A microfluidic device capable of trapping contents in a manner suitable for high-throughput imaging is described herein. The microfluidic device may include one or more trapping devices, with each trapping device having a plurality of trapping channels. The trapping channels may be configured to receive contents via an inlet channel that connects a sample reservoir to the trapping channels via fluid communication. The trapping channels are shaped such that contents within the trapping channels are positioned for optimal imaging purposes. The trapping channels are also connect to at least one exit channel via fluid communication. The fluid, and contents within the fluid, maybe controlled via hydraulic pressure.

The present application provides devices, kits, and methods for label-free separation of cells and/or other small particles with high resolution and throughput. Devices, kits, and methods of the present disclosure include a focusing stage for inertial based focusing of cells/particles in a sample followed by ferrohydrodynamic, size-based separation in a separation stage. These devices, kits and methods provide the ability to separate and enrich target cells/particles from a sample with high resolution and efficiency.

The present invention is directed to microfluidics systems, instruments, and cartridges including self-aligning optical fiber systems and methods of use thereof. More specifically, the disclosure describes a microfluidics instrument including an optical detection system, microfluidics cartridge, and a self-aligning optical fiber system capable of coupling the microfluidics instrument and the microfluidics cartridge. Further, the disclosure provides methods of optical detection operations using a microfluidics system.

Apparatus and techniques for electrokinetic loading of samples of interest into sub-micron-scale reaction chambers are described. Embodiments include an integrated device and related apparatus for analyzing samples in parallel. The integrated device may include at least one reaction chamber formed through a surface of the integrated device and configured to receive a sample of interest, such as a molecule of nucleic acid. The integrated device may further include electrodes patterned adjacent to the reaction chamber that produce one or more electric fields that assist loading the sample into the reaction chamber. The apparatus may further include a sample reservoir having a fluid seal with the surface of the integrated device and configured to hold a suspension containing the samples.

Devices and methods for analyzing a sample are disclosed. In various embodiments, the present disclosure provides devices and methods for preparing a serial dilution of a sample. In various embodiments, the present disclosure provides devices and methods for preparing a serial dilution of a sample and conducting sample analysis. In various embodiments, the present disclosure provides a cartridge device and a reader instrument device. The reader instrument device receives, operates, and/or actuates the cartridge device to prepare a serial dilution of a sample and conduct sample analysis.

Transfer of genetic and other materials to cells is conducted in a hands-free, automated, high throughput, continuous process. A system using a microfluidic hydrodynamic sheath flow configuration includes arrangements for pushing cells from side streams containing a cell culture medium to a central stream containing an electroporation buffer. Electroporation can be conducted in an assembly in which two or more microfluidic channels are provided in a parallel configuration and in which various layers can be stacked together to form a laminate type structure.

The present disclosure provides methods and devices for separation of motile sperm. A method of separating motile sperm comprises: introducing a fluid sample comprising motile sperm to an inlet portion of a microfluidic device; and causing the fluid sample to flow through a separation portion of the microfluidic device at a flow velocity within a rheotaxis range such that motile sperm in the sample undergo rheotaxis and remain in the separation whereas a part of the fluid sample flows out of the separation zone through an outlet portion of the microfluidic device.

The present invention generally relates to microfluidic devices. In some aspects, various entities, such as droplets or particles, may be contained within a microfluidic device, e.g., within collection chambers or other locations within the device. In some cases, the entities may be released from such locations, e.g., in a sequential pattern, or an arbitrary pattern. In some cases, the entities may be imaged, reacted, analyzed, etc. while contained within the collection chambers. Other aspects are generally directed to methods of making or using such devices, kits involving such devices, or the like.

Microfluidic devices for cell sorting or cell fractionation are disclosed. A microfluidic device can comprise one or more inlets, a first wall and a second wall, and two or more outlets. The first and second walls can be substantially planar to each other and the first wall having can have a plurality of ridges protruding from the first wall and defining a compression gap between the ridge and a surface of the second wall. The microfluidic device can also be a cell sorting device for sorting a plurality of cells based on one or more biophysical cellular properties including size, elasticity, viscosity, and/or viscoelasticity wherein the cells are subjected to one or more compressions due to the compression gap. Also disclosed are methods for cell sorting based on a variety of biophysical cellular properties.

A particle separation device comprises, inside a plate-like base body, a straight main flow path including a flow inlet and a plurality of branch flow paths. The flow inlet includes a sample flow inlet and a pressing flow inlet. The sample flow inlet is connected to the main flow path via a first bending part, a first straight part, a second bending part, and a second straight part. Widths in the first bending part and the first straight part are larger than widths in the second bending part and the second straight part. The widths in the second bending part and the second straight part are larger than a width in the main flow path. The pressing flow inlet is connected to the side surface of the main flow path via a third straight part, a third bending part, a fourth straight part, and a fifth straight part.