Abstract: A microrobot assembly system includes a substrate containing conductive traces formed into at least one holding zone and one moving zone, a diamagnetic layer on the substrate, at least two magnetic structures movable across the diamagnetic layer in response to voltages applied to the conductive traces, wherein the holding zone holds one of the magnetic structures and the moving zone allows another of the magnetic structures to attach to the magnetic structure being held. The system may include a plate spaced above the substrate and rails to guide the moving magnetic structures.

Abstract: A microrobot assembly system includes a substrate containing conductive traces formed into at least one holding zone and one moving zone, a diamagnetic layer on the substrate, at least two magnetic structures movable across the diamagnetic layer in response to voltages applied to the conductive traces, wherein the holding zone holds one of the magnetic structures and the moving zone allows another of the magnetic structures to attach to the magnetic structure being held. The system may include a plate spaced above the substrate and rails to guide the moving magnetic structures.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for measuring, and configured to measure, a blood analyte continuously or at intervals, the device comprising at least a first set of analyte sensing sensor electrodes configured for making electrochemical measurements of the analyte, and at least a second set of biofouling prevention electrodes in operable proximity to, and configured to prevent biofouling of, the first set of electrodes.

Abstract: An implantable catheter is provided that may be disinfected without removal from the body of a patient, using an electrochemical method to generate an electric field on the catheter surface and thus destroy microorganisms in a biofilm that is present or forming. A catheter system includes the implantable catheter and a voltage source that is operably connected to electrodes on or embedded in the exterior and optionally the interior catheter surface. Methods are also provided for disinfecting the implantable catheter in vivo and for detecting or confirming the presence of a pathogenic biofilm thereon.

Abstract: An implantable catheter is provided that may be disinfected without removal from the body of a patient, using an electrochemical method to generate an electric field on the catheter surface and thus destroy microorganisms in a biofilm that is present or forming. A catheter system includes the implantable catheter and a voltage source that is operably connected to electrodes on or embedded in the exterior and optionally the interior catheter surface. Methods are also provided for disinfecting the implantable catheter in vivo and for detecting or confirming the presence of a pathogenic biofilm thereon.

Abstract: An implantable catheter is provided that may be disinfected without removal from the body of a patient, using an electrochemical method to generate an electric field on the catheter surface and thus destroy microorganisms in a biofilm that is present or forming. A catheter system includes the implantable catheter and a voltage source that is operably connected to electrodes on or embedded in the exterior and optionally the interior catheter surface. Methods are also provided for disinfecting the implantable catheter in vivo and for detecting or confirming the presence of a pathogenic biofilm thereon.

Abstract: Described herein are transducers and their fabrication. The transducers convert between mechanical and electrical energy. Some transducers of the present invention include a pre-strained polymer. The pre-strain improves the conversion between electrical and mechanical energy. The present invention provides methods for fabricating electromechanical devices including one or more electroactive polymers.

Abstract: Described herein are transducers and their fabrication. The transducers convert between mechanical and electrical energy. Some transducers of the present invention include a pre-strained polymer. The pre-strain improves the conversion between electrical and mechanical energy. The present invention provides methods for fabricating electromechanical devices including one or more electroactive polymers.

Abstract: An implantable catheter is provided that may be disinfected without removal from the body of a patient, using an electrochemical method to generate an electric field on the catheter surface and thus destroy microorganisms in a biofilm that is present or forming. A catheter system includes the implantable catheter and a voltage source that is operably connected to electrodes on or embedded in the exterior and optionally the interior catheter surface. Methods are also provided for disinfecting the implantable catheter in vivo and for detecting or confirming the presence of a pathogenic biofilm thereon.

Abstract: Described herein are transducers and their fabrication. The transducers convert between mechanical and electrical energy. Some transducers of the present invention include a pre-strained polymer. The pre-strain improves the conversion between electrical and mechanical energy. The present invention provides methods for fabricating electromechanical devices including one or more electroactive polymers.

