Abstract: Methods and systems for using encapsulated microbubbles to process biological samples are disclosed. According to one aspect, a method for using encapsulated microbubbles to process a biological sample includes creating a mixture comprising encapsulated microbubbles mixed with a biological sample and adding activation energy to the mixture to cause at least some of the microbubbles to oscillate or burst and thereby process the sample, including effecting cell lysis, shearing DNA, and/or performing tissue dispersion.

Abstract: Methods and systems for using encapsulated microbubbles to process biological samples are disclosed. According to one aspect, a method for using encapsulated microbubbles to process a biological sample includes creating a mixture comprising encapsulated microbubbles mixed with a biological sample and adding activation energy to the mixture to cause at least some of the microbubbles to oscillate or burst and thereby process the sample, including effecting cell lysis, shearing DNA, and/or performing tissue dispersion.

Abstract: Methods of extracting chromatin from tissue, such as formalin fixed, paraffin embedded (FFPE) tissue, are provided. The methods are rapid, simple, and preserve the chromatin signature. The methods can include, for example, removal of the tissue from the paraffin, enzymatic digestion of the extracellular matrix, and exposure to ultrasound energy, optionally in the presence of a cavitation enhancement agent, such as microbubbles, nanobubbles, and/or phase-change nanodroplets. The methods can also include a mechanical tissue dissociation step. The methods provide chromatin fragments that are free of enzyme bias from fragmentation by enzymes such as micrococcal nuclease (MNase) and that are of optimal size for further quantification and/or identification. Kits for extracting chromatin from tissue are also provided.

Abstract: A system for translating a sample plate over a fixed ultrasound transducer includes a sample plate holder holding a sample plate containing samples to be sonicated. A first actuator translates the sample plate linearly across a non-uniform ultrasound energy field output from a fixed ultrasound transducer.

Abstract: Methods and systems for using encapsulated microbubbles to process biological samples are disclosed. According to one aspect, a method for using encapsulated microbubbles to process a biological sample includes creating a mixture comprising encapsulated microbubbles mixed with a biological sample and adding activation energy to the mixture to cause at least some of the microbubbles to oscillate or burst and thereby process the sample, including effecting cell lysis, shearing DNA, and/or performing tissue dispersion.

Abstract: Methods and systems for using encapsulated microbubbles to process biological samples are disclosed. According to one aspect, a method for using encapsulated microbubbles to process a biological sample includes creating a mixture comprising encapsulated microbubbles mixed with a biological sample and adding activation energy to the mixture to cause at least some of the microbubbles to oscillate or burst and thereby process the sample, including effecting cell lysis, shearing DNA, and/or performing tissue dispersion.

Abstract: Methods and systems for using encapsulated microbubbles to process biological samples are disclosed. According to one aspect, a method for using encapsulated microbubbles to process a biological sample includes creating a mixture comprising encapsulated microbubbles mixed with a biological sample and adding activation energy to the mixture to cause at least some of the microbubbles to oscillate or burst and thereby process the sample, including effecting cell lysis, shearing DNA, and/or performing tissue dispersion.