Abstract: A micro-lab includes one or more electrophoresis devices each optically coupled to respective spectrometers and electronic signal processing, analysis and control, with fluids transported via a system of valves, tubes and pumps. The spectrograms are captured by a respective digital cameras, and chemical characteristics including molecular mobility, particle (molecular) charge, molecular weight, particle (molecular) pH, particle (molecular) dielectric, particle (molecular) conductivity, Raman spectrum of each chemical species, IR spectrum of particle (molecular) is determined, and principal component analysis is performed to identify and quantify chemical constituents.

Abstract: A method of fluid testing includes pressurizing a fluid testing system, disposed at a subterranean location under high pressure compared to a surface pressure, to achieve a desired pressure differential between the high pressure and an internal pressure of the fluid testing system. The fluid testing system includes a capillary electrophoresis system and one or more test fluid reservoirs. The method also includes directing test fluid from the one or more test fluid reservoirs into capillaries to condition the capillaries. The method further includes directing sample fluid into the capillaries for testing while at the subterranean location.

Abstract: Provided are a system and a method for analyzing a blood cell. The system includes a laser generator installed around a moving path, along which an analysis target blood cell moves, to generate a laser beam; a plurality of photodetectors configured to detect a laser beam generated as a result of refraction, reflection, transmission or fluorescence of the laser beam generated from the laser generator and incident upon the analysis target blood cell; and an optical fiber configured to focus the laser beam generated from the laser generator and to irradiate the focused laser beam to a measurement point existing on the moving path, wherein the optical fiber transfers a laser beam scattered through a blood cell to the photodetectors; and an analysis apparatus configured to analyze the analysis target blood cell by using the laser beam detected by the photodetectors.

Abstract: According to one aspect, the disclosure is directed to an example embodiment in which a circuit-based arrangement includes a circuit-based substrate securing a channel, with an effective width that is not limited by the Debye screening length, along a surface of the substrate. A pair of reservoirs are included in or on the substrate and configured for containing and presenting a sample having bio-molecules for delivery in the channel. A pair of electrodes electrically couple a charge in the sample to enhance ionic current flow therein (e.g., to overcome the electrolyte screening), and a sense electrode is located along the channel for sensing a characteristic of the biological sample by using the electrostatic interaction between the enhanced ionic current flow of the sample and the sense electrode. Actual detection occurs by using a charge-signal processing circuit to process the sensed charge signal and, therefrom, provide an output indicative of a signature for the bio-molecules delivered in the channel.

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: A mass spectrometry-based method for analyzing an acidic organic target compound includes directing a charged solvent (44) toward a pre-acidified sample (12) comprising the target compound, to thereby ionize the pre-acidified sample (12). The method further includes directing the ionized pre-acidified sample (54) to a mass spectrometer (18), the mass spectrometer (18) being configured to identify and quantify the target compound.

Abstract: Disclosed are microfluidic devices and systems for the desalination of water. The devices and systems can include an electrode configured to generate an electric field gradient in proximity to an intersection formed by the divergence of two microfluidic channels from an inlet channel. Under an applied bias and in the presence of a pressure driven flow of saltwater, the electric field gradient can preferentially direct ions in saltwater into one of the diverging microfluidic channels, while desalted water flows into second diverging channel. Also provided are methods of using the devices and systems described herein to decrease the salinity of water.

Abstract: A system and a method for optical sensing of single molecule or molecules in various concentrations are provided. The optical sensor system comprises a first fiber, a second fiber, a light source and a detection device. The first fiber and the second fiber are fused together to form an optical coupler. The first fiber serves as the passageway for the analyte, while the second fiber serves as the waveguide for the light that will interact with the said analyte. One end of the second fiber is connected to the light source (e.g. laser), and the opposite end is connected to the detection device (e.g. spectrometer). The analyte is introduced into the first fiber through one of its ends, and is allowed to flow through inside the hollow core of the said first fiber. When light is delivered through the input end of the second fiber, the evanescent light is formed in the optical coupler and is allowed to interact with the analyte in the first fiber.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for making nanoscale heterostructure. The method includes: forming a first carbon nanotube layer on a support, the first carbon nanotube layer includes a number of first carbon nanotubes; forming a semiconductor layer on a surface of the first carbon nanotube layer; covering a second carbon nanotube layer on the semiconductor layer, the second carbon nanotube layer includes a number of second carbon nanotubes; finding and labeling a first metal carbon nanotube and a semiconductor carbon nanotube parallel to and spaced away from the first metal carbon nanotube; finding and labeling a second metal carbon nanotube, an extending direction of the second metal carbon nanotube is crossed with an extending direction of the first metal carbon nanotube and the semiconductor carbon nanotube; removing the other carbon nanotubes; and annealing the above structure.

