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: An arrangement and method for generating or depositing a stream of m>1 fluid segments, respectively separated by an intermediary medium which does not mix with the fluid segments. The arrangement includes a molded body having a channel for conducting the fluid stream, from which n?m first access lines and n second access lines branch off. The first and second access lines are configured so to be inserted into n wells. The lengths of the first access lines differ from the lengths of the second access lines, and respectively one first valve is arranged in the channel, between the branching location for each second access line and the branching location for each associated first access line, and wherein respectively a second valve is arranged in each second access line.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device for synthesis of radiopharmaceutical products based on chemical reagents contained in bottles, said device comprising several reaction compartments, transfer means between said bottles and said reaction compartments as well as mechanical means acting on said transfer means and enabling to monitor and control mechanically the transfer of chemical reagents. The invention is characterized in that it comprises: a fixed module including at least the mechanical means; a removable and disposable module, essentially in the shape of a support, whereon are arranged the transfer means between said bottles and said reaction compartments, said removable and disposable module not including any mechanical means; and means for securing said removable and disposable module to said fixed module.

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 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 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 relates to microfluidic devices that include a reliable seal between a substrate of the device and a fluid transport mechanism. The devices of the invention include at least one internal channel, and at least one port in fluid communication with the channel. A seal is associated with the port and is configured to receive a fluid transport mechanism. The seal is formed from an elastomeric material that is compatible for use with fluorinated oil and resists flaking and degradation.

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: 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: The invention relates to a microdispenser (1) for dispensing a liquid sample in a dispensing device, with a sample container (2) for receiving the liquid sample, and with a nozzle (7) for dispensing the sample located in the sample container (2). The microdispenser (1) with the filled sample container (2) can in this case be stored independently of and fluidically separately from the dispensing device, without the sample escaping from the sample container (2) during storage.

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: For heating or cooling a sample contained in a vessel portion through a heat transfer member held in contact with the vessel portion, there is used the vessel portion, which has a part formed of an elastic member, expands and contracts for injection and discharge of the sample, is closed other than a connecting port with a channel connected to the vessel, and expands and contracts for injection and discharge of the sample. The vessel portion expands correspondingly to the injection when the sample is injected through an inflow path serving as the channel into the vessel portion contracting in a non-contacting state with the heat transfer member. A predetermined amount of sample is injected into the vessel portion so as to expand the vessel portion, and the vessel portion comes into contact with the heat transfer member. The vessel portion is heated or cooled through the heat transfer member.

Abstract: A microfluidic system and method for sorting cell clusters, and for the continuous and automated encapsulation of the clusters, once sorted, in capsules of sizes suitable for those of these sorted clusters is provided. The microfluidic system comprises a substrate in which a microchannel array comprising a cell sorting unit is etched and around which a protective cover is bonded, and the sorting unit comprises deflection means capable of separating, during the flow thereof, relatively noncohesive cell clusters, each of size ranging from 20 ?m to 500 ?m and of 20 to 10 000 cells approximately, such as islets of Langerhans, at least two sorting microchannels arranged in parallel at the outlet of said unit being respectively designed so as to transport as many categories of sorted clusters continuously to a unit for encapsulation of the latter, also formed in said array.

Abstract: Ends (134a-1) of projections (134a) do not contact a first substrate (11), forming a gap between the ends (134a-1) and the first substrate (11). The internal capacity of a suction pump (17) can be increased by an amount by which the projections (134a) are shortened, compared to a conventional structure in which pillars are formed to connect the ceiling and bottom of the cavity of a capillary pump. The capacity of the suction pump (17) can be increased without enlarging the planar shape. Further, the ends (134a-1) of the projections (134a) do not contact the first substrate (11), forming a gap between them. An impurity can pass through the gap, and clogging of the inside of the suction pump (17) with the impurity can be prevented, realizing a stable operation.

Abstract: In the case of passing a reagent in a reaction channel in a microchip, which carries a reactant capable of reacting with the reagent on the wall thereof, and bringing the reactant into contact with the reagent so as to carry out a reaction, the reagent is efficiently passed to the reactant to thereby promote the progress of the reaction. In carrying out the reaction as described above, the reagent (30a) is passed in such a manner that the periphery of the gas/liquid interface at the front end of the reagent moves forward and backward along the wall face of the reaction channel (10). After the completion of the reaction between the reagent (30a) and the reactant, another reagent (30b), which is to be reacted with the reactant capable of reacting with the reagent that is carried on the reaction channel, is passed into the reaction channel (10) while providing a gas in the front edge side thereof.

