Abstract: Embodiments in accordance with the present invention relate to the use of effusive filtration to segregate tumor cells from a sample of bodily fluid. In one embodiment, fluid containing a cell is flowed down a channel having a filtration medium present along at least one side wall. The tumor cell is captured when the fluid passes through the filtration medium. Accumulated pressure on the captured tumor cell is reduced by allowing the fluid that has passed through the filtration medium to re-enter the channel. In a particular embodiment, the filtration medium may comprise side wall apertures having a width smaller than that of the cell, with downstream apertures allowing re-entry of the fluid into the channel.

Abstract: A method and system for performing biochemical detection or analysis on micro- and nano-scale subcellular component within a single biological cell is provided. An integrated platform device and method to perform the biochemical analysis is also provided.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention employ complexly shaped, high-surface-area channels for separation and purification of molecules, including important biopolymers such as proteins, glycoproteins, polysaccharides, and other molecular components of living cells. The relatively large internal surface areas of the complexly shaped channels employed in embodiments of the present invention provide, in comparison to traditional, simply shaped separation channels, increased heat dissipation during electrokinetic separation, and a decreased tendency for bulk-solution flow. Heat dissipation prevents high temperatures that can denature proteins and that can induce thermal currents within the separation channel. Bulk-solution flow within a separation channel can overwhelm the generally linear, electrical-potential-induced migration of molecules that leads to efficient and well-resolved molecular separations.

Abstract: Embodiments in accordance with the present invention relate to the use of effusive filtration to segregate tumor cells from a sample of bodily fluid. In one embodiment, fluid containing a cell is flowed down a channel having a filtration medium present along at least one side wall. The tumor cell is captured when the fluid passes through the filtration medium. Accumulated pressure on the captured tumor cell is reduced by allowing the fluid that has passed through the filtration medium to re-enter the channel. In a particular embodiment, the filtration medium may comprise side wall apertures having a width smaller than that of the cell, with downstream apertures allowing re-entry of the fluid into the channel.