Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a novel composition for transforming a non-biodegradable material into a decomposable material. In one embodiment, the non-biodegradable material may be plastic. The composition comprises a carbonate or a bicarbonate compound, a plant extract, a hydrating agent, and a coloring agent. The carbonate or bicarbonate compound, the plant extract and the hydrating agent are mixed in a predetermined ratio by weight along with the coloring agent and maintained in an aqueous medium. In one embodiment, the novel composition is applied on the non-biodegradable material to degrade it into a decomposable form. In another embodiment, the novel composition is mixed with the non-biodegradable material to degrade it into a decomposable form.

Abstract: The invention concerns methods for preparing a nanoporous silicon nitride membrane comprising (i) ablating portions of at least one side of the membrane with an electron beam to reduce the thickness of the portions to between about 0.5 and 5 nanometers, and (ii) penetrating subportions of the ablated portions of the membrane with an electron beam to form nanopores having internal surfaces which are predominantly silicon rich compared to unablated portions of the membrane.

Abstract: A method of analyzing a molecule is disclosed. A voltage source is selectively connected to or disconnected from a capacitor using a switch controlled by a reset signal. A charge is stored in a capacitor when the voltage source is connected to the capacitor. The capacitor is discharged through a nanopore in a membrane when the voltage source is disconnected from the capacitor. A duty cycle of the reset signal is determined such that the voltage source and the capacitor is connected for at least a one tenth portion of a reset signal period and disconnected for a remaining portion of the reset signal period, such that a voltage across the nanopore is maintained at a higher level during the portion of the reset signal period in which the connection is maintained than during the remaining portion of the reset signal period in which the connection is not maintained.

Abstract: A bow tie DNA composition is three duplex DNA segments in a forked structure comprising a duplex stem, a duplex first fork and a duplex second fork, wherein a first strand of the stem and a first strand of the first fork form a first contiguous DNA strand, wherein a second strand of the stem and a first strand of the second fork form a second contiguous DNA strand, and wherein the first strand of the first fork and the first strand of the second fork are not complementary.

Abstract: Described herein are nanopore devices as well as methods for assembling a nanopore device including one or more nanopores that can be used to detect molecules such as nucleic acids, amino acids (proteins), and the like. Specifically, a nanopore device includes an insulating layer that reduces electrical noise and thereby improves the sensing resolution of the one or more nanopores integrated within the nanopore device.

Abstract: Electrochemical cell array for the treatment of a sample via electro-(end-)osmotic flow, comprising (i) an electrode chamber, comprising a cathodic compartment (CC) and an anodic compartment (AC), (ii) a cathode (C), being arranged in the cathodic compartment (CC), (iii) an anode (A), being arranged in the anodic compartment (AC), (iv) an intermediate cathodic compartment (C1) (v) an intermediate anodic compartment (A1) (iv) a first selective membrane (M1) being arranged between said cathodic compartment (CC) and said first intermediate cathodic compartment (C1) (v) a second selective membrane (M2) being arranged between said anodic compartment (AC) and said first intermediate anodic compartment (A1) (vi) a treatment compartment (T) for the sample being arranged between said intermediate cathodic compartment (C1) and said intermediate anodic compartment (A1), further comprising a first separator membrane (S1) between said treatment compartment (T) and said intermediate cathodic compartment (C1) and a secon

Abstract: A particle screening device is provided. The particle screening device comprises: a substrate including a first side and a second side opposite to the first side; a micropore array formed on the substrate, wherein each micropore penetrates through the substrate from the first side to the second side and has a size configured to at least permit particles smaller than target particles flow through; and electrodes formed on at least one side of the first and second sides of the substrate and around at least some micropores, wherein the electrodes are configured to generate an electric field at corresponding micropores.

Abstract: The method for isolating nucleic acids from a food sample comprising the following steps: a) obtaining a food enrichment culture; b) transferring a portion of the food enrichment culture into a reaction vessel thereby providing a food enrichment sample and providing a water-immiscible phase in contact with the food enrichment culture; c) lysing the food enrichment sample to provide a lysed sample; d) isolating nucleic acids from the lysed sample. Food enrichment culture samples are known to contain high concentrations of organic and/or liposoluble inhibitors. By contacting the enrichment culture sample with a water-immiscible phase before the actual DNA extraction procedure starts, part of the lipophilic inhibitors is expected to cross the phase interface due to an enhanced solubility in the organic phase and thereby become depleted.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a measurement device includes a first chamber, a second chamber, a partition provided between the first and second chambers, a through hole which is provided in the partition and with which the first chamber and the second chamber communicate each other, a first electrode provided in the first chamber, and a second electrode provided in the second chamber. The first electrode and the second electrode contain different metals or alloys at least in surface layers thereof, and a relationship of Ia<Ib is satisfied, where Ia is an ionization tendency of a metal or an alloy contained at least in the surface layer of the first electrode and Ib is an ionization tendency of a metal or an alloy contained at least in the surface layer of the second electrode.