Abstract: In one embodiment the present invention provides a blood analyte meter that is user-friendly and easy to use. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention an analyte measurement device, for use with a test strip for determining the amount of an analyte in a sample, displays a hierarchy of information or options to a user. The hierarchy of information or options may include, among other information or options, subroutines that are performable by the processor of the device, stored data related to past tests performed by the user, and alarm features of the device. A user scrolls through and selects individual options or pieces of information by rotating and translating a rotatable user interface around and along an axis of rotation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a microfabricated device for the rapid detection of DNA, proteins or other molecules associated with a particular disease. The devices and methods of the invention can be used for the simultaneous diagnosis of multiple diseases by detecting molecules (e.g. amounts of molecules), such as polynucleotides (e.g., DNA) or proteins (e.g., antibodies), by measuring the signal of a detectable reporter associated with hybridized polynucleotides or antigen/antibody complex. In the microfabricated device according to the invention, detection of the presence of molecules (i.e. Polynucleotides, proteins, or antigen/antibody complexes) are correlated to a hybridization signal from an optically-detectable (e.g. fluorescent) reporter associated with the bound molecules. These hybridization signals can be detected by any suitable means, for example optical, and can be stored for example in a computer as a representation of the presence of a particular gene.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a micro-fluidic chip including a hollow area into which a charged droplet is introduced, and an electrode configured to be provided toward the hollow area. Movement direction of a droplet in the hollow area is controlled based on electric force acting between a charge given to the droplet and the electrode.

Abstract: A second valve is opened to combine an injection-pressure generating pressure with a maintaining pressure into an injection pressure. After the injection pressure is applied to a capillary to cause discharge of an object therefrom, an output pressure of a regulator is set to the injection pressure. Then, a first valve is opened to reapply the injection pressure to the capillary. The second valve is opened to combine a maintaining-pressure generating pressure with the injection pressure into the maintaining pressure. After the maintaining pressure is applied to the capillary to terminate the discharge of the object, the output pressure of the regulator is set to the maintaining pressure. Then, the first valve is opened to reapply the maintaining pressure to the capillary.

Abstract: There are provided a micro mixer capable of efficiently mixing at least two types of liquids in a simple structure and a microfluidic chip provided with the micro mixer. In order to achieve the object, the micro mixer includes a minute passage through which first and second liquids are caused to flow respectively, and a mixing vessel in which a liquid injecting port caused to communicate with the minute passage is provided in a bottom part, and the liquid injecting port is provided in a shifted position from a center of the bottom part in the bottom part. Moreover, the liquid injecting port may be provided in a shifted position from a center line of the mixing vessel.

Abstract: The invention provides microfluidic devices, methods for imaging cells, and methods for preparing such microfluidic devices. The microfluidic devices are contemplated to provide advantages for use in imaging of cells and subcellular compartments in an environment that mimics in vivo conditions. The microfluidic devices can used with a microscope equipped with an oil emersion objective lens.

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

Abstract: A modular microfluidic system includes modules which are arranged next to each other in a row. Every module has a microfluidic part which rests on a contact surface of the module in a locally limited area and is forced against the contact surface by a fastening element. The microfluidic part includes a fluid channel system with fluid connections that are arranged on the top surface of the microfluidic part in edge areas relative to the adjoining microfluidic parts. The fluid connections of adjoining microfluidic parts are interlinked by respective connecting channels in a connecting part bridging the microfluidic parts, wherein the connecting part rests on the microfluidic parts in the edge areas. A clamping part rests against the lower surfaces of the adjoining microfluidic parts and is connected to the connecting part via an additional fastening element in the area between the microfluidic parts.

