Abstract: An integrated circuit includes two or more rows of heating elements, two or more columns of heating elements, and a plurality of sensing areas. Each sensing area is between two adjacent rows of the rows of heating elements and between two adjacent columns of the columns of heating elements and includes a bio-sensing device and a temperature-sensing device.

Abstract: A microfluidic mixing device comprising two bellows pumps (105, 115), microfluidic cartridges comprising the same and methods for use of the same are provided. The disclosed device enables efficient mixing of samples at the microfluidic scale.

Abstract: A lateral flow assay (LFA) device includes a capillary pad and a sample port that holds the sample fluid before a hole is made in a cavity surface of the sample port. The LFA device includes a breaker with a tip to make a hole in the cavity wall of the sample port causing the sample fluid held inside the compartment to be applied to the capillary pad after the start of a test.

Abstract: The disclosure provides methods of synthesizing DNA using topoisomerase-mediated ligation, by adding single nucleotides or oligomers to a DNA strand in the 3? to 5? direction.

Abstract: An integrated circuit includes two or more rows of heating elements, two or more columns of heating elements, and a plurality of sensing circuits. Each sensing circuit is between two adjacent rows of the rows of heating elements and between two adjacent columns of the columns of heating elements, in a same silicon layer as the rows of heating elements and the columns of heating elements, and configured to generate a bio-sensing signal and a temperature-sensing signal.

Abstract: Described herein are devices and methods of use thereof, the devices comprising: a sample conduit providing a path for fluid flow extending from a sample inlet to a sample outlet; a thermal housing enclosing the sample conduit, the thermal housing comprising a plurality of measurement regions; and a motorized stage translatable along the thermal housing so as to align a detector with one or more of the plurality of measurement regions. The devices can continuously flow a fluid precursor sample from the sample inlet to the sample outlet, the fluid precursor sample comprising a first precursor and a second precursor, such that the first precursor reacts with the second precursor as the fluid precursor sample continuously flows from the sample inlet to the sample outlet to form the sample before reaching the sample outlet, wherein the sample comprises a plurality of particles or an organic molecule.

Abstract: An integrated circuit includes an interconnection structure, first and second sensing pixels over the interconnection structure, and an isolation layer over the first and second sensing pixels. Each of the first and second sensing pixels includes a bio-sensing device, a temperature-sensing device, one or more heating elements adjacent to the bio-sensing device and the temperature-sensing device, and a sensing film over the bio-sensing device. The isolation layer includes a first opening configured to expose the sensing film of the first sensing pixel without exposing the sensing film of the second sensing pixel and a second opening configured to expose the sensing film of the second sensing pixel without exposing the sensing film of the first sensing pixel.

Abstract: To provide an automated analyzer capable of shortening analysis time. The automated analyzer includes a vessel which contains a mixed solution of a specimen and a reagent; and a control unit which controls a first operation performed on the vessel, a second operation performed on the vessel after the first operation, and a third operation performed on a predetermined mechanism of the automated analyzer before the second operation, in which the control unit performs the first operation and the third operation in parallel. Alternatively, the automated analyzer includes a control unit which controls a first operation performed on the vessel, a second operation performed on the vessel after the first operation, and a third operation performed on a predetermined mechanism of the automated analyzer after the first operation, in which the control unit performs the second operation and the third operation in parallel.

Abstract: An adhesive device may include a first adhesive surface configured to be adhered to skin of a user, and a second adhesive surface opposite the first adhesive surface and configured to be adhered to a medical device. The adhesive device may also include an intermediate region between the first adhesive surface and the second adhesive surface, where the intermediate region includes a detector compound embedded in the intermediate region configured to change based on interaction of the detector compound with a target molecule.

Abstract: A microfluidic device for analysing nucleic acids includes a pump unit with a pumping volume, a filter unit for receiving a lysate, and a reaction chamber. The pump unit, the filter unit and the reaction chamber are arranged in the stated order in a pump direction of the pump unit. The microfluidic device is configured to pump an elution medium via the pump unit into the filter unit for elution and subsequently into the reaction chamber for further treatment.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a waveguide structure to form a solid-core waveguide from a waveguiding layer may include etching a fluid channel into the waveguiding layer, etching a first air-gap and a second air gap into the waveguiding layer, wherein etching the first and the second air-gaps creates a solid-core waveguide in the waveguiding layer between the first air-gap and the second air-gap. A method for fabricating a waveguide structure to form a solid-core waveguide may include forming a first trench, a second trench, and a third trench in a substrate layer, and depositing a waveguiding layer on the machined substrate layer, wherein depositing the waveguiding layer creates a hollow core of a fluid channel in a location corresponding to the first trench, and a solid-core waveguide portion in the waveguiding layer in a location corresponding to an area between the second trench and the third trench.

