This disclosure relates to systems and methods for isolating, detecting, and/or analyzing brain-derived cells or particles in the blood circulation of human and animal subjects.

This disclosure describes microfluidic tissue biopsy and immune response drug evaluation devices and systems. A microfluidic device can include an inlet channel having a first end configured to receive a fluid sample optionally containing a tissue sample. The microfluidic device can also include a tissue trapping region at the second end of the inlet channel downstream from the first end. The tissue trapping region can include one or more tissue traps configured to catch a tissue sample flowing through the inlet channel such that the fluid sample contacts the tissue trap. The microfluidic device can also include one or more channels providing an outlet.

The present disclosure provides systems and methods for sorting a cell. The system may comprise a flow channel configured to transport a cell through the channel. The system may comprise an imaging device configured to capture an image of the cell from a plurality of different angles as the cell is transported through the flow channel. The system may comprise a processor configured to analyze the image using a deep learning algorithm to enable sorting of the cell.

A device includes a microfluidic trap disposed along a microfluidic channel, the trap and channel having dimensions to create a fluid vortex within the trap to trap a particle of interest and an electrode having interdigitated electrically isolated fingers positioned in the trap to create an electric field across the trap such that the electric field causes electroporation of a molecule into the particle of interest. A further device includes an array of channels, traps and interdigitated electrically isolated fingers.

Methods and apparatus for controlling flow in a microfluidic arrangement are disclosed. In one arrangement, a microfluidic arrangement comprises a first liquid held predominantly by surface tension in a shape defining a microfluidic pattern on a surface of a substrate. The microfluidic pattern comprises at least an elongate conduit and a first reservoir. A second liquid is in direct contact with the first liquid and covers the microfluidic pattern. A flow of liquid is driven through the elongate conduit into the first reservoir. The microfluidic pattern and the depth and density of the second liquid are such that the first reservoir grows in volume during the flow of liquid into the first reservoir, without either of the size and shape of an area of contact between the first reservoir and the substrate changing, until an upper portion of the first reservoir detaches from a lower portion of the first reservoir due to buoyancy and rises upwards through the second liquid, thereby allowing the first reservoir to continue to receive liquid from the flow of liquid without any change in the size and shape of the area of contact between the first reservoir and the substrate.

A hydrodynamic shuttling chip device comprising an array of single-cell trapping units is disclosed. Each unit comprises: (a) an incoming channel with a cell capture site; (b) a cell culture chamber located posterior to the cell capture site, having a receiving site spaced apart from the cell capture site at a distance of g; (c) a trapping channel located between the cell capture site and the receiving site; (d) a chamber channel located posterior to and in fluidic connection with the cell culture chamber; and (e) a by-pass channel, located lateral to the incoming channel, chamber and chamber channel and having a first end and a second end opposite to the first end, the first end branching out from the incoming channel immediately prior to the cell capture site and the second end joining the chamber channel. A method of capturing single cells of more than one type is also disclosed.

The present invention relates to the microfluidic sorting, separating and/or manipulation of particles, preferably circulating tumor cells (CTCs). In an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a device for sorting, separating or manipulating particles in a fluid suspension, the device comprising: (a) at least one inlet for introducing the fluid suspension; (b) at least one outlet for discharging the fluid suspension containing particles of a desired size; and (c) a channel in fluid communication with and intermediate the at least one inlet and the at least one outlet, a portion of the main channel is curved to form at least one curved unit, the curved unit is shaped to form a profile of a wave having a crest, a lip that curls over a trough, and a face, wherein the crest, lip, face and trough of the curved unit each forms a semicircular arc segment, the fluid suspension travels through the curved unit from the semicircular arc segment of the crest to the semicircular arc segment of the trough.

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.

This disclosure describes microfluidic tissue biopsy and immune response drug evaluation devices and systems. A microfluidic device can include an inlet channel having a first end configured to receive a fluid sample optionally containing a tissue sample. The microfluidic device can also include a tissue trapping region at the second end of the inlet channel downstream from the first end. The tissue trapping region can include one or more tissue traps configured to catch a tissue sample flowing through the inlet channel such that the fluid sample contacts the tissue trap. The microfluidic device can also include one or more channels providing an outlet.

The present disclosure provides systems and methods for sorting a cell. The system may comprise a flow channel configured to transport a cell through the channel. The system may comprise an imaging device configured to capture an image of the cell from a plurality of different angles as the cell is transported through the flow channel. The system may comprise a processor configured to analyze the image using a deep learning algorithm to enable sorting of the cell.