With Detailed Detection Patents (Class 204/452)
  • Patent number: 8961765
    Abstract: Plastic electrophoresis separation chips are provided comprising a plurality of microfluidic channels and a detection window, where the detection window comprises a thin plastic; and the detection window comprises a detection region of each microfluidic channel. Such chips can be bonded to a support provided an aperture is provided in the support to allow detection of samples in the electrophoresis chip at the thin plastic detection window. Further, methods for electrophoretically separating and detecting a plurality of samples on the plastic electrophoresis separation chip are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: NetBio, Inc.
    Inventors: Eugene Tan, Cheuk Wai Kan, Heung Chuan Lam
  • Patent number: 8961764
    Abstract: A DNA analyzer includes an interface for coupling a microfluidic chip to the DNA analyzer. The microfluidic chip includes a first separation channel for electrophoretic separation of DNA fragments in a first sample. Further, the DNA analyzer includes a first optical device. The first optical device includes an illuminating path and a detecting path. The illuminating path directs a first input light beam received from a light source to a first separation channel of the microfluidic chip. The first input light beam causes fluorescent labels attached on DNA fragments in the first separation channel to emit a first fluorescence light. The detecting path collects and directs the first fluorescent light to a first plurality of optical fibers. Further, the DNA analyzer includes a spectrometer configured to receive the first fluorescent light from the plurality of optical fibers and detect fluorescent components in the first fluorescent light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignees: Lockheed Martin Corporation, ZyGEM Corporation, Ltd.
    Inventors: Peter Karl Trost, Michael E. Egan, Doug South, Brian E. Root, Orion N. Scott, James P. Landers
  • Patent number: 8961766
    Abstract: A micro-analytical platform for performing electrophoresis-based immunoassays was developed by integrating photopolymerized cross-linked polyacrylamide gels within a microfluidic device. The microfluidic immunoassays are performed by gel electrophoretic separation and quantifying analyte concentration based upon conventional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE). To retain biological activity of proteins and maintain intact immune complexes, native PAGE conditions were employed. Both direct (non-competitive) and competitive immunoassay formats are demonstrated in microchips for detecting toxins and biomarkers (cytokines, c-reactive protein) in bodily fluids (serum, saliva, oral fluids). Further, a description of gradient gels fabrication is included, in an effort to describe methods we have developed for further optimization of on-chip PAGE immunoassays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Sandia Corporation
    Inventors: Amy E. Herr, Anup K. Singh, Daniel J. Throckmorton
  • Publication number: 20150021183
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for performing analysis and identification of molecules have been presented. In one embodiment, a portable molecule analyzer includes a sample input/output connection to receive a sample, a nanopore-based sequencing chip to perform analysis on the sample substantially in real-time, and an output interface to output result of the analysis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2014
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Inventor: Daniel Wai-Cheong So
  • Publication number: 20150008124
    Abstract: Devices and methods for detecting the length of analytes and/or sequencing analytes are provided in which two or more electrical signals are obtained as an analyte traverses a fluidic channel. Detection of the relative position of probes hybridized to a biopolymer and/or the length of the analyte (e.g., a biopolymer) does not rely on the absolute time between detection events of a given electrical signal to determine a distance associated with the biopolymer. Instead, multiple signals are obtained (e.g., as functions of time) corresponding to a plurality of detector volumes at known locations along a fluidic channel through which the biopolymer passes, and the distances are determined from the multiple signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2014
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Inventor: JOHN S. OLIVER
  • Patent number: 8926813
    Abstract: Devices and methods for detecting the length of analytes, and/or sequencing analytes are provided in which two or more electrical signals are obtained as an analyte traverses a fluidic channel. Detection of the relative position of probes hybridized to a biopolymer and/or the length of the analyte (e.g., a biopolymer) does not rely on the absolute time between detection events of a given electrical signal to determine a distance associated with the biopolymer. Instead, multiple signals are obtained as functions of time) corresponding to a plurality of detector volumes at known locations along a fluidic channel through which the biopolymer passes, and the distances are determined from the multiple signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Nabsys, Inc.
