Abstract: A device having one or more an acoustic modules. The acoustic module includes an acoustic element and a cavity that is acoustically coupled to the acoustic element. The module also includes a first conductive element that is configured to generate a first surface charge on a first region of an interior surface of the cavity. A second conductive element is configured to generate a second surface charge on a second region of the interior surface of the cavity. The first and second charge on the first and second regions of the interior surfaces of the cavity may be selectively applied to facilitate movement of a liquid held within the cavity.

Abstract: Described are methods of reducing the incidence and/or magnitude of artifacts in denaturing nucleic acid capillary electrophoresis (CE). Methods and systems described serve to dismiss non-denatured DNA from the tip of the capillary after sample injection and prior to electrophoretic separation of loaded nucleic acids. Among the methods disclosed are the application of a brief reverse-polarity pulse to the capillary prior to separation but after removal of the capillary from the sample reservoir, and transiently heating the capillary to cause expansion of the separation matrix after removal of the capillary from the sample reservoir.

Abstract: Methods and systems for purifying cells and/or viruses are provided. The sample is added to a well disposed in a medium. A potential is applied across the medium to cause the contaminants to enter one or more walls of the well, and retain the cells and/or viruses in the well. The cells and/or viruses can be removed from the well, and optionally adhered or fixed to a surface, or detected. In one embodiment, the cells and/or viruses may be retained in the well by embedding in the medium. The medium including the embedded cells and/or viruses may be excised or otherwise removed and transferred to a glass slide or other solid surface.

Abstract: A microfluidic device for separating a sample by chromatography includes diffusion bonded metallic sheets joined together to create a hermetically sealed interface between each adjacent metallic sheet without the introduction of a secondary material. Enclosed within the diffusion bonded sheets is a separation channel accessible by at least one of an inlet or an outlet. The separation channel is packed with micrometer-sized particles serving as a stationary phase in a chromatographic separation. Wetted surfaces of the separation channel include a coating of an organic material at least one monolayer thick.

Abstract: The present invention includes methods, devices and systems for isolating nanoparticulates, including nucleic acids, from biological samples. In various aspects, the methods, devices and systems may allow for a rapid procedure that requires a minimal amount of material and/or results in high purity isolation of biological components from complex fluids such as blood or environmental samples.

Abstract: The invention provides a sheath-flow interface for producing electrospray from a capillary. The electrospray generated by the interface can be used as the source of ions for mass spectrometry. Electrokinetic flow in the interface can move a sheath liquid past the end of a capillary so as to mix with an analyte effluent discharged from the capillary. The sheath liquid and analyte mixture can be directed to an electrospray emitter to generate an electrospray.

Abstract: The present invention provides devices and methods for identification and/or quantitation of particles through detection of fluorescence labeled particles in an apparatus for differential charged particle mobility analysis and fluorescence detection.

Abstract: An electrically conductive pipette tip having an elongated tubular body that has a bottom opening at the bottom end for the passage of liquid, and a top opening at the top end for the passage of air, and a passageway between the bottom opening and the top opening, wherein the body has at least one electrically-conductive region extending from the bottom opening to the top opening, and at least one transparent region consisting of plastic that extends from the passageway to the outside of the body.

Abstract: Disclosed is an economic method for concentrating virus and detecting virus, such that virus in a sample solution having low virus concentration can be concentrated with high efficiency within a short time. Particularly, the method comprising the steps of: (A) adding Concanavalin A (Con A) to a sample solution containing a virus, and reacting the added Concanavalin A with the virus in the sample solution to form a virus-Concanavalin A conjugate; and (B) separating the virus-Concanavalin A conjugate from the sample solution.

