Abstract: Droplet actuators for conducting droplet operations, such as droplet transport and droplet dispensing, are provided. In one embodiment, the droplet actuator may include a substrate including, droplet operations electrodes arranged for conducting droplet operations on a surface of the substrate; and reference electrodes associated with the droplet operations electrodes and extending above the surface of the substrate. Other embodiments of droplet actuators and methods of loading and using such droplet actuators are also provided.

Abstract: Methods for detecting one or more analytes, such as a protein, in a fluid path are provided. The methods include resolving, immobilizing and detecting one or more analytes in a fluid path, such as a capillary. Also included are devices and kits for performing such assays.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for separating a target for measurement utilizing electrophoresis, particularly capillary electrophoresis efficiently in high sensitivity and in a short period of time. It also relates to a method for measuring said target separated by said method for separation. The invention provides a method for separating a target for measurement and a method for measuring said target separated by said method for separation, characterized by using a substance to which is bound a nucleic acid chain labeled by a marker and which has an affinity for said target for measurement.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for detecting a polymorphism or mutation in nucleic acid comprising a first phase to amplify or enrich for a sequence comprising a polymorphism or mutation and a second phase for detecting the polymorphism or mutation, wherein both phases are performed in the same reaction vessel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the application of a coating to workpieces and/or materials, comprising the following steps: applying an adhesive layer; and applying a high-strength top layer by plasma coating.

Abstract: Apparatus and method employing gel electrophoresis and optical imaging techniques to measure the amount of biomaterial that attaches to specified locations on a detector slide and to determine the molecular weight of the molecules at those locations.

Abstract: Process for producing sodium bicarbonate for purifying flue gases, according to which an aqueous solution containing sodium sulfate is subjected to electrodialysis to produce a sodium hydroxide solution and a sodium bisulfate solution, the sodium hydroxide solution being carbonated in order to obtain sodium bicarbonate.

Abstract: Separation of long molecules by length is obtained by forcing such molecules to traverse a boundary between a low free-energy region and a high free-energy region. In one embodiment, the high free-energy region is a dense pillar region or other structure formed on a semiconductor substrate. One or more membranes are used in further embodiments. The low free-energy region is a larger chamber formed adjacent the high free-energy region. A recoil phase allows longer molecules not fully driven into the high free-energy region to recoil into the low free-energy region. In a further variation, the high free-energy region is a membrane having nanoscale holes.

Abstract: The invention provides a droplet actuator comprising a base substrate and a top substrate separated to form a gap, wherein: (a) the base substrate comprises electrodes configured for conducting droplet operations in the gap; and (b) the top substrate comprises a first portion coupled to second portion, where the second portion comprises one or more openings establishing a fluid path extending from an exterior of the droplet actuator and into the gap. The invention also provides related methods of manufacturing the droplet actuator, methods of using the droplet actuator, and methods of loading the droplet actuator.

Abstract: On-board reagent storage, handling, and dispensing apparatuses and methods for droplet actuator systems are provided. In one embodiment, a fluidic analyzer is provided and includes a droplet actuator including a substrate including a plurality of electrodes configured to actuate a droplet and a reagent storage component in selective fluid communication with the droplet actuator and including a reagent configured to combine with a solvent at a time of use. In another embodiment, a method of conducting fluidic analysis is provided and includes storing a reagent within a reagent storage component in fluid communication with a droplet actuator including a plurality of electrodes configured to actuate a droplet and combining the reagent with a solvent at a time for use within the droplet actuator.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for sample application and separation. More closely, the invention relates to convenient direct loading of a biomolecule sample via magnetic beads to, for example, a gel before electrophoresis. In this way, the invention combines elution and application steps with minimal losses of sample. Thus, the invention relates to a method for sample application of biomolecules on a separation media, comprising the following steps: a) obtaining said biomolecules from a sample by magnetic beads; b) applying the magnetic beads with the biomolecules to a separation medium; c) releasing the biomolecules into the separation media, and d) separation of the biomolecules from each other in the separation medium.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a method for measuring hemoglobin using electrophoresis, in particular a method for measuring hemoglobin that enables high accuracy measurement of stable hemoglobin A1c and a method for simultaneously measuring stable hemoglobin A1c and abnormal hemoglobins. The present invention provides a method for measuring hemoglobin using electrophoresis, which comprises: immobilizing an ionic polymer on an inner surface of a migration path; and using a buffer solution containing a sulfated polysaccharide.

