Abstract: Microfluidic chips, systems, and methods of making and using thereof are described. The microfluid chip includes a disc-shaped transparent layer containing a plurality of cell traps, pillars, and filers, and a support layer attached thereto. The microfluid chip has at least one inlet port in center of the transparent layer for receiving a sample of liquid and cells, and optionally a plastic cover. The microfluid chip can be designed to be suitable for the forces used for cell pairing/fusion in stationary and spinning format, or suitable for a particular cell fusion method such chemical and electrical methods. The microfluid chip is particularly suited for fusing dendritic cells and tumor cells for immunotherapy, or for generating hybridoma.

Abstract: Microfluidic chips containing electrochemical biosensors are described. The electrochemical biosensors include a flow layer intersected by valves of a control layer, which control the fluid flow. The flow layer includes two zones, an analyte capture zone for mixing a sample with an analyte capture element, and a detection zone for detecting the analyte. Both zones include a rotary mixer for mixing, and where needed, trapping, washing, and flowing the captured analyte. The captured analyte is detected by the sensing region of the detection zone. The microfluidic chips may be integrated into devices for automated, fast, point-of-care determination of analyte concentration.

Abstract: Endothelial cells can become susceptible to disease when subjected to disturbed (atheroprone) blood flow patterns, which naturally occur in known locations in human arteries. Atheroprone flow is non-laminar, with low fluid shear stress magnitude and an oscillatory pattern representative in the temporal signature. At a macro-scale, atheroprone flow is multidirectional and chaotic. On the other hand, atheroprotective flow is laminar with high fluid shear stresses that have a specific temporal signature. Therefore, understanding the interplay between the atheroprotective and atheroprone hemodynamics and endothelial function is important. The invention relates, in some embodiments, to microfluidic devices and methods that dynamically apply controlled and physiologically relevant spatio-temporal atheroprone and atheroprotective flow signatures.

Abstract: A particle separation device can include a fiber microfludic structure.

Abstract: A system includes a microfluidic device configured to isolate one or more particles from a mixture, a flow rate matching device configured to match flow rate of the microfluidic device with flow rate of an electrical measurement device configured to measure an electrical property of the isolated particles, and an electrical measurement device configured to measure an electrical property of the isolated particles.

Abstract: A method of tracking cell identity across analytical platforms uses stochastic barcoding (SB). SB uses a randomly generated code based on one or more of the number, color and position of beads encapsulated together with a set of cells of interest. SB use is demonstrated in an application where cells are transferred from a microwell array into a microtiter plate while keeping their identity, and obtained an average identification accuracy of 96% for transfer of 100 blocks. Model scaling of the method up to 1000 blocks demonstrated that SB is able to achieve approximately 90% accuracy.

Abstract: Systems and methods for altering neurite growth are generally described. In some embodiments, a system may include a neuron comprising a neurite and electrodes able to generate a physical guidance cue. The physical guidance cue may be used to alter the growth of the neurite and may be temporally and spatially dynamic, such that neurite growth may be altered in a spatial and/or temporal manner. Dynamic control of neurite growth may be used to form directional neural connections, intersections, and/or overlaps.

Abstract: Systems and methods for altering neurite growth are generally described. In some embodiments, a system may include a neuron comprising a neurite and electrodes able to generate a physical guidance cue. The physical guidance cue may be used to alter the growth of the neurite and may be temporally and spatially dynamic, such that neurite growth may be altered in a spatial and/or temporal manner. Dynamic control of neurite growth may be used to form directional neural connections, intersections, and/or overlaps.

Abstract: Endothelial cells can become susceptible to disease when subjected to disturbed (atheroprone) blood flow patterns, which naturally occur in known locations in human arteries. Atheroprone flow is non-laminar, with low fluid shear stress magnitude and an oscillatory pattern representative in the temporal signature. At a macro-scale, atheroprone flow is multidirectional and chaotic. On the other hand, atheroprotective flow is laminar with high fluid shear stresses that have a specific temporal signature. Therefore, understanding the interplay between the atheroprotective and atheroprone hemodynamics and endothelial function is important. The invention relates, in some embodiments, to microfluidic devices and methods that dynamically apply controlled and physiologically relevant spatio-temporal atheroprone and atheroprotective flow signatures.

