Abstract: An open channel microfluidic device for use in tissue culture is described. The open channel microfluidic device is used as a patterning rail in a cell culture system to create suspended tissues with cells suspended in a hydrogel. The present disclosure also provides methods of preparing a tissue using the open channel microfluidic device described herein.

Abstract: Devices and methods configured to determine characteristics of tissue specimens are provided. Representative tissue analysis devices include a sensing module and a reference module. The sensing module includes a first post and a second post configured to have the tissue specimen affixed thereto, and a displacement sensor configured to output a displacement signal corresponding to a displacement of the first post. The reference module includes a reference sensor configured to output a reference signal corresponding to a reference input such as an ambient magnetic field. The devices further include instructions that determine: a displacement value based upon the displacement signal; a reference value based upon the reference signal; a reference-canceled displacement value based upon the displacement value and the reference value; and a characteristic of the tissue specimen based upon the reference-canceled displacement value.

Abstract: Devices and techniques for magnetic detection of myocardial forces are generally described. In some examples, cardiac tissue may be cultured such that the cardiac tissue adheres to a first post and a second post. In further examples, a magnetometer may detect a change in a magnetic field resulting from a deflection of the first post in a first direction from a first position to a second position. In some other examples a signal corresponding to the change in the magnetic field may be generated. In still other examples, frequencies of the signal outside of a first frequency range may be excluded to produce a filtered signal. In various examples, the first frequency range may include frequencies associated with beating of cardiac tissue. In still further examples, a force exerted by the cardiac tissue may be determined based at least in part on the filtered signal.

Abstract: Devices and techniques for magnetic detection of myocardial forces are generally described. In some examples, cardiac tissue may be cultured such that the cardiac tissue adheres to a first post and a second post. In further examples, a magnetometer may detect a change in a magnetic field resulting from a deflection of the first post in a first direction from a first position to a second position. In some other examples a signal corresponding to the change in the magnetic field may be generated. In still other examples, frequencies of the signal outside of a first frequency range may be excluded to produce a filtered signal. In various examples, the first frequency range may include frequencies associated with beating of cardiac tissue. In still further examples, a force exerted by the cardiac tissue may be determined based at least in part on the filtered signal.

Abstract: The present technology relates generally to devices to expose cells to fluid shear forces and associated systems and methods. In particular, several embodiments are directed toward devices to expose cells to fluid shear forces in order to measure changes in internal cell forces. In some embodiments, a fluidic device includes a flow unit configured to induce fluid flow through the device. The device further includes a fluid channel configured to accept a biological sample dispersed on an array of flexible structures. The flow unit can be configured to induce disturbed and/or laminar flow in the fluid channel. The device can further include optical or magnetic detection means configured to measure a degree of deflection of one or more flexible structures in the array.

Abstract: The present technology relates generally to fluidics devices for measuring platelet coagulation and associated systems and methods. In some embodiments, a fluidics device includes an array of microstructures including pairs of generally rigid blocks and generally flexible posts. The fluidics device further includes at least one fluid channel configured to accept the array. The fluidics device can further include a measuring element configured to measure a degree of deflection of one or more of the flexible posts in the array. In some embodiments, the fluidics device comprises a handheld device and usable for point of care testing of platelet forces and coagulation.

Abstract: The present technology relates generally to microfluidic devices for measuring platelet coagulation, and associated systems and methods. In some embodiments, a fluidics device includes an array of microstructures including pairs of generally rigid blocks and generally flexible posts. The fluidics device further includes at least one fluid channel configured to accept the array. The fluid channel is configured to induce fluid flow of a biological sample, such as whole blood, through the array. The fluidics device can further include a detection component configured to measure a degree of deflection of one or more of the flexible posts in the array. In some embodiments, the fluidics device comprises a handheld device and usable for point of care testing of platelet forces and coagulation.

Abstract: The present technology relates generally to devices to expose cells to fluid shear forces and associated systems and methods. In particular, several embodiments are directed toward devices to expose cells to fluid shear forces in order to measure changes in internal cell forces. In some embodiments, a fluidic device includes a flow unit configured to induce fluid flow through the device. The device further includes a fluid channel configured to accept a biological sample dispersed on an array of flexible structures. The flow unit can be configured to induce disturbed and/or laminar flow in the fluid channel. The device can further include optical or magnetic detection means configured to measure a degree of deflection of one or more flexible structures in the array.

Abstract: The present technology relates generally to microfluidic devices for measuring platelet coagulation, and associated systems and methods. In some embodiments, a fluidics device includes an array of microstructures including pairs of generally rigid blocks and generally flexible posts. The fluidics device further includes at least one fluid channel configured to accept the array. The fluid channel is configured to induce fluid flow of a biological sample, such as whole blood, through the array. The fluidics device can further include a detection component configured to measure a degree of deflection of one or more of the flexible posts in the array. In some embodiments, the fluidics device comprises a handheld device and usable for point of care testing of platelet forces and coagulation.

Abstract: The present technology relates generally to devices to expose cells to fluid shear forces and associated systems and methods. In particular, several embodiments are directed toward devices to expose cells to fluid shear forces in order to measure changes in internal cell forces. In some embodiments, a fluidic device includes a flow unit configured to induce fluid flow through the device. The device further includes a fluid channel configured to accept a biological sample dispersed on an array of flexible structures. The flow unit can be configured to induce disturbed and/or laminar flow in the fluid channel. The device can further include optical or magnetic detection means configured to measure a degree of deflection of one or more flexible structures in the array.

Abstract: The present technology relates generally to microfluidic devices for measuring platelet coagulation, and associated systems and methods. In some embodiments, a fluidics device includes an array of microstructures including pairs of generally rigid blocks and generally flexible posts. The fluidics device further includes at least one fluid channel configured to accept the array. The fluid channel is configured to induce fluid flow of a biological sample, such as whole blood, through the array. The fluidics device can further include a detection component configured to measure a degree of deflection of one or more of the flexible posts in the array. In some embodiments, the fluidics device comprises a handheld device and usable for point of care testing of platelet forces and coagulation.