Abstract: Microfluidic devices are described that include a rigid base layer, and an elastomeric layer on the base layer. The elastomeric layer may include at least part of a fluid channel for transporting a liquid reagent, and a vent channel that accepts gas diffusing through the elastomeric layer from the flow channel and vents it out of the elastomeric layer. The devices may also include a mixing chamber fluidly connected to the fluid channel, and a control channel overlapping with a deflectable membrane that defines a portion of the flow channel, where the control channel may be operable to change a rate at which the liquid reagent flows through the fluid channel. The devices may further include a rigid plastic layer on the elastomeric layer.

Abstract: An interface device for bio-chip at least comprises an interface unit, said interface unit consisting of instrument interface layer, fluid channel layer and sample interface layer. The instrument interface layer has at least one instrument interface. The fluid channel layer has one hollow-out fluid channel. The sample interface layer has at least one sample interface, and both ends of said fluid channel connect to the sample interface and the instrument interface respectively. The interface device separates sample solutions from the instrument interface by gas or liquid in the fluid channel, thus to avoid direct contacts between sample solutions and instrument interface which will cause pollution, and omitting cleaning processes after using instruments. With simple structure, easy operation and low cost, it applies to chemistry field, biology field and medical analysis field.

Abstract: An integrated fluidic device comprising includes an input chamber that provides an input of a sample fluid, and a first overspill chamber in fluid communication with the input chamber. A metering conduit is in fluid communication with the fluid input chamber and the first overspill chamber. The metering conduit meters a first metered volume of fluid from the sample fluid, and the first overspill chamber receives fluid in excess of the first metered volume of fluid. A second overspill chamber is in fluid communication with the metering conduit. The metering conduit meters a second metered volume of fluid from the first metered volume of fluid, and the second overspill chamber receives fluid from the first metered volume of fluid in excess of the second metered volume of fluid. The second overspill chamber has a fluid actuated closable valve for controlling the metering of the second metered volume of fluid.

Abstract: A micro device includes a substrate and a structure configured to bind to an object or a material, or not to bind to an object or material. The structure has a roughness based on a roughness of the object or material. For example, a microarray includes a substrate and a well positioned in the substrate and configured to bind to a type of bead. The well has a roughness based on a roughness of the type of bead to which the well is configured to bind. The roughness of the well is controlled by controlling a position and number of striations in the side of the well. In another example, a moveable component of a micro device may have a roughness different from a roughness of an adjacent component, to reduce the likelihood of the moveable component sticking to the adjacent component.

Abstract: A sensing device including an inlet port for receiving a fluid, a measurement chamber for sensing the fluid, a fluid channel coupling the inlet port and the measurement chamber for transporting the fluid from the inlet port to the measurement chamber, and a fluid stop unit for stopping and controllably releasing the flow of fluid between the inlet port and the measurement chamber.

Abstract: In one aspect, a microfluidic device for multiple reactions is provided, which comprises a reaction channel comprising multiple reaction chambers connected to a closed chamber or an elastic balloon outside of the microfluidic device, wherein a wall of the closed chamber is an elastic membrane; and a control channel comprising an elastic side wall, wherein the intersections between the side wall of the control channel with the reaction channel form multiple pneumatic microvalves. In another aspect, a method for conducting multiple reactions using the microfluidic device is provided, which comprises: a) filling the reaction chambers with a sample; and b) applying pressure to the control channel to expand the elastic side wall of the control channel, wherein the expanded elastic side wall forms a pneumatic microvalve that separates the reaction chambers.

Abstract: Microfluidic devices fabricated from paper that has been covalently modified to increase its hydrophobicity, as well as methods of making and using thereof are provided herein. The devices are typically small, portable, flexible, and both easy and inexpensive to fabricate. Microfluidic devices contain a network of microfluidic components, including microfluidic channels, microfluidic chambers, microwells, or combinations thereof, designed to carry, store, mix, react, and/or analyze liquid samples. The microfluidic channels may be open channels, closed channels, or combinations thereof. The microfluidic devices may be used to detect and/or quantify an analyte, such as a small molecules, proteins, lipids polysaccharides, nucleic acids, prokaryotic cells, eukaryotic cells, particles, viruses, metal ions, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to droplet creation, fusion and sorting, and incubation for droplet-based microfluidic assays. More particularly, the present invention relates to delay-lines, which allow incubation of reactions for precise time periods. More particularly, the present invention relates to delay lines for incubations up to three hours, while reducing back-pressure and dispersion in the incubation time due to the unequal speeds with which droplets pass through the delay line.

