Abstract: The invention is directed to devices that allow for simultaneous multiple biochip analysis. In particular, the devices are configured to hold multiple cartridges comprising biochips comprising arrays such as nucleic acid arrays, and allow for high throughput analysis of samples.

Abstract: A system and method for generating and separating gaseous fuel components, as well as the partitioning of liquid and gaseous byproducts, in the operation of a portable fuel cell device comprises: a microfluidic containment volume (140, 230); a substrate for supporting a catalytic composition (150, 215, 315) that is suitably adapted to promote hydrolysis of a substantially liquid-borne fuel precursor (330) to generate a gaseous fuel component; a liquid/gas separator (155, 220, 363) for at least partially partitioning a gaseous component from a liquid component; a fuel cell (210, 310) comprising an anode (125) and a cathode (135); and electrical connections coupled thereto to power a load (120). Various features and parameters of the present invention may be suitably adapted to optimize the gas/liquid transport and/or partition functions for any specific fuel cell design.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for monitoring, analyzing, and/or discriminating molecular species, preferably a biomolecule, within a medium using a multisensor array (MSA) and multivariate processing. Biological compounds such as nucleotides and polynucleotides can be detected and analyzed. A reaction process such as an accumulation cycle of nucleic acids can be monitored, analyzed, and controlled using a multisensor array (MSA) and multivariate processing. Monitoring a biomolecule includes interrogating the medium, and preferably its gas phase, by coupling a sensor responsive to any changes of the medium and or biomolecule and its secondary products when, for example, an amplification reaction is proceeded. It is also a scope of the present invention to use direct detection and monitoring of biomolecular reactions in real-time without radioactive or fluorescent labeling. A preferred application is real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) detection.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for monitoring, analyzing, and/or discriminating molecular species, preferably a biomolecule, within a medium using a multisensor array (MSA) and multivariate processing. Biological compounds such as nucleotides and polynucleotides can be detected and analyzed. A reaction process such as an accumulation cycle of nucleic acids can be monitored, analyzed, and controlled using a multisensor array (MSA) and multivariate processing. Monitoring a biomolecule includes interrogating the medium, and preferably its gas phase, by coupling a sensor responsive to any changes of the medium and or biomolecule and its secondary products when, for example, an amplification reaction is proceeded. It is also a scope of the present invention to use direct detection and monitoring of biomolecular reactions in real-time without radioactive or fluorescent labeling. A preferred application is real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) detection.

Abstract: The invention is directed to devices that allow for simultaneous multiple biochip analysis. In particular, the devices are configured to hold multiple cartridges comprising biochips comprising arrays such as nucleic acid arrays, and allow for high throughput analysis of samples.

Abstract: An exemplary system and method of employing DNA hybridization for the detection of bio-agents is disclosed as comprising inter alia a biomolecular rotary motor (150); a capture probe DNA fragment (140) effectively attached to said biomolecular motor (150); a target DNA fragment (130) suitably adapted for hybridization with said capture probe DNA (140); a signal probe DNA fragment (120) suitably adapted for hybridization with said target DNA (130); and a fluorescent bead (100) attached to said signal probe DNA (120). Disclosed features and specifications may be variously controlled, adapted or otherwise optionally modified to improve certain device fabrication parameters and/or performance metrics.

Abstract: A method for mixing at least two fluids includes introducing the at least two fluids into a mixing chamber. The mixing chamber includes a piezoelectric component (500) for mechanical actuation of fluid motion within or adjacent the mixing chamber. The piezoelectric component includes at least first (400), second (410), third (420), and fourth (430) actuation domains, the first and third actuation domains being on first and third opposed sides of the piezoelectric component, and the second and fourth actuation domains being on second and fourth opposed sides of the piezoelectric component. The first and third domains are actuated at a first phase of a frequency of oscillation, and the second and fourth domains are actuated at a second phase of the frequency of oscillation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus suitable for monitoring the quality and/or performance of a processing aid or a component during manufacture, storage, or use of electronics or electronic assemblies is provided. The apparatus incorporates a sampling device, a multivariate sensing system (e.g., a multi-sensor array or at least one sensor capable of measuring multiple variables) capable to process an analysis of low vapor pressure or vaporizable constituents in electronics by detecting some changes in the physico-chemical properties of the sensor and/or electronics and applying multivariate analysis. In one embodiment, the sensing system comprises an array of metal oxide sensors and a multivariate analysis algorithm for data processing. This method and apparatus can be employed for various quality control purposes such as contamination analysis or failure analysis of integrated circuits components.

Abstract: An exemplary system and method for detecting at least one analyte in a sample comprises inter alia a source of radiation (300), a near-field aperture array (315), a chromatographic field (330), a detector (350), and a data processor (370). Disclosed features and specifications may be variously controlled, adapted or otherwise optionally modified to improve detection of any sub-diffraction-limited scale phenomena. Exemplary embodiments of the present invention representatively provide for improved S/N, increased sample throughput, refined spectral resolution and enhanced detection sensitivity.

Abstract: An exemplary system and method for providing substantially uniform mixing of fluid phases, wherein the frequency of operation, flow velocities and/or device dimensions generally correspond to otherwise substantially diffusion limited applications, is disclosed as comprising inter alia: a mixing chamber; a plurality of electrodes (150) for generating an electric field; an electromagnet (200) for generating a magnetic field; and a controller for oscillating the electric field and the magnetic field in order to produce a periodic frequency-difference phase cycling of the electric and magnetic fields. Disclosed features and specifications may be variously controlled, adapted or otherwise optionally modified to improve mixing operation in any diffusion limited application.

