Patents Assigned to Fluidigm Corporation
  • Publication number: 20240309425
    Abstract: In certain embodiments, the present invention provides amplification methods in which nucleotide tag(s) and, optionally, a barcode nucleotide sequence are added to target nucleotide sequences. In other embodiments, the present invention provides a microfluidic device that includes a plurality of first input lines and a plurality of second input lines. The microfluidic device also includes a plurality of sets of first chambers and a plurality of sets of second chambers. Each set of first chambers is in fluid communication with one of the plurality of first input lines. Each set of second chambers is in fluid communication with one of the plurality of second input lines. The microfluidic device further includes a plurality of first pump elements in fluid communication with a first portion of the plurality of second input lines and a plurality of second pump elements in fluid communication with a second portion of the plurality of second input lines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2023
    Publication date: September 19, 2024
    Applicant: Fluidigm Corporation
    Inventors: Andrew May, Peilin Chen, Jun Wang, Fiona Kaper, Megan Anderson
  • Patent number: 11857940
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a “looping amplification” method to increase the specificity of nucleic acid amplification. This increased specificity facilitates multiplexing to a much higher degree than was previously possible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: Fluidigm Corporation
    Inventor: Peilin Chen
  • Publication number: 20220413277
    Abstract: A microscopy apparatus comprises a microscope comprising a stage configured to hold a tissue sample, a UV laser assembly configured to emit a UV laser beam to a viewing area of the tissue sample, and an IR laser assembly configured to emit an IR laser beam to the viewing area of the tissue sample. The UV and IR laser assemblies are oriented so as to emit the respective UV and IR laser beams in a same direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2020
    Publication date: December 29, 2022
    Applicant: Fluidigm Corporation
    Inventors: Daaf Sandkuijl, Alan Carpino
  • Publication number: 20220119874
    Abstract: Described herein are methods useful for incorporating one or more adaptors and/or nucleotide tag(s) and/or barcode nucleotide sequence(s) one, or typically more, target nucleotide sequences. In particular embodiments, nucleic acid fragments having adaptors, e.g., suitable for use in high-throughput DNA sequencing are generated. In other embodiments, information about a reaction mixture is encoded into a reaction product. Also described herein are methods and kits useful for amplifying one or more target nucleic acids in preparation for applications such as bidirectional nucleic acid sequencing. In particular embodiments, methods of the invention entail additionally carrying out bidirectional DNA sequencing. Also described herein are methods for encoding and detecting and/or quantifying alleles by primer extension.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2021
    Publication date: April 21, 2022
    Applicant: Fluidigm Corporation
    Inventors: Megan Anderson, Peilin Chen, Brian Fowler, Robert C. Jones, Fiona Kaper, Ronald Lebofsky, Andrew May
  • Publication number: 20220088560
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a “looping amplification” method to increase the specificity of nucleic acid amplification. This increased specificity facilitates multiplexing to a much higher degree than was previously possible.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2021
    Publication date: March 24, 2022
    Applicant: Fluidigm Corporation
    Inventor: Peilin Chen
  • Publication number: 20220017953
    Abstract: Described herein are methods, kits and systems for sample enrichment, multi-step library preparation, sample normalization, detection of sample biomolecules and combinations thereof. Enrichment and multi-step library preparation is described in the context of microfluidic workflows. Sample barcoding methods and kits are described for increasing sample throughput while reducing background in negative samples. Integrated microfluidic devices comprising sample processing unit cells coupled to an array of reaction sites are provided for integrated workflows.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2021
    Publication date: January 20, 2022
    Applicant: Fluidigm Corporation
    Inventors: Michael L. Phelan, Christopher J. Kubu, Brian Fowler, Gang Sun, Nikita Patel, Naveen Ramalingam
  • Publication number: 20210324446
    Abstract: In certain embodiments, the present invention provides amplification methods in which nucleotide tag(s) and, optionally, a barcode nucleotide sequence are added to target nucleotide sequences. In other embodiments, the present invention provides a microfluidic device that includes a plurality of first input lines and a plurality of second input lines. The microfluidic device also includes a plurality of sets of first chambers and a plurality of sets of second chambers. Each set of first chambers is in fluid communication with one of the plurality of first input lines. Each set of second chambers is in fluid communication with one of the plurality of second input lines. The microfluidic device further includes a plurality of first pump elements in fluid communication with a first portion of the plurality of second input lines and a plurality of second pump elements in fluid communication with a second portion of the plurality of second input lines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2021
