Abstract: Structures for improved electrophoretic precast gel substrates are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, an electrophoretic precast gel substrate includes a front plate comprising a first tenon-and-mortise connective structure, and a rear plate comprising a second tenon-and-mortise connective structure. The front plate and the rear plate can include snap features that are configured to provide a snap fit with a corresponding structure. The front and rear plates can be configured to be coupled and/or decoupled along the first and second tenon-and-mortise connective structures.

Abstract: An image sensor includes a multitude of photodiodes and analog-to-digital converters disposed in adjacent first and second portions of a semiconductor substrate. The photodiodes exhibit X-ray radiation tolerance. An arrangement of several image sensors in adjacent rows can be used for an X-ray detector in a computed tomography apparatus.

Abstract: Provided are integrated analysis devices having features of macroscale and nanoscale dimensions, and devices that have reduced background signals and that reduce quenching of fluorophores disposed within the devices. Related methods of manufacturing these devices and of using these devices are also provided.

Abstract: A method and system to enhance analysis of electrophoretic bands by overlaying only the pixels of interest. The overlaid pixels are superimposed as a layer above, i.e., in the foreground of, the overlaid image, i.e., in the background. A user employs the superimposed pixels for molecular weight determination and is still able to generate densitometry analysis of the remaining pixels in the overlaid image.

Abstract: Devices, systems, kits, and methods for detecting and/or identifying a plurality of spectrally labeled bodies well-suited for performing multiplexed assays. By spectrally labeling the beads with materials which generate identifiable spectra, a plurality of beads may be identified within the fluid. Reading of the beads is facilitated by restraining the beads in arrays, and/or using a focused laser.

Abstract: A method and system to enhance analysis of electrophoretic bands by overlaying only the pixels of interest. The overlaid pixels are superimposed as a layer above, i.e., in the foreground of, the overlaid image, i.e., in the background. A user employs the superimposed pixels for molecular weight determination and is still able to generate densitometry analysis of the remaining pixels in the overlaid image.

Abstract: The systems and methods disclosed herein include a microfluidic system, comprising a pneumatic manifold having a plurality of apertures, and a chip manifold having channels disposed therein for routing pneumatic signals from respective ones of the apertures to a plurality of valves in a microfluidic chip, wherein the channels route the pneumatic signals in accordance with a configuration of the plurality of valves in the microfluidic chip.

Abstract: An electrophoresis controller for use with an electrophoresis apparatus having a gel matrix disposed between electrodes for separation of particles along with a tracking dye. The electrophoresis controller includes a sensor system and a controller. The sensor system includes a support, a light emitter, and a light receiver. The support includes a first portion positionable on a first side of the gel matrix and a second portion positionable adjacent a second side of the gel matrix. The light emitter is positioned on the first portion of the support for emitting light onto one side of the gel matrix. The light receiver is positioned on the second portion of the support adjacent to the other side of the gel matrix for receiving light from the light source as it is passing through the gel matrix. At least one of the light emitter and the light receiver includes a light guide having a first end and a second end.

Abstract: The present invention discloses apparatuses and methods for the visualization of fluorophores in biological systems such as electrophoresis gels and cell cultures. Preferred embodiments of the apparatuses consists of a tray or tank having one or more light sources disposed to direct light through an electrophoresis gel disposed within the vessel such that the luminescence from fluorophores in the gel are easily visualized.

Abstract: A kit for separating and concentrating nucleic acid and protein targets includes labeled reagents which affect simultaneous co-purification and concentration of a nucleic acid and a protein, a gel isotachophoresis separation unit to which a sample comprising the nucleic acid and the protein is added, a detection unit for the detection of the presence of the nucleic acid and the protein, and instructions for use. The gel electrophoresis includes a gel box having a negative electrode side and a positive electrode side, the negative electrode side being filled with a first buffer comprising 2-Hydroxy-N-(tris(hydroxymethyl)methyl)-3-aminopropanesulfonic acid buffer and the positive electrode side being filled with a second buffer being different than the first buffer. The gel isotachophoresis separation is configured to subject the sample to isotachophoresis using a voltage.

Abstract: Cassette electrophoresis systems that allow viewing of molecules during the electrophoresis run are disclosed. Cassette electrophoresis bases that reversibly engage light sources, such as light source bases are disclosed. Also disclosed are visible light transillumination systems for viewing a pattern of fluorescence emitted by fluorophores comprising a cassette housing fluorophore-containing material and a base unit to support the cassette. In some aspects the base unit that includes a power supply also houses a light source having output in the visible wavelength region and a filter placed between the light source and the fluorophores. The system is constructed and arranged such that patterns of fluorescence emitted by the fluorophores are viewable.

