Abstract: A user-friendly multi-layer micro/nanofluidic flow device and micro/nano fabrication process are provided for numerous uses. The multi-layer micro/nanofluidic flow device can comprise: a substrate, such as indium tin oxide coated glass (ITO glass); a conductive layer of ferroelectric material, preferably comprising a PZT layer of lead zirconate titanate (PZT) positioned on the substrate; electrodes connected to the conductive layer; a nanofluidics layer positioned on the conductive layer and defining nanochannels; a microfluidics layer positioned upon the nanofluidics layer and defining microchannels; and biomolecular nanovalves providing bio-nanovalves which are moveable from a closed position to an open position to control fluid flow at a nanoscale.

Abstract: This invention discloses novel improvements to conventional microtiter plates, involving integrating microfluidic channels with such microtiter plates to simplify the assay operation, Increase operational speed and reduce reagent consumption. The present invention can be used in place of a conventional microliter plate and can be easily substituted without any changes to the existing instrumentation systems designed for microtiter plates. The invention also discloses a microfluidic device integrated with sample loading wells wherein the entire flow process is capillary driven.

Abstract: A device and methods for sample distribution through a channel in which an expandable valve provides a mechanism to regulate flow through the channel. The valve may be configured to exert a force on a membrane layer so as to substantially block a portion of the channel to retain the sample in a desired location and prevent flow past the valve mechanism between the channel and a chamber.

Abstract: Disclosed is a microfluidic sensor complex structure comprising a lower plate, a middle plate and an upper plate. A reference electrode, a working electrode and an electrode connection are formed on the lower plate. The middle plate comprises a microfluidic channel passage therein. The upper plate is overlaid on the middle plate so as to induce a capillary phenomenon on the microfluidic channel passage formed on in the middle plate. The microfluidic sensor complex structure allows the motion of a sample to be driven only by a capillary phenomenon, without additional operation, and allows an immune response, washing, and electrochemical analysis in one round once a sample is introduced thereinto. Hence, it requires only a short time period for measurement, is convenient to handle, and shows sensitivity and selectivity. Also, it can be produced on a mass scale because it can be formed of typical organic polymers using a simple method.

Abstract: A magnetic connector assembly for microfluidic devices comprises a first magnetic connector with at least one orifice extending therethrough and a second magnetic connector. The first and second connectors are configured to magnetically attract each other. In one aspect, the first magnetic connector is configured to sealingly engage a surface of a microfluidic chip with the second magnetic connector disposed on an opposite side of the microfluidic chip. The first magnetic connector is configured to seal with the microfluidic chip about a channel opening in the microfluidic chip and provide flow communication between the channel opening and the orifice in the first magnetic connector. In at least one other aspect, the first magnetic connector and second magnetic connector each have at least one orifice and are configured to change a flow communication therebetween upon a rotation of the first or second magnetic connector with respect to the other magnetic connector.

Abstract: Methods and systems for venting a well that receives a liquid. The method includes providing a microplate including a well that has a cavity with an open inlet and a closed end. The cavity extends between the open inlet and the closed end. The cavity is defined by a wall surface having a cross-sectional contour that includes at least one continuous section and at least one discontinuity section. The method also includes depositing a liquid into the open inlet of the well. The liquid enters the cavity and flows toward the closed end to at least partially fill the well. The liquid flows along the continuous section of the wall surface and remains separated from the discontinuity section of the wall surface, thereby maintaining a gas exhaust path along a spacing between the liquid and the discontinuity section as the liquid flows toward the closed end.

Abstract: A micro-liter liquid sample, particularly a biological sample, is analyzed in a device employing centrifugal and capillary forces. The sample is moved through one or more sample wells arrayed within a small flat chip via interconnecting capillary passageways. The passageways may be either hydrophobic or hydrophilic and may include hydrophobic or hydrophilic capillary stops.

Abstract: A microfluidic method and device for focusing and/or forming discontinuous sections of similar or dissimilar size in a fluid is provided. The device can be fabricated simply from readily-available, inexpensive material using simple techniques.

