Abstract: The present teachings relate to systems and methods for separation of substances such as cells, nucleic acids, and carbon nanotubes. The substances are combined with a separation medium in a liquid sample cavity, for example a microchannel, and transit through the separation by optically activated dielectrophoretic forces. The substances are advantageously labeled and visualized using a microscope and camera.

Abstract: An electrode alignment apparatus may be used with a microfluidic device for accurate and repeatable alignment of electrode pins with reservoirs on the microfluidic device. The apparatus includes a base unit and an electrode block assembly that are moveable with respect to each other from an open position to a closed position. The electrode block assembly includes an interface array that is coupled to an interface array platform such that the interface array is moveable with respect to the interface array platform in three dimensions.

Abstract: A nanopore conductance measurement method and system is provided. The system has reservoirs of conductive fluid separated by a resistive barrier, which is perforated by a single nanometer scale pore commensurate in size with an analyte molecule in at least one of the reservoirs. The system is configured to have an ionic current driven across the reservoirs by an applied potential and the pore may be treated so that the pore surface can form associations with the analyte molecules of interest to increase the analyte molecule residence times on or in the pore. The system also comprises a means of measuring the ionic current, which current may be either direct or alternating in time, induced by an applied potential between electrodes in the conductive fluid, on each side of the barrier.

Abstract: A sample plate assembly for an electrophoresis apparatus including a tray at a sample supply portion of a capillary array, an adapter for the tray, a sample plate mounted on the adapter, a septer mounted on the sample plate and a septer holder mounted on the septer. Thereby, many number of samples can be automatically supplied to capillaries in a multi capillary array.

Abstract: A chip 400 is composed of a substrate 401, and a frame component 402 provided on the surface of the substrate 401, so as to be brought into contact with the substrate 401. A flow path 102 which retains a liquid sample, and serves as a trench-type flow path allowing therethrough electrophoretic migration of a sample to be subjected to mass analysis, is configured to use the substrate 401 as the bottom surface, and to use the frame component 402 as the sidewall. The substrate 401 and the frame component 402 are configured to be separable.

Abstract: The disclosure teaches a method for the analysis of a sample by electrophoresis, making use of a binding partner for a target compound or group of target compounds which may be present in the sample. The disclosure further teaches a kit for use in an electrophoretic analysis, to a modified antibody or fragment thereof, and to specific uses of the kit or modified antibody or fragment thereof.

Abstract: A capillary tube having a hard, optically clear external coating or cladding. In one embodiment, the external clear coating comprises hard-fluoropolymer. The hard-fluoropolymer coating bonds to the fused silica glass, providing higher strength and superior static fatigue performance resulting in vastly improved bending flexibility. The thin hard-fluoropolymer coating of capillaries provides higher initial tensile strength, longer lifetime (resistance to stress corrosion or static fatigue) and superior ability to transmit excitation light and emitted light directly through the coating for fluorescence based detection.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for fabricating free-standing polymeric nanopillars or nanotubes with remarkably high aspect ratios. The nanopillars and nanotubes may be used, for example, in integrated microfluidic systems for rapid, automated, high-capacity analysis or separation of complex protein mixtures or their enzyme digest products. One embodiment, preferably fabricated entirely from polymer substrates, comprises a cell lysis unit; a solid-phase extraction unit with free-standing, polymeric nanostructures; a multi-dimensional electrophoretic separation unit with high peak capacity; a solid-phase nanoreactor for the proteolytic digestion of isolated proteins; and a chromatographic unit for the separation of peptide fragments from the digestion of proteins.

Abstract: In order to provide a high-performance electrophoresis chip and an electrophoresis unit having the same that can restrain the diffusion of sample at an intersection between the electrophoresis groove and the sample introduction groove and prevent decrease in contrast and decrease in resolution, an electrophoresis chip is provided with a sample introduction groove, an electrophoresis groove, and a through hole. The sample introduction groove, the electrophoresis groove, and the through hole are formed on different substrates. In the electrophoresis chip, by combining the substrates, the sample introduction groove and the electrophoresis groove are located in different planes.

