Abstract: A method of processing data associated with fluorescent emissions from a microfluidic device. The method includes performing an auto-focus process associated with a first image of the microfluidic device and performing an auto-exposure process associated with the first image of the microfluidic device. The method also includes capturing a plurality of images of the microfluidic device. The plurality of images are associated with a plurality of thermal cycles. The method further includes performing image analysis of the plurality of captured images to determine a series of optical intensities and performing data analysis of the series of optical intensities to provide a series of change in threshold values.

Abstract: A method for extracting proteins from heterogeneous fluids by precipitation using microfluidics. The method uses an automated protocol for precipitation of proteins onto surfaces, rinsing the precipitates to remove impurities, and resolubilization in buffer for further analysis. The method is compatible with proteins representing a range of different physicochemical properties, as well as with complex mixtures such as fetal bovine serum and cell lysate. In all cases, the quantitative performance (measured using a fluorescent assay for % recovery) was comparable to that of conventional techniques, which are manual and require more time.

Abstract: Provided are a centrifugal microfluidic device having a sample distribution structure and a centrifugal microfluidic system including the centrifugal microfluidic device. The centrifugal microfluidic device includes: a rotatable platform; a sample chamber which is disposed in the rotatable platform and houses a fluid sample; a distribution channel connected to an outlet of the sample chamber; a valve which is disposed in the outlet of the sample chamber; a plurality of non-vented reaction chambers which are disposed in the rotatable platform outside of the distribution channel in the radial direction; and a plurality of inlet channels connecting the distribution channel with the reaction chambers.

Abstract: A method of determining a plurality of positions associated with a plurality of reaction chambers of a microfluidic device includes a) providing a baseline image; b) providing a template image of a reaction chamber; and c) selecting a region of the baseline image. The method also includes d) performing a matching process including matching the template image to one or more portions of the region of the baseline image; e) determining a position of a first chamber; and f) predicting a position of a second chamber. The method further includes g) repeating steps c) through f) for subsequent chambers.

Abstract: A device for generating a drop of a primary liquid is described, including: a reservoir fillable with the primary liquid, a pressure generation device for generating a hydraulic pressure on the primary liquid, at least one inlet channel for introducing a secondary fluid, and a channel having a flow cross-section transverse to a main flow direction, wherein the flow cross-section includes a main region and at least one sub-region extending from the main region, designed such that the primary liquid can be held in the main region by capillary forces, and the secondary fluid can be held in the sub-region by capillary forces, wherein the reservoir is fluidically connected to a first end of the channel via an output opening, and the at least one inlet channel is also fluidically connected to the channel, and wherein the pressure generation device is implemented to apply a hydraulic pressure to the primary liquid, whereby the same is moved along the channel and output at a second end of the channel as free-flying d

Abstract: A system and method for reducing the number of input/output connections required to connect a microfluidic substrate to an external controller for controlling the substrate. In one example, a microfluidic processing device is fabricated on a substrate having a plurality of N independently controllable components, (e.g., a resistive heating elements) each having at least two terminals. The substrate includes a plurality of input/output contacts for connecting the substrate to an external controller, and a plurality of leads for connecting the contacts to the terminals of the components. The leads are arranged to allow the external controller to supply control signals to the terminals of the components via the contacts using substantially fewer contacts than the total number of component terminals.

Abstract: A container segment assembly suitable for use with a carousel of an analytical instrument, including (a) a container rack having the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped, the container rack capable of receiving containers in a substantially linear row and (b) a container segment having a frame. The frame has an arcuate shape, whereby the container segment can be mounted onto a corresponding arcuate portion of the carousel of the analytical instrument. The frame further defines a receptacle capable of receiving the container rack. The major dimension of the receptacle is substantially aligned as a chord of the arcuate-shaped frame of the container segment.

