Articles tagged with Microfluidics
NIST researchers have developed a novel method for analyzing complex samples with minimal sample preparation, using Gradient Elution Moving Boundary Electrophoresis (GEMBE) in microfluidic devices. This technique enables the separation of components from solutions containing particulates or other contaminating materials.
Researchers at NIST have proposed a mathematical solution to enable calibration of temperature in microfluidic systems for accurate measurements. The new equations can correct errors introduced by changing reference temperatures, benefiting applications like DNA amplification and chemical analysis.
Researchers used a LEGO board with pegs to recreate microscopic activity in lab-on-a-chip devices. By analyzing the motion of beads through the array, they discovered that large particles followed deterministic paths and were influenced by phase locking.
Researchers at NIST have developed a microfluidic palette to produce multiple, steady-state chemical gradients for studying complex biological mechanisms. The device uses diffusion instead of active mixing, allowing cells to remain in the microchamber without disruption.
Researchers at U-M have developed a lab-on-a-chip device that uses sound waves to drive experimental samples through the device. This innovation replaces traditional electromechanical valves with resonance cavities, amplifying specific musical notes to create air pressure controlling droplets.
Researchers at the University of Michigan have devised a microscale tool to study biofilms' mechanical properties, which could lead to designing medical equipment that is more difficult for bacteria to adhere to. The new device measures resistance to pressure and found elasticity and strain hardening responses in bacterial colonies.
Engineers at Harvard University have developed a novel optical tweezer that can perform calibrated force measurements with high precision. The device, consisting of a Fresnel Zone Plate fabricated on a glass slide, has the potential to revolutionize biological and microfluidic applications.
Researchers at Berkeley Lab and UC Berkeley develop a technique using parahydrogen-polarized gas to visualize active catalysts in microfluidic devices. The method enables direct visualization of gas-phase flow in microscale catalysis, broadening the impact of MRI technology.
Researchers developed a microfluidic device that reveals how bacteria organize to form antibiotic-resistant biofilms, which play key roles in cystic fibrosis and urinary tract infections. The study's findings could help develop new treatments and preventive measures for these diseases.
Researchers at NIST and George Mason University have created a tiny microwave oven that can heat a pinhead-sized drop of liquid with precision. The micro microwave is designed for lab-on-a-chip devices, which perform rapid chemical analyses on tiny samples.
A new design for a 'lab-on-a-chip' structure enables the sorting of particles using light, achieving higher efficiencies and lower costs than current methodologies. Velocities as high as 28 μm/s were achieved for small spheres with low optical powers.
Chris Culbertson has received a 2007 Masao Horiba Award for his work on rapid analysis of individual T-lymphocyte cells using microfluidic devices. This honor recognizes the future potential and originality of his research, which could lead to unique measurement instruments.
A new microfluidics device has enabled researchers to analyze a rare bacteria found in the human mouth and sequence over 1,000 genes from an unstudied group of bacteria, known as TM7. This breakthrough technology holds promise for advancing microbial ecology and discovering new species.
A new lab-on-a-chip device developed by Berkeley Lab enables fast and accurate protein analysis through integration with mass spectrometry. This innovation accelerates proteomics research in fields like diagnostics, therapeutics, and bioenergy.
Researchers at University of Chicago and Bordeaux use laser beams to generate bulk flow in fluids, a phenomenon known as radiation pressure. The technique may offer a new twist to microfluidics, allowing for rapid adjustments and more efficient chemical reactions.
Researchers at Rochester Institute of Technology are developing a micropump to administer drugs and gene-based therapy treatments for auditory dysfunction. The goal is to improve treatment and cure hearing loss, surpassing the limitations of existing hearing aids and cochlear implants.
Researchers at MIT's Center for Bits and Atoms have created a microfluidic device that uses bubble logic to control chemical reactions and perform process control information like a computer. The technology has the potential to revolutionize large-scale chemical analysis, synthesis, testing, and industrial production processes.
Researchers at NIST have developed a miniaturized technique for separating minute samples of proteins, amino acids, and other chemical mixtures. The new 'gradient elution moving boundary electrophoresis' (GEMBE) method works by opposing the movement of mixture components with a stream of buffering solution flowing at a variable rate.