Abstract: Described herein are particular embodiments relating to a microfluidic device that may be utilized for cell sensing, counting, and/or sorting. Particular aspects relate to a microfabricated device that is capable of differentiating single cell types from dense cell populations. One particular embodiment relates a device and methods of using the same for sensing, counting, and/or sorting leukocytes from whole, undiluted blood samples.

Abstract: The invention provides structures and methods that allow polymers of any length, including nucleic acids, to be stretched into a long, linear conformation for further analysis.

Abstract: This technology is a method and apparatus for the semi-continuous measurement of the concentration of constituents of airborne particles which couples a laminar flow, water condensation particle collector to a microfluidic device for assay of particle chemical composition by electrophoresis. The technology has been used for the assay of sulfates, nitrates, chlorides, and organic acids contained in fine and submicrometer atmospheric particles. For these compounds the apparatus and method described is capable of one-minute time resolution at concentrations at the level of micrograms of analyte species per cubic meter of air. Extension to other analytes is possible.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for providing devices comprised of a substrate and a Layer-By-Layer (LBL) film coated on at least a surface of the substrate, which LBL film comprises binding agents that specifically interact with cells. Such devices are useful, for example, in various cell isolation applications. Among other advantages, such devices permit isolation and release (e.g., via layer degradation) of cells under mild conditions.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods and systems for assaying a sample. A microfluidic device to perform an assay of a sample (e.g., biological sample) is described having a sample application site, a porous component and a flow channel. The porous component provides for uniform dissolution of a reagent and mixing of the sample and reagent without filtering the sample.

Abstract: The invention provides a new microfluidic device and method for performing operations on droplets. The invention extends to microfluidic systems comprising one or more of the microfluidic devices.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a target reactor having a flow-channel system in which a plurality of reactants continuously flowing into said target reactor are mixed and interconvert to form a target volumetric flow-rate (f2) of a product continuously flowing out of said target reactor, wherein the smallest hydraulic diameter (dh2) of said target reactor is calculated based on the relationship d h ? ? 2 = d h ? ? 1 ? ( f 2 f 1 ) 3 - n 7 - n in a turbulent or transitional turbulent flow, wherein n is a non-integer number with 1>n?0, between the corresponding smallest hydraulic diameter (dh1) of a standard reactor having the same fluidic type of flow-channel system, f1 is a standard volumetric flow-rate of said standard reactor carrying out the same interconversion, and f2 is said target volumetric flow-rate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an leucocyte antigen mediated microfluidic assay and a microfluidic device for analyzing a subjects' body fluids containing leucocytes to determine if the subject has been previously exposed to a predetermined antigen.

Abstract: A self-contained assay facility housed in a fixed-wing or rotary wing aircraft that is completely equipped to melt and assay precious metals, particularly gold and silver. An induction furnace melts the metal that is then poured into an ingot. The ingot is weighed and analyzed using an XRF alloy analyzer and the percentage of gold and/or other metals recorded. The value of the gold at current market prices is calculated and the assay and the value of the ingot is printed and given to the seller. The seller may opt to receive the ingot and pay the assayer an assay fee. Alternately, the seller may ask to be paid in cash, in bullion, by wire transfer, or by an open hedge. A transfer or hedge is initiated and confirmed from the assay facility. The ingots are securely stored in a safe within the assay facility.

Abstract: Provided is a cell concentration and purification device, having: a function of continuously concentrating cells; a function of then subsequently disposing the cells continuously in a specific region of a channel; a function of simultaneously recognizing, based on an image, the shape and fluorescence emission of each single cell; and a function of recognizing the cells and then separating and purifying the same based on the data relating to the shape and fluorescence emission thereof.

Abstract: Chemical indicator apparatuses containing one or more chemical indicators for use in monitoring the quality of water in an aquatic environment. The apparatuses are designed and configured to be submersible in the water that is being monitored. In some embodiments, each apparatus includes a plurality of immobilized-dye-based chemical indicators that undergo a physical change as levels of one or more constituents of the water change. Such indicators can be read by one or more suitable optical readers. These and other embodiments are designed and configured to be movable by a corresponding monitoring/measuring apparatus, for example, via a magnetically coupled drive. Also disclosed are a variety of features that can be used to provide a chemical indicator apparatus with additional functionalities.

