Abstract: A fluid sampler system includes a fluidic head including a gas aperture capable of communication with a pressurized gas source, a liquid conduit capable of communication with a sample reservoir, and a seal capable of forming a compression seal to the sample reservoir when gas pressure is applied to the sample reservoir through the gas aperture and capable of displacing a portion of the sample through the liquid conduit; and a positioning apparatus capable of positioning the fluidic head and the sample reservoir in communication with one another. A method for providing an aliquot of sample, includes forming a releasable compression seal to a reservoir including a liquid sample; pressurizing the reservoir with compressed gas; displacing an aliquot of the sample from the reservoir; and transferring the displaced aliquot of the sample to a location.

Abstract: Disclosed are microfluidic flow-based electroporation systems that have a flow device, an electrical control module, a fluid delivery module, and a multi-well module. The systems can be used in methods of selecting an electroporation parameter, and in methods of electroporating cells using the selected parameters.

Abstract: Disclosed are flow devices and methods for electroporation, which allow controlling the throughput of electroporation, for example by operating the electroporation process at selected throughput or operating at an increased or decreased level of throughput compared to a reference level of throughput by scaling a subset of electroporation parameters, while allowing maintaining cell viability and transfection efficiency.

Abstract: A system, device and method for electroporation of living cells and the introduction of selected molecules into the cells utilizes a fluidic system where living cells and biologically active molecules flow through a channel that exposes them to electric fields, causing the molecules to be transferred across the cell membrane. The device is structured in a manner that allows precise control of the cells location, motion, and exposure to electric fields within the flow channel device. The method is particularly well suited for the introduction of DNA, RNA, drug compounds, and other biologically active molecules into living cells.

Abstract: A fluid sampler system includes a fluidic head including a gas aperture capable of communication with a pressurized gas source, a liquid conduit capable of communication with a sample reservoir, and a seal capable of forming a compression seal to the sample reservoir when gas pressure is applied to the sample reservoir through the gas aperture and capable of displacing a portion of the sample through the liquid conduit; and a positioning apparatus capable of positioning the fluidic head and the sample reservoir in communication with one another. A method for providing an aliquot of sample, includes forming a releasable compression seal to a reservoir including a liquid sample; pressurizing the reservoir with compressed gas; displacing an aliquot of the sample from the reservoir; and transferring the displaced aliquot of the sample to a location.

Abstract: A system, device and method for electroporation of living cells and the introduction of selected molecules into the cells utilizes a fluidic system where living cells and biologically active molecules flow through a channel that exposes them to electric fields, causing the molecules to be transferred across the cell membrane. The device is structured in a manner that allows precise control of the cells location, motion, and exposure to electric fields within the flow channel device. The method is particularly well suited for the introduction of DNA, RNA, drug compounds, and other biologically active molecules into living cells.

Abstract: A fluid sampler system includes a fluidic head including a gas aperture capable of communication with a pressurized gas source, a liquid conduit capable of communication with a sample reservoir, and a seal capable of forming a compression seal to the sample reservoir when gas pressure is applied to the sample reservoir through the gas aperture and capable of displacing a portion of the sample through the liquid conduit; and a positioning apparatus capable of positioning the fluidic head and the sample reservoir in communication with one another. A method for providing an aliquot of sample, includes forming a releasable compression seal to a reservoir including a liquid sample; pressurizing the reservoir with compressed gas; displacing an aliquot of the sample from the reservoir; and transferring the displaced aliquot of the sample to a location.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method providing a fluid flow suitable to grow and maintain living cells in the fluid flow are disclosed. The apparatus includes a fluid displacement apparatus capable of providing at least one of positive and negative displacement of the fluid and configured to indirectly displace the fluid, an in-line flow sensor configured to directly measure the fluid flow, and a feed-back control in communication with the fluid displacement apparatus and the in-line flow sensor, wherein the feed-back control is configured to continuously control the fluid flow in response to the flow sensor measurements.

Abstract: A fluid sampler system includes a fluidic head including a gas aperture capable of communication with a pressurized gas source, a liquid conduit capable of communication with a sample reservoir, and a seal capable of forming a compression seal to the sample reservoir when gas pressure is applied to the sample reservoir through the gas aperture and capable of displacing a portion of the sample through the liquid conduit; and a positioning apparatus capable of positioning the fluidic head and the sample reservoir in communication with one another. A method for providing an aliquot of sample, includes forming a releasable compression seal to a reservoir including a liquid sample; pressurizing the reservoir with compressed gas; displacing an aliquot of the sample from the reservoir; and transferring the displaced aliquot of the sample to a location.

