Abstract:
A microfluidic cartridge, configured to facilitate processing and detection of nucleic acids, comprising: a top layer comprising a set of cartridge-aligning indentations, a set of sample port-reagent port pairs, a shared fluid port, a vent region, a heating region, and a set of Detection chambers; an intermediate substrate, coupled to the top layer comprising a waste chamber; an elastomeric layer, partially situated on the intermediate substrate; and a set of fluidic pathways, each formed by at least a portion of the top layer and a portion of the elastomeric layer, wherein each fluidic pathway is fluidically coupled to a sample port-reagent port pair, the shared fluid port, and a Detection chamber, comprises a turnabout portion passing through the heating region, and is configured to be occluded upon deformation of the elastomeric layer, to transfer a waste fluid to the waste chamber, and to pass through the vent region.
Abstract:
This invention is in the field of medical devices. Specifically, the present invention provides portable medical devices that allow detection of analytes from a biological fluid. The methods and devices are particularly useful for providing point-of-care testing for a variety of medical applications.
Abstract:
Articles and methods for controlling flow in fluidic systems, especially in microfluidic systems, are provided. In one aspect, a microfluidic system described herein includes a configuration such that the actuation of a single valve can allow the switching of fluids from a first fluid path (e.g., a first channel section) to a second fluid path (e.g., a second channel section). This may be achieved, for example, by incorporating a valve with a first channel section, which may have a lower hydrodynamic resistance than a second channel section prior to actuation of the valve. Actuation of the valve can cause only the hydrodynamic resistance of the first channel section to increase, thereby redirecting fluid flow into the second channel section (which now has a relatively lower hydrodynamic resistance). In some embodiments, the valve comprises a control channel for introducing a positive or reduced pressure, and is adapted to modulate fluid flow in an adjacent channel section by constricting or expanding the channel section. For example, the valve and/or the channel section may be formed in a flexible material and actuation of the valve may be achieved by applying a positive or reduced pressure to the valve to cause deformation of both the valve and the channel section. Another aspect of the invention includes articles and methods associated with manipulation of multiphase materials (e.g., dispersions). For instance, one or more valves may be combined with a flow focusing system so as to form droplets of different volumes and/or frequencies without the need to vary flow rates of the fluids when they are introduced into the fluidic system.
Abstract:
Micro droplets are accurately placed in a reaction well. The reaction well (5) is formed in one surface of a well base (3). A channel base (11) is placed on the well base (3). The channel base (11) has, in its surface joined to the well base (3), a liquid introduction channel (12a) and a reaction well air vent channel (18a). The channel base (11) also has a recess (27) formed opposite to the reaction well (5) and recessed upward from the upper surface of the liquid introduction channel (12a). When viewed from above, a shoulder part (26) of the recess (27) is placed near the connection part between the reaction well (5) and the liquid introduction channel (12a) and is closer to the center of the reaction well (5) than a shoulder part (16) of the reaction well (5).
Abstract:
A microfluidic device includes a chamber configured to accommodate a sample and air, and a detection device provided with a light emitter configured to emit light towards the chamber on a light transmission path and a light receiver configured to receive the light, and further configured to measure an optical density of the chamber to determine whether the sample is accommodated in the chamber based on the received light. A boundary between the sample and the air accommodated in the chamber is provided on the light transmission path.
Abstract:
Flow through pressure sensors for use in fluid chromatography systems include a planar device formed from diffusion bonding of a plurality of metallic sheets and at least one sensing element. The planar device has a top surface, a bottom surface and a flow through channel. A diaphragm formed from a portion of one of the top or bottom surfaces is located adjacent to a sensing region of the flow through channel and is attached to the sensing element. The diaphragm is sized to deflect a distance in response to fluid pressure in the sensing region, which has an internal volume of less than about 25 microliters. The diaphragm and attached sensing element form a pressure sensor that measures strain or deflection of the diaphragm to calculate a pressure within the sensing region.
Abstract:
A screening device for testing bodily fluids for the presence of certain constituents. The device can include a planar front face through which all of the test strips are viewed. The device also includes an inclined surface that directs the fluid under test to test strips with more efficiency, and partitions the fluid that is directed to a given test strip to better assure that the test strip receives an adequate amount of bodily fluid for a valid analysis. In one embodiment, the device includes a three-dimensional gasket that creates a pressurized environment upon insertion of the sampling stem for improved diffusion of the bodily fluid into the test strips.
Abstract:
Provided herein are methods, compositions, and devices for the parallel handling of samples, such as cells or other biological samples. The methods, compositions, and devices are suited for multiple levels of analysis, including genetic and functional assays, of samples.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to analytical testing devices including micro-environment sensors and methods for assaying coagulation in a fluid sample applied to the micro-environment sensors, and in particular, performing one or more types of coagulation assays using one or more micro-environment sensors in a single point of care combined test cartridge. For example, the present invention may be directed to test sensor including at least one transducer coated with a polymer layer. The polymer layer comprises a thrombin-cleavable peptide with a detectable moiety.
Abstract:
The invention discloses a rapid test device, includes a cup vessel (4), which comprises a first chamber (41) and a dosing piston assembling hole (44) communicating with the first chamber (41); a base (8) fastened at the bottom of the cup vessel (4); a second chamber (81), formed between the base (8) and the cup vessel (4) and communicating with the dosing piston assembling hole (44); a partition (7), arranged in the second chamber (81) and provided with test paper; a dosing piston (6), provided with a dosing slot (61) thereon and provided with a key hole at one end, inserted in the dosing piston assembling hole (44); and a key (1) matching the key hole. In present invention the sample in the dosing slot can be transmitted into the second chamber by rotating the dosing piston. The sample is absorbed by the test paper after flowing by the test paper, and test result appears on the test paper. Since the dosing slot is machined on the dosing piston, the volume of the liquid sample obtained each time is equal and the accuracy of test result is improved. The dosing piston used to obtain the liquid sample is changed from being pushed linearly to being moved rotationally, which makes leak-proof effect better.