Abstract: A nucleic acid extraction device has: a tube extending in a longitudinal direction in which a first plug formed of a wax or an oil, a second plug formed of a first washing liquid, a third plug formed of a wax, a fourth plug formed of an eluate, and a fifth plug formed of a wax or an oil are arranged in this order.

Abstract: A microfluidic device unit has a control device which includes at least one actuating unit and with a carrier for a microfluidic chip. The carrier is designed as module separate from the control device, but is connected with the same by at least one connecting line such that the actuating unit can actuate at least one function at the carrier. The carrier is provided with a receptacle for the microfluidic chip.

Abstract: According to embodiments of the present invention, an apparatus for separating a biological entity from a sample volume is provided. The apparatus includes an input chamber including an inlet configured to receive the volume sample, and an outlet, at least one magnetic element adjacent a portion of the input chamber, the magnetic element configured to provide a magnetic field in a vicinity of the portion of the input chamber to trap at least some leukocytes from the sample volume, and a filter in fluid communication with the outlet, the filter configured to separate the biological entity. According to further embodiments of the present invention, a method for separating a biological entity from a sample volume is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a micro flow-channel chip formed of two or more parts, wherein a first part has a through hole that forms a flow-channel connection portion, a second part has a projecting portion, the projecting portion of the second part is inserted into the through hole of the first part, thereby a volume of the flow-channel connection portion is reduced, and furthermore, both of the first part and the second part are molded with a die.

Abstract: A microfluidic device including: a substrate having a flow channel and an outlet port connected to the flow channel and configured to discharge liquid; and an inlet portion being present on a surface of the substrate and configured to allow injection of liquid into the flow channel, wherein the inlet portion includes a first tube and a second tube being present in an interior of the first tube and having a height smaller than that of the first tube, the outlet port includes a first outlet port and a second outlet port, the flow channel includes a first flow channel and a second flow channel, the second flow channel connects the second outlet port and a space between the first tube and the second tube, and the first flow channel and the second flow channel are not connected.

Abstract: Microfluidic structures and methods for manipulating fluids and reactions are provided. Such structures and methods may involve positioning fluid samples, e.g., in the form of droplets, in a carrier fluid (e.g., an oil, which may be immiscible with the fluid sample) in predetermined regions in a microfluidic network. In some embodiments, positioning of the droplets can take place in the order in which they are introduced into the microfluidic network (e.g., sequentially) without significant physical contact between the droplets. Because of the little or no contact between the droplets, there may be little or no coalescence between the droplets. Accordingly, in some such embodiments, surfactants are not required in either the fluid sample or the carrier fluid to prevent coalescence of the droplets. Structures and methods described herein also enable droplets to be removed sequentially from the predetermined regions.

Abstract: A biochip including a chip body, a first electrode and a second electrode is provided. The body has a first accommodating cavity, a second accommodating cavity and a micro-fluid channel. The micro-fluid channel is connected with the first accommodating cavity and the second accommodating cavity. The first electrode has a first end and a second end. The first end is used for contacting a first probe of a detection apparatus. The second end is positioned in the first accommodating cavity. The second electrode has a third end and a forth end. The third end is used for contacting a second probe of the detection apparatus. The forth end is positioned in the second accommodating cavity.

Abstract: An interface cartridge for a microfluidic chip, with microfluidic process channels and fluidic connection holes at opposed ends of the process channels, provides ancillary fluid structure, including fluid flow channels and input and/or waste wells, which mix and/or convey reaction fluids to the fluidic connection holes and into the process channels of the microfluidic chip.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a channel device that is formed by bonding a first substrate having a first adhesion surface to a second substrate having a second adhesion surface, the second adhesion surface having a plurality of grooves that become channel wall surfaces, the method including a first step of forming a layer of a liquid composed of a curable adhesive between the first adhesion surface and the second adhesion surface; a second step of forming menisci of the liquid in the vicinities of wall surfaces of the plurality of grooves after the first step by applying a pressure to bring the first adhesion surface and the second adhesion surface close to each other; and a third step of curing the adhesive while the first adhesion surface and the second adhesion surface are close to each other.