    Inventor: John S. Oliver
  • Publication number: 20140367259
    Abstract: A method for identifying a target polymer (20) comprises translocating a target polymer (20) having detectable elements (22), such as fluorophores (22), through an analysing device (24) comprising a nanopore (28) having a detection window (40), wherein the analysing device (24) is capable of plasmon resonance to produce a localised electromagnetic field which defines the detection window (40) detecting the detectable elements (22) as they pass through the detection window (40) to produce a distribution profile of the detectable elements (22) along the target polymer (20) and identifying the target polymer (20) by comparing the distribution profile to a reference set of distribution profiles for known polymers. In a preferred embodiment the target polymer (20) is a nucleic acid and the detectable elements (22) are oligonucleotides complimentary to at least two adjacent nucleotides therein. Exemplified is the use of 6-mer oligonucleotides.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2012
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Inventors: Cameron Alexander Frayling, Bruno Flavio Nogueira de Sousa Soares, Barnaby Balmforth
  • Patent number: 8882980
    Abstract: Devices and methods for detecting an analyte are provided. Devices for voltage sensing of analytes may comprise a fluidic channel defined in a substrate, a pair of sensing electrodes disposed in a fluidic channel for sensing voltage therein, and a pair of electromotive electrodes for applying potential along the fluidic channel. The pair of sensing electrodes may include a first and second sensing electrode disposed at two discrete locations along the length of the fluidic channel and the pair of electromotive electrodes may be disposed at a first end and a second end of the fluidic channel. The fluidic channel may include a nanochannel or a microchannel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: NABsys, Inc.
    Inventors: Xinsheng Ling, Barrett Bready, John S. Oliver, Maryam Jouzi, Leo Petrossian
  • Publication number: 20140318966
    Abstract: A nanopore device includes a multi-layer structure comprising a surface defining an aperture extending through the multi-layer structure, wherein at least the surface comprising a minimal diameter comprises a monosilane functionalized silicon dioxide having a silicon-oxygen-silicon bond, the monosilane functionalized silicon dioxide having the following structure: wherein n is an integer from 1 to 12; R2 and R3 are each independently a methyl group, an ethyl group, a propyl group, an isopropyl group, a butyl group, or a tert-butyl group; and R4 is a chloride, a carboxylic acid group, an amine group, an amide group, a thiol group, an alcohol group, an acyl chloride group, an acyl bromide group, an acyl iodide group, an alkene group, an alkyne group, or a polyether group. Also disclosed are methods for making, wetting, and operating the nanopore device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2013
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Applicants: 454 Life Sciences Corporation, International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Yann Astier, Venkat K. Balagurusamy, Steven Lefkowitz
  • Publication number: 20140311907
    Abstract: A method of determining water quality of a water sample, comprising exposing the water sample to a test cell system; generating at least one profile of ensuing changes in activities of transcription factors in said test cell system in response to said exposing; and determining from the generated at least one profile the water quality of the water sample. Computer systems and kits for carrying out the water quality determination of water specimens are also described, in which water quality can be readily and accurately determined by transcription factor activity analysis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2012
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Applicant: ATTAGENE, INC.
    Inventors: Sergei S. Makarov, Alexander Vladimirovich Medvedev
  • Patent number: 8864969
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: The Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior University
    Inventors: Yang Liu, Robert W. Dutton, Roger T. Howe
  • Publication number: 20140305799
    Abstract: Various aspects of the present invention relate to the control and manipulation of fluidic species, for example, in microfluidic systems. In one aspect, the invention relates to systems and methods for making droplets of fluid surrounded by a liquid, using, for example, electric fields, mechanical alterations, the addition of an intervening fluid, etc. In some cases, the droplets may each have a substantially uniform number of entities therein. For example, 95% or more of the droplets may each contain the same number of entities of a particular species. In another aspect, the invention relates to systems and methods for dividing a fluidic droplet into two droplets, for example, through charge and/or dipole interactions with an electric field. The invention also relates to systems and methods for fusing droplets according to another aspect of the invention, for example, through charge and/or dipole interactions. In some cases, the fusion of the droplets may initiate or determine a reaction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2014
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Applicant: President and Fellows of Harvard College
    Inventors: Darren Roy Link, David A. Weitz, Galder Cristobal-Azkarate, Zhengdong Cheng, Keunho Ahn
  • Patent number: 8858770
    Abstract: Plastic electrophoresis separation chips are provided comprising a plurality of microfluidic channels and a detection window, where the detection window comprises a thin plastic; and the detection window comprises a detection region of each microfluidic channel. Such chips can be bonded to a support provided an aperture is provided in the support to allow detection of samples in the electrophoresis chip at the thin plastic detection window. Further, methods for electrophoretically separating and detecting a plurality of samples on the plastic electrophoresis separation chip are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: NetBio, Inc.