Abstract: There is provided a method for preparing a sample for a nucleic acid amplification reaction, the method including a heating step of applying heat to a nucleic acid-containing sample, and an electrodialysis step of bringing an electrical conductivity of the sample to 2,000 ?S/cm or less.

Abstract: A system that incorporates the subject disclosure may include, for example, a method for selectively applying an electrical potential to a top surface of a membrane having a nanopore to repel or attract a molecular strand from the top surface of the membrane, applying a second electrical potential to a bottom surface of the membrane to repel or attract the molecular strand from the bottom surface of the membrane, applying a third electrical potential to an electrolyte solution to apply a transport force on the molecular strand to displace a section of the molecular strand into the nanopore, arresting the section of the molecular strand in the nanopore by adjusting of the first electrical potential, the second electrical potential, the third electrical potential, or combinations thereof, and measuring a signal at the nanopore to identify the section of the molecular strand. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of using nanopore to obtain sequence information of an unknown structure (unknown DNA) in a ss test DNA. The method comprises using speed bump to stall the ss test DNA in the nanopore at random positions of the ss test DNA to obtain sequence information of each and every nucleotides of the unknown DNA, and to construct the whole sequence of the unknown DNA. The present invention also relates to a novel method of trapping a ss test DNA in a nanopore using two bulky structures formed under different conditions (e.g. different temperature), and the bulky structures are able to keep the ss test DNA trapped in a nanopore at a working temperature.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to the methods and compositions to efficiently analyze polymer characteristics using nanopore-based assays. Specifically disclosed is a method for generating reference signals for polymer analysis in a nanopore system, wherein the nanopore system has a multi-subunit output signal resolution. The method comprises translocating a reference sequence through a nanopore to generate a plurality of reference output signals, wherein each possible multi-subunit sequence that can determine an output signal appears only once in the reference sequence. The output signals are compiled into a reference map for nanopore analysis of an analyte polymer. Also provided are methods and compositions for calibrating the nanopore system for optimized polymer analysis.

Abstract: A method of eluting biomolecules, such as nucleic acids from a biological sample by electroelution is provided. An example of a method includes various steps, such as loading the biological sample to a device comprising a housing, at least two conductive redox polymer electrodes operationally coupled to the housing and a biomolecule impermeable layer disposed on at least one of the electrodes. The loading of sample is followed by initiating an electrical connection to generate an electric field strength sufficient to elute biomolecules from the biological sample; and eluting the biomolecules from the biological sample.

Abstract: The invention relates to enhancing translocation of a charged analyte through a transmembrane protein pore. Translocation is enhanced by increasing the net opposing charge of the barrel or channel and/or entrance of the pore. The invention also relates to pores enhanced in accordance with the invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of using nanopores to obtain sequence information of sample DNAs in ss test DNAs. The method comprises using speed bumps to stall the ss test DNAs in the nanopores at random positions of the ss test DNAs to obtain sequence information of each and every nucleotides of the sample DNAs, and to construct the whole sequences of the sample DNAs. The present invention also relates to identification and/or isolation of test DNAs having desired sequence(s) using nanopore detectors facilitated by speed bump.

Abstract: A technique is provided for base recognition in an integrated device is provided. A target molecule is driven into a nanopore of the integrated device. The integrated device includes a nanowire separated into a left nanowire part and a right nanowire part to form a nanogap in between, a source pad connected to the right nanowire part, a drain pad connected to the left nanowire part, and the nanopore. The source pad, the drain pad, the right nanowire part, the left nanowire part, and the nanogap together form a transistor. The nanogap is part of the nanopore. A transistor current is measured while a single base of the target molecule is in the nanogap of the nanopore, and the single base affects the transistor current. An identity of the single base is determined according to a change in the transistor current.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention is directed to methods for ionophorically screening pore forming bacterial protein toxins and receptors. The method includes: a) forming a membrane comprising a lipid and a receptor, b) contacting the membrane with the pore forming bacterial protein toxin and an ion solution, and c) measuring ion flow through the membrane.

