Abstract: Systems and methods relating thereto for detecting target analytes, using hand-held detection devices and compression mechanisms, are described. An exemplar hand-held detection device includes a cartridge inlet and a cartridge stage for securing cartridge containing the sample including the target-analyte. The device further comprises a compression assembly including a pressing surface. In an open state of the compression assembly, the pressing surface is released, displacing away from the cartridge stage, and thereby allowing a cartridge inlet to provide access to an unobstructed loading path for the cartridge to be secured on the cartridge stage. Upon receiving an external pressing force on the pressing surface, the compression assembly is designed to acquire a compressed state, in which the pressing surface displaces towards the cartridge stage and the compression assembly seals off the cartridge present inside the cartridge stage from an environment around the cartridge stage.

Abstract: A cartridge for providing a target analyte for detection is described. One such exemplar cartridge includes a base portion including: (1) a receiving area disposed at or near a center region of the base portion; (2) multiple reaction wells disposed outside the center region or radially disposed at or near a perimeter of the base portion; and (3) multiple connecting tracks that substantially linearly extend from a region at or proximate to the receiving area to the multiple reaction wells and designed to convey a sample including the target analyte from the receiving area to the multiple reaction wells, each of which are configured to transform the sample to a detectable sample. Systems and methods of reacting and detecting the sample including the target analyte are also described.

Abstract: A cartridge for providing a target analyte for detection is described. One such exemplar cartridge includes a base portion including: (1) a receiving area disposed at or near a center region of the base portion; (2) multiple reaction wells disposed outside the center region or radially disposed at or near a perimeter of the base portion; and (3) multiple connecting tracks that substantially linearly extend from a region at or proximate to the receiving area to the multiple reaction wells and designed to convey a sample including the target analyte from the receiving area to the multiple reaction wells, each of which are configured to transform the sample to a detectable sample. Systems and methods of reacting and detecting the sample including the target analyte are also described.

Abstract: A cartridge for providing a target analyte for detection is described. One such exemplar cartridge includes a base portion including: (1) a receiving area disposed at or near a center region of the base portion; (2) multiple reaction wells disposed outside the center region or radially disposed at or near a perimeter of the base portion; and (3) multiple connecting tracks that substantially linearly extend from a region at or proximate to the receiving area to the multiple reaction wells and designed to convey a sample including the target analyte from the receiving area to the multiple reaction wells, each of which are configured to transform the sample to a detectable sample. Systems and methods of reacting and detecting the sample including the target analyte are also described.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for concentrating particles (e.g., bacteria, viruses, cells, and nucleic acids) suspended in a liquid. Electric-field-induced forces urge the particles towards a first electrode immersed in the liquid. When the particles are in close proximity to (e.g., in contact with) the first electrode, the electrode is withdrawn from the liquid and capillary forces formed between the withdrawing electrode and the surface of the liquid immobilize the particles on the electrode. Upon withdrawal of the electrode from the liquid, the portion of the electrode previously immersed in the liquid has particles immobilized on its surface.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for concentrating particles (e.g., bacteria, viruses, cells, and nucleic acids) suspended in a liquid. Electric-field-induced forces urge the particles towards a first electrode immersed in the liquid. When the particles are in close proximity to (e.g., in contact with) the first electrode, the electrode is withdrawn from the liquid and capillary forces formed between the withdrawing electrode and the surface of the liquid immobilize the particles on the electrode. Upon withdrawal of the electrode from the liquid, the portion of the electrode previously immersed in the liquid has particles immobilized on its surface.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for concentrating particles (e.g., bacteria, viruses, cells, and nucleic acids) suspended in a liquid. Electric-field-induced forces urge the particles towards a first electrode immersed in the liquid. When the particles are in close proximity to (e.g., in contact with) the first electrode, the electrode is withdrawn from the liquid and capillary forces formed between the withdrawing electrode and the surface of the liquid immobilize the particles on the electrode. Upon withdrawal of the electrode from the liquid, the portion of the electrode previously immersed in the liquid has particles immobilized on its surface.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for concentrating particles (e.g., bacteria, viruses, cells, and nucleic acids) suspended in a liquid. Electric-field-induced forces urge the particles towards a first electrode immersed in the liquid. When the particles are in close proximity to (e.g., in contact with) the first electrode, the electrode is withdrawn from the liquid and capillary forces formed between the withdrawing electrode and the surface of the liquid immobilize the particles on the electrode. Upon withdrawal of the electrode from the liquid, the portion of the electrode previously immersed in the liquid has particles immobilized on its surface.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for concentrating particles (e.g., bacteria, viruses, cells, and nucleic acids) suspended in a liquid. Electric-field-induced forces urge the particles towards a first electrode immersed in the liquid. When the particles are in close proximity to (e.g., in contact with) the first electrode, the electrode is withdrawn from the liquid and capillary forces formed between the withdrawing electrode and the surface of the liquid immobilize the particles on the electrode. Upon withdrawal of the electrode from the liquid, the portion of the electrode previously immersed in the liquid has particles immobilized on its surface.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for concentrating particles (e.g., bacteria, viruses, cells, and nucleic acids) suspended in a liquid. Electric-field-induced forces urge the particles towards a first electrode immersed in the liquid. When the particles are in close proximity to (e.g., in contact with) the first electrode, the electrode is withdrawn from the liquid and capillary forces formed between the withdrawing electrode and the surface of the liquid immobilize the particles on the electrode. Upon withdrawal of the electrode from the liquid, the portion of the electrode previously immersed in the liquid has particles immobilized on its surface.