Abstract: An exemplary system and method for providing substantially uniform mixing of fluid phases, wherein the frequency of operation, flow velocities and/or device dimensions generally correspond to otherwise substantially diffusion limited applications, is disclosed as comprising inter alia: a mixing chamber; a plurality of electrodes (150) for generating an electric field; an electromagnet (200) for generating a magnetic field; and a controller for oscillating the electric field and the magnetic field in order to produce a periodic frequency-difference phase cycling of the electric and magnetic fields. Disclosed features and specifications may be variously controlled, adapted or otherwise optionally modified to improve mixing operation in any diffusion limited application.

Abstract: An electro-chemical analysis device and method for analyzing biomolecular samples, including a means for holding a sample on a substrate platform, a thermal sensor, a biosensor formed having a specific spatial resolution as related to the thermal sensor, and a means for providing radiation to the biomolecular sample. The means for holding the sample, the thermal sensor, the biosensor, and the means for providing radiation all three-dimensionally integrated with the substrate platform, thereby defining a compact biomolecular analysis device having a volume resolution of less than 50 micro liters. During operation, radiation is provided to the biomolecular sample to provide for a constant temperature at which hybridization of the biomolecules takes place. The temperature of the biomolecular sample is monitored and controlled by the integrated thermal sensor and the integrated heater. Once hybridization takes place, the change in electric condition (e.g.

Abstract: A monolithic ceramic bioreactor for manipulating biofluids at a low flow having formed therein at least one fluid passageway, at least one electromagnetic pathway defined by a high &mgr; magnetic material and an electrically conducting microcoil, a first and second electrode, and a biofluid comprising at least one chemical specie within a buffer solution for preserving the activity of an enzyme contained within a bioassay for genetic reaction. The device is characterized as generating a magnetic field and an electric field, perpendicular to the magnetic field, when under the application of a first and second current. In combination the magnetic field and the electric field characterized as generating a Lorentz force. The biofluid includes sufficient conductivity for fluid motion when under the influence of the Lorentz force generated within the monolithic structure, thereby providing for the manipulating of the biofluid through the monolithic structure.

Abstract: The invention is directed to devices that allow for simultaneous multiple biochip analysis. In particular, the devices are configured to hold multiple cartridges comprising biochips comprising arrays such as nucleic acid arrays, and allow for high throughput analysis of samples.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to devices and methods for manipulating polarizable analytes via dielectrophoresis to allow for improved detection of target analytes. Microfluidic devices are configured such that the application of a voltage between field-generating electrodes results in the generation of an asymmetric electric field within the device. Some embodiments of the invention provide a physical constriction, and electrically floating conductive material or a combination of the two techniques to generating an asymmetrical field. Using dielectrophoresis, target analytes are concentrated or separated from contaminant analytes and transported to a detection module.

Abstract: An exemplary system and method of employing DNA hybridization for the detection of bio-agents is disclosed as comprising inter alia a biomolecular rotary motor (150); a capture probe DNA fragment (140) effectively attached to said biomolecular motor (150); a target DNA fragment (130) suitably adapted for hybridization with said capture probe DNA (140); a signal probe DNA fragment (120) suitably adapted for hybridization with said target DNA (130); and a fluorescent bead (100) attached to said signal probe DNA (120). Disclosed features and specifications may be variously controlled, adapted or otherwise optionally modified to improve certain device fabrication parameters and/or performance metrics.

Abstract: An exemplary system and method for detecting at least one analyte in a sample comprises inter alia a source of radiation (300), a near-field aperture array (315), a chromatographic field (330), a detector (350), and a data processor (370). Disclosed features and specifications may be variously controlled, adapted or otherwise optionally modified to improve detection of any sub-diffraction-limited scale phenomena. Exemplary embodiments of the present invention representatively provide for improved S/N, increased sample throughput, refined spectral resolution and enhanced detection sensitivity.

Abstract: A method of treating a first chemical species in a gas using a plasma, the method including the steps of providing an array of micro-scale cavity discharge devices capable of sustaining the plasma where the first chemical species is capable of flowing proximate to the array of micro-scale cavity discharge devices, wherein the first chemical species is converted to a second chemical species within the plasma.

Abstract: A microhollow cathode discharge (MHCD) cavity and microfluidic channel are combined for interrogation of samples. The apparatus includes a dielectric body and layers of conductive material defining a MHCD cavity containing an environment for carrying a gas discharge within the MHCD cavity. The gas discharge generates gas based electromagnetic waves. Electrical connections apply a cathode discharge potential to the layers of conductive material. A microfluidic channel is integrated on the substrate, and a path extends from the MHCD cavity laterally through a portion of the microfluidic channel. A detector, which may be integrated on the common substrate, is positioned to receive electromagnetic waves from the path and electronic circuitry is coupled to the detector for acquiring and processing data.

Abstract: An electrochemical analysis device and method for analyzing biomolecular samples, including a means for holding a sample on a substrate platform, a thermal sensor, a biosensor formed having a specific spatial resolution as related to the thermal sensor, and a means for providing radiation to the biomolecular sample. The means for holding the sample, the thermal sensor, the biosensor, and the means for providing radiation all three-dimensionally integrated with the substrate platform, thereby defining a compact biomolecular analysis device having a volume resolution of less than 50 micro liters. During operation, radiation is provided to the biomolecular sample to provide for a constant temperature at which hybridization of the biomolecules takes place. The temperature of the biomolecular sample is monitored and controlled by the integrated thermal sensor and the integrated heater. Once hybridization takes place, the change in electric condition (e.g.