The University of Arizona

Arizona Board of Regents, a Body Corporate

Whitespace Enterprise Corporation

Bioaccel

Cedric M Hurth

Frederic Zenhausern

Ralf Lenigk

Brett Duane

Pieris Koumi

Andrew John Hopwood

Jianing Yang

Stan Smith

Matthew D Estes

Alan Nordquist

Xiaojia Chen

David Nguyen

John Lee-Edghill

Amol Surve

Nina Moran

Provided herein are devices and methods for generating microfluidic gradients, including an array of unique microfluidic gradients within an array of microchannels. Fluids within conduits are mixed in an intersection region to generate a mixed flow stream in a source reservoir channel that provides a gradient that varies with axial distance from the intersection region. Microchannels having an inlet connected to the source reservoir channel are configured to provide a microfluidic gradient in the microchannel. An outlet end of the microchannel is connected to a sink reservoir channel. By varying the ratio of fluid flow rates from the fluid conduits, the microchannel gradients are tuned. In this manner, a large number of unique gradients or array of microfluidic gradients is provided, wherein the gradient can be any number of physical or chemical parameters, including concentrations and physical fluid properties.

Method and device for generating a tunable array of fluid gradients

An apparatus () for processing a sample, circuit board () suited to use in such an apparatus and a method of processing are provided in which the apparatus () is provided with alignment features to assist in provided the circuit board and a sample cartridge () in the correct position relative to one another. In this way, the plurality of sections for processing a sample in the cartridge () are positioned against a plurality of elements, such as a heater () for heating the sample cartridge () or an electrical contact (EP1-EP4) for powering features on the sample cartridge (), correctly and can operate independently of one another.

Performance of an analyzer for biological samples

Instruments, devices and methods of analysis are provided which fully integrate a significant number of process steps in a continuous operation. Accurate positioning and full contact between components is also provided by the relative movement the designs allow. An effect interface between a low cost disposable cartridge or device and the instrument to process it is also detailed.

Performance

Growing community of inventors

Tempe, AZ, United States of America

Cedric M Hurth