Abstract: A device for analysing a clinical sample comprises at least one depot chamber for receiving one or more reagents and at least one process chamber, whereas the process chamber is integrated in a first support member and the depot chamber is integrated in at least a second support member, whereas the support members are arranged in that the process chamber is connectable with the depot chamber by a relative movement of the first and second support member with respect to each other. According to the invention, the device further includes a pump element for transferring the substances inside the device from one chamber to another.

Abstract: Provided are a valve unit and a microfluidic device including the valve unit. The valve unit includes: a valve substance container containing a valve substance, the valve substance including a phase change material that is solid at ambient temperature and melts by absorbing energy; a valve connection path connecting the valve substance container to a channel forming a fluid passage; and a pair of drain chambers formed along the channel at both sides of the valve connection path.

Abstract: Provided is a method for checking a blood status including: a step of supplying blood to the centrifugal container of a disk; a step of rotating the disk to centrifuge the blood cells and blood plasma in the centrifuge container, and detecting the actual moving distance per hour of the blood cells in the centrifugal container; and a step of establishing a first graph which represents the actual moving distance of the blood cells per hour, and a second graph which represents the theoretical moving distance of the blood cells per hour, and thereafter calculating the hematocrit of the blood cells and the viscosity of the blood plasma by comparing the first graph with the second graph.

Abstract: Provided herein is a bioprocessing device, bioprocessing card, and fluidics cartridge for performing automated bioprocessing of a sample. The bioprocessing card may include a plurality of pipette tips; and at least one pump in fluid communication with the plurality of pipette tips. In some embodiments, the pumps and the pipette tips are in fluid communication through a processing channel which may be a microscale channel. Also provided herein is an automated bioprocessing device comprising: at least one bioprocessing card; at least one fluidic cartridge; and an automated control system configured to control automated bioprocessing of a sample. Further provided herein are methods of use of the device, card, and cartridge.

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: Disclosed herein is a cation exchange capacity titration unit comprising a titration cell having a closed bottom end in fluid communication with an open top end; a recirculation loop comprising a pump and a sensing unit, wherein the pump comprises a pump inlet in fluid communication with the bottom end of the titration cell, and a pump outlet in fluid communication with a sensing unit inlet, the sensing unit inlet being in fluid communication with a sensing unit outlet, wherein the sensing unit outlet is in fluid communication with the top end of the titration cell such that operation of the pump results in an analyte sample flowing from the bottom end through the pump, through the sensing unit, and back into the top end of the titration cell in a continuous loop. A method of determining the cation exchange capacity of a sample is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for detecting the presence and/or the reaction of a biomolecule by monitoring changes of electrical property accurately according to the biological, biochemical or chemical reaction of the biomolecule, and a biochip provided for this purpose.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods of performing microchemical reactions and electro-wetting-on-dielectric devices (EWOD devices) for use in performing those reactions. These devices and method are particularly suited for preparing radiochemical compounds, particularly compounds containing 18F.

Abstract: A transportable, self-contained assay facility built in a modified standard shipping container that is completely equipped to melt and assay precious metals, particularly gold and silver. An induction furnace melts the metal that is then poured into an ingot. The ingot is weighed and analyzed using an XRF alloy analyzer and the percentage of gold and/or other metals recorded. The value of the gold at current market prices is calculated and the assay and the value of the ingot is printed and given to the seller. The seller may opt to receive the ingot and pay the assayer an assay fee. Alternately, the seller may ask to be paid in cash, by bullion, wire transfer, or by an open hedge. A transfer or hedge is initiated and confirmed from the assay facility. The ingots may be securely stored in a safe within the assay facility.

Abstract: A flow cell having a support surface, and an integrated fluid reservoir made of two foil layers arranged on the support surface and joined with each other to enclose a storage space and a transport channel. The transport channel extends from a burst point that closes the storage space to a connecting opening and can be opened by fluid flowing from the storage space. A first of the foil layers of the fluid reservoir faces away from the support surface and projects beyond a second of the foil layers of the fluid reservoir that faces the support surface, and is bonded with the support surface in a projecting region.

Abstract: A sample port system/device associated with a fluid collection device is provided and is configured to receive fluid-containing devices of varying diameters. A method of improving the work flow and safety involved in acquiring and/or testing fluid samples using such sample port system/device is also provided.