Abstract: An electroblotting system including a cassette configured to receive a membrane and a material impregnated with at least one of proteins or nucleic acids. The cassette is connectable to a base such that a current is passable through the cassette to cause at least some of the proteins or nucleic acids to be transferred from the impregnated material to the membrane. The cassette has a first portion, a second portion configured to be releasably coupled to the first portion, and a coupling mechanism configured to releasably couple the first portion to the second portion. The cassette further includes an actuator operatively coupled to the coupling mechanism such that manual depression of the actuator causes the coupling mechanism to release the first portion relative to the second portion.

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 mechanism is provided for ratcheting a double strand molecule. The double strand molecule is driven into a Y-channel of a membrane by a first voltage pulse. The Y-channel includes a stem and branches, and the branches are connected to the stem at a junction. The double strand molecule is slowed at the junction of the Y-channel based on the first voltage pulse being weaker than a force required to break a base pair of the double strand molecule. The double strand molecule is split into a first single strand and a second single strand by driving the double strand molecule into the junction of the Y-channel at a second voltage pulse.

Abstract: A mechanism is provided for ratcheting a double strand molecule. The double strand molecule is driven into a Y-channel of a membrane by a first voltage pulse. The Y-channel includes a stem and branches, and the branches are connected to the stem at a junction. The double strand molecule is slowed at the junction of the Y-channel based on the first voltage pulse being weaker than a force required to break a base pair of the double strand molecule. The double strand molecule is split into a first single strand and a second single strand by driving the double strand molecule into the junction of the Y-channel at a second voltage pulse.

Abstract: The biological polymer analyzing equipment with nanopore includes a chamber part having a chamber having a sample introduction section and a sample outflow section separated by a substrate; a first electrode provided in the sample introduction section and a second electrode provided in the sample outflow section; a thin membrane formed on the substrate; a nanopore provided in the thin membrane of the substrate and communicating between the sample introduction section and the sample outflow section; a third electrode provided near the nanopore of the substrate; and a voltage applying member to electrodes, wherein the voltage applying member includes a member for applying voltages between the first electrode and the third electrode, between the first electrode and the second electrode, respectively, and between the third electrode and the second electrode, and relates to a method for analyzing a biological polymer using the biological polymer analyzing equipment with nanopore.

Abstract: A method for wetting a nanopore device includes filling a first cavity of the nanopore device with a first buffer solution having a first potential hydrogen (pH) value, filling a second cavity of the nanopore device with a second buffer solution having a second pH value, wherein the nanopore device includes a transistor portion having a first surface, an opposing second surface, and an orifice communicative with the first surface and the second surface, the first surface partially defining the first cavity, the second surface partially defining the second cavity, applying a voltage in the nanopore device, and measuring a current in the nanopore device, the current having a current path partially defined by the first cavity, the second cavity, and the orifice.

Abstract: The invention features methods for evaluating the conformation of a polymer, for example, for determining the conformational distribution of a plurality of polymers and to detect binding or denaturation events. The methods employ a nanopore which the polymer, e.g., a nucleic acid, traverses. As the polymer traverses the nanopore, measurements of transport properties of the nanopore yield data on the conformation of the polymer.

Abstract: Methods and devices for sequencing nucleic acids are disclosed herein. Devices are also provided herein for measuring DNA with nano-pores sized to allow DNA to pass through the nano-pore. The capacitance can be measured for the DNA molecule passing through the nano-pore. The capacitance measurements can be correlated to determine the sequence of base pairs passing through the nano-pore to sequence the DNA.

Abstract: Methods, compositions, and systems are provided for characterization of modified nucleic acids. Nanopore sequencing is performed using a processive enzyme to control the rate of translation of a single strand of a nucleic acid through a nanopore. The presence and identity of a modified base can be determined by monitoring the kinetics of translation through the pore even though the events that lead to the kinetic changes are separated in time and space from the translation of the modified base or it's compliment through the nanopore. The invention also comprises the use of hemi-genomic DNA in nanopore sequencing.

Abstract: Described are techniques for optical detection of single molecule signals from a nanopore array for analysis of nucleic acid sequences. These techniques are useful for rapid multiplexed DNA sequencing.

