Abstract: The invention relates to a sensing system comprising an electrowetting device, which electrowetting device comprises an array of actuation electrodes, and a control system configures to perform droplet operations on a system of droplets present in the sensing system. The invention also relates to a method of operating the sensing system of the invention. The invention also provides novel droplet constructs which can be made and manipulated in the sensing system of the invention.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a micro-fluidic chip, and belongs to the field of chip technology. The microfluidic chip provided in the present disclosure includes a plurality of microfluidic units, each microfluidic unit includes an operation region and a transition region located on at least one side of the operation region, the transition regions at adjacent side of two adjacent microfluidic units are disposed opposite to each other. Each microfluidic unit includes: a first substrate; a first electrode layer disposed on the first substrate, the first electrode layer including a plurality of first sub-electrodes located in the operation region and at least one second sub-electrode located in the transition region, and the at least one second sub-electrode configured to drive a droplet to move from one of the plurality of microfluidic units to an adjacent microfluidic unit.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides electrophoretic systems, methods and compositions for spatial analysis, which can serve to magnify or demagnify spatial resolution of analytes of interest that are captured using electrophoresis. Some implementations can use a diverging or converging electric field in an electrophoretic capture system. Such a divergent or convergent electric field, as opposed to a parallel electric field, can be generated by, for example, utilizing different sizes of electrodes associated with or imbedded in substrates. Also provided herein are electrophoretic systems, methods and compositions for spatial analysis, which can serve to selectively migrate one or more analytes from a region of interest in the biological sample for capture using electrophoresis.

Abstract: A reaction processor includes: a reaction processing vessel; a first optical head including a first objective lens OB1 for irradiating a sample with first excitation light and collecting first fluorescence generated from the sample; a second optical head including a second objective lens for irradiating a sample with second excitation light and collecting second fluorescence generated from the sample; and a holding member holding the first optical head and the second optical head. The wavelength range of the first fluorescence and the wavelength range of the second excitation light at least partially overlap with each other. A distance between the optical axis of the first objective lens and the optical axis of the second objective lens satisfies 2·P0+2·P1+4·P2+4·P3<P, P0=L·NA/?(1?NA2), P1=t1·NA/?(n12?NA2), P2=t2·NA/?(1?NA2), and P3=t3·NA/?(n32?NA2).

Abstract: An electrowetting system for actuating droplets of a first composition and of a second composition. The system includes: a plurality of electrodes configured to manipulate droplets of fluid in a microfluidic space, each electrode being coupled to circuitry which applies driving voltages to the electrode; and a processing unit operably connected to a look up table correlating drive sequences to chemical species and at least one composition parameter. The processing unit is configured to: receive data of a first chemical species and a first composition parameter of the first composition; receive data of a second chemical species and a second composition parameter of the second composition; correlate a first drive sequence with the first chemical species and the first composition parameter; correlate a second drive sequence with the second chemical species and the second composition parameter; and output the first drive sequence and the second drive sequence to the electrodes.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a scalable concentration device and method of use thereof based on electrokinetics.

Abstract: Provided is a particle sorting kit provided with a sample accommodation unit that accommodates a sample liquid containing particles, a microchip provided with a sample flow path through which the sample liquid flows and a sorting flow path in which target particles are sorted from the sample liquid, and a filter unit provided with a filter and a tapered portion that decreases a flow path diameter in a flow direction downstream of the filter.

Abstract: Disclosed are a blood analysis system, a blood analyzer, a blood analysis method and a storage medium. The blood analysis method includes: acquiring at least two types of optical signals of a test sample derived from a blood sample, wherein red blood cells in the test sample are lysed, blood cells in the test sample are stained by a fluorescence dye, and the at least two types of optical signals include scattered light signals and/or fluorescent signals; generating a scattergram based on the at least two types of optical signals; identifying a preset region in the scattergram based on the at least two types of optical signals; and acquiring detection data of a platelet subpopulation based on the preset region.