Abstract: The invention includes compositions, devices, and methods for analyzing a polymer and/or polymer unit. The polymer may be a homo or hetero-polymer such as DNA, RNA, a polysaccharide, or a peptide. The device includes electrodes that form a tunnel gap through which the polymer can pass. The electrodes are functionalized with a reagent attached thereto, and the reagent is capable of forming a transient bond to a polymer unit. When the transient bond forms between the reagent and the unit, a detectable signal is generated and used to analyze the polymer.

Abstract: An apparatus for nucleic acid sequencing includes a nanochannel and a conveying device, configured to move a nucleic acid strand through the nanochannel. The conveying device includes: a first electrode, a second electrode, and a third electrode, which are arranged along the nanochannel so as to be in contact with a fluid occupying the nanochannel, the second electrode being arranged between the first electrode and the third electrode; and a control unit configured to apply a first voltage, a second voltage, and a third voltage, respectively, to the first electrode, the second electrode and the third electrode, for controlling movement of the nucleic acid strand through the nanochannel.

Abstract: Methods and devices for purifying, detecting, and collecting analytes fractionated based on pI, separating analytes via electrophoresis and pI, and purifying a target molecule using pI focusing and subsequent crystallization are provided.

Abstract: Hydrodynamic Trap Array. The array includes a serpentine bypassing channel including a plurality of trapping pockets disposed therein, the trapping pockets including a ramp entry portion to decrease flow velocity orthogonal to the trapping pocket to increase trapping efficiency. The relative fluid resistances of the trapping pockets and the serpentine bypassing channel are selected such that a slight majority of the flow is diverted to one of the trapping pockets. A pair of microfluidic bypass channels flank the array of traps allowing independent control of upstream and downstream pressures on each side of the array, thereby decoupling flow magnitude in the bypass channels from flow across the trapping pockets.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for sequencing a heteropolymeric target nucleic acid sequence that involves stochastic sensing. The invention also relates to a method for improving a pore for sequencing a target nucleic acid sequence by modifying one or more sites in the pore.

Abstract: An instrument for processing and/or measuring a biological process contains an excitation source, a sample holder, an optical sensor, an excitation optical system, and an emission optical system. The sample holder is configured to receive a plurality of biological samples. The optical sensor is configured to receive an emission from the biological samples. The excitation optical system is disposed along an excitation optical path and is configured to direct the electromagnetic radiation from the excitation source to the biological samples. The emission optical system is disposed along an emission optical path and is configured to direct electromagnetic emissions from the biological samples to the optical sensor. The instrument further contains a plurality of filter assemblies configured to be interchangeably located along at least one of the optical paths.

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: To allow fully automated implementation of all steps of from pre-processing up to electrophoresis. Provided is a pre-processing/electrophoresis integrated cartridge including one or more block structures corresponding to the individual steps of pre-processing. Each block structure includes (1) a first block having a reaction tank, a reagent tank, a plurality of flow channels that connect the tanks, a plurality of control valves arranged in the flow channels, and a flow channel that connects a reaction tank in a block structure located at a preceding stage and a reaction tank in a block structure located at a next stage, and (2) a second block having a phoretic solution tank, a cathode buffer solution tank, a wash solution tank, a flow channel that connects a carrier tank in the block structure located at the preceding stage and the phoretic solution tank, and a control valve for the flow channel.

Abstract: Methods and systems for generating ions from a liquid sample for mass spectrometry are provided herein. In various aspects, the methods and systems can enhance the break-up of a jet of the liquid sample upon injection into an ionization chamber. In some aspects, methods and systems perturb the liquid sample prior to discharge to increase the internal energy of the sample so as to enhance the formation of liquid droplets when the liquid sample is injected into the ionization chamber.