    Publication date: October 21, 2021
    Applicant: Fluidigm Corporation
    Inventors: Andrew May, Peilin Chen, Jun Wang, Fiona Kaper, Megan Anderson
  • Publication number: 20210268508
    Abstract: Described herein are methods, kits and systems for sample enrichment, multi-step library preparation, sample normalization, detection of sample biomolecules and combinations thereof. Enrichment and multi-step library preparation is described in the context of microfluidic workflows. Sample barcoding methods and kits are described for increasing sample throughput while reducing background in negative samples. Integrated microfluidic devices comprising sample processing unit cells coupled to an array of reaction sites are provided for integrated workflows.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2021
    Publication date: September 2, 2021
    Applicant: Fluidigm Corporation
    Inventors: Michael L. Phelan, Christopher J. Kubu, Brian Fowler, Gang Sun, Nikita Patel, Naveen Ramalingam
  • Publication number: 20210254044
    Abstract: This invention relates to methods for capturing and encoding nucleic acid from a plurality of single cells. A plurality of solid supports is randomly placed into a plurality of compartments, such that the average number of solid supports per compartment, ?1, is less than 1, wherein each solid support carries (a) a unique identification sequence and (b) a capture moiety. A plurality of single cells is randomly placing into the plurality of compartments, such that the average number of cells per compartment, ?2, is less than 1. These random placement steps may be performed in any order. Nucleic acid is then released from each single cell and captured via the capture moiety, such that nucleic acid from each single cell is tagged with a unique identification sequence.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2020
    Publication date: August 19, 2021
    Applicant: Fluidigm Corporation
    Inventors: Sten Linnarsson, Gioele Le Manno, Amit Zeisel
  • Publication number: 20200264205
    Abstract: Methods for cell analysis are provided, comprising cell capturing, characterization, transport, and culture. In an exemplary method individual cells (and/or cellular units) are flowed into a microfluidic channel, the channel is partitioned into a plurality of contiguous segments, capturing at least one cell in at least one segment. A characteristic of one or more captured cells is determined and the cell(s) and combinations of cells are transported to specified cell holding chamber(s) based on the determined characteristic(s). Also provided are devices and systems for cell analysis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2020
    Publication date: August 20, 2020
    Applicant: Fluidigm Corporation
    Inventors: Jason A. A. West, Brian Fowler
  • Publication number: 20200240895
    Abstract: An analytical instrument has a sample introduction system for generating a stream of particles from a sample. An ionization system atomizes and ionizes particles in the stream as they are received. The instrument has an ion pretreatment system and a mass analyzer. The ion pretreatment system is adapted to transport ions generated by the ionization system to the mass analyzer. The mass analyzer is adapted measure the amount of at least one element in individual particles from the stream by performing mass analysis on the ions from the atomized particles. The instrument can be adapted to measure the amount of many different tags, for example at least five different tags, at the same time to facilitate multi-parametric analysis of cells and other particles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2020
    Publication date: July 30, 2020
    Applicant: Fluidigm Corporation
    Inventors: Dmitry R. Bandura, Vladimir I. Baranov, Scott D. Tanner
  • Patent number: 10501786
    Abstract: Described herein are methods useful for incorporating one or more adaptors and/or nucleotide tag(s) and/or barcode nucleotide sequence(s) one, or typically more, target nucleotide sequences. In particular embodiments, nucleic acid fragments having adaptors, e.g., suitable for use in high-throughput DNA sequencing are generated. In other embodiments, information about a reaction mixture is encoded into a reaction product. Also described herein are methods and kits useful for amplifying one or more target nucleic acids in preparation for applications such as bidirectional nucleic acid sequencing. In particular embodiments, methods of the invention entail additionally carrying out bidirectional DNA sequencing. Also described herein are methods for encoding and detecting and/or quantifying alleles by primer extension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: Fluidigm Corporation
    Inventors: Megan Anderson, Peilin Chen, Brian Fowler, Robert C. Jones, Fiona Kaper, Ronald Lebofsky, Andrew May
  • Publication number: 20190195771
    Abstract: An analytical instrument has a sample introduction system for generating a stream of particles from a sample. An ionization system atomizes and ionizes particles in the stream as they are received. The instrument has an ion pretreatment system and a mass analyzer. The ion pretreatment system is adapted to transport ions generated by the ionization system to the mass analyzer. The mass analyzer is adapted measure the amount of at least one element in individual particles from the stream by performing mass analysis on the ions from the atomized particles. The instrument can be adapted to measure the amount of many different tags, for example at least five different tags, at the same time to facilitate multi-parametric analysis of cells and other particles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2018
