Abstract: An electrokinetic pump achieves high and low flow rates without producing significant gaseous byproducts and without significant evolution of the pump fluid. A first feature of the pump is that the electrodes in the pump are capacitive with a capacitance of at least 10?4 Farads/cm2. A second feature of the pump is that it is configured to maximize the potential across the porous dielectric material. The pump can have either or both features.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of genomic polymorphism to provide individualized therapeutic regimens to treat patients suffering from diseases such as cancer. The invention discloses methods for determining the efficacy or choice of chemotherapeutic drugs and regimens for use in treating a diseased patient by associating genomic polymorphism with the effectiveness of the drugs or regimens, or by associating genomic polymorphism with the intratumoral expression of a gene whereby the gene expression affects effectiveness of the drugs or regimens. In particular, the present invention provides novel methods for screening therapeutic regimens, which comprise determining a patient's genotype at a tandemly repeated 28 base pair region in the thymidilate synthase (TS) gene's 5? untranslated region (UTR).

Abstract: A method and system for probing mobile ion diffusivity and electrochemical reactivity on a nanometer length scale of a free electrochemically active surface includes a control module that biases the surface of the material. An electrical excitation signal is applied to the material and induces the movement of mobile ions. An SPM probe in contact with the surface of the material detects the displacement of mobile ions at the surface of the material. A detector measures an electromechanical strain response at the surface of the material based on the movement and reactions of the mobile ions. The use of an SPM tip to detect local deformations allows highly reproducible measurements in an ambient environment without visible changes in surface structure. The measurements illustrate effective spatial resolution comparable with defect spacing and well below characteristic grain sizes of the material.

Abstract: An electrophoresis apparatus is generally disclosed for sequentially analyzing a single sample or multiple samples having one or more analytes in high or low concentrations. The apparatus comprises a relatively large-bore transport capillary which intersects with a plurality of small-bore separation capillaries and includes a valve system. Analyte concentrators, having antibody-specific (or related affinity) chemistries, are stationed at the respective intersections of the transport capillary and separation capillaries to bind one or more analytes of interest. The apparatus allows the performance of two or more dimensions for the optimal separation of analytes. The apparatus may also include a plurality of valves surrounding each of the analyte concentrators to localize each of the concentrators to improve the binding of one or more analytes of interest.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to compositions and methods of using triplex structures generated by a duplex of a polypurine tract and complementary polypyrimidine tract and a triplex-forming nucleobase polymer that hydrogen bonds to both the purine and pyrimidine bases of the polypurine-polypyrimidine duplex.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and systems for ruggedizing a nucleic acid analyzing apparatus. The ruggedized apparatus can be used reliably and effectively in uncontrolled environments, such as, for example at a crime scene to collect and analyze forensic data, as well as in semi-controlled environments, such as, for example at a point of care location.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a method for inhibiting activation of signaling pathway mediated by erbB1 or erbB2 in human cell and a signaling inhibitor to be used therefor. The above-described activation of signaling pathway can be inhibited by a polypeptide comprising at least one of PTB domain or ERK2 binding domain of human FRS2?. The above-described polypeptide may be introduced directly into cell, or nucleic acid which encodes for the above-described polypeptide may be introduced into cell to allow expression of the polypeptide in the cell. Such polypeptide and nucleic acid can be used, for example, as a signaling inhibitor. In addition, since erbB1 and erbB2 are involved in development of cancer, the above-described signaling inhibitor is also useful, for example, as an anticancer drug.

Abstract: An active matrix electrowetting on dielectric (AM-EWOD) device which includes a plurality of array elements configured to manipulate one or more droplets of fluid on an array, each of the array elements including a corresponding array element circuit. Each array element circuit includes a top substrate electrode and a drive electrode between which the one or more droplets may be positioned; circuitry configured to write data to the corresponding array element by selectively applying to the drive electrode either: (i) a time-varying voltage waveform V1 of amplitude VB and period t0; or (ii) a time-varying voltage waveform V2, the logical inverse of V1, and applying to the top substrate electrode the time-varying voltage waveform V2+Voffset, where Voffset represents an offset voltage signal which may have AC and/or DC components and may equal zero.