    Inventors: Eugene Tan, Cheuk Wai Kan, Heung Chuan Lam
  • Publication number: 20140299472
    Abstract: An integrated semiconductor device for manipulating and processing bio-entity samples is disclosed. The device includes a microfluidic channel that is coupled to fluidic control circuitry, a photosensor array coupled to sensor control circuitry, an optical component aligned with the photosensor array to manipulate a light signal before the light signal reaches the photosensor array, and a microfluidic grid coupled to the microfluidic channel and providing for transport of bio-entity sample droplets by electrowetting. The device further includes logic circuitry coupled to the fluidic control circuitry and the sensor control circuitry, with the fluidic control circuitry, the sensor control circuitry, and the logic circuitry being formed on a first substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2014
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Inventors: Yi-Hsien Chang, Chun-Ren Cheng, Alex Kalnitsky, Chun-Wen Cheng
  • Publication number: 20140262783
    Abstract: An integrated semiconductor device for manipulating and processing bio-entity samples and methods are described. The device includes a lower substrate, at least one optical signal conduit disposed on the lower substrate, at least one cap bonding pad disposed on the lower substrate, a cap configured to form a capped area, and disposed on the at least one cap bonding pad, a microfluidic channel, wherein a first side of the microfluidic channel is formed on the lower substrate and a second side of the microfluidic channel is formed on the cap, a photosensor array coupled to sensor control circuitry, and logic circuitry coupled to the fluidic control circuitry, and the sensor control circuitry.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventor: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
  • Publication number: 20140262784
    Abstract: The invention relates to a new method of determining the presence, absence or characteristics of an analyte. The analyte is coupled to a membrane. The invention also relates to nucleic acid sequencing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2012
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: OXFORD NANOPORE TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED
    Inventors: James Clarke, James White, John Milton, Clive Brown
  • Patent number: 8834694
    Abstract: The invention provides dry compositions for preparing and loading a sample on a gel for electrophoretic separation. The dry compositions preferably include a tracking dye and a sedimenting agent selected from a five-carbon polyol (e.g., ribitol, arabitol, or xylitol),iso-erythritol, maltitol, and saccharine. Methods for making and using, as well as kits comprising the disclosed compositions, are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Mo Bio Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark N. Brolaski, Vince Moroney, Suzanne Kennedy
  • Patent number: 8834696
    Abstract: The present invention provides a device and methods of use thereof for desalting a solution. The methods, inter-alia, make use of a device comprising microchannels, which are linked to conduits, whereby induction of an electric field in the conduit results in the formation of a space charge layer within the microchannel. The space charge layer provides an energy barrier for salt ions and generates an ion depletion zone proximal to the linkage region between the microchannel and the conduit. The method thus enables the removal of salt ions from the region proximal to the conduit and their accumulation in a region distant from the conduit, within the microchannel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Sung Jae Kim, Jongyoon Han
  • Publication number: 20140246317
    Abstract: Physical parameters of macromolecules are determined by measuring electrical current I over time for translocation events as the macromolecules in solution move between two liquid compartments that are separated by and fluidically coupled through a synthetic nanopore. Values of charge, volume, shape, rotational diffusion coefficient, ad dipole moment are derived from the measurements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2014
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Inventors: Michael MAYER, Erik Yusko
  • Publication number: 20140238856
    Abstract: Devices for controlling the capture, trapping, and transport of macromolecules include at least one fluidic transport nanochannel that intersects and is in fluid communication with at least one transverse nanochannel with (shallow) regions and/or with integrated transverse electrodes that enable fine control of molecule transport dynamics and facilitates analyses of interest, e.g., molecular identification, length determination, localized (probe) mapping and the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2014
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
    Inventors: John Michael Ramsey, Laurent Menard
  • Publication number: 20140231254