Abstract: A pipette dispenser vision system and method are disclosed. For example, a pipette dispenser vision system is provided for tracking pipettes with respect to dispensing liquid into target fluid wells, vessels, and/or reservoirs. The presently disclosed pipette dispenser vision system may include, for example, a computing device, a red/green/blue (RGB) imaging device, an infrared (IR) imaging device, an IR illumination source, and an IR sensor; all arranged with respect to, for example, a single-channel and/or a multi-channel pipette for dispensing liquid into a dispensing platform. Further, a method of using the presently disclosed pipette dispenser vision system is provided. For example, the method processes image data from the RGB imaging device and/or the IR imaging device to monitor/verify certain operations of the pipetting process and/or dispensing platform.

Abstract: A planar separation component for gas chromatograph includes a substrate made of aluminum, a porous anodic aluminum oxide separation member, and a cover unit. The substrate has a planar body, and a first flow channel having a first inlet and a first outlet. The separation member is formed on the substrate, and has a channel-defining wall defining the first flow channel and a plurality of nanosized pores in spatial communication with the first flow channel. The cover unit is bonded to the planar body for covering the first flow channel. Methods for manufacturing the planar separation component and separating a mixture containing compounds different in boiling point using the planar separation component are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a DNA sequencing method. The DNA sequencing method of this invention comprises: (1) adding a tag sequence at the 3? terminus of the DNA to be sequenced so as to form a DNA to be sequenced including the tag sequence, the nucleotide sequence of said tag sequence being the reverse complement of the nucleotide sequence of the sequencing primer; (2) mixing the DNA to be sequenced including the tag sequence and the sequencing primer so as to form a product having a 5? terminus double strand and a single main strand; (3) after step (2) is completed, the product is mixed separately with dATP, dCTP, dTTP, and dGTP to obtain four systems, each system is separately added to a single-molecule device modified by a DNA polymerase, and electric signals are read. Experiments verify that the method of this invention performs DNA sequencing and has important application value.

Abstract: A method for separating a target substance includes: forming a mixture containing: a target substance-magnetic particle complex that includes: a sample containing a target substance, and magnetic particles to which a first receptor is fixed, wherein the first receptor is adapted to specifically recognize a site of the target substance; and separating the target substance-magnetic particle complex from the mixture by magnetism and electrophoresis.

Abstract: A process of determining a modified separation method for a sample separation apparatus based on an initial separation method, including carrying out the initial separation method on a sample separation apparatus, detecting sensor data at the sample separation apparatus during carrying out the initial separation method, and carrying out a numerical analysis for determining the modified separation method by modifying at least one operation parameter of the initial separation method and by using the detected sensor data.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sample cartridge for incubating and/or analyzing a dispersion of particles, cells or droplets and/or for performing biochemical reactions with or in such dispersion. The present invention furthermore relates to a device for incubating a dispersion of particles, cells or droplets and/or for performing a biochemical reaction therewith. Moreover, the present invention also relates to the use of a sample cartridge or of a device for generating and/or processing a dispersion of particles, cells or droplets. Moreover, the present invention relates to a method of processing a dispersion of particles, cells or droplets. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method of generating a dispersion of droplets and to a method of generating a dispersion of solid or semi-solid particles.

Abstract: A well plate for measuring an analyte in a sample is disclosed. The well plate includes at least a first, a second, and a third electrode. The first electrode has a higher sensitivity to a first analyte than the second and third electrodes. The second electrode has a higher sensitivity to a second analyte than the first and third electrodes.

Abstract: The subject of the present invention is the sensor for the impedance measurements of the biological or chemical factor sample in the potentiostat system comprising the reference electrode RE and counting electrode CE with the electric contacts leading to the edge of the sensor in the form of the edge connector characterised in that it contains n working electrodes WEn, wherein n>2 and preferably n is in the range 2 to 256, and the reference electrode RE is common for all working electrodes WEn and the fragment thereof present by the working electrode WEn forms the measuring segment RE-CE-WEn. The subject of the invention is also the detection method of the chemical or biological factor in the sample using such a sensor.

