Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices are disclosed for capturing, concentrating, isolating, and detecting molecules. In one aspect, a molecular probe device includes a molecular probe having a complimentary base pair region initially zipped and structured to include a binding agent to chemically attach the molecular probe to an outer surface of a magnetic bead, and a binding molecule to chemically attach the molecular probe to a substrate of a microfluidic device, in which the complimentary base pair region is configured to hybridize to a complementary nucleic acid sequence of a DNA or RNA molecule.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for analyzing single molecule and performing nucleic acid sequencing. An apparatus can include an assay chip that includes multiple pixels with sample wells configured to receive a sample, which, when excited, emits emission energy; at least one element for directing the emission energy in a particular direction; and a light path along which the emission energy travels from the sample well toward a sensor. The apparatus also includes an instrument that interfaces with the assay chip. The instrument includes an excitation light source for exciting the sample in each sample well; a plurality of sensors corresponding the sample wells. Each sensor may detect emission energy from a sample in a respective sample well. The instrument includes at least one optical element that directs the emission energy from each sample well towards a respective sensor of the plurality of sensors.

Abstract: Methods and system for the isolation and/or analysis of nucleic acids on a solid phase device comprising (i) incubating a nucleic acid sample with Dimethyl adipimidate (DMA) on said solid phase under conditions that allow formation of a complex of the nucleic acid with the DMA; contacting the complex of (i) with said surface; and isolating and/or analyzing the nucleic acid of the complex.

Abstract: A nanopipette biosensor capable of detecting a small concentration of target molecules within a sample solution using optical detection methods. The biosensor includes a nanopipette that connects a nanocolloid reservoir containing a nanocolloid solution and a sample reservoir containing a sample solution, where the nanopipette is tapered at the end connected to the sample reservoir. The nanocolloid solution includes nanoparticles functionalized with probes specific to miRNA of the target molecules and reporters. During the detection process, the nanocolloids nanoparticles aggregate such that plasmonic hotspots are formed. These hotspots magnify the reporter signals produced when the probes hybridize with target molecules.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides biochips and methods for making biochips. A biochip can comprise a nanopore in a membrane (e.g., lipid bilayer) adjacent or in proximity to an electrode. Methods are described for forming the membrane and inserting the nanopore into the membrane. The biochips and methods can be used for nucleic acid (e.g., DNA) sequencing. The present disclosure also describes methods for detecting, sorting, and binning molecules (e.g., proteins) using biochips.

Abstract: A nucleic acid (NA) detection method combines ultra-specific probe, on-chip isotachophoresis (ITP) which can separate single strand and double strand NAs, and enzyme amplification. The ITP device has a sieving matrix between the LE (leading electrolyte) and TE (trailing electrolyte) reservoirs, for separating double-strand and single-strand NAs. The LE or TE reservoir also contains a spacer ion having a mobility between the LE and the TE. The sample and a double-strand NA probe is added to the TE reservoir, the probe being formed of a protector strand modified with a fluorescent molecule and a complement strand, where the protector strand is released in the presence of the target NA. Fluorescent signal is detected downstream of the sieving matrix. Alternatively, the protector strand is modified with an enzyme and a single-strand NA modified with a substrate of the enzyme is added to the reaction mixture downstream of the sieving matrix.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for laser ablation sampling, electrophoretic extraction from the laser plume, electrophoretic transport to a container, and capture of macromolecules of interest. In certain embodiments, when macromolecules of interest are nucleic acid, the apparatus and methods further provides for nucleic acid amplification and detection in a rapid mobile platform for environmental and clinical identification of pathogens.

Abstract: Constricted nanochannel devices suitable for use in analysis of macromolecular structure, including DNA sequencing, are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for fabricating such devices and for analyzing macromolecules using such devices.

Abstract: Provided herein is technology relating to testing biological samples and particularly, but not exclusively, to devices, systems, and kits for performing multiple, simultaneous real-time assays on a sample in a single-use disposable format. For example, the technology relates to an apparatus that finds use, for example, for point-of-care diagnostics, including use at accident sites, emergency rooms, in surgery, in intensive care units, as well as for non-medical applications.

