Abstract: MEMS-based calorimeter including two microchambers supported in a thin film substrate is provided. The thin film substrate includes a thermoelectric sensor configured to measure temperature differential between the two microchambers, and also includes a thermally stable and high strength polymeric diaphragm. Methods for fabricating the MEMS-based calorimeter, as well as methods of using the calorimeter to measure thermal properties of materials, such as biomolecules, or thermodynamic properties of chemical reactions or physical interactions, are also provided.

Abstract: Techniques for monitoring a target analyte in a sample using a polymer capable of binding to the target analyte are disclosed. An implantable monitor useful for the disclosed techniques includes a microdevice coupled with a wireless interface. The wireless interface can comprise a capacitance digital converter coupled with the microdevice and can be adapted to produce a digital signal representing a measurement of the target analyte. A microcontroller can be coupled with the capacitance digital converter and a transponder can be coupled with the microcontroller to transmit the digital signal received from the capacitance digital converter to an external reader.

Abstract: MEMS-based calorimeter including two microchambers supported in a thin film substrate formed on a polymeric layer is provided. The thin film substrate includes a thermoelectric sensor configured to measure temperature differential between the two microchambers, and also includes a thermally stable and high strength polymeric diaphragm. Methods for fabricating the MEMS-based calorimeter, as well as methods of using the calorimeter to measure thermal properties of materials, such as biomolecules, or thermodynamic properties of chemical reactions or physical interactions, are also provided.

Abstract: The disclosed subject matter relates to a sensor or system for monitoring a target analyte by using a polymer solution that is capable of binding to the analyte. The sensor of the disclosed subject matter includes a viscosity-based sensor or a permittivity-based sensor. The viscosity-based sensor contains a semi-permeable membrane, a substrate, and a microchamber including a vibrational element. The permittivity-based sensor contains a semi-permeable membrane, a substrate, and a microchamber. The sensor discussed herein provides excellent reversibility and stability as highly desired for long-term analyte monitoring.

Abstract: The described subject matter includes techniques and components for minimally invasive, selective capture and release of analytes. An aptamer is selected for its binding affinity with a particular analyte(s). The aptamer is functionalized on a solid phase, for example, microbeads, polymer monolith, microfabricated solid phase, etc. The analyte is allowed to bind to the aptamer, for example, in a microchamber. Once the analyte has been bound, a temperature control sets the temperature to an appropriate temperature at which the captured analyte is released.

Abstract: Techniques for monitoring a target analyte in a sample using a polymer capable of binding to the target analyte are disclosed. A microdevice useful for the disclosed techniques includes a semi-permeable membrane structure, a substrate, a first and second microchambers formed between the membrane structure and the substrate. The first microchamber can be adapted to receive a solution including the polymer, and the second microchamber can be adapted to receive a reference solution. Environmental target analyte can permeate the semi-permeable membrane structure and enters the first microchamber and the second microchamber. Based on the difference in a property associated with the polymer solution that is responsive to the target analyte-polymer binding, and the corresponding property associated with reference solution, the presence and/or concentration of the target analyte can be determined.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for capturing and/or isolating target microparticles. In one aspect, a method for capturing target microparticles is disclosed. The method includes: forming a fluid including the target microparticles, non-target microparticles, and magnetic beads, the magnetic beads having a stronger affinity with the target microparticles than with the non-target microparticles; flowing the fluid through a multidirectional microchannel; and applying a magnetic field to the fluid while the fluid is flowing through at least a portion of the microchannel to effect capture of at least a portion of the target microparticles onto the magnetic beads. Such a method can further includes passing the fluid having exited from the microchannel through a separator while subjecting the fluid to a second magnetic field so as to isolate the target microparticles. In addition, devices and systems are disclosed for capturing and/or isolating target microparticles based on magnetic manipulation.

Abstract: The described subject matter includes techniques and components for minimally invasive, selective capture and release of analytes. An aptamer is selected for its binding affinity with a particular analyte(s). The aptamer is functionalized on a solid phase, for example, microbeads, polymer monolith, microfabricated solid phase, etc. The analyte is allowed to bind to the aptamer, for example, in a microchamber. Once the analyte has been bound, a temperature control sets the temperature to an appropriate temperature at which the captured analyte is released.