Abstract: A flows cell for use in a microfluidic detection system is provided. The flow cell includes a flows cell body having a channel that is configured to convey a solution through the flows cell body. The flow cell also includes a bottom surface and a top surface. The bottom surface is configured to be removably held by the detection system, and the top surface is transparent and permits light to pass therethrough. The flow cell body also includes fluidic inlet and outlet ports that are in fluid communication with the channel. A pump cavity is also provided in the flow cell body. The pump cavity fluidly communicates with, and is interposed between, an end of the channel and one of the fluidic inlet and outlet ports. An electroosmotic (EO) pump is held in the pump cavity. The EO pump induces flow of the solution through the EO pump and channel between the fluidic inlet and outlet ports.

Abstract: The invention relates to a microfabricated device and methods of using the device for analyzing and sorting polynucleotide molecules by size.

Abstract: A method for separating a nanocarbon material includes a step in which a dispersion solution of the nanocarbon material which is dispersed into nanocarbon micelle groups having a plurality of different electric charges, and a retaining solution having a different specific gravity from the nanocarbon material, are introduced into an electrophoresis tank to form a layered state disposed in layers in a predetermined direction; and a step separating the nanocarbon micelle groups into at least two nanocarbon micelle groups by means of applying direct current voltage in series across the dispersion solution and the retaining solution which had both been introduced and disposed in layers.

Abstract: A device and process are disclosed for the separate removal of oppositely charged ions from electrolyte solutions and recombining them to form new chemical compositions. The invention provides the ability to create multiple ion flow channels and then form new chemical compositions therefrom. The process is accomplished by selectively combining oppositely charged ions of choice from different electrolyte solutions via the capacitive behavior of high electrical capacity electrodes confined in insulated containers.

Abstract: A compound in the form of a metallized tetrpyrollic photosensizer linked to a fluorescent dye where the photosensitizer (PS), is linked by a structure that does not have detrimental radiation emmitance or absorbing characteristics, to a fluorophore, usually a cyanine dye (CD). The photosensitizer in accordance the invention is a metallized analog of porphyrins, chlorins, purpurinimides, bacterio pupurinimides, phthalocyanines, expanded porphyrins, benzoporphyrin derivatives and purpurins. The fluorophore is usually a cyanine dye with varaible substituents. And, A method for determining effectiveness of PDT by comparing proportion of STAT-3 monomer with crosslinked STAT-3 dimer after PDT where the relative proportion of STAT-3 monomer to crosslinked STAT-3 directly correlates to efficacy of the PDT.

Abstract: A method for dispensing liquid for use in biological analysis may comprise positioning liquid to be dispensed via electrowetting. The positioning may comprise aligning the liquid with a plurality of predetermined locations. The method may further comprise dispensing the aligned liquid from the plurality of predetermined locations through a plurality of openings respectively aligned with the predetermined locations. The dispensing may be via electrowetting.

Abstract: A biocompatible electrode formed from an integrated circuit, the electrode comprising: a semiconductor substrate; and an electrode layer at least partially comprising porous valve metal oxide.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a method and apparatus to separate and quantify particles using time-variable force fields. The force fields can be for dielectrophoresis (positive or negative), electrophoresis or electrohydrodinamic. In a first aspect of the method, the fields are translated and/or modified in space at a speed substantially comparable to the speed of translation of the fastest particles in the sample so that only these follow by changing position, while the slowest particles are not affected. According to the invention the translation and/or modification of the force field can also occur with varying speed, which is especially useful when this happens with periodic law on a field with spatial periodicity.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electrochemical capacitor comprising a positive electrode exhibiting an irreversible capacity for extending the potential range during a charge/discharge cycle, a negative electrode composed of a material which is capable of reversibly adsorbing/desorbing lithium ions, and an electrolyte solution composed of an organic solvent containing lithium ions.

Abstract: Embodiments of fluid distribution manifolds, cartridges, and microfluidic systems are described herein. Fluid distribution manifolds may include an insert member and a manifold base and may define a substantially closed channel within the manifold when the insert member is press-fit into the base. Cartridges described herein may allow for simultaneous electrical and fluidic interconnection with an electrical multiplex board and may be held in place using magnetic attraction.

