Abstract: A method for continuously separating components from a sample includes providing a field-flow fractionation device including: a channel coupled to a flow generator for translocating the sample components along the channel in a first direction, an actuator for translocating the sample components in a second direction, at an angle with the first direction, and an array of electrodes electrically or capacitively connected to an AC power source, operating the actuator so as to translocate the sample components in a second direction at an angle with the first direction, operating the AC power source so as to generate an AC electric field between adjacent rows, and operating the flow generator, collecting sample components from the sample outlets.

Abstract: A method to increase a probability of interaction of one molecule with a second molecule includes applying a sequence of temporally varying perturbations by acoustic forces and/or by electromagnetic fields or any combination thereof in at least two non-aligned directions to a volume containing the molecules. The sequence of temporally varying perturbations is chosen to produce a sequence of perturbed molecular configurations for the molecule in the volume and the sequence of perturbations is selected so as to cause the increase in probability. Initially data is obtained relating to orientations of the molecules and the sequence is selected based on the data. The data can be obtained by observation or by creating a known orientation using selected fields.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and systems that facilitate the integration of on-chip impedance sensors and measurement circuitries for quantifying the impedance/frequency response of microfluidic device under the same, or similar, conditions used for particle manipulation. The methods and systems can use a microfluidic chip comprising a microfluidic channel with one or more electric-field-generating structures located therein, including a first electric-field-generating structure, wherein the one or more electric-field-generating structures is configured to selectively polarize or manipulate biologic or particle components flowing within the microfluidic channel. The method and system can also employ a circuit configured for automated determination and quantification of parasitic voltage drops during AC electrokinetic particle manipulation, without the need to use valuable biological samples or model particles.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a sterilization apparatus which uses thermal or non-thermal plasma to disinfect surgical scoping devices such as endoscopes, gastroscopes, laparoscopes and the like. Aspect of the disclosure provide: (i) an apparatus for sterilizing inside an instrument channel formed with an insertion tube of a surgical scoping device, (ii) a whole-device sterilization apparatus for treating the entire exterior surface of a surgical scoping device, and (iii) an apparatus for cleaning and sterilizing a distal end face of an insertion tube of a surgical scoping device.

Abstract: A biosensor system includes an array of biosensors with a plurality of electrodes situated proximate the biosensor. A controller is configured to selectively energize the plurality of electrodes to generate a DEP force to selectively position a test sample relative to the array of biosensors.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a transport mechanism apparatus for transporting at least one of a gas or a fluid. The transport mechanism may have an inlet, an outlet and an engineered cellular structure forming a periodic nodal surface, which may include a triply periodic minimal surface (TPMS) structure. The structure is formed in a layer-by-layer three dimensional (3D) printing operation to include cells propagating in three dimensions, where the cells include non-intersecting, continuously curving wall portions having openings, and where the opening in the cells form a plurality of flow paths throughout the transport mechanism from the inlet to the outlet, and where portions of the cells form the inlet and the outlet.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method for preparing resorcinol through micro-channel reaction. In the method, resorcinol is prepared through micro-channel reaction using m-aminophenol as a raw material, a diazo salt is synthesized at 0° C. or more, hydrolysis of the diazo salt is performed at 90° C. or less, and then reaction conditions are reduced; the reaction time is decreased from traditional 10 hours to less than 2 minutes, and therefore the reaction time is significantly shortened; the purity of a product is 75% or more, which is significantly improved.

Abstract: A method of manipulating a molecule having a dipole moment is provided. A non-limiting example of the method includes providing an array of electrodes with each respective electrode in electrical communication with a respective interconnect. Each respective electrode is individually addressable through its respective interconnect, and each respective electrode is capable of generating an electromagnetic field when stimulated. The method provides the molecule above the array of electrodes and stimulates one or more electrodes within the array of electrodes to manipulate the molecule.

Abstract: An optical phase modulator comprises a cascaded array of optical resonators, wherein each of the optical resonators has an input port and an output port. A plurality of waveguides are coupled between the optical resonators and are configured to provide cascaded optical communication between the optical resonators. Each of the waveguides is respectively coupled between the output port of one optical resonator and the input port of an adjacent optical resonator. A transmission electrode is positioned adjacent to the optical resonators, with the transmission electrode configured to apply a drive voltage across the optical resonators. The optical phase modulator is operative to co-propagate an input optical wave with the drive voltage, such that a resonator-to-resonator optical delay is matched with a resonator-to-resonator electrical delay.

