Abstract: Provided are polymeric scaffold compositions and methods for detecting or quantitating diols such as carbohydrates or carbohydrate containing molecules (e.g., glycosylated protein). Provided herein are capture probes configured to bind to a scaffold. Also provided herein are capture probes linked to one or more reactive organoboronic moiety for binding diol-containing compounds in a solution. Methods of detecting complexes comprising diol-containing compounds for detecting or quantifying the presence of diol-containing compounds in solution using a nanopore device are also provided herein.

Abstract: The present invention provides microfabricated substrates and methods of conducting reactions within these substrates. The reactions occur in plugs transported in the flow of a carrier-fluid.

Abstract: An electrophoresis chip-based setup for detection of different ions in buffer solution. The device is able to differentiate ions in, e.g., real soil or other solutions, and to detect concentration of a specific ion in the solution. Fabrication of the electrophoresis chip can use a soft lithography based molding process. The chip can be made out of PDMS on a glass substrate where on-chip valves were used to control timing of injecting sample and buffer solutions. Detection electrodes are used to detect the presence of ions over a period of several minutes. A controllable high voltage power supply system and related signal acquisition, processing and detection setup can be implemented with the sensor in a system. A microfluidic system for automated collection of soil sample through a porous ceramic and using vacuum suction can be used.

Abstract: This disclosure provides a single reactor that accommodates an affinity selector to separate analytes of interest, and an enzyme reactor that digest the analyte to suitable peptides for mass spectrometry. The single reactor formats described herein accommodate workflows wherein separation precedes digestion as well as workflows wherein digestion precedes separation selection.

Abstract: A biological particle capturing and retrieving system includes a capturing device including a substrate, an isolating layer and a driving unit, and a retrieving device including a micropipette. The isolating layer includes a top surface, multiple pores, and multiple fluidic grooves indented from the top surface, arranged in a herringbone pattern, and each having a bottom surface. The pores are formed in the bottom surfaces of the fluidic grooves, and each capture a biological particle in a liquid sample. The driving unit drives the liquid sample to flow by electrowetting through the pores. The micropipette has a carrier coated with a biological particle-binding material binding with the biological particle received in a corresponding pore.

Abstract: Devices and methods for characterization of analyte mixtures are provided. Some methods described herein include performing enrichment steps on a device before expelling enriched analyte fractions from the device for subsequent analysis. Also included are devices for performing these enrichment steps.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a microfluidic analysis device (1) including: a substrate (20) wherein a separation channel (10) is arranged, in which an electrolyte flows, a portion of the separation channel (10) being covered with a polarizable surface (11); two longitudinal field electrodes (8a, 8b) arranged on either side of the separation channel (10); at least one control electrode (6a, 6b) positioned in the separation channel (10), the control electrode (6a, 6b) being suitable for polarizing the polarizable surface (11) so as to control the speed of the electro-osmotic flow in the separation channel (10); the microfluidic analysis device (1) being characterised in that the polarizable surface (11) includes an insulating sub-layer (12) made of amorphous silicon carbide (SiC) and an upper polarizable layer (13) in direct contact with the electrolyte, the control electrodes (6a, 6b) being positioned between the insulating sub-layer (12) and the upper polarizable layer (13).

Abstract: The disclosed apparatus, systems and methods relate to a modular microfluidic device, the component comprising a channel comprising an apex opening, wherein the apex opening that is at least partially surrounded by a collar configured to pin a liquid within the channel. The modular microfluidic device may also have a structural tip in or near the apex opening which is configured to allow for the flow of the liquid into the channel from a second component for a modular microfluidic device when the component is engaged with the second component.

Abstract: A microfluidic probe is disclosed. The microfluidic probe includes a probe head, a liquid spacer supply and a spacer modulation unit. The probe head may include a processing liquid channel in fluid communication with a processing liquid aperture provided on a face of the probe head. The probe head is configured to transport, circulate, recirculate, or move some processing liquid in (or via) the processing liquid channel toward and/or from the processing liquid aperture. The spacer supply is fluidly connected, via a spacer insertion junction, to the processing liquid channel. The spacer supply is configured for inserting liquid spacers into the processing liquid channel, via the spacer insertion junction. Liquid volumes can be obtained, which are separated by inserted liquid spacers. The spacer modulation unit is configured to control the spacer supply, to modulate the insertion of spacers via the spacer supply. Related devices and methods of operation are disclosed.