Abstract: Disclosed are solid-state nanopore devices having pores of nanometer-scale thickness, which ultrathin (e.g., less than 10 nm thick) pores enable devices having improved resolution. Also provided are methods of fabricating such devices and of using such devices. The invention also provides nanometer-thick membranes and related methods of fabricating such membranes, which membranes are useful in high resolution microscopy applications. Further disclosed are devices for detection of analytes—including miRNA—that may be small in size and may also be present in only small quantities.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to solubilizing compounds, a device and a method for solubilizing and removing carboxylic acids and especially fatty acids from oils, fats, aqueous emulsion, aqueous media and organic solutions. Devices utilizing the inventive method shall be used for separating carboxylic acids from oils, fats, aqueous emulsion, lipophilic media or organic solutions, respectively by preparing an aqueous micro- or nanoemulsion of the carboxylic acids especially the fatty acids and the solubilizing compound which contains at least one amidino and/or gianidino group. Solubilization effects of solubilizing compounds combined with the inventive use of separation methods for carboxylic acids can be used to treat persons in need of removal of fatty acids or analyze carboxylic acids from blood or process other solutions in food, pharmacy, chemistry, bio fuel industry or other industrial processings.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a nucleic-acid extraction method for carrying out the following procedures in the same cell, the procedures including: performing an ultrasonic process on a sample containing a nucleic acid; adsorbing substances contained in the sample by making use of an adsorption carrier; and condensing the nucleic acid by damming the nucleic acid moving in an electrophoresis phenomenon. In accordance with the nucleic-acid extraction method, it is possible to carry out an ultrasonic process, an adsorption process and an electrophoresis process in the same cell. Thus, it is possible to eliminate an operation to transfer the sample from one cell to another one for each of the processes.

Abstract: Techniques for characterizing a molecule are described herein. In one example, a portion of the molecule is trapped in a nanopore, a variable voltage is applied across the nanopore until the trapped portion of molecule is moved within the nanopore, and the molecule is characterized based on the electrical stimulus required to affect movement of at least a portion of the trapped portion of the molecule within the nanopore.

Abstract: An electrodialysis apparatus includes a sample chamber including first and second dialysis membranes and filled with a sample between the first dialysis membrane and the second dialysis membrane, an anode chamber including an anode and filled with a first chamber solution between the anode and the first dialysis membrane, and a cathode chamber including a cathode and filled with a second chamber solution between the cathode and the second dialysis membrane. In particular, when a voltage is applied to the anode and the cathode, ionic materials of the sample move to the anode and cathode chambers.

Abstract: Device and Process for isolating, purifying, concentrating and/or enriching at least one organic compound by electrokinetic migration through liquid membranes by use of an electronic potential and chambers with a preset pH value is described in the present application. The liquid membranes contain an organic solvent capable of transporting an ionized form of said at least one organic compound.

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: Systems and methods utilize semipermeable nanotubes in conjunction with application of controlled electrical potentials across semipermeable nanotube walls allow selective transport of charged impurities (e.g., charged impurities, ions, etc.) from a fluid into these nanotubes. Impurities collected in these nanotubes can then be removed from the fluid, (e.g., blood) as a waste stream. A collection of semipermeable nanotubes each carrying a waste stream can be aggregated and merged into a ureter for excretion thereby providing an artificial kidney system. Sensors that detect/measure various impurities may be included in the system to feed information to a microprocessor to inform on concentrations of impurities, and thereby control electrical potentials applied to the system.

Abstract: Method for improving selectivity and productivity during purification of charged macromolecules and particles by electrofiltration by means of membranes in the electric filed. The ratio between the electric field and the permeate flow through the membrane is kept constant.

Abstract: A system and method employ at least one semiconductor device, or an arrangement of insulating and metal layers, having at least one detecting region which can include, for example, a recess or opening therein, for detecting a charge representative of a component of a polymer, such as a nucleic acid strand proximate to the detecting region. A method for manufacturing forms such a semiconductor device. The system and method can be used for sequencing individual nucleotides or bases of ribonucleic acid (RNA) or deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). The detecting region permits a current to pass between the two doped regions in response to the presence of the component of the polymer, such as a base of a DNA or RNA strand. The current has characteristics representative of the component of the polymer, such as characteristics representative of the detected base of the DNA or RNA strand.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of using nanopore to obtain sequence information of an unknown structure (unknown DNA) in a ss test DNA. The method comprises using speed bump to stall the ss test DNA in the nanopore at random positions of the ss test DNA to obtain sequence information of each and every nucleotides of the unknown DNA, and to construct the whole sequence of the unknown DNA. The present invention also relates to a novel method of trapping a ss test DNA in a nanopore using two bulky structures formed under different conditions (e.g. different temperature), and the bulky structures are able to keep the ss test DNA trapped in a nanopore at a working temperature.

