Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and systems for the analysis of the dissociation behavior of nucleic acids and the identification of nucleic acids. In one aspect, methods and systems are disclosed for resolving a denaturation curve of a sample containing a first and second nucleic acid into a resolved denaturation curve for the first nucleic acid and a resolved denuration curve for the second nucleic acid.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to systems and methods for the rapid serial processing of multiple nucleic acid assays. More particularly, the present invention provides for the real time processing of nucleic acid during polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and thermal melt applications. According to an aspect of the invention, a system for the rapid serial processing of multiple nucleic acid assays is provided. In one embodiment, the system includes, but is not limited to: a microfluidic cartridge having microfluidic (flow-through) channels, a fluorescence imaging system, a temperature measurement and control system; a pressure measurement and control system for applying variable pneumatic pressures to the microfluidic cartridge; a storage device for holding multiple reagents (e.g.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel unsymmetrical cyanine dyes and to methods of performing nucleic acid analysis in the presence of such dyes. More specifically, the present invention relates to novel unsymmetrical cyanine dyes that have high affinity to double-stranded nucleic acids and that do not inhibit amplification reactions, particularly the polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and systems for temperature correction in thermal melt analysis. More specifically, embodiments of the invention relate to the correction of the melting temperature (Tm) observed for a sample nucleic acid due to the effect of the nucleic acid concentration.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel unsymmetrical cyanine dyes and to methods of performing nucleic acid analysis in the presence of such dyes. More specifically, the present invention relates to novel unsymmetrical cyanine dyes that have high affinity to double-stranded nucleic acids and that do not inhibit amplification reactions, particularly the polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and systems for microfluidic DNA sample preparation. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention relate to methods and systems for the isolation of DNA from patient samples on a microfluidic device and use of the DNA for downstream processing, such as performing amplification reactions and thermal melt analysis on the microfluidic device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for purifying nucleic acid from a sample using mild conditions that do not affect the chemical integrity of the nucleic acid. The method comprises contacting the sample with an matrix entrapped chitosan solid phase which is able to bind the nucleic acids at a first pH, and then extracting the nucleic acid from the solid phase by using an elution solvent at a second pH.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for improving the efficiency of biochemical reactions in channels of microfluidic devices. More specifically, the present invention relates to the use of chitosan or a chitosan derivative for coating channel surfaces to reduce non-specific adsorption of reagents to microfluidic channels. This reduction of non-specific adsorption improves the efficiency and reproducibility of the reaction, e.g., amplification reactions, such as PCR, and reduces cross-contamination.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and systems for the analysis of the dissociation behavior of nucleic acids and the identification of nucleic acids. In one aspect, methods and systems are disclosed for resolving a denaturation curve of a sample containing a first and second nucleic acid into a resolved denaturation curve for the first nucleic acid and a resolved denuration curve for the second nucleic acid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for reducing cross-contamination in continuous amplification reactions in channels of microfluidic devices. More specifically, the present invention relates to the use of specific materials continuously flowing in the channels to reduce adsorption of MgCl2 and the concomitant adsorption of nucleic acid template to the channel surface, thereby reducing cross-contamination. This reduction of cross-contamination improves the efficiency and reproducibility of the amplification reaction, e.g., PCR.