Abstract: A microfluidic device is described, capable of generating multiple spatial chemical gradients simultaneously inside a microfluidic chamber. The chemical gradients are generated by diffusion, without convection, and can either be maintained constant over long time periods, or modified dynamically. A representative device is described with a circular chamber in which diffusion occurs, with three access ports for the delivery and removal of solutes. A gradient typically forms in minutes, and can be maintained constant indefinitely. Gradients overlapping with different spatial location, and a controlled rotation of a gradient formed by diffusion are demonstrated. The device can also be used to evaluate chemotactic responses of bacteria or other microorganisms in the absence of convective flow.

Abstract: A positive displacement pump (1) is equipped with a pump cylinder (2), a pump piston (7), a cylinder space (9), a pressure sensor (10), and a pressure channel (12). A main portion (13) of the pressure channel (12) extends parallel to a longitudinal axis (3) of the pump cylinder (2), for providing fluidic connection between the cylinder space (9) and the pressure sensor (10). In the improved alternative positive displacement pump (1), the cylinder wall (4) comprises a piston sleeve (14) that is located on the inner side of the cylinder wall (4) and that extends over essentially the entire length of the pump cylinder (2) to the cylinder bottom (5).

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a biological analysis device including: means for circulating a fluid to be analyzed, comprising a fluidic chamber, optical detection means based on a semiconductor, including a detection front face, a rear face and pads of electrical contacts located on this rear face.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device (24) for transporting magnetic or magnetizable beads (10) over a transport surface (12). It comprises a chamber (26) comprising magnetic or magnetizable beads (10) in a fluid (28), a transport element (14) including said transport surface (12) within said chamber (26) over which said beads (10) shall be transported, a current wire structure (20) comprising at least two sets (20a, 20b, 20c) of meandering current wires arranged on a side of said transport element (14) opposite to said transport surface (12), said at least two sets (20a, 20b, 20c) being displaced with respect to each other in at least two directions, and a switching unit (32) for individually switching currents (1a, 1b, 1c) individually applied to said sets of current wires according to a current driving scheme resulting in a transport of said beads (10) over said transport surface (12).

Abstract: A method is provided of controlling communication between multiple ports in a microfluidic device. The method includes the step of providing a channel network in a microfluidic device. The channel network including a first channel having a first input port and an output port. The first channel is filled with a fluid and a first output droplet is deposited on the output port. The first output droplet has a radius of curvature. The first output droplet flows toward the first input port in response to placement of a first input droplet having a radius of curvature greater than the radius of curvature of the first output droplet on the first input port. The first input droplet flows toward the output port in response to the first input droplet having a radius of curvature less than the radius of curvature of first output droplet.

Abstract: An interface is provided for storing microfluidic samples in a nanoliter sample chip. A fluid access structure provides a fluid access region to a selected subset of sample wells from an array of sample wells. A fluid introduction mechanism introduces a sample fluid to the fluid access region so that the sample wells in the selected subset are populated with the sample fluid without the unselected sample wells being populated with the sample fluid.

Abstract: A process for automatically washing fluid lines of a fluidic system for combining liquid samples with one or more reagents, the system being provided with at least one main line connected to one or more reagent lines for feeding reagents, each of which being connectable to a reagent container by a fluidic connector, at least one sample intake for intaking samples and at least one pressure actuator for generating a positive or negative pressure in the fluid lines.

Abstract: The present teachings provide a detection cell for a biological material and methods for detecting biological material including a photosensitive material optically coupled to an interior volume containing the biological material so to avoid optical components or an external light source.

Abstract: A molecule is separated from a liquid sample containing said molecule and at least one additional molecule having a larger hydrodynamic diameter than the hydrodynamic diameter of the molecule to be separated, by means of a separation device comprising a substrate, at least one circulation channel arranged in said substrate, and at least one nanotube associated with said molecule to be separated and formed on a free surface of the substrate. Separation is achieved by means of the internal channel of a nanotube, such as a carbon nanotube, presenting an effective diameter chosen in predetermined and controlled manner. The effective diameter of the internal channel is chosen such as to be larger than the hydrodynamic diameter of the molecule to be separated and smaller than the hydrodynamic diameter of the additional molecules of larger hydrodynamic diameters.

