This invention concerns patentable devices configured to capture cancer stem cells and cell clusters. After capturing such cells and/or clusters, the cancerous cells are subjected to whole genome sequencing. The resulting genomic sequence information is then compared to that for normal or non-diseased tissue (obtained, for example, from either the same patient, or a population sample, etc.) in order to identify the specific genetic mutation(s) present in the CSCs. Further analysis then correlates the genetic mutations with cell growth signaling pathways typically found with tumor metastases. Armed with this information, an oncologist can then develop a specifically targeted therapy that utilizes approved drugs or drug candidates undergoing clinical testing to address the identified driver mutations and thus effect a targeted therapy tailored to the particular patient's disease.

Nanochannel arrays that enable high-throughput macromolecular analysis are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods of preparing nanochannel arrays and nanofluidic chips. Methods of analyzing macromolecules, such as entire strands of genomic DNA, are also disclosed, as well as systems for carrying out these methods.

A microfluidic chip for collecting dielectric particles in a fluid sample to be tested includes an insulating substrate, a first interdigitated electrode, a second interdigitated electrode, and a dielectric layer. The dielectric layer is formed on the first and second interdigitated electrodes and is made from a semiconductive inorganic material having a dielectric constant of from 3.7 F/m to 80 F/m.

The techniques relate to methods and apparatus for electroosmotic flow. A device includes a fluid chamber, at least one sensor element configured to sense an analyte, wherein the at least one sensor element is in fluid communication with the fluid chamber, and a set of electroosmotic electrodes disposed for creating an electroosmotic flow of a fluid in the fluid chamber over the at least one sensor element.

The combined value of integrating optical forces and electrokinetics allows for the pooled separation vectors of each to be applied, providing for separation based on combinations of features such as size, shape, refractive index, charge, charge distribution, charge mobility, permittivity, and deformability. The interplay of these separation vectors allow for the selective manipulation of analytes with a finer degree of variation. Embodiments include methods of method of separating particles in a microfluidic channel using a device comprising a microfluidic channel, a source of laser light focused by an optic into the microfluidic channel, and a source of electrical field operationally connected to the microfluidic channel via electrodes so that the laser light and the electrical field to act jointly on the particles in the microfluidic channel. Other devices and methods are disclosed.

The combined value of integrating optical forces and electrokinetics allows for the pooled separation vectors of each to be applied, providing for separation based on combinations of features such as size, shape, refractive index, charge, charge distribution, charge mobility, permittivity, and deformability. The interplay of these separation vectors allow for the selective manipulation of analytes with a finer degree of variation. Embodiments include methods of method of separating particles in a microfluidic channel using a device comprising a microfluidic channel, a source of laser light focused by an optic into the microfluidic channel, and a source of electrical field operationally connected to the microfluidic channel via electrodes so that the laser light and the electrical field to act jointly on the particles in the microfluidic channel. Other devices and methods are disclosed.

A scanning micro-fluid device for an exchange of species with a surface and with an intermediate immersion liquid is disclosed. The device comprises a first and a second micro-channel comprising a fluid. The first micro-channel comprises a first aperture and the second micro-channel comprises a second aperture. They have a distance to each other in an apex area in proximity of the surface of a substrate. The surface, the apex area is immersed with the intermediate immersion liquid. The device also comprises a first electrode reaching into the fluid on the first micro-channel and a second electrode reaching into the fluid on the second micro-channel, and an apex electrode. Different voltage levels are applicable to the first, the second and the apex electrode such that species are interacting at surface of the substrate.

Disclosed herein are compositions and fluidic devices that include a filler fluid having a siloxane block co-polymer solubilized in the filler fluid. Also disclosed herein are related kits and methods for using the fluidic devices for various uses, such as the polymerase chain reaction or preparations for sequencing reactions.

Methods and apparatus for detection and/or identification of analytes including bacteria using dielectrophoresis and electroosmotic traps. Switching between different frequencies of an applied electric field results in movement of the analyte between dielectrophoresis and electroosmotic trapping states. The use of edge-based sensing techniques enables the use of electrodes with a larger form factor than nanowire sensors. Signal modulation based on analyte contact with the electrode edge is also described.

The present invention is notably directed to method of fabrication of a microfluidic chip, comprising: providing a substrate, a face of which is covered by an electrically insulating layer; obtaining a resist layer covering one or more selected portions of the electrically insulating layer, at least a remaining portion of said electrically insulating layer not being covered by the resist layer; partially etching with a wet etchant a surface of the remaining portion of the electrically insulating layer to create a recess and/or an undercut under the resist layer; depositing the electrically conductive layer on the etched surface, such that the electrically conductive layer reaches the created recess and/or undercut; and removing the resist layer to expose a portion of the electrically insulating layer adjoining a contiguous portion of the electrically conductive layer. The present invention is further directed to microfluidic chips obtainable by such methods.