On-chip DNA preconcentration in different media conductivities by electrodeless dielectrophoresis.

Electrodeless dielectrophoresis is the best choice to achieve preconcentration of nanoparticles and biomolecules due to its simple, robust, and easy implementation. We designed a simple chip with microchannels and nano-slits in between and then studied the trapping of DNA in high conductive medium and low conductive medium, corresponding to positive and negative dielectrophoresis (DEP), respectively. It is very important to investigate the trapping in media with different conductivities since one always has to deal with the sample solutions with different conductivities.

Simple and reusable picoinjector for liquid delivery via nanofluidics approach.

Unlabelled: Precise control of sample volume is one of the most important functions in lab-on-a-chip (LOC) systems, especially for chemical and biological reactions. The common approach used for liquid delivery involves the employment of capillaries and microstructures for generating a droplet which has a volume in the nanoliter or picoliter range. Here, we report a novel approach for constructing a picoinjector which is based on well-controlled electroosmotic (EO) flow to electrokinetically drive sample solutions.

Universal logic gates via liquid-electronic hybrid divider.

We demonstrated two-input microdroplet-based universal logic gates using a liquid-electronic hybrid divider. All 16 Boolean logic functions have been realized by manipulating the applied voltages. The novel platform consists of a microfluidic chip with integrated microdroplet detectors and external electronic components.

Facile synthesis of biomimetic honeycomb material with biological functionality.

A microfluidic approach to a honeycomb-structure material based on the synergistic effects of polymer rapid precipitation, double emulsion templating, and internal effervescent salt decomposition is reported. The delicate honeycomb structure exhibits unique characteristics with an external nanopore membrane and internal multiple cavities. The biological functionality of the artificial structure is explored to serve as microcarriers for cell culture and drug release, indicating their attractive properties for potential biomedical applications.