Abstract: The invention comprises two key components: dielectrophoresis (DEP) and reversible binding surfaces. DEP has become an important tool for trapping dielectric particles. Moreover, DEP can manipulate cell movement as dictated by the intrinsic dielectric constant of the cell without modification. DEP therefore provides a mechanism by which to force targets in a flow channel to a reversible binding surface. By building selectivity into the binding surface, the capacity to choose which targets can be held after the dielectric field is turned off, providing a separation strategy that does not suffer from fouling issues, as large foulants can freely pass over the surface through the flow channel.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a cell sorter including a measuring electrode, working electrode, detection electrode, and output section. The measuring electrode forms a measuring electric field in a flow path to measure a complex dielectric constant of each cells flowing through the flow path. The working electrode forms, in the flow path, a working electric field to sort the cells by imparting a dielectrophoretic force to the cells and using the flow path. The detection electrode detects the presence of the cell in the fluid flowing through the flow path. The output section acquires a sorting signal based on information about the measured complex dielectric constant and a detection signal indicating the detection of the cell by the detection electrode. The output section outputs a working signal adapted to form the working electric field to the working electrode when the detection signal is acquired if the sorting signal is acquired.

Abstract: A dielectrophoretic particle concentrator includes first substrate, detection electrodes, second substrate, protrudent structure and edge wall structures. The first substrate extends along first direction. The detection electrodes are disposed on the first substrate and extend along second direction. The second direction crosses the first direction. The second substrate is disposed over the first substrate and extends along the first direction. The protrudent structure is disposed on the second substrate and protruded towards the first substrate. A top portion of the protrudent structure includes a line-like structure extending along the second direction and adjacent to the detection electrodes. The edge wall structures are integrated with the first substrate and the second substrate, to form pipe-like structure to enable a fluid flowing through the protrudent structure from an end to another end.

Abstract: The present disclosure is drawn to traveling wave dielectrophoresis sensing devices and associated methods. In an example, a traveling wave dielectrophoresis sensing device can comprise an array of electromagnetic field enhancing nanostructures attached to the substrate, the electromagnetic field enhancing nanostructures including a metal; a plurality of conductive element electrically associated with the electromagnetic field enhancing nanostructures; and a controller for applying alternating and out of phase potential to the plurality of conductive elements to form traveling wave dielectrophoretic forces within the array.

Abstract: An active matrix electrowetting on dielectric (AM-EWOD) device includes a substrate electrode and a plurality of array elements, each array element including an array element electrode. The AM-EWOD device further includes thin film electronics disposed on a substrate. The thin film electronics includes first circuitry configured to supply a first time varying signal V1 to the array element electrodes, and second circuitry configured to supply a second time varying signal V2 to the substrate electrode. An actuation voltage is defined by a potential difference between V2 and V1, and the first circuitry further is configured to adjust the amplitude of V1 to adjust the actuation voltage. V1 may be adjusted to adjust the actuation voltage while V2 remains unchanged. The actuation voltage may be controlled to operate the AM-EWOD device between high and low voltage modes of operation in accordance with different droplet manipulation operations to be performed.

Abstract: A microelectrode sensing device includes a substrate and an array of microelectrode sensors. Each sensor includes a first conductive layer that at least partially conducts electricity. The first conductive layer is formed above the substrate and patterned to include a recording electrode that measures electrical activities of target cells. Each sensor also includes a second conductive layer that at least partially conducts electricity. The second conductive layer is elevated above the first layer and patterned to include multiple positioning electrodes arranged to define a sensing region above the recording electrode. The positioning electrodes are designed to generate an electric field pattern in the sensing region to move and confine the target cells to a sub-region of the sensing region that at least partially overlaps the recording electrode.