Abstract: An on-chip packed reactor bed design is disclosed that allows for an effective exchange of packing materials such as beads at a miniaturized level. Also disclosed is a method of treating a sample within a microfluidic analysis system, comprising; providing a main channel having a trapping zone; providing a slurry of a reagent treated packing material; inducing a flow of said packing material into said trapping zone through a flow channel connected to said trapping zone to load said trapping zone and form a packed bed of said packing material; and flowing a sample containing analytes through said packed bed, said reagent treating the sample. The present invention extends the function of microfluidic analysis systems to new applications including on-chip solid phase extraction (SPE) and on-chip capillary electrochromatography (CEC). The design can be further extended to include integrated packed bed immuno- or enzyme reactors.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for efficiently transporting or dispensing transport objects including not only particles but also liquid samples. A liquid in a first liquid transport pipe (3) is fed at a liquid feed velocity (V1), and a liquid droplet is formed toward an open end of a second liquid transport pipe (4) disposed with an air gap (11) in between. The particle is released into the liquid droplet, so that the particle is enclosed in the liquid droplet. Suction with a liquid feed velocity (V2) is applied to the inside of the second liquid transport pipe. Since the relationship between V1 and V2 is V1<V2, the liquid droplet, after reaching the open end (10) of the second liquid transport pipe, is sheared off by suction, thereby forming a liquid section in the second liquid transport pipe.

Abstract: A biochemical processing apparatus is provided having a stage receiving a biochemical reaction cartridge which includes chambers and flow paths communicating therebetween, a moving system for moving liquid via the flow paths, and a detector for detecting the presence of the liquid in a chamber and/or the amount of the liquid. In addition, a determining device determines a result of the movement of the liquid from the information of the liquid in the chamber detected by the detector.

Abstract: The present invention, provides a flow cytometry apparatus for the detection of particles from a plurality of samples comprising: means for moving a plurality of samples comprising particles from a plurality of respective source wells into a fluid flow stream; means for introducing a separation gas between each of the plurality of samples in the fluid flow stream; and means for selectively analyzing each of the plurality of samples for the particles. The present invention also provides a flow cytometry method employing such an apparatus.

Abstract: An analyzer for analysis of a specimen in a testing chip that includes a micropump connecting section that is connected with a micropump to take in liquid from the micropump and includes a micro flow channel in which a reagent and the specimen are mixed so as to react with each other, the analyzer including: a mounting section for mounting the testing chip attachably and detachably thereto; a micropump unit that has a testing chip connecting section to be connected with the micropump connecting section of the testing chip which is mounted on the mounting section, and feeds liquid to the testing chip through the testing chip connecting section; and a pressing mechanism that presses the micropump connecting section and the testing chip connecting section against each other, the connecting sections being connected with each other.

Abstract: A separation module which contains at least one bundle of ceramic capillaries (9), in which, for controlling the material transport and the flow in the separation module, a certain distance is established between the capillaries (9) by joining. The separation module can be used in a variety of ways in the separation of substances by filtration, also in combination with further measures of chemical process engineering.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for controlling a fluid flow over a sensing surface within a flow cell. The methods employ laminar flow techniques to position a fluid flow over one or more discrete sensing areas on the sensing surface of the flow cell. Such methods permit selective sensitization of the discrete sensing areas, and provide selective contact of the discrete sensing areas with a sample fluid flow. Immobilization of a ligand upon the discrete sensing area, followed by selective contact with an analyte contained within the sample fluid flow, allows analysis by a wide variety of techniques. Sensitized sensing surfaces, and sensor devices and systems are also provided.

Abstract: A disposable apparatus for use in blood testing and being adapted for simultaneous dilution of a blood sample into two different dilution ratios, said apparatus including a block-shaped housing having integrated therein a first and a second receptacle, one of which as a first blood sample receiver being adapted to receive a blood sample; a first and a second container, each containing a defined volume of a diluting agent; a valve including a valve body having three valve body channels extending therethrough and being positionable in three distinct positions, one of which putting the receptacles in simultaneous communication with a respective one of the containers through pairs of the channels; and displacers for displacing the diluting agent and the diluted sample through said channels between said containers and said receptacles.