Abstract: A portable electrophoretic contactless conductivity detection (C4D) system for analysis on a microfluidic chip houses in one embodiment a fluidic compartment for receiving the microfluidic chip, and four detection electrodes: first and second emitting electrodes, and first and second receiving electrodes. The first emitting electrode and the first receiving electrode are adjacent to a first channel wall of the microfluidic chip, and the second emitting electrode and the second receiving electrode are adjacent to a second channel wall, where the second channel wall is opposite to the first channel wall. In an embodiment, the electrodes are provided as portions of a removable cartridge cell.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detection of pteridine levels in a biological sample using CE-LIF which is useful for early cancer screening involving fully oxidizing pteridine compounds in a sample such as a urine sample, subjecting to CE-LIF to assess compound concentration, and compare to expected levels in for healthy or cancer-bearing patients.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for integrating the electrophoresis and blotting of samples. A capillary electrophoresis and blotting system allows concomitant electrophoretic separation and blotting to provide a rapid and simplified process. A microfluidic electrophoresis and blotting system provides electrophoretic separation in a microfluidic channel followed by electroblotting from the microfluidic channel to also provide a rapid and simplified process. These systems and methods can be used to assay smaller amounts of sample in less time than conventional processes, including conventional Western blotting techniques.

Abstract: A physiologically active substance collecting device, includes: a collecting section brought into contact with a body surface of a living organism to acquire a physiologically active substance from the body surface; and a liquid sending means for sending a solvent to the collecting section, the collecting section having an aperture at which the solvent flown by being sent from the liquid sending means contacts the body surface.

Abstract: A microchip which includes a fluid circuit defined by a space formed in the microchip and migrates a liquid present in the fluid circuit to a desired position in the fluid circuit by an applied centrifugal force, and a movement path control region (a surface region where an uneven pattern is formed on an inner surface of the fluid circuit) for controlling a movement path of the fluid.

Abstract: A spectrometer includes: a wavelength-variable interference filter that can change a wavelength of selected light and disperses light from a measurement target; an imaging unit that receives light components with a plurality of wavelengths which are dispersed by the wavelength-variable interference filter and acquires a plurality of spectral images; a positional deviation amount detection unit that selects a standard image from the plurality of spectral images acquired by the imaging unit and detects a positional deviation amount of a pixel position which receives light from a predetermined position of the measurement target between the standard image and at least one of the spectral images other than the standard image; and a position correction unit that positions the spectral images other than the standard image on the basis of the detected positional deviation amount.

Abstract: Compositions of transposome complexes for generating DNA fragments with specific 5?- and 3?-tags. Kits for generating libraries for sequencing, with transposome complexes, enzymes, oligonucleotides or other components.

Abstract: A method for isotope measurement of charged species contained in a solution to be analyzed, particularly charged species having an isobaric interference, has the following consecutive steps: a) in the capillary of a capillary electrophoresis device, the solution to be analyzed is inserted contiguously between a terminating electrolyte and a leading electrolyte that, respectively, are placed after the inlet and before the outlet of the capillary and contain ions of the same charge but with mobility inferior and superior to those of said species; b) separating the species by using the capillary electrophoresis device according to the isotachophoresis mode; then c) in the continuity of the preceding step, performing an isotope measurement of the species detected in the form of a substantially constant amplitude signal by using an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICPMS) connected by direct coupling with the capillary electrophoresis device.

Abstract: A liquid handling apparatus includes a substrate that includes a groove which is a channel through which a liquid can be moved on the basis of a capillary phenomenon, and a film that is bonded to the substrate to cover the opening of the groove, in which the channel has a main channel and a guide channel, the groove has a main groove that is the main channel by the film being bonded to the substrate, and a guide groove that is the guide channel by the film being bonded to the substrate, opens on a lateral surface of the main groove, and has a width narrower than the width of the main groove, and the guide groove is placed in an area on a film side of the lateral surface of the main groove and shallower than the main groove.

Abstract: Oligomeric reagents are provided comprising a moiety of atoms arranged in a specific order, wherein the moiety is positioned between a water-soluble, non-peptidic oligomer and a pharmaceutically active agent. The oligomeric reagents are useful for, among other things, forming oligomer active agent conjugates. Related methods, compositions, preparations, and so forth are also provided.

