Abstract: A method of handling a fluidic sample includes taking fluidic sample from a sample source by a sample shaping tool so that a pre-shaped planar fluidic sample is held by the sample shaping tool with at least one main surface, or both opposing main surfaces, of the pre-shaped planar fluidic sample being exposed, and processing the pre-shaped planar fluidic sample such as by separating the pre-shaped planar fluidic sample in a sample separation device.

Abstract: One or more liquids are transferred from a source array to one or more remotely positioned destination sites such as chambers by utilizing one or more movable transfer elements, such as contact pins or capillaries. The source array may include a predetermined organization of addresses at which materials are positioned. One or more materials may be selected for transfer. Based on the selection, one or more addresses may be accessed by the transfer element(s). The addresses may correspond to spots on a surface of the source array. Each spot may be a feature containing one or more (bio)chemical compounds. At the chamber(s), the material(s) may be processed, such by reaction with one or more reagents. The reaction(s) may entail synthesis of one or more desired products. Alternatively, reaction(s) may be performed at the source array, and the product(s) then transferred to the chamber(s).

Abstract: A liquid chromatography (LC) column includes a wall having a length along a central axis from the inlet end to the outlet end, the wall enclosing a column interior and having a column radius relative to the central axis, the wall comprising a structured portion configured such that the column radius varies along the length; and a plurality of particles packed in the column interior, wherein at least some of the particles are in contact with the structured portion.

Abstract: A liquid chromatography (LC) column includes a wall having a length along a central axis from the inlet end to the outlet end, the wall enclosing a column interior and having a column radius relative to the central axis, the wall comprising a structured portion configured such that the column radius varies along the length; and a plurality of particles packed in the column interior, wherein at least some of the particles are in contact with the structured portion.

Abstract: A liquid chromatography (LC) column includes a wall having a length along a central axis from the inlet end to the outlet end, the wall enclosing a column interior and having a column radius relative to the central axis, the wall comprising a structured portion configured such that the column radius varies along the length; and a plurality of particles packed in the column interior, wherein at least some of the particles are in contact with the structured portion.

Abstract: One or more liquids are transferred from a source array to one or more remotely positioned destination sites such as chambers by utilizing one or more movable transfer elements, such as contact pins or capillaries. The source array may include a predetermined organization of addresses at which materials are positioned. One or more materials may be selected for transfer. Based on the selection, one or more addresses may be accessed by the transfer element(s). The addresses may correspond to spots on a surface of the source array. Each spot may be a feature containing one or more (bio)chemical compounds. At the chamber(s), the material(s) may be processed, such by reaction with one or more reagents. The reaction(s) may entail synthesis of one or more desired products. Alternatively, reaction(s) may be performed at the source array, and the product(s) then transferred to the chamber(s).

Abstract: A liquid chromatography (LC) column includes a wall having a length along a central axis from the inlet end to the outlet end, the wall enclosing a column interior and having a column radius relative to the central axis, the wall comprising a structured portion configured such that the column radius varies along the length; and a plurality of particles packed in the column interior, wherein at least some of the particles are in contact with the structured portion.

Abstract: A micro-machined frit is provided for use in a chromatography column, having a substrate with a thickness, and holes extending through the thickness and providing fluid communication through the substrate. A micro-machined flow distributor is provided for use in a chromatography column having a substrate, holes extending through the substrate, and channels in fluid communication with the holes. A micro-machined integrated frit and flow distributor device is also provided having a substrate with a thickness, holes extending through the thickness and providing fluid communication therethrough, and channels in fluid communication with at least one of the holes. A chromatography column is provided having a tube, an extraction medium contained therein, and a micro-machined frit positioned proximate an end of the tube. The column can include a micro-machined flow distributor positioned between the frit and the end of the tube.

Abstract: A method for solid state bonding of a plurality of metallic layers and devices made by that method are disclosed. First and second metallic layers are solid state bonded utilizing a protective coating on the non-bonded surfaces that engage the pressure applying appliance to prevent the surfaces from adhering to the pressure applying appliance and to protect the surfaces from imprinting during the bonding process. The invention can be used to fabricate micro-channel devices with smooth outer surfaces and eliminate mold release compounds utilized in conventional bonding procedures.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an optical detection cell for micro-fluidics. The detection cell provides a first layer, a detection cell layer contacting the first layer, a third layer contacting the detection cell layer, a micro-fluidic chip having a fluidic port and a detection channel defined through the detection cell and being in fluid communication with the fluidic port of the chip, the detection channel serving as a light path for receiving light for detecting a molecule. Methods of detecting molecules and making the detection cell are also disclosed.

Abstract: A fluid pumping device includes a piezoelectric actuator externally coupled to a microfluidic device. The piezoelectric actuator has an axial displacement along a lengthwise axis responsive to application of a bias voltage. The axial displacement of the piezoelectric actuator operates one of an internal valve and an internal pump chamber of the microfluidic device.

