Abstract: An integrated semiconductor device for manipulating and processing bio-entity samples and methods are described. The device includes a lower substrate, at least one optical signal conduit disposed on the lower substrate, at least one cap bonding pad disposed on the lower substrate, a cap configured to form a capped area, and disposed on the at least one cap bonding pad, a fluidic channel, wherein a first side of the fluidic channel is formed on the lower substrate and a second side of the fluidic channel is formed on the cap, a photosensor array coupled to sensor control circuitry, and logic circuitry coupled to the fluidic control circuitry, and the sensor control circuitry.

Abstract: A modular smart packaging case comprising reversibly attachable electronics and detection modules is disclosed. The detection module includes a sensor array for monitoring the state of a blister pack containing a plurality of product units. The electronics module contains the high-value electronics required to read the sensors of the array, process the sensor output, and enable communications to and from the case. The electronics module and detection module are operatively coupled via a universal interface that enables the same electronics module to operate with a plurality of detection modules of different configurations. In some embodiments, the electronics module operatively couples with multiple detection modules.

Abstract: A device for sorting bio-particles by image-manipulated electric force includes a first substrate, a second substrate, a fluidic channel, one or more photosensitive layers and an inlet hole. The first substrate has a first conductive electrode, and the second substrate has a second conductive electrode. The second conductive electrode is disposed opposite the first conductive electrode. The fluidic channel is disposed between the first conductive electrode and the second conductive electrode. The photosensitive layer is conformally disposed on at least one of the surfaces of the first conductive electrode and the second conductive electrode. The inlet hole is disposed in the first conductive electrode and the first substrate, where the inlet hole includes a first opening close to the fluidic channel and a second opening away from the fluidic channel, and the surface area of the first opening is greater than the surface area of the second opening.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods disclosed herein can generally include electrical contacts for high voltage, high current, and/or fast acting electromechanical switches and methods for manufacturing the same. The electrical contacts can be optimized for high voltage blocking capabilities with minimal gap spacing in the open state and low electrical resistance when in contact in the closed state. Electrical contacts can have a geometry to produce a low peak electric field between the contacts when in the open state, have a high contact surface area when in the closed state, and a low mass. The geometry of the contacts can be based on geometries traditionally utilized for uniform field electrodes.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to a device comprising a platform comprising a layer of a 2-dimensional material. The device further comprises a plurality of electrodes and one or more molecules arranged on the platform. The device is configured to apply control signals to the plurality of electrodes to position the molecules by means of an electric field. Embodiments of the invention further concern a corresponding method for fabricating such a device and a method for positioning molecules by such a device.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described herein for improved droplet generation within microfluidic apparatuses. Electrowetting forces of varying configurations may be used to separate droplets from a fluidic reservoir in a reproducible and rapid manner. In many embodiments, separation of droplets from the fluidic reservoir is performed without the use of highly specialized surfactants.

Abstract: Digital microfluidics system manipulates samples in liquid droplets within disposable cartridges that have bottom layer, top layer, and gap between the bottom and top layers. The system has a base unit with cartridge accommodation sites and a central control unit for controlling selection of individual electrodes of electrode arrays and for providing these electrodes with individual voltage pulses for manipulating liquid droplets within the cartridges by electrowetting. The system further has board accommodation sites located at the cartridge accommodation sites that each can take up a swappable electrode board having an electrode array and electrical board contact elements individually connected to electrodes of the electrode array. Each board accommodation site has electrical base unit contact elements that are connected to the central control unit and that are configured to engage with the electrical board contact elements of a swappable electrode board that is placed at the board accommodation site.

Abstract: In one aspect, single-sided microfluidic devices are described herein. In some embodiments, a single-sided microfluidic device comprises a substrate, a photoconductive layer positioned over the substrate, electrical contacts in electrical communication with the photoconductive layer, and a dielectric assembly positioned over the photoconductive layer. The dielectric assembly comprises a hydrophobic surface for receiving a liquid. In some embodiments, the dielectric assembly has an effective capacitance of about 10 ?F/m2 to about 10,000 ?F/m2 and/or an average thickness between about 20 nm and about 2000 nm.

Abstract: A microfluidic device can include: a channel; a fluid inlet to pass fluid into the channel from a reservoir; a sensor disposed in the channel; and a pump actuator disposed in the channel apart from the sensor to induce fluid flow into the channel.

