Abstract: A biologic sample preparation system that prepares samples for processing includes a frame defining a horizontal plane, a pipette assembly, a sample module and an extraction module. The pipette assembly includes a first pipette. The pipette assembly is movably mounted to the frame in a direction substantially perpendicular to the horizontal plane during operation. The sample module includes a sample plate and is movably mounted to the frame. The sample module is movable substantially parallel to the horizontal plane at least from a sample area spaced from the pipette assembly and a working area proximate the pipette assembly. The extraction module includes an extraction plate and is movably mounted to the frame. The extraction module is movable substantially parallel to the horizontal plane at least from an extraction staging area spaced from the pipette, assembly and the working area proximate the pipette assembly.

Abstract: The present random access PCR reactor for biological analysis, comprises of a number of PCR reactors held on a platform, and one optical system to be shared by all of the PCR reactors on the platform. The optical system is held on a traverse mechanism to move it over any one of the PCR reactors that are ready to be imaged. Other PCR reactors on the platform can be accesses and replaced. The optical system has a lightpipe and a lightguide that distributes a uniform light over all the samples held on the reactor. The lightguide of the present optical system has a set of light reflecting structures that are strategically located to uniformly reflect an incoming light towards all the samples held in the PCR reactor that is being tested.

Abstract: A micro-droplet-emulsifier to generate a micro-droplet-emulsion for application on digital polymerase chain reaction is provided. This device includes a micropipette to hold a dispersed-phase-liquid; a droplet generator that attaches to the micro-pipette and has a plurality of substantially flat micro-channels. The dispersed-phase-liquid is forced through the micro-channels to form micro-droplet-emulsion of dispersed-liquid-phase in the continuous-liquid-phase inside the chamber. The size of the micro-droplets is controlled by the shape and the aspect ratio of the micro-channels, the depth of the micro-channels and the material of the micro-droplet-generator-head that dictates the contact angle of the droplet on the micro-channels.

Abstract: A micro-droplet-emulsifier to generate a micro-droplet-emulsion for application on digital polymerase chain reaction is provided. This device comprises of a micro-pipette to hold a dispersed-phase-liquid; a droplet generator that attaches to the micro-pipette and has a plurality of substantially flat micro-channels. The dispersed-phase-liquid is forced through the micro-channels to form micro-droplet-emulsion of dispersed-liquid-phase in the continuous-liquid-phase inside the chamber. The size of the micro-droplets is controlled by the shape and the aspect ratio of the micro-channels, the depth of micro-channel and the material of the micro-droplet-generator-head that dictates the contact angle of the droplet on the micro-channels.

Abstract: A biologic sample preparation system that prepares samples for processing includes a frame defining a horizontal plane, a pipette assembly, a sample module and an extraction module. The pipette assembly includes a first pipette. The pipette assembly is movably mounted to the frame in a direction substantially perpendicular to the horizontal plane during operation. The sample module includes a sample plate and is movably mounted to the frame. The sample module is movable substantially parallel to the horizontal plane at least from a sample area spaced from the pipette assembly and a working area proximate the pipette assembly. The extraction module includes an extraction plate and is movably mounted to the frame. The extraction module is movable substantially parallel to the horizontal plane at least from an extraction staging area spaced from the pipette, assembly and the working area proximate the pipette assembly.

Abstract: Rapid methods and means for hybridizing DNA, RNA and analogs thereof are provided. Hybridization occurs on a partition assembly through which nucleobase-containing sequences are driven by a force, such as centrifugal force, electrophoretic force, gravitational force vacuum force and/or pressure. The unbound sequences hybridize with complementary sequences bound to the partition assembly. The force applied to drive the sequences through the partition assembly increases the rate of hybridization by increasing the rate of collisions between complementary sequences.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for rapidly, economically and efficiently determining the concentration of a target nucleobase-containing sequence in a fluid medium using laser induced fluorescence of antisense probes. When hybridization complexes and unhybridized probes are separated prior to detection, the fluorescent intensity of the test medium is proportional to the concentration of the target sequence. When hybridization complexes and unhybridized probes are not separated prior to detection, the fluorescent intensity of the test medium is inversely proportional to the concentration of the target sequence. The method can be used to determine the concentration of a contaminant in a sample as a part of a system of quality control.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for rapidly, economically and efficiently sequencing and assaying nucleotides in a liquid medium using a plurality of PNA probes. The method is particularly advantageous in not requiring the use of a solid support to bind the probe or the target sequence.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for rapidly, economically and efficiently sequencing and assaying nucleotides in a fluid medium using laser induced fluorescence of antisense probes. The probes can have anionic backbones of reduced negative charge. Suitable probes can include methylphosphonate backbones. When the hybridization complexes and unhybridized probes are separated prior to detection, the fluorescent intensity of the fluid test medium is inversely proportional to the number of mismatches between the probe and target. When the hybridization complexes and unhybridized probes are not separated prior to detection, the fluorescent intensity of the fluid test medium is inversely proportional to the hybridization efficiency of the probes with respect to the target sequence and proportional to the number of mismatches between the probe and target.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for rapidly, economically and efficiently sequencing and assaying nucleotides in a liquid medium using laser induced fluorescence of antisense probes, including PNA probes. Fluorescent intensity of the resulting medium is inversely proportional to the hybridization efficiency of the probes with respect to the target sequence. The method is particularly advantageous in not requiring separation of unhybridized probes and hybridization complexes prior to detection. The method can be used to identify accessible regions in folded nucleotide sequences, to determine the number of mismatched pairs in a hybridization complex, and to map genomes.