Abstract: Methods and apparatus for genome analysis are provided. A microfabricated structure including a microfluidic distribution channel is configured to distribute microreactor elements having copies of a sequencing template into a plurality of microfabricated thermal cycling chambers. A microreactor element may include a microcarrier element carrying the multiple copies of the sequencing template. The microcarrier element may comprise a microsphere. An autovalve at an exit port of a thermal cycling chamber, an optical scanner, or a timing arrangement may be used to ensure that only one microsphere will flow into one thermal cycling chamber wherein thermal cycling extension fragments are produced. The extension products are captured, purified, and concentrated in an integrated oligonucleotide gel capture chamber. A microfabricated component separation apparatus is used to analyze the purified extension fragments.

Abstract: A microanalysis chip includes: a main flow channel (1) having one end connected to an open hole (7) open to an outside; a first introduction flow channel (2) through which a first liquid (40) is introduced into the main flow channel (1); a first discharge flow channel (3) through which a first liquid (40) introduced into the main flow channel (1) is discharged; and a reacting and detecting section (13) which, inside of the main flow channel (1), analyzes a property of the first liquid (40) introduced into the main flow channel (1), the first introduction flow channel (2) and the first discharge flow channel (3) being both provided at a side of the main flow channel (1) that is opposite to the open hole (7) with respect to the reacting and detecting section (13). Therefore, a solution is quantitatively weighed out with a simple configuration, and the solution thus weighed out is analyzed with the solution kept charged into a flow channel.

Abstract: Provided is a device and method of manipulating particles. The device includes: a channel for accommodating an electrolyte solution including particles to be manipulated; an anode and cathode for imposing a direct current (DC) electric field on the channel; metal strip(s) attached to an inner wall of the channel and resulting in induced-charge electroosmosis near a surface of the channel; a DC power supply unit for supplying a DC voltage to the anode and the cathode of the channel; control electrodes on both sides of the metal strip(s) to locally tune the induced-charge electroosmosis on the metal strip(s) regardless of the global electric field across the channel; and a DC power supply unit for supplying a DC voltage to the control electrodes.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for sample processing. A device may be provided, capable of receiving the sample, and performing one or more of a sample preparation, sample assay, and detection step. The device may be capable of performing multiple assays. The device may comprise one or more modules that may be capable of performing one or more of a sample preparation, sample assay, and detection step. The device may be capable of performing the steps using a small volume of sample.

Abstract: A system and method employing at least one semiconductor device, or an arrangement of insulating and metal layers, having at least one detecting region which can include, for example, a recess or opening therein, for detecting a charge representative of a component of a polymer, such as a nucleic acid strand proximate to the detecting region, and a method for manufacturing such a semiconductor device. The system and method can thus be used for sequencing individual nucleotides or bases of ribonucleic acid (RNA) or deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). The semiconductor device includes at least two doped regions, such as two n-typed regions implanted in a p-typed semiconductor layer or two p-typed regions implanted in an n-typed semiconductor layer. The detecting region permits a current to pass between the two doped regions in response to the presence of the component of the polymer.

Abstract: A technique for controlling the motion of one or more charged entities linked to a polymer through a nanochannel is provided. A first reservoir and a second reservoir are connected by the nanochannel. An array of electrodes is positioned along the nanochannel, where fluid fills the first reservoir, the second reservoir, and the nanochannel. A first electrode is in the first reservoir and a second electrode is in the second reservoir. The first and second electrodes are configured to direct the one or more charged entities linked to the polymer into the nanochannel. An array of electrodes is configured to trap the one or more charged entities in the nanochannel responsive to being controlled for trapping. The array of electrodes is configured to move the one or more charged entities along the nanochannel responsive to being controlled for moving.