Abstract: A 3D conversion lens and a control method thereof are disclosed. The 3D conversion lens has a first substrate and a second substrate, the first substrate and the second substrate forming a box; electronic ink, the electronic ink filling in the box cavity of the box, and the electronic ink has opaque charged particles, the opaque charged particles have opaque pigment; an electrode formed on the first substrate; and an electrode formed on at least one side wall of the box cavity. With the conventional liquid crystal layer replaced by electronic ink, 3D display effect of the glasses is realized by controlling positive and negative polarity of the transparent electrodes on the substrate and the side wall of the box cavity. In this way, it is unnecessary to control and realize deflection of the liquid crystals, which simplifies the circuit structure and the preparation process of the 3D glasses.

Abstract: A continuous throughput microfluidic system includes an input system configured to provide a sequential stream of sample plugs; a droplet generator arranged in fluid connection with the input system to receive the sequential stream of sample plugs and configured to provide an output stream of droplets; a droplet treatment system arranged in fluid connection with the droplet generator to receive the output stream of droplets in a sequential order and configured to provide a stream of treated droplets in the sequential order; a detection system arranged to obtain detection signals from the treated droplets in the sequential order; a control system configured to communicate with the input system, the droplet generator, and the droplet treatment system; and a data processing and storage system configured to communicate with the control system and the detection system.

Abstract: A semiconductor arrangement and method of formation are provided. The semiconductor arrangement includes an electro-wetting-on-dielectric (EWOD) device. The EWOD device includes a top portion over a bottom portion and a channel gap between the top portion and the bottom portion. The bottom portion includes a driving dielectric layer over a first electrode, a second electrode and a first separating portion of an ILD layer between the first electrode and a second electrode. The driving dielectric layer has a first thickness less than about 1,000 ?. An EWOD device with a driving dielectric layer having a first thickness less 1000 ? requires a lower applied voltage to alter a shape of a droplet within the device and has a longer operating life than an EWOD device that requires a higher applied voltage to alter the shape of the droplet.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a control-engaged electrode-driving method for droplet actuation is provided. The method includes, a first voltage is provided to a first electrode for licking off a droplet. A second voltage is naturally discharged to a third voltage for maintaining a droplet movement. A fourth voltage is provided to the first electrode for accelerating the droplet. Naturally discharging from the second voltage to the third voltage and providing the fourth voltage to the first electrode are repeated. The first voltage is provided to a second electrode when a centroid of the droplet reaching a centroid of the first electrode. Naturally discharging from the second voltage to the third voltage and providing the fourth voltage to the second electrode are repeated.

Abstract: Methods, structures, devices and systems are disclosed for rapid enrichment and mass transport of biomolecules (e.g., such as proteins) or other small molecules and particles using electrodeless dielectrophoresis (eDEP). In one aspect, a device to aggregate molecules includes a substrate that is electrically insulating, an electrically insulative material formed on the substrate and structured to form a channel to carry an electrically conducting fluid containing particles, a constriction structure formed of the electrically insulative material and located in the channel to narrow a channel dimension and forming an opening with a size in the nanometer range, and a circuit coupled to the substrate to apply an ac electric field and a dc bias electric field along the channel, in which the constriction structure is structured to magnify the applied ac electric field to produce forces that operate collectively to aggregate the particles.

Abstract: Electrokinetic devices and methods are described with the purpose of collecting assayable agents from a dielectric fluid medium. Electrokinetic flow may be induced by the use of plasma generation at high voltage electrodes and consequent transport of charged particles in an electric voltage gradient. In one embodiment, an ionic propulsion device for providing a sample for a bio-specific assay of aerosol particles comprises a housing receiving a sample of aerosol particles and enclosing a high voltage electrode to generate a plasma of electrically charged particles. A carrier assembly is removably receivable in the housing, the carrier assembly comprising a non-conductive carrier and an electrode removably secured to the carrier.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of redistributing magnetically responsive beads in a droplet. The method may include conducting on a droplet operations surface one or more droplet operations using the droplet without removing the magnetically responsive beads from the region of the magnetic field. The droplet operations may in some cases be electrode-mediated. The droplet operations may redistribute and/or circulate the magnetically responsive beads within the droplet. In some cases, the droplet may include a sample droplet may include a target analyte. The redistributing of the magnetically responsive beads may cause target analyte to bind to the magnetically responsive beads. In some cases, the droplet may include unbound substances in a wash buffer. The redistributing of the magnetically responsive beads causes unbound substances to be freed from interstices of an aggregated set or subset of the magnetically responsive beads.

