Abstract: The movement and mixing of microdroplets through microchannels is described employing silicon-based microscale devices, comprising microdroplet transport channels, reaction regions, electrophoresis modules, and radiation detectors. The discrete droplets are differentially heated and propelled through etched channels. Electronic components are fabricated on the same substrate material, allowing sensors and controlling circuitry to be incorporated in the same device.

Abstract: A microfluidic device for isolating particles of at least one given type of a sample; the device is designed to be connected to an apparatus through a plurality of electrical connectors and comprises a system of microfluidic channels and a flash memory, which contains information on the structure (arrangement and geometry of the various components) of the system of microfluidic channels, a map of non-functioning parts of the device, the maximum number of uses and the maximum time of use of the device; the memory has portions allocated for storing the number of times and the time of use of the device.

Abstract: Provided are a centrifugal force-based microfluidic device, in which biochemical treatments of samples are executed, and a method of fabricating the centrifugal force-based microfluidic device. The centrifugal force-based microfluidic device is mountable on a rotatable device and includes: a disk-shaped portion; and an inlet hole defined within, configured to receive fluid from outside the centrifugal force-based microfluidic device having a first opening with a first inner diameter, and a second opening disposed on the first opening having a second inner diameter greater than the first inner diameter, and a depth of the second opening greater than a height of a fluid droplet formable in the second opening.

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 fluidics apparatus for manipulation of at least one fluid sample is disclosed. A manipulation surface locates the fluid sample. A surface acoustic wave (SAW) generation material layer is provided. This is a polycrystalline material, textured polycrystalline material, biaxially textured polycrystalline material, microcrystalline material, nanocrystalline material, amorphous material or composite material. A transducer electrode structure arranged at the SAW generation material layer provides SAWs at the manipulation surface for interaction with the fluid sample. The manipulation surface has a phononic structure, for affecting the transmission, distribution and/or behaviour of SAWs at the manipulation surface. The apparatus is typically manufactured by reel-to-reel processes, to reduce the unit cost to a level at which the apparatus can be considered to be disposable after a single use.

Abstract: A micro-cassette 1 stores a sample, a reagent, and an additive, and comprises a sensor measures the component of measurement item. Analysis device 2 comprises liquid control unit controls each liquid in micro-cassette 1. Mixing controller 33 mixes the sample and the additive sent to sample processing unit 13, and generates the first sample includes a formed element. Isolation unit 14 generates the second sample from the first sample sent from sample processing unit 13. Sensor 18 measures the compound liquid of the second sample and reagent, and generates the analysis signal.

Abstract: A microchannel structure is provided wherein supplied fluids are prevented from transuding via a lamination interface into channels for a mixture or reaction product. A method is further provided for producing an emulsion having a uniform particle size under a high pressure condition by using the microchannel structure. The microchannel structure comprises one or more layers having notches to constitute channels, laminated and pressed between a pair of frames having an outside communicating hole to constitute a channel, so as to form microchannels to mix/react fluids, channels to supply the fluids to the microchannels, and a channel to discharge the fluids from the microchannels, wherein a channel for discharging a transudation fluid is provided to recover a fluid having transuded at a lamination interface so as not to let it enter into the channels including the microchannels and discharge it to the outside.

Abstract: A device for addressing an electrode array of 2n lines of an electro-fluidic device, each line having N electrodes (n?N). The device includes, on each line, n selection electrodes, all of the line selection electrodes being connected to 2n line selection conductors, 2n?1 line selection electrodes of 2n?1 lines being connected to each line selection conductor, and selection devices for selecting one or more line selection conductors.