Abstract: A device, a method and a system for optically determining particle properties, in particular size and reflectivity. The device includes at least one light source assembly having at least one light source, a polarizer assembly, at least one sample holder—which can be illuminated by the least one light source assembly—for accommodating particle preparations to be investigated, at least one analyzer assembly, and at least one imaging device with at least one color-resolving matrix image sensor. The device is designed to guide light reflected by a particle preparation and having a color-coded polarization to the at least one matrix image sensor.

Abstract: A method includes calibrating color bleed factors of optical detector channels of a sample processing apparatus through processing a color bleed calibration substance which includes a plurality of different size fragments replicated from different groups of DNA loci, wherein fragments in a same group are labeled with a same fluorescent dye, and fragments in different groups are labeled with different fluorescent dyes having different emission spectra, wherein the different size fragments are processed during different acquisition times.

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: A technique for performing spectral calibration simultaneously with electrophoresis of an actual sample to be analyzed, without performing electrophoresis using a special matrix standard which is time-consuming and costly, is provided. The device for genotypic analysis is characterized by obtaining reference fluorescence spectra using a size standard and an allelic ladder, which provide information concerning known DNA fragments used for electrophoresis of an actual sample, and is characterized by performing spectral calibration for a capillary in which the allelic ladder is not used by detecting a shift amount of the fluorescence spectra of the size standard and shifting the reference fluorescence spectra using the shift amount to determine fluorescence spectra.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to systems, devices and methods for identifying biopolymers, such as strands of DNA, as they pass through a constriction such as a carbon nanotube nanopore. More particularly, the invention is directed to such systems, devices and methods in which a newly translocated portion of the biopolymer forms a temporary electrical circuit between the nanotube nanopore and a second electrode, which may also be a nanotube. Further, the invention is directed to such systems, devices and methods in which the constriction is provided with a functionalized unit which, together with a newly translocated portion of the biopolymer, forms a temporary electrical circuit that can be used to characterize that portion of the biopolymer.

Abstract: A lab on a chip device includes a whole blood inlet port and microchannels to transport a whole blood sample or plasma skimmed from the whole blood sample into a detection chamber that includes at least one 3-electrode set of a counter electrode, a working electrode and a reference electrode. The counter electrode, the working electrode and the reference electrode may present bare, unmodified surfaces that are disposed so that clozapine present in the whole blood sample is detected via a reduction-oxidation reaction. Alternatively, the working electrode surface may include catechol grafted to chitosan. A method of detecting analytes and biomarkers includes collecting a whole blood sample, loading the sample into a point-of-care testing (POCT) device that includes at least one working electrode; testing the sample for the occurrence of a redox reaction; and calculating the total oxidative charge when the working electrode is bare or modified as before.

Abstract: The present invention provides fluidic devices and systems that allow detection of analytes from a biological fluid. The methods and devices are particularly useful for providing point-of-care testing for a variety of medical applications.

Abstract: This invention features devices and methods for analyte processing and detection, and use of such methods, e.g., in the treatment and diagnosis of disease or determining the presence of a pathogen.

Abstract: The invention is a high sensitivity and high throughput capillary multiwavelength fluorescence detection system. The fluorescent detection system is configured to illuminate a relatively large volume of a single capillary or a plurality of capillaries, with a pixelated detection system capable of imaging an area of each capillary that differentiates the capillary walls, the space between the capillaries, and the internal liquid volume within the capillary. Only the desired pixels or image area are used for processing and generating an output signal.

Abstract: A liquid sample analyzer includes a liquid sample source, a flow cell, an optical device and a plurality of optical fibers. The flow cell is configured to receive a flow of a liquid sample from the liquid sample source. The plurality of optical fibers optically connect the flow cell to the optical device to transmit light between the flow cell and the optical device.

Abstract: A centrifugal force-based microfluidic device for a multiplexed analysis and an analyzing method using the same are provided. The microfluidic device includes a platform and a microfluidic structure including a plurality of chambers formed within the platform, and valves positioned between the chambers. The microfluidic structure includes a sample separation chamber connected to a sample injection hole, and a plurality of reaction chambers accommodating two or more types of markers specifically reacting with different types of target materials, separately by type. At least one of the target materials is a standard material, and at least one of the markers is a standard marker specifically reacting with the standard material.

