Abstract: An analysis instrument comprises plural modules connected together over a data network, each module comprising an analysis apparatus operable to perform biochemical analysis of a sample. Each module comprises a control unit that controls the operation of the analysis apparatus. The control units are addressable to select an arbitrary number of modules to operate as a cluster for performing a common biochemical analysis. The control units communicate over the data network, repeatedly during the performance of the common biochemical analysis, to determine the operation of the analysis apparatus of each module required to meet the global performance targets, on the basis of measures of performance derived from the output data produced by the modules. The arrangement of the instrument as modules interacting in this manner provides a scalable analysis instrument.

Abstract: Air-matrix digital microfluidics (DMF) apparatuses and methods of using them to prevent or limit evaporation and surface fouling of the DMF apparatus. In particular, described herein are air-matrix DMF apparatuses and methods of using them in which a separate well that is accessible from the air gap of the DMF apparatus isolates a reaction droplet by including a cover to prevent evaporation. The cover may be a lid or cap, or it may be an oil or wax material within the well. The opening into the well and/or the well itself may include actuation electrodes to allow the droplet to be placed into, and in some cases removed from, the well. Also described herein are air-matrix DMF apparatuses and methods of using them including thermally controllable regions with a wax material that may be used to selectively encapsulate a reaction droplet in the air gap of the apparatus.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method for producing a sequencing unit for sequencing a biochemical material. In this case, at least one sequencing pore for sequencing the biochemical material in a precursor layer is created in a thermal lithography process in order to produce a pre-structured layer. The pre-structured layer is then converted into a graphene layer by heating to a conversion temperature in order to produce the sequencing unit. The sequencing pore is reduced to a size suitable for sequencing, depending on the transformation temperature.

Abstract: A system includes a housing, a cartridge retainer disposed within the housing, a detection assembly disposed within the housing, and a reagent tray holder movably disposed in the housing. The cartridge retainer configured to receive a capillary cartridge having a capillary. The detection assembly includes at least one emitter, a first detector, and a second detector. The detection assembly is configured to transition between a first configuration, in which the first detector detects a first output of the at least one emitter, and a second configuration, in which the second detector detects a second output of the at least one emitter. The reagent tray holder is configured to move relative to the cartridge retainer to place the capillary of the capillary cartridge in fluid communication with a reagent volume.

Abstract: The invention relates to compositions, methods, devices, systems, and kits for detecting and characterizing molecules using a nanopore device.

Abstract: A method for reducing sequencing by synthesis cycle time using a microfluidic device is provided. The microfluidic device comprises a flow cell having an inlet port, an outlet port, and a flow channel extending between the inlet port and the outlet port, wherein the flow channel receives an analyte of interest and one or more reagents for analyzing and detecting molecules. To aid in the acceleration of the reactions, the microfluidic device comprises a mixing device to increase the rates of diffusion of the reagents from the fluid bulk to an active surface of the flow cell. The mixing device comprises at least one of an electrothermal mixing device, an active mechanical mixing device, and a vibrational mixing device.

Abstract: The present invention provides microfluidic technology enabling rapid and economical manipulation of reactions on the femtoliter to microliter scale.

Abstract: This document provides methods, devices, and systems for detecting the presence, absence, or amount of two or more analytes present within a small volume (e.g., less than 10 ?L) of a sample (e.g., a blood sample) obtained from a mammal (e.g., a human such as a human neonate). For example, methods and materials for using plasma separation and multiplex analyte detection to detect two or more analytes (e.g., proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, nucleic acids, intact cells, intact viruses, intact microorganisms, and/or chemicals) within a small volume of a blood sample are provided.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a device for storing a liquid sample, in which the device has a sample acceptance well, one or more storage chambers, and one or more fluidic channels fluidly coupling the sample acceptance well to the one or more storage chambers. The apparatus also includes a well plate having a plate and multiple wells formed in the plate, in which the device and the well plate are configured to be attached to one another.

