Abstract: An apparatus for purifying nucleic acid can include a disposable cartridge having a layered configuration, and a disposable syringe for coupling to the disposable cartridge such that a fluid can be delivered to or withdrawn fluid from the disposable cartridge using the syringe. At least one layer of the disposable cartridge can include a cut-out for forming a functional unit of the disposable cartridge, and at least one layer of the disposable cartridge can be joined to an adjacent layer of the disposable cartridge by an adhesive material layer. The functional unit can include a fluid channel between an access port on the first surface of the disposable cartridge and the fluid pouch. The apparatus can include a disposable silica-containing material for binding with the nucleic acid. The apparatus can include a heating element and a temperature sensor for heating the disposable silica-containing material.

Abstract: A heating/cooling device for a microfluidic apparatus having a thermal insulating substrate. The device includes heating/cooling chamber for heating and/or cooling a sample disposed in the chamber; a waste heat channel for carrying away waste heat and/or waste cooling; and at least one Peltier junction having first and second opposing faces, the first face thereof facing towards said heating/cooling chamber and being in thermal communication therewith for providing either heat or cooling to the chamber in response to a flow of electrical current through the at least one Peltier junction, the second face thereof facing towards said waste heat channel and being in thermal communication therewith for either receiving heat from or dumping heat to the channel in response to a flow of electrical current through the Peltier junction.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and systems for use in preparing a sample. The methods and systems may be used for lysing one or more structures in a sample (e.g., cells, viral particles, etc.). The methods and compositions may comprise a microfluidic chip or use thereof. The microfluidic chips disclosed herein may comprise (a) a substrate comprising a chamber, wherein at least one mechanical element may be located within the chamber; (b) a thermal element in contact with the chamber; and (c) at least one aperture within the surface of the substrate, wherein the aperture may be configured to insulate the chamber.

Abstract: This disclosure provides thermal cyclers, systems, and methods of thermally cycling a sample.

Abstract: Various embodiments described herein comprise a gemstone or other piece of jewelry, which incorporates one or more diffractive optical elements to enhance the fire displayed by the gemstone. In certain embodiments, the diffractive optical element comprises a diffraction grating etched on one or more facets of the gemstone.

Abstract: An apparatus for analysis of a sample and in particular of a biological sample. The apparatus contains a microfluidic chip with dies, adapted to be selectively activated or deactivated by presence of target molecules in the biological sample. The apparatus further contains a light source to emit light for illumination of the microfluidic chip and an optical filter to allow passage of the light from the dies once activated or deactivated by the presence of the target molecules. A method for pressurizing a microfluidic chip is also disclosed, where a chamber is provided, the chamber is connected with the microfluidic chip and pressure is applied to the chamber.

Abstract: This invention provides a system for performing PCR, and real time PCR in particular with great speed and specificity. The system employs a heat block containing a liquid composition to rapidly transfer heat to and from reaction vessels. The system makes use of the reflective properties of the liquid metal to reflect signal from the PCR into the vessel and out the top. In this way, the signal can be measured by an optical assembly in real time without removing the vessels from the heat block.

Abstract: This invention provides a system for performing PCR, and real time PCR in particular, with great speed and specificity. The system employs a heat block containing a liquid composition to rapidly transfer heat to and from reaction vessels. The system makes use of the reflective properties of the liquid metal to reflect signal from the PCR into the vessel and out the top. In this way, the signal can be measured by an optical assembly in real time without removing the vessels from the heat block.

Abstract: A microfluidic filter is disclosed. The filter can be used with onchip fluid filtration such as whole blood filtration for microfluidic blood analysis. The filter is able to filter the necessary volume of fluid and in particular blood in an acceptable time frame.

Abstract: An apparatus for analysis of a sample and in particular of a biological sample. The apparatus contains a microfluidic chip with dies, adapted to be selectively activated or deactivated by presence of target molecules in the biological sample. The apparatus further contains a light source to emit light for illumination of the microfluidic chip and an optical filter to allow passage of the light from the dies once activated or deactivated by the presence of the target molecules. A method for pressurizing a microfluidic chip is also disclosed, where a chamber is provided, the chamber is connected with the microfluidic chip and pressure is applied to the chamber.

Abstract: Microfluidic assay detectors and microfluidic assay detection methods are disclosed. A microfluidic chip is coupled to a light emitting device, emission filters and excitation filters. Excited fluorescent light is detected by a camera and a lens. The correspondent reading allows parallel detection of features such as antigens and biomarkers. A microfluidic filter and related methods are also disclosed. The filter can be used with on-chip fluid filtration such as whole blood filtration for microfluidic blood analysis. The filter is able to filter the necessary volume of fluid and in particular blood in an acceptable time frame.

Abstract: Communication between microchannels of a microfluidic circuit is controlled through a combination between a membrane and a pin-actuated valve arrangement. The deformable membrane contributes to the formation of the surface of the microchannels. Alternatively, or in addition, the valve arrangement is operated through combination of the membrane with a control fluid. Systems, devices and methods based on such communication are shown. Also shown are methods to manufacture a system having a fluidic circuit and a control arrangement.

Abstract: Various embodiments described herein comprise a gemstone or other piece of jewelry, which incorporates one or more diffractive optical elements to enhance the fire displayed by the gemstone. In certain embodiments, the diffractive optical element comprises a diffraction grating etched on one or more facets of the gemstone.

Abstract: Methods of fabricating improved gemstones and gemstones thus obtained are described. Roughness is introduced on facets of a gemstone through application of nanometer and/or micrometer sized features, to provide the facets with a hazy white-colored appearance. Alternatively, millimeter-sized reflective features can be applied on the facets, to form a gemstone with improved scintillation or play of light.

Abstract: Various embodiments described herein comprise a gemstone or other piece of jewelry, which incorporates one or more diffractive optical elements to enhance the fire displayed by the gemstone. In certain embodiments, the diffractive optical element comprises a diffraction grating etched on one or more facets of the gemstone.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for carrying out nucleic acid amplification reactions involving heating and cooling of samples in sample vessels utilizing a heat block comprising a liquid. The method can be used to perform multiple nucleic acid amplification reactions simultaneously in which each of the reactions is performed so as to have temperature profiles. The apparatus can be used for performing PCR, and real time PCR in particular, with control and uniformity.

Abstract: This invention provides an apparatus for providing heating and cooling of samples in sample vessels having uniform temperature profiles. The apparatus can be used for performing PCR, and real time PCR in particular, with control and uniformity. The system employs a heat block containing a liquid composition to efficiently transfer heat to and from reaction vessels.

Abstract: This invention provides a systems and methods for regulating temperature and heat transfer in applications in which it is desirable to maintain temperature uniformity such as thermal cycling applications. A heat block is used to rapidly transfer heat to or from a set of one or more reaction vessels.

Abstract: A microfluidic assembly comprising a replaceable microfluidic circuit and a thermal unit, the microfluidic circuit adapted to contact the thermal unit by contact between one or more membranes in the microfluidic circuit and the at least one temperature controlling element in the thermal unit to achieve temperature control of a substance or substances inside one or more fluidic compartments in the microfluidic circuit. A related method to control temperature and/or physical state of a substance in the fluidic compartments and related testing systems are also described.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention disclosed herein relate to devices that provide heat and/or ultraviolet light to fingernails or toenails that are afflicted by onychomycosis, as well as methods for treating onychomycosis by application of heat and/or ultraviolet light. The devices of the present invention may be used in connection with systemic and/or topical anti-fungal agents to treat onychomycosis.