Abstract: A method of examining the purity of dendrimers is revealed. It comprises steps of measuring a light scattering intensity of a set of pure standards having a specific molecular weight with a static laser light scattering detector by use of flow injection polymer analysis; establishing a scaling relation by doing a regression of a ratio of the light scattering intensity per concentration (I/c) against molecular weight (M.W.); measuring the light scattering intensity of a dendrimer to be tested having the same unit and surface-modified functional group as the set of pure standards, and examining the purity of the dendrimer to be tested according to the scaling relation.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a method for forming a complex between an analyte or an analog thereof, and a substance formable the complex with said analyte or said analog thereof (the complex forming substance), in a short time and in high reaction efficiency, and a method for separating a complex formed, and a complex forming substance not involved in formation of said complex or an analog not involved in formation of said complex rapidly, simply and in high accuracy, along with a method for measuring an analyte in a sample in high sensitivity.

Abstract: A method for storing or switching. The method comprises: arranging a first layer including a first molecular network having a first 2D lattice structure and a second layer including a second molecular network having a second 2D lattice structure at a distance from each other such that the first and the second molecular network interact electronically via molecular orbital interactions, and rotating the first layer relative to the second layer by a rotation angle with a rotation device, wherein an electrical resistance between the first molecular network and the second molecular network changes as a function of the rotation angle, thereby storing information by switching the electrical resistance.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for using a flow cell array are provided herein. An apparatus includes an array comprising one or more pixels, wherein each of the one or more pixels comprises multiple reaction sites openings; a first set of one or more sub-surface channels, wherein each of the multiple reaction site openings is connected to a sub-surface channel from the first set of one or more sub-surface channels; a second set of two or more sub-surface channels; and multiple vias connecting each channel from the first set of one or more sub-surface channels to (i) a first sub-surface channel from the second set of two or more sub-surface channels and (ii) a second sub-surface channel from the second set of two or more sub-surface channels.

Abstract: The present invention provides microfluidic systems and methods for the production of particles (e.g., nanoparticles) for drug delivery. The present invention provides microfluidic devices useful for production of particles by nanoprecipitation. The present invention provides highly homogenous compositions of particles produced by inventive microfluidic devices.

Abstract: A system and method to test for the presence of target molecules in a biological test sample includes test molecules, a microfluidic chip, and irradiating and detection devices. The test molecules include bio-recognition molecules conjugable with the target molecules, and the corresponding conjugates. The microfluidic chip includes sample channels and flow focusing channels adjoining the sample channels. A buffer exiting from the focusing channels directs a single-file stream of the test molecules through one of the sample channels. The irradiating device delivers radiation for absorption by the test molecules in the single-file stream. After absorption, the test molecules emit fluorescence of a distinct fluorescent spectrum for each of the conjugates. The detection device monitors identifies the presence of the conjugates by monitoring for the distinct fluorescent spectrum. Thus, the test system and method identifies the presence of the target molecules in the test sample.

Abstract: A chromatography system has a multi-channel detection device including a flow cell, optics for directing light from light sources to the flow cell and outputting light that has passed through the flow cell, and a multi-channel detector. The optics has a function of dispersing light in wavelength in an optical path. The detector receives the light dispersed in wavelength. The multi-channel detection device also has a signal processing part connected to the detector. The chromatography system has a data processing apparatus. The signal processing circuit has a function of calculating an absorbance by absorbance=?log10(I/I0) using the intensity I of light having a wavelength to be measured that is outputted from the detector and a reference intensity I0 of light that is an average of intensities of light having different wavelengths that is produced at the same point of time as the light having a wavelength to be measured.

Abstract: A method of determining or estimating a nucleotide sequence of a nucleic acid by using a device with a nanopore.

Abstract: Methods and systems for sequencing a biological molecule or polymer, e.g., a nucleic acid, are provided. One or more donor labels, which are attached to a pore or nanopore, may be illuminated or otherwise excited. A polymer having a monomer labeled with one or more acceptor labels, may be translocated through the pore. Either before, after or while the labeled monomer of the polymer passes through, exits or enters the pore, energy may be transferred from the excited donor label to the acceptor label of the monomer. As a result of the energy transfer, the acceptor label emits energy, and the emitted energy is detected in order to identify the labeled monomer of the translocated polymer and to thereby sequence the polymer.