    Publication date: June 27, 2019
    Applicant: Fluidigm Corporation
    Inventors: Dmitry R. Bandura, Vladimir I. Baranov, Scott D. Tanner
  • Publication number: 20190185929
    Abstract: Described herein are cell-based analytic methods, including a method of incorporating nucleic acid sequences into reaction products from a cell population, wherein the nucleic acid sequences are incorporated into the reaction products of each cell individually or in small groups of cells individually. Also described herein is a matrix-type microfluidic device that permits at least two reagents to be delivered separately to each cell or group of cells, as well as primer combinations useful in the method and device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2018
    Publication date: June 20, 2019
    Applicant: Fluidigm Corporation
    Inventors: Carolyn G. Conant, Tze Howe Charn, Jason A. A. West, Xiaohui Wang
  • Patent number: 10322411
    Abstract: A microfluidic system includes a substrate, a set of input ports coupled to the substrate, and a set of output ports coupled to the substrate. The microfluidic system also includes a microfluidic processing system coupled to the substrate and including a plurality of processing sites. The microfluidic processing system is coupled to the set of input ports and the set of output ports. The microfluidic system further includes one or more microfluidic logic devices coupled to the substrate and operable to control at least a portion of the microfluidic processing system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Assignee: Fluidigm Corporation
    Inventors: Naga Gopi Devaraju, Marc A. Unger
  • Patent number: 10226770
    Abstract: A thermal cycler for a microfluidic device includes a controller operable to provide a series of electrical signals, a heat sink, and a heating element in thermal communication with the heat sink and operable to receive the series of electrical signals from the controller. The thermal cycler also includes a thermal chuck in thermal communication with the heating element. The thermal chuck comprises a heating surface operable to make thermal contact with the microfluidic device. The heating surface is characterized by a temperature ramp rate between 2.5 degrees Celsius per second and 5.5 degrees Celsius per second and a temperature difference between a first portion of the heating surface supporting a first portion of the microfluidic device and a second portion of the heating surface supporting a second portion of the microfluidic device is less than 0.25° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2019
    Assignee: Fluidigm Corporation
    Inventors: Jake Kimball, Brandon Ripley, Gang Sun, Dominique Toppani, Myo Thu Maung
  • Patent number: 10227624
    Abstract: The present invention provides reagents, kits, and methods for single-cell whole genome amplification using Phi 29 DNA polymerase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2019
    Assignee: Fluidigm Corporation
    Inventors: Peilin Chen, Jing Wang, Andrew May
  • Patent number: 10214773
    Abstract: Methods, reagents, and kits for detection and analysis of nucleic acids are provided. The methods can be used in conjunction with a proximity extension assay for protein detection to provide a multiplex assay to detect both nucleic acids (e.g., RNA) and proteins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2019
    Assignee: Fluidigm Corporation
    Inventor: Robert C. Jones
  • Patent number: 10180386
    Abstract: A method for cellular analysis of cellular particles tagged with elemental tags, such as lanthanide-based elemental tags. Particles or element tags associated with particles can be vaporized, atomized, and ionized, such as with an inductively coupled plasma device or a glow discharge device. The vaporized, atomized, and ionized particles or element tags can be analyzed using mass spectrometry, such as using a time of flight mass spectrometer or a magnetic sector mass spectrometer. The amount of at least one element in individual particles can be measured through mass analysis. The amount of many different tags, for example at least five different tags, can be measured at the same time to facilitate multi-parametric analysis of cells and other particles. The vaporized, atomized, and ionized particles or element tags can be pretreated in an ion pretreatment system to filter out low mass ions, such as using a high-pass mass filter or a bandpass mass filter, to allow the elemental tags to pass therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2019
    Assignee: Fluidigm Corporation
    Inventors: Dmitry R. Bandura, Vladimir I. Baranov, Scott D. Tanner
  • Patent number: 10131934
    Abstract: A method for carrying out nucleic acid amplification reactions using a microfluidic device is described. Amplification primers and other amplification reagents are deposited at a plurality of reaction sites in the device, a sample solution containing amplifiable polynucleotides is introduced into the reaction sites, and amplification is carried out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: Fluidigm Corporation
    Inventors: Marc Unger, Ian D. Manger, Michael Lucero, Yong Yi, Emily Miyashita-Lin, Anja Wienecke, Geoffrey Facer