Abstract: Methods comprising the use of photoactivated chemical bleaching for detecting multiple targets in a biological sample are provided. The methods include the steps of providing a biological sample including multiple targets, binding at least one probe to one or more target present in the sample, and detecting a signal from the probe. The method further includes the steps of contacting the sample comprising the bound probe with an electron transfer reagent, as well as an optional additive which prevents target modification during photoactivated chemical bleaching, and irradiating the sample, thereby initiating a photoreaction that substantially inactivates the probe by photoactivated chemical bleaching. The method further includes the steps of binding at least one probe to one or more target present in the sample, and detecting a signal from the probe. The process of binding, defecting and bleaching may be iteratively repeated.

Abstract: A method for processing and imaging a first and second plurality of samples, comprising processing at least one sample from the first plurality of samples, imaging the at least one sample from the first plurality of samples, while being capable of simultaneously processing at least one sample from the second plurality of samples; and imaging the at least one processed sample from the second plurality of samples.

Abstract: A microfluidic flow cell subassembly, which may be assembled into a flow cell having fluidic connections outside of the main substrate, is described for encapsulating a sample to allow for subsequent controlled delivery of reagents to the sample, such as multiplexed in situ biomarker staining and analysis. The fluidic connectors are thin film fluidic connectors capable of connecting to a fluid delivery system. The subassembly may be sealed against a solid support to form a flow cell. Methods of use are also disclosed.

Abstract: A microfluidic flow cell subassembly, which may be assembled into a flow cell having fluidic connections outside of the main substrate, is described for encapsulating a sample to allow for subsequent controlled delivery of reagents to the sample, such as multiplexed in situ biomarker staining and analysis. As configured, the subassembly comprises a substrate layer forms a flexible optically transparent lid which is capable of bending in either direction to alter the internal dimensions of the subassembly. Methods of use are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for processing and imaging a first and second plurality of samples, comprising processing at least one sample from the first plurality of samples, imaging the at least one sample from the first plurality of samples, while being capable of simultaneously processing at least one sample from the second plurality of samples; and imaging the at least one processed sample from the second plurality of samples.

Abstract: A microfluidic flow cell subassembly, which may be assembled into a flow cell having fluidic connections outside of the main substrate, is described for encapsulating a sample to allow for subsequent controlled delivery of reagents to the sample, such as multiplexed in situ biomarker staining and analysis. Methods for fabricating the subassembly and assembled flow cell are also provided. The method includes the steps of adhering a gasket layer to a substrate layer, wherein the gasket layer may contain enclosed features and adhering an adherent layer to the gasket layer. The subassembly may be sealed against a solid support to form a flow cell.

Abstract: Methods and systems for processing samples fixed to a porous substrate generally comprising, a compressor defining one or more fluid isolation areas, a support, for the porous substrate, having an opening corresponding to one or more of the fluid isolation areas of the compressor, an actuator that causes at least a portion of the compressor to press against the porous substrate, a fluid inlet having access to the fluid isolation area at least when the compressor is pressed against the porous substrate, and a fluid outlet to receive fluid, through the opening in the support corresponding to the fluid isolation area of the compressor, at least when the compressor is pressed against the porous substrate.

Abstract: A microfluidic flow cell subassembly, which may be assembled into a flow cell having fluidic connections outside of the main substrate, is described for encapsulating a sample to allow for subsequent controlled delivery of reagents to the sample, such as multiplexed in situ biomarker staining and analysis. As configured, the subassembly comprises a substrate layer forms a flexible optically transparent lid which is capable of bending in either direction to alter the internal dimensions of the subassembly. Methods of use are also disclosed.