Abstract: Methods and devices for sequencing nucleic acids are disclosed herein. Devices are also provided herein for measuring DNA with nano-pores sized to allow DNA to pass through the nano-pore. The capacitance can be measured for the DNA molecule passing through the nano-pore. The capacitance measurements can be correlated to determine the sequence of base pairs passing through the nano-pore to sequence the DNA.

Abstract: We report unique findings on the voltage dependence of protein exclusion from the pores of nanoporous polymer exclusion membranes. The pores are small enough that proteins are excluded from passage with low applied electric fields, but increasing the field enables proteins to pass through. The requisite field necessary for a change in exclusion is protein-specific with a correlation to protein size. The field-dependence of exclusion is important to consider for preconcentration applications. The ability to selectively gate proteins at exclusion membranes is also a promising means for manipulating and characterizing proteins. We show that field-gated exclusion can be used to selectively remove proteins from a mixture, or to selectively trap protein at one exclusion membrane in a series.

Abstract: An electrolytic filtration method and apparatus for the concentration and collection of suspended particulates from aqueous solutions is disclosed. The electrolytic cell contains at least an anode and a cathode, and in one embodiment contains a plurality of anodes and cathodes. The electrolytic cell also contains a filter, and in one embodiment the filter is a moving belt filter. While not bound by theory, the electrolytic filtration method and apparatus is based on the electrophoretic movement of algae particles suspended in an aqueous solution away from the filter under the influence of an electric field. In one embodiment the electric field is a pulsed waveform with unidirectional voltage or current pulses. In another embodiment, the electric field is a pulsed waveform with bidirectional voltage or current pulses.

Abstract: A process for separating a sperm type from a sperm population by electrophoresis comprising subjecting the sperm population to an electric potential such that a sperm type is separated from a sperm population through an ion-permeable barrier.

Abstract: Provided are methods for detecting, characterizing or separating DNA based on methylation. Heterogeneous DNA populations are separated based on DNA methylation by providing a membrane having a nanopore through which an electric field is applied. DNA of interest is introduced, and for a given threshold voltage across the nanopore, only DNA having a methylation parameter of interest may transit the pore, thereby facilitating detection, characterization, or separation of DNA based on methylation. The methods are optionally used to detect a disease state that is associated with DNA methylation including, but not limited to, cancer.

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

Abstract: Methods of trapping a deformed portion of a double-stranded polynucleotide in a membrane nanopassage are provided. In an aspect, the membrane has a nanopassage that defines a confine region, wherein the membrane separates a first fluid compartment from a second fluid compartment, and the nanopassage is in fluid communication with the first and second compartments. A polynucleotide is provided to the first fluid compartment and optionally a threshold voltage for the membrane and the polynucleotide is determined. A driving voltage across the membrane that is greater than the threshold voltage is applied to force a portion of the polynucleotide sequence into the nanopassage confine region, and decreased to a holding voltage bias to trap the polynucleotide portion in the nanopassage confine region. In particular, at least one nucleotide base-pair is fixably positioned in the nanopassage confine volume. In further embodiments, any of the trapping methods are used to characterize or sequence double stranded DNA.

Abstract: The present invention provides diagnostic in vitro methods as well as kits and devices to be used in the methods of the present invention for diagnosis or prognosis of a pathologic condition characterized by the presence/absence of an endogenous hormone and/or hormone analog(s) thereof involved in diabetes or metabolic syndrome. The methods comprise a quantitative separation of at least those analytes of interest whose common presence interferes with measuring the presence/absence or concentration of one of the analytes of interest by a subsequent analytical method.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for the separation of polysaccharides, particular heparin products, and glycosylated molecules are provided. The separation is based on the molecular weight and charge, by application of an electric field across a low-friction matrix, modified with a charged separation agent comprising charged regions ordered in a monotonous sequence distributed throughout the matrix, to generate a charge density gradient formed when an external electric field is applied. Saccharides of different charges migrate differently across the porous matrix and immobilized by charge neutralization in different charge regions of the matrix.

Abstract: Dialysis treatment devices and methods for removing urea from dialysis waste streams are provided. In a general embodiment, the present disclosure provides a dialysis treatment device including a first cell having a first electrodialysis unit, a second cell having at least one of a urease compartment and a sorbent compartment and in fluid communication with the first cell, and a third cell having a second electrodialysis unit and in fluid communication with the second cell.

Abstract: Disease specific markers, in particular cancer markers, can be detected by electrophoretically separating proteins and protein complexes from a biological sample on a protein binding polymeric membrane in a low conductivity, water-miscible organic solvent buffer. Electrophoretic separation profiles representing different diseases can be produced, and used in the diagnosis or prognosis of these diseases.