as to form the flowcell. The formed flowcell includes a plurality of channels defined by the surface of the first inorganic solid support, the surface of the second inorganic solid support, and walls of the elongated cutouts.

Abstract: Examples herein provide a method. The method includes applying an electrical potential difference over a blood sample in a testing cassette of a microfluidic device, the cassette including a microfluidic channel through which the blood sample flows. The method includes measuring, over a duration of time, an electrical signal passing through the blood sample as the blood sample flows from a first end and coagulates at a second end of the microfluidic channel to obtain a measurement function as a function of time. The method also includes correlating the measurement function to a characteristic of the blood sample.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure pertain to conductive textiles that include a textile component with a plurality of fibers; and metal-organic frameworks associated with the fibers of the textile component in the form of a conductive network. Metal-organic frameworks may have a two-dimensional structure and a crystalline form. Metal-organic frameworks may be conformally coated on the fibers of the textile component. Additional embodiments of the present disclosure pertain to methods of sensing an analyte in a sample by exposing the sample to a conductive textile; and detecting the presence or absence of the analyte by detecting a change in a property of the conductive textile, and correlating the change in the property to the presence or absence of the analyte. The analyte in the sample may reversibly associate with the conductive textile. The association may also result in filtration, pre-concentration, and capture of the analyte by the conductive textile.

Abstract: The present invention describes several embodiments of a device that allows for the supporting, storage and deployment of large surface area thin film solid phase microextraction (TF-SPME) chemical samplers from within a sample fluid carrier. The utility of said supporting device originates from the process by which the extraction surface is stabilised within a sample carrying fluid for the extraction of chemical molecules from said sample carrying fluid. The device is also characterized by having a seating cavity, and moving mechanism or cap that can switch the supported TF-SPME chemical sampler between an open, sampling position or closed storage position.

Abstract: Compositions, devices and processes related to etching of a very thin layer or fine particles of a metal are disclosed for monitoring a variety of parameters, such as time, temperature, time-temperature, thawing, freezing, microwave, humidity, ionizing radiation, sterilization and chemicals. These devices have capabilities of producing a long and sharp induction period of an irreversible visual change. The devices are composed of an indicator comprising a very thin layer of a metal and an activator, e.g., a reactant, such as water, water vapor, an acid, a base, oxidizing agent or their precursors, which is capable of reacting with the said indicator. Ink formulations composed of a metal powder and a proper activator can be used for monitoring several sterilization processes, such as sterilization with steam. When water is used as an activator, a thin layer of metals, such as that of aluminum can be used as steam sterilization or humidity indicator.

Abstract: A microchip includes a cell accepting section, a lysis solution chamber and a lysis reaction chamber. The cell accepting section accepts cells obtained from a subject. The lysis solution chamber stores lysis solution for lysis of the cells. The lysis reaction of the cells is executed in the lysis reaction chamber.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to an apparatus, system and method for retrieving a target material from a suspension. A system includes a plurality of processing vessels and a collector. The collector funnels portions of the target material from the suspension through a cannula and into the processing vessels. Sequential density fractionation is the division of a sample into fractions or of a fraction of a sample into sub-fractions by a step-wise or sequential process, such that each step or sequence results in the collection or separation of a different fraction or sub-fraction from the preceding and successive steps or sequences. In other words, sequential density fractionation provides individual sub-populations of a population or individual sub-sub-populations of a sub-population of a population through a series of steps.

Abstract: A method for process monitoring and control of a chemical reactor in which a chemical reaction utilizing a halogenated selectivity modifier is performed includes: measuring a level of halogenated components in an inlet stream of a reactor inlet; measuring a level of halogenated components in an outlet stream of a reactor outlet; based on the level of halogenated components at the inlet stream and the outlet stream, determining a process performance indicator associated with a halogenated component; and adjusting an amount of halogenated selectivity modifier added to the reactor based on the process performance indicator.

Abstract: A sample preparation system includes a sample input, a first chamber fluidly coupled to the sample input and containing a sample preparation reagent, a second chamber containing a surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) sensor structure and a third chamber containing a sensor preparation solution. The sample input, the first chamber and the second chamber are fluidly coupled to one another in a series and the third chamber is fluidly coupled to the third chamber outside of the series so as to sequentially direct a sample received by the sample input through the first chamber to the second chamber and out of the second chamber and so as to direct the sensor preparation solution into the second chamber following discharge of the sample out of the second chamber.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for detecting at least one chemical species in a medium to be analyzed including a chemical sensor, the chemical sensor including: a substrate; a functionalized carrier intended for capturing and accumulating the chemical species and attached to a side of the substrate. The device also includes a unit for diffusion between the medium to be analysed and the functionalised carrier. The diffusion unit includes a vibration generating system connected to the chemical sensor in order to subject the chemical sensor to controlled vibrations.

Abstract: A microfluidic flow controller for receiving analyte fluid and calibration fluids wherein the flow controller is configured to switch between (i) an analysis mode in which analyte fluid is passed to an analysis module and (ii) a calibration mode in which the analyte fluid is passed to an alternative destination and calibration fluid is passed to the analysis module, thereby maintaining flow rate of analyte fluid from a source and maintaining a steady flow rate of fluid through the analysis module in both analysis mode and calibration mode. The flow controller may vary the ration of multiple calibration fluids during a calibration mode. Means for accurately positioning sensors within a flow conduit of the analysis module is also described. Sensors are also described for use with or without the microfluidic flow controller for the detection of metabolites and molecules. The sensors may or may not comprise enzymes and may be used with a sensing reagent, also described.