Abstract: A disposable cartridge used in a digital microfluidics system has a bottom layer with first hydrophobic surface, a rigid cover plate with second hydrophobic surface, and a gap there-between. The bottom layer is a flexible film on an uppermost surface of a cartridge accommodation site of a system, attracted to and spread over the uppermost surface by an underpressure. A lower surface of the plate and the flexible bottom layer are sealed to each other. The assembled cartridge is removed from the cartridge accommodation site in one piece and potentially includes samples and processing fluids. The system has a base unit and a cartridge accommodation site with an electrode array of individual electrodes and a central control unit for controlling selection of individual electrodes and for providing these electrodes with individual voltage pulses for manipulating liquid droplets within the gap by electrowetting.

Abstract: Nanochannel arrays that enable high-throughput macromolecular analysis are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods of preparing nanochannel arrays and nanofluidic chips. Methods of analyzing macromolecules, such as entire strands of genomic DNA, are also disclosed, as well as systems for carrying out these methods.

Abstract: A method for the measurement of the amount or difference in the amounts of 2 or more nucleic acid targets in a sample, the method comprising the steps of attaching to nucleic acids present in the sample (1) a tag which allows the nucleic acids to be captured to a solid support; and (2) a labelled probe for a first nucleic acid target present in the sample and a labelled probe for second nucleic acid target present in the sample, and then measuring the amount of each labelled probe or difference in the amount of labelled probes; wherein the probe is not a single labelled nucleotide.

Abstract: The invention provides a system that can process a raw biological sample, perform a biochemical reaction and provide an analysis readout. For example, the system can extract DNA from a swab, amplify STR loci from the DNA, and analyze the amplified loci and STR markers in the sample. The system integrates these functions by using microfluidic components to connect what can be macrofluidic functions. In one embodiment the system includes a sample purification module, a reaction module, a post-reaction clean-up module, a capillary electrophoresis module and a computer. In certain embodiments, the system includes a disposable cartridge for performing analyte capture. The cartridge can comprise a fluidic manifold having macrofluidic chambers mated with microfluidic chips that route the liquids between chambers. The system fits within an enclosure of no more than 10 ft3. and can be a closed, portable, and/or a battery operated system. The system can be used to go from raw sample to analysis in less than 4 hours.

Abstract: Water-soluble, UV-absorbing and/or fluorescing compound having an isoelectric point greater than 10, can be obtained using molecules chosen from the group of molecules consisting of those containing at least one secondary alcohol OH group with a pKa value greater than 10 and at least one amino group with a pKb value smaller than 5, those containing at least one primary alcohol OH group and at least one secondary alcohol OH group with respective pKa values greater than 10 and at least one amino el group with a pKb value smaller than 5 or a quaternary ammonium group, and those containing at least two secondary alcohol OH groups with respective pKb values greater than 10 and at least one amino group with a pKb value smaller than 5 or a quaternary ammonium group; and having at least one UV absorbing group or at least one fluorescing group or a combination thereof. The invention includes methods for producing such compounds.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods, devices, and kits for separating and selecting top sperm from a sperm sample of a subject. In one aspect, for example, such a method can include removing a portion of negatively charged protein from sperm in the sperm sample, immobilizing the sperm, electrophoretically separating the sperm, and selecting mature sperm based on electromotility properties.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the extraction of analyte compounds from a sample comprising one or more analytes in a donor phase into an acceptor phase, comprising the steps of: a) providing an electrically conductive donor phase comprising the compounds in a first electrically conductive solvent or solvent blend, and an electrode arranged in electrically conductive contact with the donor phase, b) providing an electrically conductive acceptor phase in electrically conductive contact with a second electrode; and c) providing an insulator phase in fluid communication with at least one of the donor phase and the acceptor phase, wherein the insulator phase is immiscible with the donor phase and/or the acceptor phase, and d) (d) applying an electrical field between the first and the second electrode.