Abstract: An apparatus for fragmenting nucleic acid. The apparatus includes a sample reservoir that comprises a fluid having nucleic acids. The apparatus can also include a shear wall that is positioned within the sample reservoir. The shear wall includes a porous core medium that has pores that are sized to permit nucleic acids to flow therethrough. The apparatus also includes first and second chambers that are separated by the shear wall. The first and second chambers are in fluid communication with each other through the porous core medium of the shear wall. Also, the apparatus may include first and second electrodes that are located within the first and second chambers, respectively. The first and second electrodes are configured to generate an electric field that induces a flow of the sample fluid. The nucleic acids move through the shear wall thereby fragmenting the nucleic acids.

Abstract: A method for transporting in a microfluidic conduit an aliquot of a liquid, possibly containing a substance I, which is dissolved in the liquid and typically exhibits charged groups and/or hydrophobic groups. The method is characterized in that the liquid contains an amphiphilic macromolecular substance.

Abstract: A droplet actuator comprising: (a) a base substrate comprising electrodes configured for conducting droplet operations on a droplet operations surface thereof; (b) a droplet comprising one or more beads situated on the droplet operations surface; (c) a barrier arranged in relation to the droplet and the electrodes such that a droplet may be transported away from the beads using one or more droplet operations mediated by one or more of the electrodes while transport of the beads is restrained by a barrier. Related methods and kits are also provided.

Abstract: A reaction cartridge comprises a first liquid reservoir having a first aperture exposed to the atmosphere and a second aperture, a first flow channel connected to the first liquid reservoir, a reaction chamber communicating with the first liquid reservoir by way of the first flow channel, a second flow channel connected to the reaction chamber and a third aperture connected to the second flow channel and exposed to the atmosphere. A probe carrier is arranged in the reaction chamber and externally supplied liquid is stored in the first liquid reservoir. The reaction cartridge is adapted to move liquid between the liquid reservoir and the reaction chamber by increasing or reducing the pressure at the third aperture.

Abstract: A fluid control apparatus including a detecting unit including a light source for irradiating light toward a microfluidic device, and a photodetector for detecting light reflected from the microfluidic device, a transporting unit for moving the detecting unit; and a determining unit for controlling a transporting operation by the transporting unit, where determining a state of a fluid at a particular position relative to the microfluidic device is based on light reflected from the microfluidic device, and method of using same.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include processing steps and subsystems, within automated-biopolymer-synthesis systems and within other automated systems for organic-chemistry-based processing, for removing reagent solutions and solvents from reaction chambers following various synthetic reaction steps and washing steps undertaken during biopolymer synthesis. Embodiments of the present invention employ any of various different types of liquid-absorbing materials to wick, or remove by capillary action, liquids from reaction chambers. Wicking-based methods and subcomponents of the present invention remove significantly greater fractions of solutions from reaction chambers than conventional methods and subsystems and, in addition, are mechanically simpler and produce fewer deleterious side effects than currently used methods and subsystems.

Abstract: The invention allows for the formation of robust, reproducible, non-permanent connections to microchips. The connections are formed using either indexing arms or multiple fitting holder heads which are capable of forming a compression seal to a port located at any position on the surface of the microchip. The sealing force is user-defined and can be tightly controlled with integrated force sensors. In addition, the sealing force is monitored with a force sensor and force compensation mechanism ensuring that the desired force is maintained. The device is compatible with all microchip architectures. Alterations to the microchip surface is avoided as connections are established using instrumentation rather than processing steps. Further, the process is automatable allowing for exchanging microchips and subsequently creating electrical and fluidic connections in an automated fashion. Optionally, the integration of leak sensors to monitor leaks are included.

Abstract: A power source for actuation of a microfluidic device and related devices, methods and systems.

