Abstract: The invention relates to an improved method for characterising a template polynucleotide. The method involves using a polymerase to prepare a modified polynucleotide which makes it easier to characterise that the template polynucleotide.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for selecting and recovering products, including providing an emulsion (6) comprising a plurality of drops (4) contained in a carrier fluid (10), each drop comprising an internal fluid (8), measuring at least one physical parameter for several drops (4) of the emulsion (6), classifying at least some of the drops (4) of the emulsion in a class based on measurements obtained during measuring, tagging at least some of the classified drops (4) based on the class of the drop (4), and selectively recovering the drop (4) or part of the drop (4) using the tag of the drop or part of the drop (4).

Abstract: Some examples herein provide methods for determining a sequence of a nucleic acid template hybridized to a complementary strand. A polymerase coupled to a magnetically-responsive sensor may capture the nucleic acid template hybridized to the complementary strand. The polymerase and the captured nucleic acid template hybridized to the complementary strand may be contacted with a first fluid comprising a nucleotide. The polymerase may incorporate the nucleotide into the complementary strand based on the sequence of the nucleic acid template. The polymerase and the captured nucleic acid template hybridized to the complementary strand, including the incorporated nucleotide, may be contacted with a second fluid comprising a magnetic particle. The incorporated nucleotide may capture the magnetic particle from the second fluid. The captured magnetic particle may cause a change in electrical resistance at the magnetically-responsive sensor.

Abstract: This disclosure provides methods, systems, and compositions of matter for studying solvent accessibility and three-dimensional structure of biological molecules. A plasma can be used to generate marker radicals, which can interact with a biological molecule and mark the solvent-accessible portions of the biological molecule.

Abstract: Provided is a portable isothermal amplification device for amplifying a nucleic acid using an isothermal amplification method, the device comprising: a tube insertion part into which a PCR tube is to be inserted, which is provided in an upper portion of the portable isothermal amplification device; a cover for covering the tube insertion part; a storage space for accommodating a heating device and a storage space cover for blocking the storage space from an outside, which is provided in a lower portion of the portable isothermal amplification device; and a heat insulator for blocking heat from the outside and a heat-sensing sticker capable of measuring a temperature of heat generated by the heating device, which is provided inside the storage space.

Abstract: A biochemical analysis system analyses polymers by taking measurements of a polymer from a sensor element comprising a nanopore during translocation of the polymer through the nanopore. When a polymer has partially translocated, the series of measurements is analysed using reference data derived from a reference sequence to provide a measure of similarity. Responsive to the measure of similarity, the sensor element may be selectively operated to eject the polymer and thereby make the nanopore available to receive a further polymer. Where the biochemical analysis system comprises an array of sensor elements and is takes measurements from sensor elements selected in a multiplexed manner, responsive to the measure of similarity, the biochemical analysis system ceases taking measurements from the currently selected sensor element and to starts taking measurements from a newly selected sensor element.

Abstract: A biochemical analysis system analyses polymers by taking measurements of a polymer from a sensor element comprising a nanopore during translocation of the polymer through the nanopore. When a polymer has partially translocated, the series of measurements is analysed using reference data derived from a reference sequence to provide a measure of similarity. Responsive to the measure of similarity, the sensor element may be selectively operated to eject the polymer and thereby make the nanopore available to receive a further polymer. Where the biochemical analysis system comprises an array of sensor elements and is takes measurements from sensor elements selected in a multiplexed manner, responsive to the measure of similarity, the biochemical analysis system ceases taking measurements from the currently selected sensor element and to starts taking measurements from a newly selected sensor element.

Abstract: Methods of determining methylation of DNA are provided that include filtering a biological sample comprising a nucleic acid with a first matrix material to purify the DNA; eluting and denaturing the DNA to produce eluted denatured DNA; heating the DNA in the presence of bisulfite ions to produce deaminated nucleic acid; optionally contacting said deaminated nucleic acid with a second matrix material; desulphonating and eluting the bound deaminated nucleic acid; and performing methylation specific PCR, nucleic acid sequencing, and/or high resolution melting analysis (HRM) on said bisulfite-converted nucleic acid to determine the methylation of said nucleic acid, wherein multiple steps may be performed in a single reaction cartridge.

Abstract: Integrated devices including substrates with sample wells having modified surfaces are provided. An integrated device includes a substrate with a sample well having a metal oxide surface and a silica surface, a coating layer on the metal oxide surface formed by an amphipathic reagent attached to a polymeric compound, an antifouling overlay on the coating layer formed by a block copolymer, and a functionalizing agent bound to the silica surface.