Abstract: Aiming at achievement of timely installation of the cartridge, sequential execution of the pretreatment process in the order of installation of the cartridge, and individual shifting of the process to the electrophoresis process upon completion of the pretreatment process, the electrophoresis device according to the present invention includes a plurality of capillaries each filled with a separation medium, a thermostat chamber for holding the capillaries at a predetermined temperature, an irradiation detector which executes light irradiation and detection in an electrophoresis process using the capillaries, a high voltage power supply unit for voltage application to the capillaries, a liquid feeding mechanism for feeding the separation medium to the capillaries, and an autosampler for conveying containers each holding a reagent or a sample to the capillary. The voltage application to the capillaries by the high voltage power supply unit is controlled for each of the capillaries.

Abstract: A glazing unit with electrically controllable optical properties having multiple independent switching regions includes a laminated glass pane with an electrically controllable functional element and a control unit to control the optical properties of the functional element. The functional element has an active layer with electrically controllable optical properties between a first planar electrode and a second planar electrode. The first planar electrode is subdivided by at least one insulation line into at least two separate electrode segments, wherein a voltage is applicable independently between each electrode segment of the first planar electrode and the second planar electrode in order to control the optical properties of the section of the active layer located between them. The control unit is adapted to apply an AC voltage between at least two electrode segments of the first planar electrode and the second planar electrode, wherein the AC voltages are phase-shifted.

Abstract: The present application relates to a photon measuring and reading device, which belongs to the field of detection equipment, including a mounting seat and a photon counter. The photon counter can move up and down on the mounting seat. The mounting seat is provided with a vertically arranged sliding trough, and the photon counter is provided with a sliding rod slidably connected with the sliding trough. A double head motor is arranged on the mounting base, and a linkage mechanism is arranged between the output shaft at the tail end of the double head motor and the sliding rod. The bottom end of the photon counter is fixed with a box body.

Abstract: An active matrix electrowetting on dielectric (AM-EWoD) device including a substrate with thin-film transistors (TFT), a dielectric layer, and a spatially variable wettability layer covering the dielectric layer. As depicted herein, the spatially variable wettability layer may include a plurality of portions having different contact angles, one or more contact angle gradients, or both.

Abstract: A liquid lens comprising: a lens body including a cavity, a control electrode, and a common electrode; a first liquid disposed within the cavity and in electrical communication with the common electrode; a second liquid disposed within the cavity; an insulating layer in contact with the first liquid and the second liquid and separating the first liquid and the second liquid from the control electrode; and a driver driving a voltage differential across the common electrode and the control electrode, with the first liquid resisting current flow between the common electrode and the control electrode and thereby raising a temperature of the first liquid from a current temperature to a predetermined temperature, which is higher than the current temperature. The driver raises the temperature of the first liquid from the current temperature to the predetermined temperature by increasing a frequency of a voltage waveform of the voltage differential.

Abstract: Described are methods and devices that can accelerate the process and quantify the parameters for bio/chemical material samples. In some embodiments, a QMAX (Q: quantification; M: magnifying; A: adding reagents; X: acceleration) device having two or more electrodes capable of accelerating the electrical measurement process of the samples. In addition, the electrical measurement technology of the QMAX device enables for extraction, separation, and purification of sample components, such as but not limited to nucleic acids. In some embodiments, the QMAX device includes a plate for hosting a small sensing chip to facilitate a bio/chemical sensing of the sensing chip.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a biochemical detection instrument. The technical solution is an automatic reactive oxygen species content detection system suitable for a cell microenvironment that includes: a sample transmission reaction system and a detection system which are communicated in sequence through a light avoiding pipeline. A washing system is in communication with the sample transmission reaction system through a water pipeline, and a purge system is in communication with the sample transmission reaction system through a gas pipeline. The sample transmission reaction system further includes a sample injector and a DCFH supply bin which are communicated with a reaction bin through light avoiding pipelines after being connected in parallel. Sample injection valves are respectively configured between the sample injection valve and the reaction bin and between the DCFH supply bin and the reaction bin.