Abstract: A method of generating droplets of a dispersed phase fluid in a continuous phase fluid includes flowing the dispersed phase fluid and the continuous phase fluid to a channel junction of at least one dispersed phase channel and at least one continuous phase channel, applying at least one alternating voltage to at least two electrodes so that an alternating electric field is created at the channel junction, and generating the droplets of the dispersed phase fluid in the continuous phase fluid flowing in an output channel of the channel junction, wherein the dispersed phase fluid and the continuous phase fluid are electrically insulated from the at least two electrodes. Furthermore, a microfluidic device is described, which is configured for generating droplets of a dispersed phase fluid in a continuous phase fluid.

Abstract: A method for the diagnosis of bladder cancer (BC) and/or for determining a tumor stage of bladder cancer, comprising the step of determining the presence or absence or amplitude of at least six polypeptide markers in a sample, wherein said polypeptide markers are selected from markers 1 to 836, which are characterized by the values for the molecular masses and migration times (CE time).

Abstract: A method improves the capability for testing a fluid sample, e.g. testing a reservoir sample of hydrocarbon fluid. The methodology comprises positioning a capillary electrophoresis system within an enclosed chamber system. The enclosed chamber system preserves the desired downhole reservoir conditions during testing of the reservoir sample. In some applications, the reservoir sample is divided into a plurality of capillaries of the capillary electrophoresis system to enable testing of the reservoir sample with different types of detectors in one capillary electrophoresis system. The method can also be applied to depressurized reservoir samples.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a method for measuring hemoglobin that enables short-time, high-accuracy measurement of hemoglobin, in particular stable hemoglobin A1c, which is used as a diagnostic indicator of diabetes mellitus, and an electrophoresis apparatus that is suitably used in this measurement method. The present invention provides a method for measuring hemoglobins using electrophoresis, which includes: using a migration path having an inner surface coated with a cationic substance to be immobilized on the inner surface or a migration path having an inner surface made of a cationic material; and using a buffer solution containing a water-soluble polymer having an anionic group as an electrophoresis buffer solution.

Abstract: A method of identifying a molecule is disclosed. A molecule is drawn to a nanopore by applying a first voltage signal to a pair of electrodes during a first period, wherein the first voltage signal causes a first ionic current through the nanopore that is indicative of a property of a portion of the molecule proximate to the nanopore. The molecule is released from the nanopore by applying a second voltage signal to the pair of electrodes during a second period, wherein the second voltage signal causes a second ionic current through the nanopore. The first period and the second period are determined based at least in part on a net ionic current through the nanopore comprising the first ionic current and the second ionic current.

Abstract: The invention features the use of graphene, a one atom thick planar sheet of bonded carbon atoms, in the formation of artificial lipid membranes. The invention also features the use of these membranes to detect the properties of polymers (e.g., the sequence of a nucleic acid) and identify transmembrane protein-interacting compounds.

Abstract: A molecule trapping method includes forming a fluid bridge between a first reservoir and a second reservoir, translocating a molecule from the first reservoir to the second reservoir through the fluid bridge, detecting when a segment of the molecule is in the fluid bridge, breaking the fluid bridge and forming an a gap between the first and the second reservoirs, thereby trapping a segment of the molecule in the gap and making measurements on the segment of the molecule.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a body portion that defines a reservoir and a set of substantially flexible capillaries. The set of substantially flexible capillaries are fixedly coupled to the body portion and in fluid communication with the reservoir. A connector is configured to be coupled to the body portion to be in fluid communication with the reservoir and the set of substantially flexible capillaries. The connector is further configured to be coupled to a vacuum source. The apparatus is arranged such that at least a part of the body portion is electrically conductive. Methods for separating and detecting an analyte from a biological sample with the apparatus are also provided. For example, methods for separating and detecting one or more proteins from a cellular lysate or a purified protein are also provided.

Abstract: A device and related method for separating nanometer particles is disclosed and described. The device can include a microfluidic system including a sample input port, a fluid flow channel, and a sample output port, in which the fluid flow channel is defined by a pair of electrode walls and an insulator. A voltage device is electrically coupled to the electrode walls. The voltage device is comprised of a diode or a resistor configured to provide an electrical field within the fluid flow channel suitable for separation of nanoparticles from one another by causing a net effect of moving particles toward one of the electrode walls.