Abstract: The invention relates to a radial sliding seal component (10), particularly for use in metering devices, such as syringes, pipetting piston-cylinder arrangements, and the like, comprising a sealing component (12) working together with at least one pretensioning component (14), wherein the sealing component (12) comprises a sealing segment (16) extending in the axial direction and in the circumferential direction, preferably running in the circumferential direction, on which a sealing surface (18) facing in a first radial direction for sealing and sliding contact in at least the axial direction is formed on a working surface extending in the axial direction and in the circumferential direction, preferably running in the circumferential direction, and on which a pretensioning surface (20) extending in a second radial direction opposite to the first is formed for engaging with the pretensioning component (14) for transferring the radial pretensioning force, wherein the pretensioning component (14) comprises a sp

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: A microfluidic dispensing system may include multiple supply lines for simultaneous filling of diaphragm pumps associated with each supply line. Each supply line may fill corresponding groups of diaphragm pumps with a corresponding ingredient to a supply reservoir for the supply line. Accordingly, different groups of diaphragm pumps corresponding to different supply lines may be filled with corresponding ingredients simultaneously. Those ingredients corresponding to the different groups of diaphragm pumps may also be dispensed simultaneously, giving rise to a faster and more efficient fluidic dispensing system.

Abstract: A method of selecting pipetting parameters of a pipetting device for dispensing or pipetting a specific volume of a liquid sample, includes a fluid column of a fluid chamber of the pipetting device set into oscillation at the beginning of the aspiration, the pressure is monitored with the pressure transducer in the fluid chamber, and the pressure changes generated during aspiration into measuring signals are recorded. These measuring signals are processed by a computer or micro-processor and reproduced as a pressure curve, which is characteristic for the fluid column with the aspirated liquid sample, and which is compared with known pressure curves. Based on this comparison, pipetting parameters of the pipetting device are selected for the dispense or for pipetting a specific volume of the liquid sample. Selectable pipetting parameters include a speed of a movement of a pump piston of the pipetting device.

Abstract: A microfluidic device for manipulating particles in a fluid has a device body that defines a main channel therein, in which the main channel has an inlet and an outlet. The device body further defines a particulate diverting channel therein, the particulate diverting channel being in fluid connection with the main channel between the inlet and the outlet of the main channel and having a particulate outlet. The microfluidic device also has a plurality of microparticles arranged proximate or in the main channel between the inlet of the main channel and the fluid connection of the particulate diverting channel to the main channel. The plurality of microparticles each comprises a material in a composition thereof having a magnetic susceptibility suitable to cause concentration of magnetic field lines of an applied magnetic field while in operation.

Abstract: A microfluidic device includes a plurality of reagent sources for a feeding a plurality of reagents, each reagent source feeding a corresponding reagent among the plurality of reagents. A macro-chamber receives one or more reagents among the plurality of reagents from the plurality of reagent sources. A microfluidic reactor is coupled to the macro-chamber and the plurality of reagent sources and configured to receive one or more reagents among the plurality of reagents from at least one of the macro-chamber, the plurality of reagent sources, and react the one or more reagents to generate reaction content. The macro-chamber is further configured to receive the reaction content from the microfluidic reactor. A system configured to control at least one of flow of a dry gas in and out of the macro-chamber, surface area of at least one of the one or more reagents, and the reaction content in the macro-chamber.

Abstract: A specimen analyzing method and a specimen analyzing apparatus capable of measuring interference substances before analyzing a specimen. The method comprises a step for sucking the specimen stored in a specimen container (150) and sampling it in a first container (153), a step for optically measuring the specimen in the first container, a step for sampling the specimen in a second container (154) and preparing a specimen for measurement by mixing the specimen with a reagent in the second container, and a step for analyzing the specimen for measurement according to the results of the optical measurement of the specimen.

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 microfluidic device comprising a first substrate including a micro-flow path and a valve seat protruding into the micro-flow path, a second substrate coupled to the first substrate and including a cavity aligned with the valve seat, and a valve gate film provided between the first substrate and the second substrate, such that the valve gate film opens and closes the micro-flow path with air pressure applied to the cavity, wherein a surface of the valve seat is separated from the valve gate film at the initial stage such that the micro-flow path is opened at the initial stage, and the valve gate film moves to be in contact with the surface of the valve seat so that the micro-flow path is closed when air pressure is applied to the cavity.

