Abstract: Methods for the detection of components from biological samples are provided. In certain aspects, the methods may be used to detect and/or quantify specific components in a biological sample, such as tumor cells (e.g., circulating tumor cells). Systems and devices for practicing the subject methods are also provided.

Abstract: Microfluidic methods for barcoding nucleic acid target molecules to be analyzed, e.g., via nucleic acid sequencing techniques, are provided. Also provided are microfluidic, droplet-based methods of preparing nucleic acid barcodes for use in various barcoding applications. The methods described herein facilitate high-throughput sequencing of nucleic acid target molecules as well as single cell and single virus genomic, transcriptomic, and/or proteomic analysis/profiling. Systems and devices for practicing the subject methods are also provided.

Abstract: The methods described herein, referred to as PCR-Activated Sorting (PAS), allow nucleic acids contained in biological systems to be sorted based on their sequence as detected with nucleic acid amplification techniques, e.g., PCR. The nucleic acids can be free floating or contained within living or nonliving structures, including particles, viruses, and cells. The nucleic acids can include, e.g., DNA or RNA. Systems and devices for use in practicing methods of the invention are also provided.

Abstract: The methods described herein, referred to as PCR-Activated Sorting (PAS), allow nucleic acids contained in biological systems to be sorted based on their sequence as detected with nucleic acid amplification techniques, e.g., PCR. The nucleic acids can be free floating or contained within living or nonliving structures, including particles, viruses, and cells. The nucleic acids can include, e.g., DNA or RNA. Systems and devices for use in practicing methods of the invention are also provided.

Abstract: The methods described herein, referred to as PCR-Activated Sorting (PAS), allow nucleic acids contained in biological systems to be sorted based on their sequence as detected with nucleic acid amplification techniques, e.g., PCR. The nucleic acids can be free floating or contained within living or nonliving structures, including particles, viruses, and cells. The nucleic acids can include, e.g., DNA or RNA. Systems and devices for use in practicing methods of the invention are also provided.

Abstract: Methods for the detection of components from biological samples are provided. In certain aspects, the methods may be used to detect and/or quantify specific components in a biological sample, such as tumor cells (e.g., circulating tumor cells). Systems and devices for practicing the subject methods are also provided.

Abstract: Methods for the detection of components from biological samples are provided. In certain aspects, the methods may be used to detect and/or quantify specific components in a biological sample, such as tumor cells (e.g., circulating tumor cells). Systems and devices for practicing the subject methods are also provided.

Abstract: Microfluidic methods for barcoding nucleic acid target molecules to be analyzed, e.g., via nucleic acid sequencing techniques, are provided. Also provided are microfluidic, droplet-based methods of preparing nucleic acid barcodes for use in various barcoding applications. The methods described herein facilitate high-throughput sequencing of nucleic acid target molecules as well as single cell and single virus genomic, transcriptomic, and/or proteomic analysis/profiling. Systems and devices for practicing the subject methods are also provided.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to methods and compositions for evaluating emulsion uniformity. In an exemplary embodiment, the disclosure provides a method for evaluating a quality characteristic of a droplet. The method includes the steps of: encapsulating a plurality of polynucleotides in a droplet, wherein the plurality of polynucleotides comprises at least one species of oligonucleotide; tagging the polynucleotides with a label that identifies the polynucleotides as arising from the droplet; counting a number of species of oligonucleotide tagged with the label; and determining a quality characteristic of the droplet based on the number of species of oligonucleotide tagged with the label. The oligonucleotide may include a first nucleic acid segment and a second nucleic acid segment, wherein the first nucleic acid segment comprises a plurality of random nucleotides; and the second nucleic acid segment comprises a conserved region common to the plurality of oligonucleotides.

