Abstract: In certain embodiments a device is provided for electrorotation flow. In certain embodiments the device comprises a microfluidic channel comprising a plurality of electrodes disposed to provide dielectrophoretic (DEP) forces that are perpendicular to hydrodynamic flows along the channel; and a fluid within the channel providing the hydrodynamic flow along the channel; wherein the device is configured to apply focusing voltages to the electrodes that provide an electric field minimum in the channel and that focus cells, particles, and/or molecules or molecular complexes within the channel; and where the device is configured to apply rotation-inducing voltages to the electrodes that induce rotation of the cells, particles, molecules and/or molecular complexes as they flow through the channel.

Abstract: Systems and methods for using microfluidic devices to concentrate cells, to perform buffer changes, to sort cells based on size, and/or to isolate particular types of cells in a rapid manner, are presented. Cells flow into a matrix of posts, wherein the posts are distributed along diagonal lines in the chamber. The cells are deflected in a lateral manner, towards a side of a chamber and are collected upon exiting the chamber.

Abstract: Systems and methods for using microfluidic devices to concentrate cells, to perform buffer changes, to sort cells based on size, and/or to isolate particular types of cells in a rapid manner, are presented. Cells flow into a matrix of posts, wherein the posts are distributed along diagonal lines in the chamber. The cells are deflected in a lateral manner, towards a side of a chamber and are collected upon exiting the chamber.

Abstract: A 3-dimensional PDMS cell sorter having multiple passages in a PDMS layer that follow the same path in a DEP separation region and that are in fluid communication with each other within that region. The passages may differ in width transverse to the flow direction within the passages. Flat plates may sandwich the PDMS layer; each plate may have a planar electrode used to generate a DEP field within a sample fluid flowed within the passages. The DEP field may concentrate target cells or particulates within one of the passages within the DEP separation region. The passages may diverge after the DEP-separation region, leaving one passage with a high concentration of target cells or particulates. Techniques for manufacturing such structures, as well as other micro-fluidic structures, are also provided.

Abstract: In certain embodiments a device is provided for electrorotation flow. In certain embodiments the device comprises a microfluidic channel comprising a plurality of electrodes disposed to provide dielectrophoretic (DEP) forces that are perpendicular to hydrodynamic flows along the channel; and a fluid within the channel providing the hydrodynamic flow along the channel; wherein the device is configured to apply focusing voltages to the electrodes that provide an electric field minimum in the channel and that focus cells, particles, and/or molecules or molecular complexes within the channel; and where the device is configured to apply rotation-inducing voltages to the electrodes that induce rotation of the cells, particles, molecules and/or molecular complexes as they flow through the channel.

Abstract: Methods and devices for the formation and/or merging of droplets in microfluidic systems are provided. In certain embodiments a microfluidic droplet merger component is provided that comprises a central channel comprising a plurality of elements disposed and spaced to create a plurality of lateral passages that drain a carrier fluid out of a fluid stream comprising droplets of a first fluid contained in the carrier fluid; and a deformable lateral membrane valve disposed to control the width of said center channel.

Abstract: Systems and methods for using microfluidic devices to concentrate cells, to perform buffer changes, to sort cells based on size, and/or to isolate particular types of cells in a rapid manner, are presented. Cells flow into a matrix of posts, wherein the posts are distributed along diagonal lines in the chamber. The cells are deflected in a lateral manner, towards a side of a chamber and are collected upon exiting the chamber.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for focusing and/or sorting activated T cells. The device comprises a microfluidic channel comprising a plurality of electrodes arranged to provide dielectrophoretic (DEP) forces that are perpendicular to forces from hydrodynamic flows along the channel. The device may be configured to apply voltages to a plurality of electrodes in a first upper region of the microfluidic channel to focus the cells into a single flow, and to apply different voltages to a plurality of electrodes in a second downstream region of the microfluidic channel to sort cells based on size. The output of the microfluidic channel may diverge into multiple channels, wherein cells of various sorted sizes are directed into the appropriate output channel.

