Parallel uses of microfluidic methods and devices for focusing and/or forming discontinuous sections of similar or dissimilar size in a fluid are described. In some aspects, the present invention relates generally to flow-focusing-type technology, and also to microfluidics, and more particularly parallel use of microfluidic systems arranged to control a dispersed phase within a dispersant, and the size, and size distribution, of a dispersed phase in a multi-phase fluid system, and systems for delivery of fluid components to multiple such devices.

Fluid storage containers and analysis cartridges for use in assay processes are presented. In addition, systems comprising such storage containers and analysis cartridges and methods of using such containers and cartridges are presented as well. In specific embodiments, fluid storage containers are configured to be coupled to analysis cartridges in a first stage and a second stage.

A microfluidic device can comprise at least one swept region that is fluidically connected to unswept regions. The fluidic connections between the swept region and the unswept regions can enable diffusion but substantially no flow of media between the swept region and the unswept regions. The capability of biological micro-objects to produce an analyte of interest can be assayed in such a microfluidic device. Biological micro-objects in sample material loaded into a microfluidic device can be selected for particular characteristics and disposed into unswept regions. The sample material can then be flowed out of the swept region and an assay material flowed into the swept region. Flows of medium in the swept region do not substantially affect the biological micro-objects in the unswept regions, but any analyte of interest produced by a biological micro-object can diffuse from an unswept region into the swept region, where the analyte can react with the assay material to produce a localized detectable reaction. Any such detected reactions can be analyzed to determine which, if any, of the biological micro-objects are producers of the analyte of interest.

There is provided a sample processing cartridge comprising a. a sample entry location; b. a closed sample processing chamber; c. a sample analysis location comprising a sample analysis well; d. a first channel fluidly connecting the sample entry location and the sample processing chamber; e. a second channel connecting the sample analysis location and the sample processing chamber, the second channel comprising a closed or closable second channel valve; wherein the sample processing chamber comprises a second channel port providing fluid connection between the second channel and the sample processing chamber, the second channel port being positioned in a sample accumulating region of the sample processing chamber. There is also provided a sample processing system comprising the cartridge, and methods of use of the cartridge and processing system in a sample processing assay.

A fluid separation apparatus is disclosed. The fluid separation apparatus includes a diluter which includes a first filter channel through which a fluid flows, a fluid structure formed to protrude outward from the first filter channel and including an air bag, and a first vibration generator configured to generate a first sound wave and which is configured to filter at least one substance included in the fluid based on a vortex of the fluid formed on an interface between the first filter channel and the air bag, and a separator which includes a second filter channel through which the diluted fluid flows, a second vibration generator configured to generate a second sound wave passing through the second filter channel, and a plurality of outlet channels branched from the second filter channel, wherein a plurality of substances included in the diluted fluid are separated based on the molecular weight.

A microfluidic device comprising a channel within a substrate and a condenser or a hydrodynamic focusing chamber along the channel, configured to focus a fluid containing particles of a plurality of sizes. A negative angle deterministic lateral displacement (DLD) array is configured to receive the focused fluid and separate the particles in the focused fluid into three sizes ranges. The negative angle DLD array comprises a plurality of rows of pillars, wherein the rows of pillars are positioned to repeat a pattern every N rows with a shift of M columns, N and M are relatively coprime, and N is greater than 1.

In an example method, a series of time-based clustering images is generated for a plurality of library fragments from a genome sample. Each time-based clustering image in the series is sequentially generated. To generate each time-based clustering image in the series: i) a respective sample is introduced to a flow cell, the respective sample including contiguity preserved library fragments of the plurality of library fragments, wherein the contiguity preserved library fragments are attached to a solid support or are attached to each other; ii) the contiguity preserved library fragments are released from the solid support or from each other; iii) the contiguity preserved library fragments are amplified to generate a plurality of respective template strands; iv) the respective template strands are stained; and v) the respective template strands are imaged.

The present invention generally relates to systems and methods to create stable emulsions with low rates of exchange of molecules between microdroplets.

A detection chip is disclosed. The detection chip includes a sample injection structure, a filter structure, and a reaction structure which are sequentially connected. The filter structure includes a first main body, and a first inlet portion and a first outlet portion respectively on two sides of the first main body. A width of the first inlet portion gradually decreases in a direction away from the first main body, and a width of the first outlet portion gradually decreases in a direction away from the first main body.

Examples of the disclosure relate to an apparatus for analysing fluid samples. The apparatus is sized and shaped so that it can fit into an input port of an electronic device. The input port could be an existing port of the electronic device such as an input port for a memory card or a charger. The electronic device can be configured with a heat transfer means so that, when the apparatus is inserted into the electronic device, heat from the electronic device can be used to control the temperature of a fluid sample within the apparatus. This can enable the reaction conditions within the apparatus to be controlled.