Abstract: A method and device are provided for detecting a target in a biological sample. The target binds to a solid phase substrate. First and second cavities in a plate are filled with an oil. The first and second cavities are in fluid communication with each other. The solid phase substrate is magnetically drawn sequentially from a drop of the biological sample in the first cavity, through the oil, into a drop of the reaction solution in the second cavity. A change in a parameter of the drop of the reaction solution indicates the presence of the target.

Abstract: A method and a device are provided for facilitating the disaggregation of a plurality of solid phase substrate as the plurality of solid phase substrate are transferred from a first location to a second location. A plurality of solid phase substrate are deposited at the first location and a plurality of particles are added to the plurality of solid phase substrate. A force is generated to draw the plurality of solid phase substrate from the first location to a second location. The plurality of particles causes clumps of the plurality of solid phase substrate to break apart as the plurality of solid phase substrate are moved in response to the force.

Abstract: A method and device of creating a lumen model in a microwell plate defining a well is provided. A rod is inserted through the well of the microwell plate and the well is filled with a polymerizable material. The material is polymerized in the well. The rod is removed from the well of the microwell plate such that the polymerized material defines a lumen.

Abstract: A method and device of creating a lumen model in a microwell plate defining a well is provided. A rod is inserted through the well of the microwell plate and the well is filled with a polymerizable material. The material is polymerized in the well. The rod is removed from the well of the microwell plate such that the polymerized material defines a lumen.

Abstract: A microfluidic platform is provided for controlling and configuring the evolution of a gradient. The microfluidic platform includes a plate having an outer surface and defining a chamber therein for receiving cells and/or drug/reagent particles of interest captured within a polymerized material. A plurality of wells are adapted for receiving a one or more types of desired media to form gradients in the polymerized material. The plurality of wells have first portions communicating with the outer surface of the plate and second portions communicating with the chamber. The first and second portions of the plurality of wells having corresponding widths and cross-sectional areas, and each of the plurality of wells is spaced from an adjacent well of the plurality of wells by a distance.

Abstract: A platform and method for testing antibiotic sensitivity of a polymicrobial infection is provided. The platform includes a body defining a plurality of sets of chambers and a plurality of wells. Each set of chambers has a plurality of chambers adapted for culturing microbes of the polymicrobial infection therein. Each well is associated with a corresponding set of chambers and has an input in fluidic communication with the outlets of the plurality of chambers in the corresponding set of chambers. Selected antibiotic therapies may be received in the wells which fluidically connect the plurality of chambers in a corresponding set of chambers such that microbes cultured in the plurality of chambers in the corresponding set of chambers are in soluble factor contact.

Abstract: A device and method are provided to facilitate the handling of a volume of fluid. The device includes an elongated tube having an open first end and a second end. The tube defines a reservoir for receiving the volume of fluid. A stanchion has a first end received within the reservoir of the tube and a second end projecting from the open end of the elongated tube. In operation, the elongated tube is deposited in a first capsule having fluid therein. The first capsule is centrifuged such that the volume of fluid is received in a reservoir in the tube through the open end. The tube is removed from the first capsule and positioned in a second capsule such that the open end of the tube is spaced from a closed end of the second capsule. The second capsule is centrifuged such that the volume of fluid is expelled from the reservoir of the tube.

Abstract: An open microfluidic system is provided. The open microfluidic system including the extreme wettability of exclusive liquid repellency (ELR), open microchannels with high lateral resolution and low profile, various valve arrangements, capable of a broad range flow rates, and capable of spatially and temporally trapping particles in open fluid.

Abstract: A platform and method for testing antibiotic sensitivity of a polymicrobial infection is provided. The platform includes a body defining a plurality of sets of chambers and a plurality of wells. Each set of chambers has a plurality of chambers adapted for culturing microbes of the polymicrobial infection therein. Each well is associated with a corresponding set of chambers and has an input in fluidic communication with the outlets of the plurality of chambers in the corresponding set of chambers. Selected antibiotic therapies may be received in the wells which fluidically connect the plurality of chambers in a corresponding set of chambers such that microbes cultured in the plurality of chambers in the corresponding set of chambers are in soluble factor contact.

Abstract: A platform and method for conducting multi-variable combinational interactions are provided. An array of multiplexing chambers in formed in a body. The body also includes a common well communicating with each multiplexing chamber of the array of multiplexing chambers and a plurality of variable wells. Each of variable wells communicates with at least one multiplexing chamber of the array of multiplexing chambers. The common well is loaded with a first variable and different variables are loaded in each of the plurality of variable wells. The interaction of the first variable with at least one of the different variables in each multiplexing chamber of the array of multiplexing chambers is observed.

