Abstract: An interface for a mass spectrometer is disclosed comprising a microfluidic substrate, tile or cartridge 1 comprising a liquid chromatography separation column and an electrospray emitter 2. A counter electrode 4 is arranged downstream of a tip of the electrospray emitter 2 and is arranged and adapted to direct ions towards an atmospheric pressure interface or ion inlet aperture 5 of a mass spectrometer.

Abstract: A self-assembled engineered lattice of nanometer-scale silica particles, or other suitable particles generally resembling regularly-sized spheres, is configured in a separation bed for electrophoresis, isoelectric focusing, chromatography, or other voltage-induced separation of analytes. After separation, the analytes are immobilized on the separation bed and then ionized using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) for use with a mass spectrometer. The nanoparticles can be coated with polymers that activate to immobilize the analytes or assist with MALDI. The separation can occur in two dimensions.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and systems for use in preparing a sample. The methods and systems may be used for lysing one or more structures in a sample (e.g., cells, viral particles, etc.). The methods and compositions may comprise a microfluidic chip or use thereof. The microfluidic chips disclosed herein may comprise (a) a substrate comprising a chamber, wherein at least one mechanical element may be located within the chamber; (b) a thermal element in contact with the chamber; and (c) at least one aperture within the surface of the substrate, wherein the aperture may be configured to insulate the chamber.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an air cleaner for removing air pollutants from an air stream, for instance such as the cleaning exhaust/intake gas of an amusement machine, said air cleaner comprising a filter device including at least one filter layer (4a, 4b) held by a filter holder (5) in said airflow substantially perpendicular to a main flow direction thereof and including a plurality of preferably stick-shaped filter elements (6) neighbouring each other. In accordance with the present invention, the filter device has no closed surrounding along the circumference of the filter layers, but provides for an open side along at least a portion of the periphery of the filter layer. At least one circumferential side section (7, 8) of the filter layer parallel to or tangential to the longitudinal axis of an outermost filter element is formed as an open side free of flow control elements surrounding the filter layer.

Abstract: This invention provides methods and systems for injection of analytes into a separation channel for resolution and detection. Samples can be preconditioned and concentrated by isotachophoresis (ITP) before the injection is triggered by a detected voltage event. Separation of analytes from other sample constituents can be enhanced using skewing channel ITP.

Abstract: The analysis method allows analysis of samples with high sensitivity, irrespective of interelectrode distance. The method includes: a step of applying a voltage between a first electrode pair such that an electric field is formed in a direction intersecting a migration direction of a sample; a step of placing a solution, including an electrochemically active molecule that produces a redox reaction at the electrode pair, between the first electrode pair; a step of causing the sample to migrate; and a step of measuring an amount of change in current flow between the first electrode pair.

Abstract: An electrophoresis chip that can be small and simple and that can analyze a sample with high accuracy is provided. The electrophoresis chip includes an upper substrate 4, a lower substrate 1, an introduction reservoir 2a, a recovery reservoir 2b and a capillary channel for sample analysis 3x. The introduction reservoir 2a and the recovery reservoir 2b are formed in the lower substrate 1. The introduction reservoir 2a and the recovery reservoir 2b are in communication with each other via the capillary channel for sample analysis 3x. The introduction reservoir 2a receives a sample to be measured. The sample is electrophoretically introduced directly into the capillary channel for sample analysis 3x by creating a potential difference between the introduction reservoir 2a and the recovery reservoir 2b, and is also analyzed in the capillary channel for sample analysis 3x during the separation of the sample while the sample is being continuously supplied.

Abstract: A method and a system are shown for attachment of leads for the electrical sensing of the voltage on conductive structures; connections attached per this invention have the valuable property of very low thermoelectric errors (due to Seebeck effect), among several other beneficial properties. The described method can be applied in the factory setting as well as in the field. This system is especially suitable for applications with high-precision resistive shunts utilized in the measurements of the electric current.