Abstract: A method is provided for producing a vortex ring in a liquid medium. The method includes concatenating pairs of insulated anode and cathode rings into a stack; inserting the stack into a vertically oriented chamber; disposing a cylindrical cavity below the chamber; inserting a piston into the cavity; connecting the chamber to the medium; and raising the piston to displace the medium while the stack produces an annular bubble that induces the vortex ring. In particular, the medium is water and the stack separates the medium into hydrogen and oxygen gas.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a plurality of microdroplets from a droplet includes a substrate, a dielectric layer on the substrate and having a plurality of hydrophilic surface regions spaced apart from each other by a hydrophobic surface, and a plurality of electrodes covered by the dielectric layer. The electrodes are configured to form an electric field across the droplet in response to voltages provided by a control circuit to move the droplet across the dielectric layer in a lateral direction while leaving portions of the droplet on the hydrophilic surface regions to form the plurality of microdroplets on the hydrophilic surface regions.

Abstract: A method for driving electro-optic displays including electro-optic material disposed between a common electrode and a backplane. The backplane includes an array of pixel electrodes, each coupled to a transistor. A display controller applies waveforms to the pixel electrodes. The method includes applying first measurement waveforms to a first portion of the pixel electrodes. During each frame of the first measurement waveforms, the same time-dependent voltages are applied to each pixel electrode of the first portion of pixel electrodes. The method includes determining the impedance of the electro-optic material in proximity to the first portion of pixel electrodes based on a measurement of the current flowing through a current measurement circuit and the time-dependent voltages applied to each pixel electrode during the first measurement waveforms, and selecting driving waveforms based on the impedance of the electro-optic material in proximity to the first portion of pixel electrodes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of transforming a cell by use of an acoustic transducer. In particular embodiments, the radiofrequency signal to the transducer can be tuned to provide optimal membrane disruption of the cell; and an agent, such as a nucleic acid, can then be delivered to the cell.

Abstract: The present technology relates to improved device and methods of use of insulator-based dielectrophoresis. This device provides a multi-length scale element that provides enhanced resolution and separation. The device provides improved particle streamlines, trapping efficiency, and induces laterally similar environments. Also provided are methods of using the device.

Abstract: An electrowetting-based droplet actuator includes top and bottom substrates, a droplet-operation gap between the top and bottom substrates, the droplet-operation gap including a gradually-reduced gap height in a direction of droplet flow when in use, and spaced electrodes embedded in the bottom substrate spanning a region thereof corresponding to the gradually-reduced gap height. A method includes gradually reducing a gap height in section(s) of a droplet-operation gap between top and bottom substrates of an electrowetting-based droplet actuator, the gradually reducing being in a direction of droplet flow when in use from a large-gap inlet to a small-gap outlet (relative sizes), the large-gap inlet being larger in height, the bottom substrate including spaced electrodes embedded therein spanning a region of the bottom substrate corresponding to the gradually reduced gap height, and moving dispensed droplet(s) of liquid in the direction of droplet flow using the spaced electrodes and an applied voltage.

Abstract: The system and method described allow for real-time control over positioning of a micro-object. A movement of at least one micro-object suspended in a medium can be induced by a generation of one or more forces by electrodes proximate to the micro-object. Prior to inducing the movement, a simulation is used to develop a model describing a parameter of an interaction between each of the electrodes and the micro-object. A function describing the forces generated by an electrode and an extent of the movement induced due to the forces is generated using the model. The function is used to design closed loop policy control scheme for moving the micro-object towards a desired position. The position of the micro-object is tracked and taken into account when generating voltage patterns in the scheme.

Abstract: Fluidic multiwell bioreactors are provided as a microphysiological platform for in vitro investigation of multi-organ crosstalks for an extended period of time of at least weeks and months. The disclosed platform is featured with one or more improvements over existing bioreactors, including on-board pumping for pneumatically driven fluid flow, a redesigned spillway for self-leveling from source to sink, a non-contact built-in fluid level sensing device, precise control on fluid flow profile and partitioning, and facile reconfigurations such as daisy chaining and multilayer stacking. The platform supports the culture of multiple organs in a microphysiological, interacted systems, suitable for a wide range of biomedical applications including systemic toxicity studies and physiology-based pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic predictions. A process to fabricate the disclosed bioreactors is also provided.