    Abstract: A process for fabricating a nanochannel system using a combination of microelectromechanical system (MEMS) microfabrication techniques, atomic force microscopy (AFM) nanolithography, and focused ion beam (FIB). The nanochannel system, fabricated on either a glass or silicon substrate, has channel heights and widths on the order of single to tens of nanometers. The channel length is in the micrometer range. The nanochannel system is equipped with embedded micro and nanoscale electrodes, positioned along the length of the nanochannel for electron tunneling based characterization of nanoscale particles in the channel. Anodic bonding is used to cap off the nanochannel with a cover chip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2013
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Inventors: Chao-Hung Steve Tung, Jin-Woo Kim, Taylor Busch
  • Publication number: 20140224654
    Abstract: Technologies are generally described for microfluidic channel devices. Some example devices may include a substrate having a substrate surface, with an array of drive electrode assemblies disposed upon the substrate surface. The drive electrode assemblies may be arranged along a path. Each drive electrode assembly may include one or more of a drive electrode layer, a dielectric layer and/or a stationary phase layer. The device may further include a plate including a plate surface. The device may further include a reference electrode configured on the plate surface to face the stationary phase layer of the drive electrode assemblies and separated from the substrate surface by a distance. The device may further include a voltage source effective to output a voltage potential, the voltage source configured in communication with the drive electrode assembly and the reference electrode. The device may further include an electrode selector effective to control the voltage source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2014
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Applicant: EMPIRE TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT, LLC
    Inventor: VINCENZO CASASANTA, III
  • Patent number: 8784626
    Abstract: A detection optics configuration for bio-analysis, in which the direction of incident radiation, the axis of the separation channel, and the direction of collection of the output radiation are coplanar at the detection zone. The detection configuration incorporates ball-end optical fibers to direct incident radiation at and collection of output radiation from the detection zone. The detection optics configuration may be implemented in an improved bio-separation instrument, in particular a capillary electrophoresis instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Bioptic, Inc.
    Inventors: Varouj D. Amirkhanian, Shou-Kuan Tsai
  • Patent number: 8778155
    Abstract: A cartridge-based bio-separation system configured to utilize a pen shaped bio-separation cartridge that is easy to assemble and use with no moving parts and that has an integrated reagent (separation buffer) reservoir. The cartridge includes a body, defining an opening as a detection window for receiving external detection optics, at least one capillary column supported in the body, having a first end extending beyond a first end of the body, wherein the detection window exposes a section along the capillary column, to which the external optics are aligned through the detection window, and a reservoir attached to a second end of the body in fluid flow communication with a second end of the capillary column. The reservoir is structured to be coupled to an air pressure pump that pressurizes the gel reservoir to purge and fill the capillaries with buffer as the separation support medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Bioptic, Inc.
    Inventors: Shou-Kuan Tsai, Varouj D. Amirkhanian
  • Publication number: 20140190830
    Abstract: Methods comprising measuring the impedance of the electrode produced by the excitation signal, wherein the impedance indicates presence of liquid at the electrode are disclosed. Computer readable mediums storing processor executable instructions for performing the method, and systems are also disclosed. The systems comprise a processor, memory and code stored in the memory that when executed cause the processor at least to: receive an output voltage signal, superimpose an excitation signal onto the output voltage signal to produce a superimposed signal, connect the superimposed signal to an electrode in a droplet actuator, suppress the output voltage signal, when detecting an impedance of the electrode, and measure the impedance of the electrode produced by the excitation signal, wherein the impedance indicates presence of liquid at the electrode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2012
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Applicant: ADVANCED LIQUID LOGIC, INC.
    Inventors: Ryan Sturmer, Vijay Srinivasan, Arjun Sudarsan
  • Patent number: 8771491
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Quantapore, Inc.