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 make use of a device comprising a fluidic chip comprising a planar array of channels through which a liquid comprising a species of interest can be made to pass with at least one rigid substrate connected thereto such that at least a portion of a surface of the substrate bounds the channels, and a high aspect ratio ion-selective membrane is embedded within the chip, attached to at least a portion of the channels. The device comprises a unit to induce an electric field in the channel and a unit to induce an electrokinetic or pressure driven flow in the channel.

Abstract: A device cover includes a protective layer and a display layer. The display layer includes a plurality of display pixels. Each display pixel includes a first fluid having a first color characteristic and a second fluid having a second color characteristic.

Abstract: The present invention concerns the use of methods and compositions for the isolation of small RNA molecules (100 nucleotides or fewer), such as microRNA and siRNA molecules. Such molecules are routinely lost in commonly used isolation procedures and therefore the present invention allows for a much higher level of enrichment or isolation of these small RNA molecules.

Abstract: An electrokinetic fluidic system (100, 100?, 100?) for controlling liquid flow in e.g. a lab-on-a-chip system (200) comprising a first and a second electrode (10, 10?) said first and second electrode comprising a polymer based or oxide based conductive, electrochemically active electrode material, said electrode material being adapted to be subjected to an electrochemical reaction when in use in said electrokinetic fluid system (100).

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention relates to a system for the integrated and automated analysis of DNA or protein, including a single-use cartridge, an analysis device comprising a control device, and devices for capturing and processing signals. An embodiment of the present invention relates, in particular, to the control device for carrying out a completely automatic process and evaluation of molecular diagnostic analysis via single-use cartridges (Lab-on-a-Chip). The first devices are provided for controlling an analysis process which occurs in the cartridge, subsequently the displacement and the thermostatisation of liquids, and the second devices are provided for processing the signals which are obtained during the analysis. The first and the second devices are synchronized in such a manner that the analysis process of the sample can be carried out in a totally integrated manner thus producing an immediate result.

Abstract: The invention is to devices and methods for rapid determination of analytes in liquid samples. The devices and methods incorporate a sample dilution feature and multiple immunosensors for performing a ratiometric immunoassay on a first analyte and a second analyte, for example, hemoglobin and hemoglobin A1c or albumin and glycosylated albumin. The devices are preferably capable of being used in the point-of-care diagnostic field.

Abstract: A disposable cartridge used in a digital microfluidics system has a bottom layer with first hydrophobic surface, a rigid cover plate with second hydrophobic surface, and a gap there-between. The bottom layer is a flexible film on an uppermost surface of a cartridge accommodation site of a system, attracted to and spread over the uppermost surface by an underpressure. A lower surface of the plate and the flexible bottom layer are sealed to each other. The assembled cartridge is removed from the cartridge accommodation site in one piece and potentially includes samples and processing fluids. The system has a base unit and a cartridge accommodation site with an electrode array of individual electrodes and a central control unit for controlling selection of individual electrodes and for providing these electrodes with individual voltage pulses for manipulating liquid droplets within the gap by electrowetting.

Abstract: The invention provides a system that can process a raw biological sample, perform a biochemical reaction and provide an analysis readout. For example, the system can extract DNA from a swab, amplify STR loci from the DNA, and analyze the amplified loci and STR markers in the sample. The system integrates these functions by using microfluidic components to connect what can be macrofluidic functions. In one embodiment the system includes a sample purification module, a reaction module, a post-reaction clean-up module, a capillary electrophoresis module and a computer. In certain embodiments, the system includes a disposable cartridge for performing analyte capture. The cartridge can comprise a fluidic manifold having macrofluidic chambers mated with microfluidic chips that route the liquids between chambers. The system fits within an enclosure of no more than 10 ft3. and can be a closed, portable, and/or a battery operated system. The system can be used to go from raw sample to analysis in less than 4 hours.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods, devices, and kits for separating and selecting top sperm from a sperm sample of a subject. In one aspect, for example, such a method can include removing a portion of negatively charged protein from sperm in the sperm sample, immobilizing the sperm, electrophoretically separating the sperm, and selecting mature sperm based on electromotility properties.