Abstract: Embodiments of a nanotip sensor for detecting and identifying chemical or biological particulates in a sample are disclosed. The nanotip sensor may include a plurality of nanotips, each with a cathode, an anode, and a gap between the cathode and the anode. An adsorbed particulate from the sample may bridge the gap between the cathode and the anode, forming an electrical circuit. A conductive spectrum of the particulates in the sample that are adsorbed onto the nanotips of the sensor may be determined, and by comparing the conductive spectrum of the sample with conductive spectrums of known particulates, one or more specific particulates contained in the sample may be detected and identified. Techniques to augment the specificity of the sensor and to clean the sensor for re-use are disclosed. Embodiments of systems and methods that use the nanotip sensor to detect chemical and biological particulates are disclosed.

Abstract: Methods of detecting the presence of toxins in a sample using electrophoretic separations and of performing electrophoretic separation of complex samples are provided. The method of detecting the presence of toxins includes reacting a sample and a substrate with a signaling enzyme which converts the substrate to the product in a reaction medium, introducing a run buffer into a separation channel having an inlet end, selectively introducing at least one of the substrate and the product of the reaction medium into the inlet end of the separation channel, electrophoretically separating the substrate and the product, and determining the rate of conversion of the substrate to the product, wherein a change in the rate of conversion is indicative of the presence of toxins.

Abstract: A sheath-flow interface for producing electrospray from a capillary is provided. The electrospray generated by the interface can be used as the source of ions for mass spectrometry. In the interface, electrokinetic flow moves a sheath liquid past the end of a capillary so as to mix with an analyte effluent discharged from the capillary. The mixture of sheath liquid and analyte is directed to an electrospray emitter in order to generate an electrospray.

Abstract: An electroosmotic movable device is provided, which includes a liquid chamber that houses a liquid, a conductive movable structure that is placed in the liquid chamber and has a rotating shaft or a supporting point and further has a conductive portion, and an electrode for applying an electric field to the conductive movable structure. The conductive movable structure is enabled to move by an electroosmotic flow which occurs in an electric double layer portion formed by being paired with an electric charge induced in the conductive movable structure owing to the electric field which is applied from the electrode.

Abstract: The present invention has an object to achieve soft ionization more easily when a slight amount of substance is ionized under an atmosphere pressure. The present invention provides an ionization method for a substance contained in a liquid, including: supplying the liquid to a substrate from a probe and forming a liquid bridge made of the liquid containing the substance dissolved therein, between the probe and the substrate; oscillating the substrate; and generating an electric field between an electrically conductive portion of the probe in contact with the liquid and an ion extraction electrode.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to methods and apparatus for conducting analyses, particularly microfluidic devices for the detection of target analytes.

Abstract: This disclosure relates generally to a sampling device, and more particularly, a sampling device that facilitates spectroscopic measurements with a variable path length and the necessary software controlled algorithms and methods for such a device.

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 nucleic acid analysis including injecting a slight amount of nucleic acid sample for analysis, characterized in that most of a nucleic acid sample which is not used, excluding the slight amount of the nucleic acid sample which is used for analysis, can be obtained as a pure product which is not contaminated with a fluorescent material, and a microchip for analyzing nucleic acid which enables such method for nucleic acid analysis, are provided. The method for nucleic acid analysis may analyze at least two different nucleic acid samples in a continuous manner by sequentially injecting the at least two different nucleic acid samples.

Abstract: A capillary electrophoresis method for quantitatively analyzing characteristic oligosaccharide present in enoxaparin sodium is provided in this invention. The method may be used for quantitatively determining the contents of disaccharides, trisaccharides, tetrasaccharides and in particular oligosaccharides having a 1,6-anhydro ring, which are unique compounds for enoxaparin sodium, within an exhaustively digested enoxaparin sodium sample with a mixture of heparinase I, II, and III, so as to quantitatively determine the molar percentage of oligosaccharides having 1,6-anhydro ring in enoxaparin sodium. The method may be used for the pharmaceutical quality control of enoxaparin sodium during the manufacturing process.

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 device for reading the sequence of a polymer, consisting of a first electrode and a second electrode, each electrode being functionalized with a reader molecule strongly bonded to the electrodes, but forming weak bonds with a molecule to be sequenced. In particular, the reader molecule is designed to form bonds with at least two points on the target molecule such that the target molecule is trapped between a first reader molecule on one electrode and a second reader molecule on the second electrode, with the overall size of the molecular complex being small enough to permit significant electric current to flow.