Abstract: Described here is an automated robotic device that isolates circulating tumor cells (CTCs) or other biological structures with extremely high purity. The device uses powerful magnetic rods covered in removable plastic sleeves. These rods sweep through blood samples, capturing, e.g., cancer cells labeled with antibodies linked to magnetically responsive particles such as superparamagnetic beads. Upon completion of the capturing protocol, the magnetic rods undergo several rounds of washing, thereby removing all contaminating blood cells. The captured target cells are released into a final capture solution by removing the magnetic rods from the sleeves. Additionally, cells captured by this device show no reduced viability when cultured after capture. Cells are captured in a state suitable for genetic analysis. Also disclosed are methods for single cell analysis. Being robotic allows the device to be operated with high throughput.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a sensor including a pore and an applied electric field that is capable of detecting analytes such as nucleic acids. In accordance with various embodiments, the sensor comprises a fluidic chamber having electrically opposing portions with a membrane between, the membrane providing a pore suitable for the passage of an electrolyte between the electrically opposing portions of the fluidic chamber, and having at least one charged analyte tethered in proximity to the pore, a first circuit configured to apply an electric field capable of passing the electrolyte through the pore and pulling the at least one charged analyte into the pore, and a second circuit configured to measure a signal indicative of the charge of the at least one charged analyte. Also provided are methods for using the sensor, for example, to sequence a nucleic acid molecule.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for direct detection of chemical reactions are provided. Electric charge perturbations of the local environment during enzyme-catalyzed reactions are sensed by an electrode system with an immobilized target molecule. The charge perturbation caused by the polymerase reaction can uniquely identify a DNA sequence. The polymerization process generates local perturbations of charge in the solution near the electrode surface and induces a charge in a polarazible gold electrode. This event is detected as a transient current by a voltage clamp amplifier. Detection of single nucleotides in a sequence can be determined by dispensing individual dNTPs to the electrode solution and detecting the charge perturbations. Alternatively, multiple bases can be determined at the same time using a mix of all dNTPs with subsequent analysis of the resulting signal.

Abstract: Methods are provided to determine the genomic sequence of the alleles at the HLA gene. The resultant sequences provide linkage information between different exons, and produces the unique sequence at each gene from the two alleles of the individual sample being typed. The sequence information provides an accurate HLA haplotype. Methods to decrease allele dropout during long range PCR reactions are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems, apparatuses, and methods to detect the presence of fetal cells when mixed with a population of maternal cells in a sample and to test fetal abnormalities, e.g. aneuploidy. The present invention involves labeling regions of genomic DNA in each cell in said mixed sample with different labels wherein each label is specific to each cell and quantifying the labeled regions of genomic DNA from each cell in the mixed sample. More particularly the invention involves quantifying labeled DNA polymorphisms from each cell in the mixed sample.

Abstract: Methods are provided to determine the entire genomic region of a particular HLA locus including both intron and exons. The resultant consensus sequences provides linkage information between different exons, and produces the unique sequence from each of the two genes from the individual sample being typed. The sequence information in intron regions along with the exon sequences provides an accurate HLA haplotype.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems, apparatuses, and methods to detect the presence of fetal cells when mixed with a population of maternal cells in a sample and to test fetal abnormalities, e.g. aneuploidy. The present invention involves labeling regions of genomic DNA in each cell in said mixed sample with different labels wherein each label is specific to each cell and quantifying the labeled regions of genomic DNA from each cell in the mixed sample. More particularly the invention involves quantifying labeled DNA polymorphisms from each cell in the mixed sample.

Abstract: A method for producing a single stranded DNA (ssDNA) molecule of a defined length and sequence is disclosed. This method enables the preparation of, inter alia, probes of greater length than can be chemically synthesized. The method starts with a double stranded molecule, such as genomic, double stranded DNA (dsDNA) from any organism. A fragment of the starting molecule (dsDNA) is amplified by specific primers engineered to introduce cleavage sites on either side of the desired sequence. Cleavage steps on the amplified, engineered fragment are combined with a phosphate removal step, thereby creating a construct that can be digested with an exonuclease without damage to the desired ssDNA. Probes, which hybridize with large gaps between the ends of the probes, are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods are provided to determine the entire genomic region of a particular HLA locus including both intron and exons. The resultant consensus sequences provides linkage information between different exons, and produces the unique sequence from each of the two genes from the individual sample being typed. The sequence information in intron regions along with the exon sequences provides an accurate HLA haplotype.

Abstract: Methods for direct detection of chemical reactions are provided. Electric charge perturbations of the local environment during enzyme-catalyzed reactions are sensed by an electrode system with an immobilized target molecule. The charge perturbation caused by the polymerase reaction can uniquely identify a DNA sequence. The polymerization process generates local perturbations of charge in the solution near the electrode surface and induces a charge in a polarazible gold electrode. This event is detected as a transient current by a voltage clamp amplifier. Detection of single nucleotides in a sequence can be determined by dispensing individual dNTPs to the electrode solution and detecting the charge perturbations. Alternatively, multiple bases can be determined at the same time using a mix of all dNTPs with subsequent analysis of the resulting signal. This technique may be adapted to other reaction determinations, such as enzymatic reactions, other electrode configurations, and other amplifying circuits.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for detecting an analyte in a sample are provided. In practicing the subject methods, a sample is combined with at least a pair of proximity probes that each include an analyte binding domain and a nucleic acid domain. The resultant mixture is then contacted with a pair of asymmetric nucleic acid connectors. Proximity dependent connector mediated interaction between the nucleic acid domains of the proximity probes is then detected to determine the presence of the analyte in the sample. Also provided are kits and systems for practicing the subject methods.