    Inventor: Martin Huber
  • Publication number: 20140174927
    Abstract: Provided herein are methods and devices for characterizing a biomolecule parameter by a nanopore-containing membrane, and also methods for making devices that can be used in the methods and devices provided herein. The nanopore membrane is a multilayer stack of conducting layers and dielectric layers, wherein an embedded conducting layer or conducting layer gates provides well-controlled and measurable electric fields in and around the nanopore through which the biomolecule translocates. In an aspect, the conducting layer is graphene.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2012
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Inventors: Rashid Bashir, Bala Murali Venkatesan
  • Publication number: 20140166484
    Abstract: An integrated semiconductor device for manipulating and processing bio-entity samples is disclosed. The device includes a microfluidic channel that is coupled to fluidic control circuitry, a photosensor array coupled to sensor control circuitry, an optical component aligned with the photosensor array to manipulate a light signal before the light signal reaches the photosensor array, and a microfluidic grid coupled to the microfluidic channel and providing for transport of bio-entity sample droplets by electrowetting. The device further includes logic circuitry coupled to the fluidic control circuitry and the sensor control circuitry, with the fluidic control circuitry, the sensor control circuitry, and the logic circuitry being formed on a first substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2012
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yiu-Hsien Chang, Chun-Ren Cheng
  • Publication number: 20140158537
    Abstract: Microfluidic methods of assaying molecule switching are provided. Aspects of the methods include microfluidically separating a sample containing the molecule of interest and then employing the resultant separation pattern to determine a switching characteristic of the molecule. Also provided are microfluidic devices, as well as systems and kits that include the devices, which find use in practicing embodiments of the methods. The methods, devices, systems and kits find use in a variety of different applications, such as analytical and diagnostic assays.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2013
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Inventors: Amy E. Herr, Augusto M. Tentori, Alex J. Hughes
  • Publication number: 20140131204
    Abstract: Methods, structures, devices and systems are disclosed for rapid enrichment and mass transport of biomolecules (e.g., such as proteins) or other small molecules and particles using electrodeless dielectrophoresis (eDEP). In one aspect, a device to aggregate molecules includes a substrate that is electrically insulating, an electrically insulative material formed on the substrate and structured to form a channel to carry an electrically conducting fluid containing particles, a constriction structure formed of the electrically insulative material and located in the channel to narrow a channel dimension and forming an opening with a size in the nanometer range, and a circuit coupled to the substrate to apply an ac electric field and a dc bias electric field along the channel, in which the constriction structure is structured to magnify the applied ac electric field to produce forces that operate collectively to aggregate the particles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2012
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicant: ACADEMIA SINICA
    Inventors: Chia-Fu Chou, Kuo-Tang Liao
  • Patent number: 8721859
    Abstract: An analysis apparatus is an apparatus that performs electrophoresis using a microchip provided with a channel. The analysis apparatus includes a cooling unit (an electron cooling element and a driving circuit) that cools the microchip, a voltage application unit (electrodes and a power supply circuit) that applies voltage to a buffer solution filled in the channel of the microchip, an optical analysis unit (a light source, a light receiving element, and an analysis unit) that conducts, through the microchip, optical analysis of a sample introduced in the channel, and a control unit that controls the cooling unit, the voltage application unit, and the optical analysis unit. The control unit causes the cooling unit to start cooling the microchip, and after the microchip has been cooled, causes the voltage application unit and the optical analysis unit to operate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: ARKRAY, Inc.
    Inventors: Yasunori Shiraki, Daisuke Matsumoto, Yusuke Nakayama, Genki Adachi
  • Publication number: 20140110259
    Abstract: A biopolymer optical analysis apparatus is provided with a biopolymer characteristic analysis chip including a solid substrate, nanopores provided in the substrate, and electrically conductive thin films on the substrate, at least portions of the thin films facing the nanopores, a light source and an irradiation optical system for producing Raman scattered lights from biopolymers entering the nanopores, and a detection device including a Raman scattered light collecting system, a separating component that splits collected light into transmitted light and reflected light, an image-forming optical system through which the split lights form images, and a two-dimensional detector for detecting the lights forming the images. External light from the light source and the irradiation optical system is applied to the characteristic analysis chip, and the detection device detects Raman scattered lights from biopolymers in the analysis chip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2012
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Applicant: HITACHI HIGH-TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Satoshi Takahashi, Nobutaka Kumazaki
  • Publication number: 20140110258
    Abstract: Device and method for detecting the presence of known or unknown toxic agents in a fluid sample. Targets in the sample are bound to releasable receptors immobilized in a reaction region of a micro- or nano-fluidic device. The receptors are selected based on their affinity for classes of known toxic agents. The receptors are freed and the bound and unbound receptors separated based on differential electrokinetic mobilities while they travel to a detection device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2011
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Applicant: STC.UNM
    Inventors: Gabriel Lopez, Linnea Ista, Steven RJ Brueck, Aurelio Evangelista Lara, Mangesh Bore
  • Publication number: 20140065628
    Abstract: The disclosure provides methods and devices for separating and detecting nucleic acid fragments labeled with a plurality of spectrally resolvable dyes using a single light source or multiple light sources. Use of a greater number of light sources increases the number of spectrally resolvable dyes that can be interrogated. Labeling fragments with a greater number of spectrally resolvable dyes permits more overlapping of fragments with differentiation of the fragments, and thus separation can be conducted on a smaller range of fragment sizes/lengths. To improve the detection sensitivity of a detection system employing multiple light sources, light emitted by the light sources can be spatially separated from one another and/or the intensity of each of the light sources can be modulated. Each of the one or more light sources can be, e.g., a laser or a light-emitting diode. The methods and devices of the disclosure are useful for performing genetic analysis, e.g.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2013
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: IntegenX Inc.
