Abstract: Microfluidic devices for use with reagents bound to microspheres for determination of the concentration of an analyte in a liquid sample are provided. The devices include two sequential mixing channels that promote rapid binding of microsphere-bound reagents with reagents in solution and a means for detecting labeled microsphere-bound reaction products. Also provided are methods for using the devices with microsphere-bound reagents to determine the concentration of an analyte in a liquid sample and to measure the binding affinity of antibody for an antigen.

Abstract: A microfluidic system for high throughput characterization of interactions between pairs of cells is provided. A first cell is loaded into a capture chamber and transferred to a culture chamber, and then a second cell is captured and transferred to the same culture chamber, forming a pair of interacting or non-interacting but colocalized cells. The pair of cells can then be incubated, monitored by microscopy, and perfused with modulatory factors while interaction between the cells is investigated. The cells can be lysed, and whole cell lysates can be collected for genomic or proteomic analysis.

Abstract: Microfluidic devices and methods are provided for high-throughput generation, culturing, and analysis of cell spheroids, with subsequent isolation of selected cell spheroids for further analysis or isolation and expansion of cells from the spheroids. Any desired types of cells and matrices can be combined to form the cell spheroids and used to screen drugs and immunotherapy agents or methods, including in a personalized medicine format. Cell spheroids also can be cultivated and analyzed under hypoxic conditions. A particular advantage of the technology is the ability to isolate, enrich, and/or expand cells identified as having, or induced to have, desirable properties, such as immune cells that can be produced ex vivo and returned to the patient to combat a tumor or pathogen in vivo.

Abstract: The invention provides a device, method, and system for high throughput detection of nucleic acid expression in individual cells. Cells are encapsulated in aqueous microdroplets which are merged with a biocompatible matrix, allowing on-chip fluorescence in situ hybridization on both adherent and non-adherent cells. The invention also provides multiplexed detection of nucleic acids, proteins, and cellular activity. The device and methods can be used to assess cellular interactions and to test the effects of antitumor agents.

Abstract: A platform technology for the detection and quantification of biomarkers in exosomes secreted by single cells uses a microfluidic system and provides methods of diagnosis and prognosis of cancer and other conditions using the biomarkers. Single cells can be obtained from a subject and characterized by their exosome population. The biomarkers can be detected at extremely low levels using rolling circle amplification and multiplex analysis to enhance specificity and sensitivity of the analysis.

Abstract: A high throughput microdroplet-based system for single cell assays in microdroplets is provided. The system can include microdroplet sorting. Methods of use of the system are provided.

Abstract: Bioassays are provided for detecting and analyzing responses from single cells and cell pairs suspended in micro-scale droplets (80-200 ?m diameter) generated in microfluidic devices. Cell responses to various stimuli are analyzed. The stimuli are delivered by homotypic or heterotypic cells, small molecule drugs, and therapeutic agents including immunotherapeutics. The bioassays can be used to describe heterogeneity in any given cell population, and can be used in a clinical setting, such as profiling of patient-derived cells, designing personalized treatment strategies, and optimizing drug combinations for immunotherapy of tumors.

Abstract: The invention provides a device, method, and system for high throughput detection of nucleic acid expression in individual cells. Cells are encapsulated in aqueous microdroplets which are merged with a biocompatible matrix, allowing on-chip fluorescence in situ hybridization on both adherent and non-adherent cells. The invention also provides multiplexed detection of nucleic acids, proteins, and cellular activity. The device and methods can be used to assess cellular interactions and to test the effects of antitumor agents.

Abstract: The technology provides arrays of microwells with reversible shape for culture, analysis, and recovery of individual cells or groups of cells. The microwells are reversibly formed by vacuum-induced deflection of an elastomeric membrane into an array of microwell molds formed in a microwell substrate. The shape of each microwell or groups of microwells can be selectively altered by applying or releasing vacuum to individual microwells. The devices, systems, and methods utilizing the technology enable collection of individual cells for further study or therapeutic use without the need for micromanipulation.