Abstract: An electrode assembly for capillary electrophoresis (CE) comprises a manifold (310), a connector (305) a sheath (300), and a seal (325). A capillary tube (100) passes through the manifold, the connector, the sheath, and the seal, stopping just beyond the end of the sheath. The sheath is fillable with water (330) or another fluid that cools the capillary tube in the vicinity of the electrode, thereby preventing degradation of a sample due to heat. The sheath may be metal or plastic with a metal sleeve electrode on its exterior. The sheath is sufficiently strong to penetrate a rubber or other pierceable cap on a vial. The manifold and connector incorporate an air path (605, 312, 307) so that when the electrode is fully inserted into a vial, the contents (650) of the vial are at atmospheric pressure (or another applied pressure or vacuum).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the extraction of analyte compounds from a sample comprising one or more analytes in a donor phase into an acceptor phase, comprising the steps of: a) providing an electrically conductive donor phase comprising the compounds in a first electrically conductive solvent or solvent blend, and an electrode arranged in electrically conductive contact with the donor phase, b) providing an electrically conductive acceptor phase in electrically conductive contact with a second electrode; and c) providing an insulator phase in fluid communication with at least one of the donor phase and the acceptor phase, wherein the insulator phase is immiscible with the donor phase and/or the acceptor phase, and d) (d) applying an electrical field between the first and the second electrode.

Abstract: A method of generating droplets of a dispersed phase fluid in a continuous phase fluid includes flowing the dispersed phase fluid and the continuous phase fluid to a channel junction of at least one dispersed phase channel and at least one continuous phase channel, applying at least one alternating voltage to at least two electrodes so that an alternating electric field is created at the channel junction, and generating the droplets of the dispersed phase fluid in the continuous phase fluid flowing in an output channel of the channel junction, wherein the dispersed phase fluid and the continuous phase fluid are electrically insulated from the at least two electrodes. Furthermore, a microfluidic device is described, which is configured for generating droplets of a dispersed phase fluid in a continuous phase fluid.

Abstract: A sample separation apparatus (200) for separating a fluidic sample, the sample separation apparatus (200) comprising a first separation unit (204) for separating the fluidic sample, a first fluid drive (202) configured for conducting the fluidic sample to be separated through the first separation unit (204), a second separation unit (208), arranged downstream of the first separation unit (204), for further separating the fluidic sample after treatment by the first separation unit (204), a second fluid drive (206) configured for at least partially conducting the fluidic sample, after treatment by the first separation unit (204), through the second separation unit (208), and a fluidic valve (218) having fluidic interfaces (222, 224, 226, 228) fluidically coupled to the first fluid drive (202) and the second fluid drive (206) and being switchable for performing the separation of the fluidic sample, wherein the sample separation apparatus (200) is configured for adjusting a pressure at a predefined position to a

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure digital microfluidic arrays that may be fabricated by a printing method, whereby digital microfluidic electrodes arrays are printed, via a printing method such as inkjet printing, onto a suitable substrate. In some embodiments, a substrate and/or ink is prepared or modified to support the printing of electrode arrays, such as via changes to the surface energy. In some embodiments, porous and/or fibrous substrates are prepared by the addition of a barrier layer, or, for example, by the addition or infiltration of a suitable material to render the surface capable of supporting printed electrodes. Various example embodiments involving hybrid devices formed by the printing of digital microfluidic arrays onto a substrate having a hydrophilic layer are disclosed.

Abstract: A method of identifying a molecule is disclosed. A molecule is drawn to a nanopore by applying a first voltage signal to a pair of electrodes during a first period, wherein the first voltage signal causes a first ionic current through the nanopore that is indicative of a property of a portion of the molecule proximate to the nanopore. The molecule is released from the nanopore by applying a second voltage signal to the pair of electrodes during a second period, wherein the second voltage signal causes a second ionic current through the nanopore. The first period and the second period are determined based at least in part on a net ionic current through the nanopore comprising the first ionic current and the second ionic current.

Abstract: The invention features the use of graphene, a one atom thick planar sheet of bonded carbon atoms, in the formation of artificial lipid membranes. The invention also features the use of these membranes to detect the properties of polymers (e.g., the sequence of a nucleic acid) and identify transmembrane protein-interacting compounds.