Abstract: Self-cleaning electrochemical cells, systems including self-cleaning electrochemical cells, and methods of operating self-cleaning electrochemical cells are disclosed. The self-cleaning electrochemical cell can include a plurality of concentric electrodes disposed in a housing, for example, a cathode and an anode, a fluid channel defined between the concentric electrodes, a separator residing between the concentric electrodes, first and second end caps coupled to respective ends of the housing, and an inlet cone. The separators may be configured to localize the electrodes and dimensioned to minimize a zone of reduced velocity occurring downstream from the separator. The end caps and inlet cone may be dimensioned to maintain fully developed flow and minimize pressure drop across the electrochemical cell.

Abstract: A device for separating analytes is disclosed. The device has a sample injector, sample injection needle, sample reservoir container in communication with the sample injector, chromatography column downstream of the sample injector, and fluid conduits connecting the sample injector and the column. The interior surfaces of the fluid conduits, sample injector, sample reservoir container, and column form a flow path having wetted surfaces. A portion of the wetted surfaces of the flow path are coated with an alkylsilyl coating that is inert to at least one of the analytes. The alkylsilyl coating has the Formula I: R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, and R6 are each independently selected from (C1-C6)alkoxy, —NH(C1-C6)alkyl, —N((C1-C6)alkyl)2, OH, ORA, and halo. RA represents a point of attachment to the interior surfaces of the fluidic system. At least one of R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, and R6 is ORA. X is (C1-C20)alkyl, —O[(CH2)2O]1-20—, —(C1-C10)[NH(CO)NH(C1-C10)]1-20—, or —(C1-C10)[alkylphenyl(C1-C10)alkyl]1-20-.

Abstract: A platform and method for conducting multi-variable combinational interactions are provided. An array of multiplexing chambers in formed in a body. The body also includes a common well communicating with each multiplexing chamber of the array of multiplexing chambers and a plurality of variable wells. Each of variable wells communicates with at least one multiplexing chamber of the array of multiplexing chambers. The common well is loaded with a first variable and different variables are loaded in each of the plurality of variable wells. The interaction of the first variable with at least one of the different variables in each multiplexing chamber of the array of multiplexing chambers is observed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for identifying DNA strand size and purifying the DNA based on strand size using electrophoresis. The methods include moving, via voltage, a plurality of DNA strands through a separation gel from an inlet of a capillary or passage to either a first outlet or a second outlet dependent on the DNA strand length. In some implementations, the system is a capillary electrophoresis system. In other implementations, the system is a microfluidic lab-on-a-chip.

Abstract: A microfluidic chip device for the purification of radiochemical compounds includes a chip having an injection channel and intersecting branch channels with a plurality of valves are located along the injection channel and branch channels and configured to retain a plug of solution containing the radiochemical compound. The chip further includes a serpentine channel segment (for separation) coupled to the output of the injection channel. A high voltage power source advances the plug of solution through the purification region and into the downstream fraction collection channel. The chip includes a downstream fraction collection channel coupled to the serpentine channel segment and having an optical and radiation detection regions. One or more branch fraction channels intersect with the fraction collection channel and include valves located therein so that the radiochemical compound that is detected using a radiation detector is directed into the desired branch fraction channel for subsequent use.

Abstract: A system for producing steam includes a source of superheated water with superheated water output; a membrane filtration system in fluid communication with the superheated water output and including a membrane filter with a permeate side and an opposing retentate side. The membrane filter includes a separation membrane constructed to reject organic molecules. The system may be used for removing organic compounds, such as anti-corrosion agents or contaminants, from superheated water to produce steam. A method for producing steam includes directing a cross-flow of heated pressurized water including a first concentration of an organic compound across a membrane filter. The membrane filter includes a separation membrane constructed to reject the organic compound; and one or more support layers adjacent the separation membrane. A steam permeate including a second concentration of the organic compound is collected, where the second concentration is lower than the first.