Abstract: An electrophoresis system includes a pedestal including a base, two enlargements at both ends of the base respectively, two cavities in the enlargements respectively, and a transparent plate on top of the base; a photographic filter member provided on the top of the base; a control panel on one enlargement; an electrophoresis tank provided between the enlargements; a covering member releasably provided on the pedestal for concealing the electrophoresis tank; a gel block in the electrophoresis tank for holding DNA samples in place; LED lamps in each cavity, the LED lamps being for emitting blue light toward the DNA samples; a hollow mount on the covering member and including a sliding tray; a photographic filter releasably disposed on the tray; and a picture taking device mounted on the hollow mount.

Abstract: Disclosed in this specification is a high capacity compact gel documentation system for documenting different types of electrophoresis gels or other translucent objects using ultraviolet light. The system includes a base with a scanning surface having a transparent bottom surface. A light source is connected to a conveying mechanism, disposed below the transparent bottom surface, to move the light source over the length of the transparent bottom surface. An image capture device receives a reflected image and provides it to a microprocessor. Moreover, separate interchangeable filters allow for documentation of UV and white light gel captures, alleviating the need for separate transilluminators and hoods with filters and cameras.

Abstract: The present teachings provide methods, devices, systems, and materials for performing electrophoresis in an automated fashion. The electrophoresis system may simultaneously image gel during an electrophoresis run. In some embodiments, the electrophoresis system may analyze an imaged gel during or after electrophoresis. The device may comprise a gel processing system, a gel illumination system, an image capture system, and an image analysis all housed within a housing.

Abstract: The disclosed device for trapping biologically-relevant substances can easily collect biologically-relevant substances from a thin tissue section or a gel in which said biologically-relevant substance have been fractionated. Said device is provided with: trapping bodies for trapping biologically-relevant substances; carriers that hold the trapping bodies; and electrodes for charging the trapping bodies. The trapping bodies are charged and brought into contact with a prescribed position on a thin tissue section that contains biologically-relevant substances or a gel in which biologically-relevant substances have been fractionated, thereby trapping said biologically-relevant substances from said gel or thin tissue section.

Abstract: This invention avoids the need for UV light as well as all the various filters utilized by prior systems while allowing real-time observation and recording of molecules during electophoresis. This invention is a real-time observable electrophoresis system that avoids the use of light filters as the activation of fluorescent dyes is done by LEDs that give off visible light with a certain wavelength, instead of ultraviolet light, which are positioned not on the top or bottom of the electrophoresis gel but on the sides. The background light that is observed in some gels is eliminated by the image analyzing computer software. This system eliminates the need to filter the wavelength of the activating light and enables the observation and recording of the molecules during the entirety of the electrophoresis.

Abstract: The present embodiments provide systems, kits and methods suitable for performing dry or substantially dry electro-blotting analyses on immobilized protein or nucleic acid samples. Electro-blotting performed according to the presently described embodiments may include a step whereby detection of one or more immobilized proteins or nucleic acids is electrophoretically accelerated. Methods for performing electro-blotting of immobilized proteins or nucleic acids may include applying an electric voltage to one or more reagents typically used in protein or nucleic acid blotting procedure. The one or more reagents may be absorbed on a suitable carrier matrix. Electro-blotting performed in accordance with the systems and methods described herein may be performed under substantially dry conditions (i.e., with little or no aqueous buffers).

Abstract: A method is provided for separating single- and double-stranded nucleic acid molecules based on their strandness and length.

Abstract: A gel excitation apparatus for exciting a gel that includes a container for holding an aqueous solution within which the gel can be positioned, at least one light source disposed whereas the light path is perpendicular to the optical axis, the container for irradiating the gel with radiation within at least a first wavelength band, the first wavelength band selected to excite the gel to cause the gel to emit radiation into said aqueous solution. The aqueous core of the apparatus has a low refractive index, thus retaining the first wavelength band selected within said aqueous core to excite the gel. Thus, the aqueous core functions not only to increase the efficiency of excitation, but also increases the contrast between excitation light and sample emission light by retaining the light within said aqueous core.

