Abstract: An intermediate transfer surface includes a substrate, a two-dimensional array of electrodes, a dielectric spacer layer on the two-dimensional array of electrodes, and a voltage controller electrically connected to the array of electrodes. A method of manufacturing an intermediate transfer surface, depositing an array of etch stops on a conductive surface, etching the conductive surface to form mesas of the conductive surface separated by gaps, and coating the mesas with a dielectric coating. A microassembly system includes an assembly surface having a first two dimensional array of potential wells on a first surface, a first voltage source electrically connected to the first array of potential wells, an intermediate transfer surface having a second two dimensional array of potential wells on a second surface arranged to face the first surface, and a second voltage source electrically connected to the second array of potential wells.

Abstract: An inspection device (1) inspects an amount of dielectric particles contained in a sample liquid. The inspection device includes a dielectric collection unit (3), a pump unit (10) and an AC voltage supply unit (11). The dielectric collection unit includes at least one pair of electrodes (41, 42) and a flow channel (13) extending in a predetermined direction on the pair of electrodes. The pump unit is configured to feed the sample liquid to follow the flow channel in the predetermined direction. The AC voltage supply unit is configured to supply, to the pair of electrodes, an AC voltage with a predetermined frequency to cause dielectrophoresis for dielectric particles in the fed sample liquid. The dielectric collection unit includes a plurality of slit regions (Rs) aligned in the predetermined direction between the pair of electrodes. Each of the plurality of slit regions is separated from each other within the flow channel.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a reagent cartridge configured for use in an automated multi-module cell processing environment.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatuses, systems, and methods for programmable fluidic processors. In one embodiment, the invention involves manipulating droplets across a reaction surface of the processor substantially contact-free of any surfaces. The reaction surface and the electrodes of the processor may include a coating repelling the droplets. Further, the present invention provides for a suitable suspending medium for repelling droplets away from fixed surfaces.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a reagent cartridge configured for use in an automated multi-module cell processing environment.

Abstract: A system for operating an electrokinetic device includes a support configured to hold and operatively couple with the electrokinetic device, an integrated electrical signal generation subsystem configured to apply a biasing voltage across a pair of electrodes in the electrokinetic device, and a light modulating subsystem configured to emit structured light onto the electrokinetic device. The system can further include a thermally controlled flow controller, and/or be configured to measure impedance across the electrokinetic device. The system can be a light microscope, including an optical train. The system can further include a light pipe, which can be part of the light modulating subsystem, and which can be configured to supply light of substantially uniform intensity to the light modulating subsystem or directly to the optical train.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a reagent cartridge configured for use in an automated multi-module cell processing environment.

Abstract: Example methods, apparatus, systems for diluting samples are disclosed. An example method includes depositing a first fluid droplet on a first electrode of a plurality of electrodes. The first electrode has a first area. The first fluid droplet has a first volume associated with the first area. The example method includes depositing a second fluid droplet on a second electrode of the plurality of electrodes. The second electrode has a second area. The second fluid droplet has a second volume associated with the second area. The second volume is different than the first volume. The example method includes forming a combined droplet by selectively activating at least one of the first electrode or the second electrode to cause one of the first fluid droplet or the second fluid droplet to merge with the other of the first fluid droplet or the second fluid droplet.

Abstract: Provided is a sensing apparatus comprising a chip for integrated amplification and sequencing of a template polynucleotide in a sample. The apparatus comprises a chip with at least one ISFET in a well or chamber, amplification means for amplifying the template polynucleotide on a surface of said chip and comprising at least one heating means suitable for conducting amplification of the template polynucleotide at temperatures elevated with respect to room temperature, and sequencing means for sequencing the amplified template polynucleotide in said well or chamber. Methods of use are also provided.

Abstract: There is described herein methods and devices for confining and/or manipulating molecules. At least one molecule is introduced into a fluidic chamber. The fluidic chamber is formed inside a device comprising at least one first electrode having a first surface spaced from at least one second electrode having a second surface facing the first surface. The at least one second electrode has a plurality of dielectric structures arranged to form openings along the second surface. At least one electrical signal is applied across the at least one first electrode and the at least one second electrode to generate a non-uniform electric field having electric field lines extending from the first surface of the at least one first electrode to the second surface of the at least one second electrode in the openings formed between the dielectric structures. The at least one electrical signal has a frequency level causing the at least one molecule to move inside the fluidic chamber in accordance with a predetermined movement.

