Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods and systems for sample processing and analyzing when the total quantity of input sample is low or when a target of interest is present as a relatively minor or rare population within the overall sample. The disclosure particularly relates to analyzing nucleic acid samples, including samples where a target nucleic acid of interest is present as a relatively low proportion of the overall nucleic acids.

Abstract: System, including apparatus and methods, for performing droplet-based assays. The system may comprise a droplet transporter configured to pick up droplets from each emulsion of an array of reacted emulsions and to drive flow of the droplets through a detection region. The system also may comprise a detector configured to collect data related to one or more analytes from individual droplets of the reacted emulsions as such individual droplets travel through the detection region. The system further may comprise a controller programmed to determine, based on the data collected, an aspect of the one or more analytes in one or more samples included in droplets of the emulsions.

Abstract: System, including method and apparatus, for performing droplet-based assays. In the method, an emulsion may be obtained that includes droplets packed closely together in a three-dimensional packing arrangement. Data related to an analyte may be collected from individual droplets of the reacted emulsion as such droplets travel serially through a detection region.

Abstract: Systems, including apparatus, methods, compositions, kits, and software, for preparing, reacting, detecting, and/or analyzing samples in droplet-based assay systems, among others. The disclosure emphasizes, but is not limited to, a disposable cartridge with lysis chamber and droplet chamber, particularly for use in droplet-based assays.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods and systems for sample processing and analyzing when the total quantity of input sample is low or when a target of interest is present as a relatively minor or rare population within the overall sample. The disclosure particularly relates to analyzing nucleic acid samples, including samples where a target nucleic acid of interest is present as a relatively low proportion of the overall nucleic acids.

Abstract: System, including apparatus and methods, for forming an array of emulsions. The system may comprise a plate including an array of emulsion production units. Each unit may include at least one first input well, a second input well, and an output well connected to the first and second input wells by channels that form a droplet generator. The system also may comprise a vacuum or pressure source configured to be connected operatively to wells of the plate to form a pressure drop between the input wells and the output well of each unit that is capable of driving a first fluid and a second fluid from respective first and second input wells of such unit and through the droplet generator, for collection as an emulsion in the output well of such unit.

Abstract: Systems, including apparatus and methods, for performing assays. These systems may involve separating sample components by partitioning them into droplets or other partitions, amplifying or otherwise reacting the components within the droplets, detecting the amplified components, or characteristics thereof, and/or analyzing the resulting data, among others.

Abstract: A reconfigurable modular microfluidic system for preparation of a biological sample including a series of reconfigurable modules for automated sample preparation adapted to selectively include a) a microfluidic acoustic focusing filter module, b) a dielectrophoresis bacteria filter module, c) a dielectrophoresis virus filter module, d) an isotachophoresis nucleic acid filter module, e) a lyses module, and f) an isotachophoresis-based nucleic acid filter.

Abstract: Systems, including apparatus, methods, compositions, kits, and software, for preparing, reacting, detecting, and/or analyzing samples in droplet-based assay systems, among others. The disclosure emphasizes, but is not limited to, a disposable cartridge with lysis chamber and droplet chamber, particularly for use in droplet-based assays.

Abstract: System, including methods and apparatus, for performing droplet-based tests of nucleic acid amplification that are controlled and/or calibrated using signals detected from droplets.

Abstract: A reconfigurable modular microfluidic system for preparation of a biological sample including a series of reconfigurable modules for automated sample preparation adapted to selectively include a) a microfluidic acoustic focusing filter module, b) a dielectrophoresis bacteria filter module, c) a dielectrophoresis virus filter module, d) an isotachophoresis nucleic acid filter module, e) a lyses module, and f) an isotachophoresis-based nucleic acid filter.

Abstract: System, including apparatus and methods, for forming an array of emulsions. The system may comprise a plate including an array of emulsion production units. Each unit may include at least one first input well, a second input well, and an output well connected to the first and second input wells by channels that form a droplet generator. The system also may comprise a vacuum or pressure source configured to be connected operatively to wells of the plate to form a pressure drop between the input wells and the output well of each unit that is capable of driving a first fluid and a second fluid from respective first and second input wells of such unit and through the droplet generator, for collection as an emulsion in the output well of such unit.

Abstract: System, including apparatus and methods, for performing droplet-based assays. The system may comprise a droplet transporter configured to pick up droplets from each emulsion of an array of reacted emulsions and to drive flow of the droplets through a detection region. The system also may comprise a detector configured to collect data related to one or more analytes from individual droplets of the reacted emulsions as such individual droplets travel through the detection region. The system further may comprise a controller programmed to determine, based on the data collected, an aspect of the one or more analytes in one or more samples included in droplets of the emulsions.

Abstract: System, including method and apparatus, for performing droplet-based assays. In the method, an emulsion may be obtained that includes droplets packed closely together in a three-dimensional packing arrangement. Data related to an analyte may be collected from individual droplets of the reacted emulsion as such droplets travel serially through a detection region.

Abstract: A system, including method and apparatus, for forming an array of emulsions. The system may include a plate providing an array of emulsion production units each configured to produce a separate emulsion and each including a set of wells interconnected by channels that intersect to form a site of droplet generation. Each set of wells, in turn, may include (1) at least one first input well to receive a continuous phase, (2) a second input well to receive a dispersed phase, and (3) an output well configured to receive from the site of droplet generation an emulsion of droplets of the dispersed phase disposed in the continuous phase.

Abstract: Systems, including apparatus and methods, for performing assays. These systems may involve separating sample components by partitioning them into droplets or other partitions, amplifying or otherwise reacting the components within the droplets, detecting the amplified components, or characteristics thereof, and/or analyzing the resulting data, among others.