Abstract: A heater for a microfluidic test card is disclosed herein. In a general example embodiment, a test card for analyzing a fluid sample includes at least one substrate layer including a microchannel extending through at least a portion of one of the substrate layers, and a printed substrate layer that is bonded to or printed on one substrate layer of the at least one substrate layer. The printed substrate layer includes a heater printed on the printed substrate layer so as to align with at least a portion of the microchannel. The heater includes two electrodes aligned on opposite sides of the microchannel, and a plurality of heater bars electrically connecting the two electrodes. The plurality of heater bars includes a central heater bar disposed between outer heater bars.

Abstract: A method and a device for a microfluidic separation enhancement according to size of the particles to be separated are provided. An asymmetric obstacle in a shape of a cambered hydrofoil, placed at a downstream of a microfluidic channel increases a distance between particles of different sizes, wherein the particles have been partially separated at an upstream of the microfluidic channel, resulting an enhancement in the separation efficiency. Thus, microchannel length is decreased, resulting a decrease in hydraulic resistance and footprint of the microchannel.

Abstract: Embodiments of apparatus and methods for counting cells in a liquid sample are provided herein. In some embodiments, an apparatus for counting cells in a liquid sample includes: a flow-splitting chamber fluidly coupled to a collection chamber; an input tube configured to deliver a liquid sample to the flow-splitting chamber; a spaced apart array of posts along a flow path configured to redirect the liquid sample into a plurality of streams; a plurality of sensing zones corresponding to the plurality of streams; and a plurality of sensing electrodes, wherein each sensing electrode is disposed in a corresponding sensing zone of the plurality of sensing zones and configured to detect a change in electrical impedance as the liquid sample flows through the plurality of sensing zones.

Abstract: To provide a plate with which, although the plate has a plurality of microchannels or a microchannel in which a plurality of branch channels are formed, when a sample flowing through a microchannel is observed by a microscope, it is possible to easily identify the position of the microchannel or the branch channel under observation without reducing the magnification of the microscope. A plate having a microchannel therein includes an identification mark for identifying a position of the microchannel in a plane direction of the plate. When the microchannel includes a plurality of mutually independent microchannels, the identification mark is preferably formed for each microchannel. When the microchannel includes a source channel communicating with an injection port through which a sample is injected and a plurality of branch channels communicating with the source channel, the identification mark is preferably formed for each of the source channel and the branch channels.

Abstract: Air-matrix digital microfluidics (DMF) apparatuses and methods of using them to prevent or limit evaporation and surface fouling of the DMF apparatus. In particular, described herein are air-matrix DMF apparatuses and methods of using them in which a separate well that is accessible from the air gap of the DMF apparatus isolates a reaction droplet by including a cover to prevent evaporation. The cover may be a lid or cap, or it may be an oil or wax material within the well. The opening into the well and/or the well itself may include actuation electrodes to allow the droplet to be placed into, and in some cases removed from, the well. Also described herein are air-matrix DMF apparatuses and methods of using them including thermally controllable regions with a wax material that may be used to selectively encapsulate a reaction droplet in the air gap of the apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a recovery system for drops comprising: a conduit for the circulation of a working fluid comprising a plurality of pockets that are isolated by separators, a recovery substrate comprising multiple compartments, a displacement device that is able to successively position the outlet of the conduit opposite at least two different compartments, a preparation device that is able to inject, into the conduit, an additional volume of separator fluid and an additional volume of carrier fluid, such that the volume of at least one separator is greater than or equal to a critical separation volume, and that the volume of at least one bubble formed by a pocket and a part of the separator is greater than or equal to a critical detachment volume.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are two related techniques for digital microfluidic (DMF) processing of liquids that rely on electrostatic actuation of fluid through a strip of solid, porous media. In the first technique, droplets in a DMF device containing particles of different sizes are driven through a solid porous medium, allowing for filtering, concentration, and recovery of the particles into droplets on the basis of size. In the second technique, an aliquot of liquid media is loaded directly onto a solid porous medium, where it is wicked into a DMF device, such that the filtrate can be collected into droplets. Both techniques may be useful for generating plasma from whole blood on a DMF device, an operation that will have far-reaching implications for diagnostic applications of digital microfluidics.