Abstract: A magneto-electrophoretic medium that can be globally and locally addressed and erased. The medium provides a writeable display with no perceivable lag and the ability to write and erase with only minimal power requirements. In particular, the magneto-electrophoretic medium can be erased by providing a subthreshold electric stimulus and supplementing a second non-electric stimulus that disturbs the written state and allows the magneto-electrophoretic particles to return to their original state.

Abstract: An artificial muscle that includes a first end plate opposite a second end plate, a flexible enclosure extending from the first end plate to the second end plate and housing a dielectric fluid, and a reciprocating electrode stack housed within the flexible enclosure and coupled to and extending between the first end plate and the second end plate. The reciprocating electrode stack includes one or more electrode pairs, each electrode pair having a positive electrode and a negative electrode physically coupled to one another along a first edge portion of the positive electrode and the negative electrode. The artificial muscle also includes a plurality of electrode leads electrically coupled to the reciprocating electrode stack. Each individual electrode lead of the plurality of electrode leads extends from an individual electrode of the reciprocating electrode stack to the first end plate or the second end plate.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a novel method of producing monodisperse aqueous droplets, as well as a novel microfluidic droplet generator. In some examples, the method comprises flowing an aqueous solution through a microchannel and into a sample reservoir of the microfluidic droplet generator, wherein monodisperse droplets of the aqueous solution form by step-emulsification at a step change in height at an intersection of a reservoir end of the microchannel and a sidewall of the sample reservoir. In some examples, the aqueous solution is a hydrogel precursor solution and monodisperse droplets of the hydrogel precursor solution form by step-emulsification at the step change in height at the intersection of the reservoir end of the microchannel and the sidewall of the sample reservoir. In some examples, the monodisperse droplets of the hydrogel precursor solution are incubated under conditions suitable for gelation to form hydrogel beads.

Abstract: A number analyzing method, a number analyzing device, and a storage medium for number analysis are disclosed, which enable, with high accuracy, analysis of the number or number distribution of particulate or molecular analytes according to the kinds of the analytes. A computer control program is executed on the basis of a data group of particle-passage detection signals which are detected by a nanopore device in accordance with passage of subject particles through a through-hole. Also, a particle type distribution estimating program is executed, to estimate probability density on the basis of a data group based on feature values indicating feature of the waveforms of pulse signals which correspond to the passage of particles and which are obtained as the particle-passage detection signals. Thus, the number of particles can be derived for each particle type.

Abstract: A microfluidic device comprising: (a) a plate comprising a substrate, a plurality of electrodes, and a first layer of hydrophobic material applied over the plurality of electrodes; (b) a processing unit operably programmed to perform a method of pinning an aqueous droplet within the microfluidic device; and (c) a controller operably connected to a power source, the processing unit, and the plurality of electrodes. The method of pinning an aqueous droplet comprises: applying an electric field of a first polarity to an aqueous droplet located on the surface of the layer of hydrophobic material and having a first contact angle, to cause the droplet to maintain a second contact angle in the absence of the electric field, wherein the aqueous droplet contains a surfactant and the second contact angle is less than the first contact angle.

Abstract: Provided is a microchip that can achieve a favorable bonding state in the bonding portion between first and second substrates even if the microchip is large in size. A microchip includes a first substrate made of a resin and a second substrate made of a resin, the first substrate and the second substrates being bonded to each other, and a channel surrounded by a bonding portion between the first substrate and the second substrate is formed by a channel forming step formed at least in the first substrate. Further, a noncontact portion is formed to surround the bonding portion, and an angle ?1 formed between a side wall surface of the channel forming step and a bonding surface continuous therewith satisfies ?1>90°.