Abstract: A biosensor system includes an array of biosensors with a plurality of electrodes situated proximate the biosensor. A controller is configured to selectively energize the plurality of electrodes to generate a DEP force to selectively position a test sample relative to the array of biosensors.

Abstract: This disclosure provides systems and methods for sequencing nucleic acids using nucleotide analogues and translocation of tags from incorporated nucleotide analogues through a nanopore. In aspects, this disclosure is related to compositions, methods, and systems for sequencing nucleic acids using tag molecules and detection of translocation through a nanopore of tags released from incorporation of the molecule.

Abstract: An oxygen evolution reaction catalyst electrode may include: a glass electrode; a first coating, directly upon the glass electrode, comprising a layer of fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO); and a second coating, directly upon the first coating, comprising a layer comprising at least 95 wt. % palladium, relative to a total weight of the second coating, wherein the palladium in the second coating is in the form of porous, spongy-textured clusters comprising palladium spheroid nanoparticles in cubic crystalline phase. The second coating may have a thickness in a range of from 0.5 to 10 ?m, and the clusters may have an average largest dimension in a range of from 500 to nm.

Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a microfluidic structure, a microfluidic chip and a detection method. The microfluidic structure includes: a first base substrate and a second base substrate opposite to each other, an antibody area located between the first base substrate and the second base substrate and storing an enzyme-labeled first antibody, a cleaning area storing cleaning liquid, a signal substrate area storing a signal substrate solution and a detection area with a second antibody and an ion sensitive film fixed thereon, wherein all channel areas from the antibody area, the cleaning area and the signal substrate area to the detection area each have a driving electrode structure driving liquid drops to move; and the detection area has a thin film transistor connected with the ion sensitive film.

Abstract: Microfluidic method and device that can be used for sensing and measurement of properties of liquids, gases, solutions, and particles is proposed, wherein the measurable liquid or gas (with or without particles) flow in at least one channel through a measurement chamber (cell) formed between at least two isolated electrodes is used for electrical impedance measurement. The proposed solution is characterized in that the cross-section of at least one pair of similar spatial electrodes decreases smoothly towards the tiny measurement chamber (cell) in order to increase the sensitivity and accuracy of the measurement. Typically, a device with multiple similar channels is advantageous to use for comparative measurement and differential measurement schemes.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a nanoparticle control and detection system and operating method thereof. The present invention controls and detects the nanoparticles in the same device. The device comprises a first transparent electrode, a photoconductive layer, a spacer which is deposed on the edge of the photoconductive layer and a second transparent electrode. The aforementioned device controls and detects the nanoparticles by applying AC/DC bias and AC/DC light source to the transparent electrode.

Abstract: A method of controlling a needle actuator to interact with a cell is provided, the method comprising: providing an actuator comprising a tower, a stage and a needle, wherein the needle is mounted on the stage; applying an electrostatic potential between the tower and the stage to retract the needle; moving the actuator towards the cell; reducing the potential so as to allow the stage and needle to move towards the cell; applying calibration data to detect when the needle has pierced the cell; and reducing the potential further once it has been detected that the needle has pierced the cell. The cell can be a biological cell. The needle can be a micro-needle and the stage can be a micro-stage.

Abstract: This application provides fluidic devices, such as microfluidic devices, which can be used for the creation and/or manipulation of droplets in droplet-based microfluidic systems, as well as systems and methods for using the same. The microfluidic devices can be used to generate droplets, extract or inject volume to droplets, and/or split droplets. Also provided are methods for generating nucleosomes, and isolated DNA from nucleosomes (or from non-nucleosomes), for example using the disclosed devices.

Abstract: An example includes a field-flow fractionation device for the continuous separation of sample components including a channel comprising a sample inlet and a plurality of sample outlets, the channel being for coupling to a flow generator for translocating the sample components along the channel in a first direction from the sample inlet to the plurality of sample outlets, an actuator, which is not the flow generator, coupled to the channel, for translocating the sample components in a second direction, at a first angle with the first direction, an array of electrodes for connection to an AC power source, being in a path taken by the sample components in the channel, arranged in a plurality of rows, and in such a way that adjacent rows can be set at different potentials and every other row can be set at the same potential.