Abstract: Particle separation apparatus separate particles and particle populations using dielectrophoretic (DEP) forces generated by one or more pairs of electrically coupled electrodes separated by a gap. Particles suspended in a fluid are separated by DEP forces generated by the at least one electrode pair at the gap as they travel over a separation zone comprising the electrode pair. Selected particles are deflected relative to the flow of incoming particles by DEP forces that are affected by controlling applied potential, gap width, and the angle linear gaps with respect to fluid flow. The gap between an electrode pair may be a single, linear gap of constant gap, a single linear gap having variable width, or a be in the form of two or more linear gaps having constant or variable gap width having different angles with respect to one another and to the flow.

Abstract: Methods and related devices are illustrated for generating time-variable electric fields suitable for determining the creation of closed dielectrophoretic cages able to trap inside even single particles without the cages being necessarily positioned at relative minimum points of the electric field.

Abstract: Provided is a method for processing a sample, which method comprises: a) contacting a binding phase, which binding phase is capable of binding an analyte, with the sample in the presence of a medium; b) applying across the medium a first alternating field composed of a plurality of pulses and having a first frequency, a first pulse duration and a first pulse rise time; c) optionally applying across the medium a second alternating field; and d) thereby influencing the sample and/or the binding phase in the medium.

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

Abstract: The present invention 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 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 present invention provides control methods, control systems, and control software for microfluidic devices that operate by moving discrete micro-droplets through a sequence of determined configurations. Such microfluidic devices are preferably constructed in a hierarchical and modular fashion which is reflected in the preferred structure of the provided methods and systems. In particular, the methods are structured into low-level device component control functions, middle-level actuator control functions, and high-level micro-droplet control functions. Advantageously, a microfluidic device may thereby be instructed to perform an intended reaction or analysis by invoking micro-droplet control function that perform intuitive tasks like measuring, mixing, heating, and so forth. The systems are preferably programmable and capable of accommodating microfluidic devices controlled by low voltages and constructed in standardized configurations.

Abstract: Improved methods for the separation and isolation of bioactive polyelectrolytes, such as humic acid, fulvic acid, ulmic acid, and humin, from any one or a combination of naturally occurring or synthetically produced humified organic matter (HOM) are described. The methods involve the application of an electromagnetic field to an aqueous slurry of the HOM to thereby separate one or more bioactive polyelectrolyte fractions from the remaining of the HOM. Related systems and isolated bioactive polyelectrolyte fractions are also described.

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: An active matrix electrowetting on dielectric (AM-EWOD) device includes a plurality of array elements configured to manipulate one or more droplets of fluid on an array, each of the array elements including a corresponding array element circuit. Each array element circuit includes write circuitry configured to write data to the corresponding array element for controlling the manipulation of the droplets of fluid, and sensor circuitry configured to sense an impedance present at the corresponding array element. The sensor circuitry is configured to operate in one of a normal mode of sensitivity for detection of a droplet, or a high mode of sensitivity to detect an electric property of an array element hydrophobic surface. The sensor circuitry includes an active element, such as an active capacitor or active transistor, and a capacitance across the active element is different in the normal sensitivity mode as compared to the high sensitivity mode.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for the manipulation and/or control of the position of particles using time-variable fields of force; the fields of force can be of dielectrophoresis (positive or negative), electrophoresis, electrohydrodynamic or electrowetting on dielectric, possessing a set of stable points of equilibrium for the particles.

Abstract: A molecule trapping method includes forming a fluid bridge between a first reservoir and a second reservoir, translocating a molecule from the first reservoir to the second reservoir through the fluid bridge, detecting when a segment of the molecule is in the fluid bridge, breaking the fluid bridge and forming an a gap between the first and the second reservoirs, thereby trapping a segment of the molecule in the gap and making measurements on the segment of the molecule.

Abstract: A microfluidic optoelectronic tweezers (OET) device can comprise dielectrophoresis (DEP) electrodes that can be activated and deactivated by controlling a beam of light directed onto photosensitive elements that are disposed in locations that are spaced apart from the DEP electrodes. The photosensitive elements can be photodiodes, which can switch the switch mechanisms that connect the DEP electrodes to a power electrode between an off state and an on state.