Abstract: Proposed is a vibration sensor including: a substrate; a first electrode positioned on the substrate; a support positioned on the first electrode and including a cylindrical hollow hole; and a diaphragm including a thin film positioned on the support and a second electrode positioned on the thin film. According to the present disclosure, it is possible to manufacture a skin-attachable vibration sensor that is attached to a user's neck to detect vibration acceleration in user's neck skin, thus exhibiting a uniform and high sensitivity to a user's voice over the frequency range of the human voice. In addition, the sensor sensitively detects a user's voice through neck skin vibrations rather than through air, thus being free from the influence of external noise or wind, and can recognize the user's voice even in a situation where a user's mouth is covered.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a gel-phase patch that performs a function of assisting in staining during a staining process such as a process of coming into contact with a specimen such as blood to perform a staining function of staining the specimen, a process of fixing the specimen, or a process of forming an optimal pH at a specimen stained by a staining sample. According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a contact-type staining patch includes a staining solution that reacts with a specimen and a gel receptor provided as a gel matrix of a mesh structure in which a pore that accommodates the staining solution is formed and the mesh structure prevents the staining solution in the pore from leaking or degenerating, and having a contact surface that comes into contact with the specimen to transfer some of the staining solution to the specimen.

Abstract: A microfluidic device includes first and second substrate structures. The first substrate structure has a first substrate surface configured to receive one or more droplets. A plurality of electrodes configured to apply an electric field to the droplets. The second substrate structure has a second substrate surface facing the first substrate surface and spaced apart from the first substrate surface to form a fluid channel. The microfluidic device has a first heating element adjacent to the first substrate structure and disposed on an opposite side of the first substrate surface, and a second heating element adjacent to the second substrate structure and disposed on an opposite side of the second substrate surface. The microfluidic device further includes one or more temperature sensors disposed adjacent to the fluid channel between the first substrate structure and the second substrate structure.

Abstract: A microfluidic chip and a driving method thereof are provided. The microfluidic chip includes a base substrate, a driving circuit array, a first decoding circuit, and a second decoding circuit, the driving circuit array, the first decoding circuit, and the second decoding circuit are all integrated on the base substrate; the first decoding circuit is configured to generate and output a target scan driving signal to the driving circuit array; the second decoding circuit is configured to generate and output a target driving voltage signal to the driving circuit array; and the driving circuit array is configured to control an operation of a liquid droplet over the driving circuit array based on the target scan driving signal and the target driving voltage signal.

Abstract: A device of nondestructive transfer of liquid drops includes a power generation part and a clamping part. The power generation part includes a movable friction material and at least two fixed friction materials. The clamping part includes a supporting mechanism and a left dielectric wetting splint and a right dielectric wetting splint installed on the supporting mechanism. The movable friction material is connected to the left dielectric wetting splint. The at least two fixed friction materials are connected to the right dielectric wetting splint. Also disclosed are a method of nondestructive transfer of liquid drops and a method of micro-reaction of liquid drops.

Abstract: An object separator may include a substrate, a fluid channel supported by the substrate, a pair of electrodes along the fluid channel to form a dielectrophoretic force to interact with an object entrained in a fluid and an inertial pump supported by the substrate to move the fluid along the fluid channel.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a novel absorbance-based colorimetric device system, and to methods of using the novel absorbance-based colorimetric device system.

Abstract: An electrophoretic particle including a pigment particle having an intermediate residue covalently bonded to the surface of the pigment particle and a polymer bonded to the intermediate residue. The polymer may be derived from one or more types of monomers and at least one of the monomers is a substituted or unsubstituted styrene monomer including halogenated styrenic monomers. The electrophoretic particle may be used in an electrophoretic medium including a dispersion of the particles in a suspending fluid. The electrophoretic medium may be incorporated into an electro-optic display.