Abstract: An optically-induced dielectrophoresis device includes a first substrate, a first conductive layer, a first patterned photoconductor layer, a first patterned layer, a second substrate, a second conductive layer, and a spacer. The first conductive layer is disposed on the first substrate. The first patterned photoconductor layer is disposed on the first conductive layer. The first patterned layer is disposed on the first conductive layer. The first patterned photoconductor layer and the first patterned layer are distributed alternately over the first conductive layer. Resistivity of the first patterned photoconductor layer is not equal to resistivity of the first patterned layer. At least one of the first substrate and the second substrate is pervious to a light. The second conductive layer is disposed on the second substrate and between the first substrate and the second substrate. The spacer connects the first substrate and the second substrate.

Abstract: A well, in particular an open well (14) with an upper end having a vertical axis (101), for containing a liquid and particles contained within said liquid, characterized by comprising at least two manipulation electrodes (1, 2, 3, 31, 32, 36, 17, 40, 41) able to be powered by electrical voltages, in particular alternating electrical voltages, so as to manoeuvre particles within the well by means of the dielectrophoretic effect. A platform comprising a plurality of wells as described above and a method for using said well.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described for the processing (for example washing, incubation, etc.

Abstract: A microfluidic cell for the dielectrophoretic separation, accumulation, and/or lysis of polarizable bioparticles, including an interdigital electrode system composed of two electrode groups having interdigitated electrodes, and a micromixer having microchannels and microelevations. The interdigital electrode system and the micromixer are situated on the same side of the cell to improve the separation, accumulation, and/or lysis characteristics. Moreover, also described is a microfluidic system which includes such a microfluidic cell, and use thereof, and a method for separating, accumulating, and/or lysing polarizable bioparticles.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the separation of a polarisable bioparticle comprising the steps: a) dielectrophoretic preseparation of a polarisable bioparticle from a suspension of bioparticles; b) fluidic separation of the selected bioparticle by fixing the bioparticle in a dielectrophoretic field cage and circulating fluid around the bioparticle; c) transferring the separated bioparticle from the dielectrophoretic field cage to a culture chamber; d) dielectrophoretic fixing of the separated bioparticle in the culture chamber and study, observation, manipulation and/or culturing of the separated bioparticle. The invention further relates to a microfluidic system and use thereof.

Abstract: A method of manipulating particles suspended within a fluid droplet using a microfluidic system including a piezo-electric substrate (1) and a wave generation means (3) for generating a wave within the piezoelectric substrate (1), and a working surface (2) through which the wave can be distributed and upon which fluid droplets (9) can be located, the method including locating one or more droplets of fluid on the working surface (2), varying the power applied to the wave generation means (3) or varying the distribution of the wave across the working surface (2), such that particles (1 1) suspended within the fluid droplet (9) are either dispersed within the droplet or concentrated in an area within the droplet in dependence on the power or wave distribution applied by the wave generation means (3) to the piezoelectric substrate (1), or to facilitate rotation of the fluid within said fluid droplets (9) located jn the path of the wave.

Abstract: Embodiments of an improved sensor for dielectrophoretic cytometry are presented. In one embodiment, the sensor includes a plurality of sensor electrodes as well as an actuation electrode. Embodiments of microfluidic systems incorporating such sensor are also described. Additionally, embodiments of methods or performing cytometry analysis are also presented.

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

Abstract: The invention provides droplet actuators with droplet operations surfaces for manipulating droplets, e.g., by conducting droplet operations. The droplet operations surfaces are typically exposed to a droplet operations gap. One or more regions of a droplet operation surface may include patterned topographic features. The invention also provides a droplet actuator in which one or both gap-facing droplet operations surfaces is formed using a removable film. The removable film may, in various embodiments, also include other components ordinarily associated with the droplet actuator substrate, such as the dielectric layer and the electrodes. Further, the invention provides droplet actuator devices and methods for coupling and/or sealing substrates of a droplet actuator, such as techniques for self-aligning assembly of droplet actuator substrates.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatuses, systems, and methods for programmable fluidic processors. In one embodiment, the invention involves manipulating droplets across a reaction surface of the processor substantially contact-free of any surfaces. The reaction surface and the electrodes of the processor may include a coating repelling the droplets. Further, the present invention provides for a suitable suspending medium for repelling droplets away from fixed surfaces.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for manipulating droplets are disclosed. In one embodiment, an apparatus for manipulating droplets is provided, the apparatus including a substrate, multiple arrays of electrodes disposed on the substrate, wherein corresponding electrodes in each array are connected to a common electrical signal, and a dielectric layer disposed on the substrate first side surface and patterned to cover the electrodes.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and a method to assemble organotypical tissues which can then be perfused and investigated under preferably physiological conditions.

Abstract: Devices and methods for performing dielectrophoresis are described. The devices contain sample channel which is separated by physical barriers from electrode channels which receive electrodes. The devices and methods may be used for the separation and analysis of particles in solution, including the separation and isolation of cells of a specific type. As the electrodes do not make contact with the sample, electrode fouling is avoided and sample integrity is better maintained.

