Abstract: The present disclosure provides improved methods for isolating asymmetrically-primed and/or asymmetrically-tagged nucleic acid complexes that find use in downstream analytical analyses, including sequence analysis. Compositions comprising such complexes and kits and systems for generating such complexes are also provided.

Abstract: Multi-biotinylated reactants are provided which can be used in divalent complexes for various applications such as colocalization, labeling, immobilization, and purification. Methods for constructing, purifying, and using the bis-biotinylated reactants are also provided. In certain embodiments, two bis-biotinylated reactants are bound to a single streptavidin tetramer to provide a complex having a 1:1 stoichiometry with respect to the bis-biotinylated reactants.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods, compositions, and systems for distributing polymerase compositions into array regions. In particular, the described methods, compositions, and systems utilize density differentials and/or additives to increase efficiency in the distribution of polymerase compositions to a surface as compared to methods utilizing only diffusion control.

Abstract: Methods, compositions, and systems for distributing nucleic acids into array regions are provided. The methods, compositions, and systems utilize nucleic acid condensing agents to increase efficiency of distribution of the nucleic acids into the array regions. Various methods for facilitating distribution of the nucleic acids to the array regions are provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods, compositions, and systems for distributing single polymerase molecules into array regions. In particular, the methods, compositions, and systems of the present invention result in a distribution of single polymerase molecules into array regions at a percentage that is larger than the percentage expected to be occupied under a Poisson distribution.

Abstract: The application relates to improved optical containment structures, methods of manufacture and use, and systems for employing same. The optical containment structures generally comprise zero-mode waveguide structures having non-reflective walls. The non-reflective walls allow the preparation of optical containment regions in which the optical containment dimensions can be decoupled from the solution containment dimensions. The application also relates to methods for producing islands of functionality within nanoscale apertures.

Abstract: Methods, substrates, and devices related to arrays of optical confinements having surfaces with high levels of bias. Substrates having transparent or silica based portions and opaque or reflective portions are treated with 1) a selective passivating agent, that selectively coats the opaque or reflective regions, 2) a functionalizing agent such as a coupling agent, and 3) a selective removal agent, which selectively removes functionalizing agent from the passivated opaque or reflective surfaces.

Abstract: Methods, substrates, and devices related to arrays of optical confinements having surfaces with high levels of bias. Substrates having transparent or silica based portions and opaque or reflective portions are treated with 1) a selective passivating agent, that selectively coats the opaque or reflective regions, 2) a functionalizing agent such as a coupling agent, and 3) a selective removal agent, which selectively removes functionalizing agent from the passivated opaque or reflective surfaces.

Abstract: Methods and systems for measuring the concentration of an analyte in a blood sample and, more particularly, to methods of chemistry patterning reagent layers for multiple well biosensors. A first capillary is first configured to receive a dispensed reagent layer such that the reagent layer is distributed in a substantially uniform manner within the first capillary. The first capillary may also configured to isolate the first capillary from other capillaries present in the biosensor. After the reagent layer has been dispensed and dried, the first capillary may then be reconfigured to allow the first capillary to receive a blood sample.

Abstract: The application relates to methods for producing islands of functionality within nanoscale apertures. Islands of functionality can be produced by growing an aperture constriction layer from the walls, functionalizing the exposed base of the aperture, then removing the aperture constriction layer. The aperture constriction layer can be produced, for example, by anodically growing an oxide layer onto a cladding through which the aperture extends. The islands of functionality can be used to bind a single molecule of interest, such as an enzyme within the nanoscale aperture.

Abstract: A biosensor having a first conductive component is described, wherein the first conductive component includes at least one boundary formed by a first processing technique and at least one boundary formed by a second processing technique not the same as the first processing technique. The biosensor can also have a second conductive component including at least one boundary formed by the first processing technique and at least one boundary formed by a third processing technique not the same as the first processing technique. Further, the biosensor has a third conductive component including at least one boundary formed by the second processing technique and at least one boundary formed by the third processing technique not the same as the second processing technique.