Abstract: This disclosure provides an electrophoretic display system including a first electrode disposed on a substrate and a three-dimensional (3D) carbon-based structure configured to guide a migration of electrically charged electrophoretic ink particles dispersed therein that are configured to be responsive to application of a voltage to the first electrode. The 3D carbon-based structure includes a plurality of 3D aggregates defined by a morphology of graphene nanoplatelets orthogonally fused together and cross-linked by a polymer; and, a plurality of channels interspersed throughout the 3D carbon-based structure defined by the morphology. The plurality of channels includes a plurality of inter-particle pathways and a plurality of intra-particle pathways. Each inter-particle pathway can include a smaller dimension than each inter-particle pathway. A second electrode is disposed on the 3D carbon-based structure.

Abstract: An electrowetting device has an active matrix substrate including a plurality of first electrodes arrayed in a matrix shape, a plurality of TFTs, a plurality of first wiring lines extending along a row direction, and a plurality of second wiring lines extending along a column direction. The plurality of TFTs are disposed so as to have at least one of first and second relative arrangements. The first relative arrangement is a relative arrangement where two or more TFTs that are connected to any one of the plurality of first wiring lines alternately include, along the row direction: TFTs that are connected to the first electrodes belonging to one of a pair of rows adjoining the one first wiring line; and TFTs that are connected to the first electrodes belonging to the other row.

Abstract: Examples include microfluidic devices. Example microfluidic devices include a first microfluidic channel, a second microfluidic channel, and a third microfluidic channel fluidly coupled to the first microfluidic channel and the second microfluidic channel via a fluid junction. A fluid actuator is disposed in the third microfluidic channel to actuate to thereby pump a first fluid and a second fluid into the third microfluidic channel.

Abstract: Optically-actuated microfluidic devices permit the use of spatially-modulated light to manipulate micro-objects such as biological cells. Systems and methods are described for providing sequences of light patterns to move and direct a plurality of micro-objects within the environment of a microfluidic device. The sequenced light patterns provide improved efficiency in directing the transport of the plurality of micro-objects. Other embodiments are described.

Abstract: A capillary electrophoresis system includes a capillary reservoir. The capillary reservoir includes a capillary tip flow chamber configured to receive respective capillary tips and to conduct fluid past the capillary tips, and an electrode flow chamber in which an electrode is disposed and configured to conduct fluid past the electrode, the electrode flow chamber being separate from and in fluid communication with the capillary tip flow chamber. An ultraviolet (UV) light absorbance-based multiplexed capillary electrophoresis system includes a first enclosure and a second enclosure. The first enclosure covers a UV light source, and includes a slit. The second enclosure covers the first enclosure, a collimating lens, and a capillary window.

Abstract: A method of fluid manipulation involves applying electric signals at one or more electrodes located on or adjacent to a surface in contact with a liquid that contains a surfactant. The electric field generated by the electric signals (e.g., biasing voltage) applied to the electrodes makes the liquid less wetting on the surface than the natural state and can be used to move or modify the shape of the liquid droplet placed on the surface. One embodiment makes a liquid dewet locally on a surface by applying electric signals locally on the surface so that the liquid can be electrically manipulated on a hydrophilic surface.

Abstract: To slow down the speed of a biopolymer passing through a nanopore during electrophoresis to such a speed that enables a monomer sequence analysis to be performed. A biopolymer analysis device includes two tanks 101a and 101b each capable of storing a solution containing a biopolymer and an electrolyte, a pair of electrodes 105a and 105b, a thin film 104 with a nanopore, and a three-dimensional structure 103 disposed on the thin film. The three-dimensional structure has a void that can store a solution, and the void forms a flow channel, the flow channel being adapted to allow the solution to pass therethrough from the nanopore to a portion above the three-dimensional structure, and having on its surface a functional group capable of adsorbing the biopolymer. Thus, when a voltage is applied, the three-dimensional structure is not re-dispersed in the solution at least in the range of a hemisphere having the nanopore as the center and having a biopolymer trapping length r as the radius.