Abstract: Devices with electrokinetic elements are disclosed as well as their method of microfabrication for use in micro-scale analysis, mixture separation and reaction. The devices consist of solid hydrophilic-matrix films that have been microfabricated into a variety of micro-scale structures. These structures include hydrophilic-matrix conductors for electrokinetic species transport and separation. They also include hydrophilic-matrix cladding containing chemical species adjacent to either an open conduit or a hydrophilic matrix conductor. Also described are other integrated microstructures consisting of hydrophilic-matrix materials such as micro-reaction zones for retaining chemical species for on-chip chemical reactions and integrated detection structures for on-chip species detection. In general, a hydrophilic matrix on a substrate functions as a conductor that is covered by an electrically insulating, preferably water permeable material.

Abstract: Method of enriching specific cells from cellular samples are disclosed, comprising contacting in solution a cellular sample with affinity-tagged ligands (ATLs) each comprising a first ligand linked to an affinity tag, wherein the ligand selectively binds a cellular marker of the rare cells and the affinity tag can be selectively captured by a capture moiety, wherein the affinity tags do not comprise a magnetic particle; and flowing the sample through a microfluidic device comprising the capture moiety to selectively retain ATL-bound cells. Methods for enriching circulating tumor cells, and devices for enriching specific cells from cellular samples are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of bonding a capillary tube made of a thermally deformable material to a passage in a glass wafer comprising the steps of treating the surface of the capillary tube to render the surface bondable and wettable by a conventional epoxy resin; inserting a support inside the capillary to prevent inward deformation of the capillary during subsequent fabricating steps; inserting the supported capillary inside the port on the wafer; heating an end of the capillary proximate a bottom portion of the port to effect melting of a portion of the heated end of the capillaries; moving the melted end of the capillary into contact with a wall of the port at a desired location for the capillary in the port, thus forming a temporary seal between the capillary and the wall of the port; and introducing an epoxy around the capillary to bind the capillary to the wafer.

Abstract: Protein crystallization screening and optimization droplet actuators, systems and methods are provided. According to one embodiment, a screening droplet actuator is provided and includes: (a) a port for introduction of one or more crystallization reagents and/or one or more protein solutions; and (b) a substrate including: (i) an array of two or more mixing wells; and (ii) electric field mediated microfluidics for moving droplets comprising the crystallization reagents and protein solutions into the mixing wells. Optimization droplet actuators, systems including screening droplet actuators, methods of screening protein crystallization conditions, and methods of testing conditions for growing a crystal are also provided.

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: The invention is directed to microfluidic devices comprising at least two processing channels, wherein each of the processing channels comprises an inlet, an outlet, and a high-flow-resistant and hydrophilic conduit; a distributing channel, wherein the distributing channel comprises an upstream end and a downstream end, and is in fluid communication with each inlet of the processing channels via the high-flow-resistant and hydrophilic conduit; and a flushing channel, wherein the flushing channel comprises an upstream end and a downstream end, and is in fluid communication with each outlet of the processing channels. The invention also provides methods of using the microfluidic devices.

Abstract: A microchannel has a substrate body; a separation channel which is formed within the substrate; at least two (first and second) connection ports which are formed at one end of the separation channel close to the thickness direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the substrate body; and first and second branch channels connected respectively to the first and second connection ports. When the substrate body is perpendicular to gravity, a blood sample containing blood cells and plasma, flows from one end of the separation channel. Before the blood sample gets to the other end of the separation channel, the blood cells in the blood sample settle out. The blood cells having settled out are then separated into the branch channel.

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 output layer having a plurality of capillaries, wherein a first grouping of the capillaries is separated from a second grouping by a hydrophobic feature. Each of the plurality of capillaries can comprise an inlet and an outlet. A funnel assembly can comprise a funnel member sized to receive the assay. The funnel member can comprise an outlet for delivering a fluid bead of the assay along a top surface of the output layer and in fluid communication with each of the plurality of capillaries such that a portion of the fluid bead can be drawn within at least some of the plurality of capillaries in response to capillary force. The funnel assembly and the output layer can be moveable relative to each other between a first position and a second position to draw the fluid bead across the top surface.