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: Non-centrifugal methods for generating a solution rich in interleukin-1 receptor antagonist from a tissue comprising cytokine-producing cells. The solution rich in IL-1ra can also include at least one of sTNF-RI, sTNF-RII, IGF-I, EGF, HGF, PDGF-AB, PDGF-BB, VEGF, TGF-?1, and sIL-1 RII.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an oxidation electrode includes: a collector; an oxidation catalyst formed on the collector; and a modified organic molecule which is bonded to the surface of the oxidation catalyst, and comprises a cationic functional group.

Abstract: A device for trapping at least one microparticle in a fluid flow is suggested. The device comprises a trapping element and an electrode. The trapping element is configured for trapping the at least one microparticle and has at least one recess for receiving the at least one microparticle. The electrode is configured for generating an asymmetric electric field. In operation, at least one microparticle of a plurality of microparticles passing through the asymmetric electric field is forced into the at least one recess of the trapping element.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and test kits for detecting and quantifying an analyte level in a biological fluid sample using impedance measurements, are disclosed. The fluid sample is applied to a lateral flow strip, and impedance of the strip is measured as the assay dries. Analysis of the drying-dependent impedance measurements indicates the presence and quantity of the analyte in the fluid sample.

Abstract: An integrated fluidic circuit has a supporting surface that carries a first fluid to be moved at a first functional region; a dielectric structure, defining the supporting surface; and an electrode structure, coupled to the dielectric structure for generating an electric field at the first functional region, such as to modify electrowetting properties of the interface between the first fluid and the supporting surface. The dielectric structure has a first spatially variable dielectric profile at the first functional region, thus determining a corresponding spatially variable profile of the electric field, and, consequently, of the electrowetting properties of the interface between the first fluid and the supporting surface. The integrated fluidic circuit may achieve mixing between the first fluid and a second fluid.

Abstract: The procedure of dielectric electrophoresis (dielectrophoresis or DEP) utilizes field-polarized particles that move under the application of positive (attractive) and/or negative (repulsive) applied forces. This invention uses negative dielectric electrophoresis (negative dielectrophoresis or nDEP) within a microchannel separation apparatus to make particles move (detached) or remain stationary (attached). In an embodiment of the present invention, the nDEP force generated was strong enough to detach Ag-Ab (antigen-antibody) bonds, which are in the order of 400 pN (piconewtons) while maintaining the integrity of the system components.

Abstract: A microchannel for processing microparticles in a fluid flow comprises a first and second pairs of electrodes. The first pair of electrodes is configured for generating an asymmetric first electric field and for sorting the microparticles to provide sorted microparticles. The second pair of electrodes is configured for generating an asymmetric second electric field and for trapping at least some of the sorted microparticles.

Abstract: There is provided a microparticle analysis apparatus including a sample channel configured to receive liquid containing a plurality of microparticles, a first pair of electrodes configured to form an alternating electric field in at least a part of the sample channel, a measuring part configured to measure impedance between the first pair of electrodes, an analyzing part configured to calculate property values of the microparticles from the impedance measured in the measuring part, and a determining part configured to determine whether data of the impedance measured in the measuring part is derived from the microparticles.

Abstract: An inverted microwell (102) provides rapid and efficient microanalysis system (100) and method for screening of biological particles (128), particularly functional analysis of cells on a single cell basis. The use of an inverted open microwell system (102) permits identification of particles, cells, and biomolecules that may be combined to produce a desired functional effect also functional screening of secreted antibody therapeutic activity as well as the potential to recover cells and fluid, and optionally expand cells, such as antibody secreting cells, within the same microwell.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an electrochemical process for water splitting for production of oxygen using porous Co3O4 nanorods with a considerably low overpotential and high exchange current density. The present invention further discloses a simple, industrially feasible process of for preparation of said nanostructured porous cobalt oxide catalyst thereof.

Abstract: The present invention generally pertains to a system for performing injection of multiple substantially controlled volumes into or out of a droplet, and methods and kits comprising the same. The system of the present invention comprises at least one microfluidic channel, one or more injection channels, an injection inlet associated with each of the one or more injection channels, and a mechanism for disrupting an interface between a droplet and a fluid and/or emulsion, wherein the at least one microfluidic channel comprises one or more droplets are flowing therein, and wherein each of the one or more injection channels comprises at least one fluid and/or emulsion therein.