Abstract: Methods for delivering discrete entities including, e.g., cells, media or reagents to substrates are provided. In certain aspects, the methods include manipulating and/or analyzing qualities of the entities or biological components thereof. In some embodiments, the methods may be used to create arrays of microenvironments and/or for two and three-dimensional printing of tissues or structures. Systems and devices for practicing the subject methods are also provided.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments generally relate to a method and system to synthesize a target molecule within a droplet. In an exemplary embodiment, a first microfluidic device configured to contact a polynucleotide-containing component from a sample with lysis reagents to form a first droplet. The lysis reagents include an enzyme having protease activity. The first droplet is encapsulated with an immiscible carrier fluid. A collection reservoir is provided to receive and incubate the first droplet for a first duration of time. The first duration of time is sufficient to inactivate the enzyme of the lysis reagent. A second microfluidic device is provided to receive the first droplet and add nucleic acid synthesis reagent to thereby form a second nucleic acid synthesis droplet in the immiscible carrier fluid. Finally, a reaction chamber is provided to synthesize the target polynucleotide within the second nucleic acid synthesis droplet.

Abstract: The methods described herein, referred to as PCR-Activated Sorting (PAS), allow nucleic acids contained in biological systems to be sorted based on their sequence as detected with nucleic acid amplification techniques, e.g., PCR. The nucleic acids can be free floating or contained within living or nonliving structures, including particles, viruses, and cells. The nucleic acids can include, e.g., DNA or RNA. Systems and devices for use in practicing methods of the invention are also provided.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments relate to method, system and apparatus for synthesizing a target polynucleotide within a droplet. In an exemplary embodiment, the disclosure provides a method of synthesizing a target polynucleotide. The method includes the steps of: contacting a polynucleotide-containing component from a sample with lysis reagents in a droplet, the lysis reagents comprising an enzyme having protease activity, wherein the droplet is encapsulated with an immiscible carrier fluid; moving the droplet into a collection reservoir; incubating the droplet in the collection reservoir for a first duration and then inactivating the enzyme having protease activity; adding to the droplet a nucleic acid synthesis reagent to form a nucleic acid synthesis droplet in the immiscible carrier fluid to form a nucleic acid droplet; and synthesizing the target polynucleotide within the nucleic acid synthesis droplet.

Abstract: The methods described herein, referred to as PCR-Activated Sorting (PAS), allow nucleic acids contained in biological systems to be sorted based on their sequence as detected with nucleic acid amplification techniques, e.g., PCR. The nucleic acids can be free floating or contained within living or nonliving structures, including particles, viruses, and cells. The nucleic acids can include, e.g., DNA or RNA. Systems and devices for use in practicing methods of the invention are also provided.

Abstract: Methods for delivering discrete entities including, e.g., cells, media or reagents to substrates are provided. In certain aspects, the methods include manipulating and/or analyzing qualities of the entities or biological components thereof. In some embodiments, the methods may be used to create arrays of microenvironments and/or for two and three-dimensional printing of tissues or structures. Systems and devices for practicing the subject methods are also provided.

Abstract: Methods for the detection of components from biological samples are provided. In certain aspects, the methods may be used to detect and/or quantify specific components in a biological sample, such as tumor cells (e.g., circulating tumor cells). Systems and devices for practicing the subject methods are also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and compositions for the emulsification of solid supports in deformable gel beads. The methods and compositions provided herein may be used in microfluidic systems and devices. In some aspects of the disclosure, deformable gel beads containing solid supports may be paired with single cell entities. The methods and compositions provided herein may be suitable for single cell analysis, including, but not limited to, labeling single cells or components thereof for downstream analysis.

Abstract: Methods for delivering discrete entities including, e.g., cells, media or reagents to substrates are provided. In certain aspects, the methods include manipulating and/or analyzing qualities of the entities or biological components thereof. In some embodiments, the methods may be used to create arrays of microenvironments and/or for two and three-dimensional printing of tissues or structures. Systems and devices for practicing the subject methods are also provided.

Abstract: Methods for the detection of components from biological samples are provided. In certain aspects, the methods may be used to detect and/or quantify specific components in a biological sample, such as tumor cells (e.g., circulating tumor cells). Systems and devices for practicing the subject methods are also provided.

Abstract: Methods for the detection of components from biological samples are provided. In certain aspects, the methods may be used to detect and/or quantify specific components in a biological sample, such as tumor cells (e.g., circulating tumor cells). Systems and devices for practicing the subject methods are also provided.