Abstract: A microfluidic chip that can have a body defining a microfluidic network including a test volume, one or more ports, and one or more channels in fluid communication between the port(s) and the test volume. Gas can be removed from the test volume before a sample liquid is introduced therein by reducing pressure at a first one of the port(s), optionally while the liquid is disposed in the port. Liquid in the first port can be introduced into the test volume by increasing pressure at the first port. The microfluidic network can define one or more droplet-generating regions in which at least one of the channel(s) defines a constriction and/or two or more of the channels connect at a junction. Liquid flowing from the first port can pass through at least one of the droplet-generating region(s) and to the test volume.

Abstract: A microfluidic chip that can have a body defining a microfluidic network including a test volume, one or more ports, and one or more channels in fluid communication between the port(s) and the test volume. Gas can be removed from the test volume before a sample liquid is introduced therein by reducing pressure at a first one of the port(s), optionally while the liquid is disposed in the port. Liquid in the first port can be introduced into the test volume by increasing pressure at the first port. The microfluidic network can define one or more droplet-generating regions in which at least one of the channel(s) defines a constriction and/or two or more of the channels connect at a junction. Liquid flowing from the first port can pass through at least one of the droplet-generating region(s) and to the test volume.

Abstract: An apparatus for loading and imaging a microfluidic chip can comprise a housing having walls that define a vacuum chamber and a first receptacle disposed within the vacuum chamber, the first receptacle defining a space for receiving one or more microfluidic chips. The apparatus can also include a negative pressure source, a light source, and an optical sensor coupled to the housing. The negative pressure source can be configured to reduce pressure within the vacuum chamber, the light source can be positioned to illuminate at least a portion of the space for receiving the chip(s), and the optical sensor can be positioned to capture an image of at least a portion of the space for receiving the chip(s).

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the invention are directed to evaluating and identifying cells by recording and interpreting a time-dependent signal produced by unique cell respiration and permeability attributes of isolated viable cells.

Abstract: An apparatus for loading and imaging a microfluidic chip can comprise a housing having walls that define a vacuum chamber and a first receptacle disposed within the vacuum chamber, the first receptacle defining a space for receiving one or more microfluidic chips. The apparatus can also include a negative pressure source, a light source, and an optical sensor coupled to the housing. The negative pressure source can be configured to reduce pressure within the vacuum chamber, the light source can be positioned to illuminate at least a portion of the space for receiving the chip(s), and the optical sensor can be positioned to capture an image of at least a portion of the space for receiving the chip(s).

Abstract: A microfluidic chip that can have a body defining a microfluidic network including a test volume, one or more ports, and one or more channels in fluid communication between the port(s) and the test volume. Gas can be removed from the test volume before a sample liquid is introduced therein by reducing pressure at a first one of the port(s), optionally while the liquid is disposed in the port. Liquid in the first port can be introduced into the test volume by increasing pressure at the first port. The microfluidic network can define one or more droplet-generating regions in which at least one of the channel(s) defines a constriction and/or two or more of the channels connect at a junction. Liquid flowing from the first port can pass through at least one of the droplet-generating region(s) and to the test volume.

Abstract: A microfluidic chip that can have a body defining a microfluidic network including a test volume, one or more ports, and one or more channels in fluid communication between the port(s) and the test volume is described. Gas can be removed from the test volume before a sample liquid is introduced therein by reducing pressure at a first one of the port(s), optionally while the liquid is disposed in the port. Liquid in the first port can be introduced into the test volume by increasing pressure at the first port. The microfluidic network can define one or more droplet-generating regions in which at least one of the channel(s) defines a constriction and/or two or more of the channels connect at a junction. Liquid flowing from the first port can pass through at least one of the droplet-generating region(s) and to the test volume.

Abstract: Fluorogenic semiconductor nanocrystals and compositions thereof are provided herein, including kits, assay systems and methods for their preparation and use.

Abstract: Fluorogenic semiconductor nanocrystals and compositions thereof are provided herein, including kits, assay systems and methods for their preparation and use.