Abstract: Multiwell droplet actuators, systems and methods are provided. According to one embodiment, a substrate is provided and comprises: (a) one or more input ports for introduction of one or more reagents and/or samples; (b) a regular array of processing wells; and (c) a network of droplet transport pathways comprising pathways that provide direct or indirect droplet transport from each of the input ports to each of the one or more processing wells. Varying droplet actuators and systems related thereto are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a microfluid device for discharging a fluid or a mixture of fluids including a discharge channel, at least one main fluid supply channel which leads into at least one secondary supply channel which is essentially situated in the same plane as the discharge channel, and which leads laterally towards the discharge channel and, in turn, leads into an inlet channel situated above or below the discharge channel, the inlet channel entering into the discharge channel from its top or bottom side via at least one inlet opening. The at least one inlet channel has a cross-sectional shape which changes in the longitudinal direction and/or in that the at least one inlet opening has an opening width changing in the transverse direction of the discharge channel.

Abstract: A biochip includes: a first chamber; a second chamber filled with a wax, a melting point of the wax being 25° C. or more and 63° C. or less; an injection path between the first chamber and the second chamber; and a sub-chamber that includes a wall at least partially made of the wax, the sub-chamber is formed inside the second chamber and communicates with the first chamber via the injection path.

Abstract: The present invention provides control methods, control systems, and control software for microfluidic devices that operate by moving discrete micro-droplets through a sequence of determined configurations. Such microfluidic devices are preferably constructed in a hierarchical and modular fashion which is reflected in the preferred structure of the provided methods and systems. In particular, the methods are structured into low-level device component control functions, middle-level actuator control functions, and high-level micro-droplet control functions. Advantageously, a microfluidic device may thereby be instructed to perform an intended reaction or analysis by invoking micro-droplet control function that perform intuitive tasks like measuring, mixing, heating, and so forth. The systems are preferably programmable and capable of accommodating microfluidic devices controlled by low voltages and constructed in standardized configurations.

Abstract: An absorption spectrometric analysis microchip with a chamber for holding a sample, a chamber for holding a reagent which reacts with this sample, a mixing chamber for mixing the reagent with the sample with the formation of a mixture and a sensing part with a sensing chamber for holding the mixture with a light incidence surface for the entry of light into the sensing chamber and a light exit surface for emergence of light from the sensing chamber. At least one of the light incidence surface and light exit surface is located in a recess area of the sensing part.

Abstract: The present invention provides a microfluidic device. The microfluidic device comprises a first fluidic compartment (10) and a second fluidic compartment (11). The microfluidic device furthermore comprises at least one micromechanical actuator element (14) for, when in use, forcing a sample fluid to flow from the first fluidic compartment (10) into the second fluidic compartment (11).

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 preparing a mixture, has a mixer. The mixer includes a plurality of chambers, each chamber having a volume of at most 1 microliter, a first plurality of channels, each channel fluidly connecting 2 chambers, a plurality of chamber valves, each chamber valve controlling fluid flow out of one of the plurality of chambers, and a first plurality of channel valves, each channel valve controlling fluid flow through one of the first plurality of channels.

Abstract: A measuring chip is configured for separating and measuring a target component in a sample by rotation around first and second axes of rotation. The measuring chip includes a centrifugal separation tube that centrifugally separates the target component from the sample by rotating the measuring chip around the first axis of rotation; a first holding section installed in the bottom of the centrifugal separation tube, wherein non-target components other than the target component in the sample are introduced therein by rotation around the first axis of rotation, and the first holding section holds the non-target components during rotation around the second axis of rotation; and a measuring section connected to one end of the centrifugal separation tube that measures the non-target components introduced from the centrifugal separation tube by rotation around the second axis of rotation.

