Abstract: A removable cartridge to be used in a system for extracting and detecting nucleic acids from heterogeneous samples includes a plurality of reservoirs defining at least a first wash buffer reservoir for holding a first wash buffer and a microfluidic assembly configured to attach to the plurality of reservoirs. The microfluidic assembly includes at least one sample reservoir and a nucleic acid extraction matrix in fluid communication to an automated sample preparation (ASP) reservoir through a first flow channel defined by the microfluidic assembly. An assay chamber is in fluid communication with a third flow channel and with the waste reservoir through a fourth flow channel such that a labeled nucleic acid-containing sample flows through the assay chamber and then to the waste reservoir, wherein vibration-driven mixing agitates fluids while present in the assay chamber. Finally, a nucleic acid-detecting microarray module is positioned in the assay chamber.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing synthetic particles for use in microfluidic devices is disclosed. The method includes identifying a set of particle characteristics for a fluid-based process. The set of particle characteristics can include a synthetic particle density and one or more of a size, compressibility, elastic modulus, or porosity. The method includes selecting an input material for the synthetic particles based on the set of synthetic particle characteristics. The method may include selecting an additive based on the set of synthetic particle characteristics. The method includes providing input material and the additive into a droplet generator to create one or more synthetic particles having the set of synthetic particle characteristics, and modifying a surface characteristic the synthetic particles, such that the synthetic particles bind to a target particle in a solution.

Abstract: A microfluidic system can include a substrate comprising an elastic material and defining a microfluidic channel. The substrate can have a first set of dimensions defining a thickness of a wall of the microfluidic channel and a second set of dimensions defining a width of the microfluidic channel. A transducer can be mechanically coupled with the substrate. The transducer can be operated at a predetermined frequency different from a primary thickness resonant frequency of the transducer. A thickness and a width of the transducer can be selected based on the first set of dimensions defining the thickness of the wall of the microfluidic channel and the second set of dimensions defining the width of the microfluidic channel.

Abstract: Transfer of genetic and other materials to cells is conducted in a hands-free, automated and continuous process that includes flowing the cells between electroporation electrodes to facilitate delivery of a payload into the cells, while acoustophoretically focusing the cells. Also described is a control method for the acoustophoretic focusing of cells that includes detecting locations of cells flowing through a channel, such as with an image analytics system, and modulating a drive signal to an acoustic transducer to change the locations of the cells flowing in the channel. Finally, an electroporation driver module is described that uses a digital to analog converter for generating an electroporation waveform and an amplifier for amplifying the electroporation waveform for application to electroporation electrodes.

Abstract: A microfluidic system can include a substrate comprising an elastic material and defining a microfluidic channel. The substrate can have a first set of dimensions defining a thickness of a wall of the microfluidic channel and a second set of dimensions defining a width of the microfluidic channel. A transducer can be mechanically coupled with the substrate. The transducer can be operated at a predetermined frequency different from a primary thickness resonant frequency of the transducer. A thickness and a width of the transducer can be selected based on the first set of dimensions defining the thickness of the wall of the microfluidic channel and the second set of dimensions defining the width of the microfluidic channel.

Abstract: Transfer of genetic and other materials to cells is conducted in a hands-free, automated and continuous process that includes flowing the cells between electroporation electrodes to facilitate delivery of a payload into the cells, while acoustophoretically focusing the cells. Also described is a control method for the acoustophoretic focusing of cells that includes detecting locations of cells flowing through a channel, such as with an image analytics system, and modulating a drive signal to an acoustic transducer to change the locations of the cells flowing in the channel. Finally, an electroporation driver module is described that uses a digital to analog converter for generating an electroporation waveform and an amplifier for amplifying the electroporation waveform for application to electroporation electrodes.

Abstract: Systems and methods for cleansing blood are disclosed herein. The methods include acoustically separating target particles from elements of whole blood. The whole blood and capture particles are flowed through a microfluidic separation channel formed in a thermoplastic. At least one bulk acoustic transducer is attached to the microfluidic separation channel. A standing acoustic wave, imparted on the channel and its contents by the bulk acoustic transducer, drives the formed elements of the blood and target particles to specific aggregation axes.

Abstract: The systems and methods of the present disclosure provide techniques for the design and use of an intermediate or transitional plate or block designed to couple acoustic energy at a given frequency from a transducer, such as a piezoelectric transducer, to one or more acoustophoretic devices, such as microfluidic channels, such that driving the chip occurs with a controlled wavelength and symmetry. Such techniques provide improved efficiency when driving a single acoustophoretic device, or for multiple acoustophoretic devices to be operated in concert from a single transducer, and therefore without complex electronics. Additionally, the techniques described herein allow for relaxed design constraints when considering transducer selection and fabrication, instead transferring design constraints to the more easily customized actuation plate.

Abstract: Systems and methods for cleansing blood are disclosed herein. The methods include acoustically separating target particles from elements of whole blood. The whole blood and capture particles are flowed through a microfluidic separation channel formed in a thermoplastic. At least one bulk acoustic transducer is attached to the microfluidic separation channel. A standing acoustic wave, imparted on the channel and its contents by the bulk acoustic transducer, drives the formed elements of the blood and target particles to specific aggregation axes.

