Abstract: Disclosed herein is a device comprised of: i) at least one substrate; (ii) a ceiling; (iii) one or more flow channels disposed between said substrate and said ceiling and configured to contain an actuation liquid; and (iv) one or more recesses distributed throughout at least said substrate and open to said flow channel and configured to contain a fluid; wherein 50% to 80% of the flow channel liquid-substrate interface, interfaces with said fluid within said recesses; and (v) at least one heating element, configured to heat one or more portions of the actuation liquid and generate a pressure and/or temperature gradient within said actuation liquid. Systems and uses of the device are further disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed a system comprised of at least one microfluidic chamber configured to contain a liquid containing an electrolyte; a first driving electrode and a second driving electrode arranged at the ends of the chamber and configured to generate a voltage across a fluid volume in the chamber; and a plurality of surface charges, located on a surface layer disposed within or adjacent to the liquid volume. Further disclosed are methods for using the system, e.g., for biological sample analysis.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a device comprised of: i) at least one substrate; (ii) a ceiling; (iii) one or more flow channels disposed between said substrate and said ceiling and configured to contain an actuation liquid; and (iv) one or more recesses distributed throughout at least said substrate and open to said flow channel and configured to contain a fluid; wherein 50% to 80% of the flow channel liquid-substrate interface, interfaces with said fluid within said recesses; and (v) at least one heating element, configured to heat one or more portions of the actuation liquid and generate a pressure and/or temperature gradient within said actuation liquid. Systems and uses of the device are further disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to, inter alia, a device comprising an actuation chamber and a configurable plate device suitable for analysis and separation of samples of interest. A method of use the disclosed device for the detection and/or separation of molecules of interest, is provided.