Abstract: A system, device and method for electroporation of living cells and the introduction of selected molecules into the cells utilizes a fluidic system where living cells and biologically active molecules flow through a channel that exposes them to electric fields, causing the molecules to be transferred across the cell membrane. The device is structured in a manner that allows precise control of the cells location, motion, and exposure to electric fields within the flow channel device. The method is particularly well suited for the introduction of DNA, RNA, drug compounds, and other biologically active molecules into living cells.

Abstract: The invention provides for fluidic connections to be established between tubes, ports, fluidic components and fluidic devices. The leak-tight connections are formed through controlled, compressive forces and can be used for both low and high pressure applications.

Abstract: A system for the precise metering and delivery of discrete volumes is described. The system is composed of inexpensive components that can be easily assembled, allowing for cost-effective manufacturing of the system. The system can precisely meter and deliver fluids, solids in particulate or powder form, or alternatively it could mix discrete amounts of fluid and solid. Potential applications for the system and microfluidic device include subcutaneous, long-term, automated drug delivery, such as insulin for diabetics.

Abstract: The invention allows for the formation of robust, reproducible, non-permanent connections to microchips. The connections are formed using either indexing arms or multiple fitting holder heads which are capable of forming a compression seal to a port located at any position on the surface of the microchip. The sealing force is user-defined and can be tightly controlled with integrated force sensors. In addition, the sealing force is monitored with a force sensor and force compensation mechanism ensuring that the desired force is maintained. The device is compatible with all microchip architectures. Alterations to the microchip surface is avoided as connections are established using instrumentation rather than processing steps. Further, the process is automatable allowing for exchanging microchips and subsequently creating electrical and fluidic connections in an automated fashion. Optionally, the integration of leak sensors to monitor leaks are included.

Abstract: The invention allows for the formation of robust, reproducible, non-permanent connections to microchips. The connections are formed using either indexing arms or multiple fitting holder heads which are capable of forming a compression seal to a port located at any position on the surface of the microchip. The sealing force is user-defined and can be tightly controlled with integrated force sensors. In addition, the sealing force is monitored with a force sensor and force compensation mechanism ensuring that the desired force is maintained. The device is compatible with all microchip architectures. Alterations to the microchip surface is avoided as connections are established using instrumentation rather than processing steps. Further, the process is automatable allowing for exchanging microchips and subsequently creating electrical and fluidic connections in an automated fashion. Optionally, the integration of leak sensors to monitor leaks are included.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method providing a fluid flow suitable to grow and maintain living cells in the fluid flow are disclosed. The apparatus includes a fluid displacement apparatus capable of providing at least one of positive and negative displacement of the fluid and configured to indirectly displace the fluid, an in-line flow sensor configured to directly measure the fluid flow, and a feed-back control in communication with the fluid displacement apparatus and the in-line flow sensor, wherein the feed-back control is configured to continuously control the fluid flow in response to the flow sensor measurements.

Abstract: The invention provides for fluidic connections to be established between tubes, ports, fluidic components and fluidic devices. The leak-tight connections are formed through controlled, compressive forces and can be used for both low and high pressure applications.

Abstract: A microfabricated silicon chip with a separation material, such as in situ prepared porous polymer monoliths in its microchannels is disclosed. The polymer monoliths are liquid-permeable and serve as microcolumns for liquid chromatography, which are prepared by in situ radical polymerization of a mixture containing vinyl monomers and solvents (porogen) in the microchannels. A method and system are disclosed to generate one or more electrospray plumes from one or more nozzles that provide an ion intensity as measured by a mass spectrometer that is approximately proportional to the number of electrospray plumes formed for analyses contained within the fluid. A plurality of electrospray devices can be used in the form of an array of miniaturized separate electrospray devices for the purpose of generating multiple electrospray plumes from multiple nozzles for the same fluid for analysis.

Abstract: A dielectric film is provided which includes a base layer and a capping layer, preferably silicon oxynitride, wherein the film is an effective moisture and ion barrier when disposed between a conductive substrate and a liquid having an electrical potential different than the electrical potential of the substrate.

Abstract: An electrospray nozzle system is disclosed. The electrospray portion of the device comprises a substrate defining a channel between an entrance orifice on an injection surface and an exit orifice on an ejection surface, a nozzle defined by a portion recessed from the ejection surface surrounding the exit orifice, and an electrode for application of an electric potential to the substrate to optimize and generate an electrospray; and, optionally, additional electrode(s) to further modify the electrospray. The nozzle system may be utilized alone or as part of a liquid chromatography system.

Abstract: An electrospray device is disclosed. The electrospray device comprises a substrate defining a channel between an entrance orifice on an injection surface and an exit orifice on an ejection surface, a nozzle defined by a portion recessed from the ejection surface surrounding the exit orifice, and an electrode for application of an electric potential to the substrate to optimize and generate an electrospray; and, optionally, additional electrode(s) to further modify the electrospray.