Abstract: A technique for controlling the motion of one or more charged entities linked to a polymer through a nanochannel is provided. A first reservoir and a second reservoir are connected by the nanochannel. An array of electrodes is positioned along the nanochannel, where fluid fills the first reservoir, the second reservoir, and the nanochannel. A first electrode is in the first reservoir and a second electrode is in the second reservoir. The first and second electrodes are configured to direct the one or more charged entities linked to the polymer into the nanochannel. An array of electrodes is configured to trap the one or more charged entities in the nanochannel responsive to being controlled for trapping. The array of electrodes is configured to move the one or more charged entities along the nanochannel responsive to being controlled for moving.

Abstract: A microfluidic device includes a plurality of array elements configured to manipulate one or more droplets of fluid on an array, each of the array elements including a top substrate electrode and a drive electrode between which the one or more droplets may be positioned, the top substrate electrode being formed on a top substrate, and the drive electrode being formed on a lower substrate; and active matrix drive circuitry arranged to provide drive signals to the top substrate and drive electrodes of the plurality of array elements to manipulate the one or more droplets among the plurality of array elements. With respect to one or more of the array elements the active matrix drive circuitry is configured to provide the drive signals to the top substrate and drive electrodes to selectively manipulate the one or more droplets within the array element both by Electro-wetting-on-Dielectric (EWOD) and by Dielectrophoresis (DEP).

Abstract: The invention relates to a microfabricated device and methods of using the device for analyzing and sorting polynucleotide molecules by size.

Abstract: A molecule trapping method includes forming a fluid bridge between a first reservoir and a second reservoir, translocating a molecule from the first reservoir to the second reservoir through the fluid bridge, detecting when a segment of the molecule is in the fluid bridge, breaking the fluid bridge and forming an a gap between the first and the second reservoirs, thereby trapping a segment of the molecule in the gap and making measurements on the segment of the molecule.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of identifying ammunition type and/or weapon type used to fire the ammunition from gunshot residue. This method involves providing a sample including a gunshot residue, subjecting the sample to spectroscopic analysis to produce a spectroscopic signature for the sample, and identifying the spectroscopic signature to ascertain the type of ammunition and/or the type of weapon used to fire the ammunition. A method of establishing reference spectroscopic signatures for ammunition type and/or weapon type used to fire the ammunition is also disclosed.

Abstract: A microfluidic apparatus and method for performing electrophoretic separation of compounds. The method comprises the steps of: a) providing a separation buffer; b) providing a sample solution in fluid contact with the separation buffer; c) applying an electric field to the separation buffer; and d) producing a variable bulk flow of the separation buffer in a direction substantially aligned with said electric field. Fluid contact between the separation buffer and the sample solution is made through a separation column having a length in the range of from approximately 0.01 mm to approximately 5 mm. By the foregoing, compounds can be sequentially detected and quantified.

Abstract: Provided is a capillary electrophoresis device including a holder preventing a septum from coming off when a capillary is pulled out, and also allowing containers to be taken out in any order. In the capillary electrophoresis device for separating and analyzing a sample such as a DNA and a protein by electrophoresis, the holder includes: a septum having a capillary hole through which a capillary penetrates; a container for storing a solution; and a container-accommodation unit for accommodating the container. A hole formed in the septum engages with an engagement portion formed on the container, and thereby the septum is held to cover the container.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for analyzing hemoglobin by capillary electrophoresis, that allows the apparatus to be smaller in size, allows a highly precise analysis to be obtained, and allows the analysis to be performed in a short period of time.

Abstract: The invention relates to an enhanced method of detecting and/or quantifying at least one analyte in a sample.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method and apparatus that use an electric field for improved biological assays. The electric field is applied across a device having wells, which receive reactants, which carry a charge. The device thus uses a controllable voltage source between the first and second electrodes, which is controllable to provide a positive charge and a negative charge to a given electrode. By controlled use of the electric field charged species in a fluid in a fluid channel are directed into or out of the well by an electric field between the electrodes. The present method involves the transport of fluids, as in a microfluidic device, and the electric field-induced movement of reactive species according to various assay procedures, such as DNA sequencing, synthesis or the like.

