Abstract: In various aspects, microscope systems are described, comprising or corresponding to optical microscopes, such as for example a transillumination microscope or a fluorescence microscope. The microscope systems may be used independently or configured with or integrated into another device or system, such as an imaging mass spectrometer or imaging mass cytometer. In various embodiments of this aspect, the microscope system is used to obtain one or more images of a sample, such as at a variety of different light collection wavelengths and/or for a variety of different illumination conditions. The microscope systems can employ various optical components and configurations allowing for high throughput imaging, such as components for imaging the sample at suitable resolutions with a wide field of view and/or for spatially separating different detection channel wavelengths from light output (e.g., transmitted or emitted light) from the sample.

Abstract: Methods for preparing a microfluidic device for operation are presented. In some embodiments, an interface network is pressurized via a liquid to purge at least a portion of a gas present in the interface network while another portion of the gas remains trapped in at least one region of the interface network and is perfused at least partially into sample chambers. The sample chambers can be pressurized via a liquid to purge at least a portion of a gas present in the sample chambers while another portion of the gas remains trapped in at least one region of the sample chambers and is perfused at least partially into assay chambers. The assay chambers can be pressurized via a liquid to purge at least a portion of a gas present in the assay chambers into a containment network, which can be pressurized for at least partially purging the containment network.

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.

Abstract: A microfluidic device includes an input source characterized by a source pressure, an input channel in fluid communication with the input source, and an output channel. The microfluidic device also includes a normally closed valve having a closed state and an open state. The normally closed valve is disposed between the input channel and the output channel. The microfluidic device further includes one or more release chambers coupled to a pressure source. Activation of the pressure source deforms the one or more release chambers, placing the normally closed valve in the open state.

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.

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.