Abstract: A system and method for obtaining hydrodynamic focusing of a first fluid. The method includes pressurizing the first fluid and a second fluid at a pre-defined pressure from a pressure source. Further, the method includes controlling the first flow rate of the first fluid by passing it through a first flow circuit. Furthermore, the method includes controlling the second flow rate of the second fluid by passing it through a second flow circuit. Moreover, the method includes passing the first and the second fluid though a converging section and hydrodynamically focusing the first fluid.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cartridge for processing a sample and methods for aligning a cartridge. The cartridge includes a processing device for processing a sample, a body having a surface and bounded by at least one edge, and a plurality of positioning members defined by the surface for aligning the processing device relative to a conduit defined by the body between a cartridge input and a cartridge output.

Abstract: The present invention provides a detection article including at least one fluid control film layer having at least one microstructured major surface with a plurality of microchannels therein. The microchannels are configured for uninterrupted fluid flow of a fluid sample throughout the article. The film layer includes an acquisition zone for drawing the fluid sample into the plurality of microchannels at least by spontaneous fluid transport. The film layer also includes a detection zone having at least one detection element that facilitates detection of a characteristic of the fluid sample within at least one microchannel of the detection zone. The detection article may be formed from a plurality of film layers that are stacked to form a three-dimensional article.

Abstract: The present invention provides a microfluidic device with a micro-pump system in which the production process is simplified and the device is further downsized. A microfluidic device 1 has a gas generation portion 3. The gas generation portion 3 has a substrate 10 and a gas generation layer 20. The substrate 10 has a first main surface 10a and a second main surface 10b. The substrate 10 has a micro-channel 14 with an opening at least on the first main surface 10a. The gas generation layer 20 is disposed on the first main surface 10a of the substrate 10 so as to cover an opening 14a. The gas generation layer 20 generates gas by receiving an external stimulus.

Abstract: A microchip is provided, in which dead space provided only for holding excess fluid is made smaller. The microchip is formed by joining at least a first substrate with a trench formed on the substrate surface and a second substrate, and it has a fluid circuit formed by the trench and a surface of the second substrate facing the first substrate. The first substrate and/or the second substrate has a projection for moving fluid and/or air in a direction opposite to the direction of gravity during an operation of the microchip, and the projection is provided near an end portion of a through hole and/or an air vent.

Abstract: The present teachings relate to surface tension controlled valves used for handling biological fluids. The valves controlled by optically actuating an electro-wetting circuit.

Abstract: The systems and methods disclosed herein include a microfluidic system, comprising a pneumatic manifold having a plurality of apertures, and a chip manifold having channels disposed therein for routing pneumatic signals from respective ones of the apertures to a plurality of valves in a microfluidic chip, wherein the channels route the pneumatic signals in accordance with a configuration of the plurality of valves in the microfluidic chip.

Abstract: A microfluidic device for transferring liquid from a first chamber to a second chamber is provided. The device has a first chamber; a second chamber; and a barrier between the first chamber and the second chamber, the barrier having least one opening fluidly connecting the first chamber to the second chamber, the at least one opening being sized such that a retention force, such as surface tension, keeps the liquid in the first chamber. The fluid is transferred from the first chamber to the second chamber when an initiation input such as fluid pressure is introduced to the liquid that is sufficient to overcome the retention force. The device may be a sensor strip.

Abstract: Instrument-cartridge interfaces for fluidic analyzers that have an instrument and a removable cartridge are disclosed. For example, and in one illustrative embodiment, the instrument may include a needle that is adapted to penetrate a septum on a removable cartridge. In another illustrative embodiment, the instrument may include a plunger that is adapted to deform a deformable membrane on a removable cartridge. In yet another illustrative embodiment, the instrument may include a nozzle that is adapted to mate and seal with a flow channel on a removable cartridge. Techniques for detecting the flow rate in a flow channel on a removable cartridge, as well as the position of fluid in a flow channel of a removable cartridge, are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for filling a sample volume defining device for separating at least one small defined volume of a liquid sample from a relatively larger undefined volume of said sample, said device including a first body and a second body movable relative to each other, whereby said first body has at least one cavity in a surface thereof, said at least one cavity having said defined volume. One of said first or said second body has at least one inlet opening adapted to be placed in a drop of the liquid sample. A defined channel is provided between said first and second body, which channel has fluid connection with said at least one opening and at least beyond said at least one cavity whereby the dimensions of said channel being such that said channel and said at least one cavity is filled with said liquid sample.

