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.

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.

Abstract: In an apparatus for analyzing small number of samples, wasteful consumption of a polymer as a separation Medium is suppressed. The apparatus has a configuration provided with a plurality of capillary units each of which can be attached/detached to/from the apparatus, and performs analysis for capillaries after sealing of a polymer by attaching the capillaries by the number in accordance with the number of samples. Since analysis can be performed by using capillaries by the number identical with that of the samples to be analyzed, wasteful polymer is not used in the capillaries not used for the analysis. In addition, the polymer injection mechanism is unnecessary and the polymer is not necessary for maintenance and upon starting of analysis. An electrophoresis apparatus which is small in the size with no polymer injection mechanism, and with low running cost not wastefully consuming the polymer can be provided.

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.

Abstract: A method of amplifying nucleic acid includes providing a microfluidic device having a space therein. The space is filled with a gel medium. Reagents for carrying out a PCR reaction are supported within the matrix of the gel medium within the space. A nucleic acid containing sample is brought into contact with the gel medium. The sample having whole cells or cell lysate without any prior separation of the nucleic acid from other components of the cells. PCR amplification of nucleic acid from the sample is performed in the space using the PCR reagents.

Abstract: A capillary electrophoresis system which provides a microfluidic chip for capillary electrophoresis and a microfluidic interface module which fluidicly couples the microfluidic chip to external fluid sources and or external repositories.

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: An apparatus for imaging one or more selected fluorescence indications from a microfluidic device. The apparatus includes an imaging path coupled to least one chamber in at least one microfluidic device. The imaging path provides for transmission of one or more fluorescent emission signals derived from one or more samples in the at least one chamber of the at least one microfluidic device. The chamber has a chamber size, the chamber size being characterized by an actual spatial dimension normal to the imaging path. The apparatus also includes an optical lens system coupled to the imaging path. The optical lens system is adapted to transmit the one or more fluorescent signals associated with the chamber.

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.

Abstract: The invention herein disclosed provides for devices and methods that can detect and control an individual polymer in a mixture is acted upon by another compound, for example, an enzyme, in a nanopore. The devices and methods are also used to determine rapidly (˜>50 Hz) the nucleotide base sequence of a polynucleotide under feedback control or using signals generated by the interactions between the polynucleotide and the nanopore. The invention is of particular use in the fields of molecular biology, structural biology, cell biology, molecular switches, molecular circuits, and molecular computational devices, and the manufacture thereof.

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: Disclosed are devices that feature nanopores formed in graphene sheets, such as graphene ribbons. The graphene sheets include an edge irregularity, such as a zig-zag configuration, a chiral edge, or an armchair-configuration edge, which edges confer on the devices the ability to discriminate between different subunits of a macromolecule translocated through the nanpore. The disclosed devices and methods have application to DNA sequencing and analysis, among other applications.

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

Abstract: A membrane confined electrophoresis cuvette assembly is used to measure the effective charge and electrophoretic mobility of macromolecules in solution. The cuvette assembly features a sample including macro-ions or macromolecules of undetermined type and quantity that is held in suspension in a quartz cuvette sealed at either end by membranes. An electrical current is passed through the cuvette which establishes an electric field along the length of the cuvette assembly. The electric field forces charged macroions to move through the cuvette. The cuvette is bathed in collimated UV light while an absorbance profile measures the ion concentration distribution along the cuvette. The membrane confined electrophoresis provides two complimentary modes of sample analysis: steady state electrophoresis and real-time electrophoretic mobility. The cuvette assembly can be used with a software program that features experiment design control, and complete data analysis of the experiment(s).

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: Disclosed embodiments assay for the presence of Ge-68, although disclosed embodiments can also be used for other radionuclide generators, with minimal adjustments.

