Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure include a buffer pack for dispensing buffer for sample preparation using a sample preparation cartridge. Also provided are a sealing plate configured for holding the buffer pack and a cap for actuating the buffer pack in the sample preparation cartridge. Aspects of the present disclosure include a sample preparation cartridge that includes the buffer pack and the sealing plate. Aspects of the present disclosure also include a sample preparation cartridge that includes the buffer pack, the sealing plate, and the cap. Methods for filling the buffer pack, assembling a cartridge for use in sample preparation, and using the cartridge for preparing a sample also provided.

Abstract: The methods for sample preparation disclosed herein utilize an air phase to reduce aqueous phase associated with magnetic particles bound to nucleic acids to decrease carryover of one or more contaminants, such as, cell debris, chaotropic agents, non-specifically attached molecules, and the like. This air-transfer step is improved by using a combination of a first population of magnetic particles and a second population of magnetic particles, where the first population of magnetic particles is capable of associating with nucleic acids, and the magnetic particles in the second population are at least two-times larger in size than the size of the magnetic particles in the first population. As discussed herein, the use of this second population of magnetic particles improves the transfer of the first population of magnetic particles by reducing loss of the first magnetic particles during the transfer. The sample preparation methods may be semi-automated or completely automated.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure include a system for transporting a liquid from a chamber into one or more collection containers. The system may be semi-automatic or fully automatic. The system may be embodied in a sample preparation device, such as a cylindrical cartridge. The system includes a plunger chamber that creates negative pressure to fill the one or more collection containers. The plunger chamber is armed using a pivotable locking arm and a trigger coupled to the arm. Methods of using the system for transporting a liquid from a chamber into one or more collection containers is also provided.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure include sample preparation cartridges including a cylindrical structure and one or more covers. The cylindrical structure further includes a top, a bottom, an annular wall, a plurality of cavities in the annular wall that form a plurality of open-sided chambers on the annular wall and one or more interconnections providing fluidic communication between the plurality of chambers. The one or more covers cover the open side of the plurality of chambers. Also provided is a cylinder housing comprising one or more magnets. The sample preparation cartridge is removably disposed into the cylinder housing or adjacent to the cylinder housing. Methods of using the sample preparation device are also provided.

Abstract: The disclosure provides elongated nanostructures useful for biological imaging and measurement. More particularly the disclosure provides nanoworms having an increased bioavailability compared to nanospheres.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for tracking or monitoring uptake of siRNA by mammalian cells are provided. The methods and compositions may be used to monitoring the silencing activity of the internalized siRNA. The compositions contain an siRNA, an optically or magnetically detectable nanoparticle such as a quantum dot and, optionally, a transfection reagent. Cells are contacted with an siRNA and an optically or magnetically detectable nanoparticle, optionally in the presence of a transfection reagent. Detection of internalized nanoparticles is indicative of siRNA uptake. The invention allows analysis, identification, processing, etc., of cells that have efficiently taken up siRNA. In one embodiment, cells are sorted into at least two populations based on the amount of siRNA taken up.

Abstract: The present invention uses externally applied electromagnetic stimulus to control and heat porous magnetic particles and material associated with the particles. The particles contain magnetic material, such as superparamagnetic iron oxide and are associated with a material. Application of a DC magnetic field allows them to be moved with their associated material, and application of an AC RF electromagnetic field allows them to be heated with their associated material. The material can be associated with the particles by being contained in the pores of the particles, or in other cases the particles can adhere to the associated material, which can be an aqueous droplet. The present invention also provides a multi-layer porous magnetic particle. The particle includes a host layer having pores sized to accept magnetic nanoparticles. Magnetic nanoparticles are infused within pores of the host layer An encoding layer includes pores that define a spectral code.

Abstract: The present invention provides particle conjugates for drug delivery. Such conjugates comprise one or more heatable surfaces, one or more thermally-responsive linkers, and one or more agents to be delivered. In some embodiments, conjugates and populations of conjugates can be used to treat and/or diagnose a disease, disorder, and/or condition. The present invention provides methods for producing and/or using thermally-responsive conjugates.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems, methods, and compositions for targeted delivery of nanoparticles and/or agents to tissues, cells, and/or subcellular locales. In general, compositions comprise a nanoparticle (e.g. quantum dot, polymeric particle, etc.), at least one modulating entity (such as a targeting moiety, transfection reagent, protective entity, etc.), and at least one agent to be delivered (e.g. therapeutic, prophylactic, and/or diagnostic agent). The present invention provides methods of making and using nanoparticle entities in accordance with the present invention.