Abstract: A droplet actuator with a droplet formation electrode configuration associated with a droplet operations surface, wherein the electrode configuration comprises one or more electrodes configured to control volume of a droplet during formation of a sub-droplet on the droplet operations surface. Methods of making and using the droplet actuator are also provided.

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 present invention relates to a method for improving the hydrolysis stability of an ionic liquid (IL), in which at least one tertiary amine or one quaternary ammonium compound different from the ionic liquid (IL) is added to an ionic liquid (IL).

Abstract: A directional conductivity nanocomposite material, apparatuses and processes for making such material are generally described. A directional conductivity nanocomposite material may comprise a supporting material such as ceramic or polymer, with directionally conductive nanorod structures running through the supporting material. The material may be made by orienting nanorods in an electrophoretic gel using an electrical or magnetic field to align the nanorods, removing the gel, reinforcing the nanorods, and flowing in supporting material.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of circulating magnetically responsive beads within a droplet in a droplet actuator. The invention also provides methods for splitting droplets. The invention, in one embodiment, makes use of a droplet actuator with top and bottom substrates, a plurality of magnetic fields respectively present proximate the top and bottom substrates, wherein at least one of the magnet fields is selectively alterable, and a plurality of droplet operations electrodes positioned along at least one of the top and bottom surfaces. A droplet is positioned between the top and bottom surfaces and at least one of the magnetic fields is selectively altered.

Abstract: A microfluidic dynamic vapor control system adapted to change the chemistry of small drops by dynamically controlling the vapor content surrounding the drops. The small volume surface area ratio makes this an efficient mechanism for controlling chemistry in nanovolumes. The system uses small reservoirs of material that can produce vapor on demand, and microfluidic channels that direct the vapor into a small chamber that holds a drop of the solution of interest. By changing the vapors that enter the chamber, the chemical composition of the drop can be modified.

Abstract: A flow cell is disclosed for collecting and concentrating a sample dispersed in a flowing medium. The collected sample can be selectively manipulated within the cell by the use of one or more traveling wave grids. The cells are particularly useful as bio-enrichment devices and can be utilized upstream of conventional analytical or detection instruments.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to methods of determining the presence and position of AGG or interruptor elements within a trinucleotide (for example, CGG) repeat region, and to methods of determining the number of repeats present in this region, by amplifying a set of products with a set of primers of which at least one comprises a portion of the CGG repeat region, and resolving the products to produce a representation of product size and abundance.

Abstract: A whispering gallery mode resonator based optical sensor assembly comprises a flow channel permeable to optical energy and first and second optical waveguides adjacent to a section of the flow channel and adapted to be in first and second evanescent field couplings respectively with the section such that the section forms a whispering gallery mode resonator. The resonator is responsive to an optical signal conveyed in the first optical waveguide and communicates a second optical signal to the second optical waveguide indicative of a resonance wavelength of the whispering gallery mode resonator. A detector optically coupled to the second optical waveguide detects the output signal. A signal processor detects a shift in the output signal responsive to an analyte fluid flowing through the flow channel. The shift is indicative of the identity of at least one constituent of the analyte fluid.

Abstract: Devices and methods for sequencing biomolecules include improving signal-to-noise ratio of detection of relative positions of probes hybridized to a biomolecule by coating at least a portion of the biomolecule with a protein prior to its translocation through a structure defining a nanopore, microchannel or nanochannel.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of detecting cancer using biomarkers.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method to deposit particles on a charge storage apparatus with charge patterns and a forming method for charge patterns. The forming method for charge patterns includes providing the charge storage apparatus having an electrically conducting substrate and a charge storage media layer. The charge storage apparatus is disposed in a vacuum or an anhydrous environment. An electrode and the electrically conducting substrate are utilized to conduct a first voltage and a second voltage respectively to form an electric field. Charges are then stored into the charge storage media layer of the charge storage apparatus through the electric field and the charge patterns are then formed. Accordingly, particles are deposited on the charge pattern-defined areas.