Abstract: A system includes a microfluidic device configured to isolate one or more particles from a mixture, a flow rate matching device configured to match flow rate of the microfluidic device with flow rate of an electrical measurement device configured to measure an electrical property of the isolated particles, and an electrical measurement device configured to measure an electrical property of the isolated particles.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device and methods of use thereof in microscale particle capturing and particle pairing. This invention provides particle patterning device, which mechanically traps individual particles within first chambers of capture units, transfer the particles to second chambers of opposing capture units, and traps a second type of particle in the same second chamber. The device and methods allow for high yield assaying of trapped cells, high yield fusion of trapped, paired cells, for controlled binding of particles to cells and for specific chemical reactions between particle interfaces and particle contents. The device and method provide means of identification of the particle population and a facile route to particle collection.

Abstract: A method of tracking cell identity across analytical platforms uses stochastic barcoding (SB). SB uses a randomly generated code based on one or more of the number, color and position of beads encapsulated together with a set of cells of interest. SB use is demonstrated in an application where cells are transferred from a microwell array into a microtitre plate while keeping their identity, and obtained an average identification accuracy of 96% for transfer of 100 blocks. Model scaling of the method up to 1000 blocks demonstrated that SB is able to achieve approximately 90% accuracy.

Abstract: Systems and methods for altering neurite growth are generally described. In some embodiments, a system may include a neuron comprising a neurite and electrodes able to generate a physical guidance cue. The physical guidance cue may be used to alter the growth of the neurite and may be temporally and spatially dynamic, such that neurite growth may be altered in a spatial and/or temporal manner. Dynamic control of neurite growth may be used to form directional neural connections, intersections, and/or overlaps.

Abstract: Systems and methods for altering neurite growth are generally described. In some embodiments, a system may include a neuron comprising a neurite and electrodes able to generate a physical guidance cue. The physical guidance cue may be used to alter the growth of the neurite and may be temporally and spatially dynamic, such that neurite growth may be altered in a spatial and/or temporal manner. Dynamic control of neurite growth may be used to form directional neural connections, intersections, and/or overlaps.

Abstract: This invention provides an apparatus for particle sorting, particle patterning, and methods of using the same. The sorting or patterning is opto-fluidics based, in that particles are applied to individual chambers in the device, detection and/or analysis of the particles is carried out, such that a cell or population whose removal or conveyance is desired is defined, and the cell or population is removed or conveyed via application of an optical force and flow-mediated conveyance or removal of the part.

Abstract: A method of predictive identification and separation of high-performing cells from a mixed population of cells includes distributing cells belonging to the mixed population to a plurality of open chambers; identifying open chambers containing desired cells and open chambers containing undesired cells; selectively sealing at least one open chamber containing undesired cells; and recovering the desired cells from the open chambers. Cells can be predictively assigned as desired or undesired based on an automated image analysis algorithm.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device and methods of use thereof in microscale cell sorting. This invention provides sorting cytometers, which trap individual cells within vessels following exposure to dielectrophoresis, allow for the assaying of trapped cells, such that a population is identified whose isolation is desired, and their isolation.

Abstract: This invention provides devices comprising substrates with wells for the patterning of particles or cells. Such devices are loaded with a suspension of particles or cell, and the entrapped particles or cells are transferred to a second substrate, where patterning of individual particles or cells occurs. Methods of cellular analysis, cell growth studies, surface modification, optical display fabrication and curved surface patterning using devices of this invention are described.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device and methods of use thereof in microscale particle capturing and particle pairing. This invention provides particle patterning device, which mechanically traps individual particles within first chambers of capture units, transfer the particles to second chambers of opposing capture units, and traps a second type of particle in the same second chamber. The device and methods allow for high yield assaying of trapped cells, high yield fusion of trapped, paired cells, for controlled binding of particles to cells and for specific chemical reactions between particle interfaces and particle contents. The device and method provide means of identification of the particle population and a facile route to particle collection.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an iso-dielectric separation apparatus for separating particles based upon their electrical properties, and methods of using the apparatus.