Abstract: An electrophoresis apparatus having a plate on which channels are formed, a tray on which the plate is to be set, a tray driving unit for rotary driving the tray on which the plate is set, a voltage application unit for applying voltage to a buffer agent in the channels on the plate, an optical detection part for irradiating the channels on the plate with light, and detecting fluorescence that is generated from the sample due to the light irradiation. A plate clamp pressing the plate at only the channel formation areas of the plate against the plate setting surface of the tray, thereby fixing and holding the plate on the plate setting surface of the tray.

Abstract: The present invention describes an actuator in a microfluidic system for inducing an electroosmotic liquid movement in a microchannel.

Abstract: This invention provides devices and apparatuses comprising the same, for efficient pumping and/or mixing of relatively small volumes of fluid. Such devices utilize nonlinear electrokinetics as a primary mechanism for driving fluid flow. Methods of cellular analysis and high-throughput, multi-step product formation using devices of this invention are described.

Abstract: Electrophoresis systems and methods comprise an electrophoresis device, wherein the electrophoresis device comprises a loading channel, an injection channel, and a separation channel. The loading channel is in fluid communication with a first and second sample port. The injection channel is connected to the loading channel to form a first intersection. The separation channel is connected to the injection channel to form a second intersection and in fluid communication with a first and second reservoir, and wherein the injection channel is in fluid communication with a third reservoir. The electrophoresis system further comprises electrodes coupled to the first sample port and the third reservoir, and the first reservoir and the second reservoir, respectively, that are adapted to move the sample into the loading channel towards the third reservoir and form a sample plug in the second intersection, and to further move the sample plug into the separation channel towards the second reservoir.

Abstract: Devices and methods for separating sample constituents are provided. The subject devices are characterized by having a fluid flow path with at least one electrophoretic separation element positioned at a region thereof. The separation element includes an element for applying an electric field across the fluid flow path and a trapping element for trapping sample constituents that migrate out of the flow path when an electric field is applied across the fluid flow path. In using the subject devices, sample is moved past the separation element and an electric field is applied across the flow path such that constituents of the sample migrate into the trapping element. The subject devices and methods find use in a variety of applications, including protein separation applications.

Abstract: This invention provides devices and apparatuses comprising the same, for the mixing and pumping of relatively small volumes of fluid. Such devices utilize nonlinear electrokinetics as a primary mechanism for driving fluid flow. Methods of cellular analysis and high-throughput, multi-step product formation using, devices of this invention are described.

Abstract: A microchip with capillaries and method for making same is described. A sacrificial material fills microchannels formed in a polymeric substrate, the filled microchannels are covered by a top cover to form filed capillaries, and the sacrificial material is removed to form the microcapillaries. The sacrificial material fills the microchannels as a liquid whereupon it becomes solid in the microchannels, and is liquefied after the top cover is applied and affixed to remove the sacrificial material. The top cover may be solvent sealed on the substrate and of the same or different material as the substrate. The top cover may also be an in situ applied semipermeable membrane.

Abstract: A chromatography and fluidic device with connections capable of automated component changing, diagnostic leak and current sensing. The chromatography-electrospray device contains a chromatography column, a pre-column, a spray emitter, or other fluidic component imbedded within one or more inserts. The inserts are robotically placed in receiving hardware, and a “plug and play” compression fitting connection mechanism makes the fluidic seals in an automated fashion. A plurality of sensors capable of detecting leaks is situated in the device near leak-prone regions. The electrospray emitter has a current sensing electrode in proximity of the electrospray region, capable of detecting the electrospray current. In conjunction with an electronics system, these sensors allow for system and component diagnostics. The diagnostic information may then be used for manual or automated system repair.

