Abstract: The present disclosure relates to devices, systems, and methods for quantitative measurements of colloid properties with a depletion force sensor. An example system of the present disclosure may include a well, a mass, a sensor, and a processor. The well may be contain a test fluid. The mass has a surface which may be immersed in the test fluid during operation. The sensor may include a sensing element which may be immersed in the test fluid during operation. The sensing element may include a sensor face separated from the surface of the mass by a gap. The sensor may measure a force on the sensing element relative to the mass. The processor may be coupled to the sensor and may determine properties of the test fluid based on the force.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to devices, systems, and methods for quantitative measurements of colloid properties with a depletion force sensor. An example system of the present disclosure may include a well, a mass, a sensor, and a processor. The well may be contain a test fluid. The mass has a surface which may be immersed in the test fluid during operation. The sensor may include a sensing element which may be immersed in the test fluid during operation. The sensing element may include a sensor face separated from the surface of the mass by a gap. The sensor may measure a force on the sensing element relative to the mass. The processor may be coupled to the sensor and may determine properties of the test fluid based on the force.

Abstract: A platform and methods of use, for providing active, pre-determined, fully controlled, precise delivery of nano- or micro-particles in biological tissue. The platform comprises the following modules: (A) one or more nano- or micro-particles comprising embedded logic and various MEM components; (B) a delivery and retraction module, configured to deliver and retract the particles; (C) an external signal generator; (D) an imaging module, configured to monitor said particles; and (E) an integration module configured to receive inputs from other modules and provide output control commands to other modules. The modules are configured to interact/communicate with each other and are internally controlled, externally controlled or both.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for making an apparatus for sensing and/or characterizing a biopolymer translocating a nanopore. The apparatus of the present invention provides a first electrode, a first insulator, a second electrode, a optional insulator, a voltage source for applying a time varying potential difference between the electrodes, and a means of measuring the resulting current between the two electrodes. A method for making the apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for designing and fabricating multi-layer structures having thermal expansion properties are provided. One embodiment of the present invention provides a multi-layer structure. Briefly described, one such multi-layer structure comprises a central layer, a first layer, and a second layer. The first layer is constrained to a first side of the central layer and has a first thickness. The first layer comprises a first material having a first value for a thermal expansion property. The second layer is constrained to a second side of the central layer and has a second thickness. The second layer comprises a second material having a second value for a thermal expansion property.

Abstract: Systems and methods for designing and fabricating multi-layer structures having thermal expansion properties are provided. One embodiment of the present invention provides a multi-layer structure. Briefly described, one such multi-layer structure comprises a central layer, a first layer, and a second layer. The first layer is constrained to a first side of the central layer and has a first thickness. The first layer comprises a first material having a first value for a thermal expansion property. The second layer is constrained to a second side of the central layer and has a second thickness. The second layer comprises a second material having a second value for a thermal expansion property.

Abstract: Planar resonant tunneling sensor devices and methods for using the same are provided. The subject devices include first and second electrodes present on a surface of a planar substrate and separated from each other by a nanodimensioned gap. The devices also include a first member for holding a sample, and a second member for moving the first member and planar resonant tunneling electrode relative to each other. Also provided are methods of fabricating such a device and methods of using such a device for improved detection and characterization of a sample.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus and method for sequencing and identifying a biopolymer. The invention provides a first electrode, a second electrode, a first gate electrode, a second gate electrode, a gate voltage source and a potential means. The gate electrodes may be ramped by a voltage source to search and determine a resonance level between the first electrode, biopolymer and second electrode. The potential means that is in electrical connection with the first electrode and the second electrode is maintained at a fixed voltage. A method of biopolymer sequencing and identification is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus and method for sequencing and identifying a biopolymer. The invention provides a first electrode, a second electrode, a first gate electrode, a second gate electrode, a gate voltage source and a potential means. The gate electrodes may be ramped by a voltage source to search and determine a resonance level between the first electrode, biopolymer and second electrode. The potential means that is in electrical connection with the first electrode and the second electrode is maintained at a fixed voltage. A method of biopolymer sequencing and identification is also disclosed.

Abstract: Nanopore devices including microfluidic introduction members and methods of using the same are provided. The subject devices include first and second fluid containment members separated by a fluid barrier having a single nanopore therein providing fluid communication between the first and second fluid containment members, and a microfluidic introduction member for conveying a fluid sample from a first site distal from the nanopore to a second site proximal to the nanopore.

Abstract: Several improvements have been made in inkjet print cartridges to realize 5 ng drop weights at ejection frequencies of 18 KHz. These improvements include small nozzle openings, improved heater resistor efficiency, and better ink supply reliability.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for making a nanopore chip exhibiting one of low photosensitivity, low electrical noise, and low electrical drift. The apparatus provides a thin insulating diaphragm containing a nanopore, the diaphragm being supported on a rigid semiconductor frame, the semiconductor frame having N-type doping in those regions which are to be capacitively coupled to an ionic solution. Also disclosed is a method of making the apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for making a nanopore chip exhibiting low capacitance. The apparatus provides a thin diaphragm on a rigid semiconductor frame suitable for nanopore fabrication, the diaphragm having associated thicker insulator regions to reduce capacitance. Also disclosed is a method of making the apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for making a tensile diaphragm with an insert region of a material dissimilar to the diaphragm, the insert region being suitable for the fabrication of a nanopore.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for making a composite tensile diaphragm having a nanopore. The apparatus provides a tensile layer in contact with a compressive layer. A small region of the tensile layer is removed to expose a small portion of the compressive layer. The compressive region of the tensile layer is small enough to avoid the buckling or wrinkling of the material. The apparatus has a length to thickness ratio from 10 to 60. Also disclosed is a method of making the apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods and apparatus for removing a gaseous bubble confined in a microvolume of liquid in a chamber. A source of liquid, a barrier region and an exit region are provided in fluid communication with the chamber. The source of liquid has an energy potential as regards movement of the gaseous bubble that is higher than the energy potential of the barrier region, the barrier region has a higher energy potential than the chamber, and the chamber has a higher energy potential than the exit region. The energy potential is reduced within the chamber, the source of liquid, the barrier region, and the exit region by an amount such that the energy within the gaseous bubble is sufficient to displace the gaseous bubble from the chamber through the barrier region and out the exit region and to fill the chamber with the liquid from the source.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for threading a biopolymer through a nanopore. The apparatus of the present invention provides a substrate having a channel with a channel wall and a nanopore in the channel wall. The channel and nanopore are designed for receiving a biopolymer. The apparatus includes at least one set of electrodes for moving the biopolymer in a first direction past the nanopore, and at least one set of electrodes for moving the biopolymer through the nanopore in a second direction. The invention also provides a method for threading a biopolymer through a nanopore. The method includes moving the biopolymer past the nanopore in a first direction, and threading the biopolymer through the nanopore in a second direction.

Abstract: A pressure regulator that sets the pressure of a liquid to a predetermined pressure differential below a reference pressure, such as atmospheric pressure. The pressure regulator comprises a liquid delivery channel and a capillary array. The liquid delivery channel includes a liquid input and a liquid output. The liquid flows through the liquid delivery channel from the liquid input to the liquid output. The capillary array is composed of ones of an elongate capillary. The capillary includes a first end in fluid communication with the liquid delivery channel and a second end in pressure communication with a source of the reference pressure. The liquid flows through the first end into the capillary to form a liquid surface in the capillary. The second end is remote from the first end.