Abstract: An integrated fluidic circuit has a supporting surface that carries a first fluid to be moved at a first functional region; a dielectric structure, defining the supporting surface; and an electrode structure, coupled to the dielectric structure for generating an electric field at the first functional region, such as to modify electrowetting properties of the interface between the first fluid and the supporting surface. The dielectric structure has a first spatially variable dielectric profile at the first functional region, thus determining a corresponding spatially variable profile of the electric field, and, consequently, of the electrowetting properties of the interface between the first fluid and the supporting surface. The integrated fluidic circuit may achieve mixing between the first fluid and a second fluid.

Abstract: A device includes at least one nanoscale capillary and means for applying an electric voltage, said means being adapted to create an electric field at least in said capillary when said electric voltage is applied, so that, when said electric voltage is applied, a charged molecule or particle placed within the created electric field can be electrically controlled. A fluidic network structure includes the at least one nanoscale capillary. A method of using and manufacturing the fluidic network structure is also described.

Abstract: This disclosure provides, among other things, a nanofluidic device sensing device is provided. In certain embodiments, the device contains: a) a channel comprising a floor and a ceiling, b) an array of charge sensors in the floor and/or ceiling of the channel, arranged along the longitudinal axis of the channel; c) a capture area in the floor and/or ceiling of the channel at the entrance end of the channel; and d) a first electrode and a second electrode, wherein the first and second electrodes are positioned to provide an electrophoretic force along the longitudinal axis of the channel. Other embodiments, e.g., methods, are also described.

Abstract: The present invention provides a nano-fluidic field effective device. The device includes a channel having a first side and a second side, a first set of electrodes adjacent to the first side, a second set of electrodes adjacent to the second side, a control unit for applying electric potentials to the electrodes and a fluid within the channel containing a charge molecule. The first set of electrodes is disposed such that application of electric potentials produces a spatially varying electric field that confines a charged molecule within a predetermined area of said channel. The second set of electrodes is disposed such that application of electric potentials relative to the electric potentials applied to the first set of electrodes creates an electric field that confines the charged molecule to an area away from the second side of the channel.

Abstract: A method for forming a microfluidic channel with improved flow characteristics for one or more analytes is disclosed. A microfluidic channel having modified surfaces is formed in a glass layer or glass substrate. The glass surfaces of the microfluidic channel are modified by the addition of a layer of borophosphosilicate glass. The addition of the borophosphosilicate glass results in an improved flow velocity profile of the analyte. As a result, control over the position and movement of analytes within the solution is improved.

Abstract: A technique is provided for forming a nanodevice for sequencing. A bottom metal contact is disposed at a location in an insulator that is on a substrate. A nonconducting material is disposed on top of the bottom metal contact and the insulator. A carbon nanotube is disposed on top of the nonconducting material. Top metal contacts are disposed on top of the carbon nanotube at the location of the bottom metal contact, where the top metal contacts are formed at opposing ends of the carbon nanotube at the location. The carbon nanotube is suspended over the bottom metal contact at the location, by etching away the nonconducting material under the carbon nanotube to expose the bottom metal contact as a bottom of a trench, while leaving the nonconducting material immediately under the top metal contacts as walls of the trench.

Abstract: Disclosed here are methods useful for incorporating protein into lipid bilayers using voltage induced insertion. The methods presented herein can decrease time and costs associated with incorporation of proteins into naturally derived or artificially created lipid bilayers. A method for incorporating a protein capable of translocating a ligand also is disclosed herein.

Abstract: In some embodiments, an analyte detection system is provided that includes a nanochannel, an electrode arrangement, and a plurality of nanoFET devices disposed in the nanochannel. A plurality of nucleic acid base detection components can be used that include a plurality of nanopores, a plurality of nanochannels, a plurality of hybridization probes, combinations thereof, and the like. According to other embodiments of the present teachings, different coded molecules are hybridized to a target DNA molecule and used to detect the presence of various sequences along the target molecule. A kit including mixtures of coded molecules is also provided. In some embodiments, devices including nanochannels, nanopores, and the like, are used for manipulating movement of DNA molecules, for example, in preparation for a DNA sequencing detection. Nanopore structures and methods of making the same are also provided as are methods of nucleic acid sequencing using the nanopore structures.

