Abstract: Methods and devices for blunt dissection include a differential dissecting instrument (DDI) comprising a rotary drive train having a distal end configured to be pointed substantially at a complex tissue and a proximal end pointed substantially at, and associated with, a mounting base. The DDI comprises a drive wheel possessing an axis of wheel rotation coaxial with a central, longitudinal axis of the rotary drive train, the drive wheel located distally to, and rotated by, the rotary drive train. The drive wheel comprises a drive point located at a non-zero radius from the axis of wheel rotation. The DDI also comprises a differential dissecting member rotatably mounted distally to the drive wheel and having an axis of member rotational oscillation.

Abstract: Methods and devices for blunt dissection include a drive mechanism comprising an elongate rotary drive train having a first proximal end connected to a mounting base for attaching to a handle or a surgical robot and a second distal end. The drive mechanism comprises a differential dissecting member (DDM) configured to be rotatably attached to the second distal end. The drive mechanism further comprises a mechanism configured to mechanically rotate the DDM about a substantially transverse axis of member rotational oscillation, thereby causing at least one tissue engaging surface to move in at least one direction against complex tissue and selectively engage the complex tissue such that when the DDM is pressed into the complex tissue, the at least one tissue engaging surface moves across the complex tissue and disrupts at least one soft tissue in the complex tissue, but does not disrupt firm tissue in the complex tissue.

Abstract: A differential dissecting instrument for differentially dissecting complex tissue comprising is disclosed. The differential dissecting instrument comprises a rotary drive train having a central, longitudinal axis, a distal end, and a proximal end. The differential dissecting instrument may also comprise at least one differential dissecting bluntwheel or bluntcone that is rotatably associated with the distal end of the rotary drive train. The bluntwheel or bluntcone may comprise projections that are configured to differentially dissect a complex tissue when the differential dissecting instrument operates. The at least one differential dissecting bluntwheel or bluntcone may have an axis of rotation that can be either coaxial or transverse to the central, longitudinal axis of the rotary drive train.

Abstract: A differential dissecting instrument for differentially dissecting complex tissue comprising is disclosed. The differential dissecting instrument comprises a rotary drive train having a central, longitudinal axis, a distal end, and a proximal end. The differential dissecting instrument also comprises at least one differential dissecting bluntwheel, wherein the at least one differential dissecting bluntwheel is rotatably associated with the distal end of the rotary drive train, has at least one axis of rotation substantially transverse to the central, longitudinal axis of the rotary drive train, and is rotated by the rotary drive train. The bluntwheel may comprise projections that are configured to differentially dissect a complex tissue when the differential dissecting instrument is in operation.

Abstract: Methods and devices for blunt dissection include a drive mechanism comprising an elongate rotary drive train having a first proximal end connected to a mounting base for attaching to a handle or a surgical robot and a second distal end. The drive mechanism comprises a differential dissecting member (DDM) configured to be rotatably attached to the second distal end. The drive mechanism further comprises a mechanism configured to mechanically rotate the DDM about a substantially transverse axis of member rotational oscillation, thereby causing at least one tissue engaging surface to move in at least one direction against complex tissue and selectively engage the complex tissue such that when the DDM is pressed into the complex tissue, the at least one tissue engaging surface moves across the complex tissue and disrupts at least one soft tissue in the complex tissue, but does not disrupt firm tissue in the complex tissue.

Abstract: A differential dissecting instrument for differentially dissecting complex tissue comprising is disclosed. The differential dissecting instrument comprises a rotary drive train having a central, longitudinal axis, a distal end, and a proximal end. The differential dissecting instrument also comprises at least one differential dissecting bluntwheel, wherein the at least one differential dissecting bluntwheel is rotatably associated with the distal end of the rotary drive train, has at least one axis of rotation substantially transverse to the central, longitudinal axis of the rotary drive train, and is rotated by the rotary drive train. The bluntwheel may comprise projections that are configured to differentially dissect a complex tissue when the differential dissecting instrument is in operation.

