Abstract: A benthic microbial fuel cell device (BMFC), namely an anode in contact with organic matter on the seafloor and a cathode in contact with overlying seawater, creates a closed path through which electric current can flow. In a conventional such device, it is used solely as a power source. However the application of a reverse voltage (for example, via solar power) results in storage of energy associated with the BMFC.

Abstract: A remotely-deployed benthic microbial fuel cell is provided, as well as a method for deploying the benthic microbial fuel cell. The remotely-deployed benthic microbial fuel cell has a mooring that includes a base unit, and a plurality of flukes mounted to a perimeter of a bottom portion of the base unit, the plurality of flukes being preconfigured to automatically move from a stored position to a deployed position. The benthic microbial fuel cell includes an anode that is mounted to the bottom portion of the base unit, and isolated from oxygenated water in an anoxic chamber by the plurality of flukes when in the deployed position. The benthic microbial fuel cell further includes a cathode that is attached to the base unit outside the anoxic chamber, where the cathode stays in oxygenated water when the remotely-deployed bottom mooring is deployed.

Abstract: A remotely-deployed benthic microbial fuel cell is provided, as well as a method for deploying the benthic microbial fuel cell. The remotely-deployed benthic microbial fuel cell has a mooring that includes a base unit, and a plurality of flukes mounted to a perimeter of a bottom portion of the base unit, the plurality of flukes being preconfigured to automatically move from a stored position to a deployed position. The benthic microbial fuel cell includes an anode that is mounted to the bottom portion of the base unit, and isolated from oxygenated water in an anoxic chamber by the plurality of flukes when in the deployed position. The benthic microbial fuel cell further includes a cathode that is attached to the base unit outside the anoxic chamber, where the cathode stays in oxygenated water when the remotely-deployed bottom mooring is deployed.

Abstract: A magnetic bead trap-and-mixer includes a channel having openings at opposing ends, and a rotor adjacent to the channel and comprising a permanent magnet, wherein the rotor is adapted to apply a magnetic field to the channel of sufficient strength to direct the movement of magnetic beads therein. In aspects, the channel is straight and/or has narrowed end. In further aspects, the rotor generates in the channel areas of areas of strong magnetic fields alternating with areas of very weak magnetic fields and the strong magnetic fields extend entirely across the channel.

Abstract: A computational “toolbox” can be used for the a priori design of optimized fluidic components. These components include a channel under low-Reynolds number, pressure-driven flow, with an arrangement of grooves cut into the top and/or bottom to generate a tailored cross-channel flow. An advection map for each feature (i.e., groove of a particular shape and orientation) predicts the lateral transport of fluid within the channel due to that feature. Applying the advection maps in sequence generates a representation of the outflow distribution for complex designs that combine one or more features. Therefore, the effect of the complex three-dimensional flow field can be predicted without solving the governing flow equations through the composite geometry, and the resulting distribution of fluids in the channel is used to evaluate how well a component performs a specified task. The toolbox is applied to determine optimal combinations of features for specified mixer sizes and mixing metrics.

Abstract: A micro-fluidic device and a method of use are disclosed. The device includes a micro-channel with an inlet port at a first end and an outlet port at a second end. A first fluid, such as air or liquid or both, is disposed in the micro-channel. A focusing structure extends into the micro-channel, whereby when a pulse of a second fluid is introduced to the channel, the pulse advances adjacent sides of the micro-channel at a faster rate than would occur without the focusing structure.

Abstract: A magnetic bead trap-and-mixer includes a channel having openings at opposing ends, and a rotor adjacent to the channel and comprising a permanent magnet, wherein the rotor is adapted to apply a magnetic field to the channel of sufficient strength to direct the movement of magnetic beads therein. In aspects, the channel is straight and/or has narrowed end. In further aspects, the rotor generates in the channel areas of areas of strong magnetic fields alternating with areas of very weak magnetic fields and the strong magnetic fields extend entirely across the channel.

Abstract: A described exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a computational “toolbox” for the a priori design of optimized fluidic components. These components consist of a channel under low-Reynolds number, pressure-driven flow, with an arrangement of grooves cut into the top and/or bottom to generate a tailored cross-channel flow. An advection map for each feature (i.e., groove of a particular shape and orientation) predicts the lateral transport of fluid within the channel due to that feature. We show that applying these maps in sequence generates an excellent representation of the outflow distribution for complex designs that combine these basic features. The effect of the complex three-dimensional flow field can therefore be predicted without solving the governing flow equations through the composite geometry, and the resulting distribution of fluids in the channel is used to evaluate how well a component performs a specified task.

Abstract: A multimode waveguide device for assays includes a multimode waveguide with a patterned, reflective surface coating. The exposed portion or portions of the reflectively coated waveguide surface are for analyte recognition. A fluidics cell is attached to the waveguide so that the channel or channels of the fluidics cell match with the exposed portion or portions of the waveguide surface. The channel or channels direct one or more sample fluids over the exposed portion or portions of the waveguide surface. The reflective coating minimizes loss and scattering of excitation and fluorescence light during a fluorescence assay.

Abstract: A chemical sensor includes a patterned layer having discrete sections, a -dimensional detector array, and a two-dimensional lens array that focuses an optical signal from the patterned layer onto the two dimensional detector array. Typically, the two-dimensional detector array is a charge-coupled device array and the lens array is a graded index of refraction lens array. The chemical sensor maintains good resolution throughout its field of view.