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: The invention relates to a microfluidic device and a method for handling at least one drop. The device comprises first and second microfluidic surfaces (3a, 3b) parallel and separated from each other by a separation distance (H), at least one first electrical displacement path (5a) arranged on said first surface (3a), and at least one second electrical displacement path (5b) arranged on said second surface (3b). The at least one of the first and second paths is configured in order to form a respective fluidic finger along said path, said fluidic finger rupturing via capillarity, by generating at least one respective drop. The first and second paths are configured so that said separation distance between said first and second surfaces is on the one hand, greater than the fluidic thickness formed by each fluidic finger and, on the other hand, less than the fluidic thickness formed by each drop.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for separating an analyte from a test sample, such as bacteria from blood components, based on their dielectric properties, localizing or condensing the analyte, flushing substantially all remaining waste products from the test sample, and detecting low concentrations of the analyte. Species movement is caused by a module array imparting opposing dielectrophoretic forces. The module array includes a plurality of microfluidic channels with connecting microfluidic waste channels for directing undesired material away from the analyte. An electric field is applied causing a positive dielectrophoretic force to the analyte to capture the analyte. The Clausius-Mossotti factor of the analyte is changed by flushing the analyte with a reference solution, which causes a negative dielectrophoretic force to facilitate release of the analyte. A field effect nanowire or nanoribbon sensor detects the analyte after capture.

Abstract: A microfluidic separation device is provided that includes a sample channel having a first sample channel region and a second sample channel region, where a cross-section of the first sample channel region is smaller than a cross-section of the second sample channel region. The invention further includes a detection region having a first detection region and a second detection region, where a cross-section of the first detection region is larger than a cross-section of the second detection region and the second sample channel region is connected to the first detection region. Additionally, the invention includes a marker input channel disposed to input markers into the second sample channel region, where the markers are larger than the cross-section of the first sample channel region and the cross-section of the second detection region, where the markers collect in the first detection region.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for the identification of compounds in carbohydrate mixture compositions as well as the determination of carbohydrate mixture composition patterns, based on e.g. orthogonal cross determining migration time (indices) using capillary gel electrophoresis-laser induced fluorescence and identifying said carbohydrate components based on comparing said migration time (indices) with standard migration time (indices) from a database which data are preferably also orthogonal cross determined. In a further aspect, the present invention relates to a method for carbohydrate mixture composition pattern profiling, like glycosylation pattern profiling using capillary gel electrophoresis-laser induced fluorescence (CGE-LIF). In another aspect, the present invention refers to a system for an automated determination and/or identification of carbohydrates and/or carbohydrate mixture composition patterns (e.g.: glycosylation patterns).

Abstract: The invention is a high-throughput multi-capillary system utilizing a 2-dimensional mask onto which the detection windows of the capillaries are lined up in alternating columns and rows. The image of the capillaries is projected onto a 2-dimensional detection system, such as a charge-coupled-detector (CCD) array. Each row and column of the capillary detection windows is imaged in a separate area of the CCD array, which results in reduced cross-talk between capillaries.

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.

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.

Abstract: Various embodiments provide an exemplary lab-on-a-chip (LOC) system that serves as an analytical tool and/or as a separation medium for an electrolyte solution including various charged molecular species. The LOC system can include an integrated nanofluidic FET device in combination with suitable analysis systems. By applying and controlling a longitudinal electric field and a transverse electric potential, the flow and the pH of the electrolyte solution in the nanofluidic channels can be controlled.

Abstract: Using multiple dichroics mirrors to split and redirect different wavelength regions of light in a multi-wavelength fluorescence detection system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a droplet-based nucleic acid amplification apparatus and system. According to one embodiment, a droplet microactuator is provided made using a first substrate including a fluorescing material and including a detection region for detecting a fluorescence signal from a droplet, which detection region is coated with a light absorbing, low fluorescence or non-fluorescing material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an immunoaffinity device for capturing one or more analytes present at high or low concentrations in simple or complex matrices. The device is designed as an integrated modular unit and connected to capillary electrophoresis or liquid chromatography for the isolation, enrichment, separation and identification of polymeric macromolecules, primarily protein biomarkers. The integrated modular unit includes an analyte-concentrator-microreaction device connected to a modified cartridge-cassette.

Abstract: The present invention provides a microchip for performing electrophoresis with pulsed amperometric detection (PAD) for the separation and detection of underivatized carbohydrates, amino acids, sulfur-containing antibiotics, etc. PAD allows for the direct detection of amines, thiols, alcohols and carbohydrates and therefore is a useful technique for the development of electrochemical detection for microchip electrophoresis.