Abstract: Measurement device (10) for taking a liquid sample, comprising: a measurement portion (15) with a measurement surface (20), for being in use contacted with the liquid surface and a plug portion (40) having a plurality of electrical contacts (50), wherein the plug portion (40) is mountable to a socket (110) of a measurement evaluation apparatus (100).

Abstract: A droplet actuator comprising a substrate comprising an electrode coupled to a voltage source, wherein the droplet actuator is configured such that when voltage is applied to the electrode, an electrostatic energy gradient is established at a surface of the substrate which causes a droplet to be transported in a direction established by the energy gradient. Related methods and other embodiments are also provided.

Abstract: A droplet actuator with arrays of electrodes electrically coupled to a number of controllable voltage sources that is less than the number of electrodes. A method of defining partitions for pin layouts in a droplet actuator for a specific assay, the method including: defining droplet traces for the assay; and defining a guard ring along the traces. Other methods, systems, droplet actuators, and algorithms are also provided.

Abstract: A droplet actualor having electrodes configured for ejecting droplet operations transporting droplets on a surface, and a sensor arranged in proximity to one or more of the electrodes establishing a detection window on the surface for detection of one or more properties of one or more droplets on the surface, wherein the electrodes establish at least two pathways for transport of droplets into the detection window. Also provided is, A method of detecting a property of a target droplet, including using droplet operations to modulate signals from a droplet set comprising the target droplet, detecting the modulated signals of the droplet set, demodulating the modulated signals to identify the signal produced by one or more individual droplets of the set Related methods and alternative embodiments are also provided.

Abstract: A nanopump for pumping small volumes of electrolyte solution under the control of a voltage source is described. The device includes a chamber and a nanopore membrane which partitions the chamber into upstream and downstream regions. When a voltage potential is applied across the membrane, electroosmotic flow through the membrane channels produces a precise-volume flow between the two chamber regions. A method for precise-volume pumping employing the nanopump and a nanopump device for determining the lengths of nucleic acid fragments in an electrolyte solution of different-length fragments are also described.

Abstract: An electrophoresis gel matrix is provided for conducting proteomics, in particular the steps of separating and/or identifying proteins. The matrix comprises at least one chemical reagent being at least one of a denaturing, buffering, disaggregating, reducing, staining or dissolving reagent, and a volume of dimethylsulfoxide. The use of such a matrix, which is provided to be filled into an electrophoresis capillary being part of a microfluidic device for carrying out proteomics, leads to an enhanced resolution of proteins. The matrix is prepared adding a volume of dimethylsulfoxide ranging from 4% to 15%, preferably from 5% to 10%, most preferably from 6% to 8% with respect to the total volume of chemical reagents being comprised in the matrix. A method is provided for preparation of the matrix for conducting proteomics and a method is conducted to carry out proteomics by the use of this matrix.

Abstract: Particles for display including color particles and a silicone polymer attached to a surface of the color particles, the silicone polymer including, as copolymerization components, a first silicone chain component, a second silicone component including a silicone chain that is shorter than a silicone chain of the first silicone component, and a component including a charging group

Abstract: White particles for display including first white particles that move in response to an electric field and second white particles that do not move in response to an electric field, the second white particles having a volume average particle size that is less than that of the first white particles, and a ratio of the numerical amount of the first white particles/the second white particles (L/S) satisfying the following relationship: 1/(5.1×107)?L/S?1/(2.8×104).

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for identifying antigens from complex analyte samples. More specifically, the invention relates to methods for identifying antigens recognized by monoclonal antibodies in a complex analyte sample. The methods of this invention use a first affinity chromatography via a “multiaffinity” step and a second, “singleaffinity” step that implements parallel affinity chromatography.

Abstract: A method of analysis, instrument for analysis and device for use in such an instrument are provided, which perform a number of processes need to reach a useful result in the context of a wide variety of samples. The sequence of those processes being optimised. A device, instrument using the device and method of use are also provided which offer reliable performance of a heating based process, with minimal condensation and/or sample loss issues.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an aqueous transfer buffer that provides superior efficiency in transferring polypeptides of a broad range of molecular weight from a matrix used in electrophoresis to another immobilized surface. Also disclosed are electrophoretic methods and devices in which the aqueous transfer solution of this invention is used.

