Abstract: The present invention is directed to the use of microfluidics in the preparation of cells and compositions for therapeutic uses.

Abstract: A cartridge configured to control and manipulate liquids and to be positioned at a cartridge accommodation site of a digital microfluidics system. The digital microfluidics system has a number or array of individual electrodes attached to a first substrate or PCB, a central control unit in operative contact with individual electrodes for controlling selection and for providing a number of individual electrodes that define a path of individual electrodes with voltage for manipulating liquid portions or liquid droplets by electrowetting, and a cartridge accommodation site that is configured for taking up the cartridge.

Abstract: Described herein are microfluidic devices and methods that can separate and concentrate particles in a sample.

Abstract: The present invention provides a microfluidic device that includes first and second polymeric substrates. The first substrate has a higher transition temperature than the second substrate. A first substantially planar surface of the first substrate has a plurality of microscale channels disposed therein. A first substantially planar surface of the second substrate is thermally bonded to the first surface of the first substrate, neither of the first surfaces of the first and second substrates having an adhesive disposed thereon.

Abstract: The present invention provides microfluidic devices that comprise a body structure comprising at least a first microscale channel network disposed therein. The body structure has a plurality of ports or wells disposed in the body structure, where each port is in fluid communication with one or more channels in the first channel network. The devices also include a cover layer comprising a plurality of apertures disposed through the cover layer. The cover layer is mated with the body structure whereby each of the apertures is aligned with a separate one of the plurality of ports. First and second rings are preferentially disposed between the cover layer and the body structure and located circumferentially around each of the apertures of the cover layer. An annular groove is also preferentially disposed between the ring structures to help further minimize the leakage of adhesive or other bonding material into the ports or wells of the device when the cover layer is mated to the body structure.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides improved methods of fabricating polymeric microfluidic devices that incorporate microscale fluidic structures, whereby the fabrication process does not substantially distort or deform such structures. The methods of the invention generally provide enhanced bonding processes for mating and bonding substrate layers to define the microscale channel networks therebetween.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for delivering fluidic materials to sample destinations, including mass spectrometers for analysis are provided. In preferred embodiments, sample aliquots are electrosprayed from tapered spray tips of capillary elements into the orifices of mass spectrometric inlet systems. In certain embodiments, fluidic samples are orthogonally sprayed from capillary elements or other fluid conduits, whereas in other embodiments samples are sprayed after devices are rotated or otherwise translocated from sample sources to sample destinations. In still other embodiments, samples are sprayed from flexed or deflected capillary elements at selected sample destinations.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides improved methods of fabricating polymeric microfluidic devices that incorporate microscale fluidic structures, whereby the fabrication process does not substantially distort or deform such structures. The methods of the invention generally provide enhanced bonding processes for mating and bonding substrate layers to define the microscale channel networks therebetween.

Abstract: The present invention provides microfluidic devices that comprise a body structure comprising at least a first microscale channel network disposed therein. The body structure has a plurality of ports or wells disposed in the body structure, where each port is in fluid communication with one or more channels in the first channel network. The devices also include a cover layer comprising a plurality of apertures disposed through the cover layer. The cover layer is mated with the body structure whereby each of the apertures is aligned with a separate one of the plurality of ports. First and second rings are preferentially disposed between the cover layer and the body structure and located circumferentially around each of the apertures of the cover layer. An annular groove is also preferentially disposed between the ring structures to help further minimize the leakage of adhesive or other bonding material into the ports or wells of the device when the cover layer is mated to the body structure.

Abstract: The present invention provides microfluidic devices that comprise a body structure comprising at least a first microscale channel network disposed therein. The body structure has a plurality of ports disposed in the body structure, where each port is in fluid communication with one or more channels in the first channel network. The devices also include a cover layer comprising a plurality of apertures disposed through the cover layer. The cover layer is mated with the body structure whereby each of the apertures is aligned with a separate one of the plurality of ports. Rings are optionally disposed between the cover layer and the body structure and circumferentially around pairs of aligned apertures and ports. The devices also optionally include conductive coatings and membranes. The invention additionally provides methods of controlling the delivery of a composition of material into a microfluidic device.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides improved methods of fabricating polymeric microfluidic devices that incorporate microscale fluidic structures, whereby the fabrication process does not substantially distort or deform such structures. The methods of the invention generally provide enhanced bonding processes for mating and bonding substrate layers to define the microscale channel networks therebetween.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides improved methods of fabricating polymeric microfluidic devices that incorporate microscale fluidic structures, whereby the fabrication process does not substantially distort or deform such structures. The methods of the invention generally provide enhanced bonding processes for mating and bonding substrate layers to define the microscale channel networks therebetween.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides improved methods of fabricating polymeric microfluidic devices that incorporate microscale fluidic structures, whereby the fabrication process does not substantially distort or deform such structures. The methods of the invention generally provide enhanced bonding processes for mating and bonding substrate layers to define the microscale channel networks therebetween.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there are provided methods for the separation of biological materials employing a variety of polymeric materials with defined chemical, physical and mechanical properties. Thus, a wide range of biological materials (i.e., from very low to very high molecular weight) can be separated according to the present invention. Polymeric materials contemplated for use in the practice of the present invention are block copolymers of partially hydrolyzed acrylonitrile which have excellent storage stability, are chemically inert, contain minimal residual concentration of monomeric species, and can be prepared in large scale.

Abstract: Disclosed is a polymeric article at least a portion of which is manufactured from a hydrogel material having a hydration level of from between about 45% and 56% by weight, which hydrogel is formed from a xerogel which is a copolymer system that can be solvolyzed and hydrated and during which undergoes a linear expansion of from about -7% to about +7%. The polymeric article is comprised of a copolymer system comprising dichloroacetate ester of glyceryl acrylate, methacrylate and ethacrylate and one or more compatible ethylenically unsaturated monomers without such solvolyzable groups.

Abstract: Methods of manufacturing a contact lens form a mold which has a first section formed from a first material and a second section formed from a second material. The methods permit the facile preparation of contact lenses having two or more differing materials, for example, a composite lens, a bifocal lens, a trifocal lens and the like.