Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide improved microfluidic devices and related apparatus, systems, and methods. Methods are provided for reducing mixing times during use of microfluidic devices. Microfluidic devices and related methods of manufacturing are provided with increased manufacturing yield rates. Improved apparatus and related systems are provided for supplying controlled pressure to microfluidic devices. Methods and related microfluidic devices are provided for reducing dehydration of microfluidic devices during use. Microfluidic devices and related methods are provided with improved sample to reagent mixture ratio control. Microfluidic devices and systems are provided with improved resistance to compression fixture pressure induced failures. Methods and systems for conducting temperature controlled reactions using microfluidic devices are provided that reduce condensation levels within the microfluidic device.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method and device for simultaneously testing a sample for the presence, absence, and/or amounts of one or more of a plurality of selected analytes. The invention includes, in one aspect, a device for detecting or quantitating a plurality of different analytes in a liquid sample. Each chamber may include an analyte-specific reagent effective to react with a selected analyte that may be present in the sample, and detection means for detecting the signal. Also disclosed are methods utilizing the device.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method and device for simultaneously testing a sample for the presence, absence, and/or amounts of one or more a plurality of selected analytes. The invention includes, in one aspect, a device for detecting or quantitating a plurality of different analytes in a liquid sample. The device includes a substrate which defines a sample-distribution network having (i) a sample inlet, (ii) one or more detection chambers, and (iii) channel means providing a dead-end fluid connection between each of the chambers and the inlet. Each chamber may include an analyte-specific reagent effective to react with a selected analyte that may be present in the sample, and detection means for detecting the signal. Also disclosed are methods utilizing the device.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method and device for simultaneously testing a sample for the presence, absence, and/or amounts of one or more a plurality of selected analytes. The invention includes, in one aspect, a device for detecting or quantitating a plurality of different analytes in a liquid sample. The device includes a substrate which defines a sample-distribution network having (i) a sample inlet, (ii) one or more detection chambers, and (iii) channel means providing a dead-end fluid connection between each of the chambers and the inlet Each chamber may include an analyte-specific reagent effective to react with a selected analyte that may be present in the sample, and detection means for detecting the signal. Also disclosed are methods utilizing the device.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide improved microfluidic devices and related apparatus, systems, and methods. Methods are provided for reducing mixing times during use of microfluidic devices. Microfluidic devices and related methods of manufacturing are provided with increased manufacturing yield rates. Improved apparatus and related systems are provided for supplying controlled pressure to microfluidic devices. Methods and related microfluidic devices are provided for reducing dehydration of microfluidic devices during use. Microfluidic devices and related methods are provided with improved sample to reagent mixture ratio control. Microfluidic devices and systems are provided with improved resistance to compression fixture pressure induced failures. Methods and systems for conducting temperature controlled reactions using microfluidic devices are provided that reduce condensation levels within the microfluidic device.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method and device for simultaneously testing a sample for the presence, presence, and/or amounts of one or more of a plurality of selected analytes. The invention includes, in one aspect, device for detecting or quantitating a plurality of different analytes in a liquid sample. Each chamber may include analyte-specific reagent effective to react with a selected analyte that may be present in the sample, and detection means for detecting the signal. Also disclosed are methods utilizing the device.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method and device for simultaneously testing a sample for the presence, absence, and/or amounts of one or more of a plurality of selected analytes. The invention includes, in one aspect, a device for detecting or quantitating a plurality of different analytes in a liquid sample. Each chamber may include an analyte-specific reagent effective to react with a selected analyte that may be present in the sample, and detection means for detecting the signal. Also disclosed are methods utilizing the device.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides apparatus, systems and method for detecting separately and substantially simultaneously light emissions from a plurality of localized light-emitting analytes. A system according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure comprises a sample holder having structures formed thereon for spatially separating and constraining a plurality of light-emitting analytes each having a single nucleic acid molecule or a single nucleic acid polymerizing enzyme, a light source configured to illuminate the sample holder, an optical assembly configured to collect and detect separately and substantially simultaneously light emissions associated with the plurality of light emitting analytes. The system may further include a computer system configured to analyze the light emissions to determine the structures or properties of a target nucleic acid molecule associated with each analyte.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide improved microfluidic devices and related apparatus, systems, and methods. Methods are provided for reducing mixing times during use of microfluidic devices. Microfluidic devices and related methods of manufacturing are provided with increased manufacturing yield rates. Improved apparatus and related systems are provided for supplying controlled pressure to microfluidic devices. Methods and related microfluidic devices are provided for reducing dehydration of microfluidic devices during use. Microfluidic devices and related methods are provided with improved sample to reagent mixture ratio control. Microfluidic devices and systems are provided with improved resistance to compression fixture pressure induced failures. Methods and systems for conducting temperature controlled reactions using microfluidic devices are provided that reduce condensation levels within the microfluidic device.