Abstract: Provided is a microfluidic device. The microfluidic device includes a sample chamber in which a sample is accommodated. The sample chamber includes: an introduction portion including a loading hole through which the sample is loaded; an accommodation portion including a discharge hole; and a neck portion forming a boundary between the introduction portion and the accommodation portion. The neck portion provides a capillary pressure for controlling flow of the sample between the introduction portion and the accommodation portion.

Abstract: A microfluidic element for analysis of a fluid sample having a substrate and a microfluidic transport system having a channel structure enclosed by the substrate and a covering layer. The channel structure comprises a channel with two side walls as well as a chamber that is in fluid communication with the channel. The chamber has a chamber wall with an inlet orifice. The channel comprises a channel section and a valve section adjoining the channel section, wherein the valve section is in fluid communication with the inlet orifice in the chamber wall in such a way that a fluid can flow from the channel through the valve section and into the chamber. The valve section has a fluid transport cross-section, which enlarges in flow direction. The fluid transport cross-section in the valve section is greater than the fluid transport cross-section in the preceding channel section.

Abstract: A fluid sample collection device for a disk-based fluid separation system is disclosed. The disk-based separation system includes a compact microfluidic disk with at least one flow channel pattern formed on a side surface of the disk. At least one orifice is formed on an outflow boundary of the disk and is designed in fluid communication with the flow channel pattern through a communication channel. The fluid sample collection device includes at least one collection tube having an open end serving as a fluid receiving end and corresponding to the orifice of the disk with a distance. When the disk is rotated, at least a portion of fluid sample in a sample processing reservoir formed on the disk is delivered by centripetal force through the communication channel and the orifice, and finally the expelling fluid sample is collected in the collection tube.

Abstract: A fluid cartridge, comprising a channel layer within which at least one circumferentially sealed fluid channel is formed, the channel layer comprising a substrate and an elastic layer fixedly arranged on the substrate, wherein the substrate has a rigidity being greater than that of the elastic layer, and wherein the at least one fluid channel is defined on at least one side thereof by the elastic layer.

Abstract: A sealing pipette tip includes features to seal the tip directly against the piston in an air displacement pipette, avoiding the need for a piston seal within the pipette. This configuration reduces potential points of failure, allows the pipette-tip interface to be optimized, and improves liquid handling characteristics of the pipette.

Abstract: A microchannel structure including a dispersed-phase introduction channel which communicates with a dispersed-phase introduction inlet; a continuous-phase introduction channel which communicates with a continuous-phase introduction inlet; a discharge channel which communicates with a discharge outlet; a fine-particle formation channel; and a plurality of branch channels for dispersed-phase introduction which are microchannels; wherein one end of the fine-particle formation channel in a fluid traveling direction communicates with the continuous-phase introduction channel whereas the other end thereof communicates with the discharge channel; and wherein a side part of the dispersed-phase introduction channel and side part of the fine-particle formation channel communicate via the plurality of branch channel for dispersed-phase introduction.

Abstract: Various aspects of the present invention relate to the control and manipulation of fluidic species, for example, in microfluidic systems. In one set of embodiments, droplets may be sorted using surface acoustic waves. The droplets may contain cells or other species. In some cases, the surface acoustic waves may be created using a surface acoustic wave generator such as an interdigitated transducer, and/or a material such as a piezoelectric substrate. The piezoelectric substrate may be isolated from the microfluidic substrate except at or proximate the location where the droplets are sorted, e.g., into first or second microfluidic channels. At such locations, the microfluidic substrate may be coupled to the piezoelectric substrate (or other material) by one or more coupling regions. In some cases, relatively high sorting rates may be achieved, e.g., at rates of at least about 1,000 Hz, at least about 10,000 Hz, or at least about 100,000 Hz, and in some embodiments, with high cell viability after sorting.