Abstract: A miniaturized sensing probe and a manufacturing method thereof are provided. The miniaturized sensing probe includes: a probe substrate including a probe part and a circuit connection part; a sensor disposed on the probe part and electrically connected to the circuit connection part; and a needle unit used to accommodate the probe part of the probe substrate; wherein the sensor performs sensing when placed into an analyte through the needle unit and transmits a sensing signal through the circuit connection part. The miniaturized sensing probe of the present invention may be easily placed into the analyte without the use of other instrument or surgery. This means is of benefit to a clinician performing an early diagnosis on a patient with a peripheral vascular disease or monitoring the biological value of the muscle during surgery in real time.

Abstract: A device including a microfluidic channel structure formed on a substrate and including a first channel and a fluid actuator within the microfluidic channel structure. A sense region within the first channel is to receive a fluid flow of target biologic particles for counting in a single file pattern, with the sense region having a volume on a same order of magnitude as a volume of a single one of the target biologic particles.

Abstract: A gene sequencing chip is provided, which includes: an upper substrate including a plurality of liquid inlets for inletting liquid drops; a lower substrate opposite to the upper substrate and spaced therefrom by a gap, the gap being provided for allowing the liquid drops to move therein, the lower substrate including a liquid drop operation region, the liquid drop operation region including a manipulation electrode array. The manipulation electrode array includes multiple first sub-arrays for preparing a gene library, multiple second sub-arrays for sequencing the gene library which is prepared, each first sub-array being adjacent to one of the multiple second sub-arrays. Based on the gene sequencing chip provided in this disclosure, operations to tiny liquid drops such as movement, fusion and splitting can be accurately manipulated by using digital microfluidic techniques, and all steps of the gene sequencing from library preparation to gene sequencing can be completed on one chip.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for detecting molecules of interest within a collected sample are described herein. In certain embodiments, self-contained sample analysis systems are disclosed, which include a reusable reader component, a disposable cartridge component, and a disposable sample collection component. The reader component may communicate with a remote computing device for the digital transmission of test protocols and test results. In various disclosed embodiments, the systems, components, and methods are configured to identify the presence, absence, and/or quantity of particular nucleic acids, proteins, or other analytes of interest, for example, in order to test for the presence of one or more pathogens or contaminants in a sample.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for detecting, quantifying, enriching, and/or separating bacterial species in fluid sample are provided. The fluid sample is provided as input to a microfluidic passage of a microfluidic device, wherein the microfluidic device comprises at least one electrode disposed adjacent to the microfluidic passage. The at least one electrode is activated to capture bacteria in the sample using dielectrophoresis, wherein the capture efficiency of bacteria is at least 99%.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for detecting, quantifying, enriching, and/or separating bacterial species in fluid sample are provided. The fluid sample is provided as input to a microfluidic passage of a microfluidic device, wherein the microfluidic device comprises at least one electrode disposed adjacent to the microfluidic passage. The at least one electrode is activated to capture bacteria in the sample using dielectrophoresis, wherein the capture efficiency of bacteria is at least 99%.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for the selection or processing of particles sensitive to the application of an external stimulus to rupture/lysis at least one selected particle or the fusion of first and second selected particles are disclosed herein. Particles are organized using a first field of force by selectively energizing electrodes of an array of selectable electrodes having dimensions comparable to or smaller than those of the particles. A first configuration of stresses is applied to the electrodes; and then a second configuration of stresses is applied to the electrodes, so as to create a second field of force, located substantially close to at least one selected particle to be lysated or to a pair of first and second particles to be fused and such as to produce the application of a stimulus suited to produce their lysis or fusion.

Abstract: Provided is a concentration device suitable for dielectrophoresis. The concentration device comprises a first substrate, a second substrate provided so as to face the first substrate, a flow path formed between the first substrate and the second substrate, a first pillar electrode line disposed in the flow path and including a left-side first pillar electrode L (301L), a right-side first pillar electrode R (301R), and one second pillar electrode B (302B), and a second pillar electrode line disposed in the flow path and including one second pillar electrode A (302A). The value of L3 is not less than 5 micrometers, where L3 is equal to (A1?A2), A1 represents a distance between a second vertex Q2 of the second pillar electrode A and a center point O; and A2 represents a distance between the first vertex Q1 of the second pillar electrode B and the center point O.