Abstract: A graphene screening and separation method comprises the following steps. At least one pair of electrodes and an energy barrier layer is provided, wherein the pair of electrodes is a first electrode and a second electrode, and the energy barrier layer is formed on the first electrode. The pair of electrodes and the energy barrier layer are covered with a graphene suspension. When a graphene sheet in the graphene suspension materially couples the second electrode and the energy barrier layer and is located above the first electrode, a bias voltage between the first electrode and the second electrode of the pair of electrodes is changed and a corresponding tunneling current is measured. Screening and separation are performed by using differential conductance (i.e., the derivative of the tunneling current with respect to the bias voltage) of different layers of graphene.

Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems for separating a time-varying flow of disparate liquid-suspended particles through a channel using dielectrophoresis and field-flow fractionation.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method and apparatus that use an electric field for improved biological assays. The electric field is applied across a device having wells, which receive reactants, which carry a charge. The device thus uses a controllable voltage source between the first and second electrodes, which is controllable to provide a positive charge and a negative charge to a given electrode. By controlled use of the electric field charged species in a fluid in a fluid channel are directed into or out of the well by an electric field between the electrodes. The present method involves the transport of fluids, as in a microfluidic device, and the electric field-induced movement of reactive species according to various assay procedures, such as DNA sequencing, synthesis or the like.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and devices for dielectrokinetic chromatography. As disclosed, the devices comprise microchannels having at least one perturber which produces a non-uniformity in a field spanning the width of the microchannel. The interaction of the field non-uniformity with a perturber produces a secondary flow which competes with a primary flow. By decreasing the size of the perturber the secondary flow becomes significant for particles/analytes in the nanometer-size range. Depending on the nature of a particle/analyte present in the fluid and its interaction with the primary flow and the secondary flow, the analyte may be retained or redirected. The composition of the primary flow can be varied to affect the magnitude of primary and/or secondary flows on the particles/analytes and thereby separate and concentrate it from other particles/analytes.

Abstract: In one general aspect, an electrophoretic measurement method is disclosed that includes providing a vessel that holds a dispersant, providing a first electrode immersed in the dispersant, and providing a second electrode immersed in the dispersant. A sample is placed at a location within the dispersant between the first and second electrodes with the sample being separated from the electrodes, an alternating electric field is applied across the electrodes, and the sample is illuminated with temporally coherent light. A frequency shift is detected in light from the step of illuminating that has interacted with the sample during the step of applying an alternating electric field, and a property of the sample is derived based on results of the step of detecting.

Abstract: A device and a method for measuring microspheres are provided in which, in a microsphere measurement of a sample liquid in which blood or saliva exists mixedly with microorganisms (included in the definition of the microspheres in the application) that are the detection object, both a dielectrophoretic trap at a high solution electric conductivity, and a highly sensitive and accurate impedance measurement can be attained.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for separation of a sample of particle that includes at least first and second particles. The method can include generating a force field characterized by at least one point of stable equilibrium for the first and second particles. The method can further include moving the at least one point of stable equilibrium in a space and for at least one time interval with a speed substantially comparable to a speed of movement of the first particles, and substantially different from a speed of movement of the second particles.

Abstract: An apparatus for merging and mixing two droplets using electrostatic forces includes a substrate on which are disposed a first originating electrode, a center electrode, and a second originating electrode. The electrodes are disposed such that a first gap is formed between the first originating electrode and the center electrode and a second gap is formed between the second originating electrode and the center electrode. A dielectric material surrounds the electrodes on the substrate. A first droplet is deposited asymmetrically across the first gap, and a second droplet is deposited asymmetrically across the second gap. Voltage potentials are placed across the first gap and second gap, respectively, whereby each droplet is moved toward the other such that they collide together, causing the droplets to merge and mix, and causing oscillations within the collided droplet.

