Abstract: There is disclosed a capillary microfluidic circuit including a main channel communicating with a flow inducing element. The main channel has intermediary inlets. Reservoirs for containing one or more liquids prior to being drawn into the main channel. The reservoirs include a first reservoir and at least a second reservoir. Each of the reservoirs has an upstream end connectable to vents for filling the reservoirs with the one or more liquids and a downstream end. The downstream end of each of the reservoirs is connected to the intermediary inlets of the main channel A conduit is disposed between the first reservoir and the a least a second reservoir. The conduit links the downstream end of the first reservoir with the upstream end of the at least a second reservoir.

Abstract: There are provided methods and systems for detecting and/or quantifying an analyte. In particular, there are provided methods and systems for simultaneous detection and/or quantitation of two or more analytes in a sample. In some embodiments, there are provided colocalization-by-linkage assays on microparticles (CLAMP) comprising two sets of binders pre-assembled on a support, such that the two sets of binders are colocalized before contacting the sample.

Abstract: There are provided methods and systems for detecting and/or quantifying an analyte. In particular, there are provided methods and systems for simultaneous detection and/or quantitation of two or more analytes in a sample. Colocalization-by-linkage assays on microparticles (CLAMP) can be engineered and used to effectively multiplex the detection of analytes within a sample. Features and methods of CLAMP systems can provide robust and scalable analysis of analytes in a sample.

Abstract: There are provided methods and systems for detecting and/or quantifying an analyte. In particular, there are provided methods and systems for simultaneous detection and/or quantitation of two or more analytes in a sample. In some embodiments, there are provided colocalization-by-linkage assays on microparticles (CLAMP) comprising two sets of binders pre-assembled on a support, such that the two sets of binders are colocalized before contacting the sample.

Abstract: There is disclosed a capillary microfluidic circuit including a main channel communicating with a flow inducing element. The main channel has intermediary inlets. Reservoirs for containing one or more liquids prior to being drawn into the main channel. The reservoirs include a first reservoir and at least a second reservoir. Each of the reservoirs has an upstream end connectable to vents for filling the reservoirs with the one or more liquids and a downstream end. The downstream end of each of the reservoirs is connected to the intermediary inlets of the main channel A conduit is disposed between the first reservoir and the a least a second reservoir. The conduit links the downstream end of the first reservoir with the upstream end of the at least a second reservoir.

Abstract: There are provided methods and systems for detecting and/or quantifying an analyte. In particular, there are provided methods and systems for simultaneous detection and/or quantitation of two or more analytes in a sample. In some embodiments, there are provided colocalization-by-linkage assays on microparticles (CLAMP) comprising two sets of binders pre-assembled on a support, such that the two sets of binders are colocalized before contacting the sample.

Abstract: A major challenge for the general use of “lab-on-a-chip” (LOAC) systems and point-of-care (POC) devices has been the generally complex and need for sophisticated peripheral equipment, such that it is more difficult than anticipated to implement low cost, robust and portable LOAC/POC solutions. It would be beneficial for chemical, medical, healthcare, and environmental applications to provide designs for inexpensive LOAC/POC solutions compatible with miniaturization and mass production, and are potentially portable, using compact possibly hand-held instruments, using reusable or disposable detectors. Embodiments of the invention address improved circuit elements for self-powered self-regulating microfluidic circuits including programmable retention valves, programmable trigger valves, enhanced capillary pumps, and flow resonators.

Abstract: Systems and methods for optimizing detection of light-emissive components of a multi-fluorescence spectra. The method comprises obtaining a multi-fluorescence based spectra of a plurality of light-emissive components and determining a model of ensemble multi-fluorescence of said light-emissive components that are stochastically distributed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for performing a nanoarray-in-microarray assay is provided, which can be used to estimate a protein concentration in a sample solution. A plurality of nanodots are fabricated on a surface having at least one affinity binder. One or more microspots are superimposed over the nanodots on predetermined regions of the surface, each of the microspots comprising at least one antibody. An assay process is performed on the surface, and the surface is imaged to acquire optical images of the nanodots within each microspot. Image analysis algorithms are the performed on the optical images to identify bindings on individual ones of the plurality of nanodots.

Abstract: A major challenge for the general use of “lab-on-a-chip” (LOAC) systems and point-of-care (POC) devices has been the generally complex and need for sophisticated peripheral equipment, such that it is more difficult than anticipated to implement low cost, robust and portable LOAC/POC solutions. It would be beneficial for chemical, medical, healthcare, and environmental applications to provide designs for inexpensive LOAC/POC solutions compatible with miniaturization and mass production, and are potentially portable, using compact possibly hand-held instruments, using reusable or disposable detectors. Embodiments of the invention address improved circuit elements for self-powered self-regulating microfluidic circuits including programmable retention valves, programmable trigger valves, enhanced capillary pumps, and flow resonators.

Abstract: A major challenge for the general use of “lab-on-a-chip” (LOAC) systems and point-of-care (POC) devices has been the generally complex and need for sophisticated peripheral equipment, such that it is more difficult than anticipated to implement low cost, robust and portable LOAC/POC solutions. It would be beneficial for chemical, medical, healthcare, and environmental applications to provide designs for inexpensive LOAC/POC solutions compatible with miniaturization and mass production, and are potentially portable, using compact possibly hand-held instruments, using reusable or disposable detectors. Embodiments of the invention address improved circuit elements for self-powered self-regulating microfluidic circuits including programmable retention valves, programmable trigger valves, enhanced capillary pumps, and flow resonators.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for performing a nanoarray-in-microarray assay is provided, which can be used to estimate a protein concentration in a sample solution. A plurality of nanodots are fabricated on a surface having at least one affinity binder. One or more microspots are superimposed over the nanodots on predetermined regions of the surface, each of the microspots comprising at least one antibody. An assay process is performed on the surface, and the surface is imaged to acquire optical images of the nanodots within each microspot. Image analysis algorithms are the performed on the optical images to identify bindings on individual ones of the plurality of nanodots.