Abstract: A high-throughput optical suspension characterization instrument is disclosed, which can include hydraulically separate and at least partially transparent sample containers. A selection mechanism is operative to selectively direct light from a light source (12) through different ones of the sample containers along an optical axis, and an off-axis scattering detector (38,24) is responsive to scattered light from the light source after it has interacted with a sample. Phase analysis light scattering is used to determine the electrophoretic mobility and zeta potential of samples. A second instrument is disclosed, wherein all sample containers are illuminated simultaneously. Transmitted light is collected by a camera. The electrophoretic mobility and hydrodynamic size of the samples may be determined.

Abstract: Devices are provided for separating and focusing charged analytes, comprising a separation chamber and two or more electrodes, for example, an electrode array. A membrane separates the separation chamber and the electrodes. The separation chamber of the device is configured, that is, the separation chamber has a shaped geometry, which serves to induce a gradient in an electric field generated by the electrodes in the electrode chamber. Optionally, molecular sieve is included in the separation chamber that is operative to shift the location at which a stationary focused band of a charged analyte forms under a given set of focusing process parameters. Methods are provided for separating and focusing charged analytes comprising introducing a first fluid comprising at least one charged analyte into the separation chamber of a device as just described, applying an electric field gradient to the charged analyte to focus the charged analyte in the electric field gradient.

Abstract: Hydrophilic membrane particularly suited for blotting applications, preferably Western blotting. A pre-wet hydrophobic membrane substrate, preferably made of PVDF, is contacted with a monomer solution and subjected to a UV-initiated free radical polymerization step to render the substrate permanently hydrophilic. The resulting membrane exhibits low background fluorescence, high protein binding, excellent retention of protein sample spot morphology, and extended dynamic range (high signal-to-noise ratio, enhanced sample detectability). The membrane demonstrates comparable or higher performance in Western blotting applications than conventional nitrocellulose Western blotting membranes, particularly for protein detection at low sample concentrations, and is directly water-wettable, eliminating the need for an alcohol pre-wet step prior to use.

Abstract: A novel complex is identified between the NAD-dependent deacetylase, SIRT1 and its novel inhibitor, DBC1. Provided herein are methods to indentify a compound that inhibits the complexation between SIRT1 and DBC1. Exemplary methods comprise contacting either the complexation between DBC1 and SIRT1 with an agent being tested for its ability to inhibit the complexation between SIRT1 and DBC1. Also, provided are methods to identify a compound that increases the complexation between SIRT1 and DBC1. Exemplary methods comprise contacting either the complexation between DBC1 and SIRT1 with an agent being tested for its ability to increase the complexation between SIRT1 and DBC1. Further, methods are provided to increase or decrease SIRT1 activity by contacting the complexation between SIRT1 and DBC1 with a peptide that either decreases or increases the complexation between SIRT1 and DBC1.

Abstract: An apparatus separating a polarizable analyte using dielectrophoresis includes a vessel including a membrane having a plurality of nano- to micro-sized pores, the membrane disposed inside the vessel, electrodes generating spatially non-uniform electric fields in the nano- to micro-sized pores of the membrane when an AC voltage is applied to the electrodes, and a power source applying the AC voltage to the electrodes, wherein a sectional area of the pores varies along a depth of the pores. A method of separating a polarizable material uses the apparatus.

Abstract: Provided herein are Mycobacterium smegmatis porin nanopores, systems that comprise these nanopores, and methods of using and making these nanopores. Such nanopores may be wild-type MspA porins, mutant MspA porins, wild-type MspA paralog porins, wild-type MspA homolog porins, mutant MspA paralog porins, mutant MspA homolog porins, or single-chain Msp porins. Also provided are bacterial strains capable of inducible Msp porin expression.

Abstract: A pressure sensor includes a sense element port, a support ring and a plurality of interference fit slits to provide a flexible interference fit between the sense element port and the support ring to form a substantially flush lap joint. The sensor also includes an electronics board inside the support ring and attached to planar mounting tabs which provide a stable mounting. Gel flow barriers protect electronics board features from unwanted non-conductive gel. Double-ended symmetrical, tapered contact springs provide manufacturing cost savings and contribute to improved alignment of an interface connector of the sensor.