Abstract: A medical diagnostic method and instrumentation system for analyzing noncovalently bonded agglomerated biological particles is described. The method and system comprises: a method of preparation for the biological particles; an electrospray generator; an alpha particle radiation source; a differential mobility analyzer; a particle counter; and data acquisition and analysis means. The medical device is useful for the assessment of human diseases, such as cardiac disease risk and hyperlipidemia, by rapid quantitative analysis of lipoprotein fraction densities. Initially, purification procedures are described to reduce an initial blood sample to an analytical input to the instrument. The measured sizes from the analytical sample are correlated with densities, resulting in a spectrum of lipoprotein densities. The lipoprotein density distribution can then be used to characterize cardiac and other lipid-related health risks.

Abstract: A disease detection system which includes an electrophoresis apparatus and a biomarker detector. The apparatus includes: (a) a transport passage; (b) a plurality of separation passages, each of the separation passages having an overlapping portion that overlaps the transport passage; and (c) a different biomarker concentrator in each of the overlapping portions and which concentrates at least one different biomarker from a specimen from an animal introduced into the transport passage. A plurality of the different biomarkers is associated with at least one predetermined disease, such as diabetes, heart disease or cancer. The detector detects the presence of the different biomarkers which were concentrated by the biomarker concentrators and delivered to the biomarker detector via the separation passages. First and second sets of the biomarker concentrators can be associated with respective first and second predetermined diseases and the user can determine which set will be used in each procedure.

Abstract: The invention relates transiently attaching drag-tags to molecules during electrophoresis. The invention includes running buffers having drag-tags that transiently attach to lipophilic moieties attached to the molecules. The lipophilic moieties can be covalently or ionically bonded to the molecules. One particular aspect of the invention is a nucleoside analog or a nucleic acid analog comprising a lipophilic moiety. The invention is also directed to methods of separating molecules that comprise a lipophilic moiety. The methods generally comprise transiently attaching a drag-tag to the lipophilic moiety during a separation modality. These methods can be used to separate the molecules by size or weight, to measure a hydrodynamic radius of a drag-tag, or to separate a plurality of drag-tag by their hydrodynamic radius.

Abstract: Methods are provided for concentrating particles on the surface of a drop or bubble in a continuous phase, for separating different types of particles, and for removing particles from the surface of the drop or bubble. The methods also facilitate separation of two types of particles on a drop or bubble, optionally followed by solidification of the drop or bubble, to produce a particle for which the surface properties vary, such as a Janus particle. The methods can be also used to destabilize emulsions and foams by re-distributing or removing particles on the surface of the drop or bubble, facilitating coalescence of the particle-free drops or bubbles.

Abstract: A method of delivering fluid can include using electro-wetting effects to pick-up, transport, and/or deliver discrete volumes of fluid. Voltage can be applied across a fluid contact area having a conductive substrate and a dielectric material with an outer surface. The outer surface can have a native interfacial surface tension state and a voltage induced second state having a reduction in interfacial surface tension. A fluid can be contacted such that a volume of fluid adheres to the outer surface of the fluid contact area when the voltage is applied. Subsequently, the voltage can be adjusted such that at least a portion of the volume of fluid is delivered to a receiving location.

Abstract: The present methods and systems relate to the placement on meat surfaces of a dye-linked protease substrate bonded in a defined location to a solid, porous support. Proteases in the meat hydrolyze the substrate, which then releases the dye, which diffuses away so that the extent of diffusion can be determined by imaging. Alternatively, the amount of dye released can be determined by its mobilization into a liquid medium. The present methods and systems also relates to determining the amount of hydrolyzed protein that is present in post-mortem meat samples. Agents which bond to hydrolyzed proteins, but not to unhydrolyzed proteins, are generated, wherein such agents comprise antibodies or aptamers. Such agents are then used in quantitative assays comprising ELISA tests or lateral flow tests.

