Abstract: Exemplary embodiments provide microfluidic devices and methods for their use. The microfluidic device can include an array of M×N reaction sites formed by intersecting a first and second plurality of fluid channels of a flow layer. The flow layer can have a matrix design and/or a blind channel design to analyze a large number of samples under a limited number of conditions. The microfluidic device can also include a control layer including a valve system for regulating solution flow through fluid channels. In addition, by aligning the control layer with the fluid channels, the detection of the microfluidic devices, e.g., optical signal collection, can be improved by piping lights to/from the reaction sites. In an exemplary embodiment, guard channels can be included in the microfluidic device for thermal cycling and/or reducing evaporation from the reaction sites.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments provide microfludic devices and methods for their use. The microfluidic device can include an array of M×N reaction sites formed by intersecting a first and second plurality of fluid channels of a flow layer. The flow layer can have a matrix design and/or a blind channel design to analyze a large number of samples under a limited number of conditions. The microfluidic device can also include a control layer including a valve system for regulating solution flow through fluid channels. In addition, by aligning the control layer with the fluid channels, the detection of the microfluidic devices, e.g., optical signal collection, can be improved by piping lights to/from the reaction sites. In an exemplary embodiment, guard channels can be included in the microfluidic device for thermal cycling and/or reducing evaporation from the reaction sites.

Abstract: A device and methods for sample distribution through a channel in which an expandable valve provides a mechanism to regulate flow through the channel. The valve may be configured to exert a force on a membrane layer so as to substantially block a portion of the channel to retain the sample in a desired location and prevent flow past the valve mechanism between the channel and a chamber.

Abstract: Various embodiments described in the application relate to an apparatus, system, and method for generating, within a conduit, discrete volumes of one or more fluids that are immiscible with a second fluid. The discrete volumes can be used for biochemical or molecular biology procedures involving small volumes, for example, microliter-sized volumes, nanoliter-sized volumes, or smaller. The system can comprise an apparatus comprising at least one conduit operatively connected to one or more pumps for providing discrete volumes separated from one another by a fluid that is immiscible with the fluid(s) of the discrete volumes, for example, aqueous immiscible-fluid-discrete volumes separated by an oil.

Abstract: Various embodiments described in the application relate to an apparatus, system, and method for generating, within a conduit, discrete volumes of one or more fluids that are immiscible with a second fluid. The discrete volumes can be used for biochemical or molecular biology procedures involving small volumes, for example, microliter-sized volumes, nanoliter-sized volumes, or smaller. The system can comprise an apparatus comprising at least one conduit operatively connected to one or more pumps for providing discrete volumes separated from one another by a fluid that is immiscible with the fluid(s) of the discrete volumes, for example, aqueous immiscible-fluid-discrete volumes separated by an oil.

Abstract: The present invention relates to sample presentation devices useful in performing analytical measurements. These devices have been configured to enable various aspects of liquid handling such as: retention, storage, transport, concentration, positioning, and transfer. Additionally, these devices can enhance the detection and characterization of analytes. The sample presentation devices of the present invention are comprised of one or more substrates having a plurality of zones of differing wettability. Methods of analyzing samples using the sample presentation device of the invention, as well as methods of making the sample presentation devices are disclosed.

Abstract: A system for performing quality control for nucleic acid sample sequencing is disclosed. The system has a set of solid supports, each support having attached thereto a plurality of nucleic acid sequences. The set has plural groups of solid supports and each group contains solid supports having the same nucleic acid sequences attached thereto. The nucleic acid sequences of each group differ from each other. The nucleic acid sequences are synthetically derived. A method of preparing a quality control for performing nucleic acid sample sequencing and a method of validating a nucleic acid sequencing instrument are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods of modifying a nucleophilic surface of a support are described. The methods involve reacting a multifunctional electrophilic reagent with nucleophilic groups on the surface of the support. The resulting electrophilic surface can be used for the covalent attachment of particles (e.g. beads) having nucleophilic functional groups. For example, nucleic acid templates with nucleophilic (e.g., amine) groups can be attached to a surface of the particles. The nucleophilic groups on the nucleic acid templates can then be used to attach the particles to the modified surface of the support. The resulting support-bound particles can be used to analyze (e.g., sequence) the nucleic acid templates on the particles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to sample presentation devices useful in performing analytical measurements. These devices have been configured to enable various aspects of liquid handling such as: retention, storage, transport, concentration, positioning, and transfer. Additionally, these devices can enhance the detection and characterization of analytes. The sample presentation devices of the present invention are comprised of one or more substrates having a plurality of zones of differing wettability. Methods of analyzing samples using the sample presentation device of the invention, as well as methods of making the sample presentation devices are disclosed.

Abstract: A device and methods for sample distribution through a channel in which an expandable valve provides a mechanism to regulate flow through the channel. The valve may be configured to exert a force on a membrane layer so as to substantially block a portion of the channel to retain the sample in a desired location and prevent flow past the valve mechanism between the channel and a chamber.