Abstract: The present invention provides an analyte detection system for detecting a target analyte in a sample. In particular, the invention provides a detection system capable of one-step amplification of the detection signal by incorporating a secondary flow path that can deliver reagents to a reaction zone. Methods of using the detection system to detect analytes in samples, particularly biological samples, and kits comprising the detection system are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus and system are provided for simultaneously analyzing a plurality of analytes anchored to microparticles. Microparticles each having a uniform population of a single kind of analyte attached are disposed as a substantially immobilized planar array inside of a flow chamber where steps of an analytical process are carried out by delivering a sequence of processing reagents to the microparticles by a fluidic system under microprocessor control. In response to such process steps, an optical signal is generated at the surface of each microparticle which is characteristic of the interaction between the analyte carried by the microparticle and the delivered processing reagent. The plurality of analytes are simultaneously analyzed by collecting and recording images of the optical signals generated by all the microparticles in the planar array.

Abstract: A device for the detection of micro particles that can be marked by probes or antibodies capable of being detected by radiation has a filter, a supply system, and a detection system. Fluid to be examined is passed over a filter to filter out the micro particles and to perform the marking steps by supplying corresponding marking substances to the filter.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for direct detection of chemical reactions are provided. In a preferred embodiment, electric charge perturbations of the local environment during enzyme-catalyzed reactions are sensed by an electrode system with an immobilized target molecule. The target molecule is preferably DNA. The charge perturbation caused by the polymerase reaction can uniquely identify a DNA sequence. The polymerization process generates local perturbations of charge in the solution near the electrode surface and induces a charge in a polarazible gold electrode. This event is detected as a transient current by a voltage clamp amplifier. Detection of single nucleotides in a sequence can be determined by dispensing individual dNTPs to the electrode solution and detecting the charge perturbations. Alternatively, multiple bases can be determined at the same time using a mix of all dNTPs with subsequent analysis of the resulting signal.

Abstract: A self-addressable, self-assembling microelectronic device is designed and fabricated to actively carry out and control multi-step and multiplex molecular biological reactions in microscopic formats. These reactions include nucleic acid hybridization, antibody/antigen reaction, diagnostics, and biopolymer synthesis. The device can be fabricated using both microlithographic and micro-machining techniques. The device can electronically control the transport and attachment of specific binding entities to specific micro-locations. The specific binding entities include molecular biological molecules such as nucleic acids and polypeptides. The device can subsequently control the transport and reaction of analytes or reactants at the addressed specific micro-locations. The device is able to concentrate analytes and reactants, remove non-specifically bound molecules, provide stringency control for DNA hybridization reactions, and improve the detection of analytes. The device can be electronically replicated.

Abstract: Methods and processing reagents for improving washing and aging a biological sample in an assay are disclosed. The processing reagents comprise an aqueous base reagent and a low vapor pressure composition in sufficient amount to raise the boiling point of the base reagent. The methods comprise applying the base reagent and low vapor pressure composition to the biological sample for use at an elevated temperature.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems, devices, and methods for performing biological reactions. In particular, the present invention relates to the use of lipophilic, water immiscible, or hydrophobic barriers in sample separation, purification, modification, and analysis processes.

Abstract: An automated real-time flow-through system capable of processing multiple samples in an asynchronous, simultaneous, and parallel fashion for nucleic acid extraction and purification, followed by assay assembly, genetic amplification, multiplex detection, analysis, and decontamination. The system is able to hold and access an unlimited number of fluorescent reagents that may be used to screen samples for the presence of specific sequences. The apparatus works by associating extracted and purified sample with a series of reagent plugs that have been formed in a flow channel and delivered to a flow-through real-time amplification detector that has a multiplicity of optical windows, to which the sample-reagent plugs are placed in an operative position. The diagnostic apparatus includes sample multi-position valves, a master sample multi-position valve, a master reagent multi-position valve, reagent multi-position valves, and an optical amplification/detection system.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to the field of microarray chips and uses thereof. In particular, the invention provides a microarray reaction device that can be used in assaying the interaction between various moieties, e.g., nucleic acids, immunoreactions involving proteins, interactions between a protein and a nucleic acid, a ligand-receptor interaction, and small molecule and protein or nucleic acid interactions, etc. Articles of manufacture and kits comprising the microarray reaction device and assaying methods using the microarray reaction device are also provided.

Abstract: A biochemical reaction cassette is designed to uniformize the flow of liquid in the reaction chamber by using a simple additional arrangement. A member for reducing the cross sectional area of the flow channel that includes an injection port, a reaction chamber and a discharge port is arranged in the flow channel and a buffer room is provided.

