The invention generally relates to methods for quantifying an amount of enzyme molecules. Systems and methods of the invention are provided for measuring an amount of target by forming a plurality of fluid partitions, a subset of which include the target, performing an enzyme-catalyzed reaction in the subset, and detecting the number of partitions in the subset. The amount of target can be determined based on the detected number.

The present invention provides microfabricated substrates and methods of conducting reactions within these substrates. The reactions occur in plugs transported in the flow of a carrier-fluid.

The invention generally relates to methods for quantifying an amount of enzyme molecules. Systems and methods of the invention are provided for measuring an amount of target by forming a plurality of fluid partitions, a subset of which include the target, performing an enzyme-catalyzed reaction in the subset, and detecting the number of partitions in the subset. The amount of target can be determined based on the detected number.

Methods and systems for processing polynucleotides (e.g., DNA) are disclosed. A processing region includes one or more surfaces (e.g., particle surfaces) modified with ligands that retain polynucleotides under a first set of conditions (e.g., temperature and pH) and release the polynucleotides under a second set of conditions (e.g., higher temperature and/or more basic pH). The processing region can be used to, for example, concentrate polynucleotides of a sample and/or separate inhibitors of amplification reactions from the polynucleotides. Microfluidic devices with a processing region are disclosed.

The present invention provides microfluidic devices and methods for using the same. In particular, microfluidic devices of the present invention are useful in conducting a variety of assays and high throughput screening. Microfluidic devices of the present invention include elastomeric components and comprise a main flow channel; a plurality of branch flow channels; a plurality of control channels; and a plurality of valves. Preferably, each of the valves comprises one of the control channels and an elastomeric segment that is deflectable into or retractable from the main or branch flow channel upon which the valve operates in response to an actuation force applied to the control channel.

Methods and systems for processing polynucleotides (e.g., DNA) are disclosed. A processing region includes one or more surfaces (e.g., particle surfaces) modified with ligands that retain polynucleotides under a first set of conditions (e.g., temperature and pH) and release the polynucleotides under a second set of conditions (e.g., higher temperature and/or more basic pH). The processing region can be used to, for example, concentrate polynucleotides of a sample and/or separate inhibitors of amplification reactions from the polynucleotides. Microfluidic devices with a processing region are disclosed.

The present disclosure is directed towards improved systems and methods for large-scale production of nanoparticles used for delivery of therapeutic material. The apparatus can be used to manufacture a wide array of nanoparticles containing therapeutic material including, but not limited to, lipid nanoparticles and polymer nanoparticles. In certain embodiments, continuous flow operation and parallelization of microfluidic mixers contribute to increased nanoparticle production volume.

A fine bubble generator may include an inlet; an outlet; a first fine bubble generation portion; and a second fine bubble generation portion. The first fine bubble generation portion includes: a diameter-reducing flow path and a diameter-increasing flow path. The second fine bubble generation portion includes: a first swirling flow generation portion; and a second swirling flow generation portion. The first swirling flow generation portion includes: a first outer peripheral portion; and a plurality of first vanes disposed configured to generate a first swirling flow flowing in a first swirling direction with respect to a center axis of the second fine bubble generation portion. The second swirling flow generation portion includes: a second outer peripheral portion; and a plurality of second vanes configured to generate a second swirling flow flowing in a second swirling direction opposite to the first swirling direction with respect to the center axis.

The present disclosure includes a mixing device for use in a contact tower. The mixing device can include a first tray defining multiple first openings and multiple mixers coupled to the first tray. Each mixer can include a first portion having a first sidewall and a second portion extending from the first portion, the second portion having a second sidewall. The first sidewall can define an inlet in communication with one of the first openings, an outlet, a convergent channel extending between the inlet and the outlet of the first sidewall, and an injection port extending through the first sidewall and positioned between the inlet and outlet of the first sidewall. The second sidewall can define an inlet in communication with the outlet of the first sidewall, an outlet, and a divergent channel extending between the inlet and the outlet of the second sidewall.

Microfluidic devices for use with reagents bound to microspheres for determination of the concentration of an analyte in a liquid sample are provided. The devices include two sequential mixing channels that promote rapid binding of microsphere-bound reagents with reagents in solution and a means for detecting labeled microsphere-bound reaction products. Also provided are methods for using the devices with microsphere-bound reagents to determine the concentration of an analyte in a liquid sample and to measure the binding affinity of antibody for an antigen.