An apparatus (100) for mixing a fluid (F) comprises a mixing container (10) with a container wall (11) for holding the fluid (F). One or more acoustic transducers (21, 22) are arranged on the container wall (11) and configured to generate respective acoustic waves (W1, W2) directed into the fluid (F) for causing a respective flow pattern (F1, F2) in the fluid (F) by acoustic streaming. A controller (15) is configured to control the acoustic transducers (21, 22) to automatically switch between generation of different acoustic waves (W1, W2) for causing switching between different flow patterns (F1, F2).

Embodiments disclose an apparatus and methods for biological sample processing enabling isolation and enrichment of microbial or pathogenic constituents from the sample. A vessel for sample containment and extraction is further disclosed for engagement with a transducer capable of efficient sample disruption and lysis. Together these components provide a convenient and inexpensive solution for rapid sample preparation compatible with downstream analysis techniques.

Embodiments disclose an apparatus and methods for biological sample processing enabling isolation and enrichment of microbial or pathogenic constituents from the sample. A vessel for sample containment and extraction is further disclosed for engagement with a transducer capable of efficient sample disruption and lysis. Together these components provide a convenient and inexpensive solution for rapid sample preparation compatible with downstream analysis techniques.

A method for reducing sequencing by synthesis cycle time using a microfluidic device is provided. The microfluidic device comprises a flow cell having an inlet port, an outlet port, and a flow channel extending between the inlet port and the outlet port, wherein the flow channel receives an analyte of interest and one or more reagents for analyzing and detecting molecules. To aid in the acceleration of the reactions, the microfluidic device comprises a mixing device to increase the rates of diffusion of the reagents from the fluid bulk to an active surface of the flow cell. The mixing device comprises at least one of an electrothermal mixing device, an active mechanical mixing device, and a vibrational mixing device.

Embodiments disclose an apparatus and methods for biological sample processing enabling isolation and enrichment of microbial or pathogenic constituents from the sample. A vessel for sample containment and extraction is further disclosed for engagement with a transducer capable of efficient sample disruption and lysis. Together these components provide a convenient and inexpensive solution for rapid sample preparation compatible with downstream analysis techniques.

Embodiments disclose an apparatus and methods for biological sample processing enabling isolation and enrichment of microbial or pathogenic constituents from the sample. A vessel for sample containment and extraction is further disclosed for engagement with a transducer capable of efficient sample disruption and lysis. Together these components provide a convenient and inexpensive solution for rapid sample preparation compatible with downstream analysis techniques.

A method of producing lipid-based micro/nano bubbles includes steps of (a) preparing a lipid mixture including one or more first lipids with different phase transition temperature, and a second lipid bonding with a hydrophilic polymer moiety or molecules capable of getting across a lipid membrane and decreasing van der Waals forces between lipid bilayers; (b) emulsifying the lipid mixture with a solvent, to form a transparent lipid carrier solution; (c) placing the transparent lipid carrier solution in a closed vessel with halo-substituted hydrocarbon; (d) manipulating temperature of the transparent lipid carrier solution to be close to a main phase transition temperature thereof; and (e) agitating in a mechanical manner the vessel containing the transparent lipid carrier solution to form micro/nano bubbles within the closed vessel. This method contributes to form micro/nano bubbles with desired diameters in a way of optimal material utilization efficiency.

A method of producing lipid-based micro/nano bubbles includes steps of (a) preparing a lipid mixture including one or more first lipids with different phase transition temperature, and a second lipid bonding with a hydrophilic polymer moiety or molecules capable of getting across a lipid membrane and decreasing van der Waals forces between lipid bilayers; (b) emulsifying the lipid mixture with a solvent, to form a transparent lipid carrier solution; (c) placing the transparent lipid carrier solution in a closed vessel with halo-substituted hydrocarbon; (d) manipulating temperature of the transparent lipid carrier solution to be close to a main phase transition temperature thereof; and (e) agitating in a mechanical manner the vessel containing the transparent lipid carrier solution to form micro/nano bubbles within the closed vessel. This method contributes to form micro/nano bubbles with desired diameters in a way of optimal material utilization efficiency.

Provided is a bubble volume control method and apparatus, and more particularly, to a bubble volume control method and apparatus for controlling the volume of a bubble by increasing or decreasing the volume of the bubble by emitting an ultrasonic wave having a resonance frequency corresponding to the size of the bubble located at the bottom of a container containing a liquid, such as water with bubbles composed of air, vapor, etc., toward the bubble by using an ultrasonic generator above the container, and maximizing a function of adjusting the volume of a bubble through a resonance effect by adjusting a liquid surface height of a liquid with the bubble according to a wavelength of an emitted ultrasonic wave.

Embodiments disclose an apparatus and methods for biological sample processing enabling isolation and enrichment of microbial or pathogenic constituents from the sample. A vessel for sample containment and extraction is further disclosed for engagement with a transducer capable of efficient sample disruption and lysis. Together these components provide a convenient and inexpensive solution for rapid sample preparation compatible with downstream analysis techniques.