Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and system for a label-free cell analysis based on Brillouin light scattering techniques. Combined with microfluidic technologies according to the present invention, Brillouin spectroscopy constitutes a powerful tool to analyze physical properties of cells in a contactless non-disturbing manner. Specifically, subcellular mechanical information can be obtained by analyzing the Brillouin spectrum of a cell. Furthermore, a novel configuration of Brillouin spectroscopy is provided to enable simultaneous analysis of multiple points in a cell sample.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and system for a label-free cell analysis based on Brillouin light scattering techniques. Combined with microfluidic technologies according to the present invention, Brillouin spectroscopy constitutes a powerful tool to analyze physical properties of cells in a contactless non-disturbing manner. Specifically, subcellular mechanical information can be obtained by analyzing the Brillouin spectrum of a cell. Furthermore, a novel configuration of Brillouin spectroscopy is provided to enable simultaneous analysis of multiple points in a cell sample.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods of temperature referencing for melt curve data collection. More specifically, the present invention relates to systems and methods for collecting DNA melt curve data for a DNA sample and a temperature reference material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for the real time processing of nucleic acid during polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and thermal melt applications. According to an aspect of the invention, a system for the rapid serial processing of multiple nucleic acid assays is provided. In one embodiment, the system includes, but is not limited to: a microfluidic cartridge having microfluidic (flow-through) channels, a fluorescence imaging system, a temperature measurement and control system; a pressure measurement and control system for applying variable pneumatic pressures to the microfluidic cartridge; a storage device for holding multiple reagents (e.g., a well-plate); a liquid handling system comprising at least one robotic pipettor for aspirating, mixing, and dispensing reagent mixtures to the microfluidic cartridge; systems for data storage, processing, and output; and a system controller to coordinate the various devices and functions.

Abstract: This invention relates to systems and methods for imaging sample materials within a microfluidic device during an assay reaction process. In accordance with certain aspects of the invention, images are formed with a pixel array and a region of interest (“ROI”) is defined within the pixel array. Image values, such as fluorescent intensity, can be computed as averages of individual pixel values within the ROI. Where the ROI is subject to non-uniform conditions, such as non-uniform heating, the ROI can be divided into sub-ROIs which are sufficiently small that the condition is uniform within the sub-ROI.

Abstract: The invention relates to systems and methods including a combination of thermal generating device technologies to achieve more efficiency and accuracy in PCR temperature cycling of nucleic samples undergoing amplification.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and systems for cell lysis in a microfluidic device. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention relate to methods and systems for rapid continuous flow mechanical cell lysis. In one embodiment, a microfluidic device includes one or more microfluidic channels, each channel comprising constricted regions and non-constricted regions separating the constricted regions, wherein the constricted regions are configured to disrupt the cellular membranes of cells in fluid flowing through the one or more microfluidic channels.

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: At least one exemplary embodiment of the invention is directed to a molecular diagnostic device that comprises a cartridge configured to eject samples comprising genomic material into a microfluidic chip that comprises an amplification area, a detection area, and a matrix analysis area.

Abstract: An interface cartridge for a microfluidic chip, with microfluidic process channels and fluidic connection holes at opposed ends of the process channels, provides ancillary fluid structure, including fluid flow channels and input and/or waste wells, which mix and/or convey reaction fluids to the fluidic connection holes and into the process channels of the microfluidic chip.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods of monitoring velocity or flow in channels, especially in microfluidic channels. In some embodiments, the present invention relates to systems and methods of monitoring velocity or flow rate in systems and methods for performing a real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in a continuous-flow microfluidic system.

Abstract: A microfluidic chip having integrated heaters and a method for manufacturing the microfluidic chip is provided. Specifically, the microfluidic chip comprises a first substrate having a microchannel formed therein. The second substrate is bonded to the first substrate to encapsulate the microchannel. An integrated heating element, that is hermetically sealed and electrically isolated from the microchannel, is formed on the top surface the second substrate after the first and second substrates are bonded together. A biological reaction can be performed in the microchannel of the microfluidic chip while the fluid in the microchannel is heated by electrical current passing through the integrated heating element.

Abstract: The present invention, in one aspect, provides methods and systems for controlling slugs using temperature dependent fluorescent dyes. In some embodiments, the present invention uses one or more techniques to enhance the visibility of slugs, enhance a system's ability to differentiate between slugs, and enhance a system's ability to identify the positions of slugs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and system for identifying mechanical properties of a cell nucleus through a label-free cell analysis based on Brillouin light scattering techniques. The present application additionally provides a method and system for identifying cancerous cells based on mechanical properties of the cell nucleus.

Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems for performing polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification and melt data acquisition according to a single slug approach in which a single slug in a microfluidic channel fills an entire thermal zone of the microfluidic channel, and the thermal zone used for both PCR temperature cycling and melt data acquisition. A detector may be configured to detect fluorescence from the thermal zone during the PCR temperature cycling for real-time PCR and/or during temperature ramping in the melt data acquisition. Slug position control may be achieved by detecting leading or trailing edges in a slug build target zone into which a slug passes after passing through the thermal zone. The single slug approach may break coupling between one or more events of the PCR amplification and melt data acquisition and enable events to be independently optimized.

Abstract: At least one exemplary embodiment of the invention is directed to a molecular diagnostic device that comprises a cartridge configured to eject samples comprising genomic material into a microfluidic chip that comprises an amplification area, a detection area, and a matrix analysis area.

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: A system and a method for slug edge detection in a microchannel of a microfluidic device is provided. Specifically, the system comprises an image sensor in communication with the microchannel. The microchannel has at least two fluid slugs each of which has a marker of different color providing color gradient across the edge between the adjacent fluid slugs. An edge score function is generated for each channel segmentation dividing the microchannel into two segments at a specific location along the microchannel. The edge score function is proportional to a between class variance for intensity values associated with the two selected channel segments. The edge location is determined as the location along the channel defining one of the channel segmentations based at least in part on the edge score function.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention provides methods, devices, and systems for ensuring that multiple components of a mixture are fully mixed in a continuous flow microfluidic system while ensuring that mixing between segments flowing through the chip is minimized. In some embodiments, the present invention includes mixing fluids in a droplet maintained at the tip of a pipette before the mixture is introduced to the microfluidic device. In another aspect, the present invention provides a pipette tip having a ratio of an outside diameter to an inside diameter that provides sufficient surface area for a droplet comprising up to the entire volume of the liquid to suspend from the pipette tip intact. In yet another aspect, the present invention provides methods, devices, and systems for delivering a reaction mixture to a microfluidic chip comprising a docking receptacle, an access tube and a reservoir.

Abstract: A method and system have been provided to perform high speed nucleic acid melting analysis while still obtaining accurate melting curve sufficient for genotyping. This rapid ability to interrogate DNA should be useful whenever time to result is important, such as in molecular point of care testing. Specifically, microfluidics enables genotyping by melting analysis at rates up to 50° C./s, requiring less than is to acquire an entire melting curve. High speed melting reduces the time for melting analysis, decreases errors, and improves genotype discrimination of small amplicons.