Abstract: Methods and devices for the formation and/or merging of droplets in microfluidic systems are provided. In certain embodiments a microfluidic droplet merger component is provided that comprises a central channel comprising a plurality of elements disposed and spaced to create a plurality of lateral passages that drain a carrier fluid out of a fluid stream comprising droplets of a first fluid contained in the carrier fluid; and a deformable lateral membrane valve disposed to control the width of said center channel.

Abstract: Methods and devices for the formation and/or merging of droplets in microfluidic systems are provided. In certain embodiments a microfluidic droplet merger component is provided that comprises a central channel comprising a plurality of elements disposed and spaced to create a plurality of lateral passages that drain a carrier fluid out of a fluid stream comprising droplets of a first fluid contained in the carrier fluid; and a deformable lateral membrane valve disposed to control the width of said center channel.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for focusing and/or sorting activated T cells. The device comprises a microfluidic channel comprising a plurality of electrodes arranged to provide dielectrophoretic (DEP) forces that are perpendicular to forces from hydrodynamic flows along the channel. The device may be configured to apply voltages to a plurality of electrodes in a first upper region of the microfluidic channel to focus the cells into a single flow, and to apply different voltages to a plurality of electrodes in a second downstream region of the microfluidic channel to sort cells based on size. The output of the microfluidic channel may diverge into multiple channels, wherein cells of various sorted sizes are directed into the appropriate output channel.

Abstract: A 3-dimensional PDMS cell sorter having multiple passages in a PDMS layer that follow the same path in a DEP separation region and that are in fluid communication with each other within that region. The passages may differ in width transverse to the flow direction within the passages. Flat plates may sandwich the PDMS layer; each plate may have a planar electrode used to generate a DEP field within a sample fluid flowed within the passages. The DEP field may concentrate target cells or particulates within one of the passages within the DEP separation region. The passages may diverge after the DEP-separation region, leaving one passage with a high concentration of target cells or particulates. Techniques for manufacturing such structures, as well as other micro-fluidic structures, are also provided.

Abstract: In various embodiments methods and devices are provided for focusing and/or sorting particles and/or cells in a microfluidic channel. In certain embodiments the device comprises a microfluidic channel comprising a plurality of electrodes disposed to provide dielectrophoretic (DEP) forces that are perpendicular to hydrodynamic flows along the channel; wherein said device is configured to apply voltages to said electrodes to provide an electric field minimum that is not centered in said microfluidic channel.

Abstract: A 3-dimensional PDMS cell sorter having multiple passages in a PDMS layer that follow the same path in a DEP separation region and that are in fluid communication with each other within that region. The passages may differ in width transverse to the flow direction within the passages. Flat plates may sandwich the PDMS layer; each plate may have a planar electrode used to generate a DEP field within a sample fluid flowed within the passages. The DEP field may concentrate target cells or particulates within one of the passages within the DEP separation region. The passages may diverge after the DEP-separation region, leaving one passage with a high concentration of target cells or particulates. Techniques for manufacturing such structures, as well as other micro-fluidic structures, are also provided.

Abstract: Methods and devices for the formation and/or merging of droplets in microfluidic systems are provided. In certain embodiments a microfluidic droplet merger component is provided that comprises a central channel comprising a plurality of elements disposed and spaced to create a plurality of lateral passages that drain a carrier fluid out of a fluid stream comprising droplets of a first fluid contained in the carrier fluid; and a deformable lateral membrane valve disposed to control the width of said center channel.

Abstract: A 3-dimensional PDMS cell sorter having multiple passages in a PDMS layer that follow the same path in a DEP separation region and that are in fluid communication with each other within that region. The passages may differ in width transverse to the flow direction within the passages. Flat plates may sandwich the PDMS layer; each plate may have a planar electrode used to generate a DEP field within a sample fluid flowed within the passages. The DEP field may concentrate target cells or particulates within one of the passages within the DEP separation region. The passages may diverge after the DEP-separation region, leaving one passage with a high concentration of target cells or particulates. Techniques for manufacturing such structures, as well as other micro-fluidic structures, are also provided.