Abstract: A device comprises an electric field applying assembly adapted to generate an electric field having a discrete electric field profile; a conducting volume and an electrical interface region provided between the conducting volume and the electric field applying assembly such that the discrete electric field is applied to the material by the electric field applying assembly at a location spaced from the conducting volume, wherein the electrical interface region comprises at least an ionically conductive material arranged adjacent to an in contact with the conducting volume; such that the discrete electric field applied by the electric field applying assembly is smoothed by the electrical interface region so that the electric field profile established within the conducting volume is substantially continuous.

Abstract: A bio-chip adapted for separating and concentrating particles in a solution includes a chip body defining a receiving space therein for receiving the solution, an inner electrode disposed in the receiving space, an outer electrode unit disposed in the receiving space of the chip body and including a first outer electrode that is spaced apart from and surrounds the inner electrode, and a second outer electrode that is spaced apart from and surrounds the first outer electrode, and a power source electrically connected to the inner electrode, the first outer electrode, and the second outer electrode. A method for using the bio-chip to separating and concentrating the particles in the solution is also disclosed in the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for the characterization and/or the counting of particles by means of non uniform, time variable force fields and integrated optical or impedance meter sensors. The force fields can be of positive or negative dielectrophoresis, electrophoresis or electro-hydrodynamic motions, characterized by a set of stable equilibrium points for the particles (solid, liquid or gaseous); the same method is suitable for the manipulation of droplets (liquid particles) by exploiting effects known to the international scientific community with the name of Electro-wetting on dielectric.

Abstract: A microfluidic device, including a microfluidic network, including: a) two parallel plates each including one or more electrodes, b) at least one channel, arranged between the two plates, made from a material obtained by solidification or hardening of a material of a first fluid, and c) a mechanism varying a physical parameter of the material constituting walls of the channel so as to cause the material to pass at least from the liquid state to the solid state.

Abstract: The present invention relates to bead incubating and washing on a droplet actuator. Methods for incubating magnetically responsive beads that are labeled with primary antibody, a sample (i.e., analyte), and secondary reporter antibodies on a magnet, on and off a magnet, and completely off a magnet are provided. Also provided are methods for washing magnetically responsive beads using shape-assisted merging of droplets. Also provided are methods for shape-mediated splitting, transporting, and dispensing of a sample droplet that contains magnetically responsive beads. The apparatuses and methods of the invention provide for rapid time to result and optimum detection of an analyte in an immunoassay.

Abstract: Techniques, devices and systems are described for incorporating a printed circuit with a microfluidic device and wirelessly powering the microfluidic device. In one aspect, a microfluidic device includes a substrate with a fluidic channel to provide a path for a fluid with particles. The fluidic channel includes fluid inlet and outlet. A pair of electrodes near the inlet and the outlet guides the particles toward a center of the fluidic channel using negative-dielectrophoresis (DEP) effect in response to an alternating current (AC) frequency voltage received at the pairs of electrodes. Additional pairs of electrodes are disposed along a border of the fluidic channel between the pairs of electrodes near the inlet and the outlet of the fluidic channel to isolate a subpopulation of the particles using positive and negative DEP effects in response to AC voltages of different frequencies received at different ones of the additional pairs of electrodes.

Abstract: Devices and techniques are described that involve a combination of multidimensional electrokinetic, dielectrophoretic, electrophoretic and fluidic forces and effects for separating cells, nanovesicles, nanoparticulates and biomarkers (DNA, RNA, antibodies, proteins) in high conductance (ionic) strength biological samples and buffers. In disclosed embodiments, a combination of continuous and/or pulsed dielectrophoretic (DEP) forces, continuous and/or pulsed field DC electrophoretic forces, microelectrophoresis and controlled fluidics are utilized with arrays of electrodes. In particular, the use of chambered DEP devices and of a properly scaled relatively larger electrode array devices that combines fluid, electrophoretic and DEP forces enables both larger and/or clinically relevant volumes of blood, serum, plasma or other samples to be more directly, rapidly and efficiently analyzed. The invention enables the creation of “seamless” sample-to-answer diagnostic systems and devices.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for the manipulation and/or control of the position of particles using time-variable fields of force; the fields of force can be of dielectrophoresis (positive or negative), electrophoresis, electrohydrodynamic or electrowetting on dielectric, possessing a set of stable points of equilibrium for the particles.

