Abstract: An illumination apparatus for configuration with spectro-fluorometer system includes at least one light emitting diode (LED), a collimator, and a light guide. The at least one LED may be configured to emit light including a first beam-width angle. The collimator is optically coupled to the at least one LED. The collimator is configured to collimate the light emitted from the at least one LED to form a collimated light beam including a second beam-width angle and a first cross-sectional illumination intensity profile. The second beam-width angle may be less than the first beam-width angle. The light guide may be configured to alter a cross-sectional area of the collimated light beam and output a substantially homogenized light beam including a second cross-sectional illumination intensity profile with greater uniformity than the first cross-sectional illumination intensity profile.

Abstract: The present teachings relate to methods, systems, and apparatus for low cost label-free assay detection. The present teachings, in a variety of embodiments, employ opposing forces to detect signals which depend on the number of charges on and/or the size of a particle. The particle, which can be subjected to opposing forces, can have specific capture probes at its surface. As analytes of interest are captured by the particle, the number of charges on the particle surface and/or the size of the particle is changed. A particle parameter or kinematic property such as the position, velocity, acceleration or force of/on the particle can be measured, and results obtained relating, for example, to the present, absence, quantity, and such, of one or more analytes of interest. Various embodiments are described for efficient, high throughput assays of samples potentially including one or more analytes of interest, such as bioanalytes.

Abstract: The present teachings relate to systems, methods, and the like, for analyzing biological polymers, by use of opposing forces. Among other things, the present teachings can be used to determine sequence information, such as in genetic sequencing and genotyping applications. Various embodiments are described for efficient, high throughput sequencing of nucleic-acid molecules, such as DNA. Various embodiments are described wherein nucleic-acid sequence information is determined without the need or use of extrinsic labels. As well various embodiments of methods, systems, and the like, are described, which can provide long and accurate read lengths for low-cost nucleic acid sequencing.

Abstract: Methods for highly parallel Sanger sequencing are discussed. In particular, provided herein are methods using particles to clonally amplify templates and to introduce the amplified nucleic acids into many parallel channels with a single template per channel. Once in the channels, the nucleic acids are separated by size using electrophoresis to produce long read length sequencing information. Methods involving optical detection of the size-separated nucleic acids and analysis of the resulting electropherograms to yield the sequences are disclosed.

Abstract: Methods are provided for detecting low copy nucleic acids of interest in a sample. In one method, a sample comprising a nucleic acid of interest is aliquotted into a plurality of reaction mixtures, at least two of which are single-copy reaction mixtures. The reaction mixtures are subjected to one or more amplification reactions while flowing through a channel of a microfluidic device. At least one of the reaction mixtures is formulated in an aqueous phase of an emulsion comprising aqueous droplets suspended in an immiscible liquid. The nucleic acid of interest is present as a single copy in at least one aqueous droplet of the aqueous phase prior to performing the amplification reaction(s). Amplification is performed on the reaction mixture when it is formulated in the emulsion. The nucleic acid is continuously flowed during a plurality of steps of the method.

Abstract: Methods and systems for performing single molecule amplification for detection, quantification and statistical analysis of nucleic acids are provided. Methods and systems are provided for determining and quantifying lengths of nucleic acids of interest.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel microfluidic devices and methods for preventing/ameliorating formation of precipitate blockages in microfluidic devices. In particular, the devices and methods of the invention utilize microchannels of specific cross-sectional configuration and of specific arrangement as well as application of AC current orthogonal to the direction of fluid flow, in order to prevent/ameliorate formation of precipitate blockages in microfluidic devices.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel microfluidic devices and methods for preventing/ameliorating formation of precipitate blockages in microfluidic devices. In particular, the devices and methods of the invention utilize microchannels of specific cross-sectional configuration and of specific arrangement as well as application of AC current orthogonal to the direction of fluid flow, in order to prevent/ameliorate formation of precipitate blockages in microfluidic devices.

Abstract: An automated, two-dimensional gel electrophoresis technique includes methods and apparatuses for performing a functionally equivalent, automated two-dimensional gel electrophoresis process in an integrated, robotic apparatus.

Abstract: Improved microfluidic devices, systems, and methods allow selective transportation of fluids within microfluidic channels of a microfluidic network by applying, controlling, and varying pressures at a plurality of reservoirs. Modeling the microfluidic network as a series of nodes connected together by channel segments and determining the flow resistance characteristics of the channel segments may allow calculation of fluid flows through the channel segments resulting from a given pressure configuration at the reservoirs. To effect a desired flow within a particular channel or series of channels, reservoir pressures may be identified using the network model. Viscometers or other flow sensors may measure flow characteristics within the channels, and the measured flow characteristics can be used to calculate pressures to generate a desired flow. Multi-reservoir pressure modulator and pressure controller systems can optionally be used in conjunction with electrokinetic or other fluid transport mechanisms.