Abstract: The present invention provides devices and methods to separate and concentrate target protein species at a microliter scale and to generate reagents to those variants with exquisite selectivity for specific protein isoforms using only picograms of target material.

Abstract: A 3-dimensional PDMS cell sorter having multiple passages in a PDMS layer that follow the same path in a DEP separation region and that are in fluid communication with each other within that region. The passages may differ in width transverse to the flow direction within the passages. Flat plates may sandwich the PDMS layer; each plate may have a planar electrode used to generate a DEP field within a sample fluid flowed within the passages. The DEP field may concentrate target cells or particulates within one of the passages within the DEP separation region. The passages may diverge after the DEP-separation region, leaving one passage with a high concentration of target cells or particulates. Techniques for manufacturing such structures, as well as other micro-fluidic structures, are also provided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for microfluidic processing by programmably manipulating a packet. A material is introduced onto a reaction surface and compartmentalized to form a packet. A position of the packet is sensed with a position sensor. A programmable manipulation force is applied to the packet at the position. The programmable manipulation force is adjustable according to packet position by a controller. The packet is programmably moved according to the programmable manipulation force along arbitrarily chosen paths.

Abstract: The present invention provides a nano-fluidic field effective device. The device includes a channel having a first side and a second side, a first set of electrodes adjacent to the first side, a second set of electrodes adjacent to the second side, a control unit for applying electric potentials to the electrodes and a fluid within the channel containing a charge molecule. The first set of electrodes is disposed such that application of electric potentials produces a spatially varying electric field that confines a charged molecule within a predetermined area of said channel. The second set of electrodes is disposed such that application of electric potentials relative to the electric potentials applied to the first set of electrodes creates an electric field that confines the charged molecule to an area away from the second side of the channel.

Abstract: A droplet actuator configured to improve the throughput of droplet operations in a detection spot of the droplet actuator and/or to reduce carryover problems is provided. The droplet actuator may include electrodes configured for effecting droplet operations transporting droplets on a surface; a sensor arranged in proximity to one or more of the electrodes establishing a detection window on the surface for detection of one or more properties of one or more droplets on the surface; wherein the electrodes may establish at least two pathways for transport of droplets into the detection window.

Abstract: A microfluidic particle separation device includes a substrate and a plurality of electrode bars formed on the substrate, disposed around as array center, angularly spaced apart from one another, and extending radially with respect to the array center so as to form a radially-extending electrode array that is capable of inducing circular or elliptical shear flow of the liquid through travelling-wave electroosmosis when being applied with a travelling-wave electric potential.

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

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measurement are disclosed. The apparatus and method separate solutes and suspended solids in a mixture using a dielectrophoretic force provided by an electrode and a conductive layer, and then perform quantitative or qualitative analysis on at least one of the solutes using the electrode or at least one of the suspended solids.

Abstract: A method for enriching a heterogeneous population of cells includes loading one or more sample chambers containing DEP electrodes therein with a solution containing the heterogeneous population of cells, wherein the heterogeneous population of cells comprises a first subpopulation of cells having a first crossover frequency and a second subpopulation of cells having a second, higher crossover frequency. An AC electrical field is applied to the DEP electrodes, wherein the AC electrical field has an applied frequency that is between the crossover frequency of the first subpopulation of cells and the second subpopulation of cells, wherein the first subpopulation of cells are substantially killed by the applied electrical field and the second subpopulation of cells are substantially not killed by the applied electrical field.

Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments of methods, apparatus, systems, compositions, and articles of manufacture relating to identifying the source of bioparticles, such as bioparticles shed by an organism. In embodiments, a method may include collecting a sample of bioparticles from the environment, selecting from that sample the bioparticles most informative for identifying their source, and gathering data from those bioparticles to form bioparticle signatures; the bioparticle signatures may be processed into a multi-dimensional vector which may be compared to a multi-dimensional vector derived from a standard using a pattern recognition strategy. In embodiments, an apparatus may include a particle collection device to collect a sample, a transfer device to select bioparticles, and a detector that restricts the movement of the bioparticles; the restricted movement may be used to produce a bioparticle signature.

Abstract: An apparatus for identifying objects in a plurality of objects includes a portion which applies dielectrophoresis to the plurality of objects. The apparatus includes a portion which tracks the plurality of objects' reaction to the dielectrophoresis over time and extracts visible features about the plurality objects being tracked. The apparatus includes a portion which automatically identifies the objects from the plurality of objects based on the objects' reaction to the dielectrophoresis over time and the visible features of the objects. A method for identifying objects in a plurality of objects. A dielectrophoresis cartridge.