Abstract: A particle separating apparatus and method are provided, which pass a fluid sample such as blood through a filter to remove foreign matter, and separate target particles by using a MOFF channel, and re-separate the separated target particles through dielectrophoresis. The particle separating apparatus includes a MOFF (Multi Orifice Flow Fractionation) channel including a multi orifice segment through which a fluid sample passes to discharge a primarily separated material that are target particles separated from the fluid sample, through a central passage; a dielectrophoresis channel including a pair of electrodes to which AC power is applied and forming an electric field in a flow channel connected to the central passage of the MOFF channel to re-separate the target particles from the primarily separated material discharged from the central passage of the MOFF channel through dielectrophoresis.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides apparatuses and methods for analyzing the presence of a target analyte. The apparatuses and methods of the present disclosure can be operated in a multiplexed format to perform various assays of clinical significance.

Abstract: A computerized method for designing a discrete droplet microfluidic system: (a) provides an initial set of droplet based networks; (b) codes each droplet based network into a data structure such that all the data structures form a current set of data structures; (c) creates new data structures by performing one or more genetic operators on the current set of data structures; (d) adds new data structures to the current set of data structures; (e) creates a new set of data structures that satisfies one or more design parameters; (f) replaces the current set of data structures with the new set of data structures; (g) repeats steps (c), (d), (e) and (f) until the new set of data structures has been created a third number of times; and (h) displays/outputs the current set of data structures as possible designs for the discrete droplet microfluidic system to one or more output devices.

Abstract: A cell sorting apparatus includes a flow channel through which fluid including cells flows, an electric-field application section capable of applying an electric field having a gradient in a direction different from the flowing direction of the fluid at a first position on the flow channel in accordance with a cell sorting signal requesting an operation to sort the cells, and a flow splitting section configured to split the cells changing their flowing directions due to a dielectrophoretic force caused by application of the electric field at a second position on the downstream side of the first position on the flow channel.

Abstract: A miniaturized electrophoresis device with integrated electrochemical detection for detecting target molecules by electrochemical separation. The miniaturized electrophoresis device with integrated electrochemical detection includes a planar member having a top side and made of an inert substrate; and unit cells integrated and adjacently arranged consecutively upon the top side of the planar member and connectable to a power source to effect an electric potential across the unit cells to separate ionic target molecules from a solution deposited upon the planar member increasing signal to noise ratio.

Abstract: The combined value of integrating optical forces and electrokinetics allows for the pooled separation vectors of each to be applied, providing for separation based on combinations of features such as size, shape, refractive index, charge, charge distribution, charge mobility, permittivity, and deformability. The interplay of these separation vectors allow for the selective manipulation of analytes with a finer degree of variation. Embodiments include methods of method of separating particles in a microfluidic channel using a device comprising a microfluidic channel, a source of laser light focused by an optic into the microfluidic channel, and a source of electrical field operationally connected to the microfluidic channel via electrodes so that the laser light and the electrical field to act jointly on the particles in the microfluidic channel. Other devices and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: Contemplated methods and devices are drawn to preparation and analysis of analytes from biological samples. In a preferred embodiment the analytes are nucleic acids that are both released from biological compartment present in the sample and fragmented through the use of a voltage potential applied to a pair of electrodes. The nucleic acids thus prepared are subsequently characterized.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a microfluidic device (1) for performing physical, chemical or biological treatment to at least one packet without contamination.

Abstract: Provided is a sorting apparatus including: a flow channel device including a flow channel through which a fluid including particles flows and an operation electrode portion that causes a dielectrophoretic force to act on the particles in the flow channel; and a controller configured to detect characteristics of the particles flowing through the flow channel, generate a voltage signal by a pulse modulation using a square pulse based on the detected characteristics of the particles, and output the voltage signal to the operation electrode portion.

Abstract: A device for transporting, trapping and escaping a single biomaterial using a magnetic structure, and a method of transporting, trapping and escaping of the single biomaterial using the same are provided, and a method is provided for controlling movement and direction of the single biomaterial including soft magnetic micro structure and magnetic structure in a linear, square storage, apartment type, radial soft magnetic micro structure. Accordingly, the device for transporting, trapping and escaping a single biomaterial and the method for transporting, trapping and escaping single biomaterial using the same can control movement on the lap-on-a-chip with increased precision and ease, by using magnetic force, and thus can be advantageously used in the field of magneto-resistive sensor, or categorization of single cells or biomolecules.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a method which allows separation of nucleated fetal cells, particularly fetal erythroblasts, from maternal peripheral blood. More specifically the invention relates to a non-invasive method which can isolate and provide intact nucleated fetal cells, and is useful for subsequent chromosome, gene expression and protein investigations, and is feasible at ail gestational ages.

