Abstract:
Particles dispersed in a liquid are assembled in a configuration in which all the particles lie in the same plane, and the assembled particles are processed while in that configuration. The assembled particles can for example be simultaneously exposed to electromagnetic radiation which elicits from the particles a response which provides information about the particles. The particles can for example be cells, cell fragments, or analyte-bearing beads of the type conventionally analyzed in a cytometer.
Abstract:
A non-Newtonian fluid (140) is used in an electrokinetic device to produce electroosmotic flow therethrough. The nonlinear viscosity of the non-Newtonian fluid (140) allows the electrokinetic device to behave differently under different operating conditions, such as externally applied pressures and electric potentials. Electrokinetic devices can be used with non-Newtonian fluid (140) in a number of applications, including but not limited to electrokinetic pumps, flow controllers, diaphragm valves, and displacement systems.
Abstract:
Particles dispersed in a liquid are assembled in a configuration in which all the particles lie in the same plane, and the assembled particles are processed while in that configuration. The assembled particles can for example be simultaneously exposed to electromagnetic radiation which elicits from the particles a response which provides information about the particles. The particles can for example be cells, cell fragments, or analyte-bearing beads of the type conventionally analyzed in a cytometer.
Abstract:
A heat transfer system (100) comprising a primary heat exchanger (102) for receiving heat from a heat source (104); a secondary heat exchanger (106) for exhausting heat to a heat sink (108); a conduit (110) connecting the primary heat exchanger (102) and the secondary heat exchanger (106); and an electrokinetic pump (112) for pumping a heat exchange fluid between the primary heat exchanger (102) and the secondary heat exchanger 106 through the conduit (110).
Abstract:
Devices, systems and methods according to the present invention utilize electrokinetic pumps capable of generating high and low pressures flow for various medical applications, including drug delivery and analyte sampling. The EK pumps and systems are configured and constructed to be low cost, compact and precise. In one embodiment, the EK pump comprises a first fluid reservoir 102 and a second fluid reservoir 104. First fluid reservoir 102 is coupled to second fluid reservoir 104 by through- vias 106, 110 and porous dielectric material 108. Through-vias 106 and 110, along with porous dielectric material 108 proivde a fluidic path between first reservoir 102 and second reservoir 104. Each fluid rservoir further comprises a fluid port 118, which can be an inlet or outlet, and capacitive electrode 120a and 120b.
Abstract:
In accordance with the present invention, stable electroosmotic flow systems and methods for designing the same are disclosed. The invention provides electroosmotic flow systems comprising electroosmotic flow elements, including bridge elements, that have matching flux ratios, i.e., when two or more elements of an electroosmotic flow system are in fluidic and electrical communication at a junction, the flux ratio for each of the elements is selected so that the difference in flux ratios system adjacent two elements is less than a target value. The invention also provides methods for designing such systems.
Abstract:
Electrokinetic devices, including electrokinetic pumps, include a conduit and first and second electrodes adjacent to respective ends of the conduit. The electrodes together constitute a capacitive electrode pair. The electrodes can be composed of double layer capacitive materials, for example carbon-based materials, or pseudocapacitive materials. The devices can operate without producing chemical change in the electrolyte solution.
Abstract:
Methods and apparatus for mixing fluids are provided. The devices and methods operate without moving parts, and generate well-mixed fluids over a broad dynamic range of flow rates. Preferred embodiments include junction-type mixers, bundled mixers, and coaxial mixers. The devices and methods are optimized to produce rapid, accurate gradients to improve associated system throughput and reproducibility.
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:
Liquid flow devices, particularly microfluidic devices, containing solid porous materials. Flow in the devices can be pressure-driven flow and/or electroosmotic flow. The porous materials are preferably pre-shaped, for example divided from a sheet of porous material, so that they can be assembled with liquid-impermeable barrier materials around them. The devices can for example be prepared by lamination. A wide variety of devices, including mixing devices, is disclosed. A mixing device is illustrated in Figure 23.