Abstract: A wave-guide having an isolated coupling interface. In one variation, a constant negative pressure is maintained around the area surrounding the wave-guide. Coupling liquid may be directed to the tip of the wave-guide to provide the coupling interface between the wave-guide and a source fluid container. The suction from the constant negative pressure may remove excess coupling liquid and isolating the coupling liquid to the area around the tip of the wave-guide. The wave-guide assembly may also include mechanisms for adjusting the volume of fluid at the tip of the wave-guide. When the position of the wave-guide is displaced, fluid compensation mechanism may increase or decrease the volume of fluids at the distal end of the wave-guide to maintain proper coupling between the wave-guide and the source fluid container. Methods for utilizing negative pressure around the distal end of the wave-guide to isolate the coupling liquid are also described.

Abstract: An optical waveguiding optical format enables consistent optical analysis of small sample volumes with minimal variation in light path length among optical formats. The optical format is comprised of an input guide, an output guide, and a sample cavity adapted to allow light to pass through a sample on its way from the input guide to the output guide. A lid removed from the light pathway within the format may be provided with a reagent for assisting fluid analysis.

Abstract: A fluidic device includes a first reservoir to receive a first fluid, a second reservoir to receive a second fluid, and a main channel coupled to the first and second reservoirs through one or more branch channels. A first one-use pump generates a pressure difference to move one or both of the first and second fluids when a container in the first one-use pump is broken. A second one-use pump generates a pressure difference to move one or both of the first and second fluids when a container in the second one-use pump is broken.

Abstract: The present invention provides a microfluidic biochip, which comprises: a fluid transportation unit having a fluid transportation reservoir and a fluid transportation air chamber; a first fluid storage reservoir; a second fluid storage reservoir; a first valve unit having a first valve and a first valve control air chamber; and a second valve unit having a second valve and a second valve control air chamber; wherein the first valve unit is located between the first fluid storage reservoir and the fluid transportation unit, the second valve unit is located between the second fluid storage reservoir and the fluid transportation unit, and the top portion of the fluid transportation reservoir and the valves are made of a flexible material. The structure of the present microfluidic biochip allows fluids to be transported and/or mixed therein.

Abstract: A microfluidic device comprising a set of one or more, preferably more than 5, covered microchannel structures manufactured in the surface of a planar substrate. The device is characterized in that a part surface of at least one of the microchannel structures has a coat exposing a non-ionic hydrophilic polymer. The non-ionic hydrophilic polymer is preferably attached covalently directly to the part surface or to a polymer skeleton that is attached to the surface.

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: In a microchemical device including a plurality of flow channels which feed liquids from at least one fluid supply device into a plurality of reaction zones, each of the plurality of flow channels has a plurality of minute flow channel members each of which has a cross sectional area smaller than that of the reaction zone. Thereby, the fluids are evenly fed into each of the microreaction members. Thus, a microchemical device capable of homogenizing a substance generated on respective reactions can be realized.

Abstract: The subject disclosure relates to microfluidic devices, systems and methodologies that facilitate generation of droplets, control, and/or manipulation thereof with electrorheological (ER) fluids. In one aspect, ER fluids can be employed with a carrier fluid or as a carrier fluid to enable droplet generation, control, and/or manipulation. As a further advantage, embodiments of the disclosed subject matter can include droplet generation, control, and/or manipulation for liquids, gases, combinations, etc. Further non-limiting embodiments are provided that illustrate the advantages and flexibility of the disclosed structures.

Abstract: A microfluidic device comprises a microfluidic coupon and a fluid reservoir associated with the microfluidic coupon. The fluid reservoir has a vented configuration and a non-vented configuration, and is configured to contain a liquid to be centrifugated. An opening is formed in the fluid reservoir. When the microfluidic coupon is rotated at a target rotational velocity: the opening is open to flow of the liquid when the fluid reservoir is in the vented configuration; and the opening is closed to flow of the liquid when the fluid reservoir is in the non-vented configuration.