Abstract: A microfluidic apparatus can comprise a dielectrophoresis (DEP) configured section for holding a first liquid medium and selectively inducing net DEP forces in the first liquid medium. The microfluidic apparatus can also comprise an electrowetting (EW) configured section for holding a second liquid medium on an electrowetting surface and selectively changing an effective wetting property of the electrowetting surface. The DEP configured section can be utilized to select and move a micro-object in the first liquid medium. The EW configured section can be utilized to pull a droplet of the first liquid medium into the second liquid medium.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are described for removing edge bead on a wafer associated with a resist coating comprising a metal containing resist compositions. The methods can comprise applying a first bead edge rinse solution along a wafer edge following spin coating of the wafer with the metal based resist composition, wherein the edge bead solution comprises an organic solvent and an additive comprising a carboxylic acid, an inorganic fluorinated acid, a tetraalkylammonium compound, or a mixture thereof. Alternatively or additionally, the methods can comprise applying a protective composition to the wafer prior to performing an edge bead rinse. The protective composition can be a sacrificial material or an anti-adhesion material and can be applied only to the wafer edge or across the entire wafer in the case of the protective composition. Corresponding apparatuses for processing the wafers using these methods are presented.

Abstract: A system for processing a sample includes a chamber having at least one inlet and at least one outlet, where the chamber is configured to accommodate flow of the sample from the at least one inlet toward the at least one outlet, and an imager array configured to image the flow of the sample in the chamber, where the imager array includes at least one lensless image sensor configurable opposite at least one light source.

Abstract: A microfluidic system which enables singular confinement of cells at the capturing stations and impedance measurements of single cells at these stations. The microfluidic system includes an inlet, a dielectrophoretic separation site, a waste outlet I, a connection pad, a hydrodynamic flow resistance. Collective measurements can also be obtained by measuring up to twenty singular cells at capturing stations simultaneously.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided herein for rapid detection, separation, purification, and quantification of viral particles in a sample. According to some embodiments, a microfluidic device is provided for receiving the sample which may contain viral particles. An electrode of the microfluidic device may be used to generate dielectrophoretic (DEP) and/or electroosmotic (EO) forces acting on the sample. The applied DEP and/or EO forces may immobilize components of the sample on the surface of the electrode, may aggregate viral particles of the sample in one region of the microfluidic device, and may separate other components of the sample from the viral particles. The techniques may be performed rapidly, for example, in eight hours or less, and may not affect infectivity of the viral particles. In some embodiments, the sample may be labeled to enhance a response of one or more of the sample components to the DEP and/or EO forces.

Abstract: Provided are a fluorescent testing system, a dielectrophoresis device, and a molecular testing method that measure only fluorescence emitted from a test object without separating excitation light and the fluorescence by an optical filter and that are able to prevent reduction of an application range of a type of the fluorescence.

Abstract: A method for dielectrophoresis includes applying an electric field across a micro-fluidic chamber with an alternating current (AC), trapping the target particles on the at least one carrier particle, transporting the target particles from a first location in the chamber to a second location in the chamber distanced from the first location with the at least one carrier particle and dynamically controlling the trapping and the transporting based on remotely applying forces on the at least one carrier particle. The trapping is based on localized gradients of the electric field induced by the carrier particle. The applied electric field is uniform absent a carrier particle present in the micro-fluidic chamber. The micro-fluidic chamber contains an electrolyte-solution with suspended target particles and at least one carrier particle freely floating on or in the electrolyte-solution.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention provides a microfluidic device into which fluid can be more easily introduced. A microfluidic device (1) is configured such that: (i) an upper substrate (2) is bonded to a lower substrate (6) via a sealing pattern (5) in such a manner that at least a portion of an edge of the upper substrate (2) is located inward of an edge of the lower substrate (6); and (ii) the sealing pattern (5) includes at least one gap (12) that is provided at a position where the edge of the upper substrate (2) is located inward of the edge of the lower substrate (6).