Abstract: In order to position components each including a channel in assembly, provided are a positioning method, which is particularly useful in manufacturing a component using an injection molding technology, and a device to which the method is applicable. Specifically, provided is a channel device, including: a first device including a channel; and a second device including a channel, the channel device being formed by joining the first device and the second device to each other so that the channel in the first device and the channel in the second device communicate to each other, the first device having a plurality of holes along an outer side of an edge of a region of the first device, which is joined to the second device.

Abstract: A microfluidic chip (100) with a flow-guiding body (111) and the applications thereof in biochemistry, immunology, and molecule detection. The flow-guiding body (111) is disposed in a solution tank (101) of the microfluidic chip (100), the surface of the flow-guiding body (111) is enclosed by the antigen or antibody, and the gap between the flow-guiding body (111) and a wall (105) of the solution tank is 0 mm to 1.5 mm.

Abstract: A microfluidic separation device is provided that includes a first sample channel region and a second sample channel region, where the first sample channel region has an array of channels that are smaller than the second channel region, a first detection region and a second detection region located at the interface of the first sample channel region, a detection channel, an illuminating electric field, Raman-scattering nanoparticles having surface plasmon resonances for detection when illuminated by the electric field, where the resonances create an enhanced local electric field along specific directions resulting in an enhanced Raman response, and a nanoparticle input channel disposed to input the nanoparticles into the second sample channel region, where the nanoparticles are larger than the cross-section of the first sample channel region and the cross-section of the second detection region, where the nanoparticles collect in the first detection region to form region of densely packed nanoparticles.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments concern a microfluidic device comprising a bonding agent and two or more components. In particular disclosed embodiments, the microfluidic device is made out of the disclosed bonding agent. Also disclosed are embodiments of a method for making a microfluidic device, wherein the method includes using the disclosed bonding agent to couple two or more components together.

Abstract: The present invention provides porous electroactive hydrogels, the deformation angle of which is controlled by electroactuation, and methods for preparing and using such hydrogels.

Abstract: A coating formula and method for surface coating non-porous surfaces. Microfluidic devices including said coating achieve desired properties including increased hydrophilicity, improved adhesion, stability and optical clarity.

Abstract: A particle manipulation system uses a MEMS-based, microfabricated particle manipulation device which has an inlet channel, output channels, and a movable member formed on a substrate. The movable member moves parallel to the fabrication plane, as does fluid flowing in the inlet channel. The movable member separates a target particle from the rest of the particles, diverting it into an output channel. However, at least one output channel is not parallel to the fabrication plane. The device may be used to separate a target particle from non-target material in a sample stream. The target particle may be, for example, a stem cell, zygote, a cancer cell, a T-cell, a component of blood, bacteria or DNA sample, for example. The particle manipulation system may also include a microfluidic structure which focuses the target particles in a particular portion of the inlet channel.

Abstract: A microfluidic device comprises pumps, valves, and fluid oscillation dampers. In a device employed for sorting, an entity is flowed by the pump along a flow channel through a detection region to a junction. Based upon an identity of the entity determined in the detection region, a waste or collection valve located on opposite branches of the flow channel at the junction are actuated, thereby routing the entity to either a waste pool or a collection pool. A damper structure may be located between the pump and the junction. The damper reduces the amplitude of oscillation pressure in the flow channel due to operation of the pump, thereby lessening oscillation in velocity of the entity during sorting process. The microfluidic device may be formed in a block of elastomer material, with thin membranes of the elastomer material deflectable into the flow channel to provide pump or valve functionality.

Abstract: A micromachined tube (microtube) suitable for microfluidic devices. The microtube is formed by isotropically etching a surface of a first substrate to define therein a channel having an arcuate cross-sectional profile, and forming a substrate structure by bonding the first substrate to a second substrate so that the second substrate overlies and encloses the channel to define a passage having a cross-sectional profile of which at least half is arcuate. The substrate structure is thinned to define the microtube and walls thereof that surround the passage.

Abstract: Electro-osmosis is used to create droplets in order to easily, carefully, and quickly pick-and-place millions of objects (ranging in size from millimeters to nanometers) individually or in parallel. Droplets are formed within channels that are individually controlled in order to achieve a predetermined configuration of the selected objects.

Abstract: A mixing method and device are disclosed. The mixing method includes providing a drop generating device including a first drop ejector, a second drop ejector and a collector. The mixing method also includes ejecting a plurality of drops of a first reactant from the first drop ejector and ejecting a plurality of drops of a second reactant from the second drop ejector and collecting the drops with the collector.