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.

Abstract: An analytical cell including a lightguide with a plurality of conduits filled with a migration medium. The medium, the lightguide and a surrounding medium have refractive indices selected such that light entering the lightguide is internally reflected within the lightguide to provide substantially uniform illumination of the conduits.

Abstract: There is provided a capillary electrophoresis apparatus wherein coupling efficiency of exciting irradiation light to a capillary array does not decline even if any one capillary array of two capillary arrays is removed. Light emission generated by capillaries of each capillary array of 2n (n is a positive integer) capillary arrays radiating exciting light from one side is detected by one optical detection system.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods for concentrating samples for application to microfluidic devices are disclosed. The methods involve electrophoresing charged molecules from a high volume sample into a smaller volume. The analyte of interest can be a charged molecule or can be modified to be charged using, for example, one or more ionic moieties.

Abstract: In a capillary electrophoresis apparatus, a capillary array unit has a capillary array including capillaries having a capillary head and a detection unit, a frame for supporting the capillary array, and a load header for holding cathode ends of the capillaries. The frame has separators for separating and holding the capillaries. The capillary head, the detection unit, and the separators are disposed along one linear line. With this arrangement, there is provided the capillary array unit and the capillary electrophoresis apparatus which are arranged such that a job for mounting the capillary array can be executed easily.

Abstract: The invention provides a capillary electrophoresis apparatus which can improve the operability and measuring speed. According to the invention, a sensor for identifying the type of sample containers is fixed at the position away from a capillary anode electrode. The sensor is made to be closer to the sample containers by moving a moving stage so that the sample containers disposed on the moving stage can be identified by the sensor. A fixing apparatus for fixing at least a pair of sample containers is provided on the moving stage.

Abstract: A capillary electrophoresis analysis apparatus is provided for analyzing samples by a capillary electrophoresis method that allows for rapid and highly accurate separation and detection.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a capillary electrophoresis apparatus in which simultaneity can be ensured between sensitivity and data acquisition to decrease a pull-up signal while spectral data acquisition is eliminated in each capillary exchange. The invention relates to a capillary electrophoresis apparatus characterized in that a multi-bandpass filter is provided in an optical detection system. In one aspect of the invention, a signal detection area of a two-dimensional detector is divided into plural regions corresponding to wavelength transmission regions of the multi-bandpass filter. An integrated value of the fluorescence spectrum signal is determined in the region including a fluorescence spectrum peak of an analysis sample in the plural regions. The analysis is performed with the integrated value.

Abstract: An electrophoresis apparatus includes a multi-capillary array having a liquid or solid disposed between the capillaries of the array. The liquid or solid exhibits a refractive index higher than that of air and less than that of water and reduces the amount of laser beams scattered by the capillaries. Also provided are methods of adjusting refracted and reflected excitation light beams passing through capillaries of a multi-capillary array, to reduce loss of intensity of the laser beams and increase irradiation of respective samples disposed in the capillaries.

Abstract: A nanodevice is provided that includes a reservoir filled with a conductive fluid and a membrane separating the reservoir. The membrane includes an electrode layer having a tunneling junction formed therein. A nanopore is formed through the membrane, and the nanopore is formed through other layers of the membrane such that the nanopore is aligned with the tunneling junction of the electrode layer. When a voltage is applied to the electrode layer, a tunneling current is generated by a base in the tunneling junction to be measured as a signature for distinguishing the base. When an organic coating is formed on an inside surface of the tunneling junction, transient bonds are formed between the electrode layer and the base.

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.

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

Abstract: The invention provides a method for molecular analysis. In the method, sidewalls are formed extending through a structure between two structure surfaces, to define an aperture. A layer of material is deposited on the aperture sidewalls and the two structure surfaces. The aperture with the deposited material layer is then configured in a liquid solution with a gradient in a chemical potential, between the two structure surfaces defining the aperture, that is sufficient to cause molecular translocation through the aperture.

