Abstract: A microfluidic device and method is provided for handheld diagnostics and assays. The device includes a base having outer surface and a channel therethough for receiving fluid therein. The channel has input and output ports communicating with the outer surface. A lid is also provided. The lid has an outer surface, a first well having a port communicating with the outer surface of the lid, and a second well having a port communicating with the outer surface. The lid moveable between a first disengaged position and a second engaged position wherein the first port of the lid is adjacent the input port of the channel and the second port is adjacent the output port of the channel.

Abstract: Methods of isolating weakly interacting molecules in a fluidic sample using an immiscible phase filtration technique are disclosed. A complex is formed between a solid phase substrate, a molecule immobilized on the solid phase substrate, and at least one target molecule present in the fluidic sample. The complex is transferred into an immiscible phase by applying an external force to the solid phase substrate. The methods eliminate the need for complex and time consuming washing steps.

Abstract: A microfluidic device and method is provided for handheld diagnostics and assays. The device includes a base having outer surface and a channel therethough for receiving fluid therein. The channel has input and output ports communicating with the outer surface. A lid is also provided. The lid has an outer surface, a first well having a port communicating with the outer surface of the lid, and a second well having a port communicating with the outer surface. The lid moveable between a first disengaged position and a second engaged position wherein the first port of the lid is adjacent the input port of the channel and the second port is adjacent the output port of the channel.

Abstract: A microfluidic device and method is provided for handheld diagnostics and assays. A first substance is frozen in a cryopreservation fluid in a first well of a lid. The lid includes a first surface communicating with a first port of the first well and a second surface communicating with a second port of the first well. A porous membrane is affixed to the first surface so as to overlap the first port and a non-porous membrane is affixed to the second surface so as to overlap the second port. The first substance may be dialytically freed from the cryopreservation fluid at a user desired time. Thereafter, the lid may be moved from a first position wherein the lid is spaced from a base to a second position wherein the lid is adjacent the channel in the base such that the first substance communicates with the input of the channel.

Abstract: A method is provided for facilitating extraction of a fraction from a biological sample. The biological sample includes non-desired material and a fraction-bound solid phase substrate. The method includes the steps of capturing the fraction-bound solid phase substrate and bringing an isolation buffer and the fraction-bound solid phase substrate into contact to purify the captured fraction-bound solid phase substrate.

Abstract: Methods of isolating weakly interacting molecules in a fluidic sample using an immiscible phase filtration technique are disclosed. A complex is formed between a solid phase substrate, a molecule immobilized on the solid phase substrate, and at least one target molecule present in the fluidic sample. The complex is transferred into an immiscible phase by applying an external force to the solid phase substrate. The methods eliminate the need for complex and time consuming washing steps.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of using the same are provided for generating a gradient of particles within a microfluidic device. The microfluidic device includes a channel having an input and an output. The channel is filled with a predetermined fluid. Thereafter, particles from a source pass through a porous membrane into the input of the channel. A second membrane is provided adjacent the output of the channel to minimize convection therein. A sink communicates with the output of the channel. The source/sink combination creates a pseudo-steady state in the channel wherein the concentration of particles at a point does not vary dramatically with time.

Abstract: The present invention provides liquid crystal-based devices and methods for bioagent detection. In certain aspects, the present invention is directed to devices and methods utilizing liquid crystals and membranes containing polymerized targets that can report the presence of bioagents including, but not limited to, enzymes, antibodies, and toxins.

Abstract: A device and method is provided for performing a high throughput assay. The device includes a plate structure having a plate and a plurality of microfluidic structures positioned thereon. Each microfluidic structure defines a channel having an input and an output. At least one of the input and the output of the channel of each of the plurality of mircofluidic structures includes a first plurality of ports. In operation, the channels are filled with fluid and pressure gradients are generated between the fluids at the inputs and the fluids at the outputs of the channels. As a result, fluid flows through the channels toward the outputs.