Abstract: Provided is a device comprising an upper chamber, a middle chamber and a lower chamber, wherein the upper chamber is in communication with the middle chamber through a first pore, and the middle chamber is in communication with the lower chamber through a second pore, wherein the first pore and second pore are about 1 nm to about 100 nm in diameter, and are about 10 nm to about 1000 nm apart from each other, and wherein each of the chambers comprises an electrode for connecting to a power supply. Methods of using the device are also provided, in particular for sequencing a polynucleotide.

Abstract: A method and system for preconcentrating analytes at a microvalve in a microfluidic device is disclosed. The system includes a sample channel loaded with a sample solution. The sample channel includes a semi-permeable membrane microvalve. An electric potential is applied at or across the microvalve to preconcentrate the sample solution when the microvalve is closed.

Abstract: This disclosure provides an integrated and automated sample-to-answer system that, starting from a sample comprising biological material, generates a genetic profile in less than two hours. In certain embodiments, the biological material is DNA and the genetic profile involves determining alleles at one or a plurality of loci (e.g., genetic loci) of a subject, for example, an STR (short tandem repeat) profile, for example as used in the CODIS system. The system can perform several operations, including (a) extraction and isolation of nucleic acid; (b) amplification of nucleotide sequences at selected loci (e.g., genetic loci); and (c) detection and analysis of amplification product. These operations can be carried out in a system that comprises several integrated modules, including an analyte preparation module; a detection and analysis module and a control module.

Abstract: A nanodevice includes a nanochannel disposed through a dielectric material. A first electrode is disposed on a first side of the nanochannel, is formed within the dielectric material and has a surface exposed within the nanochannel. A second electrode is disposed on a second side of the nanochannel, is formed within the dielectric material and has a surface exposed within the nanochannel opposite the first electrode. A power circuit is connected between the first and second electrodes to create a potential difference between the first and second electrodes such that portions of a molecule can be identified by a change in electrical properties across the first and second electrodes as the molecule passes.

Abstract: Embodiments of an electrophoresis device and methods for using the same in analyte separation applications are provided. Certain embodiments of the present disclosure include microfluidic devices having a single electrophoretic separation channel containing a separation medium. Systems according to embodiments of the present disclosure are configured to monitor analyte fronts moving through the electrophoretic separation channel in order to detect differentially migrating analytes, i.e., the systems are configured for moving boundary electrophoresis (MBE).

Abstract: Techniques for manipulating a molecule in a nanopore embedded in a lipid bilayer are described. In one example, an acquiring electrical stimulus level is applied across a lipid bilayer wherein a region of the lipid bilayer containing the nanopore is characterized by a resistance and wherein the acquiring electrical stimulus level tends to draw the molecule from a surrounding fluid into the nanopore, a change in the resistance of the lipid bilayer resulting from the acquisition of at least a portion of a molecule into the nanopore is detected, the acquiring electrical stimulus level is changed to a holding electrical stimulus level wherein the portion of the molecule remains in the nanopore upon the changing of the acquiring electrical stimulus level to the holding electrical stimulus level.

Abstract: Devices and methods for detecting a target molecule are provided herein. The methods entail contacting a sample with a polymer scaffold, the polymer comprising at least one association site configured to associate with the target molecule. The sample is brought into contact with the polymer to determine whether the target molecule is present in the sample under conditions allowing the target molecule, if present, to associate with the polymer scaffold. The methods further involve loading the polymer into a device comprising a pore or channel that connects two volumes, configuring the device to pass the polymer through the pore or channel from one volume to the other volume, and determining, with a sensor configured to detect objects passing through the pore or channel, whether the target molecule is associated with the association site, and thereby detecting the presence or absence of the target molecule in the sample.