Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided herein for preparing high-throughput cDNA sequencing libraries.

Abstract: A quantitative method of number surface area of a graphene material includes the following steps. The graphene material is mixed with a solution to form a colloidal solution containing the graphene material. The colloidal solution is atomized to form a plurality of aerosols containing the graphene material. The size of the aerosols is screened. The screened aerosols are counted to obtain a number concentration of the screened aerosols. A surface of the screened aerosols is charged and a current amount on the surface-charged aerosols is measured. The number surface area of the graphene material is calculated based on the current amount and the number concentration.

Abstract: A Partner of Sld Five 1 (PSF1)-derived peptide that can induce a Cytotoxic T-Cell (CTL) response useful for a specific immunotherapy for cancer patients and a pharmaceutical composition for treating or preventing cancer, which contains the peptide according to the present invention are described.

Abstract: A blood analyzer comprises a sample preparing part, a light source, a light receiving part, and a processing part configured to discriminate and count reactive B lymphocytes based on at least one of fluorescent light signals and forward scattered light signals.

Abstract: A technique for separating components of a microfluid, comprises a self-intersecting micro or nano-fluidic channel defining a cyclic path for circulating the fluid over a receiving surface of a fluid component separating member; and equipment for applying coordinated pressure to the channel at a plurality of pressure control areas along the cyclic path to circulate the fluid over the receiving surface, applying a pressure to encourage a desired transmission through the separating member, and a circulating pressure to remove surface obstructions on the separating member. The equipment preferably defines a peristaltic pump. Turbulent microfluidic flow appears to be produced.

Abstract: A device and a method are provided for isolating a fraction in a biological sample. The fraction is bound to solid phase substrate to define a fraction-bound solid phase substrate. The device includes an input zone for receiving the biological sample therein to capture a desired fraction of the biological sample. A force is provided that is generally perpendicular to gravity. The force is movable between a first position adjacent the input zone multiple other positions adjacent various purification, protein analysis, separation and extraction zones. The force captures the fraction-bound solid phase substrate and the fraction-bound solid phase substrate moves from the input zone to the other zones to perform a multi-step assay on the isolated fraction within the device.

Abstract: The present invention provides synthetic DNA aptamers that bind a target explosive to allow detection of that explosive. In various embodiments, the synthetic DNA aptamers may include one or more aptamers selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID 1-6. The various synthetic DNA aptamers are sensitive to different explosives. The synthetic DNA aptamers provide an inexpensive, in situ means for testing for explosive, which may be used for both soil and water samples. This testing may include an assay method using the synthetic DNA aptamers or a biosensor linked to the synthetic DNA aptamers.

Abstract: A self-contained apparatus for isolating nucleic acid, cell lysates and cell suspensions from unprocessed samples apparatus, to be used with an instrument, includes at least one input, and: (i) a macrofluidic component, including a chamber for receiving an unprocessed sample from a collection device and at least one filled liquid purification reagent storage reservoir; and (ii) a microfluidic component in communication with the macrofluidic component through at least one microfluidic element, the microfluidic component further comprising at least one nucleic acid purification matrix; and (iii) at least one interface port to a drive mechanism on the instrument for driving said liquid purification reagent, through the microfluidic element and the nucleic acid purification matrix, wherein the only inputs to the apparatus are through the chamber and the interface port to the drive mechanism.

Abstract: Devices and methods for separating cells include a membrane that allows cells to pass from a first chamber to a second chamber.

Abstract: Methods of volumetric imaging of a three-dimensional matrix of nucleic acids within a cell is provided. An automated apparatus for sequencing and volumetric imaging of a three-dimensional matrix of nucleic acids is provided.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a portable device for purifying biological sample. The device comprises a housing and a cartridge holder accommodated in the housing for holding at least one cartridge configured to purify the biological sample. At least one pump is positioned in the housing which is fluidly connectable to the cartridge to circulate the sample and one or more fluids through the cartridge. Further, at least one heating element is configured to heat a matrix chamber in the cartridge. At least one actuator is disposed in the housing to actuate one or more valves to selectively route the biological sample and the one or more fluids in the cartridge. A control unit is interfaced with the actuator, the heating element and the pump and is configured to regulate operation of the actuator, the pump and the heating element during purification of the biological sample.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of: treating an organic polymer with an electron beam-generated plasma; exposing the treated polymer to air or an oxygen- and hydrogen-containing gas, generating hydroxyl groups on the surface of the polymer; reacting the surface with an organosilane compound having a chloro, fluoro, or alkoxy group and a functional or reactive group that is less reactive with the surface than the chloro, fluoro, or alkoxy group; and covalently immobilizing a biomolecule to the functional or reactive group or a reaction product thereof.

