Embodiments of the disclosed subject matter provide an automated method and system to isolate and collect cells using computerized analysis of images of cells and their surroundings obtained from a digital imaging device or system. Embodiments of the disclosed subject matter make use of a microwell array, which can comprise a formed, elastomeric grid of indentations or wells. Many, most, or all of the wells in a microwell array can contain a releasable, microfabricated element, which can be referred to as a raft. Embodiments of the disclosed subject matter provide a system and method for cell collection that includes computerized identification and collection of rafts with isolated single cells or a specific group or groups of cells, eliminating the need for continuous human identification and selection.

Disclosed is a method of identifying the contents of individual droplets in a droplet stream each droplet containing fluorophores in an initial non-fluorescing state characterized by the steps of introducing the droplets one-by-one into at least one open-ended tube to create a stack of droplets therein; activating the fluorophores within the droplets to cause them to fluoresce; releasing each droplet in the droplet stack in turn from the tube and detecting along the major axis of the tube fluorescence associated with each droplet as it emerges. Also disclosed is a method suitable for sequencing a biopolymer characterized by the steps of (1) progressively digesting the biopolymer into an ordered stream of its constituent monomers; (2) converting the stream of monomers into a corresponding stream of monomer-containing aqueous droplets each droplet additionally containing a probe capable of (a) capturing the monomer and (b) thereafter being digested to release an unqueched fluorophore characteristic of the captured monomer; (3) introducing the stream of droplets created in step (2) into an inlet end of at least one open-ended tube to create a stack of droplets therein and (4) releasing each droplet in turn from an outlet end of the tube(s) and detecting fluorophores in each droplet as each droplet emerges. The method may be used in a corresponding apparatus for sequencing a biopolymer such as a nucleic acid or protein.

Nanofibrous hydrogel microarray systems that act as facile, high throughput platforms for in vitro drug discovery and investigation and screening of combinatorial effects of physical and biochemical cues on maturation and differentiation of mammalian cells.

Disclosed herein are systems and methods for detecting Chemical Species, Biomolecules and Biotargets (Analytes) using receptor functionalized metal nanoparticles and Dynamic Light Scattering.

An apparatus suitable for investigating solid catalysts and processes in which discontinuous fluid streams arise, the apparatus including: a reactant fluid supply point; a reaction space; at least one fluid mixing space; at least one throttle element; at least one pressure control valve; and at least one analyzer. An outlet side of the reaction space is operatively connected to the fluid mixing space via a connecting line and a substream line. The fluid mixing space is connected to the throttle element. The throttle element is operatively connected to the analyzer and an outlet line. The connecting line is operatively connected to the pressure control valve and an exit air line. The pressure control valve is arranged either downstream or upstream of the substream line. When the pressure control valve is upstream of the substream line, the outlet line is provided with a second pressure control valve and a pump.

A continuous throughput microfluidic system includes an input system configured to provide a sequential stream of sample plugs; a droplet generator arranged in fluid connection with the input system to receive the sequential stream of sample plugs and configured to provide an output stream of droplets; a droplet treatment system arranged in fluid connection with the droplet generator to receive the output stream of droplets in a sequential order and configured to provide a stream of treated droplets in the sequential order; a detection system arranged to obtain detection signals from the treated droplets in the sequential order; a control system configured to communicate with the input system, the droplet generator, and the droplet treatment system; and a data processing and storage system configured to communicate with the control system and the detection system.

Parallel reactor systems for synthesizing materials are disclosed. The reactor systems may be suitable for synthesizing materials produced from corrosive reagents. Methods for preparing materials by use of such parallel reactor systems are also disclosed.

Parallel reactor systems for synthesizing materials are disclosed. The reactor systems may be suitable for synthesizing materials produced from corrosive reagents. Methods for preparing materials by use of such parallel reactor systems are also disclosed.

Contemplated microfluidic devices and methods are drawn to protein arrays in which distinct and detergent-containing antigen preparations are deposited onto an optical contrast layer in a non-specific and non-covalent manner. Detection of binding a is carried out using a dye that precipitates or agglomerates to so form a visually detectable signal at a dynamic range of at least three orders of magnitude.

Contemplated microfluidic devices and methods are drawn to protein arrays in which distinct and detergent-containing antigen preparations are deposited onto an optical contrast layer in a non-specific and non-covalent manner. Detection of binding a is carried out using a dye that precipitates or agglomerates to so form a visually detectable signal at a dynamic range of at least three orders of magnitude.