Abstract: In an embodiment, the present disclosure pertains to a method of performing circulating tumor cell (CTC) analysis. In general, the method includes flowing a sample through a CTC microfluidic platform, deforming a CTC within the sample, measuring CTC deformation through an imprint of the deformed CTC, processing data related to the measuring, and at least one of identifying or characterizing parameters related to the data that enables at least one of detection of CTCs, enumeration of CTCs in the sample, characterization of biophysical properties, CTC cell size, CTC cell membrane deformability, stresses on CTC cell membranes, adhesion stress on CTC cells, normal stress of CTC cells, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the flowing includes passing the sample through at least one channel of the CTC microfluidic platform having a constricted section.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a microfluidic channel composition configured for establishing a liquid-liquid interface and a microfluidic platform comprising the microfluidic channel composition. More particularly, the present disclosure includes a microfluidic platform for analyzing oil-aqueous interface interactions and methods utilizing the platform, for instance to evaluate environmental settings where oil may be present.

Abstract: In an embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a device having a substrate, a first polymeric layer, a second polymeric layer, a metallic layer, and a third polymeric layer. In some embodiments, the metallic layer is between the second polymeric layer and the third polymeric layer. In an additional embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a method of forming a metallic film. In some embodiments, the method includes depositing a first polymeric layer on a substrate, depositing a second polymeric layer on the first polymeric layer, depositing a metallic layer on the second polymeric layer, and depositing a third polymeric layer on the metallic layer. In some embodiments, the metallic layer is between the second polymeric layer and the third polymeric layer.