Abstract: Device and Process for isolating, purifying, concentrating and/or enriching at least one organic compound by electrokinetic migration through liquid membranes by use of an electronic potential and chambers with a preset pH value is described in the present application. The liquid membranes contain an organic solvent capable of transporting an ionized form of said at least one organic compound.

Abstract: Polymeric compounds and related methods and apparatus, as can be used in a wide range of RNA and DNA separations.

Abstract: A microfluidic chip includes: a channel which is provided on a first portion of a surface of a substrate part, the channel being used for separating a substance subject to analysis by electrophoresis and adding a reaction reagent with a nozzle to the substance separated by electrophoresis; and an absorption region which is provided on a second portion of the surface of the substrate part, and which absorbs the reaction reagent, the second portion being different from the first portion.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for the measurement of a concentration of a charged species in a sample, the sample having a plurality of types of charged species and at least one insoluble component. The method comprises: providing the sample on a surface of a partly permeable layer (30); allowing components of the sample to pass through the partly permeable layer (30) into a channel (12); and separating the components into sections, such that each at least one of the sections substantially comprises a single type of the plurality of the types of charged species, and determining the charge concentration in the at least one of the sections.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the separation, quantitative measurement, and analysis of trace species using a combination of three steps in succession. First, trace species are separated from other species that are present. Second, the trace species are chemically modified to convert them into specific species that are advantageous for the third and final step. In this last step, cavity enhanced optical detection of the converted species is performed to detect and measure the concentrations of the species of interest. Because the last step has spectroscopic resolution, the concentration of isotopologues in each converted species can be determined. Further processing can provide the ratios between pairs of isotopologues, in particular the ratio of the rare isotopologues to the most abundant isotopologue.

Abstract: An analysis chip that enables an apparatus to be small, analysis to be simple, analysis time to be short and analysis of both glycosylated hemoglobin and glucose to be highly accurate is provided. The electrophoresis chip includes an upper substrate 4, a lower substrate 1, a first introduction reservoir 2a, a first recovery reservoir 2b and a capillary channel for sample analysis 3x; the first introduction reservoir 2a and the first recovery reservoir 2b are formed in the lower substrate 1; and the first introduction reservoir 2a and the first recovery reservoir 2b are in communication with each other via the capillary channel for sample analysis 3x.

Abstract: A microfluidic chip (10) comprises a substrate (20) having a main side (30) and a lateral side (40), and a microfluidic channel (50, 60) within the substrate and being adapted to transport a fluid. The microfluidic channel has a lateral opening to the lateral side of the substrate allowing to introduce fluid to the microfluidic channel.

Abstract: Apparatus and techniques for separating a mixture including at least two substances having different dielectric constants are provided. A separation apparatus may include one or more separation channels associated with at least one set of two electrodes and one or more recycle channels configured to form one or more recycle loops in communication with the one or more separation channels.

Abstract: A disposable microsensor is designed, fabricated and tested for standard BOD (Biochemical Oxygen Demand) measurements. A transparent Cyclic Olefin Copolymer (COC) substrate is used for sensor fabrication. Standard lithographic procedures in addition to techniques like screen printing and electroplating are used to fabricate the sensor. A microbial strain of Trichosporon Cutaneum is immobilized over one pair of sensor electrodes while the other is used as a reference. Depending on the respiratory activities of the microbial strain in different samples, the BOD values of the samples can be measured in terms of difference between the output signals. The sensor layer is attached to an injection-molded passive microfluidic channel on the top. Advantages of the BOD microsensor include, but are not limited to, fast BOD measurement, disposability because of its low cost, chemically inert polymer substrate, flow-through sample injection scheme and integration of on-chip optics.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for measuring the zeta potential at the cylinder's outer surface. In the measuring cell, the cylinder is held coaxially inside a reference tube and a given solution is forced to flow through the annular flow channel between the cylinder and the reference tube. The streaming potential induced by the flow forced with a hydraulic pressure drop is measured to determine the zeta potential, ?m, of the cylinder's outer surface by using the following Equation, E _ ? ? ? P == - D ? ? ? k ? ( ? m + ? ref 2 ) ? F where D is the permittivity, ?ref is the zeta potential of the reference tube, ? is the viscosity of the solution, k is the electric conductivity of the solution, and F is a correction factor for the electrokinetic model. Moreover, this invention also discloses a system for measuring the zeta potential of the cylinder's outer surface.