Abstract: A method of sample preparation for streamlined multi-step assays is provided. The method includes the step of providing a microfluidic device including a reservoir defined by a surface configured to repel an aqueous solution. A dried reagent is provided on a portion of the surface and the reservoir is filled with an oil. A first droplet formed from the aqueous solution is positioned on the dried reagent so to pick-up and re-dissolve the dried reagent therein so as to expose the portion of the surface. In addition, a second droplet of an aqueous solution may be deposited on a hydrophilic spot patterned on the surface. A magnetic force may be configured to interact magnetically with the paramagnetic beads within the first droplet to move the droplet through the oil in the reservoir or to move the paramagnetic beads from the first droplet, through the oil, into the second droplet.

Abstract: A microfluidic platform and method are provided. The microfluidic platform includes a base having an outer surface and a plurality of wells formed in the outer surface thereof for receiving fluid therein. The plurality of wells are in fluid communication with each other. A lid includes a plurality of channels having corresponding inputs and outputs. The lid is moveable between a first position wherein the lid is disengaged from the base and a second position wherein the inputs of each channel communicate with corresponding wells in the base. The fluid in each well is drawn into corresponding channels through the inputs thereof by capillary action.

Abstract: A platform and method for conducting multi-variable combinational interactions are provided. An array of multiplexing chambers in formed in a body. The body also includes a common well communicating with each multiplexing chamber of the array of multiplexing chambers and a plurality of variable wells. Each of variable wells communicates with at least one multiplexing chamber of the array of multiplexing chambers. The common well is loaded with a first variable and different variables are loaded in each of the plurality of variable wells. The interaction of the first variable with at least one of the different variables in each multiplexing chamber of the array of multiplexing chambers is observed.

Abstract: A method and device of creating a lumen model in a microwell plate defining a well is provided. A rod is inserted through the well of the microwell plate and the well is filled with a polymerizable material. The material is polymerized in the well. The rod is removed from the well of the microwell plate such that the polymerized material defines a lumen.

Abstract: A microfluidic device and method of assaying for immune cell exhaustion therewith are provided. The microfluidic device includes a moveable rod positioned across a chamber of a microfluidic device adjacent a first end thereof. Target cells are mixed into a hydrogel and the hydrogel is injected into the chamber about the moveable rod. The hydrogel is polymerized in. the chamber and the moveable rod is removed from the hydrogel so as to form a passageway in the hydrogel. The passageway is filled with a solution including immune cells. The immune cells migrate/diffuse into the hydrogel. A gradient of nutrients is formed in the chamber from. the first end to a second end of the chamber. One or more biopsies of the hydrogel may be taken at user selected location(s) of the chamber.

Abstract: A method and device are provided for detecting a target in a biological sample. The target binds to a solid phase substrate. First and second cavities in a plate are filled with an oil. The first and second cavities are in fluid communication with each other. The solid phase substrate is magnetically drawn sequentially from a drop of the biological sample in the first cavity, through the oil, into a drop of the reaction solution in the second cavity. A change in a parameter of the drop of the reaction solution indicates the presence of the target.

Abstract: A platform and method for conducting multi-variable combinational interactions are provided. An array of multiplexing chambers in formed in a body. The body also includes a common well communicating with each multiplexing chamber of the array of multiplexing chambers and a plurality of variable wells. Each of variable wells communicates with at least one multiplexing chamber of the array of multiplexing chambers. The common well is loaded with a first variable and different variables are loaded in each of the plurality of variable wells. The interaction of the first variable with at least one of the different variables in each multiplexing chamber of the array of multiplexing chambers is observed.

Abstract: A device and a method for isolating a target from a biological sample are provided. The target is bound to solid phase substrate to form target bound solid phase substrate. The device includes a lower plate with an upper surface having a plurality of regions. The biological sample is receivable on a first of the regions. An upper plate has a lower surface directed to the upper surface of the lower plate. A force is positioned adjacent the upper plate and attracts the target bound solid phase substrate toward the lower surface of the upper plate. At least one of the upper plate and the lower plate is movable from a first position wherein the target bound solid phase substrate in the biological sample are drawn to the lower surface of the upper plate and a second position wherein the target bound solid phase substrate are isolated from the biological sample.

Abstract: A device and a method for isolating a target from a sample are provided. The target is bound to solid phase substrate to form a target bound solid phase substrate. The device includes a first plate having a first region for receiving at least a portion of the sample. A second plate is spaced from the first plate by a distance and has a first region for receiving a reagent. A force attracts the target bound solid phase substrate toward the first region of the second plate such that the target bound solid phase substrate in the portion of the sample are drawn through the air gap and into the reagent by the force.

Abstract: A device and a method for isolating a target from a sample are provided. The target is bound to solid phase substrate to form a target bound solid phase substrate. The device includes a first plate having a first region for receiving at least a portion of the sample. A second plate is spaced from the first plate by a distance and has a first region for receiving a reagent. A force attracts the target bound solid phase substrate toward the first region of the second plate such that the target bound solid phase substrate in the portion of the sample are drawn through the air gap and into the reagent by the force.