Abstract: The present invention relates to sample-to-answer systems, devices, cartridges, and method of using the same for detecting the presence of microorganisms in a sample, such as bacteria.

Abstract: Embodiments herein describe a capillary containing a eutectic conductive liquid (e.g., EGaIn) and an electrolyte (e.g., NaOH) that is integrated into a printed circuit board (PCB). In one embodiment, the capillary is formed in a through-hole in the PCB and has negative and positive electrodes at its respective ends to seal the eutectic conductive liquid and the electrolyte. The capillary further includes one or more electrodes that extend through a side of the portion of the capillary containing the liquids. The wiper electrodes also make electrical contact with respective conductive layers in the PCB. Using a DC voltage between the negative and positive electrodes, the eutectic conductive liquid forms electrical connections between the wiper electrodes, which in turn, forms electrical connections between the conductive layers in the PCB.

Abstract: The capillary electrophoresis apparatus according to the present invention can maintain the temperature in the longitudinal direction of each of a plurality of capillaries uniformly, such that the separation performance of the capillary electrophoresis apparatus can be stabilized, and the analysis performance can be improved.

Abstract: A semiconductor device and its manufacturing method are presented. The manufacturing method includes providing a substrate structure; forming a first metal layer on the substrate structure; forming a second metal layer on the first metal layer; forming a first oxide layer on the second metal layer at a first temperature; and conducting the remaining manufacturing processes including thermal processes at a second temperature that is higher than the first temperature. This method reduces the concentration of the first metal diffused into the surface of the second metal layer during the thermal processes, thus reducing the amount of the oxide of the first metal formed on the surface of the second metal layer. Therefore, it is beneficial to the establishment of metal wire connections.

Abstract: The present invention provides an integrated type microfluidic electrochemical biosensor system for rapid biochemical analysis and the usage of the system. The system comprising: a continuous feeding unit for sequentially conveying lead eluent, sample solution, sample eluent, signal probe solution, signal probe eluent and electrochemical detection buffer solution; a microfluidic chip consists of one or more micro-channel network, the microfluidic chip covers the electrode array to form a channel system, capture probes which have interaction with the said sample solution fixed on the surface of the electrode array, said channel system is connected with the continuous feed unit; and a power system for providing power to said continuous feeding unit.

Abstract: A chromatographic device includes a primary channel having a cross-sectional area and characteristic length such that analyte travel within the primary channel is substantially convective. A plurality of secondary channels each having a cross-sectional area and characteristic length such that analyte flow into and out of a secondary channel is substantially diffusive, each of the plurality of secondary channels having an entrance in fluidic communication with the primary channel wherein the entrance intersects the primary channel.

Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems for analyte analysis using a nanopore are disclosed. The methods, devices, and systems utilize a first and a second binding member that each specifically bind to an analyte in a biological sample. The method further includes detecting and/or counting a cleavable tag attached to the second binding member and correlating the presence and/or the number of tags to presence and/or concentration of the analyte. Certain aspects of the methods do not involve a tag, rather the second binding member may be directly detected/quantitated. The detecting and/or counting may be performed by translocating the tag/second binding member through a nanopore. Devices and systems that are programmed to carry out the disclosed methods are also provided.

Abstract: A vehicle with an integrated portable audio system includes an interior body defining an interior passenger compartment and a docking station having a back wall, an upper wall, a lower wall, and side walls that define a receiving compartment. A wireless speaker is removably dockable with the docking station. When docked with the docking station, the wireless speaker is configured to connect to an audio system of the vehicle. When removed from the docking station, the wireless speaker is portable and configured to connect to a peripheral device for playing audio media on the wireless speaker.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to systems and methods for the control of fluids and, in some cases, to systems and methods for flowing a fluid into and/or out of other fluids. As examples, fluid may be injected into a droplet contained within a fluidic channel, or a fluid may be injected into a fluidic channel to create a droplet. In some embodiments, electrodes may be used to apply an electric field to one or more fluidic channels, e.g., proximate an intersection of at least two fluidic channels. For instance, a first fluid may be urged into and/or out of a second fluid, facilitated by the electric field. The electric field, in some cases, may disrupt an interface between a first fluid and at least one other fluid. Properties such as the volume, flow rate, etc.