Abstract: The troublesomeness during the setting of a plurality of capillaries is eliminated by composing pairs of electrodes, which are electrically connected to the common electrode, and capillaries. By bringing electrodes installed in the vicinity of each capillary disposed at the pitch of wells on the side of sample plate (within the area of the wells) into electrical contact with a common electrode, the capillaries and electrodes are made integral in construction. When a voltage is applied to the electrophoretic instrument via a common electrode portion, the voltage is applied to the electrodes for each capillary. This enables an inexpensive microtiter plate, etc. to be used and a multiple of capillaries to be simultaneously inserted, attached and detached.

Abstract: Embodiments of methods and devices are disclosed for the manipulation (e.g., concentration, purification, capture, trapping, location, transfer) of analytes, e.g., biomolecules, with respect to analyte-containing solutions, using one or more electric fields.

Abstract: Systems and methods for enhancing quantitative transfer of analytes to an adsorptive substrate are provided. A preferred embodiment provides an improved transfer system and method that reduces “blow through” of low molecular weight analytes and increases the adsorption of low molecular weight, for example proteins of about 30 kDa or less compared to conventional transfer techniques. It has been discovered that using a secondary porous backing membrane in conjunction with an adsorptive membrane such as nitrocellulose or polvinylidene fluoride increases the efficiency of analyte interaction with the adsorption membrane compared to transfers techniques using the adsorption membrane without the secondary backing membrane. This improvement of quantitative analyte transfer efficiency facilitates a wider range of detection processes, such as direct analysis by MALDI mass spectrometry than in earlier applications of the process without the secondary backing membrane.

Abstract: An electrophoresis chip that enables an apparatus to be small, analysis time to be short and glycosylated hemoglobin to be analyzed highly accurately is provided. The electrophoresis chip includes an upper substrate 4, a lower substrate 1, a first introduction reservoir 2a, a first recovery reservoir 2b and a capillary channel for sample analysis 3x; the first introduction reservoir 2a and the first recovery reservoir 2b are formed in the lower substrate 1; and the first introduction reservoir 2a and the first recovery reservoir 2b are in communication with each other via the capillary channel for sample analysis 3x.

Abstract: A capillary array capable of being easily mounted on an electrophoresis apparatus without damaging the capillaries. The capillary array can include a plurality of capillaries that can be fixed via hollow electrodes on a load header in a matrix arrangement. The load header can be disposed on the electrophoresis apparatus. The capillary array can include a capillary frame onto which a capillary head and a detection portion can be detachably mounted. The structure allows the load header, the capillary head, the detection unit and other portions of the capillary array to be handled as a unit, thereby making it easier to mount the capillary array on the electrophoresis apparatus.

Abstract: An electrophoresis chip capable of suppressing the drift phenomenon is provided. The electrophoresis chip includes a channel which separates a sample by isoelectric focusing electrophoresis and a plurality of columnar structures disposed all over the channel. The columnar structures are disposed such that the flow of a sample solution, which moves in the longitudinal direction of the channel, is disturbed.

Abstract: For automating the operation of an electrophoresis apparatus and improving the throughput, the present electrophoresis apparatus has two platens capable of controlling temperature of electrophoresis plates placed thereon, a loading medium charging unit for sending a loading medium under pressure, a loading medium charging nozzle mechanism having a pair of nozzles connected to the loading medium charging unit, a pipetter mechanism for dispensing samples to sample dispensing openings of the electrophoresis plates placed on the platens, a stacker mechanism for storing sample plates, a loading buffer solution supplying mechanism, a loading buffer solution dispensing mechanism connected to the loading buffer solution supplying mechanism, a power unit for allowing electrophoresis separation for each electrophoresis plate placed on the platens, and a detector for optically detecting components migrating through each electrophoresis flow channel of the electrophoresis plates.