Abstract: Comparison of common sequencing reads from sequencing based on partition-based barcoding can be used to improve sequencing results. Increased loading of barcodes per partition can also improve sequencing results.

Abstract: Method includes positioning a first carrier assembly on a system stage. The carrier assembly includes a support frame having an inner frame edge that defines a window of the support frame. The first carrier assembly includes a first substrate that is positioned within the window and surrounded by the inner frame edge. The first substrate has a sample thereon. The method includes detecting optical signals from the sample of the first substrate. The method also includes replacing the first carrier assembly on the system stage with a second carrier assembly on the system stage. The second carrier assembly includes the support frame and an adapter plate held by the support frame. The second carrier assembly has a second substrate held by the adapter plate that has a sample thereon. The method also includes detecting optical signals from the sample of the second substrate.

Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a method for controlling a base sequence determination, a base sequence determination system, and a control device. The base sequence determination system includes a fluid device and an optical device, a reaction device includes a first component and a second component, and a repeated executable unit included in the base sequence determination is defined as: a second biochemical reaction—a first biochemical reaction—photographing. The method includes, after initiation steps are completed, using the fluid device to perform the second biochemical reaction and the first biochemical reaction of the sample on the first component, while using the optical device to photograph the sample on the second component. The initial steps include: a. using the fluid device to perform the first biochemical reaction of the sample on the first component, b. using the optical device to photograph the sample on the first component after the first biochemical reaction, and c.

Abstract: Methods of characterizing an analyte using a nanopore. One aspect features methods for characterizing a double-stranded polynucleotide using a nanopore, e.g., without using a hairpin connecting a template and a complement of the double-stranded polynucleotide. Another aspect features methods for characterizing an analyte using a tag-modified nanopore with increased sensitivity and/or higher throughput. Compositions and systems including, e.g., adaptors for attachment to double-stranded polynucleotides and tag-modified nanopores, which can be used in the methods are also provided.

Abstract: Devices for detecting at least one target molecule in a sample are provided. The devices comprise a field-effect transistor and an aptamer attached to the field-effect transistor. The aptamer comprises a capture region and a stem region, wherein the target molecule can selectively bind to the capture region of the aptamer. The stem region can change a conformation of the aptamer when the capture region binds to the target molecule. Techniques for detecting a target molecule using such devices are also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a new method of characterizing a target polynucleotide. The method uses a pore and a Hel308 helicase or amolecular motor which is capable of binding to the target polynucleotide at an internal nucleotide. The helicase or molecular motor controls the movement of the target polynucleotide through the pore.

Abstract: Provided herein is a system comprising: a) spatial sampler system configured to collect and transmit one or a plurality of cells or nuclei from a tissue specimen, the system comprising: i) a lower carrier having an array of conduits passing therethrough, each conduit comprising an opening on a first side and communicating with an opening on a second side, wherein the opening on the second side either (1) terminates in a capillary or (2) opens onto a well of a multiwell plate; ii) positioned, above the lower carrier, a perforated specimen holder configured to support a frozen tissue specimen, wherein the specimen holder comprises a plurality of perforations having a size sufficient to permit the passage of single cells or nuclei; and iii) positioned, above the specimen holder, a multifunctional head comprising an upper array of upper conduits, optionally, each aligned with a conduit opening of the lower carrier.

Abstract: The present invention features the use of cavity acoustic transducers (CATs) to apply mechanical stimuli on cells. CATs utilize the generated acoustic microstreaming vortices to trap cells and apply tunable shear on them. The present invention may use such a portable, automated, and high throughput device for cell transfection.

Abstract: A biomolecule analysis method may include preparing a reaction container comprising an array of a plurality of micropores in which a wash buffer is filled or preparing the reaction container and feeding the wash buffer into the reaction container including the array of the plurality of micropores. The method may include feeding a reaction reagent to detect a sample, into the plurality of micropores, the sample including a biomolecule. The method may include feeding a sealing solution to seal the plurality of micropores so that the plurality of micropores become a plurality of independent reaction chambers sealed from each other. The method may include causing an isothermal detection reaction in each of the plurality of the independent reaction containers. The method may include detecting a signal amplified by the isothermal detection reaction.

Abstract: The present application relates to detection units and methods for detecting one or more target analytes in a sample using a complex formed by a target and first and second probes, wherein the first probe is coupled to a detectable piece, the target is coupled to the first probe and the second probe, and the second probe is coupled to a solid support. Specific binding of the detectable piece to the target analyte can be distinguished from non-specific binding of the detectable piece by measuring the number of detectable pieces that leave their initial location after exposure to a disruptor that uncouples the detectable piece from the solid support.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods and compositions for improved sequencing techniques using, for example, polymeric particles and/or three-dimensional structures.