University of Utah engineers invented a tiny, inexpensive micropump that can move chemicals, blood or other samples through a card-sized medical laboratory. The pump could aid development of lab-on-a-chip technology, which aims to reduce the price and time for lab tests.
Scientists have developed a technique to predict when and where blood clotting will occur using a simple laboratory model. The model, which uses only three main equations, adequately reproduced many features of blood clotting. Microfluidics technology was crucial in controlling complex reactions at critical times and locations.
Scientists at Harvard University have developed a method for creating microfluidic channels with parallel metal wires, allowing for the control of magnetic components. The method uses polydimethylsiloxane resin and molten solder to produce stable metal cables, which can generate strong magnetic fields within the channel.
NIST researchers create a microfluidics technique to isolate and pattern neuronal cells on surfaces, allowing for the study of cell development and behavior. This breakthrough enables a variety of cell-geometry experiments, such as measuring the maximum gap between lines that can be bridged by neural axons and dendrites.
A team from NIST and GMU developed a simple method to bond polymeric microfluidic devices using capillary action. By injecting solvent through tiny channels, the plates are welded together quickly and efficiently.
Researchers developed a microfluidic instrument to measure interfacial tension between two fluids. The device tracks changes over time as drops move through the channel, producing a measurement in approximately 1 second.
Researchers found that microfluidics can successfully facilitate IVF in mice, with lower sperm concentrations required compared to traditional culture dishes. The technology has promising potential as a viable option for human IVF, potentially offering an alternative to ICSI.
Scientists have created a Nanofountain Probe that enables sub-100 nanometer molecular writing, a capability previously unattained. The device employs a volcano-like dispensing tip and capillary-fed solutions to achieve high-resolution direct writing.
K-State professor Chris Culbertson is working with NASA to develop microfluidic devices that can monitor astronaut health remotely. These devices use miniaturized chemical analysis instrumentation to analyze DNA mutation rates in cells on orbit.
A Virginia Tech researcher is awarded a prestigious NSF CAREER grant to develop unique micro-analytical systems and detection strategies for proteomic investigations. The project aims to address basic technological limitations, enabling faster proteomics and new analytical capabilities.
Researchers have developed a new theory explaining the wetting morphologies of liquids in open surface channels. The study reveals that channel geometry and substrate-liquid interaction are key factors determining liquid behavior, enabling the creation of microcompartments for confinement of small amounts of liquids and chemical reagents.
Researchers at UCSD use microscopic silicon chips with magnetic properties to control the movement of particles and cargo in oil droplets. This allows for efficient transport and manipulation of tiny biological samples without pumps or channels.
A new microfluidic device developed by NIST researchers can be used to make specialty polymers in small amounts or rapidly change polymer ingredients. This allows for systematic analysis of the impact of expensive additives on material behavior, which is crucial for applications in nanotechnology and biotechnology.
Researchers at NIST have developed a chip-scale device that uses magnetic force microscopy to manipulate individual biomolecules. The device can stretch, twist, and uncoil strands of DNA with piconewton forces, paving the way for genomic studies.
Researchers create new microfluidic chip assembly method using glass microscope slides, tweezers, and a flexible polymer, cutting design and manufacture time from weeks to hours. The new approach enables scientists to test ideas quickly and conduct research in typical laboratories.
The discovery allows researchers to move droplets across a chip's surface without touching solid walls, enabling experiments with mixed droplets and materials synthesis. This technology has wide-ranging implications for microscale transport, mixing, and chemical analysis.
Researchers at Georgia Tech have developed an optical control technique that can enable the production of new types of microfluidic devices without etching channels. By using lasers to create complex patterns of varying-intensity light on a substrate material, differential heating can be achieved, resulting in thermocapillary action an...
Researchers at U-M developed a new method for separating viable sperm using microfluidics, which increased motile sperm to 98% and improved sperm structure and form. The technique has the potential to benefit men with low sperm numbers and infertility problems.
Researchers developed a 3D biochip with tiny chemical reactor chambers and microfluidic delivery systems for growing cells and delivering chemicals. This technology enables high-throughput screening of hundreds of thousands of molecules while minimizing toxicity testing on animal models.
A team led by Haim H. Bau will model transport of liquids, particles, and cells in microconduits to study biological interactions. They will use low-temperature co-fired ceramic tapes to fabricate prototypes.