Abstract: This invention discloses a highly efficient method, system and apparatus for nucleic acid analysis, including sequencing (both automated re-sequencing and de-novo sequencing). The system is capable of sequencing DNA sizes ranging from fragments to mammalian size genomes having mouse draft quality at a much reduced cost. The system comprises a massive parallel capillary electrophoretic separation using two-dimensional monolith multi-capillary arrays (2D-MMCA). Sequence identification can be performed using fluorescent or otherwise labeled dideoxynucleotide-terminated DNA extension product generated by gel matrix-, or beads-, or substrate tethered-, or otherwise immobilized colonies of single template molecules.

Abstract: A nanosensor includes a substrate including a hole which extends through the substrate, a thin layer on the substrate and including a nanopore which is connected to the hole, and a first graphene layer and a second graphene layer which are on the thin layer and spaced apart from each other centering the nanopore therebetween. A method of manufacturing the nanosensor includes forming a nanopore in a thin layer on a substrate, and forming a first graphene layer and a second graphene layer on the thin layer. The first graphene layer and the second graphene layer are spaced apart from each other centering the nanopore therebetween.

Abstract: An apparatus for analysis of a sample and in particular of a biological sample. The apparatus contains a microfluidic chip with dies, adapted to be selectively activated or deactivated by presence of target molecules in the biological sample. The apparatus further contains a light source to emit light for illumination of the microfluidic chip and an optical filter to allow passage of the light from the dies once activated or deactivated by the presence of the target molecules. A method for pressurizing a microfluidic chip is also disclosed, where a chamber is provided, the chamber is connected with the microfluidic chip and pressure is applied to the chamber.

Abstract: An electrophoresis apparatus is generally disclosed for sequentially analyzing a single sample or multiple samples having one or more analytes in high or low concentrations. The apparatus comprises a relatively large-bore transport capillary which intersects with a plurality of small-bore separation capillaries and includes a valve system. Analyte concentrators, having antibody-specific (or related affinity) chemistries, are stationed at the respective intersections of the transport capillary and separation capillaries to bind one or more analytes of interest. The apparatus allows the performance of two or more dimensions for the optimal separation of analytes. The apparatus may also include a plurality of valves surrounding each of the analyte concentrators to localize each of the concentrators to improve the binding of one or more analytes of interest.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an immunoaffinity device for capturing one or more analytes present at high or low concentrations in simple or complex matrices. The device is designed as a modular, multi-task immunoaffinity device secured to a peripheral box and connected to capillary electrophoresis or liquid chromatography for the isolation, enrichment, separation and identification of polymeric macromolecules, primarily protein biomarkers. In one embodiment, two devices are coupled in-tandem to perform separately and sequentially microreactions and concentrations of proteins. In this embodiment, biological samples containing proteins can be subjected to proteolytic processing in the first device, and the resulting peptides subjected to selective purification and concentration in the second device.

Abstract: Methods of analyzing the electrophoretic mobility distribution of von Willebrand factor (vWF) multimers include providing a sample medium comprising a plurality vWF multimers. The vWF multimers are electrophoretically separated by electrohoretic mobility in the sample medium by subjecting said sample medium to an electric field to provide separated vWF multimers. The separated vWF multimers in the sample medium are exposed to a light source to produce scattered light. The scattered light is detected, and the electrophoretic mobility distribution of the separated vWF multimers is determined from the detected scattered light.

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.

Abstract: A method, system, and apparatus for analysis of a biological sample includes receiving the sample, wherein the sample includes deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), lysing the sample to obtain access to the DNA included in the sample, purifying the DNA in the sample to isolate the DNA from other components in the sample, amplifying the DNA, separating fragments of the amplified DNA, detecting the separated fragments using laser induced fluorescence, based on the detecting, generating a profile of the DNA in the received sample, comparing the generated profile with profiles of DNA stored in a database, and upon determining that the generated profile matches one of the stored profiles, identifying the source from which the stored profile was obtained, wherein the receiving, lysing, purifying, amplifying, and detecting are performed on corresponding portions of a microfluidic device, and wherein transporting the sample and the DNA to the portions of the microfluidic device and enabling the lysing, purifying, amplifying,