Abstract: The present teachings relate, among other things, to polynucleotide sequencing, fragment analysis and sample/lane tracking, and to polynucleotide sequencers and analyzers that employ optical detection techniques. Embodiments of the present teachings are described which include, for example, the addition of a calibration standard to a sequencing reaction. Information such as peak spacing and peak shape can be extracted from the standard.

Abstract: A method for making an electrophoretic solution includes: including two kinds of particles having different charging polarities into the electrophoretic solution; calculating a mixing ratio so that charge amounts of the two kinds of particles become approximately equal to each other on a basis of a unit volume of a dispersion medium; and mixing the two kinds of particles in each mixed quantity that satisfies the calculated mixing ratio.

Abstract: A microfluidic substrate assembly includes a substrate body having at least one fluid inlet port. At least one microscale fluid flow channel in the substrate is in fluid communication with the inlet port for transport of a fluid to be tested. The substrate body also has a plurality of sockets, with each of one or sockets configured to receive an operative component. At least one socket is in communication with the microscale fluid flow channel.

Abstract: A method for arranging particles according to one aspect of the present invention comprises the steps of: forming a thin film on a surface of a substrate, the thin film being obtained by dispersing first particles made of metal in a material, a surface of the material is to be charged to a first polarity in a predetermined solution; dispersing second particles in the solution, the second particles being charged to a second polarity opposite to the first polarity; immersing the thin film in the solution; and irradiating the thin film with light having a wavelength which causes plasmon resonance with surface plasmons of the metal particles.

Abstract: A method for the diagnosis of SMEI in a patient comprising: (1) detecting an alteration in the SCN1A gene, including in a regulatory region of the gene, in a patient sample; (2) ascertaining whether the alteration is known to be SMEI associated or non-SMEI associated; and (3) (a) establishing a diagnosis of a high probability of SMEI where the alteration is known to be SMEI associated; or (b) establishing a diagnosis of a low probability of SMEI where the alteration is non-SMEI associated; or (e) or, if not known to be either, (i) considering genetic data for parents and/or relatives; (ii) establishing whether the alteration has arisen de novo or is inherited; and (iii) establishing a diagnosis of a low probability of SMEI where the alteration is inherited but a diagnosis of a high probability of SMEI if the alteration is de novo.

Abstract: A system for producing multi-component colloidal structures has a supply system; an assembly system that is in fluid connection with the supply system to receive a supply of colloidal structural components from the supply system; and an output system in fluid connection with the assembly system. The assembly system has an assembly chamber adapted to contain colloidal structural components during assembly of a multi-component colloidal structure and is structured and arranged to control positions and orientations of first and second c structural components in the assembly chamber to bring the first and second colloidal structural components together in predetermined relative positions and orientations for assembly into at least a portion of the multi-component colloidal structure.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for conducting a chemical reaction. The reaction is conducted in a reaction vessel or mixing occurring in at least a partial liquid environment in which reactants are disposed. The reaction is conducted in the presence of cavitation and an electrical current.

Abstract: The invention relates to the role of Acr-DNA adducts in p53 mutagenesis in CS-related lung cancer. The distribution of Acr-DNA adducts was mapped at the sequence level in the p53 gene of lung cells using the UvrABC incision method in combination with ligation-mediated PCR. It was determined that Acr preferentially binds at methylated CpG sites. Also, Acr can greatly reduce the DNA repair capacity for damage induced by benzo(a)pyrene diol epoxide. Together these results suggest that Acr is a major etiological agent for CS-related lung cancer and that it contributes to lung carcinogenesis through DNA damage and inhibition of DNA repair. Methods and compositions are provided for either removing an exogenous toxic agent from a combustion product or for preventing the toxic or mutagenic effect of these toxic agents on cells and tissues. Methods are also provided for screening for candidate compounds that protect cells from toxic combustion products.

Abstract: A method for controlling the hydrophilic droplet using the electrowetting principle is disclosed. More specifically, the present invention provides a method for increasing the change of the contact angle in the interface that is formed between the hydrophilic droplet and the nonpolar fluid by adding a constant concentration of two-element electrolyte or three-element electrolyte to the hydrophilic droplet; and an apparatus for controlling the droplet having the change of the contact angle and velocity scope increased by the method.