Abstract: A microfluidic processing device includes a substrate defining a microfluidic network. The substrate is in thermal communication with a plurality of N independently controllable components and a plurality of input output contacts for connecting the substrate to an external controller. Each component has at least two terminals. Each terminal is in electrical communication with at least one contact. The number of contacts required to independently control the N components is substantially less than the total number of terminals. Upon actuation, the components typically heat a portion of the microfluidic network and/or sense a temperature thereof.

Abstract: Flow apparatuses comprising a separation channel, a downstream flow separator, a detection zone, an observation zone, and a waste channel. The separation channel has first and second flows in contact and allows lateral movement of components between contacting first and second flows. The downstream flow separator is in communication with the separation channel and diverts a part of the first fluid flow, the second fluid flow, or both, from the separation channel. The detection zone comprises a detection channel downstream of and in communication with the flow separator and configured to receive a plurality of diverted flows from the flow separator and a label channel configured to label the diverted flows from the flow separator. The observation zone is configured to record an analytical signal indicative of the quantity and the electrical properties of the component. The waste channel is at the downstream end of the observation zone.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates, in some embodiments, to an apparatus for conducting a capillary electrophoresis assay. The apparatus can comprise a capillary array comprising an anode end and a cathode end, the capillary array provided in a housing further comprising a reservoir configured to house a separation medium and an anode buffer. The system can also comprise an injection mechanism configured to deliver sample to the cathode end of the capillary array, and a temperature control zone, wherein the temperature control zone is configured to control the temperature of the interior of the housing.

Abstract: A combined-blade open flow path device is a fluid flow path device where flow paths are adjacent to each other. The combined-blade open flow path device comprises a substrate configured to constitute a bottom portion of the flow paths; and blades erected on a surface of the substrate, the blades being configured to constitute side walls of the flow paths, wherein the blades are erected in groups, each of the groups extending from an upstream side to a downstream side in a flow direction of a fluid with a space between each of the blades in the flow direction of the fluid in each of the groups for making conduction of the fluid between the adjacent flow paths possible, and wherein one end of one of the flow paths is configured to be in contact with the fluid and is configured to make a flow of the fluid possible.

Abstract: Certain embodiments described herein are directed to chromatography systems that include a microfluidic device and that implement one or more methods to direct sample to a desired fluid flow path. The methods can be used to backflush a sample to a desired fluid flow path to select certain analytes within a sample.

Abstract: A fiber includes one or more layers of polymer surrounding a central lumen, and living animal cells disposed within the lumen and/or within at least one of the one or more layers, wherein the fiber has an outer diameter of between 5 and 8000 microns and wherein each individual layer of polymer has a thickness of between 0.1 and 250 microns. Also disclosed are model tissues including such fibers, and method of making such fibers. The fibers can serve as synthetic blood vessels, ducts, or nerves.

Abstract: A sample holder that enables mid-infrared spectroscopy of a test sample using mid-infrared light is disclosed. The sample holder includes an inlet port and a sample chamber that comprises a sample region and a capillary channel that fluidically couples the inlet port and the sample region. The capillary channel is characterized by a higher capillary force than the sample region. As a result, when the inlet port is put in contact with a liquid containing the test sample, the liquid is drawn into the sample region without the formation of bubbles that could obscure the optical analysis. In some embodiments, the inlet port is the free end of a draw tube having an outer diameter that is smaller than the minimum spacing between pain receptors at a draw site on a patient, which mitigates pain felt by the patient due to insertion of the draw tube at the draw site.

Abstract: A tactile sensor includes a first insulating layer having a first array of electrically conductive strips embedded therein and extending in a first direction. An intermediate layer of conductive soft polymer material is positioned above the first insulating layer and the first array of said electrically conductive strips. A second insulating layer having a second array of electrically conductive strips embedded therein, which extend in a second direction which is different than the first direction, is positioned above the intermediate layer. The first array of electrically conductive strips are connected to the second array of electrically conductive strips, and both the first and second array of electrically conductive strips are also connected to an impedance measuring device.