Abstract: A dielectrophoresis (DEP) apparatus including a concentration gradient generating unit, a method of separating a target material in a sample solution using the DEP apparatus, and a method of screening the optimum condition for separating a target material are provided.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for concentrating particles (e.g., bacteria, viruses, cells, and nucleic acids) suspended in a liquid. Electric-field-induced forces urge the particles towards a first electrode immersed in the liquid. When the particles are in close proximity to (e.g., in contact with) the first electrode, the electrode is withdrawn from the liquid and capillary forces formed between the withdrawing electrode and the surface of the liquid immobilize the particles on the electrode. Upon withdrawal of the electrode from the liquid, the portion of the electrode previously immersed in the liquid has particles immobilized on its surface.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments provide systems and methods for concentrating, focusing and/or separating proteins using nanofluidic channels and/or their arrays. In embodiments, low-abundance proteins can be focused and separated with high resolution using separation techniques including isoelectric focusing (IEF), and/or dynamic field gradient focusing (DFGF) in combination with nanofluidic channels and/or multi-gate nanofluidic field-effect-transistors (FETs).

Abstract: The present invention refers to a droplet-based miniaturized device with on-demand droplet-trapping, -fusion, and -releasing. The device makes use of different electrical fields for directing droplets into microwells and releasing them from the same. In another aspect, the present invention refers to a system comprising such a microfluidic device and a method of operating it.

Abstract: A method of operating a portable biochemical testing apparatus is disclosed. The portable biochemical testing apparatus includes a light source module, a sample module, a photoconductive material layer, a touch module, and a control module. At least one sample is disposed in the sample module. The photoconductive material layer is disposed between the sample module and the light source module. The touch module generates a driving signal according to a touch action of the user to drive the light source module to emit a light. When the light is emitted to the photoconductive material layer, the photoconductive material layer will generate a photoelectric driving effect. The at least one sample is affected by the photoelectric driving effect and generates a change corresponding to the touch action.

Abstract: A microfluidic device and a method of controlling a fluid included in the microfluidic device. The microfluidic device includes: a chamber; a first fluid that is disposed in the chamber and in which a hygroscopic material is dissolved; a second fluid that is disposed in the chamber and is immiscible with the first fluid; and an electrode portion provide in the chamber and is configured to form an electrical field in the chamber when a voltage is applied to the electrode portion, wherein an interface between the first and second fluids is varied according to the electrical field.

Abstract: A dielectrophoresis apparatus for separating particles from a sample, including an apparatus body; a dielectrophoresis channel in the apparatus body, the dielectrophoresis channel having a central axis, a bottom, a top, a first side, and a second side; a first mesa projecting into the dielectrophoresis channel from the bottom and extending from the first side across the dielectrophoresis channel to the second side, the first mesa extending at an angle to the central axis of the dielectrophoresis channel; a first electrode extending along the first mesa; a second mesa projecting into the dielectrophoresis channel from the bottom and extending from the first side across the dielectrophoresis channel to the second side, the second mesa extending at an angle to the central axis of the dielectrophoresis channel; a space between at least one of the first electrode and the second side or the second electrode and the second side; and a gap between the first electrode and the second electrode.