Abstract: The present invention includes methods, devices and systems for isolating a nucleic acid from a fluid comprising cells. In various aspects, the methods, devices and systems may allow for a rapid procedure that requires a minimal amount of material and/or results in high purity nucleic acid isolated from complex fluids such as blood or environmental samples.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the separation of a polarizable bioparticle comprising the steps: a) dielectrophoretic preseparation of a polarizable bioparticle from a suspension of bioparticles; b) fluidic separation of the selected bioparticle by fixing the bioparticle in a dielectrophoretic field cage and circulating fluid around the bioparticle; c) transferring the separated bioparticle from the dielectrophoretic field cage to a culture chamber; d) dielectrophoretic fixing of the separated bioparticle in the culture chamber and study, observation, manipulation and/or culturing of the separated bioparticle. The invention further relates to a microfluidic system and use thereof.

Abstract: In one implementation, a microfluidic device based on optical trapping of particles is disclosed to include a substrate structured to include a fluidic channel which can carry a fluid having particles; and an optical waveguide loop formed on the substrate to include one or more waveguide sections that reside within the fluidic channel, an input optical port for the optical waveguide to receive an input optical beam, and an optical power splitter coupled to the optical waveguide loop to split the received input optical beam into two counter-propagating optical beams that prorogate in the optical waveguide loop in opposite directions and interfere with each other to form standing optical waves in at least the one or more waveguide sections that reside within the fluidic channel to optically trap particles at or near a surface of the one or more waveguide sections that reside within the fluidic channel.

Abstract: This dielectrophoretic micro cell chromatography device with concentric electrodes and spiral microfluidic channels, produced according to MEMS technology subject to this invention; is composed of 4 groups of effect electrodes, inlet electrodes, spiral zone and central span, having exterior upper electrode (1), interior sub electrode with 3D geometry (2), upper inlet electrode (3), sub inlet electrode (4), spiral zone (5), central span (6), constant reading point and Insulating wafer (7) as the main components.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for microfluidic processing by programmably manipulating a packet. A material is introduced onto a reaction surface and compartmentalized to form a packet. A position of the packet is sensed with a position sensor. A programmable manipulation force is applied to the packet at the position. The programmable manipulation force is adjustable according to packet position by a controller. The packet is programmably moved according to the programmable manipulation force along arbitrarily chosen paths.

Abstract: A method of creating a structure on an electrode includes exposing an electrode to a solution containing a polymerizable monomer and particles and applying an AC voltage to the electrode so as to induce positive DEP on the particles and to draw the particles toward the electrode. An offset voltage is applied to the electrode (which can be DC or AC) to form an electrically conductive polymer thereon from the polymerizable monomer, wherein the particles are entrapped on or within the polymer.

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

Abstract: One or more semiconductor devices and array arrangements and methods of formation are provided. A semiconductor device includes an ion sensing device and a heating element proximate the ion sensing device. The ion sensing device has an active region, including a source, a drain, and a channel, the channel situated between the source and the drain. The ion sensing device also has an ion sensing film situated over the channel, and an ion sensing region over the ion sensing film. Responsive to a temperature sensed by a thermal sensor proximate the ion sensing device, the heating element is selectively activated to alter a temperature of the ion sensing region to promote desired operation of the semiconductor device, such as to function as a bio sensor. Multiple semiconductor devices can be formed into an array.

Abstract: This invention relates to microfluidics apparatus and methods for particle concentration in sensors for sensing biological entities such as cells, spores and the like. We describe a microfluidic sensor for sensing biological particles including a particle concentration device for performing concentration of particles in three dimensions. The sensor device comprises a substrate bearing a microfluidic channel or chamber for carrying a conductive fluid bearing the particles. The channel has: first and second electrodes spaced apart on the channel or chamber for defining an electric field therebetween, and a sensing surface on an inner surface of the channel or chamber.