Abstract: Disclosed is a microfluidic device including a microfluidic structure formed in a platform in which various examinations, such as an immune serum examination, can be automatically performed using the biomolecule microarray chip. The biomolecule microarray chip-type microfluidic device using a biomolecule microarray chip comprises: a platform which is rotatable; a microfluidic structure disposed in the platform, comprising: a plurality of chambers; a plurality of channels connecting the chambers each other; and a plurality of valves controlling flow of fluids through the channels, wherein the microfluidic structure controls flow of a fluid sample using rotation of the platform and the valves; and a biomolecule microarray chip mounted in the platform such that biomolecule capture probes bound to the biomolecule microarray chip contact the fluid sample in the microfluidic structure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a microfluidic circuit including at least one microchannel for the flow of a first fluid conveying drops or bubbles of at least one second fluid, characterised in that the height of the microchannel is sized so as to crush the drops or bubbles during the movement thereof, and in that the microchannel comprises at least one trough, extending at least partially in the direction of flow of the first fluid or an area for trapping drops or bubbles, said area or the trough having a height that is greater than the height of the microchannel, such that at least some of the drops or bubbles of the second fluid in the microchannel are drawn and guided into the trough or into the trapping area.

Abstract: Provided is a measuring chip, which can spot a specimen liquid of a minute quantity for an immune agglutination easily and precisely to the measuring chip and which can prevent the flow of the specimen liquid and the contamination of the specimen. The measuring chip comprises at least two substrates, a spacer arranged between the substrates, at least one passage made of the substrates and the spacer into a hollow shape and having two open ends, counter electrodes for applying an electric field, and a specimen-spotted portion to be spotted with the specimen. The specimen-spotted portion has a structure made of a square, circular, elliptical or sector shape by that spacer. Moreover, the specimen-spotted portion has two open ends, one of which is connected to one open end of that passage.

Abstract: A microfluidic chip includes microfluidic channels, elements for thermally and optically isolating the microfluidic channels, and elements for enhancing the detection of optical signal emitted from the microfluidic channels. The thermal and optical isolation elements may comprise barrier channels interposed between adjacently-arranged pairs of microfluidic channels for preventing thermal and optical cross-talk between the adjacent microfluidic channels. The isolation element may alternatively comprise reflective film embedded in the microfluidic chip between the adjacent microfluidic channels. The signal enhancement elements comprise structures disposed adjacent to the microfluidic channels that reflect light passing through or emitted from the microfluidic channel in a direction toward a detector. The structures may comprise channels or a faceted surface that redirects the light by total internal reflection or reflective film material embedded in the microfluidic chip.

Abstract: A micro-fluid supplying device having a gas bubble trapping function. The micro-fluid supplying device includes: a fluid supplier including a fluid having a biomaterial; a trap chamber in which a gas bubble is removed from the fluid supplied from the fluid supplier; and a fluid discharger which externally discharges a material supplied from the trap chamber. Material properties of a side wall and a bottom of an inside of the trap chamber are different from each other. The side wall has a better property of wetting with respect to the fluid supplied from the fluid supplier than the bottom.

Abstract: A microfluidic cartridge with solution reservoir-pump chamber is disclosed. The microfluidic cartridge comprises a channel-chamber layer, a sealing layer, a printed circuit board bound with magnetoresistive biochip. The channel-chamber layer includes at least a waste reservoir, a reaction-detection chamber, a solution reservoir-pump chamber and a plurality of micro-channels. Said solution reservoir-pump chamber realizes both functions of solution reservoir and pump chamber in a single structure. Said sealing layer is sealed with said channel-chamber layer to form an integrated microfluidic system with at least a waste reservoir, a reaction-detection chamber, a solution inlet, a solution reservoir-pump chamber and a micro-channel. Said solution reservoir-pump chamber in the present invention consists of elastic objects inside for sealing and pumping. Under pressure, said elastic object propels solution in the reservoir into said reaction-detection chamber via channels of said plurality of micro-channels.