Abstract: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is detected in a patient with liver disease. Mass spectrometry data from a blood-based sample from the patient is compared to a reference set of mass-spectrometry data from a multitude of other patients with liver disease, including patients with and without HCC, in a general purpose computer configured as a classifier. The classifier generates a class label, such as HCC or No HCC, for the test sample. A laboratory system for early detection of HCC in patients with liver disease is also disclosed. Alternative testing strategies using AFP measurement and a reference set for classification in the form of class-labeled mass spectral data from blood-based samples of lung cancer patients are also described, including multi-stage testing.

Abstract: Devices and methods that can detect and control an individual polymer in a mixture is acted upon by another compound, for example, an enzyme, in a nanopore are provided. The devices and methods also determine (˜>50 Hz) the nucleotide base sequence of a polynucleotide under feedback control or using signals generated by the interactions between the polynucleotide and the nanopore. The invention is of particular use in the fields of molecular biology, structural biology, cell biology, molecular switches, molecular circuits, and molecular computational devices, and the manufacture thereof.

Abstract: A method for performing a combined protein and nucleic acid assay on a target captured by a capture agent, includes providing a microfluidic device having a microfluidic channel network having at least one microfluidic channel, the channel arranged to receive fluid, the device having at least two micro-particles disposed in fixed position in the channel, the micro-particles being functionalized with a capture agent for the assay, one of the micro-particles in the channel being functionalized with an antibody or antigen capture agent and another of the micro-particles being functionalized with a nucleic acid capture agent.

Abstract: Described herein is a device comprising a plurality of first reaction electrodes arranged in an array, the plurality of first reaction electrodes configured to be exposed to a solution and having a capacitance; first circuitry configured to controllably connect the plurality of first reaction electrodes to a bias source and controllably disconnect the plurality of first reaction electrodes from the bias source; and second circuitry configured to measure a rate of charging or discharging of the capacitance. Also described herein is a method of using this device to sequence DNA.

Abstract: Devices and methods that can detect and control an individual polymer in a mixture is acted upon by another compound, for example, an enzyme, in a nanopore are provided. The devices and methods also determine (˜>50 Hz) the nucleotide base sequence of a polynucleotide under feedback control or using signals generated by the interactions between the polynucleotide and the nanopore. The invention is of particular use in the fields of molecular biology, structural biology, cell biology, molecular switches, molecular circuits, and molecular computational devices, and the manufacture thereof.

Abstract: An authentication article includes: a substrate including: a first surface; a second surface disposed laterally to the first surface and at a depth below the first surface; and a plurality of indentations including the depth at the second surface of the substrate; and an array disposed on the substrate and including a plurality of analytes, the analytes being disposed in the indentations at a depth below a first surface of the substrate and provided to emit an authentication signature in response to being subjected to a probe stimulus. A process for authenticating the authentication article includes: providing the authentication article; subjecting the analytes to a probe stimulus; acquiring a response from the plurality of analytes in response to being subjected to the probe stimulus; and determining whether the response is the authentication signature to authenticate the, wherein the authentication article is not authenticated if the response is not the authentication signature for the array.

Abstract: Tissue-integrating biosensors, systems comprising these sensors and methods of using these sensors and systems for the detection of one or more analytes are provided.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a bio-field effect transistor (BioFET) and a method of fabricating a BioFET device. The method includes forming a BioFET using one or more process steps compatible with or typical to a complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) process. The BioFET device may include a substrate; a gate structure disposed on a first surface of the substrate and an interface layer formed on the second surface of the substrate. The interface layer may allow for a receptor to be placed on the interface layer to detect the presence of a biomolecule or bio-entity. An amplification factor of the BioFET device may be provided by a difference in capacitances associated with the gate structure on the first surface and with the interface layer formed on the second surface.