Abstract: Methods and systems for use in separating sample materials into different fractions employing pressure-based fluid flow for simultaneous loading of a sample and a reagent into a sample loading channel of a microfluidic device. The sample is loaded from an external source through an attached external sampling capillary. The reagent, which may be a molecular weight standard, a diluent, a detergent, or a labeling reagent, is loaded from a reservoir integral to the microfluidic device via a reagent introduction channel within the device. The sample and reagent form a mixture in the sample loading channel. A portion of the mixture is electrokinetically injected from the sample loading channel, via an injection channel, into a separation channel, where it is separated electrophoretically.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel microfluidic devices and methods for performing pulsed field mobility shift assays in microfluidic devices. In particular the devices and methods of the invention utilize differences between electrophoretic mobilities (e.g., as between reactants and products, especially in non-fluorogenic reactions) in order to separate the species and thus analyze the reaction.

Abstract: Nucleotides and nucleotide analogs are used in various sequencing by incorporation/sequencing by synthesis methods. Nucleotide analogs comprising 3?-blocking groups are used to provide reversible chain-termination for sequencing by synthesis. Typical blocking groups include phosphate groups and carbamate groups. Fluorescent nucleotides are used to perform sequencing by synthesis with detection by incorporation of the fluorescently labeled nucleotide, optionally followed by photobleaching and intercalating dyes are used to detect addition of a non-labeled nucleotide in sequencing by synthesis with detection by intercalation. Microfluidic devices, including particle arrays, are used in the sequencing methods.

Abstract: Methods and devices for delivering fluids into microfluidic device body structures are described. The methods and devices include the use of fluid manifolds that are integrated or interchangeable with device body structures. Methods of fabricating manifolds are also provided.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention comprise microfluidic devices, instrumentation interfacing with those devices, processes for fabricating that device, and methods of employing that device to perform PCR amplification. Embodiments of the invention are also compatible with quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (“qPCR”) processes. Microfluidic devices in accordance with the invention may contain a plurality of parallel processing channels. Fully independent reactions can take place in each of the plurality of parallel processing channels. The availability of independent processing channels allows a microfluidic device in accordance with the invention to be used in a number of ways. For example, separate samples could be processed in each of the independent processing channels. Alternatively, different loci on a single sample could be processed in multiple processing channels.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and apparatuses that allow a protein sample to undergo reduction, alkylation, and digestion in a continuous flow process carried out within a microfluidic device. Methods and apparatuses in accordance with the invention can be employed as part of an automated proteomics analysis carried out in an integrated proteomics system.

Abstract: A microfluidic system and method for employing it to control fluid temperatures of fluids residing within microchannels of a microfluidic device. The microfluidic device is provided with a top layer and a bottom layer and microchannels configured therebetween. Temperature of the fluid within the microchannels is controlled in various ways including the use of electrical resistive heating elements and by providing zones located in contact with the top and bottom layers of the microfluidic device for circulating heat transfer of fluid therein.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel microfluidic devices and methods for controlling/manipulating fluidic materials in microfluidic devices. In particular, the devices and methods of the invention create and utilize differences between dispersion rates and/or average velocity of fluidic materials in order to manipulate fluidic materials.

Abstract: Flow rates in a microfluidic device are modulated after performing serial dilutions by flow reduction channels that draw fluid from the main channel, thus reducing the flow rate. The reduction in flow rate and/or use of smaller dimension channels allow reduced reagent consumption. In addition, multiple flow reduction channels are used for multiple concentration measurements and for performing multiple assays simultaneously on a single sample. Also included are microfluidic devices and integrated systems for performing assays using serial dilutions, single pressure sources, multiple concentration measurements, and reduced reagent consumption. Devices comprising flow reduction channels are also used to suppress pressure perturbations from spontaneous injection.

Abstract: Analytical systems and methods that use a modular interface structure for providing an interface between a sample substrate and an analytical unit, where the analytical unit typically has a particular interface arrangement for implementing various analytical and control functions. Using a number of variants for each module of the modular interface structure advantageously provides cost effective and efficient ways to perform numerous tests using a particular substrate or class of substrates with a particular analytical and control systems interface arrangement. Improved optical illumination and detection system for simultaneously analyzing reactions or conditions in multiple parallel microchannels are also provided.