Abstract: The disclosure provides methods that improve fidelity of the sequencing-by-synthesis reactions, including methods that reduce impurities and contamination in various reagents, reaction mixtures, and other components of the sequencing systems.

Abstract: Microfluidic Systems, Devices and Methods for Reducing Noise Generated by Mechanical Instabilities. According to one embodiment, a microfluidic device is provided for reducing noise in a fluid mix. The microfluidic device can include microscale channels for passage of fluids to a mixing junction. The mixing channel can be adapted to combine the fluids into a common fluid flow. The microfluidic device can also include a connector channel including first and second ends. The first end of the connector channel can be connected to the mixing junction. The microfluidic device can also include an expansion channel having connection to the second end of the connector channel. The expansion channel can be adapted for passage of the fluid mix through the expansion channel to reduce concentration gradient noise of the fluid mix by dispersion of the fluid mix as the fluid mix passes through the expansion channel.

Abstract: Methods for measuring biochemical reactions and analysis of reaction products by controlling dispersion of reagents within fluid streams such that the measuring of the biochemical reaction is substantially free of a measurable dispersion artifact. Controlling dispersion of reagents within fluid streams can include flowing multiple fluid streams each including reaction reagents into contact through a mixing region to laterally mix the fluid streams and then passing the merged, laterally mixed fluid stream through a controlled dispersion element to axially disperse the reaction reagents merged fluid stream. Controlling dispersion of reagents within fluid streams can include controlling flow rates of multiple fluid streams each including reaction reagents to create a concentration gradient that is substantially free of a measurable dispersion artifact. The biochemical reaction can occur in a microfluidic chip.