Abstract: A microfluidic device includes a first substrate including at least one microfluidic channel and a plurality of microwells, as well as a cooperating second substrate defining multiple split-walled cell trap structures that are registered with and disposed within the plurality of microwells. A method for performing an assay includes flowing cells and a first aqueous medium into a plurality of microwells of a microfluidic device, wherein each microwell includes a cell trap structure configured to trap at least one cell. The method further comprises flowing a nonpolar fluid with low permeability for analytes of interest through a microfluidic channel to flush a portion of the first aqueous medium from the microfluidic channel while retaining another portion of the first aqueous medium and at least one cell within each microwell. Surface tension at a non-polar/polar medium interface prevents molecule exchange between interior and exterior portions of microwells.

Abstract: An integrated technological platform enabling real-time quantitative multiparameter metabolic profiling, utilizing either or both of extra and intracellular optical sensors, individually or simultaneously. A scalable embedded micropocket array structure, generally fabricated on fused silica substrates, facilitates the integration of multiple, spatially separated extracellular sensors for multiparameter analysis in a container formed with the use of an activation mechanism forming part of a device configured to hold the container during the measurements. The creation of hermetically sealed microchambers is carried out with a pneumatically and/or mechanically and/or electromechanically driven device that is “floating” within the holding device and that is optionally equipped with a vacuum/suction mechanism to hold a component of the container at its surface.

Abstract: An integrated technological platform enabling real-time quantitative multiparameter metabolic profiling, utilizing either or both of extra and intracellular optical sensors, individually or simultaneously. A scalable embedded micropocket array structure, generally fabricated on fused silica substrates, facilitates the integration of multiple, spatially separated extracellular sensors for multiparameter analysis in a container formed with the use of an activation mechanism forming part of a device configured to hold the container during the measurements. The creation of hermetically sealed microchambers is carried out with a pneumatically and/or mechanically and/or electromechanically driven device that is “floating” within the holding device and that is optionally equipped with a vacuum/suction mechanism to hold a component of the container at its surface.

Abstract: A microfluidic device includes a first substrate including at least one microfluidic channel and a plurality of microwells, as well as a cooperating second substrate defining multiple split-walled cell trap structures that are registered with and disposed within the plurality of microwells. A method for performing an assay includes flowing cells and a first aqueous medium into a plurality of microwells of a microfluidic device, wherein each microwell includes a cell trap structure configured to trap at least one cell. The method further comprises flowing a nonpolar fluid with low permeability for analytes of interest through a microfluidic channel to flush a portion of the first aqueous medium from the microfluidic channel while retaining another portion of the first aqueous medium and at least one cell within each microwell. Surface tension at a non-polar/polar medium interface prevents molecule exchange between interior and exterior portions of microwells.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an optical luminescence dual sensor comprising a polymerized form of a probe for sensing pH; a polymerized form of a probe for sensing oxygen; a polymerized form of an internal reference probe; and a matrix. The present disclosure also relates to methods of preparing an optical luminescence dual sensor and methods of using them.