Abstract: A microfluidic device comprising a flow channel with an inlet and a gas escape opening is described. The flow channel comprises a liquid flow channel section and a flow controlling section downstream to the liquid flow channel section and upstream to or coinciding with the gas escape opening. The flow controlling section provides a flow resistance to gas, which is sufficiently high to reduce velocity of a capillary flow of a liquid in the liquid flow channel section. The microfluidic device with the flow controlling section provides a device in which the velocity of the flow can be reduced to a desired level. Also is described a method of performing a test using the microfluidic device.

Abstract: A chemical product dispenser that controls dispensation of a chemical product based on a change in weight of the chemical product remaining in the dispenser includes an isolation mechanism. The dispenser includes a weight measurement instrument, such as one or more load cells, that measure the weight of the chemical product remaining the dispenser. The isolation mechanism is configured to lift the chemical product from a lowered position in which the weight of the chemical product is fully supported by the load cell(s) to a raised position in which the weight of the chemical product is fully supported by the isolation mechanism. When in the raised position, the dispenser may be loaded with a supply of chemical product with a reduced risk of damage to the weight measurement instrument.

Abstract: The present invention provides a test strip for measuring a concentration of an analyte of interest in a biological fluid, wherein the test strip may be encoded with information that can be read by a test meter into which the test strip is inserted.

Abstract: The present invention provides simple and an accurate apparatuses for forming bilayer membranes by the contact of amphipathic monolayers. In one apparatus, amphipathic monolayers are brought into contact and fused by controlling the pressure of liquids introduced from microchannels forming an intersection containing a chamber. In another apparatus, the chamber includes a number of compartments and at least one construction portion. In this apparatus, a droplet is formed within each compartment and contact of amphipatic monolayers is accomplished by adjusting the size of the droplets.

Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, and methods utilizing capillary action and to control the movement or placement of liquids or other materials in micro-devices and nano-devices. In some embodiments, the present invention may be used to control polymer addition to micro-cantilevers and nano-cantilevers for biological sensing, chemical sensing, and other sensing. In other embodiments, the present invention may be used to deliver adhesives, dielectrics, chemo resistor materials, and other materials to micro-devices and nano-devices.

Abstract: A portable handheld medical diagnostic device includes a housing forming a protective enclosure. A main circuit board is located in the protective enclosure. The main circuit board includes a controller facilitating a physiologic measurement. A display device is connected to the main circuit board that displays information related to the physiologic measurement. An electronic skin is on the housing. The electronic skin comprises a liquid crystal material and is configured to display a color.

Abstract: In a pretreatment apparatus for transferring and mixing a specimen liquid and a reagent in a reagent reservoir, comprising containers for holding the specimen liquid and the reagent, flow paths connecting the containers in series, and a dialysis flow path including a dialysis membrane facing to the flow path, the mixing is brought about by transferring the liquid from the containers to the flow paths and a return by stoppage of transferring the liquid, and subsequently the liquid is made flow into the dialysis flow path.

Abstract: A microfluidic device for separating emulsion solution into separate particles by passing the emulsion solution through a passive filter. The separated particles can then be sorted into separate chambers through active filtering.

Abstract: A microfluidic device and a method for measurement of biomaterials using the same. The microfluidic device includes a microfluidic structure including: a sample chamber which receives and accommodates blood; a reagent chamber which contains a luminescent reactant; a first detection chamber which contains a first material that is positively charged; a second detection chamber which is connected to the first detection chamber, and contains a second material having a boronate moiety; and at least one channel which connects the sample chamber, the reagent chamber and the first and second detection chambers.

Abstract: The method for making microfluidic connections includes the steps of providing a system including a base, a movable device in communication with the base, and a sealing component attached to the movable device; delivering a microfluidic device to the base; aligning the sealing component and the microfluidic device, wherein the moveable device is capable of adjustably positioning the sealing component and capable of optical alignment, to bring the sealing component and the microfluidic device into fluid communication; and compressing the sealing component and the microfluidic device into contact thereby forming a microfluidic connection by creating a leak-resistant seal between at the interface of the sealing component and the microfluidic device.

