Abstract: The invention features devices for fragmenting polymers or particles in a sample using a centrifuge. In its simplest embodiment, the device includes a body and a valve. The valve, to one side of which a sample is applied, is designed to remain closed until a specified centrifugal force is reached or exceeded. Once open, the valve allows the passage of the sample through a channel in the body. The channel includes one to four fragmenting regions, and the polymers or particles are fragmented as they traverse the fragmenting regions under an applied centrifugal force. The invention further features methods of fragmenting polymers using a device of the invention.

Abstract: Apparatus, devices, and methods for shearing nucleic acids are provided. In one exemplary embodiment the device is a disposable nucleic acid shearing cartridge. The cartridge includes two reservoirs, an orifice structure disposed therebetween, and a fluid driver. The reservoirs are in fluid communication with each other by way of the orifice structure, and the fluid driver cycles a sample between the two reservoirs. By passing a sample from one reservoir to the next, through the orifice structure, an orifice located in the orifice structure can shear the sample to a desired length. The sheared sample can then be used, for example, in a sequencing device. Apparatuses for cycling samples in the cartridge, and methods and kits for shearing nucleic acids, are also disclosed.