Abstract: Provided are a pellicle film, a pellicle frame and a pellicle having a higher EUV transmittance. An exposure pattern plate capable of performing EUV lithography with the pellicle film, the pellicle frame or the pellicle, and a method for producing a semiconductor device, are provided. A pellicle film for exposure extendable over an opening of a support frame and having a thickness of 200 nm or less is provided. The film includes a carbon nanotube sheet. The carbon nanotube sheet includes bundles each including a plurality of carbon nanotubes, the bundles each have a diameter of 100 nm or shorter, and the bundles are aligned in a planar direction in the carbon nanotube sheet.

Abstract: An example apparatus includes a conveyor. The apparatus also includes a first developer unit. The first developer unit is to concentrate first printing liquid. The first developer unit also is to deliver the first printing liquid to the conveyor. The apparatus also includes a second developer unit. The second developer unit is to concentrate second printing liquid. The second developer also is to deliver the second printing liquid to the conveyor to form a thick layer of printing liquid comprising the first and second printing liquid.

Abstract: Provided are a pellicle film, a pellicle frame and a pellicle having a higher EUV transmittance. An exposure pattern plate capable of performing EUV lithography with the pellicle film, the pellicle frame or the pellicle, and a method for producing a semiconductor device, are provided. A pellicle film for exposure extendable over an opening of a support frame and having a thickness of 200 nm or less is provided. The film includes a carbon nanotube sheet. The carbon nanotube sheet includes bundles each including a plurality of carbon nanotubes, the bundles each have a diameter of 100 nm or shorter, and the bundles are aligned in a planar direction in the carbon nanotube sheet.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the diagnosis of tumoural conditions and/or of the corresponding state of advance, wherein a sample from a patient comprising at least one tumour cell is obtained. According to the invention, a purified specimen of the at least one tumour cell is obtained by individually selecting and isolating single cells in a microfluidic device the purified specimen having a purity of at least 90%. On the purified specimen thus obtained there is subsequently performed a molecular analysis such as to highlight a characteristic thereof suited to enabling diagnosis.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for applying a dielectrophoretic force on a particle include: a cell defining at least one channel for confining the particle; and a first electrode and a second electrode electrically isolated from the first electrode, at least one of the first and second electrodes being formed from a two-dimensional (2D) material providing an atomically sharp edge. The first and second electrodes are arranged sufficiently close to one another and sufficiently close to the channel such that application of a sufficient voltage across the first and second electrodes generates an electric field in at least part of the channel, the electric field having an electric field gradient sufficient to apply the dielectrophoretic force on the particle in the channel.

Abstract: A microfluidic apparatus is provided having one or more sequestration pens configured to isolate one or more target micro-objects by changing the orientation of the microfluidic apparatus with respect to a globally active force, such as gravity. Methods of selectively directing the movements of micro-objects in such a microfluidic apparatus using gravitational forces are also provided. The micro-objects can be biological micro-objects, such as cells, or inanimate micro-objects, such as beads.

Abstract: A bioparticle observation apparatus includes a dielectrophoresis electrode that outputs a first signal causing a dielectrophoresis force to act on a bioparticle, a sensor electrode that detects an impedance difference between the bioparticle and the liquid, and a control circuit that controls the first signal so that the detected impedance difference is fixed.

Abstract: A method for treating Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) or chronic bronchitis to alleviate the discomforts of breathing by using non-thermal electroporation energy to ablate diseased portions of the lung including the bronchus, airways and alveoli which, in effect, opens the restrictive diseased portions thereby maximizing the overall surface area thereof causing improved airflow and uninhibited breathing.

Abstract: A system and method for detection of cells is disclosed. Target cells, such as circulating tumor cells (CTCs), may be of interest. Magnetic beads may be bound to the target cells. After which, the target cells (with the magnetic beads attached thereto) may be identified using an applied magnetic field. In one example, magnetic sensors may be used to detect movement of the target cells responsive to an applied magnetic field. In another example, an optical sensor (such as a camera) may be used to detect movement of the target cells responsive to an applied magnetic field. Further, separate from identification of the target cells, the target cells may be sorted using an applied magnetic field. In this way, a magnetic field may be used in either or both of target cell identification or target cell sorting in order to detect target cells of interest.

