Abstract: Methods and devices for concentrating target cells using dielectrophoresis (DEP) are disclosed. The method allows relatively high throughput of sample through a microfluidic device in order to allow rapid capture of target cells even when they are present in low concentrations within the sample. The method utilizes multiple chambers through which samples will flow, the chambers arranged such that the first capture area has a larger area and faster flow rate than a second chamber, the second chamber being positioned downstream of the first capture area and being smaller with a slower flow rate to further concentrate the material captured in the first capture area.

Abstract: Methods and devices for concentrating target cells using dielectrophoresis (DEP) are disclosed. The method allows relatively high throughput of sample through a microfluidic device in order to allow rapid capture of target cells even when they are present in low concentrations within the sample. The method utilizes multiple chambers through which samples will flow, the chambers arranged such that the first capture area has a larger area and faster flow rate than a second chamber, the second chamber being positioned downstream of the first capture area and being smaller with a slower flow rate to further concentrate the material captured in the first capture area.

Abstract: Methods and devices for concentrating target cells using dielectrophoresis (DEP) are disclosed. The method allows relatively high throughput of sample through a microfluidic device in order to allow rapid capture of target cells even when they are present in low concentrations within the sample. The method utilizes multiple chambers through which samples will flow, the chambers arranged such that the first capture area has a larger area and faster flow rate than a second chamber, the second chamber being positioned downstream of the first capture area and being smaller with a slower flow rate to further concentrate the material captured in the first capture area.

Abstract: Methods and devices for concentrating target cells using dielectrophoresis (DEP) are disclosed. The method allows relatively high throughput of sample through a microfluidic device in order to allow rapid capture of target cells even when they are present in low concentrations within the sample. The method utilizes multiple chambers through which samples will flow, the chambers arranged such that the first capture area has a larger area and faster flow rate than a second chamber, the second chamber being positioned downstream of the first capture area and being smaller with a slower flow rate to further concentrate the material captured in the first capture area.

Abstract: Provided is a microfluidic or nanofluidic apparatus which comprises: (a) a reservoir for one or more fluids; (b) a mixing device configured to mix the one or more fluids within the reservoir; and (c) a microfluidic or nanofluidic device in fluid connection with the reservoir; wherein the reservoir is suitable for containing a total volume of fluid of from 100 microliters to 100 milliliters. Also provided is a method of manufacturing the apparatus and the use of the apparatus to detect an analyte in a fluid.

Abstract: Provided is a microfluidic mixing system comprising a loop system for transferring one or more fluids, wherein the loop system comprises a plurality of sub loops, each sub loop formed from one or more common channels shared with at least one other sub loop and completed by an outer channel portion that is not shared by any other sub loop, and wherein the outer channel portion of each sub loop comprises one or more valves such that the sub loop is capable of isolation from all other sub loops and each common channel comprises one or more valves such that the common channel is capable of isolation from the remainder of the loop system, and wherein one or more sub loops in the system comprise valves that are configured to enable peristaltic mixing.

Abstract: The present invention provides a loading element for reversibly coupling a microfluidic or nanofluidic cartridge to a processing apparatus wherein the loading element comprises: (a) a first connector part comprising a first set of air inlet ports and a first set of air outlet ports; (b) a second connector part comprising a second set of air inlet ports and a second set of air outlet ports; and (c) a guide part configured to guide the cartridge into reversible coupling with the loading element.

Abstract: Provided is a processing apparatus for enabling a plurality of processes to be conducted on a sample within a microfluidic or nanofluidic cartridge, the apparatus comprising: a) a plurality of processing modules for facilitating the processes conducted on the sample within the cartridge; b) a coupling means for reversibly coupling the cartridge to the apparatus; c) a transport means capable of bringing the cartridge coupled to the coupling means into communication with each of the processing modules; wherein the plurality of processing modules includes a component isolation module capable of facilitating a separation process within the cartridge, a manipulator module capable of facilitating the movement of fluids within the cartridge; and an optical module capable of interacting optically with the cartridge.

Abstract: A cartridge system includes a reagent component for storing one or more reagents and a processing component for processing the one or more reagents in an assay. The reagent component and the processing component are configured to be coupled together to form a cartridge. The reagent component and/or the processing component include at least one compartment configured to accept waste from the assay. The reagent component does not take part in processing the reagents in the assay, except to accept waste from the processing component. In one aspect, the cartridge system further includes a sensing component with at least one sensing element for detecting an analyte. In another aspect, the cartridge system further includes a sample preparation component for preparing a sample for the assay.