Sub-micrometer bioparticles are separated by size in a microfluidic channel utilizing a ratchet migration mechanism. A structure within the microfluidic channel includes an array of micro-posts arranged in laterally shifted rows. Reservoirs are disposed at each end of the microfluidic channel. A biased AC potential is applied across the channel via electrodes immersed into fluid in each of the reservoirs to induce a non-uniform electric field through the microfluidic channel. The applied potential comprises a first waveform with a first frequency that induces electro-kinetic flow of sub-micrometer bioparticles in the microfluidic channel, and an intermittent superimposed second waveform with a higher frequency. The second waveform selectively induces a dielectrophoretic trapping force to selectively impart ratchet migration based on particle size for separating the sub-micrometer bioparticles by size in the microfluidic channel.

The present invention relates to the field of microfluidics and in particular to devices and methods for sorting objects in microfluidic channels. These devices and methods allow for fast and robust sorting in two-way and multi-way setups. They also enable sorting over extended periods of time.

The invention relates to devices for purifying hydraulic and dielectric fluids (oils and fuels) of mechanical impurities and dissolved and dispersed water. It could be used in any fields where clean and contaminated fluids are used. The apparatus for reclaiming hydraulic and dielectric fluids comprises a vacuum tank with an atomizer, a vacuum pump, a dielectric fluid feed pump and dielectric fluid removal pump, all of said pumps being connected to the tank by pipes, and an electric filter, wherein the atomizer is disposed in the lower part of the vacuum tank, is arranged vertically with a spray member oriented upward and consists of a T fitting with a lower inlet for fluid and with a lateral inlet for air, a mixing chamber disposed above the T fitting, and a spray member with a nozzle, said spray member being disposed above the mixing chamber, and the electric filter comprises a housing with an inlet pipe and outlet pipe, a high-voltage power supply, a composite unit disposed inside the housing and consisting of current-carrying plates and dielectric spacers with apertures for current-carrying and heavy-duty fastening elements, a front plug and rear plug, and is current-carrying and heavy-duty fastening elements, wherein the surface of the current-carrying plates is provided with a porous ceramic dielectric coating. The technical result is increasing the efficiency of purifying and reclaiming dielectric fluids; increasing the useful volume of the vacuum tank without increasing the dimensions thereof; reducing the dispersivity of the fluid sprayed from the atomizer; simplifying the design; stabilizing the electromagnetic field of the electric filter; increasing the surface area of the electric filter by creating a developed surface of current-carrying filter elements without changing filter size and mass; improving reliability and ease of use; and reducing materials consumption.

The invention relates to devices for purifying hydraulic and dielectric fluids (oils and fuels) of mechanical impurities and dissolved and dispersed water. It could be used in any fields where clean and contaminated fluids are used. The apparatus for reclaiming hydraulic and dielectric fluids comprises a vacuum tank with an atomizer, a vacuum pump, a dielectric fluid feed pump and dielectric fluid removal pump, all of said pumps being connected to the tank by pipes, and an electric filter, wherein the atomizer is disposed in the lower part of the vacuum tank, is arranged vertically with a spray member oriented upward and consists of a T fitting with a lower inlet for fluid and with a lateral inlet for air, a mixing chamber disposed above the T fitting, and a spray member with a nozzle, said spray member being disposed above the mixing chamber, and the electric filter comprises a housing with an inlet pipe and outlet pipe, a high-voltage power supply, a composite unit disposed inside the housing and consisting of current-carrying plates and dielectric spacers with apertures for current-carrying and heavy-duty fastening elements, a front plug and rear plug, and is current-carrying and heavy-duty fastening elements, wherein the surface of the current-carrying plates is provided with a porous ceramic dielectric coating. The technical result is increasing the efficiency of purifying and reclaiming dielectric fluids; increasing the useful volume of the vacuum tank without increasing the dimensions thereof; reducing the dispersivity of the fluid sprayed from the atomizer; simplifying the design; stabilizing the electromagnetic field of the electric filter; increasing the surface area of the electric filter by creating a developed surface of current-carrying filter elements without changing filter size and mass; improving reliability and ease of use; and reducing materials consumption.

Microfluidic devices having a circuit substrate with a control unit, a switching mechanism associated with a dielectrophoresis (DEP) electrode, and a memory unit are described. Switching instructions may be received, stored, and retrieved by the control unit and used to control the DEP electrode via the switching mechanism. Systems comprising the described microfluidic devices and methods of controlling the described microfluidic devices are included herein.

A microchannel electrophoresis-assisted micro-ultrasonic machining apparatus based on a 3D printing mold includes a working platform, a power supply, a 3D printing mold, a working solution tank and an ultrasonic vibration system. The working platform is configured to secure the apparatus. The working solution tank is provided with electrophoresis-assisted electrodes. The ultrasonic vibration system is secured to the lower end of the transfer module. The positive electrode of the electrophoretic DC power supply is electrically connected to the tool and the negative electrode is electrically connected to the electrophoresis-assisted electrodes. A workpiece to be processed is assembled with a 3D printing mold. After assembly, the workpiece and the 3D printing mold are placed in the middle of the electrophoresis-assisted electrodes inside the working solution tank and arranged to correspond to the tool.

A microchannel electrophoresis-assisted micro-ultrasonic machining apparatus based on a 3D printing mold includes a working platform, a power supply, a 3D printing mold, a working solution tank and an ultrasonic vibration system. The working platform is configured to secure the apparatus. The working solution tank is provided with electrophoresis-assisted electrodes. The ultrasonic vibration system is secured to the lower end of the transfer module. The positive electrode of the electrophoretic DC power supply is electrically connected to the tool and the negative electrode is electrically connected to the electrophoresis-assisted electrodes. A workpiece to be processed is assembled with a 3D printing mold. After assembly, the workpiece and the 3D printing mold are placed in the middle of the electrophoresis-assisted electrodes inside the working solution tank and arranged to correspond to the tool.

A novel Self-Locking Optoelectronic Tweezers (SLOT) for single microparticle manipulation across a large area is provided. DEP forces generated from ring-shape lateral phototransistors are utilized for locking single microparticles or cells in the dark state. The locked microparticles or cells can be selectively released by optically deactivating these locking sites.

A separation system, and an elution arrangement to be provided in a separation system, for separating a biomolecule from a cell culture are provided.

A separation system, and an elution arrangement to be provided in a separation system, for separating a biomolecule from a cell culture are provided.