Abstract: A device and method are provided for determining the wear of a sole of a shoe. The device includes first and second sensors receivable in the sole of the shoe. The sensors are axially spaced and generate signals in response to corresponding impact forces acting thereon. A control circuit is connectable to the first and second sensors. The control circuit compares the difference between the first and second signals to a threshold and generates an alert signal in response to the difference between the first and second signal meeting the threshold.

Abstract: A platform and method for mimicking the environment within a cell is provided. The platform includes a microfluidic device defining a chamber. At least one hydrogel post is positioned within the chamber of the microfluidic device. Each hydrogel post defines a corresponding pore for receiving a first molecule therein. Second molecules are introduced into the pores of the hydrogel posts and the interactions between the first and second molecules are observed.

Abstract: A detection device is provided for detecting the presence of an agent in a fluid. The device includes a body defining first and second chambers. It is intended for the first chamber accommodating the flow of fluid therein. A first valve is disposed in the body between in the first and second chambers. The first valve opens in response to the presence of the agent in the fluid. A first detection structure is disposed in the second chamber in order to generate a predetermined signal in response to exposure to the fluid.

Abstract: A micro device is provided that includes a body defining a chamber for receiving fluid. A rotational element is disposed in the chamber for acting on the fluid. The rotational element is rotatable about an axis in response to a rotating magnetic field. The micro device further includes a clutch mechanism having a first disengaged configuration and a second engaged configuration wherein the clutch mechanism engages the rotational element and prevents rotation of the same.

Abstract: A micro device and method are provided for examining and testing a slice of a biological object, such as brain tissue. The micro device includes a body defining a chamber and a channel in communication with the chamber. A stimulation fluid flows axially along a flow path in the channel and engages a user selectable region of the slice. An array of electrodes in the chamber engages the slice and allows for the multi-channel electrical recording and stimulation of the slice at each of the electrode sites.

Abstract: A method for preparing and infusing an ophthalmic fluid into an eye includes de-oxygenating the fluid and infusing the fluid into the eye. In another aspect, the fluid is warmed such that it enters the eye within a temperature range of about 30 degrees C. to about 37 degrees C.

Abstract: A microparticle storage and delivery device is provided for allowing an individual to selectively dispense a dosage of a microparticle. The device includes a hydrogel string loaded with a plurality of dosages of the microparticle and a storage container for receiving the string. The storage container has a first open end and a second opposite end. A biasing structure urges the string toward the open end of the storage container and an actuator selectively engages the string to urge a dosage of the microparticle from the open end of the storage container.

Abstract: A microfluidic device is provided for delivering a drug to an individual. The microfluidic device includes a body that defines a reservoir for receiving the drug therein. A valve interconnects the reservoir to an output needle that is insertable into the skin of an individual. A pressure source urges the drug from the reservoir toward the needle. The valve is movable between a closed position preventing the flow of the drug from the reservoir to the output needle and an open position allowing for the flow of the drug from the reservoir to the output needle in response to a predetermined condition in the physiological fluids of the individual.

Abstract: A micro-scale gap fabrication process using a dry releasable dendritic material sacrificial layer. The fabrication process produces micro-scale gaps, such as those required between a suspended microstructure and an opposing surface in MEMS. The dendritic sacrificial layer is releasable by heating the dendritic material past its decomposition point after forming the microstructure. The sacrificial layer may be applied to a wafer, for example, by spin coating a solution including the dissolved dendritic material. The sacrificial layer, after being formed, may be patterned and prepared for accepting structural material for the microstructure. After a desired microstructure or microstructures are formed around the sacrificial layer, the layer is dry releasable by heating.

Abstract: A compact active vapor compression cycle heat transfer device. The device of the invention includes a flexible diaphragm serving as the compressive member in a layered compressor. The compressor is stimulated by capacitive electrical action and drives the relatively small refrigerant charge for the device through a closed loop defined by the compressor, an evaporator and a condenser. The evaporator and condenser include microchannel heat exchange elements to respectively draw heat from an atmosphere on a cool side of the device and expel heat into an atmosphere on a hot side of the device. The overall structure and size of the device is similar to microelectronic packages, and it may be combined to operate with similar devices in useful arrays.