Abstract: Carriers for biomaterials, for polyelectrolyte materials, for electrically polarizable atoms, ions, molecules are provided wherein the material of the carriers is compatible with materials that are used in microelectronics. The arrangement of the biomaterials or biomolecules and optionally of biomolecules, biomaterials, biological functional units or cells adsorbed thereon can be affected with the carrier in a specific manner. Complex molecular machines can be built and tested by the carriers.

Abstract: A method of quantifying nucleic acids in a sample includes generating a plurality of droplets in oil within a microfluidic device, wherein at least some of the droplets comprise a nucleic acid, amplification reagents, and a fluorescent probe or dyes contained therein. The droplets are delivered to a collection chamber to form an array of droplets. The droplets are subject to thermal cycling within the collection chamber a plurality of times to perform nucleic acid amplification within the droplets. The array of droplets is imaged during the plurality of thermal cycles as well as at a thermal cycle endpoint. An initial concentration of nucleic acid in the sample is calculated based on at least one of: a ratio of aqueous phase droplets exhibiting fluorescence within the array at the thermal cycle endpoint or a cycle threshold (Ct) of one or more aqueous phase droplets within the array.

Abstract: A microfluidic device, for use in separation systems, includes a substrate having a fluidic channel. One or more heaters made of a thick film material are integrated with the substrate and in thermal communication with the fluidic channel of the substrate. The one or more heaters produce a thermal gradient within the fluidic channel in response to a current flowing through the one or more heaters. A plurality of electrically conductive taps can be in electrically conductive contact with the one or more heaters. The plurality of electrically conductive taps provides an electrically conductive path to the one or more heaters by which an electrical supply can produce the current flowing through the one or more heaters. Alternatively, the thick film material can be ferromagnetic, and the electrical supply can use induction to cause the current to flow through the one or more heaters.

Abstract: The invention provides antibodies and functional equivalents thereof which are capable of specifically binding RSV, and means and methods for producing them.

Abstract: A chemically etched two dimensional matrix symbol is provided on a substrate. The substrate may be metal or plastic. In another embodiment, a process is described for forming a plurality of two dimensional matrix symbols at the same time in batches. The two dimensional data matrix symbol comprises a substrate, a plurality of grooves and a plurality of raised areas and a plurality of ink spots disposed in the grooves according to a predefined code. The matrix is readable by a scanning device.

Abstract: Improved monitoring of one or more blood coagulation factors is provided. Factor-specific molecular probes having a dye-quencher arrangement are employed. In preferred embodiments, a compact integrated optical source and detector device is used for fluorescence measurements. Continuous and real-time monitoring of the activity of one or multiple blood factors is provided. Such real-time information can be used to automatically control delivery of drugs such as coagulants and/or blood thinners.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel methods and devices that employ microfluidic technology to generate molecular melt curves. In particular, the devices and methods in accordance with the invention are useful in providing for the analysis of PCR amplification products.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of synthesizing a polymeric fluorescent tracer for signal amplification, including (a) subjecting a streptavidin-fluorophore conjugate (SA-FL) and a spacer-attached biotin-conjugated antibody (b-Ab) to reaction at least two times; (b) treating a dual biotin oligomer spacer (db-oN); and (c) performing a homogenization process.

Abstract: The present invention provides synthetic RNA aptamers that bind RDX. In various embodiments, the synthetic RNA aptamers may include one or more aptamers selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID 1-12. The synthetic RNA aptamers that bind RDX provide an inexpensive, in situ method for testing for RDX, which may be used for both soil and water samples.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides improved particle processing (e.g., cytometry and/or cell purification) systems and methods that can operate in an autonomous fashion. More particularly, the present disclosure provides for assemblies, systems and methods for analyzing, sorting, and/or processing (e.g., purifying, measuring, isolating, detecting and/or enriching) particles (e.g., cells, microscopic particles, etc.) where human intervention is not required and/or is minimized. The systems, assemblies and methods of the present disclosure advantageously improve run performance of particle processing systems (e.g., cell purification systems, cytometers) by significantly reducing and/or substantially eliminating the burden of operation for human intervention by automating numerous functions, features and/or steps of the disclosed systems and methods.