Abstract: Methods, devices, and kits for performing rapid, highly sensitive, high throughput, accurate, and flexible detection and quantification of nucleic acids based on highly optimized rolling circle amplification are provided. The methods, devices, and kits can be used to detect and track an emergent virus or other pathogen, including SARS-CoV-2, to test and diagnose individual patients with respect to a specific pathogen or disease, including COVID-19, and to detect and analyze cellular nucleic acids. The methods and devices also can be used to detect fragments and variants of DNA or RNA, including those present in cancer cells. The methods, devices, and kits are suitable for use in both high throughput screening carried out in centralized testing laboratories and in point-of-care testing devices used in the field, at home, in the workplace, or at public facilities for rapid detection and diagnosis.

Abstract: A microfluidic device provides high throughput generation and analysis of defined three-dimensional cell spheroids with controlled geometry, size, and cell composition. The cell spheroids of the invention mimic tumor microenvironments, including pathophysiological gradients, cell composition, and heterogeneity of the tumor mass mimicking the resistance to drug penetration providing more realistic drug response. The device is used to test the effects of antitumor agents.

Abstract: Platform technology involving aqueous microdroplet reaction vessels created, arrayed, and characterized by imaging microscopy in a microfluidic device are applied to a wide variety of bioassays involving the detection and phenotypic characterization of single cells. The bioassays include the rapid and automated detection of microbial pathogens and their antibiotic sensitivity from patient samples as well as the characterization of immune responses using a patient's own cells, including the killing of tumor cells.

Abstract: Platform technology involving aqueous microdroplet reaction vessels created, arrayed, and characterized by imaging microscopy in a microfluidic device are applied to a wide variety of bioassays involving the detection and phenotypic characterization of single cells. The bioassays include the rapid and automated detection of microbial pathogens and their antibiotic sensitivity from patient samples as well as the characterization of immune responses using a patient's own cells, including the killing of tumor cells.

Abstract: Platform technology involving aqueous microdroplet reaction vessels created, arrayed, and characterized by imaging microscopy in a microfluidic device are applied to a wide variety of bioassays involving the detection and phenotypic characterization of single cells. The bioassays include the rapid and automated detection of microbial pathogens and their antibiotic sensitivity from patient samples as well as the characterization of immune responses using a patient's own cells, including the killing of tumor cells.

Abstract: Microfluidic devices for use with reagents bound to microspheres for determination of the concentration of an analyte in a liquid sample are provided. The devices include two sequential mixing channels that promote rapid binding of microsphere-bound reagents with reagents in solution and a means for detecting labeled microsphere-bound reaction products. Also provided are methods for using the devices with microsphere-bound reagents to determine the concentration of an analyte in a liquid sample and to measure the binding affinity of antibody for an antigen.

Abstract: Bioassays are provided for detecting and analyzing responses from single cells and cell pairs suspended in micro-scale droplets (80-200 ?m diameter) generated in microfluidic devices. Cell responses to various stimuli are analyzed. The stimuli are delivered by homotypic or heterotypic cells, small molecule drugs, and therapeutic agents including immunotherapeutics. The bioassays can be used to describe heterogeneity in any given cell population, and can be used in a clinical setting, such as profiling of patient-derived cells, designing personalized treatment strategies, and optimizing drug combinations for immunotherapy of tumors.

Abstract: Platform technology involving aqueous microdroplet reaction vessels created, arrayed, and characterized by imaging microscopy in a microfluidic device are applied to a wide variety of bioassays involving the detection and phenotypic characterization of single cells. The bioassays include the rapid and automated detection of microbial pathogens and their antibiotic sensitivity from patient samples as well as the characterization of immune responses using a patient's own cells, including the killing of tumor cells.

Abstract: A microfluidic device provides high throughput generation and analysis of defined three-dimensional cell spheroids with controlled geometry, size, and cell composition. The cell spheroids of the invention mimic tumor microenvironments, including pathophysiological gradients, cell composition, and heterogeneity of the tumor mass mimicking the resistance to drug penetration providing more realistic drug response. The device is used to test the effects of antitumor agents.

Abstract: Microfluidic devices for use with reagents bound to microspheres for determination of the concentration of an analyte in a liquid sample are provided. The devices include two sequential mixing channels that promote rapid binding of microsphere-bound reagents with reagents in solution and a means for detecting labeled microsphere-bound reaction products. Also provided are methods for using the devices with microsphere-bound reagents to determine the concentration of an analyte in a liquid sample and to measure the binding affinity of antibody for an antigen.