Abstract: A thermal cycler for automatic performance of the polymerase chain reaction is provided. The thermal cycler comprises a heater control that provides close temperature control of the reaction.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method and device for simultaneously testing a sample for the presence, absence, and/or amounts of one or more of a plurality of selected analytes. The invention includes, in one aspect, a device for detecting or quantitating a plurality of different analytes in a liquid sample. Each chamber may include an analyte-specific reagent effective to react with a selected analyte that may be present in the sample, and detection means for detecting the signal. Also disclosed are methods utilizing the device.

Abstract: A method for identifying nucleotides in a nucleic acid sequence is disclosed. A plurality of polymerization complexes are provided within a plurality of confined reaction environments. Each complex comprises a polymerase enzyme and a template nucleic acid. The plurality of complexes are contacted with a plurality of types of nucleotide analogs labeled with distinguishable fluorescent labels under conditions suitable for polymerization. Fluorescent signals associated with incorporation of a nucleotide analog are transmitted to a detector, wherein the location of the fluorescent signal on the detector is indicative of the individual confined reaction environment and the type of nucleotide incorporated. The nucleotide in a nucleic acid sequence is identified based upon the type of nucleotide incorporated and the confined reaction environment.

Abstract: A method for preferentially localizing desired molecules within an optical confinement disposed upon a substrate is disclosed. The desired molecules are deposited over the surface of the substrate. The desired molecules that are not within the optical confinement are selectively removed from the surface of the substrate.

Abstract: A method for selectively immobilizing a molecule of interest on a substrate is disclosed. A substrate having a first surface component and a second surface component is provided. The first and second surface components have different surface characteristics. The molecule of interest is selectively coupled to the first surface component based upon a difference between the surface characteristics of the first surface component and the surface characteristics of the second surface component.

Abstract: An array comprising a probe covalently attached to a diamond substrate is fabricated, for example, by treating the diamond substrate with an aryl diazonium compound and covalently attaching the probe to the aryl group. Some embodiments are useful in DNA-based sensing applications.

Abstract: A thermal cycler for automatic performance of the polymerase chain reaction is provided. The thermal cycler comprises a heater control that provides close temperature control of the reaction.

Abstract: A method for performing PCR on a liquid sample comprising a plurality of polynucleotide targets, wherein each polynucleotide target is present at very low concentration within the sample. The method comprises applying PCR reactants to the surface of a substrate to produce a plurality of reaction spots on the surface of the substrate; loading the liquid sample and a PCR reagent mixture onto the reaction spots; forming a sealed reaction chamber, having a volume of less than about 20 nanoliters, over each of the reaction spots; and amplifying the sample.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to the detection of analytes, particularly biomolecules in samples. The invention also relates to compositions, methods, and kits for detecting the presence of analytes, typically in multiplex detection formats. The invention also relates to methods for determining the presence of at least one analyte in a sample, the methods employing employ single molecule detection techniques to individually detect at least one molecular complex or at least part of a molecular complex.

Abstract: System and methods according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure utilize a sample holder configured to hold at least one confined single-molecule analyte in a solution of labeled nucleotide bases. Each single-molecule analyte has a single template nucleic acid molecule, an oligonucleotide primer, and/or a single nucleic acid polymerizing enzyme. A least one light source is used to illuminate a detection volume around each confined analyte, and a pulsed source sends a pulsed radiation to the at least one detection volume. The timing of incorporation events at the analytes are controlled by the pulsed radiation, and when multiple analytes are provided on the sample holder, the incorporation events at the analytes can be phase locked and synchronized using the pulsed radiation.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method and device for simultaneously testing a sample for the presence, absence, and/or amounts of one or more a plurality of selected analytes. The invention includes, in one aspect, a device for detecting or quantitating a plurality of different analytes in a liquid sample. The device includes a substrate which defines a sample-distribution network having (i) a sample inlet, (ii) one or more detection chambers, and (iii) channel means providing a dead-end fluid connection between each of the chambers and the inlet Each chamber may include an analyte-specific reagent effective to react with a selected analyte that may be present in the sample, and detection means for detecting the signal. Also disclosed are methods utilizing the device.