Abstract: By driving molecules electrophoretically through a nanopore, single molecule detection can be achieved. To enhance translocational control, functionalized and non-functionalized electrodes are strategically placed around or above a nanopore. Changes in transmission spectra and input voltage detected by electrodes allow accurate identification of single molecules as they pass through a nanopore.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a body portion that defines a reservoir and a set of substantially flexible capillaries. The set of substantially flexible capillaries are fixedly coupled to the body portion and in fluid communication with the reservoir. A connector is configured to be coupled to the body portion to be in fluid communication with the reservoir and the set of substantially flexible capillaries. The connector is further configured to be coupled to a vacuum source. The apparatus is arranged such that at least a part of the body portion is electrically conductive. Methods for separating and detecting an analyte from a biological sample with the apparatus are also provided. For example, methods for separating and detecting one or more proteins from a cellular lysate or a purified protein are also provided.

Abstract: A device and related method for separating nanometer particles is disclosed and described. The device can include a microfluidic system including a sample input port, a fluid flow channel, and a sample output port, in which the fluid flow channel is defined by a pair of electrode walls and an insulator. A voltage device is electrically coupled to the electrode walls. The voltage device is comprised of a diode or a resistor configured to provide an electrical field within the fluid flow channel suitable for separation of nanoparticles from one another by causing a net effect of moving particles toward one of the electrode walls.

Abstract: A membrane structure is provided. The membrane structure may include: a membrane; at least one hole extending into the membrane configured to receive a fluid. The membrane may include a plurality of electrodes arranged to provide one or more electric fields to control a movement of the fluid within the at least one hole.

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

Abstract: A device includes at least one nanoscale capillary and means for applying an electric voltage, said means being adapted to create an electric field at least in said capillary when said electric voltage is applied, so that, when said electric voltage is applied, a charged molecule or particle placed within the created electric field can be electrically controlled. A fluidic network structure includes the at least one nanoscale capillary. A method of using and manufacturing the fluidic network structure is also described.

Abstract: This disclosure provides, among other things, a nanofluidic device sensing device is provided. In certain embodiments, the device contains: a) a channel comprising a floor and a ceiling, b) an array of charge sensors in the floor and/or ceiling of the channel, arranged along the longitudinal axis of the channel; c) a capture area in the floor and/or ceiling of the channel at the entrance end of the channel; and d) a first electrode and a second electrode, wherein the first and second electrodes are positioned to provide an electrophoretic force along the longitudinal axis of the channel. Other embodiments, e.g., methods, are also described.

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 a glass layer or glass substrate. The glass surfaces of the microfluidic channel 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: A technique is provided for forming a nanodevice for sequencing. A bottom metal contact is disposed at a location in an insulator that is on a substrate. A nonconducting material is disposed on top of the bottom metal contact and the insulator. A carbon nanotube is disposed on top of the nonconducting material. Top metal contacts are disposed on top of the carbon nanotube at the location of the bottom metal contact, where the top metal contacts are formed at opposing ends of the carbon nanotube at the location. The carbon nanotube is suspended over the bottom metal contact at the location, by etching away the nonconducting material under the carbon nanotube to expose the bottom metal contact as a bottom of a trench, while leaving the nonconducting material immediately under the top metal contacts as walls of the trench.

Abstract: An apparatus for passive sorting of microdroplets including a main flow channel, a flow stream of microdroplets in the main flow channel wherein the microdroplets have substantially the same diameter and wherein the flow stream of microdroplets includes first microdroplets having a first degree of stiffness and second microdroplets having a second degree of stiffness wherein the second degree of stiffness is different than the first degree of stiffness. A second flow channel is connected to the main flow channel for the second microdroplets having a second degree of stiffness. A separator separates the second microdroplets having a second degree of stiffness from the first microdroplets and directs the second microdroplets having a second degree of stiffness into the second flow channel.