Abstract: The present invention is based on the discovery that drug resistance in microorganisms can be rapidly and accurately determined using mass spectrometry. A mass spectrum of an intact microorganism or one or more isolated biomarkers from the microorganism grown in drug containing, isotopically-labeled media is compared with a mass spectrum of the intact microorganism or one or more isolated biomarkers from the microorganism grown in non-labeled media without the drug present. Drug resistance is determined by predicting and detecting a characteristic mass shift of one or more biomarkers using algorithms. The characteristic mass shift is indicative that the microorganism is growing in the presence of the drug and incorporating the isotopic label into the one or more biomarkers, resulting in change in mass.

Abstract: A sensor device is provided for detecting an analyte in a sample in which an analyte is bound to a detection reagent to form a bound complex. The device comprises (a) a sample (5) comprising an ionic analyte and a detection reagent in a conductive fluid, wherein the detection reagent has a net charge different from the analyte; (b) a first permeable polymeric hydrogel plate (3) and a first spacer plate (8), which plates provide a compartment for the sample; (c) an anode (1) juxtaposed to the outside of the first hydrogel plate and not in contact with the sample; (d) a cathode (9) juxtaposed to the outside of the first spacer plate and not in contact with the sample; (e) a voltage generator (10) to apply an electric potential to the anode and cathode; and (f) a detector (11).

Abstract: The present invention discloses apparatuses and methods for the visualization of fluorophores in biological systems such as electrophoresis gels and cell cultures. Preferred embodiments of the apparatuses consists of a tray or tank having one or more light sources disposed to direct light through an electrophoresis gel disposed within the vessel such that the luminescence from fluorophores in the gel are easily visualized.

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: A method and system are presented for use in analyzing a sample. The method comprises applying real time monitoring to a sample while undergoing a separation process consisting of spatial separation of molecules of different molecular weights in the sample. The system includes a monitoring unit configured to be integrated with a separation unit in which the separation process takes place.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the diagnosis and risk stratification of a tumor or cancer of the gastrointestinal tract, particularly colon tumor or colon cancer, wherein a determination is made on at least one patient using the novel soluble cadherin 17 biomarker—a proteolytic cleavage product of cadherin 17 having SEQ ID No. 1 or SEQ ID No. 2—or partial peptides and fragments thereof.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is that a dynamic range is extended in an electrophoresis unit and concentration differences among a plurality of samples measured simultaneously are increased. An irradiation time to the samples is adjusted during analysis without changing a sampling time. By shortening the irradiation time, a fluorescence amount of the samples is reduced to cause signal intensity detected by a detector to physically decrease. If the irradiation time is very short (several 100 msec), the irradiation time and fluorescence intensity are in a direct proportional relationship. It is known that, if the irradiation time is reduced to 1/n, the fluorescence intensity, that is, signal intensity to be detected will be 1/n. Thus, for data whose irradiation time is reduced to 1/n during analysis, data obtained by multiplying a substantially measured value by n is used for data analysis as a true value to be originally acquired.

Abstract: A concept of high resolution electrophoretic technique, apparatus and its application thereof. The system is a functioning entity in a radial-flat setting. Unlike the conventional rectangular gel-electrophoresis setup, wherein two electrically opposite poles are placed on opposite sites of a rectangular gel, the novel system places one of the electrical poles in the middle of the gel and the outer rims of the radial gel is exposed to the other pole. The point, central pole (positive/negative) and the radial (negative/positive) pole around the outer rim of the gel will create and maintain a gradient electric field, wherein the intensity of the electric field increases towards the central pole with an inverse proportionally to the decrease in the surface area towards the center in a radial-gradient setting.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for detecting an interaction between an analyte and a biomolecule. The method comprises separating at least one biomolecule according to its isoelectric point in the presence of a given analyte and detecting an interaction between the analyte and a biomolecule using fluorescence anisotropy. The method may further comprise collecting the analyte-biomolecule complex and analyzing the biomolecule.

Abstract: The invention provides an electrophoresis cassette, methods for making the electrophoresis cassette, and method of fractionating analytes from a sample based upon electrophoretic mobility in a single application of the sample to an electrophoretic system.

Abstract: The present teachings provide methods, devices, systems, and materials for performing electrophoresis in an automated fashion. The electrophoresis system may simultaneously image gel during an electrophoresis run. In some embodiments, the electrophoresis system may analyze an imaged gel during or after electrophoresis. The device may comprise a gel processing system, a gel illumination system, an image capture system, and an image analysis all housed within a housing.

