Abstract: A method for preparing a magnetic chain structure is provided. The method comprises providing a plurality of magnetic particles; dispersing the plurality of magnetic particles in a solution comprising a dopamine-based material to form a reaction mixture; applying a magnetic field across the reaction mixture to align the magnetic particles in the reaction mixture; and polymerizing the dopamine-based material on the aligned magnetic particles to obtain the magnetic chain structure. A magnetic chain structure prepared by the method is also provided.

Abstract: A flow cell apparatus including a channel plate having a channel recessed into a surface of the channel plate, and a groove recessed into the surface of the channel plate, the groove configured to surround the channel and preferably along a boundary of the channel. The flow cell apparatus further includes a seal shaped and receivable in the groove, a substrate, a backing plate, and a fastening element configured to removably attach the channel plate to the backing plate with the substrate sandwiched between the channel plate and the backing plate to bear the seal against the channel plate with the substrate.

Abstract: A method for preparing a magnetic chain structure is provided. The method comprises providing a plurality of magnetic particles; dispersing the plurality of magnetic particles in a solution comprising a dopamine-based material to form a reaction mixture; applying a magnetic field across the reaction mixture to align the magnetic particles in the reaction mixture; and polymerizing the dopamine-based material on the aligned magnetic particles to obtain the magnetic chain structure. A magnetic chain structure prepared by the method is also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for microfluidic mixing having a first fluid inlet for a first fluid operatively connected to a first fluid channel. A second fluid inlet is provided for a second fluid operatively connected to a second fluid channel. The second fluid channel operatively intersects the first fluid channel for introduction of the second fluid into the first fluid channel. The first fluid channel has an outlet end remote from that of the first fluid inlet, and at least one contraction intermediate the intersection of the first fluid channel with the second fluid channel and the at least one outlet end, or intermediate the first fluid inlet and the intersection of the first fluid channel with the second fluid channel. A corresponding method is also disclosed.