Abstract: Method, apparatus, and computer program product for a microfluidic channel having a cover opposite its bottom, the cover allowing visual inspection inside the channel, and having electrodes with patterned planar conducting materials, integrated onto its bottom. Using the planar conducting materials, once a fluid sample with suspended microparticles is applied into the channel, highly localized modulated electric field distributions are generated inside the channel and the fluid sample. This generated field causes inducing of dielectrophoretic (DEP) forces such that the DEP forces gradually increase along the length of the channel occupied by the electrodes. These DEP forces counteract the hydrodynamic drag of the flow acting on the particles suspended in the fluid. Because of the induced forces, micro/nano-particles in the fluid sample are deflected at locations in the microchannel that are a function of the particles velocity and this effect is captured by an image sensing device.

Abstract: A method for dynamic focusing is presented that can be performed by a dynamic focusing controller that can receive images from the image capture device, and for each image, determine a border of the particle within the image, and calculate a pixel intensity ratio of the image based on the border of the particle. The dynamic focusing controller can also calculate a median pixel intensity ratio from the pixel intensity ratios for each image, determine a focal distance direction based on the median pixel intensity ratio, calculate a focal distance based on the median pixel intensity ratio when the focal distance direction is positive, and calculate the focal distance based on a median border width when the focal distance direction is negative. The autofocusing controller can then send an instruction to the focusing mechanism to adjust the image capture device by the focal distance in the focal distance direction.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for detecting an analyte with high sensitivity. In the present method, a solution is supplied onto a substrate comprising a first electrode and a second electrode. Then, an alternating voltage is applied between the first electrode and the second electrode to aggregate, onto the surface between the first electrode and the second electrode by dielectrophoresis, bioparticles and dielectric particles contained in the solution. The aggregated bioparticles are broken to release the analyte contained in the bioparticles. The released analyte is bound to a first antibody and a second antibody to cause the dielectric particles to be immobilized onto the substrate through formation of a sandwich structure composed of the first antibody, the analyte, and the second antibody. Finally, the analyte is detected through the fluorescent substance contained in the immobilized dielectric particles.

Abstract: Methods are described for removing edge bead on a wafer associated with a resist coating comprising a metal containing resist compositions. The methods can comprise applying a first bead edge rinse solution along a wafer edge following spin coating of the wafer with the metal based resist composition, wherein the edge bead solution comprises an organic solvent and an additive comprising a carboxylic acid, an inorganic fluorinated acid, a tetraalkylammonium compound, or a mixture thereof. Alternatively or additionally, the methods can comprise applying a protective composition to the wafer prior to performing an edge bead rinse. The protective composition can be a sacrificial material or an anti-adhesion material and can be applied only to the wafer edge or across the entire wafer in the case of the protective composition. Corresponding apparatuses for processing the wafers using these methods are presented.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to a device comprising a platform comprising a layer of a 2-dimensional material. The device further comprises a plurality of electrodes and one or more molecules arranged on the platform. The device is configured to apply control signals to the plurality of electrodes to position the molecules by means of an electric field. Embodiments of the invention further concern a corresponding method for fabricating such a device and a method for positioning molecules by such a device.

Abstract: Provided are a protein crystal device and method for crystallizing protein capable of generating protein crystal without imparting a heat effect, a protein crystal-cutting device and method for cutting protein crystal capable of cutting protein crystal without imparting a heat effect on protein crystal, and bubble-jetting member and protein-adsorbing-bubble-jetting member used in said device. A bubble-jetting member is used in a protein crystal device to jet bubbles into a protein solution to thereby allow protein crystals to be obtained, the bubble-jetting member comprising: a core formed of a conductive material; a shell part formed of an insulating material, including an extended section extending from the tip of the core, and in which at least a portion closely adheres to the core to cover the core; and a gap having a bubble-jetting port, the gap being formed between the extended section and the tip of the core.

Abstract: Methods and systems for rapid and efficient screening of monoclonal antibodies and antibody-secreting cells, and particularly of single antibody-secreting cells, for both primary and functional characteristics, and particularly cell to cell interactions, in a microfluidic system, in particular an inverted open microwell system, where the particle(s) is not bound to a substrate.