    Inventors: Ezra Van Gelder, Stephen J. Williams
  • Patent number: 8663990
    Abstract: A subject of the present invention is to provide a measurement method using an internal standard substance in an electrophoresis where an analyte is a protein or a compound. The present invention relates to a measurement method for an analyte by an electrophoresis, characterized in that a peak of the analyte is identified by using as an internal standard substance (1) a combination of a compound I having 3 or more anion groups in a molecule and a compound II where 1 to 3 groups of the anion groups of said compound I have been substituted by cation groups, or (2) a combination of a compound III having 3 or more cation groups in a molecule and a compound IV where 1 to 3 groups of the cation groups of said compound III have been substituted by cation groups.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Naoyuki Yamamoto, Tatsuo Kurosawa
  • Publication number: 20140021049
    Abstract: A flow cell for a microfluidic device can include a chamber, first microfluidic entry and exit channels, second microfluidic entry and exit channels, a first electrode, and a second electrode. A microfluidic device can include a microfluidic channel, a laser to excite fluorescent material, and a detector to detect fluorescence emission. Methods of merging a droplet from an emulsion in to a second stream of fluid and of detecting a content of a droplet in a stream are further disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Inventors: Tony R. JOAQUIM, Lewis Joe Stafford, Ross Stewart Chambers, Xin Liu, Clive Adrian Smith, Xin Li, Graeme Whyte
  • Patent number: 8628649
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: Arizona Board of Regents Acting for and On Behalf of Arizona State University
    Inventors: Stuart Lindsay, Jin He, Peiming Zhang, Kevin Reinhart
  • Publication number: 20140008225
    Abstract: A method of determining or estimating a nucleotide sequence of a nucleic acid by using a device with a nanopore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2013
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tae-han JEON, Dong-ho LEE, Hee-jeong JEONG, Jeo-young SHIM, Kun-sun EOM
  • Publication number: 20130341189
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Applicant: POSTECH ACADEMY-INDUSTRY FOUNDATION
    Inventors: JONG HOON HAHN, BYOUNG JOO KWAK, HAN-OK KIM
  • Publication number: 20130337493
    Abstract: A quality control (“QC”) system for PET or SPECT radiopharmaceuticals is disclosed that contains a disposable, no-leakage, self-contained QC cassette, which interfaces with the QC system. The QC system may include a shield that substantially surrounds the cassette such that the area and the cassette are both shielded. The QC cassette may contain shielding also. The QC cassette contains components for conducting one or more QC tests. These components include sensor and devices for performing various QC tests on radiopharmaceuticals. The QC system may contain a number of sub-systems and devices for supporting the QC tests. The QC system may produce a QC report containing the test results.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2011
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Applicant: GE HEALTHCARE LIMITED
    Inventors: Ole Henrik Hansteen, Jan Borge Jakobsen, Svein-Erik Lindgaard, Xavier Franci, Line Roed, Arnfinn Andersen, Gro Johansen, Torsten Knuttel, Karina Martha Langseth
  • Publication number: 20130334047
    Abstract: Provided is a device for determining a monomer molecule sequence of a polymer including different electrodes, and a method of efficiently determining a monomer molecule sequence of a polymer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2013
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Inventors: Heejeong JEONG, Jeo-young SHIM, Kun-sun EOM, Dong-ho LEE, Tae-han JEON
  • Publication number: 20130319861
    Abstract: A micro-fluidic device can include a processing mechanism for processing micro-objects in a liquid medium and an outputting mechanism for expressing from the device a droplet of the medium containing one or more of the micro-objects. The outputting mechanism can include an expressing mechanism having a reservoir for holding a quantity of the liquid medium and a striking mechanism for striking and compressing the expressing mechanism to express a droplet of the medium from the expressing mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2013
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Applicant: Berkeley Lights, Inc.
