A method and microfluidic device are provided for containing a droplet having an outer surface at a predetermined location. The microfluidic device includes a plate having an upper surface and a central region communicating with the upper surface. The central region is adapted for receiving a droplet of fluid thereon. The central region includes an outer periphery that defines a first fluid constraint configured for discouraging fluid on the central region from flowing therepast. A second fluid constraint extends about the first fluid constraint. The second fluid constraint is configured for discouraging fluid flowing therepast. A third fluid constraint extends about the second fluid constraint. The third fluid constraint configured for discouraging fluid flowing therepast.

A microchip includes a plurality of laminated elastic sheets. Each of the elastic sheets forming a first intermediate layer as an intermediate layer formed with the plurality of elastic sheets have an inadhesive section(s) for forming a first flow path on the first intermediate layer. Each of the elastic sheets for forming a second intermediate layer as an intermediate layer formed with the plurality of elastic sheets have an inadhesive section(s) for forming a second flow path on the second intermediate layer. An elastic sheet(s) interposed between the first and second intermediate layers has a connecting section(s) connecting the first flow path and the second flow path. A flow path width at the connecting section(s) of the first flow path is narrower than a flow path width at the connecting section(s) of the second flow path.

An embodiment for a microfluidic device is provided. The device comprises two areas, arranged side-by-side, and a trigger channel. They include a first area, which is delimited by a first liquid pinning barrier, and a second area, which is delimited by a second liquid pinning barrier. The latter extends parallel to the first liquid pinning barrier to delimit a corridor. The trigger channel extends through the corridor between the two areas. In addition, the trigger channel connects the first liquid pinning barrier with the second liquid pinning barrier, allowing a first liquid pinned at the first liquid pinning barrier and a second liquid pinned at the second liquid pinning barrier to be contacted, each, by a reverse flow of the second liquid in the trigger channel and thereby start mixing at a level of the corridor, in operation. The invention is further directed to related methods of operation.

Systems and methods are disclosed herein for use in transducing, activating, and otherwise treating cells. Cells are introduced into an inner layer of a multi-layered stack that defines at least one flow chamber and a plurality of cell entrainment regions. Vertical flow through the stack entrains the cells in the cell entrainment regions along with genetic information introduction agents or other additives, before the cells are washed using a reverse vertical flow and are collected from the device.

A biosensor for single cell analysis is disclosed. The biosensor includes a substrate, an array of electrodes, and a passivation layer. The substrate includes a roughened surface, where the array of electrodes is patterned on the roughened surface. Each electrode includes a distal tip and a proximal end. The passivation layer is deposited on top of the biosensor and includes a microwell around the distal tip of an electrode. A single cell is trapped within the microwell and adhered onto the distal tip of the electrode for further single cell analysis.

An example micro-fluidic device includes a micro-fluidic channel having an inner surface and a plurality of pillars positioned along the inner surface. The device further includes a plurality of power supplies connected to the pillars. Another example micro-fluidic device includes a micro-fluidic channel having an inner surface and a plurality of pillars positioned along the inner surface. The device further includes a power supply. The pillars are grouped into at least two groups of pillars, each group of pillars including at least two pillars, and all pillars of at least one group of pillars are connected to the power supply. In another example, a sensing system for detecting bioparticles includes a micro-fluidic device, wherein a surface of each pillar comprises functionalized plasmonic nanoparticles or functionalized SERS nanoparticles, a radiation source for radiating the micro-fluidic device, and a detector for detecting SERS signals or surface plasmon resonance.

Systems and methods for using microfluidic devices to concentrate cells, to perform buffer changes, to sort cells based on size, and/or to isolate particular types of cells in a rapid manner, are presented. Cells flow into a matrix of posts, wherein the posts are distributed along diagonal lines in the chamber. The cells are deflected in a lateral manner, towards a side of a chamber and are collected upon exiting the chamber.

Provided is a cell processing method including: preparing a cell suspension containing a cell to be processed and a target substance; and introducing the target substance into the cell to be processed by allowing a shear force to act on the cell to be processed, wherein the cell to be processed is a cell, which is selected from a cell group including cells in a proliferation process, and which has a cell diameter larger than a mode in a cell diameter distribution of the cell group.

Devices, systems, and their methods of use, for generating droplets are provided. One or more geometric parameters of a microfluidic channel can be selected to generate droplets of a desired and predictable droplet size.

Systems and methods for improved flow properties in fluidic and microfluidic systems are disclosed. The system includes a microfluidic device having a first microchannel, a fluid reservoir having a working fluid and a pressurized gas, a pump in communication with the fluid reservoir to maintain a desired pressure of the pressurized gas, and a fluid-resistance element located within a fluid path between the fluid reservoir and the first microchannel. The fluid-resistance element includes a first fluidic resistance that is substantially larger than a second fluidic resistance associated with the first microchannel.