Abstract: A system for cell bioprocessing and cell therapy manufacturing can include a series of microfluidic modules to enable continuous-flow end-to-end cell bioprocessing. Each module can implement a different technology, and the modules can be coupled to one another to perform various unit operations in the cell bioprocessing or cell-therapy manufacturing chain to enable direct processing of a blood or blood product sample. The system can automatically and continuously process the sample into genetically-modified lymphocytes or T cells for cellular therapy. The technologies implemented by each module in the system can include any combination of microfluidic acoustophoresis, microfluidic acoustophoretic media exchange or cell washing, and continuous-flow microfluidic electrotransfection. Modules implementing these microfluidic technologies can be interconnected with plastic tubing or with a custom manifold.

Abstract: Systems and methods for cleansing blood are disclosed herein. The methods include acoustically separating target particles from elements of whole blood. The whole blood and capture particles are flowed through a microfluidic separation channel formed in a thermoplastic. At least one bulk acoustic transducer is attached to the microfluidic separation channel. A standing acoustic wave, imparted on the channel and its contents by the bulk acoustic transducer, drives the formed elements of the blood and target particles to specific aggregation axes.

Abstract: A microfluidic system can include a substrate comprising an elastic material and defining a microfluidic channel. The substrate can have a first set of dimensions defining a thickness of a wall of the microfluidic channel and a second set of dimensions defining a width of the microfluidic channel. A transducer can be mechanically coupled with the substrate. The transducer can be operated at a predetermined frequency different from a primary thickness resonant frequency of the transducer. A thickness and a width of the transducer can be selected based on the first set of dimensions defining the thickness of the wall of the microfluidic channel and the second set of dimensions defining the width of the microfluidic channel.

Abstract: Transfer of genetic and other materials to cells is conducted in a hands-free, automated and continuous process that includes flowing the cells between electroporation electrodes to facilitate delivery of a payload into the cells, while acoustophoretically focusing the cells. Also described is a control method for the acoustophoretic focusing of cells that includes detecting locations of cells flowing through a channel, such as with an image analytics system, and modulating a drive signal to an acoustic transducer to change the locations of the cells flowing in the channel. Finally, an electroporation driver module is described that uses a digital to analog converter for generating an electroporation waveform and an amplifier for amplifying the electroporation waveform for application to electroporation electrodes.

Abstract: Systems and methods for cleansing blood are disclosed herein. The methods include acoustically separating target particles from elements of whole blood. The whole blood and capture particles are flowed through a microfluidic separation channel formed in a thermoplastic. At least one bulk acoustic transducer is attached to the microfluidic separation channel. A standing acoustic wave, imparted on the channel and its contents by the bulk acoustic transducer, drives the formed elements of the blood and target particles to specific aggregation axes.

Abstract: An implantable drug delivery apparatus for delivering a drug into a bodily fluid in a body cavity of a patient over a period of time includes a variable-volume vessel defining a working chamber for receiving a drug and recirculating a therapeutic fluid. The fluid can contain a bodily fluid, such as, for example, perilymph, and a drug. The device allows for the controlled delivery of the therapeutic fluid to a predetermined location in the bodily cavity of the patient, such as, for example, a cochlea of a human ear.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for continuously separating or concentrating molecules that includes flowing two fluids in laminar flow through an electrical field and capturing at one of three outputs a fluid stream having a different concentration of molecules.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for continuously separating or concentrating molecules that includes flowing two fluids in laminar flow through an electrical field and capturing at one of three outputs a fluid stream having a different concentration of molecules.

Abstract: An implantable drug delivery apparatus for delivering a drug into a bodily fluid in a body cavity of a patient over a period of time includes a variable-volume vessel defining a working chamber for receiving a drug and recirculating a therapeutic fluid. The fluid can contain a bodily fluid, such as, for example, perilymph, and a drug. The device allows for the controlled delivery of the therapeutic fluid to a predetermined location in the bodily cavity of the patient, such as, for example, a cochlea of a human ear.

Abstract: Calibration of in vivo oxygen and pH sensor systems can be performed by generating a constituent element of an environment proximate to an in vivo sensor electrode via an in vivo generating electrode and determining a level of the constituent element in the tissue via the in vivo sensor electrode. Accordingly, accurate monitoring of tissue can be achieved while reducing the need to calibrate the in vivo sensor systems using invasive procedures. Related electrode assemblies are also discussed.

Abstract: An implantable drug delivery apparatus for delivering a drug into a bodily fluid in a body cavity of a patient over a period of time, which includes a hollow member that defines at least one lumen for facilitating a unidirectional recirculating flow of a therapeutic fluid through the lumen. The fluid can contain a bodily fluid, such as, for example, perilymph, and a drug. The apparatus also includes a pump, for example a single unidirectional pump, to control the flow rate of the therapeutic fluid through the hollow member, and an interface member in communication with at least one lumen of the hollow member. The device thus allows for the controlled delivery of the therapeutic fluid to a predetermined location in the bodily cavity of the patient, such as, for example, a cochlea of a human ear.