Abstract: Disclosed are microfluidic flow-based devices and methods for enriching cellular samples by physical properties. This includes the use of devices for separating cells and particles based on physical size or mechanical properties in a planar microfluidic format. This improves the value and quality of the DNA sequence data derived from these samples. An exemplary method includes enriching the DNA content from pathogenic or other microorganisms in a biological sample by removing the more prevalent and unwanted DNA from cells of the host organism.

Abstract: Methods for extracting mtDNA include flowing a sample containing a cell into a microfluidic channel of a microfluidic device, capturing the cell on an array of microfeatures disposed within the microfluidic channel, lysing the captured cell and collecting lysate from the microfluidic device, sequencing nucleic acid from the lysate to obtain sequence data, and analyzing the sequence data to identify mtDNA sequences from the cell.

Abstract: Disclosed are microfluidic flow-based devices for extracting fragments of genomic DNA in a selected size range from a cell or cell nucleus. The devices include a microfluidic channel and an array of micropillars disposed within the microfluidic channel in a defined configuration. Also disclosed are systems including such devices and a fluid control module. Additionally disclosed are methods of selecting parameters for extracting fragments of genomic DNA having a desired size metric from a cell or cell nucleus, as well as methods of isolating fragments of genomic DNA having a selected size metric from a cell or cell nucleus.