Abstract: Rapid and specific detection of biological cells and biomolecules is important to biological assays across diverse fields including genomics, proteomics, diagnoses, and pathological studies. Microarrays and microfluidics increasingly dominate such detection techniques due to the ability to perform significant numbers of tests with limited sample volumes. A snap chip assembly is provided for the transfer of a microarray of reagents within semi-spherical liquid droplets on a transfer chip to a target assay microarray on an assay chip following assembly of the two chips and physical contact of the droplets with the target array. Reagents in nanoliter quantities are spotted on both chips and selectively transferred as liquid droplets between transfer chip and assay chip within the contact areas. Using the snap chip structure the inventors performed immunoassays with colocalization of capture and detection antibodies with 10 targets and bead-in-gel droplet microarrays with 9 targets in the low pg/ml regime.

Abstract: A major challenge for the general use of “lab-on-a-chip” (LOAC) systems and point-of-care (POC) devices has been the generally complex and need for sophisticated peripheral equipment, such that it is more difficult than anticipated to implement low cost, robust and portable LOAC/POC solutions. It would be beneficial for chemical, medical, healthcare, and environmental applications to provide designs for inexpensive LOAC/POC solutions compatible with miniaturization and mass production, and are potentially portable, using compact possibly hand-held instruments, using reusable or disposable detectors. Embodiments of the invention address improved circuit elements for self-powered self-regulating microfluidic circuits including programmable retention valves, programmable trigger valves, enhanced capillary pumps, and flow resonators.

Abstract: Rapid and specific detection of biological cells and biomolecules is important to biological assays across diverse fields including genomics, proteomics, diagnoses, and pathological studies. Microarrays and microfluidics increasingly dominate such detection techniques due to the ability to perform significant numbers of tests with limited sample volumes. A snap chip assembly is provided for the transfer of a microarray of reagents within semi-spherical liquid droplets on a transfer chip to a target assay microarray on an assay chip following assembly of the two chips and physical contact of the droplets with the target array. Reagents in nanolitre quantities are spotted on both chips and selectively transferred as liquid droplets between transfer chip and assay chip within the contact areas. Using the snap chip structure the inventors performed immunoassays with colocalization of capture and detection antibodies with 10 targets and bead-in-gel droplet microarrays with 9 targets in the low pg/ml regime.

Abstract: We describe various methods for making preprogrammed logic systems using knotted yarns. We show that the topology of the knots controls the mixing ratio of the reagents coming into the knots, and thus the ratio can be adjusted by choosing a specific knot. A serial dilutor is built by knotting multiple yarns into a web of well defined dimension. In addition stretchable yarn can be used to control the capillary pressure and hence the flow rate of the liquid, by pulling the yarn. Furthermore, we demonstrate the possibility of patterning impermeable/hydrophobic regions in to the yarn. Finally, we propose that biodegradable yarns can be used into these platforms to build various multi/single cellular scaffolds.

Abstract: There is described a microvalve system having a first body portion having a fluid channel defined in a face, an electrode disposed in the fluid channel and electrically connectable to a power source, a channel membrane disposed over the fluid channel and aligned with the electrode, and a second body portion disposed on the first body portion, the first body portion comprising a liquid receiving cavity aligned with the membrane. The liquid receiving cavity is adapted to receive an electrical conducting liquid that is electrically connectable to the power source. The channel membrane is displaceable towards the electrode upon application of an electrical potential difference between the electrode and the electrical conducting liquid in order to at least partially obstruct the fluid channel.

Abstract: A microfluidic system for fluid transfer to a microarray includes a liquid transfer needle having a fluid conduit therein within which is defined a withholding pressure P1, and a microcompartment defined within the microarray, the microcompartment being configured to generate a capillary pressure P2 therein. The capillary pressure P2 is less than the withholding pressure P1, such that a defined amount of liquid is transferred from the liquid transfer needle into the microcompartment when the liquid transfer needle and the microcompartment are disposed in fluid flow communication. A method of delivering multiple solutions to a plurality of microcompartments in an microarray while avoiding cross-contamination between the solutions is also provided.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a device for applying a fluid to a surface, the device comprising a first conduit for directing a flow of a first fluid towards the surface and a second conduit for directing a flow of a second fluid away from the surface, the first conduit being arranged relative to the second conduit such that in operation of the device the second fluid comprises substantially the first fluid, and wherein said first conduit comprises a first aperture and the second conduit comprises a second aperture, the first aperture arranged at a distance from the second aperture.

Abstract: A device for flowing a liquid on a surface comprises: a flow path. A first port supplies the liquid to one end of the flow path and applies a first port pressure for retaining the liquid when the flow path is remote from the surface. A second port receives the liquid from the other end of the flow path and applies a second port pressure such that the difference between the first and second negative port pressures is oriented to promote flow of the liquid from the first port to the second port via the flow path in response to the flow path being located proximal to the surface and the liquid in the device contacting the surface. The first and second port pressures are such that the liquid is drawn towards at least the second port in response to withdrawal of the flow path from the surface. Such devices may employ microfluidic technology and find application in surface patterning.