Abstract: The present technology is directed to capillarity-based devices for performing chemical processes and associated system and methods. In one embodiment, for example, a device can include a porous receiving element having an input region and a receiving region, a first fluid source and a second fluid source positioned within the input region of the receiving element; wherein the first fluid source is positioned between the second fluid source and the receiving region, and wherein, when both the first and second fluid sources are in fluid connection with the input region, the device is configured to sequentially deliver the first fluid and the second fluid to the receiving region without leakage.

Abstract: The present technology provides systems and methods for oligonucleotide ligation assays (“OLA”). In some embodiments, OLA devices are provided that incorporate pathogen detection testing and drug resistance testing into a single device using a lateral flow membrane. The OLA devices can be used at point of car settings to aid a clinician in selecting an appropriate therapeutic regimen for an infected patient.

Abstract: Drainage systems for excess body fluids and associated methods are disclosed herein. A drainage system in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology can include, for example, a drainage catheter, a first reference line, a second reference line, and a pressure sensor assembly. The catheter can include a flexible interface member and an inlet can be placed in fluid communication with a site of excess body fluid within a patient. A first flexible region of the first reference line can be in pressure communication with the flexible interface member, and a second flexible region of the second reference line can be in pressure communication with the surrounding atmosphere. The pressure sensor assembly can be spaced apart from the flexible regions, and measure the pressures of the first and second reference lines. This information can be used to determine the pressure at the site of excess body fluid.

Abstract: The present technology is directed to capillarity-based devices for performing chemical processes and associated system and methods. In one embodiment, for example, a device can include a porous receiving element having an input region and a receiving region, a first fluid source and a second fluid source positioned within the input region of the receiving element; wherein the first fluid source is positioned between the second fluid source and the receiving region, and wherein, when both the first and second fluid sources are in fluid connection with the input region, the device is configured to sequentially deliver the first fluid and the second fluid to the receiving region without leakage.

Abstract: In one aspect, the disclosure provides a pressure sensor that wirelessly provides force/pressure data to a wireless receiver. The pressure sensor includes a first fluid-responsive membrane configured to be exposed to a region, such as a body fluid, whose pressure is being monitored. A force transducer for measuring this pressure is movable toward and away from the flexible membrane and may be oscillated, either out-of-contact with the first fluid-responsive membrane or in-contact therewith, for static/dynamic pressure sensor calibration. An actuator for displacing/oscillating the force transducer is located within the internal housing. Specific pressure transducers, fluid drainage systems, implantable devices and (at least partially) external sensing devices are disclosed. Calibration techniques, including recalibration to adjust for device drift and to clear biofouling are disclosed.

Abstract: Self-calibrating sensor assemblies for excess body fluid drainage systems are disclosed herein. Self-calibrating sensor assemblies can include a sensor assembly engaged with a flexible interface member of a drainage catheter. The assembly includes a sensor having a body and a shaft extending from the body. A contact member is slidably mated with the shaft and coupled to the flexible interface member. A resilient member is coupled to the sensor shaft and disposed between the contact member and the body. An actuator moves the sensor between a first position and a second position with respect to the drainage catheter. In the first position the sensor is positioned to measure the pressure and/or force at the flexible interface member, and in the second position the resilient member exerts a known force on the sensor.

Abstract: Drainage systems for excess body fluids and associated methods are disclosed herein. A drainage system in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology can include, for example, a drainage catheter, a first reference line, a second reference line, and a pressure sensor assembly. The catheter can include a flexible interface member and an inlet can be placed in fluid communication with a site of excess body fluid within a patient. A first flexible region of the first reference line can be in pressure communication with the flexible interface member, and a second flexible region of the second reference line can be in pressure communication with the surrounding atmosphere. The pressure sensor assembly can be spaced apart from the flexible regions, and measure the pressures of the first and second reference lines. This information can be used to determine the pressure at the site of excess body fluid.

Abstract: The present technology is directed to capillarity-based devices for performing chemical processes and associated system and methods. In one embodiment, for example, a device can include a porous receiving element having an input region and a receiving region, a first fluid source and a second fluid source positioned within the input region of the receiving element; wherein the first fluid source is positioned between the second fluid source and the receiving region, and wherein, when both the first and second fluid sources are in fluid connection with the input region, the device is configured to sequentially deliver the first fluid and the second fluid to the receiving region without leakage.

Abstract: The present technology is directed to capillarity-based devices for performing chemical processes and associated system and methods. In one embodiment, for example, a device can include a source configured to receive one or more fluids, a first material adjacent to and in fluid connection with the source, a second material, and a dissolvable volume-metering element positioned between the first material and the second material. The volume-metering element can be configured to provide a fluid connection between the first material and the second material. The volume-metering element can also be configured to at least partially dissolve and break the fluid connection between the first material and second material once a predetermined volume of fluid flows therethrough.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a strand displacement system is provided. Such a system may include a first nucleic acid catalyst molecule; a nucleic acid gate molecule, wherein the first nucleic acid catalyst molecule binds the nucleic acid gate molecule forming a nucleic acid gate-catalyst complex and releases an output molecule; and a nucleic acid sink molecule. The nucleic acid sink molecule sequesters a putative second nucleic acid catalyst, wherein the second nucleic acid catalyst differs from the first nucleic acid catalyst molecule by at least one nucleotide. In some aspects, the first nucleic acid catalyst may include a biomarker of interest or a nucleic acid aptamer which binds an amino acid-based biomarker of interest.

Abstract: A microfluidic fluid flow system (100) is disclosed having a fluid chamber or channel (150) with inlet and outlet ports (104, 106), allowing the fluid channel to be filled with a fluid. One or more flow obstructions or perturbances, such as cylinders (152), are provided in the channel. An oscillatory boundary condition is applied, for example, with a piezoelectric driver (130), that is selected to induce a conservative, low-intensity steady streaming flow in the channel. The low-intensity streaming flow produces distinct eddies that can be utilized, for example, for fluid-dynamically trapping or retaining particles (90) such as cells (92) at well defined locations in the channel. The system may be used to trap and study individual cells or for concentrating or filtering particles in a fluid.