Abstract: We describe an improved conductive biocompatible scaffold for electroporation. The biocompatible scaffold comprises biocompatible material (e.g., collagen and/or other extracellular matrix) and incorporates a metal or polymer network or dispersion that conducts an electrical current through the scaffold. The material can adsorb or trap or bind nucleic acids (e.g., RNA or DNA), nanoparticles, proteins and/or small molecules; subsequently cells are placed in proximity to or in contact with the scaffold and an electrical current passed through the scaffold, thereby facilitating cellular entry of the nucleic acids, nanoparticles, proteins and/or small molecules, particularly into those cells that are in proximity of the scaffold.

Abstract: Provided herein are electrically conductive scaffolds of various shapes suitable for promoting and stimulating tissue regeneration, particularly in nerve repair.

Abstract: An electrically-conductive film that includes a substrate and a plurality of metal nanostructures supported on the substrate, with the nanostructures connecting to provide a network having electrical conductivity along the network. The film includes a first overcoat matrix on the nanostructures and the substrate, and can includes a second overcoat matrix on the nanostructures and the first overcoat matrix. The second overcoat matrix can have a thickness sufficient to cover the nanostructures and the first overcoat matrix. The film allows an electrical contact material that extends through the second overcoat matrix to electrically connect to the nanostructures at a contact area. The first overcoat matrix can have a thickness within a range of 1 to 3 average diameter of the nanostructures. The combination of the first overcoat matrix and second overcoat matrix can fully cover the nanostructures.

Abstract: Methods are provided for detecting low copy nucleic acids of interest in a sample. In one method, a sample comprising a nucleic acid of interest is aliquotted into a plurality of reaction mixtures, at least two of which are single-copy reaction mixtures. The reaction mixtures are subjected to one or more amplification reactions while flowing through a channel of a microfluidic device. At least one of the reaction mixtures is formulated in an aqueous phase of an emulsion comprising aqueous droplets suspended in an immiscible liquid. The nucleic acid of interest is present as a single copy in at least one aqueous droplet of the aqueous phase prior to performing the amplification reaction(s). Amplification is performed on the reaction mixture when it is formulated in the emulsion. The nucleic acid is continuously flowed during a plurality of steps of the method.

Abstract: This invention provides methods and systems for injection of analytes into a separation channel for resolution and detection. Samples can be preconditioned and concentrated by isotachophoresis (ITP) before the injection is triggered by a detected voltage event. Separation of analytes from other sample constituents can be enhanced using skewing channel ITP.

Abstract: A dry gas thrust bearing is provided for use in rotating equipment and more particularly, this thrust bearing is designed to support compressor/turbine thrust loads in an improved arrangement which does not require oil lubrication and which is designed to support necessary shaft thrust loading by the utilization of a dry gas film. The bearing includes a shaft rotor between two axially movable stators and relies on a dry gas film to separate the rotor and stators. The stators are axially loaded by a double spring package arranged in series wherein a lightly loaded spring engages the stator during zero thrust applications, and as the shaft begins to rotate and encounter axial thrust, a heavier stiffer spring, greater than the thrust load, quickly engages.

Abstract: Methods are provided for detecting low copy nucleic acids of interest in a sample. In one method, a sample comprising a nucleic acid of interest is aliquotted into a plurality of reaction mixtures, at least two of which are single-copy reaction mixtures. The reaction mixtures are subjected to one or more amplification reactions while flowing through a channel of a microfluidic device. At least one of the reaction mixtures is formulated in an aqueous phase of an emulsion comprising aqueous droplets suspended in an immiscible liquid. The nucleic acid of interest is present as a single copy in at least one aqueous droplet of the aqueous phase prior to performing the amplification reaction(s). Amplification is performed on the reaction mixture when it is formulated in the emulsion. The nucleic acid is continuously flowed during a plurality of steps of the method.

Abstract: A dry gas thrust bearing is provided for use in rotating equipment and more particularly, this thrust bearing is designed to support compressor/turbine thrust loads in an improved arrangement which does not require oil lubrication and which is designed to support necessary shaft thrust loading by the utilization of a dry gas film. The bearing includes a shaft rotor between two axially movable stators and relies on a dry gas film to separate the rotor and stators. The stators are axially loaded by a double spring package arranged in series wherein a lightly loaded spring engages the stator during zero thrust applications, and as the shaft begins to rotate and encounter axial thrust, a heavier stiffer spring, greater than the thrust load, quickly engages.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a transparent conductor for use in touch panel devices having a plurality of nanostructures therein that provides reliable output based on user touch or pen input. To determine if a touch panel is reliable, there is disclosed a method of measuring voltages across the transparent conductor when it is touched. These measured voltages are converted into contact resistances, which are statistically analyzed. A median contact resistance is determined based on the converted contact resistances. The remaining set of converted contact resistances are analyzed to determine if they are within acceptable limits. Acceptable limits may include most of the contact resistances falling within a range, none of the contact resistances exceeding an upper limit, and a difference in contact resistances converted for different users or pens does not exceed a maximum variability.