Abstract: A calorimeter device includes various components located on a common substrate. A first (calorimeter) integrated chip device is located on the substrate. This first device has a first microfluidic channel that has first side and a second side. A first heat sensing circuit is located on the first side of the first channel and a second heat sensing circuit is located on the second side of the channel, opposite the first side and facing the first heat sensing circuit. A second integrated chip device is located on the substrate and proximal to the first device. The second device includes a second microfluidic channel having a third side and fourth side. A third heat sensing circuit is located on the third side of the second channel. A fourth heat sensing circuit is located on the fourth side of the channel, opposite the third side and facing the third heat sensing circuit.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are related to microfluidic devices for detecting or determining the concentration of biomolecules in an analyte comprising: a channel, wherein a surface of said channel is fabricated to be functionalized with at least one molecule selected to interact with a biomolecule, said channel being configured to interact with a microsphere, wherein a surface of said microsphere is fabricated to be functionalized with at least one same or different molecule selected to interact with said biomolecule; a second channel in fluid communication with said first channel; a system to move fluid containing said microsphere through said first and second channels; and a system to measure a change in electrical impedance or optical microscopy across said second channel as said microsphere moves through said second channel. Other embodiments concern related devices, and methods of making and using.

Abstract: A nanopore device capable of single molecule detection is described. The nanopores are formed in thin, rigid membranes and modified by a sputtered metal that forms an overhang during application. The overhang causes the pore to be narrower in a certain region, allowing passage of only a single molecule through the pore at a time, or binding to a biomolecule on the pore to be detected by a change in ionic current flow through the nanopore. Embodiments include a silicon nitride membrane formed on a silicon substrate and having a nanopore drilled with a focused ion beam system, followed by gold sputtering onto the membrane. Devices are formed with one or more nanopores and chambers having electrodes on either side of the nanopore.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for detecting an analyte in a sample are provided. In practicing the subject methods, a sample is combined with at least a pair of proximity probes that each include an analyte binding domain and a nucleic acid domain. The resultant mixture is then contacted with a pair of asymmetric nucleic acid connectors. Proximity dependent connector mediated interaction between the nucleic acid domains of the proximity probes is then detected to determine the presence of the analyte in the sample. Also provided are kits and systems for practicing the subject methods.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems, apparatuses, and methods to detect the presence of fetal cells when mixed with a population of maternal cells in a sample and to test fetal abnormalities, e.g. aneuploidy. The present invention involves labeling regions of genomic DNA in each cell in said mixed sample with different labels wherein each label is specific to each cell and quantifying the labeled regions of genomic DNA from each cell in the mixed sample. More particularly the invention involves quantifying labeled DNA polymorphisms from each cell in the mixed sample.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems, apparatuses, and methods to detect the presence of fetal cells when mixed with a population of maternal cells in a sample and to test fetal abnormalities, i.e. aneuploidy. In addition, the present invention provides methods to determine when there are insufficient fetal cells for a determination and report a non-informative case. The present invention involves quantifying regions of genomic DNA from a mixed sample. More particularly the invention involves quantifying DNA polymorphisms from the mixed sample.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for direct detection of chemical reactions are provided. Electric charge perturbations of the local environment during enzyme-catalyzed reactions are sensed by an electrode system with an immobilized target molecule. The charge perturbation caused by the polymerase reaction can uniquely identify a DNA sequence. The polymerization process generates local perturbations of charge in the solution near the electrode surface and induces a charge in a polarazible gold electrode. This event is detected as a transient current by a voltage clamp amplifier. Detection of single nucleotides in a sequence can be determined by dispensing individual dNTPs to the electrode solution and detecting the charge perturbations. Alternatively, multiple bases can be determined at the same time using a mix of all dNTPs with subsequent analysis of the resulting signal.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems, apparatuses, and methods to detect the presence of fetal cells when mixed with a population of maternal cells in a sample and to test fetal abnormalities, e.g. aneuploidy. The present invention involves labeling regions of genomic DNA in each cell in said mixed sample with different labels wherein each label is specific to each cell and quantifying the labeled regions of genomic DNA from each cell in the mixed sample. More particularly the invention involves quantifying labeled DNA polymorphisms from each cell in the mixed sample.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems, apparatuses, and methods to detect the presence of fetal cells when mixed with a population of maternal cells in a sample and to test fetal abnormalities, e.g. aneuploidy. The present invention involves labeling regions of genomic DNA in each cell in said mixed sample with different labels wherein each label is specific to each cell and quantifying the labeled regions of genomic DNA from each cell in the mixed sample. More particularly the invention involves quantifying labeled DNA polymorphisms from each cell in the mixed sample.