    Inventors: Igor Y. Khandros, Gaetan L. Mathieu, J. Tanner Nevill, Ming C. Wu
  • Publication number: 20130319862
    Abstract: Aspects of the present innovations relate to improved systems that may perform capillary electrophoresis (CE) and CE in conjunction with electrospray ionization (ESI) as an input to a mass spectrometry system (MS). Embodiments may use a current sense circuit at a high voltage output from an MS-ESI power supply in conjunction with additional elements to identify fault conditions associated with leakage current, to confirm the continuity of CE connections, and to provide improved system protection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2013
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Inventors: Peter S. Kotowski, Sunil S. Deliwala, Stephen A. Frye
  • Patent number: 8597485
    Abstract: An apparatus for aligning a capillary column with one or more excitation fibers and with one or more optical lens elements for Capillary Electrophoresis. The apparatus includes two identical blocks having a plurality of grooves for positioning and aligning the capillary column with the one or more excitation fibers, and a plurality of lens seats for optically coupling the lens element with the capillary column. Each block includes a male and female part for mating the two identical blocks together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Qiagen Sciences, LLC
    Inventors: Varouj Amirkhanian, Paul Mooney
  • Publication number: 20130264207
    Abstract: This disclosure is related to a method of sequencing a single-stranded DNA using deoxynucleotide polyphosphate analogues and translocation of tags from incorporated deoxynucleotide polyphosphate analogues through a nanopore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2011
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Inventors: Jingyue Ju, Shiv Kumar, Zengmin Li, Chuanjuan Tao, Minchen Chien, James J. Russo, Sergey Kalachikov, Ken Shepard, Jacob Karl Rosenstein
  • Publication number: 20130264206
    Abstract: A biomolecule detection apparatus comprising a nanopore device having a front surface and rear surface and including a nanopore having a nano-sized diameter; a reservoir disposed adjacent to a rear surface of the nanopore device; and a power supply unit comprising a first electrode disposed in a front of the nanopore device; a second electrode disposed inside the reservoir; and a third electrode disposed adjacent the nanopore and between the first electrode and the second electrode; as well as a method of using the biomolecule detection apparatus to detect a biomolecule in a sample.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kun-sun EOM, Dong-ho LEE, Jeo-young SHIM, Hee-jeong JEONG, Tae-han JEON
  • Publication number: 20130248365
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2011
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Applicant: Commissariat A L'Energie Atomique et Aux Energies Alternatives
    Inventors: Frédéric Chartier, Valérie Geersten, Laurent Vio, Gérard Crétier
  • Patent number: 8524060
    Abstract: A micro-analytical platform for performing electrophoresis-based immunoassays was developed by integrating photopolymerized cross-linked polyacrylamide gels within a microfluidic device. The microfluidic immunoassays are performed by gel electrophoretic separation and quantifying analyte concentration based upon conventional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE). To retain biological activity of proteins and maintain intact immune complexes, native PAGE conditions were employed. Both direct (non-competitive) and competitive immunoassay formats are demonstrated in microchips for detecting toxins and biomarkers (cytokines, c-reactive protein) in bodily fluids (serum, saliva, oral fluids). Further, a description of gradient gels fabrication is included, in an effort to describe methods we have developed for further optimization of on-chip PAGE immunoassays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Sandia Corporation
    Inventors: Amy E. Herr, Anup K. Singh, Daniel J. Throckmorton
  • Publication number: 20130213810
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Applicant: NETBIO, INC.
    Inventor: Netbio, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20130210045
    Abstract: Ratios of measured values of glucose, citrate, and cis-aconitate in a biological sample obtained from a subject to measured values of glucose, citrate, and cis-aconitate in a biological sample obtained from a healthy subject are calculated, and the glucose ratio, the citrate ratio, and the cis-aconitate ratio are used to evaluate and/or assess fatigue. Similarly, an isocitrate ratio, a succinate ratio, a malate ratio, and a lactate ratio are calculated, and these ratios are used together with the three ratios to evaluate and/or assess fatigue. This makes it possible to objectively and easily diagnose and evaluate fatigue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2011
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Applicants: RIKEN
    Inventors: Yosky Kataoka, Guanghua Jin, Yasuyoshi Watanabe, Seiki Tajima, Tomoyoshi Soga, Hirohiko Kuratsune, Emi Yamano