Abstract: Particles of interest such as DNA, RNA may be detected in trace quantities by subjecting the particles to concentration by scodaphoresis, detecting a signal indicative of the presence of the particles in a scodaphoresis focus spot and performing phase-sensitive detection on the signal using a reference signal tied to the scodaphoresis fields. Specificity may be enhanced by using a medium having high affinity for the particles and/or markers having specific affinity for the target particles. In some embodiments a fluorescence signal is detected and subjected to phase-sensitive analysis. The signal may be detected by a camera or other imaging system.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for separating, concentrating and/or detecting molecules based on differences in binding affinity to a probe are provided. The molecules may be differentially modified. The molecules may be differentially methylated nucleic acids. The methods can be used in fields such as epigenetics or oncology to selectively concentrate or detect the presence of specific biomolecules or differentially modified biomolecules, to provide diagnostics for disorders such as fetal genetic disorders, to detect biomarkers in cancer, organ failure, disease states, infection or the like.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for separating, concentrating and/or detecting molecules based on differences in binding affinity to a probe are provided. The molecules may be differentially modified. The molecules may be differentially methylated nucleic acids. The methods can be used in fields such as epigenetics or oncology to selectively concentrate or detect the presence of specific biomolecules or differentially modified biomolecules, to provide diagnostics for disorders such as fetal genetic disorders, to detect biomarkers in cancer, organ failure, disease states, infection or the like.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for separating, concentrating and/or detecting particles are disclosed. The particles are enriched within a separation medium by binding to an immobilized affinity agent. Contaminants and/or undesired particles are washed off the separation medium. The affinity agent is mobilized or the interaction between the particles and the immobilized affinity agent is disrupted. SCODA fields are applied within the medium to separate, concentrate and/or detect a target particle.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for separating, concentrating and/or detecting molecules based on differences in binding affinity to a probe are provided. The molecules may be differentially modified. The molecules may be differentially methylated nucleic acids. The methods can be used in fields such as epigenetics or oncology to selectively concentrate or detect the presence of specific biomolecules or differentially modified biomolecules, to provide diagnostics for disorders such as fetal genetic disorders, to detect biomarkers in cancer, organ failure, disease states, infection or the like.

Abstract: Particles of interest such as DNA, RNA may be detected in trace quantities by subjecting the particles to concentration by scodaphoresis, detecting a signal indicative of the presence of the particles in a scodaphoresis focus spot and performing phase-sensitive detection on the signal using a reference signal tied to the scodaphoresis fields. Specificity may be enhanced by using a medium having high affinity for the particles and/or markers having specific affinity for the target particles. In some embodiments a fluorescence signal is detected and subjected to phase-sensitive analysis. The signal may be detected by a camera or other imaging system.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for concentrating particles may be applied, for example, to concentrating DNA, RNA, proteins and the like. Proteins may be pre-treated to facilitate concentration by scodaphoresis. The pre-treatment may comprise, for example, heating or chemical treatment to denature and/or apply a net charge to the protein, binding handle particles to the protein and combinations thereof. High-conductivity samples may be subjected to a conductivity-reduction step to facilitate electrical injection of target particles into scodaphoresis media. The conductivity-reduction step may comprise a buffer exchange process or a salt extraction process, for example. Methods and apparatus can allow two or more different types of target particles to be extracted from the same sample and separately concentrated. These various aspects may be applied individually or in any combination.

Abstract: Apparatus for dispensing droplets of reagent onto samples includes a probe tip to which droplets of reagent can adhere. The apparatus advances the probe tip toward a sample until a droplet of reagent touches the sample and is pulled off from the probe tip. A sensor detects that the droplet has been pulled off from the probe tip and halts the advance of the probe tip before the probe tip touches the sample. Such apparatus may be used to automatically dispense small volumes of reagent onto fragile samples.

Abstract: Apparatus for dispensing droplets of reagent onto samples includes a probe tip to which droplets of reagent can adhere. The apparatus advances the probe tip toward a sample until a droplet of reagent touches the sample and is pulled off from the probe tip. A sensor detects that the droplet has been pulled off from the probe tip and halts the advance of the probe tip before the probe tip touches the sample. Such apparatus may be used to automatically dispense small volumes of reagent onto fragile samples.