Abstract: A microelectromechanical systems-based calorimetric device includes first and second micromixers and first and second thermally-isolated microchambers. A first solution including a sample and a reagent is introduced to the first microchamber via the first micromixer, and a second solution including a sample and a buffer is introduced to the second microchamber via the second micromixer. A thermopile measures the differential temperature between the first microchamber and the second microchamber and outputs a voltage representative of the difference. The output voltage can be used to calculate reaction parameters.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for capturing and/or isolating target microparticles. In one aspect, a method for capturing target microparticles is disclosed. The method includes: forming a fluid including the target microparticles, non-target microparticles, and magnetic beads, the magnetic beads having a stronger affinity with the target microparticles than with the non-target microparticles; flowing the fluid through a multidirectional microchannel; and applying a magnetic field to the fluid while the fluid is flowing through at least a portion of the microchannel to effect capture of at least a portion of the target microparticles onto the magnetic beads. Such a method can further includes passing the fluid having exited from the microchannel through a separator while subjecting the fluid to a second magnetic field so as to isolate the target microparticles. In addition, devices and systems are disclosed for capturing and/or isolating target microparticles based on magnetic manipulation.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a high electrochemical performance silicon/graphene composite anode structure. The electrochemical properties of silicon in the composite anode structure can be improved by graphene thin films. The thickness of the silicon thin film and the graphene thin films is less than 50 nm to prevent the composite anode structure from any volumetric change during the charge/discharge process. The manufacturing procedure starts with the formation of a Si/graphene unit layer, which includes an amorphous phase upper silicon thin film and a lower graphene thin film, on a copper foil current collector, so as to decrease the difference of conductivity between the silicon thin film and the copper foil current collector. Finally, the deposition is concluded with the formation of a graphene thin film on the topmost surface of the silicon thin film to prevent the surface of the anode structure from oxidation.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for capturing and releasing target cells. The system includes a microdevice having a microchamber including surface-patterned aptamers capable of binding with the target cells. A sample including target cells is introduced to the microchamber, where the target cells bind to the aptamers at locally regulated temperatures. The captured target cells can be selectively released when the temperature of a region is changed to a second temperature.

Abstract: Techniques for isolating, enriching, and/or amplifying target DNA molecules using MEMS-based microdevices are disclosed. The techniques can be used for detecting single nucleotide polymorphism, and for isolating and enriching desired DNA molecules, such as aptamers.

Abstract: Techniques for monitoring a target analyte in a sample using a polymer capable of binding to the target analyte are disclosed. A microdevice useful for the disclosed techniques includes a semi-permeable membrane structure, a substrate, a first and second microchambers formed between the membrane structure and the substrate. The first microchamber can be adapted to receive a solution including the polymer, and the second microchamber can be adapted to receive a reference solution. Environmental target analyte can permeate the semi-permeable membrane structure and enters the first microchamber and the second microchamber. Based on the difference in a property associated with the polymer solution that is responsive to the target analyte-polymer binding, and the corresponding property associated with reference solution, the presence and/or concentration of the target analyte can be determined.

Abstract: MEMS-based calorimeter including two microchambers supported in a thin film substrate is provided. The thin film substrate includes a thermoelectric sensor configured to measure temperature differential between the two microchambers, and also includes a thermally stable and high strength polymeric diaphragm. Methods for fabricating the MEMS-based calorimeter, as well as methods of using the calorimeter to measure thermal properties of materials, such as biomolecules, or thermodynamic properties of chemical reactions or physical interactions, are also provided.

Abstract: A power supply protection device for an electric appliance includes a switching circuit for establishing an electrical connection to receive an external voltage from the external power supply and output the external voltage to the electric appliance, a detecting circuit for disabling the switch circuit to break the electrical connection when determining the external voltage is equal to or higher than a predetermined value, and an alert circuit for generating an alert signal when the electrical connection is broken and outputting the alert signal to a user.

Abstract: The disclosed subject matter relates to a sensor or system for monitoring a target analyte by using a polymer solution that is capable of binding to the analyte. The sensor of the disclosed subject matter includes a viscosity-based sensor or a permittivity-based sensor. The viscosity-based sensor contains a semi-permeable membrane, a substrate, and a microchamber including a vibrational element. The permittivity-based sensor contains a semi-permeable membrane, a substrate, and a microchamber. The sensor discussed herein provides excellent reversibility and stability as highly desired for long-term analyte monitoring.

Abstract: An exemplary charging control circuit includes a signal shaping unit, a first switch unit, and a second switch unit. The signal shaping unit receives a control signal, and is capable of reshaping the received control signal to have a time interval transited from a first state to a second state. The first switch unit receives the shaped control signal, and generates a first switching signal. The second switch unit receives the first switching signal, and is capable of being turned on based on the first switching signal for allowing electrical power to be outputted to a battery.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for capturing and/or isolating target microparticles. In one aspect, a method for capturing target microparticles is disclosed. The method includes: forming a fluid including the target microparticles, non-target microparticles, and magnetic beads, the magnetic beads having a stronger affinity with the target microparticles than with the non-target microparticles; flowing the fluid through a multidirectional microchannel; and applying a magnetic field to the fluid while the fluid is flowing through at least a portion of the microchannel to effect capture of at least a portion of the target microparticles onto the magnetic beads. Such a method can further includes passing the fluid having exited from the microchannel through a separator while subjecting the fluid to a second magnetic field so as to isolate the target microparticles. In addition, devices and systems are disclosed for capturing and/or isolating target microparticles based on magnetic manipulation.

Abstract: The described subject matter includes techniques and components for minimally invasive, selective capture and release of analytes. An aptamer is selected for its binding affinity with a particular analyte(s). The aptamer is functionalized on a solid phase, for example, microbeads, polymer monolith, microfabricated solid phase, etc. The analyte is allowed to bind to the aptamer, for example, in a microchamber. Once the analyte has been bound, a temperature control sets the temperature to an appropriate temperature at which the captured analyte is released.