Abstract: A lab-on-a-chip comprising a support plate, at least one fluidic network formed in a fluidic plate bonded onto the support plate, and a cover plate bonded onto the fluidic plate and covering the fluidic network. The fluidic network, at a first end, is connected to an inlet orifice allowing entry of a liquid to be sprayed and, at a second end, to a first end of an outlet channel for the liquid to be sprayed, formed in the fluidic plate. The fluidic plate is extended by a pointed electrospray nozzle at which the second end of the outlet channel forms the electrospray outlet of the lab-on-a-chip. The cover plate has a pointed extension forming a roof for that part of the channel located in the electrospray nozzle.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device and methods of use thereof in concentrating a species of interest and/or controlling liquid flow in a device. The methods, inter-alia, make use of a device comprising microchannels, which are linked to nanochannels, whereby induction of an electric field in the nanochannel results in ion depletion in the linkage region between the microchannel and nanochannel, and a space charge layer is formed within the microchannel, which provides an energy barrier for said species of interest which enables its concentration in a region in the microchannel.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a high-density parallel channel design for a microfabricated capillary array electrophoresis chip, with vertical T or double T design for sample injection. An alternative embodiment of the invention includes a closed buffer reservoirs with integrated electrodes and buffer feeding ports. Also disclosed are novel sample loading and injection methods, including the use of using either a capillary array connected to an electrode, or an array of metal pens as the loader/electrode.

Abstract: A method for forming a microfluidic channel with improved flow characteristics for one or more analytes is disclosed. A microfluidic channel having modified surfaces is formed in fused silica. The fused silica surfaces are modified by the addition of a layer of borophosphosilicate glass. The addition of the borophosphosilicate glass results in an improved flow velocity profile of the analyte. As a result, control over the position and movement of analytes within the solution is improved.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing a high-quality capillary tube used in an electrophoresis apparatus in a safe and inexpensive manner. A polymer coating on a capillary tube is converted into gas and removed through an oxidative reaction with oxygen radicals resulting from ozone decomposition, thereby providing tapered polymer coating. The material of the polymer may be polyimide.

Abstract: A separation device and a separation method for biomolecular sample material and in particular protein mixtures. For this purpose a separation element 10 for the two-dimensional and preferable electrophoretic separation of components of the sample material is provided in area 30 of a separation plane. According to the invention it is proposed that the separation element 10 has a channel or transfer structure 14 for the locally resolved discharge of separated sample components in a transport direction that is at right angles to the separation plane onto a support surface 16 that is preferably suitable for mass spectroscopic analyses.

Abstract: The invention provides a microfluidic apparatus for performing 2-D biomolecular separations. The microfluidic 2-D device may include first and second planar substrates which include at least a first dimension microchannel extending in a first direction and an array of second dimension microchannels extending in a second direction, preferably, orthogonal to the first dimension. The ends of at least some of the microchannels are in fluid communication with a plurality of reservoirs. The substrates may further include a number of microchannels and reservoirs. The reservoirs are in electrical communication with a plurality of electrodes and voltage power sources. The device enables two dimensional separations of proteins, DNA and other biomolecules. According to another aspect of the invention, an array of tertiary microchannels extending in a third direction may be utilized.

Abstract: To enable reuse of expensive microchips in a clinical analysis apparatus, while constantly and efficiently obtaining accurate analysis results. A clinical apparatus employs microchips to analyze substances, which are contained in samples and are targets of measurement. The clinical analysis apparatus is equipped with: a stocking section; a dispensing mechanism, for dispensing reagents stocked in the stocking section and samples to the microchips; and a measuring section, for measuring the measurement target substance within the samples. The measuring section includes: a dispensing station, at which the microchips are provided; a detecting station, for detecting the measurement target substance; and a cleansing station, at which microchips are cleansed following detection of the measurement target substance. The dispensing station, the detecting station, and the cleansing station are provided at a predetermined pitch from upstream to downstream positions.