Abstract: Described are devices and methods for forming one or more nanomembranes including electroactive nanomembranes within a nanowell or nanotube, or combinations thereof, in a support material. Nanopores/nanochannels can be formed by the electroactive nanomembrane within corresponding nanowells. The electroactive nanomembrane is capable of controllably altering a dimension, a composition, and/or a variety of properties in response to electrical stimuli. Various embodiments also include devices/systems and methods for using the nanomembrane-containing devices for molecular separation, purification, sensing, etc.

Abstract: A microfluidic device to produce polymersomes having three coaxial passageways of increasing size with fluid flowing in one direction. The first and smallest passageway contains the content of the polymersome, the middle passageway contains a block copolymer, and the largest and outer passageway contains an aqueous medium or water. The device can produce polymersomes with control of size and membrane thickness. The device will allow quantitative loading of the polymersomes in high quantities. The device is robust and easily assembled and has the ability to independently control the three streams involved in making the polymersomes.

Abstract: Disclosed here are methods useful for incorporating protein into lipid bilayers using voltage induced insertion. The methods presented herein can decrease time and costs associated with incorporation of proteins into naturally derived or artificially created lipid bilayers. A method for incorporating a protein capable of translocating a ligand also is disclosed herein.

Abstract: In some embodiments, an analyte detection system is provided that includes a nanochannel, an electrode arrangement, and a plurality of nanoFET devices disposed in the nanochannel. A plurality of nucleic acid base detection components can be used that include a plurality of nanopores, a plurality of nanochannels, a plurality of hybridization probes, combinations thereof, and the like. According to other embodiments of the present teachings, different coded molecules are hybridized to a target DNA molecule and used to detect the presence of various sequences along the target molecule. A kit including mixtures of coded molecules is also provided. In some embodiments, devices including nanochannels, nanopores, and the like, are used for manipulating movement of DNA molecules, for example, in preparation for a DNA sequencing detection. Nanopore structures and methods of making the same are also provided as are methods of nucleic acid sequencing using the nanopore structures.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a microfluidic sensor device includes microfluidic sensor mounted on and electrically connected a micro lead frame substrate. The microfluidic sensor is molded to form a package body. The package body includes a molded panel portion and, in some embodiments, a mask portion having one or more open channels, sealed channels, and/or a sealed chamber exposing an active surface of the microfluidic sensor. The molded panel portions and mask portions are configured to allow a material to dynamically or statically contact the microfluidic sensor for analysis.

Abstract: A method and system for preconcentrating analytes at a microvalve in a microfluidic device is disclosed. The system includes a sample channel loaded with a sample solution. The sample channel includes a semi-permeable membrane microvalve. An electric potential is applied at or across the microvalve to preconcentrate the sample solution when the microvalve is closed.

Abstract: Embodiments of microfluidic hubs and systems are described that may be used to connect fluidic modules. A space between surfaces may be set by fixtures described herein. In some examples a fixture may set substrate-to-substrate spacing based on a distance between registration surfaces on which the respective substrates rest. Fluidic interfaces are described, including examples where fluid conduits (e.g. capillaries) extend into the fixture to the space between surfaces. Droplets of fluid may be introduced to and/or removed from microfluidic hubs described herein, and fluid actuators may be used to move droplets within the space between surfaces. Continuous flow modules may be integrated with the hubs in some examples.

Abstract: A device for electro membrane extraction has a syringe holder adapted to hold a syringe having an acceptor solution, and a sample vial holder adapted to hold a sample vial having a vial cap, where the vial cap includes an inside funnel to be equipped with a prewetted hollow fiber membrane having a tube like shape sealed at the end opposite the funnel and forming a lumen, and steering guides for at least two electrodes, a first electrode to be immersed in a donor solution placed in the sample vial, a second electrode to be immersed, through the funnel in the vial cap, into the lumen of the hollow fiber membrane, and a positioning device for sliding the first electrode in and out of the donor solution in the sample vial and for sliding the second electrode in and out of the lumen of the hollow fiber membrane.