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

Abstract: A dielectrophoresis method for separating particles from a sample, including a dielectrophoresis channel, the dielectrophoresis channel having a central axis, a bottom, a top, a first side, and a second side; a first mesa projecting into the dielectrophoresis channel from the bottom and extending from the first side across the dielectrophoresis channel to the second side, the first mesa extending at an angle to the central axis of the dielectrophoresis channel; a second mesa projecting into the dielectrophoresis channel from the bottom and extending from the first side across the dielectrophoresis channel to the second side, the second mesa parallel to said first mesa; a space between at least one of the first electrode and the second side or the second electrode and the second side; and a gap between the first electrode and the second electrode, and pumping a recovery fluid through said gap between said first electrode and into said space between at least one of said first mesa and said second side or said s

Abstract: A continuous flow particle separation system for separating metallic and nonmetallic particles from a mixed-particle suspension includes a fluid channeling component defining an input channel and first and second output channels fluidly connected to the input channel at a bifurcated junction, a first electrode and a second electrode arranged proximate the input channel at least partially prior to the bifurcated junction, and an alternating current (AC) electric power source electrically connected to the first and second electrodes.

Abstract: A continuous flow particle separation system for separating metallic and nonmetallic particles from a mixed-particle suspension includes a fluid channeling component defining an input channel and first and second output channels fluidly connected to the input channel at a bifurcated junction, a first electrode and a second electrode arranged proximate the input channel at least partially prior to the bifurcated junction, and an alternating current (AC) electric power source electrically connected to the first and second electrodes.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for high efficiency electronic sequencing of nucleic acids and molecular detection. In an example embodiment of the instant disclosure, the NanoNeedle may be utilized to detect a change in impedance resulting from the modulation of the counter ion concentration or Debye length associated with a biomolecule of interest, such as DNA or protein, for an application of interest, such as DNA sequencing, DNA hybridization, or protein detection.

Abstract: Provided herein is technology relating to depositing and/or placing a macromolecule at a desired site for an assay and particularly, but not exclusively, to methods and systems for placing or guiding a macromolecule such as a protein, a nucleic acid, or a protein:nucleic acid complex to an assay site, such as near a nanopore, a nanowell, or a zero mode waveguide.

Abstract: A process for selective removal of a gaseous product (P) from a gaseous system comprising said product and other components (R1, R2), wherein the gaseous system is admitted to a first environment, which is separated from a second environment by a boundary wall, and a permeation membrane (3, 300) forms at least part of said boundary wall; a spatially non-uniform electric field (4) is generated between a first electrode or first plurality of electrodes (1, 301) located in the first environment and a second electrode or second plurality of electrodes (2, 302) located in the second environment, so that field lines of said non-uniform electric field cross said membrane, and a dielectrophoretic force generated on particles of said gaseous component (P) is at least part of a driving force of the permeation through said membrane, an amount of said product (P) being selectively removed from the first environment and collected in the second environment.

Abstract: A device for dielectrophoretic manipulation of suspended particulate matter comprises a plurality of interleaved layers of electrically conductive and non-conductive material wherein at least one channel is defined through a plurality of the interleaved layers of electrically conductive material.

Abstract: Provided is a dielectrophoresis apparatus with which it is possible to handle (move, stop, separate and sort, etc.) a dielectric particle utilizing dielectrophoresis and to measure dielectrophoretic force. The interior of a dielectrophoresis device that includes a case having a flat top or bottom surface is filled with a dielectric solution S and accepts introduction of a small target body (particle) P comprising a dielectric. A non-uniform alternating electric field is formed within the case. By tilting the case (through an angle ?pitch or other direction), rotating the case in an inclined plane (through a rotational angle ?yaw) or adjusting the voltage and frequency of the alternating electric field, imbalance or balance is produced between a dielectrophoretic force FDEP that acts upon the small body and a force FG sin ?pitch ascribable to gravity and buoyancy, thereby enabling the small body to be moved and stopped.

Abstract: The invention provides devices, systems, and methods for extracting target objects from a sample. In the method, a stream of sample containing a plurality of target and non-target objects is directed by first and second streams of buffer through a sample inlet channel into a fluid junction and through the fluid junction into a sample waste channel. In response to detecting a target object within the stream of sample, an actuator is energized to close a normally open valve, resulting in a transient burst of cross-flow into the fluid junction that briefly diverts the flow of sample within the fluid junction and results in an aliquot of sample being directed into an aliquot delivery channel. The combination of the valve and the actuator acts as a self-limiting pulse generator.