Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method for detection of an analyte in a sample, where the sample is introduced into an analytic chamber along with droplets of an emulsion or gel beads. In another aspect, the present disclosure provides designs for formulations of emulsion drops or gel beads such that they are useful for detection of analytes in a massively parallel manner. Formulations that contain specific combinations of fluorescent particles allow optical determination of the identity of each fluorescent particle. The combinations are based on particle fluorescence emission wavelength, fluorescence excitation wavelength, and particle count.

Abstract: The present disclosure in some aspects provides methods for the controlled merging of emulsion droplets, which can be used to assemble useful compositions such as droplets (e.g., stabilized micelles) containing a precise combination of analytes and/or analytical reagents. In some embodiments, disclosed herein is a method, e.g., for detecting the presence/absence, a level or amount, and/or an activity of an analyte in a sample, comprising merging two or more emulsion droplets such that an interaction between an analyte and an analyte-interacting reagent occurs in the merged droplet. The two or more emulsion droplets may be merged using a method for the controlled merging of emulsion droplets disclosed herein.

Abstract: The present disclosure in some aspects provides methods for the controlled merging of emulsion droplets, which can be used to assemble useful compositions such as droplets (e.g., stabilized micelles) containing a precise combination of analytes and/or analytical reagents. In some embodiments, disclosed herein is a method, e.g., for detecting the presence/absence, a level or amount, and/or an activity of an analyte in a sample, comprising merging two or more emulsion droplets such that an interaction between an analyte and an analyte-interacting reagent occurs in the merged droplet. The two or more emulsion droplets may be merged using a method for the controlled merging of emulsion droplets disclosed herein.

Abstract: In one aspect, presence and/or level of an analyte within a sample is determined by use of a construct comprising a magnetic moiety and a fluorescent moiety. In one embodiment, the construct is magnetically migrated to a transparent surface and then dragged along the surface. In one aspect, an evanescent field is applied and changes in the diffusional or rotational properties of the fluorescent moiety as it migrates in and out of the evanescent field are measured by changes in its fluorescent emission, providing a measure of the interaction between the construct and a component of the sample.

Abstract: In one aspect, presence and/or level of an analyte within a sample is determined by use of a construct comprising a magnetic moiety and a fluorescent moiety. In one embodiment, the construct is magnetically migrated to a transparent surface and then dragged along the surface. In one aspect, an evanescent field is applied and changes in the diffusional or rotational properties of the fluorescent moiety as it migrates in and out of the evanescent field are measured by changes in its fluorescent emission, providing a measure of the interaction between the construct and a component of the sample.

Abstract: Methods for the detection of biologically relevant molecules that comprise concentrating such molecules into microscopic holes in a sheet of chemically inert material, restricting the openings, and measuring the electric current through the holes or the fluorescence near the hole openings. The electric current or fluorescence will change as the molecules diffuse out of the holes, providing a measure of the diffusion rate and thereby detecting the presence and characteristics of the molecules. For molecules that interact, the diffusion rate will be slower than for molecules that do not interact, yielding a determination of the molecular interaction. Capping the population of holes and inserting into a mass spectrometer allows identification of the molecules.

Abstract: Methods for the detection of biologically relevant molecules that comprise concentrating such molecules into microscopic holes in a sheet of chemically inert material, restricting the openings, and measuring the electric current through the holes or the fluorescence near the hole openings. The electric current or fluorescence will change as the molecules diffuse out of the holes, providing a measure of the diffusion rate and thereby detecting the presence and characteristics of the molecules. For molecules that interact, the diffusion rate will be slower than for molecules that do not interact, yielding a determination of the molecular interaction. Capping the population of holes and inserting into a mass spectrometer allows identification of the molecules.

Abstract: Methods for the detection of biologically relevant molecules that comprise concentrating such molecules into microscopic holes in a sheet of chemically inert material, restricting the openings, and measuring the electric current through the holes or the fluorescence near the hole openings. The electric current or fluorescence will change as the molecules diffuse out of the holes, providing a measure of the diffusion rate and thereby detecting the presence and characteristics of the molecules. For molecules that interact, the diffusion rate will be slower than for molecules that do not interact, yielding a determination of the molecular interaction. Capping the population of holes and inserting into a mass spectrometer allows identification of the molecules.

Abstract: Methods for the detection of biologically relevant molecules that comprise concentrating such molecules into microscopic holes in a sheet of chemically inert material, restricting the openings, and measuring the electric current through the holes or the fluorescence near the hole openings. The electric current or fluorescence will change as the molecules diffuse out of the holes, providing a measure of the diffusion rate and thereby detecting the presence and characteristics of the molecules. For molecules that interact, the diffusion rate will be slower than for molecules that do not interact, yielding a determination of the molecular interaction. Capping the population of holes and inserting into a mass spectrometer allows identification of the molecules.