Abstract: A device for selective preconcentration/detection of charged analytes contained in an electrolyte having at least two reservoirs separated by at least one rectilinear microchannel with no lengthwise axis X intersection and having at least one controllable voltage source configured to generate a potential difference between the ends of the rectilinear microchannel. The device has means for generating a controllable pressure that is associated with at least one of the reservoirs and is able to generate a pressure gradient between the two ends of the microchannel. The microchannel has, in its median part, means that are configured to generate at least one change in the surface area to volume ratio charge, the device configured to selectively concentrate the charged analytes in the median part of the microchannel upstream and/or downstream of the means configured to generate at least one change in the surface area to volume ration charge.

Abstract: An optically-induced dielectrophoresis chip including a substrate, a first electrode layer disposed on the substrate, and an interface modification layer disposed on the first electrode layer. A photo-conductive layer is disposed on the interface modification layer and includes an optical absorbent polymeric material. A barrier layer is disposed on the photo-conductive layer, and a compartment forming layer is disposed on the barrier layer defining a compartment. A second electrode layer covers the compartment forming layer.

Abstract: A technique for nanodevice is provided. A reservoir is filled with an ionic fluid. A membrane separates the reservoir, and the membrane includes electrode layers separated by insulating layers in which the electrode layers have an organic coating. A nanopore is formed through the membrane, and the organic coating on the electrode layers forms transient bonds to a base of a molecule in the nanopore. When a first voltage is applied to the electrode layers a tunneling current is generated by the base in the nanopore, and the tunneling current travels through the transient bonds formed to the base to be measured as a current signature for distinguishing the base.

Abstract: The invention relates to a microfabricated device and methods of using the device for analyzing and sorting polynucleotide molecules by size.

Abstract: The invention provides a fast, scalable, room temperature process for fabricating metallic nanorods from nanoparticles or fabricating metallic or semiconducting nanorods from carbon nanotubes suspended in an aqueous solution. The assembled nanorods are suitable for use as nanoscale interconnects in CMOS-based devices and sensors. Metallic nanoparticles or carbon nanotubes are assembled into lithographically patterned vias by applying an external electric field. Since the dimensions of nanorods are controlled by the dimensions of vias, the nanorod dimensions can be scaled down to the low nanometer range. The aqueous assembly process is environmentally friendly and can be used to make nanorods using different types of metallic particles as well as semiconducting and metallic nanaotubes.

Abstract: Low molecular weight serum components (less than 10,000 m.w.), in vaccinated animals and a human subject who has been exposed to a threat agent inadvertently, bound to purified O-polysaccharide (OPS, a polymer of formamido-mannose) and a candidate of a threat agent, such as Brucella suis 145 vaccine is disclosed. These components formed a loose reversible precipitin with OPS in a high-salt borate-buffered agarose gel and bound to the candidate vaccine as observed by capillary electrophoresis. By using modified capillary electrophoresis, the invention also discloses the presence of two larger serum components, one similar in size to that of serum albumin and one resembles that of mannan-binding lectin, that bound to the vaccine. An indirect method for identifying vaccination is the presence of antibodies against Brucella-OPS-antibodies. ELISA, capillary electrophoresis and animal challenge studies showed that as high as 30% of the control animals did not require vaccination.

Abstract: An analysis instrument comprises plural modules connected together over a data network, each module comprising an analysis apparatus operable to perform biochemical analysis of a sample. Each module comprises a control unit that controls the operation of the analysis apparatus. The control units are addressable to select an arbitrary number of modules to operate as a cluster for performing a common biochemical analysis. The control units communicate over the data network, repeatedly during the performance of the common biochemical analysis, to determine the operation of the analysis apparatus of each module required to meet the global performance targets, on the basis of measures of performance derived from the output data produced by the modules. The arrangement of the instrument as modules interacting in this manner provides a scalable analysis instrument.