Abstract: The method for analyzing biomolecules, includes the steps of: immobilizing biomolecules to be analyzed on surfaces of magnetic microparticles; reacting labeled probe molecules with the biomolecules to be analyzed; collecting and immobilizing the microparticles on a support substrate; and measuring a label on the support substrate. Since single-molecule immobilized magnetic microparticles are used in the present invention, the number of biomolecules can be counted, and since hybridization and an antigen-antibody reaction are performed with the microparticles having biomolecules immobilized thereon dispersed, the reaction can be rapidly performed. Further, the type and the abundance of biomolecules of interest can be determined at a single molecular level, so as to evaluate, in particular, the absolute concentration of biomolecules.

Abstract: The present invention relates to DNA sequencing with reagent cycling on the wiregrid. The sequencing approach suggested with which allows to use a single fluid with no washing steps. Based on strong optical confinement and of excitation light and of cleavage light, the sequencing reaction can be read-out without washing the surface. Stepwise sequencing is achieved by using nucleotides with optically cleavable blocking moietys. After read-out the built in nucleotide is deblocked by cleavage light through the same substrate. This ensures that only bound nucleotides will be unblocked.

Abstract: Provided herein are microfluidic circuits that include at least one device for forming a quantity of drops of a solution in a carrier fluid and at least one storage zone for storing drops produced by the microfluidic device. Such microfluidic circuits are useful, for example, for the analysis of a solution containing a biological sample.

Abstract: Methods are provided for characterizing a sample comprising polynucleotide sequences. The methods can comprise labeling nucleic acid molecules of the sample, translocating the plurality of labeled sample nucleic acid molecules though one or more fluidic nanochannels, detecting physical counts of signals from the labeled sample nucleic acid molecule, and determining a copy number of a genome or a fragment or fragments thereof in the sample.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to the use of nanoparticles that are coated with unique oligonucleotide (e.g., DNA) sequences of various base lengths (“nano-DNA”) that act as barcodes for product authentication, product serialization, brand protection, track-and-trace, intelligent supply chain, and law enforcement. The nano-DNA can be incorporated into inks, dyes, resins, labels, and other markings at all manufacturing levels, including the product (unit) level, to encode company and product-specific information. The nano-DNA can also be embedded in the product itself during the manufacturing process. Furthermore, the nano-DNA can be quickly, simply, and inexpensively monitored and verified using an electrochemical biosensor device in resource-limited field conditions.

Abstract: Contemplated methods and devices comprise performing electrochemical sample analysis in a multiplexed electrochemical detector having reduced electrical cross-talk. The electrochemical detector includes electrodes that share a common lead from a plurality of leads. The sample, which may be a liquid sample, is introduced into one or more sample wells and a signal is applied to at least one of the electrodes. A response signal is measured while simultaneously applying a substantially fixed potential to each of a remainder of the plurality of leads.

Abstract: A technique that uses nanotechnology to electrically detect and identify RNA sequences without the need for using enzymatic amplification methods or fluorescent labels. The technique may be scaled into large multiplexed arrays for high-throughput and rapid screening. The technique is further able to differentiate closely related variants of a given bacterial or viral species or strain. This technique addresses the need for a quick, efficient, and inexpensive bacterial and viral detection and identification system.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and kits are disclosed for collection, labeling and analyzing biological samples containing nucleic acid in conjunction with collecting at least one ridge and valley signature of an individual. Such devices and methods are used in forensic, human identification, access control and screening technologies to rapidly process an individual's identity or determine the identity of an individual.

Abstract: A method of sequencing a nucleic acid strand includes receiving particles having nucleic acid strands coupled to a polymer matrix, exposing the particles to a solution including a condensing agent, and applying the particles to a surface, the particles depositing on the surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for conducting binding assays in an assay device that includes one or more storage and use zone. The storage zones of the assay device are configured to house one or more reagents used in an assay conducted in the use zone of the device.

Abstract: The present invention provides molecular biosensors capable of signal amplification, and methods of using the molecular biosensors to detect the presence of a target molecule.