Abstract: A method is presented for fabricating a fluidic system for a gas chromatograph. The method includes: microfabricating a portion of a fluidic system of a gas chromatograph on a substrate using a first mask; microfabricating a portion of the fluidic system of the gas chromatograph using a second mask; and microfabricating a portion of the fluidic system of the gas chromatograph using a third mask, such that the first mask, the second mask and the third mask are different from each other and the microfabricating of the fluidic system of the gas chromatograph is completed using only the first, second and third masks. A gas chromatograph wherein a microfabricated Knudsen pump is arranged to operate in a first direction to draw carrier gas into a preconcentrator and in a second direction to draw gas out of the preconcentrator.

Abstract: A method for separating a plurality of deformable objects, such as biological cells or biological supramolecules such as DNA, in a liquid medium by use of an electrophoretic technique combined with hydrodynamic forces. The deformable objects are introduced into a channel, having a flow axis and a cross section at right angles to the flow axis, with the minimum size of the cross section being less than or equal to 50 pm; A hydrodynamic flow is defined a in the channel together with the application of an electric field in the channel, making it possible to move the deformable objects in the channel according to the flow axis and to separate them along the flow axis. A device suitable for implementing this method. The electrolyte used for the electrophoretic separation may be a non-Newtonian fluid with viscoelastic properties.

Abstract: Isotachophoresis (ITP) is exploited to control various aspects of chemical reactions. In a first aspect, at least one of the reactants of a chemical reaction is confined to an ITP zone, but the resulting product of the chemical reaction is separated from this ITP zone by the ITP process. In a second aspect, one or more reactants of a chemical reaction are confined to an ITP zone, and one or more other reactants of the chemical reaction are not confined to this ITP zone. In a third aspect, ITP is employed to confine at least one reactant of a chemical reaction to an ITP zone, and at least one reactant of the chemical reaction is delivered to the ITP zone in two or more discrete doses. These aspects are especially relevant to performing polymerase chain reactions using chemical denaturants as opposed to thermal cycling.

Abstract: Microfluidic devices for the rapid and automated processing of sample populations are provided. Described are multiplexer microfluidic devices configured to serially deliver a plurality of distinct sample populations to a sample processing element rapidly and automatically, without cross-contaminating the distinct sample populations. Also provided are microfluidic sample processing elements that can be used to rapidly and automatically manipulate and/or interrogate members of a sample population. The microfluidic devices can be used to improve the throughput and quality of experiments involving model organisms, such as C. elegans.

Abstract: In one aspect, a method includes configuring a kernel driver to record data block changes of a logical unit in a bit map and using the bitmap to perform an incremental backup of the logical unit. In another aspect, an apparatus includes electronic hardware circuitry configured to configure a kernel driver to record data block changes of a logical unit in a bit map and use the bitmap to perform an incremental backup of the logical unit. In a further aspect, an article includes a non-transitory computer-readable medium that stores computer-executable instructions. The instructions cause a machine to configure a kernel driver to record data block changes of a logical unit in a bit map and use the bitmap to perform an incremental backup of the logical unit.

Abstract: Microfluidic system comprising a space for containing a liquid and at least one lateral chamber in communication with said space, said lateral chamber containing a metal electrode. The lateral chamber and the space are designed to be filled by the same or different liquid when the system is active.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to a cell culture system for coculturing non-neoplastic and neoplastic cells on a planar member which more faithfully mimics the in vivo geometry of a lumen or a cavity.

