Abstract: The stable and precise incorporation of multiple fluorescent dyes into hydrogel microparticles. The multiple fluorescent dyes, excited with the same source, have distinct fluorescence emission spectra to enable identification of the microparticles. The fluorescent molecules are directly polymerized into the hydrogel matrix or stably incorporated through molecular entanglement. By changing the molar ratios of the fluorescent dyes, different and identifiable microparticles can be synthesized.

Abstract: An improved device and method for passive mixing of fluids is described, and the use of the device in clinical diagnostic procedures. The mixer provides thorough mixing of a sample of blood or other fluid with an assay material, such as a diluent or a component of an assay system, in a closed system with a low and limited pressure drop. Sample size is small, typically 5 to 300 microliters. Mixing is accomplished by a combination of rotational vortex mixing due to a fluid stream coming tangent to a drain, and either or both of a second vortex mixer of opposite handedness, and a Dean mixer. Combinations of these techniques reliably provide complete mixing at low pressure drop. In a preferred usage, the microfluidic system can run a diluent continuously and inject samples at intervals, to facilitate automatic data processing of optical or other signatures of the well-mixed stream.

Abstract: An integrated fluidics module that reduces mass and volume so that it can readily fit inside a compact biomedical instrument. A fluidics module that integrates discrete components (e.g., pump, connectors, tubing, regulator, and valves) reduces mass and volume requirements.

Abstract: Multiplexing microparticles by measurement of particle length and dye. Utilization of length-based measurements in combination with dye concentrations to attain multiplexing for bioassays.

Abstract: Synthesis of monodisperse PEG-based microparticles with stable coupling chemistries. Biomolecules are conjugated to monodisperse PEG microparticles using non-amine chemistries, such as sulfhydryl groups, azide, or alkyne-based chemistries.

Abstract: A sample consumable that carries a microvolume of sample to a sample loader. The consumable is precisely aligned utilizing a double-alignment feature to the loader. The loader is based on a crank-slider geometry and allows for simple, one-handed operation for the user. Overall, the consumable and sample loader increase reproducibility of in-line sample loading and offers ease-of-use.

Abstract: An integrated optical block that is highly portable and compact, designed to measure cells and particles.

Abstract: Methods and products for analyzing polymers are provided. The methods include methods for determining various other structural properties of the polymers.

Abstract: A system for collection and delivery of sub-milliliter liquid samples is described that provides a dramatic simplification for the measurement of clinical values. The system produces high dilutions of capillary size samples, such as bodily fluids or blood, by a factor of 1000 or more. Multiple assays can be conducted on a sample of 0.1 cc or less. A small lancet can create a drop of blood on a fingertip or other location, which can be collected into a self-priming capillary blood collector. The sample is then loaded into a consumable loader. Then a fluid, such as saline, is flowed into the consumable loader, and passes through the capillary collector, washing out the fluid. Downstream, the blood in the capillary is reliably diluted by mixing with appropriate reagents to allow analysis of selected blood properties. One or more individual bubbles can be inserted into the stream during loading. The capillary loading system can be used for one or several assays on a single blood sample.

Abstract: An improved device and method for passive mixing of fluids is described, and the use of the device in clinical diagnostic procedures. The mixer provides thorough mixing of a sample of blood or other fluid with an assay material, such as a diluent or a component of an assay system, in a closed system with a low and limited pressure drop. Sample size is small, typically 5 to 300 microliters. Mixing is accomplished by a combination of rotational vortex mixing due to a fluid stream coming tangent to a drain, and either or both of a second vortex mixer of opposite handedness, and a Dean mixer. Combinations of these techniques reliably provide complete mixing at low pressure drop. In a preferred usage, the microfluidic system can run a diluent continuously and inject samples at intervals, to facilitate automatic data processing of optical or other signatures of the well-mixed stream.

Abstract: The present invention provides structures and methods that allow polymers of any length, including nucleic acids containing entire genomes, to be stretched into a long, linear conformation for further analysis. The present invention also provides structures and methods for selecting and stretching polymers based on their lengths. Polymers are loaded into a device and run through the structures. Stretching is achieved by, e.g., applying shear forces as the polymer passes through the structures, placing obstacles in the path of the polymer, or a combination thereof. Since multiple molecules may be stretched in succession, extremely high throughput screening, e.g., screening of more than one molecule per second, is achieved.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and systems for improved spatial resolution of signal detection, particularly as applied to the analysis of polymers such as biological polymers. Some of the methods and systems comprise differentially tagging polymers in order to increase resolution. Some of the methods and systems comprise techniques for improving the precision of separation distance measurements, without necessarily requiring improvements in the known detection resolution of prior art systems.

Abstract: Methods and products for analyzing polymers are provided. The methods include methods for determining various other structural properties of the polymers.

Abstract: Values of clinical properties are normally measured by taking a sample from a patient, mixing an aliquot with a reagent, placing the mixture into a selected instrument, and measuring a property. If another property is required, another measurement sequence must be created. This can be efficient on a large scale, for example in a centralized laboratory, but is inefficient on a small scale. It is shown that by using measurement systems based on manipulation of flowing streams, clinical assays can be performed by a hand held device. This flow based system allows complex assays to be performed in remote locations with automated portable instruments that can be flexible enough to conduct a wide variety of assays.

Abstract: Analytical nanostrips for clinical analysis are improved by using multifunctional coding (“multicoding”) to allow simultaneous identification of the particular assay, the value of the assayed analyte, and a calibration of the analyte. The multicoding layout on the nanostrip minimizes the number of zones that are required for a given assay. Moreover, the nanostrip can be scanned in real time during flow of the nanostrip through a detection beam. This both simplifies the assay and allows for alternative means of coding.

Abstract: Methods and products for analyzing polymers are provided. The methods include methods for determining various other structural properties of the polymers.

Abstract: Methods and products for analyzing polymers are provided. The methods include methods for determining various other structural properties of the polymers.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for analyzing and characterizing single polymers such as nucleic acid molecules. In preferred embodiments, the single molecules are analyzed using single molecule detection and analysis systems.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for analyzing and characterizing single polymers such as nucleic acid molecules. In preferred embodiments, the single molecules are analyzed using single molecule detection and analysis systems.