Abstract: Provided herein are systems and methods for pooling samples from separated sub-arrays in multi-well devices into collection wells of a multi-well sample collection device (e.g., allowing samples in a 100 well sub-array in a 9600-well chip to be pooled into a single collection well of a 96-well plate). In certain embodiments, the systems are composed of: i) a multi-well device, ii) an extraction device; and iii) an extraction device gasket. Also provided herein are dual barcoding (e.g., X-Y barcoding), pooling (e.g., dual pooling), RNA amplification methods (e.g., for single cell analysis), that may employ the extraction devices described herein.

Abstract: A method increases the signal strength generated when performing real-time PCR on a target nucleic acid sequence. The method performs real-time PCR using forward primers, forward probes, reverse primers, reverse probes, nucleotides for strand/antistrand extension, and nucleic acid polymerase. Two different types of probes are used, a forward probe configured to anneal to a sense strand of a target nucleic acid sequence and a reverse probe configured to anneal to an antisense strand of the target nucleic acid sequence. The forward probe is complementary to an inner sequence of the target sense strand, and the reverse probe is complementary to an inner sequence of the target antisense strand. The forward probe and the reverse probe each include the same detectable element, that when released from the probe during strand extension results in an additive detectable signal.

Abstract: Beads are used to perform both a sample preparation and amplification process within a single processing chamber. A fluid sample including a plurality of cells is introduced into a processing chamber already including a plurality of beads. The plurality of cells are lysed within the processing chamber, and nucleic acid released from the lysed cells binds to the beads. The beads are retained in the processing chamber while the lysing reagents are removed. Amplification reagents, such as PCR reagents are added to the processing chamber and an amplification process is performed on the contents of the processing chamber. Nucleic acid captured on the beads is not eluted for amplification, instead amplification of the captured nucleic acid is performed while the nucleic acid is still bound to the beads. During the amplification process, the nucleic acid bound to the beads is amplified.

Abstract: A lateral flow strip assay apparatus comprising a housing; a lateral flow strip in the housing, the lateral flow strip having a receiving portion; a sample collection unit; and a reagent reservoir. Saliva and/or buccal cells are collected from an individual using the sample collection unit. The sample collection unit is immersed in the reagent reservoir. The tip of the lateral flow strip is immersed in the reservoir and the reagent/sample mixture wicks up into the lateral flow strip to perform the assay.

Abstract: A system for sampling air and collecting particles entrained in the air that potentially include bioagents. The system comprises providing a receiving surface, directing a liquid to the receiving surface and producing a liquid surface. Collecting samples of the air and directing the samples of air so that the samples of air with particles entrained in the air impact the liquid surface. The particles potentially including bioagents become captured in the liquid. The air with particles entrained in the air impacts the liquid surface with sufficient velocity to entrain the particles into the liquid but cause minor turbulence. The liquid surface has a surface tension and the collector samples the air and directs the air to the liquid surface so that the air with particles entrained in the air impacts the liquid surface with sufficient velocity to entrain the particles into the liquid, but cause minor turbulence on the surface resulting in insignificant evaporation of the liquid.

Abstract: A system for sampling air and collecting particles potentially including bioagents entrained in the air for detection. The system comprises collecting a sample of the air with the particles entrained in the air, directing the sample to a receiving surface, directing a liquid to the receiving surface thereby producing a liquid surface, wherein the particles potentially including bioagents become captured in the liquid, and heating the liquid wherein the particles potentially including bioagents become heated to lysis the bioagents.

Abstract: A system for sampling air and collecting particles entrained in the air comprising a receiving surface, a liquid input that directs liquid to the receiving surface and produces a liquid surface, an air input that directs the air so that the air with particles entrained in the air impact the liquid surface, and an electrostatic contact connected to the liquid that imparts an electric charge to the liquid. The particles potentially including bioagents become captured in the liquid by the air with particles entrained in the air impacting the liquid surface. Collection efficiency is improved by the electrostatic contact electrically charging the liquid. The effects of impaction and adhesion due to electrically charging the liquid allows a unique combination in a particle capture medium that has a low fluid consumption rate while maintaining high efficiency.

Abstract: A lateral flow strip assay apparatus comprising a housing; a lateral flow strip in the housing, the lateral flow strip having a receiving portion; a sample collection unit; and a reagent reservoir. Saliva and/or buccal cells are collected from an individual using the sample collection unit. The sample collection unit is immersed in the reagent reservoir. The tip of the lateral flow strip is immersed in the reservoir and the reagent/sample mixture wicks up into the lateral flow strip to perform the assay.

Abstract: A nucleic acid assay system includes a holding means that receives a sample and a reagent. A PCR reactor means amplifies the sample and produces an amplified sample. A detection means detects PCR amplicon. A transport means selectively transports the sample and the reagent relative to the holding means, the PCR reactor means, and the detection means. A control means is provided for selectively adding the reagent to the sample, mixing the sample and the reagent, performing PCR amplification, and detecting PCR amplicon. A decontamination means is provided for decontaminating the holding means, the PCR reactor means, and the detection means.

Abstract: A micro-sonicator for spore lysis. Using micromachining technology, the micro-sonicator uses ultrasonic excitation of spores to perform spore and cell lysis. The micro-sonicator comprises a container with a cavity therein for retaining the sample in an ultrasonic transmission medium, the cavity being closed by a silicon membrane to which an electrode and piezoelectric material are attached, with the electrode and piezoelectric material being electrically connected to an AC signal generator which causes the membrane to flex and vibrate at the frequency of the applied voltage.

Abstract: Methods and reagents for determining an individual's genotype at the .sup.G .gamma.-globin locus with respect to a set of three alleles using sequence-specific oligonucleotide probes enable one to type samples from a variety of sources, including samples comprising RNA or cDNA templates, and can be applied to nucleic acids in which a target region spanning the polymorphism has first been amplified. This three-allele system facilitates typing tissue for determining individual identity and has application in the field of forensic science.

Abstract: Methods and reagents for determining an individual's genotype at the .sup.G .gamma.-globin locus with respect to a set of three alleles using sequence-specific oligonucleotide probes enable one to type samples from a variety of sources, including samples comprising RNA or cDNA templates, and can be applied to nucleic acids in which a target region spanning the polymorphism has first been amplified. This three-allele system facilitates typing tissue for determining individual identity and has application in the field of forensic science.