Abstract: An ion transfer tube assembly, a mass spectrometry system, and a method for providing an ion stream to an ion detection device are described that include using an ion transfer tube that provides a coaxial sheath gas flow. In an implementation, an ion transfer tube assembly includes an ion transfer tube for delivering the ion stream, where a sheath gas flows through the ion transfer tube, and where the ion transfer tube receives the ion stream from a first conduit coupled to an ion source; a pump fluidly coupled to the ion transfer tube, where the pump causes the sheath gas to flow through the ion transfer tube, where the ion stream is separated from the ion transfer tube walls by the coaxial sheath gas flow, and where the ion stream is received by a second conduit coupled to the ion detection device.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for long read, label-free, optical nanopore long chain molecule sequencing. In general, the present disclosure describes a novel sequencing technology based on the integration of nanochannels to deliver single long-chain molecules with widely spaced (>wavelength), ˜1-nm aperture “tortuous” nanopores that slow translocation sufficiently to provide massively parallel, single base resolution using optical techniques. A novel, directed self-assembly nanofabrication scheme using simple colloidal nanoparticles is used to form the nanopore arrays atop nanochannels that unfold the long chain molecules. At the surface of the nanoparticle array, strongly localized electromagnetic fields in engineered plasmonic/polaritonic structures allow for single base resolution using optical techniques.

Abstract: A fully automated high-precision capillary electrophoresis instrument, comprising an electrophoresis system, a sample injection flow path, and an automatic sampling flow path; the sampling flow path comprising a shunt waste bottle, which is connected to a four-way connector, a four-way sample injection valve and a buffer syringe pump; the automatic sampling flow path comprises a sampling needle, a sample tray, a cleaning tank, reagent bottles, a buffer tube, a six-channel liquid dispenser, and a syringe pump. The described capillary electrophoresis instrument has a fast sample injection speed, high accuracy, good reproducibility, and can be widely used in automated analysis of different substances by capillary electrophoresis.

Abstract: The present invention is notably directed to a microfluidic chip (1, 1a) comprising: a flow path (22) defined by a hydrophilic surface; a liquid input (24, 24a, 24b) on one side of the flow path; at least one electrical circuit (62), hereafter DEP circuit, comprising at least one pair of dielectrophoretic electrodes (E21, E22), hereafter DEP electrodes, wherein: each of the DEP electrodes extends transverse to the flow path; and the DEP circuit is configured to generate a dielectrophoretic force, hereafter DEP force, at the level of the DEP electrodes. The chip may further include one or more electroosmotic circuits. The present invention is further directed to methods of operation of such a microfluidic chip.

Abstract: Apparatuses and associated methods for manipulating an assembly of glass slides employed in cellular assay processes are provided. Each apparatus can accommodate at least one removable rack of slides to undergo electrophoresis in a comet assay. The slides can remain in the same apparatus while being subjected to a sequence of fluid staining and washing with temperature control, advantageously shortening the amount of time required for processing the slides by keeping them in the same work station for the entire duration of the assay.

Abstract: Provided is a microfluidic chip, which comprises a substrate and a cover sheet, wherein a microreactor array is arranged on the substrate and comprises at least one main channel (401) and at least two micro cells (402) connected to the main channel (401). The microfluidic chip also comprises at least one local temperature control device, which is used for heating the main channel (401) or cooling the micro cells (402). The use of the microfluidic chip ensures uniformity and independency of the micro cells (402). Also provided is an application of the microfluidic chip in biological detection or medical inspection.

Abstract: Provided is a sensor platform that includes a substrate, a plurality of nanochannels disposed on the substrate, and a plurality of electrodes, a waveguide disposed on the substrate and an analysis chamber and a reference chamber disposed on the substrate. Each electrode extends substantially across a width of the plurality of nanochannels. At least one analysis optical resonator is disposed in the analysis chamber and is optically coupled to at least a portion of the waveguide. The at least one analysis optical resonator is in fluid communication with at least one of the plurality of nanochannels. At least one reference optical resonator is disposed in the reference chamber and is optically coupled to at least a portion of the waveguide. The at least one reference optical resonator is in fluid communication with at least one other of the plurality of nanochannels.

Abstract: Individual biological micro-objects can be deterministically selected and moved into holding pens in a micro-fluidic device. A flow of a first liquid medium can be provided to the pens. Physical pens can be structured to impede a direct flow of the first medium into a second medium in the pens while allowing diffusive mixing of the first medium and the second medium. Virtual pens can allow a common flow of medium to multiple ones of the pens.

Abstract: Embodiments of electrophoresis systems, devices, and associated methods of analysis are described herein. In one embodiment, an electrophoresis device includes a first electrode having a first polarity, a second electrode having a second polarity, and a substrate. The substrate includes a first channel having a first section with a first cross-sectional area and a second section with a second cross-sectional area. The first end is electrically coupled to the first electrode, and the second end is electrically coupled to the second electrode. The first cross-sectional area is greater than the second cross-sectional area in a first dimension and in a second dimension generally orthogonal to the first dimension.