Abstract: A device for separating and purifying useful quantities of particles comprises: a. an anolyte reservoir connected to an anode, the anolyte reservoir containing an electrophoresis buffer; b. a catholyte reservoir connected to a cathode, the catholyte reservoir also containing the electrophoresis buffer; c. a power supply connected to the anode and to the cathode; d. a column having a first end inserted into the anolyte reservoir, a second end inserted into the catholyte reservoir, and containing a separation medium; e. a light source; f. a first optical fiber having a first fiber end inserted into the separation medium, and having a second fiber end connected to the light source; g. a photo detector; h. a second optical fiber having a third fiber end inserted into the separation medium, and having a fourth fiber end connected to the photo detector; and i. an ion-exchange membrane in the anolyte reservoir.

Abstract: A device providing an arrangement for the separation of a sample mixture for analytical reasons based on multidimensional gel electrophoresis and method thereof are disclosed. The separation involves a first separation in a first dimension of the device on the basis of isoelectric points and a second separation in a second dimension of the device on the basis of molecular size. At least two gel strips for the first dimension separation step and a corresponding gel for the second dimension separation step are provided. The two gel strips are arranged on a single carrier either on the same side or on opposite sides. By having at least two gel strips arranged in such a manner at least two analytical processes can be executed in parallel on the single carrier without the use of valves.

Abstract: The invention relates to an assay for discriminating between amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients and patients with ALS-like disorders that express symptoms like ALS. The method is based on the use of 2-dimensional (2D) gel electrophoresis to separate the complex mixture of proteins found in blood serum, the quantitation of a group of identified biomarkers, and the biostatistical analysis of the concentration of the identified biomarkers to differentiate patients having ALS from patients having other ALS-like disorders.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing separation of molecules, in particular biomolecules such as nucleic acids and peptides, are disclosed. The method comprises separating molecules by a first characteristic along a linear dimension of a channel, and separating the molecules by a second characteristic along the same linear dimension, with the rust and second separations being carried out within at least partially overlapping sections of the channel. The two separations may then be combined to give a virtual two-dimensional separation which is carried out in a single dimensional real space. The method may also include detecting molecules during the second separation, preferably using an intrinsic characteristic of the molecules for example UV absorbance.

Abstract: Provided are a biomolecule detection device, a mobile phone for biomolecule detection, and a biomolecule detection method. The biomolecule detection device includes an electrophoresis unit comprising an electrophoretic gel filtering erythrocytes and leukocytes in blood and transferring proteins and DNAs in the blood, and at least one type of a probe biomolecule, immobilized in the electrophoretic gel, reacting with a target biomolecule; a conversion unit converting a result of a reaction between the target biomolecule and the probe biomolecule to an electrical signal; and a lead-out unit receiving, converting, and transmitting the electrical signal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a marker for the development of pre-eclampsia. In particular the invention provides a marker for the development of pre-eclampsia, which marker consists of a polypeptide of approximately 26.6 Kd as determined by 15-30% gradient SDS-PAGE under reducing conditions.

Abstract: A gel excitation apparatus for exciting a gel that includes a container for holding an aqueous solution within which the gel can be positioned, at least one light source disposed proximate the container for irradiating the gel with radiation within at least a first wavelength band, the first wavelength band selected to excite the gel to cause the gel to emit radiation into said aqueous solution. The aqueous core of the apparatus functions not only to increase the efficiency of excitation, but also increases the contrast between excitation light and sample emission light.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for expeditiously carrying out the preparation and imaging steps of the electrophoresis process. The apparatus of the invention includes a novel supporting surface comprising TEFLON® AF that acts as a multi-function gel supporting surface which minimizes the probability of damaging the gel during transfer and provides a supporting surface that has an index of refraction lower than that of water and that of water based gel. When the TEFLON® AF supporting surface is used to support the gel, or other mostly aqueous, fluorescent sample, the surface becomes a planar, aqueous core waveguide which traps the excitation light thereby increasing the efficiency of excitation.

Abstract: The invention provides an electrophoresis cassette, methods for making the electrophoresis cassette, and method of fractionating analytes from a sample based upon electrophoretic mobility in a single application of the sample to an electrophoretic system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for purifying analyte molecules and in particular to a component of this type in which a separation section is used for separating analyte molecules and other constituents of a sample, and in which provision is made of at least one sample chamber for receiving a sample containing the analyte molecules and at least one collecting chamber for receiving the purified analyte molecules. According to the invention, the microfluidic component has at least one integrated receptor device for detecting the presence and/or the concentration of the purified analyte molecules. In accordance with one advantageous development of the present invention, the separation section is formed by an electrophoretic gel filtration section.