Abstract: The invention relates to an operating method for a microfluidic system, including the following steps: feeding of a carrier flow with particles (5) of a first particle type suspended therein into the microfluidic system; charging of a plurality of electrical field cages (1?, 1?) in the microfluidic system with the supplied particles (5) of the first particle type; the supplying of a carrier flow with particles (6) of a second particle type suspended therein into the microfluidic system; and charging the field cages (1?, 1?) in the microfluidic system with the supplied particles (6) of the second particle type in such a manner that a particle (5) of the first particle type and a particle (6) of the second particle type is present in at least one of the field cages (1?, 1?). The invention also relates to a corresponding microfluidic system.

Abstract: Devices with lateral flow elements and integral fluidics are disclosed. The integral fluidics consist of injector pumps comprised of fluidic elements under instrument control. The fluidic element of an injector pump is fluidically connected to lateral flow elements and can be used to control fluid entry into containment chambers referred to as micro-reactors. The lateral flow elements comprise conductor elements that can be used for sample application and transport of analyte contained in the sample to the micro-reactor. Fluidic transport through the fluidic element of the injector pump is under instrument-control. Both the lateral flow element and the fluidic element may contain chemical entities incorporated along their length. The chemical reactions that can be used for analyte detection using the devices are described. Also described are methods of manufacture of these devices.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for counting nanoparticle probes is disclosed. In one embodiment, quantum dot-tagged proteins on optically transparent membranes or slides are counted. The transparent membranes or slides are loaded onto a stage (e.g., an X-Y stage or X-Y-Z stage), which can automatically reposition the transparent membrane or slides for image capture at varying locations. A microscope can be used for providing a light source to fluoresce the nanocrystals and for providing the magnification needed for image capture. Once one or more images are captured, the nanoparticles can be automatically counted using post-processing software that maintains a total count across multiple images, if desired.

Abstract: The invention provides devices for trapping and collecting separated biomolecules following a separation step. The invention also provides methods of using the devices to trap and collect separated biomolecules.

Abstract: The invention provides devices and methods for isolating one or more sample components of a sample material following separation of the sample material into a plurality of sample components. A device includes a separation channel having a sample loading well. A low-conductivity buffer is disposed in the loading well, the buffer having a conductivity <0.2 mS/cm. In a method, a buffer is loaded into a loading well in fluid communication with a separation channel of a device. A sample material having a conductivity higher than that of the buffer is then loaded into the loading well such that the sample material is disposed beneath the buffer, the buffer disposed over and covering the sample material. The sample material is separated into a plurality of separated components in the separation channel, and a separated component is collected from a collection well disposed in a collection leg of the device.

Abstract: Provided herein is a method for the isolation or removal of a cellular component from a cell that comprises the steps of applying a pulse of nanoparticles to the cell, allowing the nanoparticles to traffic through the cell for a period of time sufficient to allow the nanoparticles locate to and interact with the cellular component to be isolated, and separation of the nanoparticles and isolated cellular component from the cell.

Abstract: A method for determining the hydrodynamic radius for the constituents of an admixture, includes: (A) by separating capillary electrophoresis, the constituents of the admixture, leaving them within the capillary; (B) at one of the ends of the capillary obtained in this manner, containing, in different zones, the separated constituents, a detectable marker is injected in the region of a detection device which is placed at the side of the other end of the capillary; (C) a pressure difference is induced between the ends of the capillary in order to cause the various constituents separated in step (A) and finally the marker to migrate towards the outlet of the capillary; and (D) by analyzing the Taylor dispersion produced in step (C), the hydrodynamic radius is determined for each of the constituents, based on the detection time of the marker and the elution profile of each of the constituents.

Abstract: A method is described for enriching procaryotic DNA, said method including the steps of contacting at least one procaryotic DNA with at least one protein or polypeptide which is capable of specifically binding to non-methylated CpG motifs, and separating the protein/polypeptide-DNA complex. Moreover, the application relates to a kit for carrying out said method.

Abstract: A method for analyzing hemoglobin in a sample by separation analysis while suppressing the denaturation of the hemoglobin includes separating hemoglobin in the presence of at least one of a sulfurous acid compound and a dithionous acid compound.

Abstract: A method for the diagnosis of tubular kidney diseases comprising the step of determining the presence or absence or amplitude of at least three polypeptide markers in a urine sample, the polypeptide marker being selected from the markers characterized in Table 1 by values for the molecular masses and migration times.