Abstract: An example micro-fluidic device includes a micro-fluidic channel having an inner surface and a plurality of pillars positioned along the inner surface. The device further includes a plurality of power supplies connected to the pillars. Another example micro-fluidic device includes a micro-fluidic channel having an inner surface and a plurality of pillars positioned along the inner surface. The device further includes a power supply. The pillars are grouped into at least two groups of pillars, each group of pillars including at least two pillars, and all pillars of at least one group of pillars are connected to the power supply. In another example, a sensing system for detecting bioparticles includes a micro-fluidic device, wherein a surface of each pillar comprises functionalized plasmonic nanoparticles or functionalized SERS nanoparticles, a radiation source for radiating the micro-fluidic device, and a detector for detecting SERS signals or surface plasmon resonance.

Abstract: The invention presents a microfluidic device that provides investigation of distance dependent interactions between cells and various factors. A method that uses the device to determine distance dependent interactions between cells and various factors and agents that can change these interactions is also presented.

Abstract: A mechanism is provided for utilizing a nanodevice to distinguish molecules with different structure. The molecules translocate through or across a nanochannel filled with a electrolyte solution. An electrical signal through the nanochannel is measured for every translocation event. Inner surfaces of the nanochannel include a functional layer, which is a coating to functionalize the nanochannel, in which the functional layer is configured to interact with predetermined ones of the molecules during translocation events. It is determined that a combination of at least two different molecules is formed based on predetermined ones of the molecules interacting with the functional layer to change the electrical signal and/or change a translocation time for the translocation event.

Abstract: The invention generally provides methods for producing recombinant AAV viral particles using cells grown in suspension. The invention provides recombinant AAV particles for use in methods for delivering genes encoding therapeutic proteins, and methods for using the recombinant AAV particles in gene therapy.

Abstract: This invention provides methods and compositions, e.g., to reduce interference from non-specific binding sample constituents in a migration shift assay. Interference due to non-specific binding of sample constituents to an affinity substance (e.g., an affinity molecule or a conjugate of an affinity molecule and a charged carrier molecule) is prevented by, e.g., binding the constituents to charged polymers such as heparin sulfate. The present invention also provides methods to concentrate an analyte of interest with high concentration and to detect the analyte with high sensitivity, and further to optimize the reaction conditions for easily concentrating the analyte. Such objects of the present invention are attained, for example, by concentrating a complex of the analyte and a conjugate which is formed by contacting the analyte in a sample with an affinity molecule bound to a charged carrier molecule such as DNA.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a microfluidic probe head (100) with a base layer (120) comprising: at least two processing liquid microchannel (123, 124) in fluid communication with a processing liquid aperture (121, 122) on a face of the base layer; and an immersion liquid microchannel (223, 224) in fluid communication with a immersion liquid aperture (221, 222) on a face of the base layer, wherein the microfluidic probe head is configured to allow, in operation, processing liquid provided through the processing liquid aperture to merge into immersion liquid provided through the immersion liquid aperture. An additional layer can be provided to close the microchannels. Such a multilayered head is compact and easier to fabricate than heads made with unitary construction. The head can further be interfaced with tubing using e.g. a standard fitting for tubing port.