Abstract: Methods, devices and systems for handling sample liquids, encapsulating liquids and magnetic particles are disclosed.

Abstract: The technology described herein is directed to methods and devices that can be used to induce functional organ structures to form within an implantation device by implanting it in vivo within the body of a living animal, and allowing cells and tissues to impregnate the implantation device and establish normal microenvironmental architecture and tissue-tissue interfaces. Then the contained cells and tissues can be surgically removed intact and either transplanted into another animal or maintained ex vivo by perfusing it through one or more of the fluid channels with medium and/or gases necessary for cell survival.

Abstract: A Partner of Sld Five 1 (PSF1)-derived peptide that can induce a Cytotoxic T-Cell (CTL) response useful for a specific immunotherapy for cancer patients and a pharmaceutical composition for treating or preventing cancer, which contains the peptide according to the present invention are described.

Abstract: Methods and systems for single molecule sequencing using concatemers of copies of sense and antisense strands. Concatemers are provided, for example, by carrying out rolling circle amplification on a circular molecule having sense and antisense regions to produce repeated copies of the sense and antisense regions connected by linking regions. The circular molecules can be produced by ligating hairpin adapters to each end of a double-stranded nucleic acid having a sense and antisense strand. The ligations can be carried out, for example using blunt end ligation. In some cases, a single molecule consensus sequence for a single template molecule is obtained. A single read from each template molecule can be obtained by comparing the sequence information of the sense and antisense regions.

Abstract: Methods including contacting, in the solid state, a sample comprising a first organic molecule with a composition comprising: a carbon nanotube, such that an interface forms between the sample and the composition; observing any movement of the interface; and characterizing the first organic molecule based on the observed movement are described.

Abstract: A chemical indicator element for use in an aquatic environment water parameter testing system. The chemical indicator element includes a chemical indicator and a thin film material having particular optical characteristics tied to the light from a light source, such as a light source of an optical reader element of a water parameter testing system. The chemical indicator element may also include at least one of a backing material that absorbs one or more wavelengths of the light of the light source and a holder including a material that absorbs one or more wavelengths of the light of the light source.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device and method allowing a trace amount of a target substance to be detected. A metallic nanoparticle assembly structure is formed of metallic nanoparticles assembled together and modified with a host molecule allowing the target substance to specifically adhere thereto. A metallic nanorod is modified with a host molecule allowing the target substance to specifically adhere thereto. The metallic nanorod is conjugated to the metallic nanoparticle assembly structure by the target substance. An extinction spectrum of localized surface plasmon resonance or a surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectrum induced in the metallic nanoparticle assembly structure and the metallic nanostructure is measured with a spectroscope. The target substance is detected based on that spectrum.

Abstract: The invention relates to devices and methods for nanopore sequencing. The invention provides for using the signals from N monomeric units (n-mers) within the nanopore to provide sequence information. The invention includes substrates having arrays of nanopores with incorporated electronic circuits, for example, in semiconductor substrates. In some cases, the arrays of nanopores reside in discrete reservoirs.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein are directed to recognition tunneling systems, methods and devices, and more particularly, to chemical reactions for selectively labeling proteins and peptides and placing protein and/or peptides into, or onto a nanopore formed in a solid support and threading such in and/or through the nanopore, with such nanopores, in some embodiments, including a molecular motor to pull or otherwise force the protein/peptide through the nanopore.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for measuring the amount of at least one molecule in a biological sample, the method comprising a) combining the sample, or a derivative thereof, with one or more aptamers and allowing one or more molecules in the sample to bind to the aptamer(s); b) separating bound from unbound molecules; and c) quantifying the molecule(s) bound to the or each aptamer, wherein quantification of the bound molecule(s) is carried out by sequencing at least part of the or each aptamer. Uses of and products derived from the method are also contemplated.

