Abstract: Described herein are methods and devices for nucleic acid quantification and, in particular, to microfluidic methods and devices for nucleic acid quantification. In certain embodiments methods of quantifying a target nucleic acid without the need for amplification are provided. The methods involve, in some embodiments, allowing a binding agent to become immobilized with respect to the target nucleic acid. In some cases, the binding agent comprises a signaling moiety that can be used to quantify the amount of target nucleic acid. In another aspect, the quantification can be carried out rapidly. For example, in certain embodiments, the quantification can be completed within 5 minutes. In yet another aspect, samples containing a low amount of target nucleic acid can be quantified. For instance, in some cases, samples containing less than 100 nanograms per microliter may be quantified. Also described are devices and kits for performing such methods, or the like.

Abstract: A self-contained apparatus for isolating nucleic acid, cell lysates and cell suspensions from unprocessed samples apparatus, to be used with an instrument, includes at least one input, and: (i) a macrofluidic component, including a chamber for receiving an unprocessed sample from a collection device and at least one filled liquid purification reagent storage reservoir; and (ii) a microfluidic component in communication with the macrofluidic component through at least one microfluidic element, the microfluidic component further comprising at least one nucleic acid purification matrix; and (iii) at least one interface port to a drive mechanism on the instrument for driving said liquid purification reagent, through the microfluidic element and the nucleic acid purification matrix, wherein the only inputs to the apparatus are through the chamber and the interface port to the drive mechanism.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and systems for ruggedizing a nucleic acid analyzing apparatus. The ruggedized apparatus can be used reliably and effectively in uncontrolled environments, such as, for example at a crime scene to collect and analyze forensic data, as well as in semi-controlled environments, such as, for example at a point of care location.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and systems for ruggedizing a nucleic acid analyzing apparatus. The ruggedized apparatus can be used reliably and effectively in uncontrolled environments, such as, for example at a crime scene to collect and analyze forensic data, as well as in semi-controlled environments, such as, for example at a point of care location.

Abstract: Described herein is an adaptive expert system comprising a computing device having a memory that stores programmatic instructions and a processor that executes the programmatic instructions. The adaptive expert system receives sample data comprising at least one of raw data, optical data, and electropherogram data from a DNA analysis device, said data generated from a sample containing DNA. The adaptive expert system determines at least one characteristic of the sample data. The adaptive expert system utilizes the at least one characteristic to classify the sample data and apply a predefined parameter set to the said sample data to generate an output.

Abstract: A disinfestation sheet includes a carrier layer with a first and second surface with active pesticidal particles formed therein. The active pesticidal particles contain pesticidal ingredients selected from pyrethroid family or the like. The carrier layer has channels formed therein. The channels form one or more paths between one or more pesticidal particles and at least one of the first and the second surfaces to allow diffusion of the active pesticidal ingredient from the pesticidal particles to at least one of the first and the second surfaces of the carrier layer. The disinfestation sheet may further comprise antioxidant compounds. The disinfestation sheet may also have a base layer attached to the second surface of the carrier layer, an adhesive grip layer attached to the base layer and a support layer attached to the grip layer, where in the support layer is detachable. The carrier layer may also comprise ridges extending outwardly from the second surface.

Abstract: Plastic electrophoresis separation chips are provided comprising a plurality of microfluidic channels and a detection window, where the detection window comprises a thin plastic; and the detection window comprises a detection region of each microfluidic channel. Such chips can be bonded to a support provided an aperture is provided in the support to allow detection of samples in the electrophoresis chip at the thin plastic detection window. Further, methods for electrophoretically separating and detecting a plurality of samples on the plastic electrophoresis separation chip are described.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides fully integrated microfluidic systems to perform nucleic acid analysis. These processes include sample collection, nucleic acid extraction and purification, amplification, sequencing, and separation and detection. The present disclosure also provides optical detection systems and methods for separation and detection of biological molecules. In particular, the various aspects of the invention enable the simultaneous separation and detection of a plurality of biological molecules, typically fluorescent dye-labeled nucleic acids, within one or a plurality of microfluidic chambers or channels. The nucleic acids can be labeled with at least 6 dyes, each having a unique peak emission wavelength. The present systems and methods are particularly useful for DNA fragment sizing applications such as human identification by genetic fingerprinting and DNA sequencing applications such as clinical diagnostics.

Abstract: Plastic electrophoresis separation chips are provided comprising a plurality of microfluidic channels and a detection window, where the detection window comprises a thin plastic; and the detection window comprises a detection region of each microfluidic channel. Such chips can be bonded to a support provided an aperture is provided in the support to allow detection of samples in the electrophoresis chip at the thin plastic detection window. Further, methods for electrophoretically separating and detecting a plurality of samples on the plastic electrophoresis separation chip are described.

