Abstract: An embodiment in accordance with the present invention is directed to a non-optical, label-free microfluidic biosensor utilizing an electrical liquid interface between two co-flowing liquids—one with a higher conductivity and one with a higher dielectric constant. The analyte-of-interest is in one solution while the receptor is in the adjacent stream. The electric interface acts as a substrate, when an alternating current electric field is applied perpendicularly across the interface, liquid displacement occurs which is frequency dependent. When a reaction occurs at the interface, it alters the electrical properties of the electrical interface, altering the frequency dependent liquid motion, which is then monitored by impedance spectroscopy downstream.

Abstract: Disclosed are example methods and devices for detecting one or more targets. An example method includes placing a sample including a first target with in a microfluidic device and hybridizing a plurality of copies of the first target with a plurality of nanostructures. The example method includes applying an electric current to the plurality of nanostructures and using an electric field created by the electric current to move the plurality of nanostructures. In addition, the plurality of nanostructures are sorted and evaluated to determine at least one of a presence, an absence, or a quantity of the first target.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electrospray device using a high frequency alternating current (AC) above 10 kHz to generate fine micron sized drops. The apparatus generally functions by applying a high frequency alternating current electric field across one or more micro-needles and one or more conducting elements. The present invention may be used to generate aerosol drops for respiratory drug delivery or as a microencapsulation technique for the encapsulation of drugs, DNA, protein, osteogenic or dermatological growth factors, bacteria, viruses, immobilized enzyme receptors and fluorescent particles for controlled release drug delivery, tissue or bone engineering, clinical or environmental field testing and as biosensors for clinical or drug monitoring. In addition, the present invention may be used to synthesize biodegradable fibers as bioscaffolds for tissue engineering, surgical sutures or medical gauze that enhance blood coagulation, and further may be encapsulated by other agents.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for use in rapid particle transportation, separation, focusing, characterization, and release. Dielectrophoresis and electro-osmotic driven fluid convection are used independently or in tandem as the driving forces for particle manipulation and on occasion characterization. Although dielectrophoresis has been acknowledged for decades as a powerful technique for particle manipulation and characterization, long processing times and measurement inaccuracies that emerge from using disjointed electrodes have limited its usefulness in diagnostic kits. The present invention provides for a continuous wire that enables fluid flow patterns and dielectrophoretic forces with optimal configurations for rapid and sensitive particle manipulation and characterization.

Abstract: Disclosed are example methods and devices for detecting one or more targets. An example method includes placing a sample including a first target with in a microfluidic device and hybridizing a plurality of copies of the first target with a plurality of nanostructures. The example method includes applying an electric current to the plurality of nanostructures and using an electric field created by the electric current to move the plurality of nanostructures. In addition, the plurality of nanostructures are sorted and evaluated to determine at least one of a presence, an absence, or a quantity of the first target.

Abstract: An electro-hydrodynamic apparatus and method of using the same is disclosed. The electro-hydrodynamic apparatus includes a liquid sample supported on a substrate, with at least one electrode located proximate the surface of the liquid sample without contacting the liquid sample. A power supply creates an electric field proximate the surface of the liquid sample, thereby inducing a motion to the liquid sample. The apparatus may be used for focusing and separating particles within a liquid, and pumping and mixing a liquid sample or a liquid mixture with or without particles. The apparatus creates a primary rotational flow on a liquid surface to create a secondary inertial flow.