Abstract: A technique relates to stretching an extensible molecule. The molecule moves through an array of pillars in a flow direction, where the array has an interface connecting a first pillar region and a second pillar region. Stretching the molecule by traversing the molecule in the flow direction through the interface connecting the first pillar region to the second pillar region, such that a first end and a second end of the molecule straddle a straddle pillar, thereby causing the first end to extend along a first path in the second and the second end to extend along a second path. Traversing the molecule stretches the first end and the second end along two different paths. The molecule is further traversed through the array such that the second end follows the first end along the first path, where the stretching causes the molecule to be in an uncoiled state.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are devices, systems, and methods for measuring an electropharyngeogram (EPG) in living organisms. In some embodiments, the devices and systems disclosed herein include an array for sorting and immobilizing an organism (such as a nematode) for measurement of an EPG and/or optical imaging. Also disclosed are methods for identifying therapeutic or toxic compounds utilizing the disclosed devices and systems. In some embodiments, the methods include screening for compounds with anthelmintic activity, toxicity (for example HERG channel blockers), or candidate drugs for treatment of a variety of human and/or animal diseases.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to 3?-OH unblocked nucleotides and nucleosides labeled and unlabeled with 5-methoxy-substituted nitrobenzyl-based photocleavable terminating groups for use in methods and systems related to DNA and RNA sequencing and analysis. These compounds may be used as reversible terminators as they exhibit fast nucleotide incorporation kinetics, single-base termination, high nucleotide selectivity, and rapid terminating group cleavage that results in a naturally occurring nucleotide.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system including: a peptide nucleic acid (PNA) molecule; a DNA molecule, an RNA molecule, or a combination thereof; and an Isotachophoresis (ITP) system. Furthermore, the invention provides a method for sequence-specifically separating and/or identifying a nucleic acid molecule of interest by utilizing the system of the invention to separate and possibly label and/or detect a nucleic acid molecule of interest.

Abstract: An array of transportable particle sets is used in a microfluidic device for performing chemical reactions in the microfluidic device. The microfluidic device comprises a main channel and intersecting side channels, the main channel and side channels forming a plurality of intersections. The array of particle sets is disposed in the main channel, and the side channels are coupled to reagents. As the particle sets are transported through the intersections of the main channel and the side channels, reagents are flowed through the side channels into contact with each array member (or selected array members), thereby providing a plurality of chemical reactions in the microfluidic system.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described for the processing (for example washing, incubation, etc.

Abstract: Devices and methods for controlling reversible chemical reactions at solid-liquid interfaces are disclosed. In particular, the invention relates to a method of increasing reaction rates by concentrating a target molecule in a liquid phase in the region of a reactant or ligand immobilized on a solid followed by removal of the liquid phase and replacement with an immiscible phase, such as an immiscible gas or liquid to impede the reverse reaction. Devices for performing this method to increase the rates and degree of completion of kinetically limited ligand binding or nucleic acid hybridization reactions in affinity chromatography and microarray applications are also disclosed.

Abstract: A pneumatically driven portable assay cartridge having analyte capture regions associated with microfluidic channels within its interior, the portable cartridge having pneumatic ports clampable against pneumatic ports of an operating instrument for controlled application of positive pressure and vacuum to pneumatic operating channels within the cartridge, the cartridge having a well for receiving sample from a user and microfluidic channels that include pneumatically operated pistons and valves controllable by the pneumatic operating channels to cause all flows of the assay from the reservoirs through reaction regions within the cartridge to on-board waste reservoir during conduct of the assay.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for analyzing the sequence of nucleotides in a nucleic acid sample, said apparatus comprising a substrate and a plurality of nanopores provided therein suitable for the passage of nucleic acid molecules therethrough; at least one sample holding chamber disposed upstream of the inlet of said nanopores, at least one detection window juxtaposed within or downstream of the outlet of each nanopore adapted to detect a property characteristic of one or more detectable elements associated with the nucleic acid as each nucleic acid molecule passes therethrough and a detector adapted to generate a data stream characteristic of the various detection events occurring in the detection window characterized in that the apparatus further comprises a means located within the sample holding chamber adapted to increase the local concentration of the nucleic acid sample adjacent the inlet of the nanopores relative to the bulk concentration thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for controlling the moving speed of a substance, both of which can adjust the moving speed of a substance to a desired speed. The control method and control apparatus cause a substance to pass through an internal space, in which an electro-osmotic flow is generated, of a surround electrode formed so as to surround part of the moving path of the substance, whereby the control method and control apparatus change the moving speed of the substance.

Abstract: The invention provides a sheath-flow interface for producing electrospray from a capillary. The electrospray generated by the interface can be used as the source of ions for mass spectrometry. Electrokinetic flow in the interface can move a sheath liquid past the end of a capillary so as to mix with an analyte effluent discharged from the capillary. The sheath liquid and analyte mixture can be directed to an electrospray emitter to generate an electrospray.