Abstract: Microfluidic devices have been developed to perform a range of high-throughput biochemical and cell-based assays over recent years. A design for a microfluidic device has been developed that resembles a microtiter plate, by placing the test chambers (each test chamber contains cells) and top-loading drug inlets (at least one per test chamber) in a grid according to the ANSI/SBS standards, yet offers the miniaturization and fluid handling advantages of microfluidics. This ensures that the device design is compatible with fluid handling and imaging equipment already in use for drug screening. A range of topologies have been determined that allow placement of various elements of this microfluidic network within the grid alignment constraints. A resistance equalization methodology has also been developed to reduce variability across assays run in different chambers of the microfluidic device.

Abstract: Microfluidic chips have been developed to perform a range of high-throughput biochemical and cell-based assays over recent years. We have formulated an innovative design for a microfluidic chip that resembles a microtiter plate by placing the test chambers (each test chamber contains cells) and top-loading drug inlets (one per test chamber) in a grid according to the ANSI/SBS standards, yet offers the miniaturization and fluid handling advantages of microfluidics. This ensures that our chip design is compatible with fluid handling and imaging equipment already in use for drug screening. We have determined a range of topologies that allow placement of various elements of this microfluidic network within the grid alignment constraints. We also developed a resistance equalization methodology to reduce variability across assays run in different chambers of the microfluidic chip. Additionally, it offers orders of magnitude miniaturization over multiwell plates, and potentially more reliable fluid handling.

Abstract: Cell stimulation, staining, and visualization are common techniques in both clinical and research settings. The invention is directed to microfluidic devices for in situ cell stimulation, staining, and/or visualization, and related methods for applying one or more stimuli to the cells, and fixing and staining of cells in situ. The device allows for high-throughput screening of living cells using a minimal quantity of reagents where the fate of individual cells can be followed over time.

Abstract: Cell stimulation, staining, and visualization are common techniques in both clinical and research settings. The invention is directed to microfluidic devices for in situ cell stimulation, staining, and/or visualization, and related methods for applying one or more stimuli to the cells, and fixing and staining of cells in situ. The device allows for high-throughput screening of living cells using a minimal quantity of reagents where the fate of individual cells can be followed over time.

Abstract: Combos comprising a display and a video recorder, which avoid a very bright image when switching from a standby recording mode to an on mode. In order to reduce cost, some combos include only one video circuit which is used by both the television and the video recorder, and which notably controls the level of its output signals directed to the display. This control is realized using a feedback loop that provides a feedback signal from the display. To avoid displaying a very bright image when switching the combo from a standby recording mode to an on mode, an amplification control circuit progressively revives an amplifier of the display.