Abstract: Methods are provided for concentrating particles on the surface of a drop or bubble in a continuous phase, for separating different types of particles, and for removing particles from the surface of the drop or bubble. The methods also facilitate separation of two types of particles on a drop or bubble, optionally followed by solidification of the drop and/or the continuous phase, for example to produce a particle for which the surface properties vary, such as a Janus particle. The methods can be also used to destabilize emulsions and foams by re-distributing or removing particles on the surface of the drop or bubble, facilitating coalescence of the particle-free drops or bubbles.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for moving and concentrating particles by applying an alternating driving field and an alternating field that alters mobility of the particles. The driving field and mobility-varying field are correlated with one another. The methods and apparatus may be used to concentrate DNA or RNA in a medium, for example. Methods and apparatus for extracting particles from one medium into another involve applying an alternating driving field that causes net drift of the particles from the first medium into the second medium but no net drift of the particles in the second medium.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for determining Clausius-Mossotti Factors ‘CMF’ of a solution of colloidal particles, comprising the following steps: putting said solution of colloidal particles (1) in contact with at least a pair of coplanar electrodes (3a, 3b) arranged on a substrate (5); placing colloidal particles in specific locations with reference to said electrodes; applying an AC electric field with an adapted dielectrophoretic ‘DEP’ frequency between each pair of electrodes, so that the colloidal particles move away from said specific locations by DEP forces, the motion of the colloidal particles being dictated by a DEP regime; determining velocities of the moving colloidal particles during the DEP regime, said velocities being determined along the electric field gradient direction; and calculating the CMF of said colloidal particles by using said velocities.

Abstract: The device comprises first and second contact pads having a contact surface. The first and second contact pads move with respect to one another between an ohmic contact position between these contact surfaces and another position. The device further comprises means for applying a non-uniform electric field around the first contact pad. The electric field has a component in a direction parallel to the contact surface of the first contact pad. A fluid with a first dielectric permittivity value is arranged between the first contact pad and the decontamination electrode. The decontamination device and the fluid are configured in such a way that the electric field generates a force directed towards the decontamination electrode on a contaminant, by dielectrophoresis.

Abstract: A method of manipulating a droplet comprising providing a substrate comprising a surface; an elongated transport electrode disposed on the substrate surface, the elongated transport electrode having a first and a second end and configured to impart a gradient force to the droplet; and one or more wires for providing power to the transport electrode; and providing power to the one or more wires to effect the gradient force and thereby transport the droplet along the length of the elongated transport electrode from the first end to the second end.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus providing improved fidelity and specificity when separating nucleic acids from a sample, but without need for amplification. In particular, using the disclosed methods, it is possible to isolate a variant nucleic acid (i.e., a mutation) from a non-target nucleic acid (i.e., a wild-type) when the variant is present in the original sample at a much lower concentration than the non-target, e.g., 1:10,000, without substantial loss of the variant.

Abstract: A dielectrophoresis apparatus for separating particles from a sample, including an apparatus body; a dielectrophoresis channel in the apparatus body, the dielectrophoresis channel having a central axis, a bottom, a top, a first side, and a second side; a first mesa projecting into the dielectrophoresis channel from the bottom and extending from the first side across the dielectrophoresis channel to the second side, the first mesa extending at an angle to the central axis of the dielectrophoresis channel; a first electrode extending along the first mesa; a second mesa projecting into the dielectrophoresis channel from the bottom and extending from the first side across the dielectrophoresis channel to the second side, the second mesa extending at an angle to the central axis of the dielectrophoresis channel; a space between at least one of the first electrode and the second side or the second electrode and the second side; and a gap between the first electrode and the second electrode.

Abstract: An optical image-driven light induced dielectrophoresis (DEP) apparatus and method are described which provide for the manipulation of particles or cells with a diameter on the order of 100 ?m or less. The apparatus is referred to as optoelectric tweezers (OET) and provides a number of advantages over conventional optical tweezers, in particular the ability to perform operations in parallel and over a large area without damage to living cells. The OET device generally comprises a planar liquid-filled structure having one or more portions which are photoconductive to convert incoming light to a change in the electric field pattern. The light patterns are dynamically generated to provide a number of manipulation structures that can manipulate single particles and cells or group of particles/cells. The OET preferably includes a microscopic imaging means to provide feedback for the optical manipulation, such as detecting position and characteristics wherein the light patterns are modulated accordingly.