Abstract: This invention provides a device and methods for increasing the concentration of a charged species in solution, wherein the solution containing the concentrated species is exposed to the environment. Such solution can be formed on a surface or on a tip of a measurement device. The open-environment concentration technique overcomes the disadvantages of in-channel concentration devices, especially by eliminating flow-induced delivery processes that lead to concentration losses. Combined with direct contact dispensing, methods of this invention can be used for various applications such as immunoassay and MALDI-MS.

Abstract: Provided are a DNA sequence analysis method of high precision providing improved optical limits by detecting wavelengths of lights emitted from labels in the state where a DNA is electrically tethered and completely stretch, and a nanodevice chip for automating the method. Also provided are a DNA sequence analysis method capable of removing binding errors through complementarily binding between a plurality of peptide nucleic acids (PNAs) labeled with labels emitting lights of different wavelengths and a target DNA to be sequenced, and resolving the limit in optical spatial resolution.

Abstract: Provided is a method for using low molecular weight compounds found in the body as a biomarker for diagnosing depression. Specifically, more than one compound selected from a group comprising the following are used: ADP-ribose, ATP, ADP, AMP, serotonin, tryptophan, kynurenine, SDMA (symmetrical dimethylarginine), threonine, glyceric acid, serine, N-acetylaspartic acid, glutamic acid, trigonelline, creatine, 2-methylserine, sphingosine, homovanillic acid, piperidine, sulfoxidized methionine, pipecolic acid, sphinganine, gamma-butyrobetaine, guanidinoacetic acid, isobutyric acid, creatinine, sarcosine, 3-methylbutyric acid, nicotinamide, betaine, ornithine, carnitine, ethanolamine, phosphoethanolamine, taurine, hypotaurine, aspartic acid, methionine, and tyrosine.

Abstract: The presently-disclosed subject matter provides microfluidic devices comprised of two or more carbon nanotube membranes disposed at predetermined intervals within a microchannel. Further provided are methods of using the same for the electrokinetic separation of one or more molecules of interest from a sample.

Abstract: Anionic acid-labile surfactants may generally comprise compounds represented by the formula: wherein R1 is independently selected from —(CH2)0-9CH3, R2 is selected from the group consisting of —H and —(CH2)0-5CH3, Y is an anion, X is a cation, and n is an integer from 1 to 8. Methods of making and using the anionic acid-labile surfactants are also described. The anionic acid-labile surfactants may be used to facilitate the solubilization of proteins and other molecules in an aqueous environment.

Abstract: Anionic acid-labile surfactants may generally comprise compounds represented by the formula: wherein R1 is independently selected from —(CH2)0-9CH3, R2 is selected from the group consisting of —H and —(CH2)0-5CH3, Y is an anion, X is a cation, and n is an integer from 1 to 8. Methods of making and using the anionic acid-labile surfactants are also described. The anionic acid-labile surfactants may be used to facilitate the solubilization of proteins and other molecules in an aqueous environment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and devices for separating particles according to size. More specifically, the present invention relates to a microfluidic method and device for the separation of particles according to size using an array comprising a network of gaps, wherein the field flux from each gap divides unequally into subsequent gaps. In one embodiment, the array comprises an ordered array of obstacles in a microfluidic channel, in which the obstacle array is asymmetric with respect to the direction of an applied field.

Abstract: An electrolytic system includes an analyte chamber having an access port for introducing a sample containing a molecules of interest, such as DNA. Electrodes create an electric field along a length of the analyte chamber to drive molecules toward an interaction region containing a nanopore, thereby increasing the arrival rate of molecules at the nanopore. Additional electrodes may be utilized to create an electric field through the nanopore to drive a molecule into the nanopore. A current sensor may be utilized to count, discriminate or characterize the molecules as they interact with the nanopore. Advantageously, system can be utilized for unamplified DNA sequencing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for diagnosing vascular diseases, comprising the step in which the presence, absence or amplitude of at least three polypeptide markers is determined in a urine sample, wherein the polypeptide markers are selected from the markers characterized in table 1 by values for the molecular masses and the migration time.