Abstract: A measuring device includes a first substrate; and a second substrate bonded on the first substrate. The second substrate has at least two inflow ports, at least two outflow ports, and an injection port. The two inflow ports, the two outflow ports, and the injection port penetrate the second substrate. The first substrate includes partition wall portions opposing to each other, and forming a first cavity between the partition wall portions, and forming at least two second cavities close against one of the partition wall portions. Each second cavity is provided adjacent to the first cavity. Through holes are provided in the respective partition wall portions to connect the first cavity and the second cavity to each other, and the through holes are adapted to capture an object to-be-tested introduced in the first cavity.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mixing method for mixing at least one small quantity of liquid, in which a quantity of liquid is applied in a reaction region and at least one surface sound wave is reacted with the quantity of liquid. The invention relates further to a mixing device for mixing at least one quantity of liquid for performing the method of the present invention, a use of the device, and a method of analysis for bond strengths on surfaces.

Abstract: Fluid analyte sensors include a photoelectrocatalytic element that is configured to be exposed to the fluid, if present, and to respond to photoelectrocatalysis of at least one analyte in the fluid that occurs in response to impingement of optical radiation upon the photoelectrocatalytic element. A semiconductor light emitting source is also provided that is configured to impinge the optical radiation upon the photoelectrocatalytic element. Related solid state devices and sensing methods are also described.

Abstract: A microchip device of the present invention includes: a microchip in which a liquid flow path is formed for liquid to flow; a gas flow path provided along the liquid flow path; and a plurality of gap sections formed between the liquid flow path and the gas flow path and having one opening thereof facing the liquid flow path and the other opening thereof facing the gas flow path, the gap of the gap section being made so as to be gap through which gas can pass but the liquid cannot pass, and a gas liquid interface being formed at the gap section.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a wireless sensor, such as an RFID tag, that includes a substrate, an antenna disposed on the substrate, and an environmentally sensitive sensor material disposed over at least a portion of said substrate. Other embodiments an RFID tag and at least one antibody coupled to the RFID tag. The RFID tag includes a substrate, circuitry disposed on the substrate, and an antenna coupled to the substrate. The at least one antibody is capable of affecting the signals emanating from the RFID tag. Further embodiments include a detection system that includes a reader. Yet other embodiments include a method for detecting specific analytes. The method includes providing an RFID tag which emanates a first signal having a first frequency, and enabling the REID tag to emanate a second signal having a second frequency upon attraction of a specific analyte to the RFID tag.

Abstract: The present invention relates to microfluidic devices and methods for manipulating and analyzing fluid samples. The disclosed microfluidic devices utilize a plurality of microfluidic channels, inlets, valves, filter, pumps, liquid barriers and other elements arranged in various configurations to manipulate the flow of a fluid sample in order to prepare such sample for analysis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a droplet-based nucleic acid amplification apparatus and system. According to one embodiment, a droplet microactuator is provided made using a first substrate including a fluorescing material and including a detection region for detecting a fluorescence signal from a droplet, which detection region is coated with a light absorbing, low fluorescence or non-fluorescing material.

Abstract: A fluid processing device, system, and method for processing a fluid, are provided. The device includes a substrate, a plurality of fluid retainment regions formed in or on the substrate, and a barrier at least partially separating two or more of the fluid retainment regions, wherein the barrier can include a solvent-dissolvable, LCST-free material.

Abstract: A device adapted to determine an analyte concentration of a fluid sample using a test sensor. The device comprises a display adapted to display information to a user. The device further comprises at least one user-interface mechanism adapted to allow the user to interact with the device. The device further comprises a body portion including at least one opening formed therein, the at least one opening being of sufficient size to receive the test sensor. The device further comprises a memory adapted to store a plurality of stored analyte concentrations. The device further comprises a processing feature adapted to inhibit the stored analyte concentrations from being displayed on the display.

Abstract: A method is provided of forming a micro-channel structure for use in a biosensing device. A master structure is provided having a first configuration of micro-channels with respective first fluid flow characteristics. One or more regions of material are deposited onto the master structure using a fluidjet process so as to modify the first configuration into a second configuration having respective second fluid flow characteristics, different from the first. Functional biosensing devices formed using the method are also described.

Abstract: Disclosed is a microfluidic device comprising a microchannel through which fluid can flow. Protrusions are formed on the bottom surface of the microchannel. The microfluidic device increases detection sensitivity by improving optical characteristics and enhances the reactivity of biochemical reaction by slowing down the velocity of fluid flowing inside the microchannel.