Abstract: A parallel processing system for processing samples is described. In one embodiment, the parallel processing system includes an instrument interface parallel controller to control a tray motor driving system, a close-loop heater control and detection system, a magnetic particle transfer system, a reagent release system, a reagent pre-mix pumping system and a wash buffer pumping system.

Abstract: The present invention provides a variety of microfluidic devices and methods for conducting assays and syntheses. The devices include a solid substrate layer having a surface that is capable of attaching ligand and or anti-ligand, and an elastomeric layer attached to said surface. Preferred embodiments have deflectable membrane valves and pumps, for example, rotary pumps associated therewith.

Abstract: In some embodiments of the present invention, the buried silicon oxide technology is employed in the fabrication of fluid channels, particularly nanochannels. For example, a fluid channel can be made in a buried silicon oxide layer by etching the buried oxide layer with a method that selectively removes silicon oxide but not silicon. Thus, one dimension of the resulting fluid channel is limited by the thickness of the buried oxide layer. It is possible to manufacture a very thin buried oxide layer with great precision, thus a nanochannel can be fabricated in a controlled manner. Moreover, in addition to buried oxide, any pairs of substances with a high etch ratio with respect to each other can be used in the same way. Further provided are the fluid channels, apparatuses, devices and systems comprising the fluid channels, and uses thereof.

Abstract: A micromanifold for connecting external capillaries to the inlet and/or outlet ports of a microfluidic device can employ a ferrule/capillary assembly that includes: (a) a ferrule comprising an elongated member and having a bore traversing from a proximal end to a distal end of the member, wherein the bore has an inner surface and wherein the distal end of the ferrule has a tapered, threaded exterior surface, and (b) a capillary that is positioned within the bore wherein the capillary's outer surface is in direct contact with the bore's inner surface. No mating sleeve is required for the one-piece ferrule. Alternatively, the capillaries can be bonded to channels that traverse the manifold and therefore obviate the need for a ferrule.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein provide micro-fluidic systems and devices for use in performing various diagnostic and analytical tests. According to one embodiment, the micro-fluidic device includes a sample chamber for receiving a sample, and a reaction chamber for performing a chemical reaction. A bubble jet pump is structured on the device to control delivery of a fluid from the sample chamber to the reaction chamber. The pump is fluidically coupled to one or more chambers of the device using a fluidic channel such as a capillary. A valve may be coupled to one or more chambers to control flow into and out of those chambers. Also, a sensor may be positioned in one or more of the chambers, such as the reactant chamber, for sensing a property of the fluid within the chamber as well as the presence of a chemical within the chamber.

Abstract: A system for dispensing microdrops of reagent in small, precisely metered quantities maintains the fluid reagent to be dispensed in a reservoir under a controlled pressure. The reagent is dispensed through multiple nozzles connected to solenoid-actuated valves that control the flow of the reagent from the reservoir to the nozzles. Each valve is connected to one of the nozzles and electrical pulses are supplied separately to each of the valves to separately control the opening and closing of each valve to dispense predetermined quantities of the reagent through each nozzle at predetermined times.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hybrid digital and channel microfluidic device in the form of an integrated structure in which a droplet may be transported by a digital microfluidic array and transferred to a microfluidic channel. In one aspect of the invention, a hybrid device comprises a first substrate having a digital microfluidic array capable of transporting a droplet to a transfer location, and a second substrate having a microfluidic channel. The first and second substrates are affixed to form a hybrid device in which an opening in the microfluidic channel is positioned adjacent to the transfer location, so that a droplet transported to the transfer location contacts the channel opening and may enter the channel. The invention also provides methods of performing separations using a hybrid digital and channel microfluidic device and methods of assembling a hybrid digital microfluidic device.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for mixing and self-cleaning elements in microfluidic systems based on electrothermally induced fluid flow. The apparatus and methods provide for the control of fluid flow in and between components in a microfluidic system to cause the removal of unwanted liquids and particulates or mixing of liquids. The geometry and position of electrodes is adjusted to generate a temperature gradient in the liquid, thereby causing a non-uniform distribution of dielectric properties within the liquid. The dielectric non-uniformity produces a body force and flow in the solution, which is controlled by element and electrode geometries, electrode placement, and the frequency and waveform of the applied voltage.