Abstract: Described herein are transducers and their fabrication. The transducers convert between mechanical and electrical energy. Some transducers of the present invention include a pre-strained polymer. The pre-strain improves the conversion between electrical and mechanical energy. The present invention provides methods for fabricating electromechanical devices including one or more electroactive polymers.

Abstract: Described herein are transducers and their fabrication. The transducers convert between mechanical and electrical energy. Some transducers of the present invention include a pre-strained polymer. The pre-strain improves the conversion between electrical and mechanical energy. The present invention provides methods for fabricating electromechanical devices including one or more electroactive polymers.

Abstract: Described herein are transducers and their fabrication. The transducers convert between mechanical and electrical energy. Some transducers of the present invention include a pre-strained polymer. The pre-strain improves the conversion between electrical and mechanical energy. The present invention provides methods for fabricating electromechanical devices including one or more electroactive polymers.

Abstract: Described herein are transducers, their use and fabrication. The transducers convert between mechanical and electrical energy. The present invention further relates to compliant electrodes that conform to the shape of a polymer included in a transducer.

Abstract: Described herein are transducers, their use and fabrication. The transducers convert between mechanical and electrical energy. The present invention further relates to compliant electrodes that conform to the shape of a polymer included in a transducer.

Abstract: Described herein are transducers and their fabrication. The transducers convert between mechanical and electrical energy. Some transducers of the present invention include a pre-strained polymer. The pre-strain improves the conversion between electrical and mechanical energy. The present invention provides methods for fabricating electromechanical devices including one or more electroactive polymers.

Abstract: Described are a method and system for dispensing a fluid. A fluid-dispensing device includes a substrate and a plurality of nozzles formed in the substrate. Each nozzle has an open-ended tip and a fluid-conducting channel between the tip and a source of fluid. A non-conducting spacer is on the substrate and electrically isolates a gate electrode from the substrate. The gate electrode is located adjacent to the tip of at least one of the nozzles to effect dispensing of the fluid in that nozzle in response to a voltage applied between the gate electrode and the nozzle or fluid in the nozzle. In one embodiment, the gate electrode includes a plurality of individually addressable gate electrodes used for selectively actuating nozzles.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are apparatuses and devices, and methods for using and making the same, for use in performing desired activities in an automated, microscale format. Microparticles are ushered about within a microscale apparatus, to selectively move between various stations in a selected order and manner. Some embodiments include reaction, micro-weighing, micro-analysis, reagent acquisition and deposition, and incubation stations. Microparticles can individually move, or move as trains. Samples, including particulate and solid tissue samples may be manipulated and analyzed within the device. Some embodiments may engage in micro-fabrication activities or micro-deconstruction activities. Systems for controlling such apparatuses are included as well as methods of operation.

Abstract: Described are a method and system for dispensing a fluid. A fluid-dispensing device comprises a substrate and a plurality of nozzles formed in the substrate. Each nozzle has an open-ended tip and a fluid-conducting channel between the tip and a source of fluid. A non-conducting spacer is on the substrate and electrically isolates a gate electrode from the substrate. The gate electrode is located adjacent to the tip of at least one of the nozzles to effect dispensing of the fluid in that nozzle in response to a voltage applied between the gate electrode and the nozzle or fluid in the nozzle. In one embodiment, the gate electrode includes a plurality of individually addressable gate electrodes used for selectively actuating nozzles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to electroactive polymers that are pre-strained to improve conversion from electrical to mechanical energy. When a voltage is applied to electrodes contacting a pre-strained polymer, the polymer deflects. This deflection may be used to do mechanical work. The pre-strain improves the mechanical response of an electroactive polymer. The present invention also relates to actuators including an electroactive polymer and mechanical coupling to convert deflection of the polymer into mechanical work. The present invention further relates to compliant electrodes that conform to the shape of a polymer. The present invention provides methods for fabricating electromechanical devices including one or more electroactive polymers.