Abstract: A display element is described. The display element includes: a network; a continuous phase; and a discontinuous mobile phase, which is capable of responding to an externally applied electric field such that under influence of the externally applied electric field, without effecting bulk movement of the continuous phase, the mobile phase displaces from one location to another location through or within the network. A process of manufacturing a display cell is also described. The process includes: obtaining a pair of electrodes; placing a network between the electrodes; assembling the electrodes and the network to form a sub-assembly; and injecting into the subassembly a discontinuous phase.

Abstract: A display element is described. The display element includes: a network; a continuous phase; and a discontinuous mobile phase, which is capable of responding to an externally applied electric field such that under influence of the externally applied electric field, without effecting bulk movement of the continuous phase, the mobile phase displaces from one location to another location through or within the network. A process of manufacturing a display cell is also described. The process includes: obtaining a pair of electrodes; placing a network between the electrodes; assembling the electrodes and the network to form a sub-assembly; and injecting into the subassembly a discontinuous phase.

Abstract: A display element is described. The display element includes: a network; a continuous phase; and a discontinuous mobile phase, which is capable of responding to an externally applied electric field such that under influence of the externally applied electric field, without effecting bulk movement of the continuous phase, the mobile phase displaces from one location to another location through or within the network. A process of manufacturing a display cell is also described. The process includes: obtaining a pair of electrodes; placing a network between the electrodes; assembling the electrodes and the network to form a sub-assembly; and injecting into the subassembly a discontinuous phase.

Abstract: Microfluidic devices, assemblies, and systems are provided, as are methods of manipulating micro-sized samples of fluids. Microfluidic devices having a plurality of specialized processing features are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for dispensing a small volume of a selected liquid, such as a biological sample or reagent, onto a substrate. The device includes a tube adapted to contain the liquid. An elongated fiber is disposed within the tube for axial movement therein between raised and lowered positions. Upon shifting or oscillating the fiber between its raised and lowered positions, a liquid spot can be formed at a selected position on the substrate. The device is readily adaptable for the production of micro-arrays having a great number of individual spots.

Abstract: Microfluidic assemblies, systems, and methods are provided for manipulating fluid samples. Assemblies include an elastically deformable cover layer and a less elastically deformable substrate. The methods include deforming the substrate through the cover layer so that when the cover layer rebounds a new communication results in the assembly between the cover layer and the substrate and/or so that a new barrier wall is formed. Systems for carrying out the methods are also provided.

Abstract: A microfluidic manipulation system is provided that includes a blade for manipulating deformable material and at least one movable support that is capable of moving the blade into contact with a microfluidic device including a deformable feature. When the microfluidic device is operatively held by a holder, a movable support can position the distal end of the blade relative to the microfluidic device and move the contact tip surface of the blade such that it deforms the deformable feature.

Abstract: Microfluidic assemblies, systems, and methods are provided for manipulating fluid samples. Assemblies include an elastically deformable cover layer and a less elastically deformable substrate. The methods include deforming the substrate through the cover layer so that when the cover layer rebounds a new communication results in the assembly between the cover layer and the substrate and/or so that a new barrier wall is formed. Systems for carrying out the methods are also provided.

Abstract: Embodiments of methods and devices are disclosed for the manipulation (e.g., concentration, purification, capture, trapping, location, transfer) of analytes, e.g., biomolecules, with respect to analyte-containing solutions, using one or more electric fields.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for effecting the concentration of a polar analyte in an alternating electric field. In the method, a relative translation of the polar analyte and an alternating electric field along a translation path is effected. A portion of the polar analyte is then trapped and concentrated in a concentration zone formed by the intersection of the translation path and the alternating electric field. Also disclosed are various devices for carrying out the forgoing method.

Abstract: The present teachings provide emulsions using ionic liquids for separation of biomolecules and related methods, compositions, and devices.

Abstract: The present teachings relate to methods and devices for handling micelles in a reverse emulsion with biological material.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for dispensing a small volume of a selected liquid, such as a biological sample or reagent, onto a substrate. The device includes a tube adapted to contain the liquid. An elongated fiber is disposed within the tube for axial movement therein between raised and lowered positions. Upon shifting or oscillating the fiber between its raised and lowered positions, a liquid spot can be formed at a selected position on the substrate. The device is readily adaptable for the production of micro-arrays having a great number of individual spots.

Abstract: Bubble-free electrodes, electrochemical cells including bubble-free electrodes, analytical devices, and methods for preparing and using them are provided. The analytical devices each include at least one bubble-free electrode. Analytical devices that include an electrochemical cell and a sample containment device are also provided, wherein the electrochemical cell includes an anodic reservoir, a cathodic reservoir, an electrical connection between the anodic reservoir and the cathodic reservoir, and a first bubble-free electrode disposed within one of the anodic reservoir and the cathodic reservoir. A second electrode is disposed within the other reservoir and a power source is provided having a positive terminal that is normally in electrical contact with the first electrode, and a negative terminal that is normally in electrical contact with the second electrode.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for dispensing a small volume of a selected liquid, such as a biological sample or reagent, onto a substrate. The device includes a tube adapted to contain the liquid. An elongate fiber is disposed within the tube for axial movement therein between raised and lowered positions. Upon shifting or oscillating the fiber between its raised and lowered positions, a liquid spot can be formed at a selected position on the substrate. The device is readily adaptable for the production of micro-arrays having a great number of individual spots.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for dispensing a small volume of a selected liquid, such as a biological sample or reagent, onto a substrate. The device includes a tube adapted to contain the liquid. An elongate fiber is disposed within the tube for axial movement therein between raised and lowered positions. Upon shifting or oscillating the fiber between its raised and lowered positions, a liquid spot can be formed at a selected position on the substrate. The device is readily adaptable for the production of micro-arrays having a great number of individual spots.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for dispensing a small volume of a selected liquid, such as a biological sample or reagent, onto a substrate. The device includes a tube adapted to contain the liquid. An elongate fiber is disposed within the tube for axial movement therein between raised and lowered positions. Upon shifting or oscillating the fiber between its raised and lowered positions, a liquid spot can be formed at a selected position on the substrate. The device is readily adaptable for the production of micro-arrays having a great number of individual spots.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for dispensing a small volume of a selected liquid, such as a biological sample or reagent, onto a substrate. The device includes a tube adapted to contain the liquid. An elongate fiber is disposed within the tube for axial movement therein between raised and lowered positions. Upon shifting or oscillating the fiber between its raised and lowered positions, a liquid spot can be formed at a selected position on the substrate. The device is readily adaptable for the production of micro-arrays having a great number of individual spots.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for dispensing a small volume of a selected liquid, such as a biological sample or reagent, onto a substrate. The device includes a tube adapted to contain the liquid. An elongate fiber is disposed within the tube for axial movement therein between raised and lowered positions. Upon shifting or oscillating the fiber between its raised and lowered positions, a liquid spot can be formed at a selected position on the substrate. The device is readily adaptable for the production of micro-arrays having a great number of individual spots.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for dispensing a small volume of a selected liquid, such as a biological sample or reagent, onto a substrate. The device includes a tube adapted to contain the liquid. An elongate fiber is disposed within the tube for axial movement therein between raised and lowered positions. Upon shifting or oscillating the fiber between its raised and lowered positions, a liquid spot can be formed at a selected position on the substrate. The device is readily adaptable for the production of micro-arrays having a great number of individual spots.