Abstract: When a first liquid fed into a first flow passage 6 moves therein toward a connecting portion 10 due to capillarity, gas in the first flow passage 6 is pushed by the moving first liquid to be exhausted to the external environment via a third flow passage 14 and an external environment communication passage 8, so that the first liquid moves to the end of a fifth flow passage 16, which is formed in the connecting portion 10, on the side of a second flow passage 7 due to capillarity. Then, when a second liquid fed into the second flow passage 7 moves therein toward the connecting portion 10 due to capillarity, gas in the second flow passage 7 is pushed by the moving second liquid to be exhausted to the external environment via a fourth flow passage 15 and the external environment communication passage 8, so that a liquid-liquid interface level between the first and second liquids is formed in the connecting portion 10.

Abstract: A pipette core member is used in a pipette for sampling a sample. This pipette core member includes: a pump body including a reservoir communicated with one suction/discharge port of an electroosmotic flow pump, the electroosmotic flow pump and the reservoir being integrally formed; and a capillary connected to the electroosmotic flow pump and communicated with the other suction/discharge port of the electroosmotic flow pump. The capillary is secured to the pump body.

Abstract: The invention provides a microfluidic device wherein capillaries are connected to the microfluidic device by a deformable penetrable substance.

Abstract: A liquid actuator, which contains: an electrolyte layer (14, 114) containing a liquid, two or more electrically separated electrode parts (13a, 13b, 113a, 113b) on one or both sides of the electrolyte layer, and a water-repellent layer (12, 112) having a porous structure on an outside surface of at least one of the electrode parts, in which the electrolyte layer (14, 114), the electrode parts (13a, 13b, 113a, 113b), and the water-repellent layer (12, 112) form a structural body, wherein voltage is applied across the plural electrode parts (13a, 113a) including the one provided with the water-repellent layer (12, 112), and the applied voltage is adjusted to change the superficial wettability of the structural body.

Abstract: A novel open tube with a zwitterionic betaine polymer layer can be prepared by initiated grafting polymerization. This open tube can be used for separating inorganic anions, peptides and proteins. A capillary electrophoresis method and a capillary chromatography method use the novel open tube. There are methods for manufacturing the novel open tube.

Abstract: An electrophoresis apparatus is generally disclosed for sequentially analyzing a single sample or multiple samples having one or more analytes in high or low concentrations. The apparatus comprises a relatively large-bore transport capillary which intersects with a plurality of small-bore separation capillaries and includes a valve system. Analyte concentrators, having antibody-specific (or related affinity) chemistries, are stationed at the respective intersections of the transport capillary and separation capillaries to bind one or more analytes of interest. The apparatus allows the performance of two or more dimensions for the optimal separation of analytes. The apparatus may also include a plurality of valves surrounding each of the analyte concentrators to localize each of the concentrators to improve the binding of one or more analytes of interest.

Abstract: An separation method comprising a temperature control process useful for microchip electrophoresis such as microchip DGGE is provided along with a device therefor. The present invention relates to a microchip electrophoresis method for separating double-stranded nucleic acids by means of differences in nucleotide sequence while maintaining a preset temperature, wherein the temperature during separation of double-stranded nucleic acids in an separation region comprising an separation microchannel is controlled to within ±2.5° C. of the preset temperature.

Abstract: A microfluidic pump has an outer housing such as a capillary tube, a nanotube, and an ionic fluid or alcohol. The nanotube is placed inside the capillary tube, and the capillary tube is filled with the ionic fluid or alcohol. A voltage source is connected to the nanotube, and upon application of a voltage to the nanotube, the ionic fluid or alcohol is pumped through the capillary tube.