Abstract: Embodiments in accordance with the present disclosure are directed to methods and apparatuses used for evaluating a protein in a sample using proteolysis and translocation. An example method includes isolating a single protein from a sample in a chamber having at least a first well and a second well separated from the first well by a membrane with a nanopore, the nanopore providing fluidic communication between the first and second wells. The single protein is cleaved into a plurality of peptide fragments via exposure to a protease in the first well, and translocated through the nanopore by applying an electric potential to the nanopore in the chamber after cleavage of the single protein by the protease. The method further includes detecting events indicative of the translocations of the plurality of peptide fragments through the nanopore and to the second well.

Abstract: Embodiments in accordance with the present disclosure are directed to apparatuses used for reaction screening and optimization purposes. An example apparatus includes a plurality of reaction vessels, a dispensing subsystem, at least one reactor module, an analysis subsystem, an automation subsystem, and control circuitry. The dispensing subsystem delivers reagents to the plurality of reaction vessels for a plurality of reaction mixtures having varied reaction conditions. The at least one reactor module drives a plurality of reactions within the plurality of reaction vessels. The analysis subsystem analyzes compositions contained in the plurality of reaction vessels. The automation subsystem selectively moves the plurality of reaction vessels from a location proximal to the dispensing subsystem to the at least one reactor module based on experimental design parameters. And, the control circuitry identifies optimum reaction conditions for a target end product based on the analysis.

Abstract: Embodiments in accordance with the present disclosure are directed to apparatuses used for reaction screening and optimization purposes. An example apparatus includes a plurality of reaction vessels, a dispensing subsystem, at least one reactor module, an analysis subsystem, an automation subsystem, and control circuitry. The dispensing subsystem delivers reagents to the plurality of reaction vessels for a plurality of reaction mixtures having varied reaction conditions. The at least one reactor module drives a plurality of reactions within the plurality of reaction vessels. The analysis subsystem analyzes compositions contained in the plurality of reaction vessels. The automation subsystem selectively moves the plurality of reaction vessels from a location proximal to the dispensing subsystem to the at least one reactor module based on experimental design parameters. And, the control circuitry identifies optimum reaction conditions for a target end product based on the analysis.

Abstract: Embodiments in accordance with the present disclosure are directed to methods and apparatuses used for evaluating a protein in a sample using proteolysis and translocation. An example method includes isolating a single protein from a sample in a chamber having at least a first well and a second well separated from the first well by a membrane with a nanopore, the nanopore providing fluidic communication between the first and second wells. The single protein is cleaved into a plurality of peptide fragments via exposure to a protease in the first well, and translocated through the nanopore by applying an electric potential to the nanopore in the chamber after cleavage of the single protein by the protease. The method further includes detecting events indicative of the translocations of the plurality of peptide fragments through the nanopore and to the second well.

Abstract: Embodiments in accordance with the present disclosure are directed to apparatuses used for reaction screening and optimization purposes. An example apparatus includes a plurality of reaction vessels, a dispensing subsystem, at least one reactor module, an analysis subsystem, an automation subsystem, and control circuitry. The dispensing subsystem delivers reagents to the plurality of reaction vessels for a plurality of reaction mixtures having varied reaction conditions. The at least one reactor module drives a plurality of reactions within the plurality of reaction vessels. The analysis subsystem analyzes compositions contained in the plurality of reaction vessels. The automation subsystem selectively moves the plurality of reaction vessels from a location proximal to the dispensing subsystem to the at least one reactor module based on experimental design parameters. And, the control circuitry identifies optimum reaction conditions for a target end product based on the analysis.

Abstract: Methods are provided for depositing a quantity of fluid onto the surface of an array. In the subject methods, a thermal inkjet head loaded with the fluid is positioned in opposing relationship to, e.g. over, the array surface. Actuation of the thermal ink-jet results in the expulsion of a quantity of fluid onto the array surface. The subject methods find particular use in array-based binding assays in which an array of binding agents is employed for the detection of an analyte(s), particularly array-based hybridization assays.