Abstract: A wearable apparatus for collecting sweat from a subject for stress monitoring. The apparatus comprises a fluid collection device configured for direct contact with the subject's skin when the wearable apparatus is in use. The fluid collection device comprises a main channel configured to collect sweat from the subject's skin, and a plurality of inlet channels in communication with the main channel, and at least one vent. A plurality of inlet ports are each uniquely associated with one of the inlet channels for storing a sample of the collected sweat and preserving molecular contents of the stored sweat. The apparatus may comprise a plurality of collection chambers to absorb the sweat for later analysis, and/or a biosensor configured to sense one or more target biomolecules and/or bioparticles in the collected sweat. A wearable sweat collection and analysis system may include a wearable apparatus as described, and a potentiostat readout device.

Abstract: Some embodiments disclosed herein relate to a hand-held electrochemical-sensor system integrated within a self-powered capillary microfluidic cartridge for quantitative and digital detection of target biomolecules and bioparticles, and devices and methods relating thereto. The system can allow for rapid detection of target biomolecules and bioparticles via one or more detection routes, simultaneously from biological samples such as tissues, bodily fluids, and/or the like. Target biomolecules and bioparticles include but are not limited to DNAs, RNAs, proteins, metabolites, exosomes, infectious agents, biproducts, nucleic acids, blood-born vectors, microbes (such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa, and/or the like), helminths, host immunoglobulins, and small molecules in different fluids or biofluids. Target bioparticles include cells, bacteria, pathogens, and viruses.

Abstract: A sensor and method for use in measuring a physical characteristic of a fluid in a microfluidic system is provided. A microfluidic chip has a thin deformable membrane that separates a microfluidic channel from a microwave resonator sensor. The membrane is deformable in response to loading from interaction of the membrane with the fluid. Loading may be fluid pressure in the channel, or shear stress or surface stress resulting from interaction of the membrane with the fluid. The deformation of the membrane changes the permittivity in the region proximate the sensor. A change in permittivity causes a change in the electrical parameters of the sensor, thereby allowing for a characteristic of the fluid, such as flow rate, or a biological or chemical characteristic, to be measured. Also, a microwave sensor with improved sensitivity for characterizing a fluid in a microfluidic channel is provided.

Abstract: A sensor and method for use in measuring a physical characteristic of a fluid in a microfluidic system is provided. A microfluidic chip has a thin deformable membrane that separates a microfluidic channel from a microwave resonator sensor. The membrane is deformable in response to loading from interaction of the membrane with the fluid. Loading may be fluid pressure in the channel, or shear stress or surface stress resulting from interaction of the membrane with the fluid. The deformation of the membrane changes the permittivity in the region proximate the sensor. A change in permittivity causes a change in the electrical parameters of the sensor, thereby allowing for a characteristic of the fluid, such as flow rate, or a biological or chemical characteristic, to be measured. Also, a microwave sensor with improved sensitivity for characterizing a fluid in a microfluidic channel is provided.

Abstract: A lubrication system includes a pair of mating surfaces subject to relative motion and a source of lubrication in communication with the mating surfaces. A microfluidic channel system including at least one diffuser element is disposed in an interface between the mating surfaces to create a coherent fluid film at the interface in response to the relative motion.

Abstract: A lubrication system includes a pair of mating surfaces subject to relative motion and a source of lubrication in communication with the mating surfaces. A microfluidic channel system including at least one diffuser element is disposed in an interface between the mating surfaces to create a coherent fluid film at the interface in response to the relative motion.