Abstract: This invention relates to technology for analyzing a specific component in a sample liquid, and provides an analyzing tool and an analyzing apparatus. Analyzing tool (Y) includes a liquid inlet (61) at a central portion of the tool and a plurality of channels (51) which communicate with liquid inlet (61) and move the sample liquid introduced through liquid inlet (61) by capillary action from the central portion towards a peripheral portion of the tool. Each channel (51) extends linearly for example from the central portion towards the peripheral portion, and the plurality of channels (51) are arranged radially.

Abstract: A platen for contacting a liquid to a surface of a substantially flat substrate is disclosed. The platen includes a liquid application station and a stripping element at an end of the liquid application station, wherein the stripping element includes an intersecting gap and an air barrier. Also disclosed are an apparatus including the platen and a method of using the platen to contact a substrate with a liquid.

Abstract: Embodiments of a microfluidic assembly comprise at least two adjacent microstructures and a plurality of interconnecting fluid conduits which connect an outlet port of one microstructure to an inlet port of an adjacent microstructure. Each microstructure comprises an inlet flow path and an outlet flow path not aligned along a common axis. Moreover, the microfluidic assembly defines a microfluidic assembly axis along which respective inlet ports of adjacent microstructures are oriented or alternatively along which respective outlet ports of adjacent microstructures are oriented, and each microstructure is oriented relative to the microfluidic assembly axis at a nonorthogonal angle.

Abstract: Provided is a biosensor with precision, high accuracy, and high sensitivity capable of increasing measurement accuracy while allowing measurements to be performed anywhere at any time by anyone, and allowing measurement with a small amount of specimen. In a biosensor including a specimen application portion (12) and a development flow channel (2), the specimen application portion (12) is configured such that an application space (9) is enclosed by a space-forming member (8) made of a liquid impermeable material, and a reaction reagent (14) that contains a labeling-reagent is retained in a position facing the application space (9) of the space-forming member (8) in the specimen application portion (12) so that the reaction reagent can be dissolved into a liquid specimen applied to the application space (9).

Abstract: The present invention concerns sample pick-up and metering devices, analytical test systems for determining an analyte in a sample liquid and their use for this purpose and methods for determining an analyte in a sample liquid. They comprise or use a sample pick-up and metering device according to the invention which consists of a support and a metering element integrated into the support for taking up a defined volume of sample liquid and a closed liquid compartment located on the support which contains a defined volume of a liquid where the liquid compartment on the support can be opened.

Abstract: The invention relates to joining plastic components into a microfluidic cartridge (20). The invention in particular relates to cartridges (20) for diagnostic analysis devices. The cartridge (20) comprises a fluidically conductive floor element (11), a cover (2), and a film (3) disposed between the elements (1, 2). The cover (2) or the floor element (1) and the film (3) comprise a filling opening (5) for filling microfluidic channels (4) in one of the elements having sample fluid. Pins (6) formed integrally with one of the board-shaped elements (1, 2) engage in corresponding holes (7) in the film (3) and the associated element (1, 2) for each. By means of deforming a pin (6), a friction fit is produced between a deformed pin and the wall of a hole, and a head (9) contacting the associated substrate in a form-fitting manner is formed.

Abstract: A delivery apparatus for selectively delivering one or more liquid reagents into a reaction or test chamber (2), especially of an assay apparatus, the apparatus comprising: one or more respective storage chambers (5,6) for containing the one or more liquid reagents and arranged generally above the reaction or test chamber (2); and a plunger element (4) arranged and operable for insertion into the mouth of a selected storage chamber so as to displace a selected reagent from therewithin into the reaction or test chamber (2) generally therebelow by gravitational liquid overflow from the mouth of the chamber. The apparatus may conveniently be provided as a discrete delivery unit, with the storage chambers (5,6) prefilled with the selected reagents.

Abstract: A fluidic configuration, both structural and methodological, for the injection of sample greatly reduces dead volume allowing rapid transition to 100% sample in a flow cell. For a continuous flow injection analysis system the structure and method provide counter flows to remove in one direction the dispersed region of the sample to waste before injecting non-dispersed sample into the flow cell by reversing the effective flow direction. The injection point itself is directly adjacent to the flow cell where all channels are microfluidic channels. Therefore, only the flow cell volume needs to be displaced during injection of sample in order to achieve 100% transition to sample within the flow cell. This greatly accelerates the rise and fall times thereby extending the kinetic range of the real-time interaction analysis instrument. In addition such rapid transition to sample improves overall data quality thereby improving kinetic model fitting.