Abstract: This invention provides methods and systems for injection of analytes into a separation channel for resolution and detection. Samples can be preconditioned and concentrated by isotachophoresis (ITP) before the injection is triggered by a detected voltage event. Separation of analytes from other sample constituents can be enhanced using skewing channel ITP.

Abstract: Systems for differentiating the lengths of nucleic acids of interest in a sample are provided. The system includes a microfluidic device, a detector, and a software system. The microfluidic device includes an amplification microchannel or microchamber containing a reaction mixture under conditions that provide one or more amplicons of the nucleic acid of interest. The detector is integral with or proximal to the microfluidic device and is configured to detect the amplicons as one or more signals from a homogenous mixture. The software system interprets one or more coincidentally detected signals to indicate lengths of one or more individual nucleic acid molecules of interest, thereby differentiating the lengths of the nucleic acids of interest.

Abstract: A seed layer is formed on a substrate using a first biological agent. The seed layer may comprise densified nanoparticles which are bound to the biological agent. The seed layer is then used for a deposition of a metal layer, such as a barrier layer, an interconnect layer, a cap layer and/or a bus line for a solid state device.

Abstract: Microfluidic devices and systems having enhanced detection sensitivity, particularly for use in non-fluorogenic detection methods, e.g., absorbance. The systems typically employ planar microfluidic devices that include one or more channel networks that are parallel to the major plane of the device, e.g., the predominant plane of the planar structure, and a detection channel segment that is substantially orthogonal to that plane. The detection system is directed along the length of the detection channel segment using a detection orientation that is consistent with conventional microfluidic systems.

Abstract: An aqueous substrate surface treatment composition includes cysteine and an acidic solution having a pH of about 7 or less. The composition enables a selective deposition of a metal ion sensitizer and a subsequent selective plating of a metallic cap layer. Various CoWP plating bath compositions are also provided which may be used to form the cap layer.

Abstract: Methods are provided for detecting low copy nucleic acids of interest in a sample. In one method, a sample comprising a nucleic acid of interest is aliquotted into a plurality of reaction mixtures, at least two of which are single-copy reaction mixtures. The reaction mixtures are subjected to one or more amplification reactions while flowing through a channel of a microfluidic device. At least one of the reaction mixtures is formulated in an aqueous phase of an emulsion comprising aqueous droplets suspended in an immiscible liquid. The nucleic acid of interest is present as a single copy in at least one aqueous droplet of the aqueous phase prior to performing the amplification reaction(s). Amplification is performed on the reaction mixture when it is formulated in the emulsion. The nucleic acid is continuously flowed during a plurality of steps of the method.

Abstract: Methods and systems for performing single molecule amplification for detection, quantification and statistical analysis of nucleic acids are provided. Methods and systems are provided for determining and quantifying lengths of nucleic acids of interest.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel methods and systems for determining the interaction of molecules using the phenomenon of Taylor-Aris dispersion present in fluid flow in conduits. The method involves relating a change in dispersion of molecules to their level of interaction. The present invention also relates to an assay method using Taylor-Aris dispersion in a microfluidic system in order to examine molecular interactions in a variety of chemical and biochemical systems.

Abstract: Methods and systems that employ hybrid fluid flow profiles for optimized movement of materials through channel networks. These systems employ hybrid pressure-based and electrokinetic based flow systems for moving materials through interconnected channel networks while maintaining interconnection among the various channel segments. In particular, the invention is generally directed to channel networks where flow in a first channel segment is driven by pressure flow with its consequent parabolic flow profile, while flow in an interconnected channel segment is dominated by electrokinetic flow with its consequent plug flow profile. The invention also provides channel networks wherein fluid flow in channel segments is driven by both pressure and electric field and the multiple species contained in a fluid plug are separated by altering the applied pressure and electric fields in the various channel segments of the channel networks.

Abstract: This invention provides systems and methods of running multiple different analyses on a microfluidic device.

Abstract: A transparent conductor including a conductive layer coated on a substrate is described. More specifically, the conductive layer comprises a network of nanowires which may be embedded in a matrix. The conductive layer is optically transparent and flexible. It can be coated or laminated onto a variety of substrates, including flexible and rigid substrates.