Abstract: The subject matter relates generally to performing polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in microfluidics devices and more particularly to a microfluidics system, device, and methods for performing rapid polymerase chain reaction (PCR) protocols. In some embodiments, the presently disclosed subject matter provides a microfluidics system including a microfluidics instrument housing a microfluidics cartridge (or device) along with any supporting components. Further, the microfluidics cartridge may be, for example, any fluidics device or cartridge, microfluidics device or cartridge, DMF device or cartridge, droplet actuator, flow cell device or cartridge, and the like.

Abstract: The subject matter relates generally to performing polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in microfluidics devices and more particularly to a microfluidics system, device, and methods for performing rapid polymerase chain reaction (PCR) protocols. In some embodiments, the presently disclosed subject matter provides a microfluidics system including a microfluidics instrument housing a microfluidics cartridge (or device) along with any supporting components. Further, the microfluidics cartridge may be, for example, any fluidics device or cartridge, microfluidics device or cartridge, DMF device or cartridge, droplet actuator, flow cell device or cartridge, and the like.

Abstract: The subject matter relates generally to performing polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in microfluidics devices and more particularly to a microfluidics system, device, and methods for performing rapid polymerase chain reaction (PCR) protocols. In some embodiments, the presently disclosed subject matter provides a microfluidics system including a microfluidics instrument housing a microfluidics cartridge (or device) along with any supporting components. Further, the microfluidics cartridge may be, for example, any fluidics device or cartridge, microfluidics device or cartridge, DMF device or cartridge, droplet actuator, flow cell device or cartridge, and the like.

Abstract: An integrated culture monitoring system and methods are provided. The system may include an incubation chamber, a temperature control device arranged to control temperature of the incubation chamber, a fluid-handling cartridge (e.g., a digital microfluidics (DMF) cartridge), and a fluid passage coupled to a pump and providing a fluid passage between the incubation chamber and the fluid-handling cartridge. The system may include a processor programmed to control the temperature control device to increase or decrease the temperature, and a pump to control movement of fluid through the fluid passage and dispensing and assaying of a droplet of culture fluid. Also provided are methods of using the system for screening for sepsis.

Abstract: A method of thermal cycling a droplet, including providing a droplet actuator with heaters establishing a first thermal zone and second thermal zone in a substantially oil-filled droplet operations gap; a thermal cycling path comprising droplet operations electrodes comprising a first droplet operations electrode in the first thermal zone and a second droplet operations electrode in the second thermal zone, wherein the first and second droplet operations electrodes are within 5 mm of each other; a first temperature at the first droplet operations electrode and a second temperature at the second droplet operations electrode, wherein the first and second temperatures differ by at least about 10° C.; and using the droplet operations electrodes, transporting the droplet in a cycling pattern for multiple cycles along the thermal cycling path between the first droplet operations electrode and the second droplet operations electrode. Cartridges and systems are also provided.

Abstract: A method for assaying analytes in a blood sample by loading a blood sample onto a microfluidic device; combining the blood sample with a buffer reagent comprising a surfactant to provide a diluted blood sample and conduct an assay. The surfactant is selected to permit the use of electrowetting to conduct droplet operations using the blood sample and to permit the use of a fluorescence-based droplet operation. The assay may be an unbound bilirubin assay.

Abstract: Systems and methods for measuring hemoglobin, G6PD activity, and or bilirubin activity in a sample, including measuring the absorbance of a sample, removing background interfering signals, and quantifying the relevant analyte. Systems and methods for reconstituting a reagent in a droplet actuator. Systems and methods for separating plasma from a whole blood sample on a droplet actuator, including combining a sample droplet with an agglutination reagent droplet and using a novel combination of droplet operations to split the sample into a plasma and an agglutinated red blood cell fraction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for treating and preventing skeletal muscle deficiencies. In particular, the present invention provides compositions comprising poloxamers (e.g., poloxamer 188-P188) and methods of using the same for treating and preventing skeletal muscle deficiencies and injuries (e.g., dystrophin-deficient skeletal muscle; skeletal muscle having a contraction force deficit; skeletal muscle having a Ca2+ imbalance; skeletal muscle having microtears).

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for treating and preventing skeletal muscle deficiencies. In particular, the present invention provides compositions comprising poloxamers (e.g., poloxamer 188-P188) and methods of using the same for treating and preventing skeletal muscle deficiencies and injuries (e.g., dystrophin-deficient skeletal muscle; skeletal muscle having a contraction force deficit; skeletal muscle having a Ca2+ imbalance; skeletal muscle having microtears).

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for treating and preventing skeletal muscle deficiencies. In particular, the present invention provides compositions comprising poloxamers (e.g., poloxamer 188-P188) and methods of using the same for treating and preventing skeletal muscle deficiencies and injuries (e.g., dystrophin-deficient skeletal muscle; skeletal muscle having a contraction force deficit; skeletal muscle having a Ca2+ imbalance; skeletal muscle having microtears).

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for treating and preventing skeletal muscle deficiencies. In particular, the present invention provides compositions comprising poloxamers (e.g., poloxamer 188-P188) and methods of using the same for treating and preventing skeletal muscle deficiencies and injuries (e.g., dystrophin-deficient skeletal muscle; skeletal muscle having a contraction force deficit; skeletal muscle having a Ca2+ imbalance; skeletal muscle having microtears).