Abstract: Fluidic devices with a primary transport nanochannel(s) intersected by at least one nanoscale manifold for active control of capture, manipulation and transport of analyte molecules. The at least one manifold can be an array or network of nanochannels, nanoslits or nanoelectrodes joined to a common voltage or pressure source. A respective nanoscale manifold can be configured to allow for precise and active control of driving forces applied to the primary transport nanochannel(s) to drive molecular transport through the various regions along the transport nanochannel(s). The at least one manifold can generate monotonic force gradients with a limited or reduced number of independent input potentials and/or pressures applied to the device.

Abstract: A fluidic chip for detecting an analyte is provided, which comprises (a) at least one device comprising (i) a fluid inlet and (ii) at least one fluid transport channel that passes through a detection region, wherein (1) the at least one fluid transport channel has varying cross-sectional area as a function of position along the channel length and/or (2) the device comprises two or more fluid transport channels configured with two or more different cross-sectional areas; and (b) at least one fluid outlet, wherein the device provides for transport of single molecules across the detection region at a desired duty cycle by (1) allowing for detection of an analyte at a different position along the channel length based on the desired cross-sectional area and/or (2) allowing for detection of an analyte in a specific channel configured with the desired cross-sectional area. This application also provides for method of optimizing duty cycle using fluidic chips.

Abstract: Fluidic devices with a primary transport nanochannel(s) intersected by at least one nanoscale manifold for active control of capture, manipulation and transport of analyte molecules. The at least one manifold can be an array or network of nanochannels, nanoslits or nanoelectrodes joined to a common voltage or pressure source. A respective nanoscale manifold can be configured to allow for precise and active control of driving forces applied to the primary transport nanochannel(s) to drive molecular transport through the various regions along the transport nanochannel(s). The at least one manifold can generate monotonic force gradients with a limited or reduced number of independent input potentials and/or pressures applied to the device.