Abstract: A reusable bio-analysis cartridge that includes a built-in mechanism to track various parameters and usage data. The tracking mechanism includes a non-volatile rewritable memory “smart-key” that is associated with the cartridge to provide automatic tracking dedicated to the cartridge. The key may be physically coupled to the cartridge with good high voltage insulating properties. When the cartridge is used in an instrument, the associated key is inserted into an I/O interface to communicate with the instrument. The instrument may be configured to “authenticate” the cartridge and conduct an integrity check to determine if the particular cartridge has the correct properties (e.g., gel-chemistry, serial no., Patient I.D.) for the particular sample analysis to be conducted. Further, the instrument may communicate/record information concerning usage of the cartridge (e.g., usage history, test parameters, and perhaps test results).

Abstract: A device for controlled transport of ions comprising a first source element arranged to receive ions of a first class from an ion source, a first target element arranged to release ions of said first class to an ion target, wherein each of said first source element and said first target element comprises an ion selective material, which conducts said first class of ions, a first control element comprising ion selective material, which conducts a second class of ions, wherein said first class is one of cations and anions, and said second class is the other one of cations and anions, a first ion transport element arranged in direct ionic contact with all of said first source element, said first target element and said first control element, wherein said first control element, in use, is arranged to receive a first electrochemical potential which increases the concentration of ions of said second class in said ion transport element, and wherein said first ion transport element, in use, is further arranged to rec

Abstract: In a microfluidic device, respective motion of a plurality of objects along corresponding trajectories is achieved by determining a force field, such as an underlying fluid flow which, when applied to the plurality of object, moves each object along its corresponding trajectory. The force field is a linear superposition of a subset of all force fields supported by the physical characteristics of the microfluidic device. Once the fields have been ascertained, a plurality of actuation signals corresponding to the fields is applied to actuators installed on the microfluidic device to cause the force on each object. By implementing a feedback structure, corrections for positional errors may be made by computing a corrective force for each object and adjusting the actuation signals appropriately thereto.

Abstract: Apparatus for inducing motion of charged particles in a liquid or gel using an electric field includes a region in which the motion is to be induced, first and second electrodes for generating the electric field in the region whereby a current passes between the electrodes so as to induce the charged particle motion and so as to cause ions to be received at the second electrode. A measurement apparatus is arranged to measure the amount of charge transferred between the first and second electrodes during an induced charged particle motion operation, the measurement apparatus being able to take account of any variation in current or voltage during the induced charged particle motion operation. A control system is provided for controlling a regenerating operation for regenerating the second electrode by transferring via it an amount of charge substantially equal to the measured amount so as to cause ions to be removed from the second electrode and thereby regenerate the electrode.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrochemical method for detecting a target polynucleotide. An electrode comprising an electrode surface is provided. The electrode surface includes at least one probe molecule reversibly immobilized with respect to the electrode surface. A first electrochemical signal indicative of an amount of probe molecule immobilized with respect to the electrode surface is obtained. The electrode surface is contacted with a liquid comprising the target polynucleotide. Upon the contacting step, at least some of the probe molecule immobilized with respect to the electrode surface dissociates therefrom. A second electrochemical signal indicative of an amount of probe molecule immobilized with respect to the electrode surface is obtained. The presence of the target polynucleotide is determined at least partially on the basis of the first and second electrochemical signals.

Abstract: In order to follow the change in concentration of a redox-active substance, potential suitable for a reducing process or oxidation process are applied to the working electrode of a measuring device. The potential of the working electrode is pulsed and measuring phases and relaxation phases are alternately produced, the pulse lengths of the measuring phase and relaxation phase being predetermined in a suitable manner. In this manner, a rapid relaxation of the concentration gradient is forced electrochemically so that the measurement can be carried out on simple transducer arrays. The device includes a transducer array in addition to a suitable potentiostat. The transducer array may include a planar metal substrate on which at least one flexible insulator having a firm connection between the metal surface and the insulator surface is located. The array is generated by suitably structuring the substrate.