Abstract: Apparatus and Method for Handling Fluids at Nano-Scale Rates. A linear displacement pump produces non-pulsatile liquid flow rates as low as the nl/mm range. The pump includes a servo motor, a gear reduction, a lead screw, a linear stage, a barrel, and a plunger extending into the barrel and coupled to the stage. A microfluidic interconnect device can be coupled to the barrel. One or more of these pumps can be disposed in a thermally controlled pump assembly that includes a pump housing, a thermally conductive body disposed in the housing and including first and second opposing sides, and a temperature regulating element such as a thermoelectric device disposed in thermal contact with the thermally conductive body on a side thereof opposite to the barrel or barrels of the pumps.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, apparatuses and methods are provided for connecting a light-guiding conduit to a microfluidic channel. First and second substrates with first surfaces can be provided, wherein the first surfaces of the first and second substrates form a microfluidic channel and a connection channel when the first surfaces are positioned together, and wherein the connection channel extends from an edge of the first surface of the first or second substrate to the microfluidic channel. The apparatus and method can also include bonding the first surfaces of the first and second substrates to form the microfluidic channel and the connection channel. A light-guiding conduit can be inserted into the connection channel such that the light-guiding conduit connects to the microfluidic channel and filling an area between the light-guiding conduit and the connection channel for forming a liquid-tight seal between the light-guiding conduit and the connection channel.

Abstract: Microfluidic Systems, Devices and Methods for Reducing Diffusion and Compliance Effects at a Fluid Mixing Region. According to one embodiment, a microfluidic device is provided for combining fluids in a mixing region. The microfluidic device can include a fluid mixing region connected to a first and second microscale channel. The microscale channels can advance fluids to the fluid mixing region. The microscale channels can include constricted flow portions. According to another embodiment, the microscale channels can be connected to waste channels for removing fluid diffused into one of the channels from the other channel. According to yet another embodiment, a microfluidic system is provided for controlling the flow of fluids through the microscale channels for reducing or eliminating diffusion between the channels.

Abstract: A method of treating a plastic surface with fluorine gas to decrease adsorption of hydrophobic solute molecules to the surface is provided. The method can include treating a surface with a first gas comprising fluorine gas and a second gas comprising oxygen gas, water vapor, or both oxygen gas and water vapor. Plastics treated using the method provide useful drug discovery and biochemical tools for the testing, handling, and storage of solutions containing low concentrations of hydrophobic solutes. Microfluidic devices containing treated plastic interior surfaces and methods of using such devices to make concentration-dependent measurements are also described.

Abstract: Methods and Apparatuses for Generating a Seal Between a Conduit and a Reservoir Well. According to one embodiment, an apparatus is provided for generating a seal between a conduit and a reservoir well. The apparatus can include a mount including a first and second end. The mount can also include a first aperture extending between the first and second ends. The apparatus can also include a tube including a first end engaging the first end of the mount, and operable to hold a conduit having an end such that the conduit extends through the first aperture of the mount and the end of the conduit communicates with a reservoir well. Further, the apparatus can include a nut operable to engage the mount and tube and seal the conduit to the first aperture of the mount such that air cannot communicate from the reservoir well through the first aperture of the mount.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an apparatus and method for delivering one or more fluids to a microfluidic channel is provided. A microfluidic channel is provided in communication with a first conduit for delivering fluids to the microfluidic channel. Further, the apparatus and method can include a first fluid freeze valve connected to the first conduit and operable to reduce the temperature of the first conduit for freezing fluid in the first conduit such that fluid is prevented from advancing through the first conduit.

Abstract: Microfluidic methods and apparatuses for reducing the effects of sample adsorption inside microfluidic chann are provided. According to one embodiment, a microfluidic chip (MFC) comprising an analysis channel (AC) having a cross-sectional area at least two times larger than a cross-sectional area of a microscale channel in fluid communication with the analysis channel is provided that reduces the effects of compound adsorption on data analysis. According to another embodiment, methods for reducing the effect of molecule adsorption to a channel wall (W) on analysis of a reaction in a microfluidic device and methods for making concentration dependent measurements in a microfluidic device are provided which utilize novel microfluidic chips disclose herein.