Abstract: A microfluidic component comprises at least one channel (2) delineated by a top wall (6) and a bottom wall (3) and two opposite side walls (4, 5). The distance (P) between the top wall (6) and the bottom wall (3) of the channel (2) is greater than or equal to 25 micrometers and first and second sets of nanotubes (9a, 9b) are respectively borne by the two opposite side walls (4, 5) for the component to present a particularly high ratio between the contact surface and the available volume and a limited overall surface size. In addition, the distance between the two opposite side walls (4, 5) is about a few micrometers and preferably comprised between 3 and 5 micrometers.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to the field of microarray chips and uses thereof. In particular, the invention provides a microarray reaction device that can be used in assaying the interaction between various moieties, e.g., nucleic acids, immunoreactions involving proteins, interactions between a protein and a nucleic acid, a ligand-receptor interaction, and small molecule and protein or nucleic acid interactions, etc. Articles of manufacture and kits comprising the microarray reaction device and assaying methods using the microarray reaction device are also provided.

Abstract: A slide cartridge for use with a chemical analyzer includes an upper ring and a lower ring secured together but rotatable with respect to each other. The upper and lower rings define a plurality of reaction chambers between them, which receive dry analyte test slides. A gear track formed in the underside of the lower ring engages a pinion gear attached to a stepping motor of the chemical analyzer in order to rotate the slide cartridge. The slide cartridge is rotated under a sample fluid metering device, which deposits a sample fluid on the test slides through a plurality of spotter ports formed in the upper ring, and above a reflectometer, which performs a colorimetric measurement on the spotted test slides through viewing windows formed in the lower ring of the slide cartridge. A chemical analyzer with which the slide cartridge may be used includes a reflectometer, a sample fluid metering device and a stepping motor for rotating the slide cartridge.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and devices for separating particles according to size. More specifically, the present invention relates to a microfluidic method and device for the separation of particles according to size using an array comprising a network of gaps, wherein the field flux from each gap divides unequally into subsequent gaps. In one embodiment, the array comprises an ordered array of obstacles in a microfluidic channel, in which the obstacle array is asymmetric with respect to the direction of an applied field.

Abstract: Carriers or holders for holding microfluidic devices are provided. Some of the carriers that are provided include a hydration control device and/or a source of controlled fluid pressure to facilitate use of the carrier in conducting various types of analyses.

Abstract: A fluidic chip device configured for processing a fluidic sample includes two outer boundary layers, and at least one reinforcing layer arranged between the two outer boundary layers and being at both of its opposing main surfaces laminated with directly adjacent layers to reinforce pressure resistance of the fluidic chip device by the lamination, in which at least a part of the layers of the fluidic chip device includes a hole forming at least a part of a fluidic conduit for conducting the fluidic sample under pressure.

Abstract: A microfluidic flow cell having a body with a fluid transport channel disposed therein, the fluid transport channel having a proximal end and a distal end defining a fluid flow path, a fluid inlet port disposed at the proximal end of the fluid transport channel at a central portion of the body and an outlet port disposed at the distal end of the fluid transport channel at an outer portion of the body, and a plurality sample wells disposed in the fluid transport channel substantially perpendicular to the fluid flow path in the fluid transport channel. The microfluidic flow cell may have hundreds or thousands of individual, sub-microliter sample wells. The microfluidic flow cell can be filled by applying a flowable liquid to the inlet port and spinning the flow cell to cause fluid to flow into fluid transport channel. The microfluidic flow cells described herein can be used in a variety of applications where small sample size and/or a large number of replicates are desirable.

Abstract: A liquid dispenser for a microfluidic assay system is described. The dispenser includes at least one transfer pin for transferring a microfluidic sample of liquid to a target receptacle. A pin tip at one end of the transfer pin is structured to cooperate with an opening in the target receptacle. The tip uses a high voltage potential to transfer the sample from the pin to the receptacle.