Abstract: This invention provides microfluidic samplers for withdrawing one or more precise micro- or nano-liter volumes of a sample. The invention provides microfabricated automatic systems comprising integrated poly(dimethyl-siloxane) (PDMS) micro fluidics. The sample can be biological samples, including samples from animals or plants. The samples can be fluid or gas. The samples can comprise a biological fluid, such as blood, tears, cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) and the like, from a test subject such as a human or a mouse. The invention also provides methods for making and using the microfluidic samplers of the invention.

Abstract: A microfluidic system based on centrifugal force and a bio cartridge for the microfluidic system are provided. The system includes a spindle motor, a rotatable frame detachably mounted on the motor and having a plurality of cells separated by partition walls, and the bio cartridge detachably accommodated in one of the plurality of cells. The bio cartridge includes a chamber for storing a fluid, a channel for transporting the fluid, and a valve for controlling the flow of the fluid. The valve may include a phase transition material, and exothermic minute particles dispersed in the material and generating heat when energy is applied thereto.

Abstract: A fluidic device containing a flow through chamber comprising an inlet port, an outlet port, and a fluid permeable, compressible matrix located in the chamber between said inlet port and said outlet port, and said compressible matrix having a higher flow resistance at higher compressions and a plurality of flow paths leading from said inlet port to said outlet port through said matrix comprising shorter and longer length flow paths, wherein said matrix is compressed in at least one dimension, being more strongly compressed along the shorter length flow paths than along the longer length flow path.

Abstract: A system and method for preventing or reducing unwanted heat in a microfluidic of the device while generating heat in selected regions of the device. In one example, current is supplied to a heating element through electric leads, wherein the leads are designed so that the current density in the leads is substantially lower than the current density in the heating element. This may be accomplished using conductive leads which have a cross-sectional area which is substantially greater than the cross-sectional area of the heating element. In another example, unwanted heat in the microfluidic complex is reduced by thermally isolating the electric leads from the microfluidic complex. This may be accomplished by running each lead directly away from the microfluidic complex, through a thermally isolating substrate. After the leads pass through the thermally isolating substrate, they are then routed to the current source.

Abstract: A micro-fluidic device comprises a body. The body defines pneumatic ports, chambers for receiving liquids, and a connecting conduit. Each port is sealed with a seal and is shaped to couple to a pneumatic conduit through the seal. At least some of the chambers each have a top opening and a bottom opening. The top openings are in fluid communication with corresponding ports. The bottom openings are in fluid communication with one another through the connecting conduit, which is above the bottom openings. Selective application of pneumatic pressures to the chambers through the pneumatic conduits can transfer a liquid from one chamber to another through the connecting conduit, for example, for processing bio-samples within the device.

Abstract: A fluid element is provided which comprises a flow path formed in a substrate for carrying a fluid, and a heating means provided in the flow path for heating the fluid, in which the fluid is heated using the heating unit, thereby forming a supercritical state of the fluid.

Abstract: A sample processing device for a microchip, including: a sample vessel for packing a sample therein; and a reaction vessel which is continuous with the sample vessel through a channel, and to which the sample is sequentially delivered to be packed and mixed therein, in which the sample is repeatedly delivered between the sample vessel and the reaction vessel through the channel so that the sample is stirred and mixed.

Abstract: This invention provides fluidic devices, in particular microfluidic devices, with diaphragm valves having low failure rates. Low failure rates are achieved by inhibiting sticking of the diaphragm to functional surfaces such as valve seats, valve chamber and fluidic channels and conduits. One way to implement this is to provide exposed surfaces facing the diaphragm, particularly valve seats, with a low energy material, such as a noble metal, a perfluorinated polymer, a self-assembled monolayer, hard diamond, diamond-like carbon or a metal oxide. In other embodiments, the valves are provided with ridges and the diaphragm is adhered to the fluidic or actuation layer with an adhesive material.

Abstract: Microfluidic devices, assemblies, and systems are provided, as are methods of manipulating micro-sized samples of fluids. Microfluidic devices having a plurality of specialized processing features are also provided.