Abstract: Provided is an electronic microparticle, including a first copolymer copolymerized from a first monomer and a second monomer or a second copolymer copolymerized from the first monomer, the second monomer and a third monomer. The first monomer includes an alkenyl group and excludes a sulfonic group, a carboxylic group, a hydroxyl group and an amino group. The second monomer includes an alkenyl group and further includes a sulfonic group or a carboxylic group. The third monomer includes an alkenyl group and further includes a hydroxyl group or an amino group. Either the first monomer or the second monomer has a ratio of the repeating units of the first monomer to the repeating units of the second monomer between about 200:1 and 20:1. In addition, an addition agent and a filtering membrane which include the electronic microparticle illustrated above are provided.

Abstract: Provided is an aperture adjusting apparatus for adjusting an aperture through which light transmits. The aperture adjusting apparatus includes: a chamber configured to have space in which fluid flows, the chamber including a lower channel, an upper channel, and a plurality of reservoir regions connecting the lower channel and the upper channel and each having a non-uniform width crossing a flow direction of a fluid to form a space in which fluid flows; a photo-interceptive first fluid and a photo-transmissive second fluid having a property that the photo-transmissive second fluid does not mix with the first fluid and that are prepared in the chamber; and a first electrode unit in which one or more electrodes to which a voltage is applied are arrayed to form an electric field in the chamber, wherein an aperture through which light transmits is adjusted by a location change of an interface between the first fluid and the second fluid according to the electric field.

Abstract: Systems, including apparatus and methods, for performing assays. These systems may involve separating sample components by partitioning them into droplets or other partitions, amplifying or otherwise reacting the components within the droplets, detecting the amplified components, or characteristics thereof, and/or analyzing the resulting data, among others.

Abstract: A reconfigurable modular microfluidic system for preparation of a biological sample including a series of reconfigurable modules for automated sample preparation adapted to selectively include a) a microfluidic acoustic focusing filter module, b) a dielectrophoresis bacteria filter module, c) a dielectrophoresis virus filter module, d) an isotachophoresis nucleic acid filter module, e) a lyses module, and f) an isotachophoresis-based nucleic acid filter.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for separating an analyte from a test sample, such as bacteria from blood components, based on their dielectric properties, localizing or condensing the analyte, flushing substantially all remaining waste products from the test sample, and detecting low concentrations of the analyte. Species movement is caused by a module array imparting opposing dielectrophoretic forces. The module array includes a plurality of microfluidic channels with connecting microfluidic waste channels for directing undesired material away from the analyte. An electric field is applied causing a positive dielectrophoretic force to the analyte to capture the analyte. The Clausius-Mossotti factor of the analyte is changed by flushing the analyte with a reference solution, which causes a negative dielectrophoretic force to facilitate release of the analyte. A field effect nanowire or nanoribbon sensor detects the analyte after capture.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for the manipulation of a polarizable object with a pair of elongated nanoelectrodes using dielectrophoresis. The nanoelectrodes can be carbon nanotubes and are coupled with one or more time-varying voltage sources to create an electric field gradient in a gap between the nanotubes. The gradient induces the movement of a polarizable object in proximity with the field. The nanotube pair can be used to trap a single polarizable object in the gap. A method of fabricating a nanoelectrode dielectrophoretic system is also provided. Applications extend to self-fabricating nanoelectronics, nanomachines, nanochemistry and nanobiochemistry. A nanoelectrode dielectrophoretic system having an extended nanoelectrode for use in applications including the self-fabrication of a nanowire, as well as methods for fabricating the same, are also provided.

Abstract: A method for separating charged particles in a liquid sample is disclosed. The method includes the steps of driving the liquid sample containing a plurality of charged particles to flow, forming a non-uniform electric field in the direction relative to the flow direction of the liquid sample by two electrodes, and aggregating the charged particles under the non-uniform electric field so as to separating the charged particles from the liquid sample. When the liquid sample flows through the non-uniform electric field, it doesn't contact to the electrodes. A device and its manufacturing method for separating charged particles in a liquid sample are also disclosed. Accordingly, the charged particles can be separated from the liquid sample easily and more effectively.

Abstract: The present invention provides a microfluidic devices and methods of use thereof for the concentration and capture of cells. A pulsed non-Faradaic electric field is applied relative to a sample under laminar flow, which results to the concentration and capture of charged analyte. Advantageously, pulse timing is selected to avoid problems associated with ionic screening within the channel. At least one of the electrodes within the channel is coated with an insulating layer to prevent a Faradaic current from flowing in the channel. Under pulsed application of a unipolar voltage to the electrodes, charged analyte within the sample is moved towards one of the electrodes via a transient electrophoretic force.