Abstract: A device for passing a biopolymer molecule includes a nanochannel formed between a surface relief structure, a patterned layer forming sidewalls of the nanochannel and a sealing layer formed over the patterned layer to encapsulate the nanochannel. The surface relief structure includes a three-dimensionally rounded surface that reduces a channel dimension of the nanochannel at a portion of nanochannel and gradually increases the dimension along the nanochannel toward an opening position, which is configured to receive a biopolymer.

Abstract: A microfluidic device comprising: a substrate having a microfluidic channel, an electrically conductive feature comprising an electrically conductive layer arranged on a primer layer and positioned with reference to the microfluidic channel, wherein the primer layer comprises: (i) an organic polymer selected from the group consisting of: (a) a homopolymer or copolymer including a vinyl lactam repeating unit, (b) a cellulose ether; (c) polyvinyl alcohol; and (d) unmodified or modified gelatin; and (ii) a porous particulate material, the organic polymer being dispersed in the porous particulate material, is provided. Methods for manufacturing the microfluidic devices and their use in a number of applications are also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for reducing or preventing droplet pinning as the droplet is transported across a boundary between a ground electrode region and a non-ground electrode region on a droplet actuator. The invention also provides a method for reducing or preventing droplet super-movement as the droplet is transported across a boundary between a ground electrode region and a non-ground electrode region on a droplet actuator.

Abstract: This disclosure provides an integrated and automated sample-to-answer system that, starting from a sample comprising biological material, generates a genetic profile in less than two hours. In certain embodiments, the biological material is DNA and the genetic profile involves determining alleles at one or a plurality of loci (e.g., genetic loci) of a subject, for example, an STR (short tandem repeat) profile, for example as used in the CODIS system. The system can perform several operations, including (a) extraction and isolation of nucleic acid; (b) amplification of nucleotide sequences at selected loci (e.g., genetic loci); and (c) detection and analysis of amplification product. These operations can be carried out in a system that comprises several integrated modules, including an analyte preparation module; a detection and analysis module and a control module.

Abstract: A separation module operates to fractionate or separate an analyte into fractions according to pI, i.e., pI bands, utilizing capillary isoelectric focusing (“CIEF”) within a first microchannel. The fractions are stacked to form plugs, the number of which is determined by a number of parallel second microchannels integrally connected to the first microchannel, into which the fractions are directed according to the buffer characteristics found in each of the individual microchannels. Within the microchannels the plugs are separated into proteins according to a different chemical property, i.e., “m/z,” utilizing capillary electrophoresis (“CE”).

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to microfluidic devices and methods for fabricating the devices. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to microfluidic devices having encapsulated fluidic tubing and encapsulated electrodes, microfluidic devices having encapsulated fluidic tubing, encapsulated capillary loops and encapsulated electrodes, and methods of fabricating devices having encapsulated fluidic tubing, encapsulated capillary loops and encapsulated electrodes resulting in reduced dead volume interconnects between the fluidic tubing and capillary loops and associated microchannels and aligned fluidic tubing openings, capillary loop openings, electrodes and other device features.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to methods and apparatus for manipulation of charged molecules in solution. More particularly, the invention provides nanofluidic CCD arrays that are capable of manipulate one or a group of molecules on an individual bases such that they undergo controlled physical and/or chemical movements and/or transformations.

Abstract: Colored fluids for electrowetting, electro fluidic, or electrophoretic devices, and the devices themselves, are disclosed. The colored fluid can include a nonaqueous polar solvent having (a) a dynamic viscosity of 0.1 cP to 50 cP at 250 C, (b) a surface tension of 25 dynes/cm to 55 dynes/cm at 250 C, and (c) an electrowetting relative response of 40% to 80%. Such colored fluids further include a colorant selected from a pigment and/or a dye. In another embodiment, the colored fluid can include a non-polar solvent and an organic colorant selected from a pigment and/or a dye. Such colored fluids can be black in color and have a conductivity from 0 pS/cm to 5 pS/cm and a dielectric constant less than 3. The use of the colored fluids offers improvements in reliability, higher levels of chroma in the dispersed state, and the ability to achieve higher contrast ratios in display technologies.