Abstract: Novel manifolds and methods of flow through manifolds are described. Apparatus and techniques are described in which flow from a relatively large volume header is equally distributed to process channels. Methods of making laminated, microchannel devices are also described.

Abstract: Non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s) of apparatus(es) and method(s) are described for the conveyance of fluid media and entrained materials between two or more locations, each possessing a different cross-sectional area. Equidistant pathways incorporated into uniquely designed conduits enable this transference to occur with minimal band spreading and separation resolution loss due to undesirable flow patterns that arise from end effects. The design enables the conduits to be employed with locations of almost any description including process channels, surfaces, or even open volume of any size and used for almost any purpose. The conduits and/or associated locations may be empty of any contents or filled with gelatinous, porous, granular, or particulated material. The design of non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s) of apparatus(es) and method(s) may be easily adapted or configured as necessary.

Abstract: A microchip including a fluid circuit formed by a groove of a first substrate and a surface of a second substrate is provided. The fluid circuit includes a fluid retaining reservoir for containing a fluid. The fluid retaining reservoir includes a fluid outlet or outflow channel for allowing the fluid to flow out, and a partition dividing the fluid retaining reservoir into a first region including a fluid inlet for injecting a fluid into the fluid retaining reservoir and a second region including the fluid outlet or outflow channel. The partition includes at least one communication gate for allowing communication between the first region and the second region.

Abstract: Provided is a microchip which is capable of determining the quantity of the liquid in the chip and dividing the liquid, and has a relatively simple flow passage structure. In the microchip liquid supply system, a portion of the liquid in an upstream passage among the liquid injected into a first flow passage is supplied from a liquid discharge passage by operating a suction pump connected to a liquid supply passage in such a state that an air vent hole is closed. Thereafter, the suction pump is operated with the air vent hole closed, whereby a portion of the liquid in a quantity determination passage among the liquid injected into the first flow passage is supplied from a liquid supply passage.

Abstract: A microfluidic-based flow assay and methods of manufacturing the same are provided. Specifically, the microfluidic flow assay includes a micropatterned surface that induces clot formation and an array of microfluidic channels though which blood flows. The micropatterned surface contains two clotting stimuli, one for inducing platelet adhesion and another for inducing the coagulation cascade.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a nucleic acid extracting apparatus, and the nucleic acid extracting apparatus can include a pipe-shaped tube having an open outlet at one side thereof, and a hydrogel column that is provided inside the tube and filters impurities excluding an extraction target material.

Abstract: A receptacle having a plurality of interconnected chambers arranged to permit multiple process steps or processes to be performed independently or simultaneously. The receptacles are manufactured to separate liquid from dried reagents and to maintain the stability of the dried reagents. An immiscible liquid, such as an oil, is included to control loading of process materials, facilitate mixing and reconstitution of dried reagents, limit evaporation, control heating of reaction materials, concentrate solid support materials to prevent clogging of fluid connections, provide minimum volumes for fluid transfers, and to prevent process materials from sticking to chamber surfaces. The receptacles can be adapted for use in systems having a processing instrument that includes an actuator system for selectively moving fluid substances between chambers and a detector. The actuator system can be arranged to concentrate an analyte present in a sample.

Abstract: A microfluidic device and method for measuring a level of cholesterol therewith are provided. The cholesterol measurement apparatus includes a microfluidic device including a plurality of chambers and at least one channel through which the plurality of chambers are interconnected. The plurality of chambers include a reaction chamber which contains a capture binder, a buffer chamber which contains an elution buffer and is connected to the reaction chamber, and at least one detection chamber which contains a cholesterol measurement reagent and is connected to the reaction chamber.