Abstract: A microfluidic flow cell subassembly, which may be assembled into a flow cell having fluidic connections outside of the main substrate, is described for encapsulating a sample to allow for subsequent controlled delivery of reagents to the sample, such as multiplexed in situ biomarker staining and analysis. The fluidic connectors are thin film fluidic connectors capable of connecting to a fluid delivery system. The subassembly may be sealed against a solid support to form a flow cell. Methods of use are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and systems for processing samples fixed to a porous substrate generally comprising, a compressor defining one or more fluid isolation areas, a support, for the porous substrate, having an opening corresponding to one or more of the fluid isolation areas of the compressor, an actuator that causes at least a portion of the compressor to press against the porous substrate, a fluid inlet having access to the fluid isolation area at least when the compressor is pressed against the porous substrate, and a fluid outlet to receive fluid, through the opening in the support corresponding to the fluid isolation area of the compressor, at least when the compressor is pressed against the porous substrate.

Abstract: A closed loop automated method for staining of a biological sample is provided. The method comprises providing a biological sample, staining at least a portion of the biological sample by flowing in a reagent, monitoring one or more optical characteristics of the biological sample, and calculating a figure of merit based on at least one of the optical characteristics. An automated device for iterative staining of a biological sample is also provided.

Abstract: An open top microfluidic device comprising a microfluidic slide carrier and one or more multiplexing stations is provided which allows sequential staining and imaging without the need for using or removing a coverslip on a mounted biological sample.

Abstract: A method of isolating nucleic acids from a biological material, comprises applying the biological material on a substrate comprising one or more cell lysis reagents impregnated therein; applying a fluid to the biological material applied on the substrate; extracting the nucleic acids from the biological material applied on the substrate; and collecting the extracted nucleic acids in a substantially intact form, wherein the collected nucleic acid has a molecular weight greater than or equal to 20 kb.

Abstract: A method for processing and imaging a first and second plurality of samples, comprising processing at least one sample from the first plurality of samples, imaging the at least one sample from the first plurality of samples, while being capable of simultaneously processing at least one sample from the second plurality of samples; and imaging the at least one processed sample from the second plurality of samples.

Abstract: A microfluidic flow cell subassembly, which may be assembled into a flow cell having fluidic connections outside of the main substrate, is described for encapsulating a sample to allow for subsequent controlled delivery of reagents to the sample, such as multiplexed in situ biomarker staining and analysis. Methods for fabricating the subassembly and assembled flow cell are also provided. The method includes the steps of adhering a gasket layer to a substrate layer, wherein the gasket layer may contain enclosed features and adhering an adherent layer to the gasket layer. The subassembly may be sealed against a solid support to form a flow cell.

Abstract: A microfluidic device for batch processing magnetic bead assays and having one or more microfluidic sample channels, comprising, one or more micromagnets seated in a fixture; and an actuator; wherein a portion of each micromagnet is in releasable operative association with one or more of the microfluidic sample channels, and another portion of each micromagnet is in releasable operative association with the actuator; and methods for using the same.

Abstract: A closed loop automated method for staining of a biological sample is provided. The method comprises providing a biological sample, staining at least a portion of the biological sample by flowing in a reagent, monitoring one or more optical characteristics of the biological sample, and calculating a figure of merit based on at least one of the optical characteristics. An automated device for iterative staining of a biological sample is also provided.

Abstract: A microfluidic device for batch processing magnetic bead assays and having one or more microfluidic sample channels, comprising, one or more micromagnets seated in a fixture; and an actuator; wherein a portion of each micromagnet is in releasable operative association with one or more of the microfluidic sample channels, and another portion of each micromagnet is in releasable operative association with the actuator; and methods for using the same.

Abstract: Methods and systems for processing samples fixed to a porous substrate generally comprising, a compressor defining one or more fluid isolation areas, a support, for the porous substrate, having an opening corresponding to one or more of the fluid isolation areas of the compressor, an actuator that causes at least a portion of the compressor to press against the porous substrate, a fluid inlet having access to the fluid isolation area at least when the compressor is pressed against the porous substrate, and a fluid outlet to receive fluid, through the opening in the support corresponding to the fluid isolation area of the compressor, at least when the compressor is pressed against the porous substrate.