Abstract: In the invention described here, the conventional need for feedback control is eliminated by a passive, open-loop approach using a novel microfluidic droplet generator with a step enhancement. The invented droplet generator yields uniform droplet volumes over a wide range of operating pressures, delivering robust performance at a very low cost. The invention also describes a method of droplet generation whereby the step enhancement improves the performance of any squeeze-mode or dripping-mode droplet generator, including but not limited to bridge-mode and flow-focusing configurations. The performance of the invention is sufficiently stable that it can be operated manually yet still deliver best-in-class microfluidic performance. Thus, not only does the invention greatly simplify and reduce the cost of operation in the laboratory, it opens the possibility of performing precision biology out in the field and off of the electrical grid.

Abstract: Compositions for detecting, diagnosing and prognosing cancer in individuals having or suspected of having cancer are provided. Said compositions are used to enrich a nucleic acid target comprising a locus of genetic variation, e.g., single nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs) and variable mutations, such as small insertions, deletions, and replacements (“indels”) within a sample for ease and improved detection. In addition, kits are provided for measuring levels or the presence of SNPs and indels associated with cancer for detecting, diagnosing and prognosing cancer. Furthermore, methods are provided for detecting, diagnosing and prognosing cancer in individuals having or suspected of having cancer comprising determining the enrichment levels and/or presence or absence of the SNPs and indels in a subject.

Abstract: In the invention described here, the conventional need for feedback control is eliminated by a passive, open-loop approach using a novel microfluidic droplet generator with a step enhancement. The invented droplet generator yields uniform droplet volumes over a wide range of operating pressures, delivering robust performance at a very low cost. The invention also describes a method of droplet generation whereby the step enhancement improves the performance of any squeeze-mode or dripping-mode droplet generator, including but not limited to bridge-mode and flow-focusing configurations. The performance of the invention is sufficiently stable that it can be operated manually yet still deliver best-in-class microfluidic performance. Thus, not only does the invention greatly simplify and reduce the cost of operation in the laboratory, it opens the possibility of performing precision biology out in the field and off of the electrical grid.

Abstract: Techniques are provided for generating, manipulating, and measuring fluidic droplets in mixed phase systems based on establishing transient continuities between otherwise spatially separated phases. In certain methods of the invention, electrodes in contact with the continuous phases allow electrical monitoring of continuity or proximity of separated phases as a means to characterize droplets. In other methods of the invention, fluidic continuity provides a means for generating droplets, injecting or extracting the contents of droplets, and sorting droplets. Chemical techniques are also provided that use these droplet-based methods, or others, to quantify and identify nucleic acids through incorporation into hydrogel particles. The nucleic acids are entrapped either actively by chemical incorporation during gel polymerization or passively by chain entanglement.

Abstract: Techniques are provided for generating, manipulating, and measuring fluidic droplets in mixed phase systems based on establishing transient continuities between otherwise spatially separated phases. In certain methods of the invention, electrodes in contact with the continuous phases allow electrical monitoring of continuity or proximity of separated phases as a means to characterize droplets. In other methods of the invention, fluidic continuity provides a means for generating droplets, injecting or extracting the contents of droplets, and sorting droplets. Chemical techniques are also provided that use these droplet-based methods, or others, to quantify and identify nucleic acids through incorporation into hydrogel particles. The nucleic acids are entrapped either actively by chemical incorporation during gel polymerization or passively by chain entanglement.

Abstract: A method of controlling the concentration of a sample flowing through a microchannel is provided. The method includes flowing a sample carrier fluid from a sample carrier channel and into an upstream portion of a microchannel such that the sample carrier fluid flows from the upstream portion and toward a downstream portion of the microchannel, and flowing a sheathing fluid from a sheathing fluid channel and into the upstream portion of the microchannel such that the sheathing fluid flows from the upstream portion and toward the downstream portion of the microchannel, and generally parallel to the sample carrier fluid. The method further includes detecting a concentration of a sample in the sample carrier fluid in the downstream portion of the microchannel, and adjusting a flow rate of at least one of the sample carrier fluid and the sheathing fluid based upon the detected concentration of the sample.

Abstract: A system for transferring and/or concentrating a sample is provided. The system includes a chamber with a membrane brave positioned within the chamber. An electrode assembly is configured to create an electric field across the membrane to move a charged sample through the chamber such that the sample collects and may concentrate on the membrane. The system may include a plurality of membranes. The system may also include a plurality of microchannels outwardly extending from the channel, where the membrane extends along the plurality of microchannels. Aspects of the invention are also directed to a pipette which may be used to transfer and concentrate a sample on a membrane. Certain embodiments are directed to methods and systems for concentrating a nucleic acid sample.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and systems for detecting and or analyzing an agent in a sample with a chip having optical components incorporated therein.