Abstract: A device may include a temperature controlled chamber. The temperature controlled chamber may be coupled to a plurality of strengthening coated capillary tubes. The strengthening coated capillary tubes may support the temperature controlled chamber and provide thermal insulation to the temperature controlled chamber.

Abstract: Devices and methods for characterization of samples are provided. Samples may comprise one or more analytes. Some methods described herein include performing enrichment steps on a device. Some methods described herein include performing mobilization of analytes. Analytes may then be further processed and characterized.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention provides: a microchip including a sample collection section and an analysis section, in which the sample collection section and the analysis section are imparted with both hydrophilicity and a positively-charged layer; an analysis system including the microchip; and a method of producing the microchip. The microchip includes: a sample collection section for collecting a sample; and an analysis section for analyzing the sample. In the microchip, a cationic polymer bonded with a hydrophilization substance is immobilized on inner walls of the sample collection section and the analysis section.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods for sample preparation, processing and analysis. Also provided in the present disclosure is a fully-integrated electrophoresis cartridge which has a small footprint and configured to removably engage with the system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a contact-less priming system for loading a solution in a microfluidic device comprising: at least one microfluidic device, a pressure chamber configured to enclose said at least one microfluidic device, a pressurization unit fluidly connected to the pressure chamber and at least one closing member. The present invention also relates to a contact-less priming method for loading a solution in a microfluidic device.

Abstract: Electrowetting-actuated optical shutters based on total internal reflection or beam steering. An electrowetting cell contains a conducting liquid and a non-conducting liquid configured to form a liquid-liquid interface extending to the inner walls of the cell. A beam of light is directed to the liquid-liquid interface at an angle near the total internal reflection angle of the interface. Voltage changes the shape of the liquid-liquid interface, without separating it from the inner walls of the cell. Thus, when depending on the voltage applied, the beam is either transmitted in part or substantially totally internal reflected.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a microfluidic device, which comprises distinct, parallel levels, including a first level and a second level. It further includes: a first microchannel, a second microchannel, and a node. This node comprises: an inlet port, a cavity, a via, and an outlet port. The cavity is formed on the first level and is open on a top side. The inlet port is defined on the first level; it branches from the first microchannel and communicates with the cavity through an ingress thereof. The outlet port, branches to the second microchannel on the second level. The via extends from the bottom side of the cavity, down to the outlet port, so the cavity may communicate with the outlet port. In addition, the cavity comprises a liquid blocking element to prevent an aqueous liquid filling the inlet port to reach the outlet port.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method which realizes a two-dimensional separation of ionic species on the basis of the online coupling of ion chromatography (IC) and capillary electrophoresis (CE). A device for IC×CE coupling, its implementation in terms of two alternatives, the connection to a mass spectrometric detector, and corresponding application are described.

Abstract: An assay method and device can perform at least one (e.g., at least two) assays on a single aliquot of a sample liquid. The device can mix a sample liquid with assay reagents including magnetically susceptible particles. The device is configured to create a sample liquid-air interface with the sample liquid. The magnetically susceptible particles can be located (via an applied magnetic field) at the liquid-air interface when a second liquid contacts the interface to form a liquid-liquid interface. The magnetic particles travel across the liquid-liquid interface to the second liquid. The magnetically susceptible particles are configured to trans-port an analyte across the interface into the second liquid. An assay for the analyte is performed in the second liquid. An assay for another analyte can also be performed in the sample liquid.

Abstract: A device may include a temperature controlled chamber. The temperature controlled chamber may be coupled to a plurality of strengthening coated capillary tubes. The strengthening coated capillary tubes may support the temperature controlled chamber and provide thermal insulation to the temperature controlled chamber.