Abstract: An electrowetting-on-dielectric (EWOD) microfluidic device comprises at least one integrated electrochemical sensor, the electrochemical sensor comprising: a reference electrode; a sensing electrode; and an analyte-selective layer positioned over the sensing electrode. In some embodiments, the electrochemical sensor measures a concentration of an analyte in a fluid sample exposed to the electrochemical sensor based on a potential difference between the reference electrode and the sensing electrode. The first analyte and the second analyte can be selected from a group consisting of K+, Na+, Ca2+, Cl?, HCO3?, Mg2+, H+, Ba2+, Pb2+, Cu2+, I?, NH4+, (SO4)2?.

Abstract: A microfluidic system and related methods of operating an electrowetting on dielectric (EWOD) device operate to concentrate particles within a liquid droplet dispensed onto an element array of the EWOD device. The method includes the steps of providing a non-polar liquid onto the element array of the EWOD device; providing a polar liquid droplet onto the element array of the EWOD device within the non-polar liquid, wherein the polar liquid droplet includes particles; and applying an actuation cycle comprising a plurality of actuation patterns, wherein at least one of the actuation patterns includes actuating one or more array element electrodes within a perimeter of the polar liquid droplet, and the particles migrate within the polar liquid droplet to become concentrated within a portion of the liquid droplet at one or more array element electrodes corresponding to one of the plurality of actuation patterns.

Abstract: A microfluidic device comprises upper and lower spaced apart substrates defining a fluid chamber therebetween; an aperture for introducing fluid into the fluid chamber; a plurality of independently addressable array elements, each array element defining a respective region of the fluid chamber; and control means for addressing the array elements. The control means are configured to: determine that a working fluid has been introduced into a first region of the fluid chamber; and provide an output to a user to indicate that the working fluid is present in the first region. Once the working fluid is in the first region, the fluid applicator used to dispense the fluid can be removed without any risk of accidentally withdrawing dispensed working fluid from the microfluidic device.

Abstract: A nanocarbon separation method includes: a step of preparing a plurality of liquids with different specific gravities in which at least one of the plurality of liquids is a dispersion liquid in which a mixture of nanocarbons with different properties is dispersed; a step of sequentially injecting the plurality of liquids into an electrophoresis tank so that the specific gravities of the liquids decrease from a bottom to a top of the liquids in a direction of gravitational force; and a step of separating the mixture of the nanocarbons by moving a part of the mixture toward an electrode side disposed in an upper part of the electrophoresis tank and moving a remainder of the mixture toward an electrode side disposed in a lower part of the electrophoresis tank by applying a direct current voltage to the electrodes.

Abstract: Methods of detecting the presence of toxins in a sample using electrophoretic separations and of performing electrophoretic separation of complex samples are provided. The method of detecting the presence of toxins includes reacting a sample and a substrate with a signaling enzyme which converts the substrate to the product in a reaction medium, introducing a run buffer into a separation channel having an inlet end, selectively introducing at least one of the substrate and the product of the reaction medium into the inlet end of the separation channel, electrophoretically separating the substrate and the product, and determining the rate of conversion of the substrate to the product, wherein a change in the rate of conversion is indicative of the presence of toxins.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods of improving accuracy of droplet metering using at least one on-actuator reservoir as the fluid input. In some embodiments, the on-actuator reservoir that is used for metering droplets includes a loading port, a liquid storage zone, a droplet metering zone, and a droplet dispensing zone. The on-actuator reservoirs are designed to prevent liquid flow-back into the loading port and to prevent liquid from flooding into the droplet operations gap in the dispensing zone.

Abstract: In order to permit a robust, energy-efficient and precise moisture sensor, the invention relates to a moisture sensor element (10) for a moisture sensor (12) for measuring a moisture content in a gas, comprising at least one vibrating element (14) and at least one material (16, 18) on the vibrating element (14), wherein the at least one material (16, 18) is designed in such a way that the mass thereof changes rapidly with moisture changing over a moisture value. The invention also relates to a moisture-measuring method for measuring a moisture in a gas, comprising: using a moisture sensor element (10), wherein the course of the measurement signal thereof has at least one non-linearity according to the moisture; and determining a reference value based on the at least one non-linearity.