Abstract: Methods to generate a distinctive fingerprint (pattern of migration) for a sample of complex, polydisperse heparins are provided. The methods involve adding resolving agents such as polyamines to a heparin sample and then analyzing the sample with a technique that separates macromolecules according to charge to mass ratio (e.g. capillary electrophoresis). The resulting electropherogram is unique to and characteristic of the heparin sample. The methods may be used, for example, to monitor the quality and consistency of various heparin preparations.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides a separation matrix comprising at least two stationary phases and a stationary phase comprising at least one chiral modality and at least one achiral modality. Also provided are methods of using the separation matrix or the stationary phase to separate enantiomers of one or more chiral molecules.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and devices for detection of ion migration and binding, utilizing a nanopipette adapted for use in an electrochemical sensing circuit. The nanopipette may be functionalized on its interior bore with metal chelators for binding and sensing metal ions or other specific binding molecules such as boronic acid for binding and sensing glucose. Such a functionalized nanopipette is comprised in an electrical sensor that detects when the nanopipette selectively and reversibly binds ions or small molecules. Also disclosed is a nanoreactor, comprising a nanopipette, for controlling precipitation in aqueous solutions by voltage-directed ion migration, wherein ions may be directed out of the interior bore by a repulsing charge in the bore.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a method for measuring hemoglobin using electrophoresis, in particular a method for measuring hemoglobin that enables high accuracy measurement of stable hemoglobin A1c and a method for simultaneously measuring stable hemoglobin A1c and abnormal hemoglobins. The present invention provides a method for measuring hemoglobin using electrophoresis, which comprises: immobilizing an ionic polymer on an inner surface of a migration path; and using a buffer solution containing a sulfated polysaccharide.

Abstract: Methods and products for analyzing polymers are provided. The methods include methods for determining various other structural properties of the polymers.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a micro-fluidic chip including a hollow area into which a charged droplet is introduced, and an electrode configured to be provided toward the hollow area. Movement direction of a droplet in the hollow area is controlled based on electric force acting between a charge given to the droplet and the electrode.

Abstract: Provided is a means for accurately analyzing a protease by electrophoresis. Disclosed is an electrophoretic analysis method for analyzing a protease-containing sample, is characterized by exposing a sample containing a protease to be analyzed, to pH conditions under which the protease is rapidly deactivated, and then subjecting the sample to electrophoresis.

Abstract: A method is provided for fabricating a nanochannel. The method comprises providing a microchannel and controlling collapse of the microchannel so that it collapses to form a nanochannel of desired dimensions. The method employs a collapsible, flexible material such as the elastomer polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) to form the nanochannel. A master is provided that is configured to have geometric conditions that promote a desired frequency of microchannel collapse. A collapsible material having a stiffness that also promotes a desired frequency of microchannel collapse is molded on the master. The molded collapsible material is removed from the master and bonded to a base, thereby forming the microchannel, which then collapses (or is collapsed) to form the nanochannel of desired dimensions. Nanofluidic and microfluidic devices comprising complex nanochannel structures and micro to nanochannel transitions are also provided.

Abstract: A nanodevice is provided. A reservoir is filled with an ionic fluid. A membrane separates the reservoir, and the membrane includes electrode layers separated by insulating layers in which the electrode layers have an organic coating. A nanopore is formed through the membrane, and the organic coating on the electrode layers forms transient bonds to a base of a molecule in the nanopore. When a first voltage is applied to the electrode layers a tunneling current is generated by the base in the nanopore, and the tunneling current travels through the transient bonds formed to the base to be measured as a current signature for distinguishing the base.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of measuring electrical properties of a cell using electrode devices comprising tapered nanotips having submicrometer dimensions (“nanoelectrodes”) for insertion into a cell. The devices are used to measure electrical properties of the cell and, optionally, may be used to electroporate, the cell or subcellular structures within the cell. The invention also provides arrays of electrode devices having nanotips for simultaneously or sequentially measuring the electrical properties of cells (e.g., such as surface immobilized cells). The electrodes can be used to measure properties of ion channels and in HTS assays to identify drugs which affect the properties of ion channels. The invention additionally provides microfluidic systems adapted for use with the electrode devices having nanotips. In combination with the electrodes, the microfluidic systems provide cell-based biosensors for monitoring cellular responses to conditions, such as exposure to candidate drugs.