Abstract: A filling apparatus for filling a microplate. The microplate having a plurality of wells each sized to receive an assay. The filling apparatus can comprise an assay input layer having a first surface and an opposing second surface. The assay input layer can comprise an assay input port extending from the first surface to the second surface and at least one pressure nodule extending from the second surface. An output layer can comprise a plurality of staging capillaries each having an inlet and an outlet. The output layer can further comprise a capillary plane disposed above the plurality of staging capillaries in fluid communication with the assay input port. The capillary plane can be sized to draw the assay from the assay input port to generally flood fill the plurality of staging capillaries.

Abstract: The present invention provides microfluidic devices and methods for using the same. In particular, microfluidic devices of the present invention are useful in conducting a variety of assays and high throughput screening. Microfluidic devices of the present invention include elastomeric components and comprise a main flow channel; a plurality of branch flow channels; a plurality of control channels; and a plurality of valves. Preferably, each of the valves comprises one of the control channels and an elastomeric segment that is deflectable into or retractable from the main or branch flow channel upon which the valve operates in response to an actuation force applied to the control channel.

Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods, and devices for processing samples on a microfluidic device. One system includes a microfluidic device having an upstream channel, a DNA manipulation zone located downstream from the upstream channel and configured to perform PCR amplification of a sample, a first valve disposed upstream of the DNA manipulation zone, and a second valve disposed downstream of the DNA manipulation zone. The system also includes a controller programmed to close the first and second valves to prevent gas and liquid from flowing into or out of the DNA manipulation zone, and a computer-controlled heat source in thermal contact with the DNA manipulation zone.

Abstract: A centrifugal force-based microfluidic device for nucleic acid extraction and a microfluidic system are provided. The microfluidic device includes a body of revolution; a microfluidic structure disposed in the body of revolution, the microfluidic structure including a plurality of chambers, channels connecting the chambers, and valves disposed in the channels to control fluid flow, the microfluidic structure transmitting the fluid using centrifugal force due to rotation of the body of revolution; and magnetic beads contained in one of the chambers which collect a target material from a biomaterial sample flowing into the chamber, wherein the microfluidic structure washes the magnetic beads which collect the target material, and separates nucleic acid by electromagnetic wave irradiation from an external energy source to the magnetic beads.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a wicking inhibitor for fluidic and microfluidic devices that reduces wicking by providing a structure that interrupts the flow of a working fluid through a fluidic channel interface having corner angles greater than ninety degrees.

Abstract: A method for conducting a broad range of biochemical analyses or manipulations on a series of nano- to subnanoliter reaction volumes and an apparatus for carrying out the same are disclosed. The invention is implemented on a fluidic microchip to provide high serial throughput. In particular, the disclosed device is a microfabricated channel device that can manipulate nanoliter or subnanoliter reaction volumes in a controlled manner to produce results at rates of 1 to 10 Hz per channel. The reaction volumes are manipulated in serial fashion analogous to a digital shift register. The invention has application to such problems as screening molecular or cellular targets using single beads from split-synthesis combinatorial libraries, screening single cells for RNA or protein expression, genetic diagnostic screening at the single cell level, or performing single cell signal transduction studies.

Abstract: A package for an object having a hydrophilic surface includes at least one of a loose cover for the hydrophilic surface and an adsorbing surface, the affinity of which for apolar gases is equal to or greater than that of the hydrophilic surface.

Abstract: A microfluidics system comprising a channel having an inlet (32) and an outlet (38); a first membrane (31) positioned between the inlet (32) and outlet (38) and comprising an aperture having a radius within the range 0.1 to 50 ?m, the inlet (32) and the outlet (38) being in hydraulic communication with one another, such that a fluid can move along the channel from the inlet to the outlet.

Abstract: Biological fluid samples are deposited by methods that produce a uniform layer of the sample over a reagent-containing surface. In one embodiment, a nozzle having multiple openings is used to deposit a sample over the reagent-containing surface simultaneously. In an alternative embodiment, single droplets of the sample are deposited in a pattern on the surface, preferably in a sequence of parallel lines. The reaction between the biological sample and the reagents is read from a spectrographic image of the reagent-containing surface obtained by optical methods.