Abstract: A microelectromechanical system (MEMS) cantilever includes a base and a cantilever beam projecting from the base. The cantilever beam includes a piezo layer sandwiched between an inorganic material structural layer and an inorganic material encapsulating and immobilizing layer. A pair of electrical contacts are formed in the encapsulating and immobilizing layer in contact with the piezo layer. The base consists of polymer. A method includes depositing a sacrificial layer on a substrate; forming a MEMS cantilever beam on the sacrificial layer by depositing an inorganic material structural layer thereon; depositing a piezo layer on the structural layer; and depositing an inorganic material encapsulating and immobilizing layer on the piezo layer; forming a pair of electrical contacts in the encapsulating and immobilizing layer in contact with the piezo layer; forming a polymer base for the cantilever beam; and etching the sacrificial layer to release the MEMS cantilever beam from the substrate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions comprising a porous nanostructure of a known characteristics and a fragment of nucleic acid having a known sequence. Methods of use of the compositions were also provided, for example in DNA amplification, detection, and DNA sequencing.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a microarray including the steps of: (a) contacting a substrate having wells with a reagent reactive with said substrate to produce a surface modification within said wells and a surface modification surrounding said wells; (b) polishing said substrate to produce a polished surface modification surrounding said wells, wherein said surface modification surrounding said wells is removed and said surface modification within said wells is retained, and (c) depositing a biopolymer onto said substrate, wherein different affinities of said surface modification within said wells and said polished surface facilitate localization of said biopolymer within said wells.

Abstract: Among others, the present invention provides devices each including a micro-filter, a shutter, a cell counter, a selector, a micro-surgical kit, a timer, and a data processing circuitry, wherein the micro-filter is capable of detecting or filtering circulating tumor cells.

Abstract: A static fluid and a second fluid are placed into contact along a microfluidic free interface and allowed to mix by diffusion without convective flow across the interface. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the fluids are static and initially positioned on either side of a closed valve structure in a microfluidic channel having a width that is tightly constrained in at least one dimension. The valve is then opened, and no-slip layers at the sides of the microfluidic channel suppress convective mixing between the two fluids along the resulting interface. Applications for microfluidic free interfaces in accordance with embodiments of the present invention include, but are not limited to, protein crystallization studies, protein solubility studies, determination of properties of fluidics systems, and a variety of biological assays such as diffusive immunoassays, substrate turnover assays, and competitive binding assays.

Abstract: Dynamic linking of pathway maps and cell maps is disclosed in certain embodiments. In such embodiments, the pathway maps are linked to spatially-localized regional nucleic acid data (e.g., sequence data), as opposed to non-spatially selected nucleic acid data. The pathway map and cell map data may be linked so that interactions results in changes or updates to the linked map, such as the selection or highlighting of cells exhibiting pathway map characteristics specified by a user of updating of node values or states to correspond to that of a cell or cells selected by the user.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for performing thermal melt analysis using a microfluidic device, the method comprising providing a microfluidic device having at least one microfluidic channel, introducing fluid comprising into the at least one microfluidic channel, continuously flowing the fluid through the at least one microfluidic channel while varying the temperature of the entire fluid stream as it moves through the at least one microfluidic channel by uniformly heating the entire fluid stream, and measuring, while continuously flowing the fluid through the at least one microfluidic channel, a detectable property emanating from the fluid.

Abstract: Methods and systems for analysis of image data generated from various reference points. Particularly, the methods and systems provided are useful for real time analysis of image and sequence data generated during DNA sequencing methodologies.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for the specific selection of target molecules, wherein immobilized capture molecules can be organized in a microarray in the form of spots or lines. In a further aspect the present invention relates to a method of specifically selecting target molecules in a reaction zone, as well as the use of such a device for specifically selecting target molecules, e.g. for target enrichment, or microarray based genome selection (MGS).

Abstract: A remote microarray analysis system, method and apparatus for use in the remote analysis of a chemical compound microarray supported on a substrate is disclosed. Pixel image data is received from a remote location including image data that depicts (a) a calibration scale associated with the substrate and (b) the microarray. A transformation action of said pixel data corresponding to the calibration scale is determined and the received image data corresponding to at least the microarray is adjusted by applying the transformation action. The adjusted image of the microarray is compared with a database of stored microarray pixel data to extract information from said image.