Abstract: A microfluidic system may include a microfluidic chip having a non-conductive substrate and wells connected in common to a microfluidic channel within the non-conductive substrate. Each well may have a galvanic contact with a first portion at an upper surface of the sample well and a second portion that extends into the non-conductive substrate. A plurality of electrodes may be provided as part of an electrical interface, with each electrode configured to contact a respective galvanic contact of the microfluidic chip. The electrical interface may also include at least one shared power amplifier that is configured to generate a power signal (e.g., constant current, constant voltage, pulsed power signal). A selector may be configured to receive the generated power signal from the shared power amplifier and configured to select at least one of the plurality of electrodes and output the received power signal thereto.

Abstract: A pipette tip for use with a pipettor including a pipettor shaft having a terminal end has opposed proximal and distal ends and includes a tubular body and a coupling portion. The tubular body extends between the proximal and distal ends. The tubular body define a fluid passage terminating at a proximal opening adjacent the proximal end and a distal opening adjacent the distal end. The coupling portion is located on the proximal end. The coupling portion includes an interlock feature configured to mechanically interlock with the pipettor shaft proximate the terminal end to selectively and releasably secure the pipette tip to the pipettor shaft.

Abstract: Light-emitting diodes are mounted in a support block that holds the diodes in a fixed orientation. In certain embodiments, the orientation of the diodes by the support block causes the axes of the diodes to converge below the block to a common point where, in preferred embodiments, components of an excitation optical system are placed. The converging light then diverges for entry into an array of receptacles in which individual chemical reactions take place. The block contains engineered apertures that securely retain the diodes, each aperture including a shoulder for the flange at one end of each diode.