Abstract: A biosensor having a first conductive component is described, wherein the first conductive component includes at least one boundary formed by a first processing technique and at least one boundary formed by a second processing technique not the same as the first processing technique. The biosensor can also have a second conductive component including at least one boundary formed by the first processing technique and at least one boundary formed by a third processing technique not the same as the first processing technique. Further, the biosensor has a third conductive component including at least one boundary formed by the second processing technique and at least one boundary formed by the third processing technique not the same as the second processing technique.

Abstract: The application relates to methods for producing islands of functionality within nanoscale apertures. Islands of functionality can be produced by growing an aperture constriction layer from the walls, functionalizing the exposed base of the aperture, then removing the aperture constriction layer. The aperture constriction layer can be produced, for example, by anodically growing an oxide layer onto a cladding through which the aperture extends. The islands of functionality can be used to bind a single molecule of interest, such as an enzyme within the nanoscale aperture.

Abstract: An auto-calibration system for diagnostic test strips is described for presenting data individually carried on each test strip readable by a diagnostic meter. The carried data may include an embedded code relating to data particular to that individual strip. The data is presented so as to be read by a meter associated with the diagnostic test strip in order to avoid manually inputting the information.

Abstract: The application relates to improved optical containment structures, methods of manufacture and use, and systems for employing same. The optical containment structures generally comprise zero-mode waveguide structures having non-reflective walls. The non-reflective walls allow the preparation of optical containment regions in which the optical containment dimensions can be decoupled from the solution containment dimensions. The application also relates to methods for producing islands of functionality within nanoscale apertures.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a biosensor is provided. The method may include positioning a shadow mask containing a pattern of a plurality of feature sets over a substantially planar base layer containing a plurality of registration points. The method may also include forming at least one of the plurality of feature sets on the substantially planar base layer by selectively depositing a layer of a conductive material on the substantially planar base layer by passing the conductive material through the pattern of the shadow mask and removing the shadow mask from the substantially planar base layer. Alternatively, the method may include providing a laminate structure including a substantially planar base layer containing a plurality of registration points and a photoresist layer containing a pattern of a plurality of feature sets.

Abstract: Methods and systems for measuring the concentration of an analyte in a blood sample and, more particularly, to methods of chemistry patterning reagent layers for multiple well biosensors. A first capillary is first configured to receive a dispensed reagent layer such that the reagent layer is distributed in a substantially uniform manner within the first capillary. The first capillary may also configured to isolate the first capillary from other capillaries present in the biosensor. After the reagent layer has been dispensed and dried, the first capillary may then be reconfigured to allow the first capillary to receive a blood sample.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a biosensor is provided. The method may include positioning a shadow mask containing a pattern of a plurality of feature sets over a substantially planar base layer containing a plurality of registration points. The method may also include forming at least one of the plurality of feature sets on the substantially planar base layer by selectively depositing a layer of a conductive material on the substantially planar base layer by passing the conductive material through the pattern of the shadow mask and removing the shadow mask from the substantially planar base layer. Alternatively, the method may include providing a laminate structure including a substantially planar base layer containing a plurality of registration points and a photoresist layer containing a pattern of a plurality of feature sets.

Abstract: The present invention includes a biosensor having a generally planar substrate including a surface texture configured to increase a surface area of the generally planar substrate. The biosensor may also include at least one conductive component at least partially formed on a portion of the surface texture. The invention also includes a method for manufacturing a biosensor. The method may include forming a surface texture on a generally planar substrate whereby the surface texture increases a surface area of the generally planar substrate. The method also includes at least partially forming at least one conductive component on a portion of the surface texture. The present invention also includes a reel having a generally planar substrate including a surface texture configured to increase a surface area of the generally planar substrate.

Abstract: A diagnostic test strip is provided. The test strip comprises at least one electrically insulating substrate material and a plurality of electrical strip contacts disposed on the least one insulating substrate layer. The at least one electrical strip contact includes a first conductive layer disposed on the substrate, and a second conductive layer disposed on top of the first conductive layer.