Abstract: The present technology generally relates to stopped-flow microfluidic devices. Select embodiments of the present technology include microfluidic devices having a first porous element configured to receive a first fluid and a second porous element configured to receive a second fluid. The second porous element can have one or more legs overlapping with the first porous element. The device can be configured such that (a) delivery of the first fluid to the first porous element causes the first fluid to flow along the length of the first porous element without substantially wetting the one or more legs, and (b) delivery of the second fluid to the second porous element causes the second fluid to flow into the overlapping regions of the first porous element, thereby substantially stopping flow of the first fluid along at least a portion of the first porous element.

Abstract: The present technology is directed to capillarity-based devices for performing chemical processes and associated system and methods. In one embodiment, for example, a device can include a porous receiving element having an input region and a receiving region, a first fluid source and a second fluid source positioned within the input region of the receiving element; wherein the first fluid source is positioned between the second fluid source and the receiving region, and wherein, when both the first and second fluid sources are in fluid connection with the input region, the device is configured to sequentially deliver the first fluid and the second fluid to the receiving region without leakage.

Abstract: The present technology is directed to capillarity-based devices for performing chemical processes and associated system and methods. In one embodiment, for example, a device can include a porous receiving element having an input region and a receiving region, a first fluid source and a second fluid source positioned within the input region of the receiving element; wherein the first fluid source is positioned between the second fluid source and the receiving region, and wherein, when both the first and second fluid sources are in fluid connection with the input region, the device is configured to sequentially deliver the first fluid and the second fluid to the receiving region without leakage.

Abstract: The present technology relates generally to systems for disrupting biological samples and associated devices and methods. In some embodiments, the system includes a vessel configured to receive a biological sample and a cap assembly that includes a porous membrane having a receiving region and a detection region. When the cap assembly is detachably coupled to an open end portion of the vessel, the system can be moved between a first orientation and a second orientation. When the system is in the first orientation, the biological sample is not in fluid communication with the receiving region. When the vessel contains is in the second orientation, the biological sample is in fluid communication with the receiving region and wicks through the porous membrane to the detection region.

Abstract: The present technology is directed to capillarity-based devices for performing chemical processes and associated system and methods. In one embodiment, for example, a device can include a first porous element having a first pore size and configured to receive a fluid at its proximal portion, and a second porous element having a second pore size greater than the first pore size and configured to receive a fluid at its proximal portion. The first porous element can be positioned across the second porous element such that an overlapping region exists between the porous elements where the porous elements are in fluid communication. Before delivery of the fluid to the second porous element, the fluid pressure at the overlapping region is greater than the capillary pressure of the second porous element such that a fluid delivered to the first porous element wicks through its overlapping portion without wetting the second porous element.

Abstract: The present technology is directed to capillarity-based devices for performing chemical processes and associated system and methods. In one embodiment, for example, a device can include a porous receiving element having an input region and a receiving region, a first fluid source and a second fluid source positioned within the input region of the receiving element; wherein the first fluid source is positioned between the second fluid source and the receiving region, and wherein, when both the first and second fluid sources are in fluid connection with the input region, the device is configured to sequentially deliver the first fluid and the second fluid to the receiving region without leakage.

Abstract: The present technology relates generally to systems for disrupting biological samples and associated devices and methods. In some embodiments, system includes a vessel configured to receive the biological sample, a permanent magnet configured to be positioned within the vessel, an electromagnet configured to be positioned proximate the vessel, and a current source operably coupled to the electromagnet and configured to transmit an alternating current. In some embodiments, when the biological sample is placed within the vessel and the alternating current is transmitted to the electromagnet, the electromagnet produces an alternating magnetic field that causes the permanent magnet to rotate within the vessel, thereby lysing at least one of the cells of the biological sample.