Abstract: A fluid pumping device includes a piezoelectric actuator externally coupled to a microfluidic device. The piezoelectric actuator has an axial displacement along a lengthwise axis responsive to application of a bias voltage. The axial displacement of the piezoelectric actuator operates one of an internal valve and an internal pump chamber of the microfluidic device.

Abstract: A micro-machined frit is provided for use in a chromatography column, having a substrate with a thickness, and holes extending through the thickness and providing fluid communication through the substrate. A micro-machined flow distributor is provided for use in a chromatography column having a substrate, holes extending through the substrate, and channels in fluid communication with the holes. A micro-machined integrated frit and flow distributor device is also provided having a substrate with a thickness, holes extending through the thickness and providing fluid communication therethrough, and channels in fluid communication with at least one of the holes. A chromatography column is provided having a tube, an extraction medium contained therein, and a micro-machined frit positioned proximate an end of the tube. The column can include a micro-machined flow distributor positioned between the frit and the end of the tube.

Abstract: In some embodiments of the present invention, the buried silicon oxide technology is employed in the fabrication of fluid channels, particularly nanochannels. For example, a fluid channel can be made in a buried silicon oxide layer by etching the buried oxide layer with a method that selectively removes silicon oxide but not silicon. Thus, one dimension of the resulting fluid channel is limited by the thickness of the buried oxide layer. It is possible to manufacture a very thin buried oxide layer with great precision, thus a nanochannel can be fabricated in a controlled manner. Moreover, in addition to buried oxide, any pairs of substances with a high etch ratio with respect to each other can be used in the same way. Further provided are the fluid channels, apparatuses, devices and systems comprising the fluid channels, and uses thereof.

Abstract: A method for solid state bonding of a plurality of metallic layers and devices made by that method are disclosed. First and second metallic layers are solid state bonded utilizing a protective coating on the non-bonded surfaces that engage the pressure applying appliance to prevent the surfaces from adhering to the pressure applying appliance and to protect the surfaces from imprinting during the bonding process. The invention can be used to fabricate micro-channel devices with smooth outer surfaces and eliminate mold release compounds utilized in conventional bonding procedures.

Abstract: A device for sample analysis includes a microfluidic device for separating analytes of a sample comprising a liquid, the microfluidic device comprising a substrate having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, the substrate defining features that collectively occupy an area of the substrate of about 0.1 to 10 cm2, the features comprising a sample input port located at the first surface; a drying agent input port located at the first surface; an enrichment column; a separation column; switching ports located at the second surface; and fluid-conducting passages extending through the substrate from the switching ports to the sample input port, the drying agent input port, the enrichment column and the separation column. Also provided are methods and systems for separating analytes from a sample.

Abstract: A device for sample analysis includes a microfluidic device for separating analytes of a sample comprising a liquid, the microfluidic device comprising a substrate having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, the substrate defining features that collectively occupy an area of the substrate of about 0.1 to 10 cm2, the features comprising a sample input port located at the first surface; a drying agent input port located at the first surface; an enrichment column; a separation column; switching ports located at the second surface; and fluid-conducting passages extending through the substrate from the switching ports to the sample input port, the drying agent input port, the enrichment column and the separation column. Also provided are methods and systems for separating analytes from a sample.

Abstract: In some embodiments of the present invention, the buried silicon oxide technology is employed in the fabrication of fluid channels, particularly nanochannels. For example, a fluid channel can be made in a buried silicon oxide layer by etching the buried oxide layer with a method that selectively removes silicon oxide but not silicon. Thus, one dimension of the resulting fluid channel is limited by the thickness of the buried oxide layer. It is possible to manufacture a very thin buried oxide layer with great precision, thus a nanochannel can be fabricated in a controlled manner. Moreover, in addition to buried oxide, any pairs of substances with a high etch ratio with respect to each other can be used in the same way. Further provided are the fluid channels, apparatuses, devices and systems comprising the fluid channels, and uses thereof.

Abstract: The invention described herein provides a mass spectrometry system, having an ion source including an ionization device for producing ions, a collection conduit adjacent to the ionization device for collecting ions produced by the ionization device, a first gas source for supplying gas to desolvate ions produced by the ionization device, a second gas source for supplying gas at a defined flow to the ionization region, and a detector downstream from the ion source for detecting ions produced by the ion source. The invention also provides an ion source including an ionization device for producing ions, a collection conduit adjacent to the ionization device for collecting ions produced by the ionization device, a first gas source for supplying gas to desolvate ions produced by the ionization device, and a second gas source for supplying gas at a defined flow to the ionization region. A method for producing analyte ions is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method is provided for preparing high surface-area texturing of a substrate using methods by which material from a substrate is subtracted from or added to the surface of the substrate. In one embodiment, the method is a subtractive lithographic method that involves exposing a laser-ablatable substrate, such as a polymeric or ceramic substrate, to laser light. A mask may be used to define the pattern of light incident on the substrate. High surface-area textured substrates, in particular, miniaturized planar analysis devices having high surface-area textured features, prepared by the methods disclosed herein, are also provided. A method by which the high surface-area textured substrate or the miniaturized planar analysis device is used as a master from which replicate copies thereof may be made is also provided.