Abstract: In a molecular analysis system, there is provided a structure including a nanopore and first and second fluidic reservoirs. The two reservoirs are fluidically connected via the nanopore. A detector is connected to detect molecular species translocation of the nanopore, from one of the two fluidic reservoirs to the other of the two fluidic reservoirs. A controller is connected to generate a control signal to produce conditions at the nanopore to induce the molecular species to re-translocate the nanopore at least once after translocating the nanopore. This enables a method for molecular analysis in which a molecular species is translocated a plurality of times through a nanopore in a structure between two fluidic reservoirs separated by the structure.

Abstract: It is an object of the preset invention to provide an activity measurement molecule necessary for measuring biological reactions or changes in in vivo conditions, and a method for measuring activity using the above activity measurement molecule. It is intended to provide an activity measurement molecule used for simultaneously analyzing multiple biological reactions and/or changes in in vivo conditions, which is characterized in that one or more fluorescent molecule-labeled and/or —unlabeled biomolecules used as targets of the biological reactions or changes in in vivo conditions bind onto a quantum dot, and a method for simultaneously analyzing multiple biological reactions and/or changes in in vivo conditions using the above activity measurement molecule.

Abstract: The invention relates to a microtiter plate and use thereof for conducting fermentation under fed-batch conditions. In order to produce a microtiter plate which permits screening under fed-batch conditions, the invention proposes that the cavities (2) of the microtiter plate according to the invention be filled with a culturing fluid and nutrient solution and be designed in such a way that each of the cavities (2) of the microtiter plate which is filled with nutrient solution is connected by a channel (4) to at least one other further cavity (3) of the microtiter plate which is filled with a culturing fluid. A diffusion barrier (13) arranged in the material permeable channel (4) controls the kinetics of the material transfer of nutrients from the cavity containing the nutrient solution to the cavities containing the culturing fluid.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to fluid processing and, in particular aspects, processing fluids for detection, selection, trapping and/or sorting of particulate moieties. Sheath flow devices described allow isolation of target species from fluid samples while avoiding non-specific binding of unwanted species to the surfaces of the separation device. Biological fluid processing, detection, sorting or selection of cells, proteins, and nucleic acids is described. The invention finds particular use in diagnostic settings, analyzing a patient's medical condition, monitoring and/or adjusting a therapeutic regimen and producing cell based products.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems and methods for use in analyzing discrete reactions at ultra high multiplex with reduced optical noise, and increased system flexibility. Apparatus include substrates having integrated optical components that increase multiplex capability by one or more of increasing density of reaction regions, improving transmission of light to or collection of light from discrete reactions regions. Integrated optical components include reflective optical elements which re-direct illumination light and light emitted from the discrete regions to more efficiently collect emitted light. Particularly preferred applications include single molecule reaction analysis, such as polymerase mediated template dependent nucleic acid synthesis and sequence determination.

Abstract: A method is provided for detecting, measuring or controlling particles and/or electromagnetic radiation, comprising providing a deformable material containing a deformable aperture defining a path for particles or radiation, adjusting the deformable aperture to a prescribed geometry and/or size by deforming the deformable material to change at least one of the parameters of the path defined by the deformable aperture, and causing the particle or radiation to be detected, measured or controlled to enter the deformable aperture. The method includes the step of monitoring the geometry and/or size of the deformable aperture and controlling the adjustment of the size of the deformable aperture in response to such monitoring. The required apparatus is easily fabricated from inexpensive materials.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of analysing molecular targets contained in a complex mixture, comprising the following steps consisting in: a) bringing the mixture of molecular targets to be analysed into contact with an array of different types of primary probes, whereby each type of primary probe forming the array can bind specifically to a type of target selected from among the molecular targets, under conditions that enable specific binding between the molecular targets and the primary probes; b) optionally eliminating the primary probes that are not bound specifically to a molecular target; c) separating the molecular targets and the primary probes which are bound specifically in a probe/target complex, such as to recover the array of primary probes representing a fingerprint of the molecular targets to be analysed; and d) quantitatively analysing the primary probes eluted in step c.

Abstract: The present invention comprises systems and devices for sequencing of nucleic acid, such as short DNA sequences from clonally amplified single-molecule arrays.

Abstract: Methods and devices for isolating nucleic acids from a mixture containing such nucleic acids and extraneous matter are provided. In one embodiment, the method of the invention comprises passing the mixture through a glass frit under conditions effective to separate the nucleic acids from the extraneous matter. In a more specific embodiment, the glass frit is a sintered glass frit.

Abstract: Methods and devices for isolating nucleic acids from a mixture containing such nucleic acids and extraneous matter are provided. In one embodiment, the method of the invention comprises passing the mixture through a glass frit under conditions effective to separate the nucleic acids from the extraneous matter. In a more specific embodiment, the glass frit is a sintered glass fit.