Microfluidic devices with neuronal cells, muscle cells, and optionally other cell types co-cultured therein are provided. Typically one or more the cells has a mutation that contributes to or causes a neuronal or muscular disease or disorder. For example, in some embodiments, one or more of the cultured cells are derived from a subject with a neuronal or muscular disease or disorder. The microfluidic device can facilitate formation of a 3D motor unit and a neuromuscular junction in vitro, and be used to monitor the molecular, biochemical, cellular, and morphological differences in the formation of such structures by healthy and diseased cells, and for testing compounds, dosages of compounds, dosing regimes, and combinations thereof, that may improve or worsen their formation. An exemplary combination drug therapy identified in this way is also provided.

A microfluidic chip and a high-throughput small-volume nanoparticle synthesis system based on microfluidic technology are provided. The system comprises a pressure controller and a pressure distribution assembly, which is connected to an output end of the pressure controller; a pressure output end of the pressure distribution assembly is connected to a microfluidic chip, a flow channel for nano-particle synthesis is arranged on the microfluidic chip, and each of an inlet end and a synthesis end of the flow channel is provided with a liquid storage pool. The size, distribution and consistency of nano-particles are accurately controlled, and reagent raw materials are directly for synthesis by means of a flow channel, thereby avoiding reagent waste caused by dead volume due to redundant connection, and high-throughput requirement are effectively met by means of increasing the number of microfluidic chips or parallel flow channels on the same chip.

The present disclosure relates to methods, systems, and devices for performing analyses of biological nanoparticles. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to methods, systems, and devices for performing single biological nanoparticle size determination on a sample while the biological nanoparticle is in transit through a microfluidic chip. In other aspects, the present disclosure relates to methods, systems, and devices for selectively capturing biological nanoparticles on a coated planar surface, the capturing being facilitated by centrifugation.

A system and method for determining a trajectory parameter of particles, comprising receiving a plurality of particles at a microfluidic channel, applying a force to each particle of the microfluidic channel, acquiring a dataset of each particle, measuring a trajectory of the particle, and determining a trajectory parameter of the particles.

A polymerase chain reaction apparatus according to the present invention comprises: a transparent photothermal substrate including a transparent plate having an array of transparent nano-pillars arranged to be spaced apart from each other, and plasmonic metal nano-islands disposed on surfaces including upper surfaces and side surfaces of the nano-pillars; a light source disposed under the photothermal substrate and emitting light to the plasmonic metal nano-islands; and a chamber receiving a fluid heated by the transparent photothermal substrate.

A novel portable, and attachable device allows precise positioning of micro-tissues, tumor spheroids, and other biological samples during bioprinting. The device features an interchangeable connector for handling samples of various sizes and uses a manually adjustable pressure system for suction and deposition. A programmable control unit coordinates pressure and positioning based on input commands, enhancing accuracy and consistency in tissue handling. Compatible with multiple bioprinter systems and supporting both manual and automated operation, it streamlines workflows and improves user experience. This device addresses challenges in high-throughput biological positioning, critical for tissue engineering, clinical, pharmaceutical, and research applications. It supports advancements in customized medicine, biological models, and environmental monitoring, meeting the growing demand for precise biologic handling in the multi-billion-dollar bioprinting and biopsy markets. The device offers superior control over tissue biopsy positioning compared to current manual devices reliant on operator skill.

An electroacoustic device for generating an acoustic wave includes: a piezoelectric substrate; first electrodes arranged on the piezoelectric substrate, each first electrode including first tracks that spiral around a spiral axis in a first winding direction; and second electrodes arranged on the piezoelectric substrate, each second electrode including second tracks that spiral around the spiral axis in a second winding direction opposite to the first winding direction.

A microfluidic system includes a hydrophobic fluidic platform and a heater. The platform includes a plurality of electrode cells operably connected to a voltage source and a controller. The heater is configured to fuse first and second vesicles. The first and second vesicles encapsulate first and second DNA precursors, respectively. The fusing combines the first and second DNA precursors. In another embodiment, a microfluidic system includes a fluidic platform including a plurality of electrode cells, a vesicle mover, and a reaction facilitator. The vesicle mover is configured to move first and second vesicles to a selected cell of the plurality of electrode cells. The reaction facilitator is operably connected to the selected cell. A method includes providing a fluidic platform comprising a plurality of cells; moving first and second vesicles encapsulating first and second reagents, respectively, to a first cell; and fusing the first and second vesicles.

The disclosed apparatus, systems and methods relate to technology that provides a method for the assessment of the polymerization of a sample, e.g., whole blood or blood plasma coagulation, by a non-contact acoustic tweezing device via the application of a sweeping frequency to the levitating sample and the corresponding assessment of extracted sample parameters.

A system and method for determining a trajectory parameter of particles, comprising receiving a plurality of particles at a microfluidic channel, applying a force to each particle of the microfluidic channel, acquiring a dataset of each particle, measuring a trajectory of the particle, and determining a trajectory parameter of the particles.