Abstract: Sample processing droplet actuators, systems and methods are provided. According to one embodiment, a stamping device including a droplet microactuator is provided and includes: (a) a first plate including a path or network of control electrodes for transporting droplets on a surface thereof; (b) a second plate mounted in a substantially parallel orientation with respect to the first plate providing an interior volume between the plates, the second plate including one or more stamping ports for transporting some portion or all of a droplet from the interior volume to an exterior location; (c) a port for introducing fluid into the interior volume between the plates; and (d) a path or network of reference electrodes corresponding to the path or network of control electrodes. Associated systems and methods including the stamping device are also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods, systems, and apparatuses for the free solution measurement of molecular interactions by backscattering interferometry (BSI). Molecular interaction can be detected between analytes in free-solution wherein at least one of the analytes is label-free and detection is performed by back-scattering interferometry. Further, molecular interaction can be detected between analytes in free-solution, wherein at least one of the analytes is label-free, wherein one of the analytes is present in a concentration of less than about 5.0×10?7M. Also disclosed are label-free, free-solution, and/or real-time measurements of characteristic properties and/or chemical events using the disclosed techniques. The disclosed methods can have very low detection limits and/or very low sample volume requirements. Also disclosed are various biosensor applications of the disclosed techniques.

Abstract: Provided herein is a surface acoustic wave (“SAW”) sensor device including an isolation component of a target biomolecule. A sample containing the target biomolecule is separated by its size using electrophoresis, and sequentially reacts with a SAW sensor. In other words, the device is capable of detecting the target biomolecule by separating biomolecules using electrophoresis, and applying the separated biomolecules to the SAW sensor.

Abstract: A process for separating a cell type from a mixture of cell types by electrophoresis comprising providing a sample containing a mixture of cell types to a sample chamber of membrane-based electrophoresis apparatus adapted to separate cells and applying an electric potential causing at least one cell type in the sample to be separated from other cells in the sample.

Abstract: A business method for use in classifying patient samples. The method includes steps of collecting case samples representing a clinical phenotypic state and control samples representing patients without said clinical phenotypic state. Preferably the system uses a mass spectrometry platform system to identify patterns of polypeptides in said case samples and in the control samples without regard to the specific identity of at least some of said polypeptides. Based on identified representative patterns of the state, the business method provides for the marketing of diagnostic products using representative patterns. The present invention relates to systems and methods for identifying new markers, diagnosing patients with a biological state of interest, and marketing/commercializing such diagnostics. The present invention relates to systems and methods of greater sensitivity, specificity, and/or cost effectiveness.

Abstract: The subject is providing a crystallizing device of a biopolymer, which made to form biopolymer crystal efficiently in crystallization solution of a small amount of biopolymers by applying a low voltage and not to make an electrode disturb but observable a state of crystal formation. As an electrode for applying an electric field to a biopolymer solution, a transparent conductor, which does not disturb crystal formation, is used. Between the transparent conductor electrodes 2s, the electric insulating member 4 is placed and the crystallization solution 1 for a small amount of biopolymers is maintained inter-electrode. A biopolymer is efficiently crystallized by applying a low voltage supplied from the voltage generator 5 to the transparent conductor electrode 2. A crystal formation state of a biopolymer is optically observable from the electrode side of a transparent conductor. Orientation control of the biopolymer can be performed by an electric field formed by the above-mentioned voltage application.

Abstract: A method for dispersing nanomaterial comprising an electrochemical process, a solution of dispersed nanomaterial, comprising individual charged nanomaterial at a concentration of about O.1 mgm?1 or more and a solvent and an electrochemical cell are described.

Abstract: Methods are provided herein for modifying antigenic carbohydrate epitopes within a xenographic bioprosthetic tissue by oxidation of vicinal diols to form aldehydes or acids and subsequence reductive amination of aldehydes to form stable secondary amines, or amidation or esterification of acids to form stable amides or esters. Advantageously, methods provided herein mitigate the antigenicity of the bioprosthetic tissue while leaving the overall tissue structure substantially undisturbed, and thereby enhance the durability, safety and performance of the bioprosthetic implant.

Abstract: A method for performing electrophoretic separation of ionic compounds which involves varying a bulk fluid flow though a separation path into which ionic species are continuously introduced and separated. The method can also include the introduction of a leading electrolyte into the separation path to form an ionic interface with the sample and an optional terminating electrolyte to enrich ionic species for higher detection resolution.