Abstract: An actively temperature regulated microfluidic chip assembly includes a first thermally conductive body, a second thermally conductive body attached to the first thermally conductive body, a microfluidic chip encapsulated between the first and second thermally conductive bodies, and a temperature regulating element mounted to the first thermally conductive body for adding heat to or alternately removing heat from the chip. The temperature of the chip and thus the liquid contained and/or flowing therein can be regulated by measuring the temperature of the liquid and operating the temperature regulating element to establish a thermal gradient toward or alternately away from the liquid based on the measured temperature and in comparison with a desired set point temperature.

Abstract: Microfluidic Chip Apparatuses, Systems, and Methods having Fluidic and Fiber Optic Interconnections. According to one embodiment, apparatuses and methods are provided for connecting a light-guiding conduit to a microfluidic channel. First and second substrates with first surfaces can be provided, wherein the first surfaces of the first and second substrates form a microfluidic channel and a connection channel when the first surfaces are positioned together, and wherein the connection channel extends from an edge of the first surface of the first or second substrate to the microfluidic channel. The apparatus and method can also include bonding the first surfaces of the first and second substrates to form the microfluidic channel and the connection channel.

Abstract: Apparatus and Method for Handling Fluids at Nano-Scale Rates. A linear displacement pump produces non-pulsatile liquid flow rates as low as the nl/mm range. The pump includes a servo motor, a gear reduction, a lead screw, a linear stage, a barrel, and a plunger extending into the barrel and coupled to the stage. A microfluidic interconnect device can be coupled to the barrel. One or more of these pumps can be disposed in a thermally controlled pump assembly that includes a pump housing, a thermally conductive body disposed in the housing and including first and second opposing sides, and a temperature regulating element such as a thermoelectric device disposed in thermal contact with the thermally conductive body on a side thereof opposite to the barrel or barrels of the pumps.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a microfluidic system and method is disclosed for reducing autofluorescence. The microfluidic system can include a light source for generating an excitation light. The microfluidic system can also include a microscope having an objective for focusing the excitation light on a fluid inside a microfluidic channel of a microfluidic chip. Further, the microfluidic system can include a detector for rejecting out-of-focus light emitted from the microfluidic chip.

Abstract: Methods for measuring biochemical reactions and analysis of reaction products by controlling dispersion of reagents within fluid streams such that the measuring of the biochemical reaction is substantially free of a measurable dispersion artifact. Controlling dispersion of reagents within fluid streams can include flowing multiple fluid streams each including reaction reagents into contact through a mixing region to laterally mix the fluid streams and then passing the merged, laterally mixed fluid stream through a controlled dispersion element to axially disperse the reaction reagents merged fluid stream. Controlling dispersion of reagents within fluid streams can include controlling flow rates of multiple fluid streams each including reaction reagents to create a concentration gradient that is substantially free of a measurable dispersion artifact. The biochemical reaction can occur in a microfluidic chip.

Abstract: Microfluidic Systems, Devices and Methods for Reducing Noise Generated by Mechanical Instabilities. According to one embodiment, a microfluidic device is provided for reducing noise in a fluid mix. The microfluidic device can include microscale channels for passage of fluids to a mixing junction. The mixing channel can be adapted to combine the fluids into a common fluid flow. The microfluidic device can also include a connector channel including first and second ends. The first end of the connector channel can be connected to the mixing junction. The microfluidic device can also include an expansion channel having connection to the second end of the connector channel. The expansion channel can be adapted for passage of the fluid mix through the expansion channel to reduce concentration gradient noise of the fluid mix by dispersion of the fluid mix as the fluid mix passes through the expansion channel.

Abstract: The pumps (Pn) are operated to transport individual reagent streams into the chip in a non-pulsatile, laminar flow regime at low flow rates permitting lows grading from 0 to as little as 5 nl/min with a precision of 0.1 nl/min. In the chip (MFC), the reagent streams are merged and the reagents mixed to form a reaction product. The reaction product can be measured at one or more detection points defined in the chip. Concentration gradients are continuously varied by continuously varying the flow rates respectively produced by the pumps according to predetermined flow velocity profiles.