Abstract: Images of two-dimensional chromatograms or other sample arrays are formed on a scanning instrument that utilizes a line of illumination light that sweeps the length of the array either by moving across the array or by the array moving relative to the light, in either case scanning the entire two-dimensional array with a unidirectional pass of the moving component. The use of a CCD equipped with time delay integration allows the instrument to form an enhanced image.

Abstract: A device for separating and purifying useful quantities of particles comprises: a. an anolyte reservoir connected to an anode, the anolyte reservoir containing an electrophoresis buffer; b. a catholyte reservoir connected to a cathode, the catholyte reservoir also containing the electrophoresis buffer; c. a power supply connected to the anode and to the cathode; d. a column having a first end inserted into the anolyte reservoir, a second end inserted into the catholyte reservoir, and containing a separation medium; e. a light source; f. a first optical fiber having a first fiber end inserted into the separation medium, and having a second fiber end connected to the light source; g. a photo detector; h. a second optical fiber having a third fiber end inserted into the separation medium, and having a fourth fiber end connected to the photo detector; and i. an ion-exchange membrane in the anolyte reservoir.

Abstract: The present invention relates to devices, systems, and methods for continuous imaging of nucleic acids. In one embodiment, the invention herein generally relates to a device for continuously imaging nucleic acids, the device including a rotating drum in which an exterior surface of the drum includes a plurality of color sensitive pixels.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of detecting, purifying, quantifying, and separating molecules using an electrophoresis adapted biosensor.

Abstract: A method for identifying and separating of target biomolecules is disclosed. The method involves contacting a sample with a nanoparticle probe that is capable of specifically binding a target biomolecule. The complex formed by the nanoparticle target biomolecule is separated by electrophoresis using a non-conventional gel composed of a synthetically cross-linked polymer and a gel stabilizer. The nanoparticle probe:target biomolecule complex is detected, thereby identifying the target biomolecule. In certain examples, the nanoparticle probe emits a signal to identify its location. Particular examples of nanoparticle probes are semiconductor nanocrystals, such as quantum dots, which fluoresce at a particular wavelength. Also disclosed is a method of substantially sealing and/or increasing the transparency of a membrane. Such a method includes applying a film to a membrane. Sealing the membrane allows the detection of single nanoparticles.

Abstract: Devices and methods are described for detecting and quantifying nucleic acids using a sealed system that minimizes contamination. In particular, provided herein are devices for and methods using nucleic acid amplification that permit multiple sampling of an amplification reaction mixture and quantitation and identification of amplicons during the course of an amplification reaction. Methods involving the transfer of samples from an amplification reaction mixture into a separation network, separation of nucleic acids based on size, and identification and quantitation of nucleic acids are disclosed.

Abstract: Provided herein are biological research methods, kits, and products that utilize radio frequency identifier technology.

Abstract: An analysis system for and method of enabling determination of the velocities of migrating objects and also classifying migrating objects into groups having a common constraint. In one aspect the present invention provides an analysis system for and method of enabling determination of the velocities of migrating objects, the system comprising: a space-time map generator for generating a space-time map of points representative of the signal peaks of signals detected at a plurality of spaced positions; and a vertex finder for identifying at least one vertex from the space-time map, with a single vertex being identified for each group of objects having a common constraint and the velocities of the objects being determinable from the sets of points in the space-time map corresponding to the respective objects as fitted to the respective vertex.

Abstract: Disclosed is a technique for electrophoresis analysis, capable of eliminating the need for labeling a sample with a fluorescent or radioactive material. An electrophoresis cell is formed with a plurality of electrophoretic paths arranged in parallel relation to each other. Each of the electrophoretic paths has an upper end serving as a sample injection end, and a lower end received in a sample receiver. Further, each of the electrophoretic paths has a plurality of microchannels each extending uniformly from a position apart from the upper end by a predetermined distance to the lower end. The microchannels serve as a diffraction grating for diffracting light which irradiates a surface of the electrophoresis cell in a direction perpendicular to the surface, to produce diffracted light.

Abstract: The invention provides an electrophoresis apparatus comprising an electrophoretic chamber containing at least on two-plate housing for a sieving matrix, each said at least one two-plate housing consisting of a cover plate and a plate for housing said sieving matrix, wherein said plate includes an optical waveguide array which is characterized by being aligned with respect to a reference direction such as to enable one or more light beams incident on the sieving matrix along said reference direction to be maintained well-confined along said reference direction within any desired length of interaction along the width of said sieving matrix.