Abstract: A microdevice for supporting a flowing nonpolar fluid is disclosed. The microdevice includes a substrate that is at least partially coated by one or more amphiphilic layers. Methods for using the device in biological and chemical assays are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to filler for analyzing capillary electrophoresis-based single strand conformation polymorphism, and to a method for using the filler for analyzing capillary electrophoresis-based single strand conformation polymorphism, and more particularly, to filler for analyzing capillary electrophoresis-based single strand conformation polymorphism, the filler containing a polymer micelle formed by dispersing a sandwich-block copolymer comprising (Hydrophilic group)-(Hydrophobic group)-(Hydrophilic group) in an aqueous medium, and to a method for using the filler for analyzing capillary electrophoresis-based single strand conformation polymorphism.

Abstract: Transfer of fluid substances, and/or substances comprised in fluid substances, is controlled by introducing a separation medium, which prevents transfer of the fluid substances, and/or the substances comprised in the fluid substances, to an intermediate cavity connecting a first cavity and a second cavity; and introducing a connection medium to replace the separation medium and thereby start substance transfer to the second cavity. Substance transfer may be readily controlled without relying on mechanical means. Based on the present invention, two-dimensional electrophoretic analysis can be readily implemented on a chip.

Abstract: A microfluidic system includes a first electrode plate having a first substrate and a first electrode layer, wherein the first electrode layer has a plurality of continuously-arranged driving electrodes; a second electrode plate having a second substrate and a second electrode layer, wherein the second electrode layer corresponds to the first electrode layer; a spacing structure disposed between the first electrode plate and the second electrode plate so as to define a fluidic space therebetween; at least one fluid manipulatably received in the fluidic space, wherein the fluid has at least one gas bubble having a reaction gas thereinside, and the gas bubble is an enclosure structure. An electric potential is applied for driving the fluid and then controlling the position of the gas bubble. A gas breakdown voltage is applied to electrically discharge the gas in the gas bubble.

Abstract: The present invention relates to droplet-based surface modification and washing. According to one embodiment, a method of modifying a surface on a droplet microactuator is provided, wherein the method includes executing one or more droplet operations to bring a droplet comprising a surface-modifying agent into contact with the surface. According to another embodiment, a droplet microactuator is provided and includes a sample or reagent immobilized on a surface thereof and arranged such that a droplet on the droplet microactuator may contact the surface.

Abstract: Particulated structures and their method of manufacture for use in an electrical generator employing gas-mediated charge transfer are disclosed. The structures comprise a multiplicity of particles which contain voids between first and second opposing surfaces of said particles. At least a portion of said opposing surfaces are modified such that the charge transferability of said first opposing surfaces differs from the charge transferability of said second opposing surfaces.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for selecting a marker for diagnosis of the nutritional status capable of reflecting the status of a particular nutrient in a plant without being influenced by various stresses in environmental factors, etc., and a method for diagnosing the status of a particular nutrient in a plant using a marker for diagnosis of the nutritional status selected by the method. A metabolite quantitatively changed depending on only the amount of a particular nutrient in a plant is selected as a marker for diagnosis of the nutritional status reflecting the status of the nutrient in the plant.

Abstract: A method for dispensing liquid for use in biological analysis may comprise positioning liquid to be dispensed via electrowetting. The positioning may comprise aligning the liquid with a plurality of predetermined locations. The method may further comprise dispensing the aligned liquid from the plurality of predetermined locations through a plurality of openings respectively aligned with the predetermined locations. The dispensing may be via electrowetting.