Abstract:
A method of controlling the output of an electrokinetic pump includes: (1) measuring an initial pressure in an electrokinetic pump system; (2) applying a pump drive signal to the electrokinetic pump to begin a pump stroke; (3) measuring the pressure after a predetermined time of applying the pump drive signal; (4) identifying when the pressure has returned to the initial pressure plus a constant; and (5) stopping the pump drive signal to complete the stroke.
Abstract:
Methods are disclosed for modifying at least a portion of a porous polymeric surface. Such methods include contacting the porous polymeric surface with at least one polyelectrolyte, resulting in the physical adsorption of at least one polyelectrolyte onto the porous polymeric surface to form a charge modified surface. Such coated surfaces may be part of a device or apparatus, including electroosmotic pumps.
Abstract:
Microfluidic Systems, Devices and Methods for Reducing Noise Generated by Mechanical Instabilities. According to one embodiment, a microfluidic device is provided for reducing noise in a fluid mix. The microfluidic device can include microscale channels for passage of fluids to a mixing junction. The mixing channel can be adapted to combine the fluids into a common fluid flow. The microfluidic device can also include a connector channel including first and second ends. The first end of the connector channel can be connected to the mixing junction. The microfluidic device can also include an expansion channel having connection to the second end of the connector channel. The expansion channel can be adapted for passage of the fluid mix through the expansion channel to reduce concentration gradient noise of the fluid mix by dispersion of the fluid mix as the fluid mix passes through the expansion channel.
Abstract:
A device for microfluidic control comprising a regulator that is moveable in a conduit where the regulator is a composite polymer formed from a composite mixture comprising a polymerizable precursor and a particulate filler.
Abstract:
A liquid sample is prepared at a preparation site and then processed, e.g. in an HPLC column. Fluid supplies (20A, 20B) supply working fluids at flow rates measured by flow meters (24A, 24B). Rotary valve (12) has six external ports (12A-12F). The outputs of the working fluids are combined and delivered to port (12A). Port (12B) is connected via loading conduit (181) to µLC column (18), the output of which flows to detector (26). A controller (22) controls the operation of valve (12) and supplies (20A, 20B), using input from the flow meters.
Abstract:
A liquid sample is prepared at a preparation site and then processed, e.g. in an HPLC column. The sample is prepared and conveyed to the device at a flow rate which is substantially less than the flow rate through the device. The different flow rates are preferably provided by variable rate working fluid supplies which drive the sample from the preparation site and through the device.
Abstract:
A microfluidic detection device for examining liquid chromatography samples, particularly samples from microcolumns (161). The sample enters and leaves a detection cell (20) through a restricted passageway (21) having an annular shape, so that the velocity of the sample is higher as it enters and as it leaves the detection cell (20). This reduces dispersion of the sample in the detection cell (20).
Abstract:
Method and apparatus for providing liquid flow at a controlled rate less than 100 microliters/minute, and for varying the flow rate in a desired way. A liquid is driven through a conduit by pressure. The rate of flow of the liquid through the conduit is measured and compared to a desired value. The resulting information is then used to make any desirable changes in the driving pressure. In one embodiment, which is particularly suitable for a mixture of liquids to be supplied to a gradient liquid chromatography column, the rate of flow of each of two or more different liquids is controlled individually, and the liquids are then mixed together.
Abstract:
A microfluidic processing system having a manifold with at least one inlet; at least one outlet; and a plurality of microfluidic chip holders. A fluidic jumper is coupled to one of the chip holders and at least two fluidic elements are coupled to at least one of the chip holders. The fluidic jumper controls the fluidic path through the system.
Abstract:
An electrochemical cell 100 for processing a sample fluid, has a body 102 with a flow path 106, the flow path having an inlet 110 and an outlet 112; a reference electrode 122, 144 in fluid communication with the flow path; a counter electrode 124, 146 in fluid communication with the flow path; a porous working electrode 128 in fluid communication with the flow path, the working electrode having a working electrode material; an electrical connection 126 for the working electrode in electrical contact with the working electrode; and a working electrode section 132 in the flow path. The working electrode is positioned inside the working electrode section. The working electrode section has a volume of from about 1 pL to about 1 µL.