Abstract: Described herein are various embodiments of a valve that may be opened and closed using a thixotropic or “stress yield” material, or other material that temporarily changes phase upon application of energy to the material. More particularly, some embodiments may include a valve that is opened and closed using a granular gel that is a temporary phase change material.

Abstract: Systems, devices and methods are provided for fabricating anisotropic polymer materials. According to various embodiments, a fluidic device is employed to distribute a polymer solution and a flow-confining solution in order to generate a layered flow, where the layered flow is formed such that a polymer liquid sheet is sheathed on opposing sides by flow-confining liquid sheets. The fluidic device includes first and second fluid conduits, where the first fluid conduit receives the layered flow. The second fluid conduit has a reduced height relative to the first fluid conduit, such that the layered flow is constricted as it flows through the second fluid conduit. The constriction formed by the second flow conduit causes hydrodynamic focusing, reducing the thickness of the polymer liquid sheet, and inducing molecular alignment and anisotropy within the polymer liquid sheet as it is hardened and as strain is applied during extrusion of the sheet.

Abstract: Imprinted substrates are often used to produce miniaturized devices for use in electrical, optic and biochemical applications. Imprinting techniques, such as nanoimprinting lithography, may leave residues in the surface of substrates that affect bonding and decrease the quality of the produced devices. An imprinted substrate with residue-free region, or regions with a reduced amount of residue for improved bonding quality is introduced. Methods to produce imprinted substrates without residues from the imprinting process are also introduced. Methods include physical exclusion methods, selective etching methods and energy application methods. These methods may produce residue-free regions in the surface of the substrate that can be used to produce higher strength bonding.

Abstract: A device for receiving and fluidically contacting a container for fluid, in particular a microfluidic device, includes a receiving unit configured to receive the container. The receiving unit includes at least one first hollow needle extending toward the received container, and at least one fixing element configured (i) to fix the received container at a predetermined distance from the needle, and (ii) such that the container is released in response to a force exceeding a predetermined threshold acting either (a) on the container in the direction of the needle, or (b) on the receiving unit in a direction toward the container. Release of the container enables the container and receiving unit to undergo a predetermined movement relative to each other such that the needle penetrates a shell of the container to fluidically contact the container.

Abstract: Systems, devices, kits, and methods are provided herein in the form of example embodiments that relate to calibration of medical devices. The medical devices can be sensors adapted to sense a biochemical attribute. The embodiments can be used to determine calibration information specific to an individual medical device. The embodiments can determine the calibration information by reference to one or more parameters obtained during manufacturing of the medical device. The embodiments can also determine the calibration information by reference to in vitro testing of the medical devices. The embodiments also apply to systems incorporating those medical devices in their use in the field. Also described are embodiments of modifications to surfaces of sensor substrates, such as through applied radiation and/or the creation of a well, to aid in the placement and/or sizing of a sensor element on the substrate.

Abstract: The present application relates sensing reactive components in fluids by monitoring band gap changes to a material having interacted with the reactive components via physisorption and/or chemisorption. In some embodiments, the sensors of the present disclosure include the material as a reactive surface on a substrate. The band gap changes may be detected by measuring conductance changes and/or spectroscopic changes. In some instances, the sensing may occur downhole during one or more wellbore operations like drilling, hydraulic fracturing, and producing hydrocarbons.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use, as a fluorescent chromophore, of a compound with formula (I) wherein: A1 is —N— or —C(Y1)—; A2 is —N— or —C(Y2)—; A3 is —N— or —C(Y3)—; A4 is —N— or —C(Y4)—; at least one of A1, A2, A3 and A4 representing —N—; X1 is —N— or —C(Y5)—; X2 is —N— or —C(Y6)—; X3 is —N— or —C(Y7)—; and Y1, Y2, Y3, Y4, Y5, Y6 and Y7 are in particular chosen independently of one another from the group made up of: H, electron-donor groups and electron-attracting groups.

Abstract: An analysis container comprises a main body; a first chamber that is provided inside the main body and holds a liquid sample; a second chamber; a liquid passage; and an air passage. The liquid passage connects the first chamber and the second chamber, and moves the liquid sample from the first chamber to the second chamber. The air flow chamber connects the first chamber and the second chamber, and moves air from the second chamber to the first chamber.

Abstract: A microfluidic device includes a base comprising a chamber configured to receive a microfluidic component. A sealing member includes a body, an inlet reservoir, and an outlet reservoir, where the inlet reservoir and the outlet reservoir communicate with the chamber through fluid passages when the sealing member and base are removably coupled. A microfluidic component removably within the chamber includes microfluidic channels on a surface thereof and a tissue culture chamber coupled to at least one of the microfluidic channels. The microfluidic channels and the tissue culture chamber are in fluid communication with the inlet and outlet reservoirs through the fluid passages to form a fluid circuit for directing fluid from the inlet reservoir, through the tissue culture chamber, to the outlet reservoir, and from the outlet reservoir back to the inlet reservoir upon tilting the microfluidic device to a forward tilted position and to a reverse tilted position, respectively.