Abstract: A disinfestation sheet includes a carrier layer with a first and second surface with active pesticidal particles formed therein. The active pesticidal particles contain pesticidal ingredients selected from pyrethroid family or the like. The carrier layer has channels formed therein. The channels form one or more paths between one or more pesticidal particles and at least one of the first and the second surfaces to allow diffusion of the active pesticidal ingredient from the pesticidal particles to at least one of the first and the second surfaces of the carrier layer. The disinfestation sheet may further comprise antioxidant compounds. The disinfestation sheet may also have a base layer attached to the second surface of the carrier layer, an adhesive grip layer attached to the base layer and a support layer attached to the grip layer, where in the support layer is detachable. The carrier layer may also comprise ridges extending outwardly from the second surface.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides fully integrated microfluidic systems to perform nucleic acid analysis. These processes include sample collection, nucleic acid extraction and purification, amplification, sequencing, and separation and detection. The present disclosure also provides optical detection systems and methods for separation and detection of biological molecules. In particular, the various aspects of the invention enable the simultaneous separation and detection of a plurality of biological molecules, typically fluorescent dye-labeled nucleic acids, within one or a plurality of microfluidic chambers or channels. The nucleic acids can be labeled with at least 6 dyes, each having a unique peak emission wavelength. The present systems and methods are particularly useful for DNA fragment sizing applications such as human identification by genetic fingerprinting and DNA sequencing applications such as clinical diagnostics.

Abstract: Provided are methods for multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of short tandem repeat (STR) loci that can be used to rapidly generate a highly specific STR profile from target nucleic acids. The resulting STR profiles are useful for human identification purposes in law enforcement, homeland security, military, intelligence, and paternity testing applications.

Abstract: Provided are methods for multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of short tandem repeat (STR) loci that can be used to rapidly generate a highly specific STR profile from target nucleic acids. The resulting STR profiles are useful for human identification purposes in law enforcement, homeland security, military, intelligence, and paternity testing applications.

Abstract: A biochip for the integration of all steps in a complex process from the insertion of a sample to the generation of a result, performed without operator intervention includes microfluidic and macrofluidic features that are acted on by instrument subsystems in a series of scripted processing steps. Methods for fabricating these complex biochips of high feature density by injection molding are also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and systems for ruggedizing a nucleic acid analyzing apparatus. The ruggedized apparatus can be used reliably and effectively in uncontrolled environments, such as, for example at a crime scene to collect and analyze forensic data, as well as in semi-controlled environments, such as, for example at a point of care location.

Abstract: A biochip for the integration of all steps in a complex process from the insertion of a sample to the generation of a result, performed without operator intervention includes microfluidic and macrofluidic features that are acted on by instrument subsystems in a series of scripted processing steps. Methods for fabricating these complex biochips of high feature density by injection molding are also provided.

Abstract: A fast, multiplexed PCR system is described that can rapidly generate amplified nucleic acid products, for example, a full STR profile, from a target nucleic acid. Such systems include, for example, microfluidic biochips and a custom built thermal cycler, which are also described. The resulting STR profiles can satisfy forensic guidelines for signal strength, inter-loci peak height balance, heterozygous peak height ratio, incomplete non-template nucleotide addition, and stutter.

Abstract: Described herein are methods and devices for nucleic acid quantification and, in particular, to microfluidic methods and devices for nucleic acid quantification. In certain embodiments methods of quantifying a target nucleic acid without the need for amplification are provided. The methods involve, in some embodiments, allowing a binding agent to become immobilized with respect to the target nucleic acid. In some cases, the binding agent comprises a signaling moiety that can be used to quantify the amount of target nucleic acid. In another aspect, the quantification can be carried out rapidly. For example, in certain embodiments, the quantification can be completed within 5 minutes. In yet another aspect, samples containing a low amount of target nucleic acid can be quantified. For instance, in some cases, samples containing less than 100 nanograms per microliter may be quantified. Also described are devices and kits for performing such methods, or the like.

Abstract: A self-contained apparatus for isolating nucleic acid, cell lysates and cell suspensions from unprocessed samples apparatus, to be used with an instrument, includes at least one input, and: (i) a macrofluidic component, including a chamber for receiving an unprocessed sample from a collection device and at least one filled liquid purification reagent storage reservoir; and (ii) a microfluidic component in communication with the macrofluidic component through at least one microfluidic element, the microfluidic component further comprising at least one nucleic acid purification matrix; and (iii) at least one interface port to a drive mechanism on the instrument for driving said liquid purification reagent, through the microfluidic element and the nucleic acid purification matrix, wherein the only inputs to the apparatus are through the chamber and the interface port to the drive mechanism.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides fully integrated microfluidic systems to perform nucleic acid analysis. These processes include sample collection, nucleic acid extraction and purification, amplification, sequencing, and separation and detection. The present disclosure also provides optical detection systems and methods for separation and detection of biological molecules. In particular, the various aspects of the invention enable the simultaneous separation and detection of a plurality of biological molecules, typically fluorescent dye-labeled nucleic acids, within one or a plurality of microfluidic chambers or channels. The nucleic acids can be labeled with at least 6 dyes, each having a unique peak emission wavelength. The present systems and methods are particularly useful for DNA fragment sizing applications such as human identification by genetic fingerprinting and DNA sequencing applications such as clinical diagnostics.