The subject matter of the present invention is a microfluidic process for treating and analysing a solution containing a biological material, comprising a step of introducing the solution into microchannels of a microfluidic circuit (1), a step of forming drops of this solution, under the effect of modifications of the surface tension of the solution, a step of moving the drops to one or more drop storage zones(s) (130), under the effect of modifications of the surface tension of the drops, a step of treating the drops and a step of analysing the drops.

A thermo-gravimetric analysis system includes a chamber having an interior; and a sample crucible connected to and inside of the chamber, the sample crucible configured to hold a sample material. The system further includes a reference crucible connected to and inside of the chamber; and a metal organic framework (MOF) crucible connected to and inside of the chamber, separate from the sample crucible, the MOF crucible including an MOF material.

The invention relates to a device, which is preferably microfabricated, comprising a positioning device for the sequential positioning of particles, wherein the positioning device has a preferably rigid delimiting structure, wherein the delimiting structure forms a first receptacle (3) for positioning a particle and a second receptacle (4) for positioning a particle, wherein the first receptacle (3) and the second receptacle (4) are arranged in a row, wherein the positioning device comprises a device opening (5) through which fluid can flow into the positioning device, wherein the positioning device comprises a device channel extending from the device opening (5) into the positioning device, wherein the device channel comprises the first receptacle (5) and the second receptacle (5), wherein the device (1) comprises at least one bypass channel (6, 7), wherein the device (1) comprises a branching point (8), wherein the device channel and the bypass channel (6, 7) are branched via the branching point (8) in such a way that a flow particle located in the branching point (8) can flow into the bypass channel (6, 7) or via the device opening (5) into the device channel.

The device channel has a greater hydrodynamic resistance than the bypass channel (6, 7). Alternatively, the device channel has the same hydrodynamic resistance as the bypass channel (6, 7).

The invention relates to a microfluidic system based on active control of flow resistance and balancing pressures in microfluidic channels and an improved method for disposable microfluidic devices and cartridges for use in, but not limited to, in-vitro diagnostics. The microfluidic system and device of the invention does not utilize mechanical moving parts to control the fluid flow and has no external fluidic connection to the instrument or fluidics controller.

An apparatus and method for simultaneous imaging and execution of contact-free directed hydrodynamic flow in a specimen. The apparatus includes a laser adapted to dynamically heat the specimen, a microscope with an objective adapted to image at least a part of the specimen and to guide a light beam of the laser into and/or onto the specimen to heat at least one specified location of the specimen, means for manipulating the specified location, and a sample chamber for the specimen that is accessible for imaging radiation and the light beam to allow simultaneous imaging and manipulation of the sample via the objective.

Particle sorter nozzles are provided. Nozzles of interest include an elongate body, and a gas inlet radially positioned at the proximal end of the elongate body. Gas inlets of the subject nozzles include a radial airflow path configured to provide a gas to the channel. The elongate body includes an opening at a proximal end configured to engage in a liquid-receiving relationship with a flow cell, an opening at a distal end for emitting liquid droplets, and a channel configured to transport liquid through the elongate body from the proximal to the distal end. Also provided are particle sorters having the subject nozzles, methods of using and assembling the subject particle sorters, and kits.

A single junction sorter for a microfluidic particle sorter, the single-junction sorter comprising: an input channel, configured to receive a fluid containing particles; an output sort channel and an output waste channel, each connected to the input channel for receiving the fluid therefrom; a bubble generator, operable to selectively displace the fluid around a particle to be sorted and thereby to create a transient flow of the fluid in the input channel; and a vortex element, configured to cause a vortex in the transient flow in order to direct the particle to be sorted into the output sort channel.

A single junction sorter for a microfluidic particle sorter, the single-junction sorter comprising: an input channel, configured to receive a fluid containing particles; an output sort channel and an output waste channel, each connected to the input channel for receiving the fluid therefrom; a bubble generator, operable to selectively displace the fluid around a particle to be sorted and thereby to create a transient flow of the fluid in the input channel; and a vortex element, configured to cause a vortex in the transient flow in order to direct the particle to be sorted into the output sort channel.

A microfluidic device containing an inlet, a microchannel in fluid communication with the inlet, and a plurality of outlets in fluid communication with the microchannel. The microchannel contains a loop; or from about 1 loop to about 50 loops; or from about 2 loops to about 25 loops; or from about 5 loops to about 15 loops. A method for detecting an infected cell may employ the microfluidic device.

A microfluidic probe head is provided. The microfluidic probe head comprises a processing surface. The processing surface has a first and second aperture and a fluid injection channel, which leads to the first aperture. The microfluidic probe head comprises also a first fluid aspiration channel which leads to the second aperture. Thereby, the second aperture forms a slot in the processing surface. Furthermore, a microfluidic probe may be provided comprising the microfluidic probe head.