Abstract: A microfluidic system comprising a chamber closed by movable elements and connected to at least one channel. The system has at least one structured component and at least one component attached to the structured component. The chamber is used such that the movable element can be moved into the chamber as well as out of the chamber by a movement of the movable element. Liquids or gases can be moved via one or more channels connected to the chamber by the movement and dispensed or received out of the structured component via a connection of the channel. A liquid reagent reservoir is connected to the pump chamber via the sample supply channel. Thus, the system can be used to receive, pump, dilute, mix, and dispense liquids or gases.

Abstract: An integrated circuit includes a plurality of sensing pixels, each sensing pixel including a sensing film portion, a bio-sensing device configured to generate a first signal responsive to an electrical characteristic of the sensing film portion, a first switching device coupled between the bio-sensing device and a first signal path, a temperature-sensing device configured to generate a second signal responsive to a temperature of the sensing film portion, and a second switching device coupled between the temperature-sensing device and a second signal path.

Abstract: The inventions cover systems and methods for generation of emulsions having suitable clarity without requiring refractive index matching between emulsion components. Systems can include: a substrate including a set of openings; a reservoir facing the substrate at a first side and containing a sample fluid configured for droplet formation upon interacting with the set of openings of the substrate; and a collecting container facing the substrate at a second side and containing a set of fluid layers configured with a density gradient and suitable immiscibility characteristics. One or more components of the system(s) can support methods for emulsion generation, in relation to enabling interactions between multiple continuous phases and a dispersed droplet phase to generate clear emulsions. Applications of the inventions(s) can include performance of droplet-based digital PCR in an improved manner (e.g., without requiring implementation of correction factors based upon Poisson statistics).

Abstract: Devices and methods are described herein for directly and accurately measuring sweat flow rates using miniaturized thermal flow rate sensors. The devices (100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000, 1100, 1200, 1300, 1400, 1500) include the flow rate sensors (220, 320, 420, 520, 620, 720, 820, 920, 1020, 1120, 1220, 1320, 1420) in or adjacent to a microfluidic component (230, 330, 430, 530, 630, 730, 830, 930, 1030, 1130, 1230, 1330, 1430, 1530) of a wearable sweat sensing device. The devices and methods optimize the sensitivity of the flow rate sensors, while minimizing the presence of noise, in order to accurately and directly measure sweat flow rates.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a device capable of adjusting the pH of a sample and provides a device comprising microbeads capable of adjusting the pH of a sample to a predetermined value. The device comprises microbeads enabling adjustment to different pH values in each of a plurality of channels, and enables adjustment of the pH of the sample to a plurality of different pH values simultaneously upon injection of the sample.

Abstract: A device is provided comprising a receiving chamber for receiving a patient's sample, a first reagent reservoir and a second reagent reservoir. The receiving chamber may be configured for receiving at least an end portion of a sample collecting element, with the patient's sample being collected by that sample collecting element. The first reagent reservoir may generally be configured to accommodate a liquid reagent which may include a lysing agent, i.e. the liquid may be a kind of a lysis buffer. Likewise, the second reagent reservoir may generally be configured to accommodate a dry reagent which may include magnetic particles. The device may further comprise at least one of the following two actuators, a first actuator for supplying a first reagent from the first reagent reservoir to the sample and a second actuator for supplying a second reagent from the second reagent reservoir to the resulting mixture.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a device useable in DNA or genome sequencing comprises disposing pairs of electrodes on a substrate, the electrodes within each pair separated by a nanogap; depositing a resist layer over the electrodes; patterning the resist layer to create an exposed region on each electrode at or near each nanogap; roughening the electrode surface within each exposed region using various methods; and exposing the exposed regions to biomolecules, wherein one biomolecule bridges each nanogap of each electrode pair, with each end of each biomolecule bound to the electrodes at each exposed region.

Abstract: Random copolymers, crosslinked thin films of the random copolymers and cell culture substrates comprising the crosslinked thin films are provided. Also provided are methods of making and using the copolymers, thin films and substrates. The copolymers are polymerized from glycidyl methacrylate monomers and vinyl azlactone monomers. The crosslinked thin films are substrate independent, in that they need not be covalently bound to a substrate to form a stable film on the substrate surface.

Abstract: The invention features compositions and methods that are useful for the measurement of the quantity of a nucleic acid target in a sample.

Abstract: Described herein are systems relating to a continuous-flow instrument that includes all necessary components for digital droplet quantification without the need to introduce key reagents or collect and transfer droplets between stages of instrument operation. Digital quantification can proceed without any additional fluid or consumable handling and without exposing fluids to risk of external contamination.

Abstract: Instrument for performing a diagnostic test on a fluidic cartridge A cartridge reader is for carrying out a diagnostic test on a sample contained in a fluidic cartridge inserted into the reader. The fluidic cartridge comprises a fluidic layer comprising at least one sample processing region, at least one collapsible blister containing a liquid reagent, a pneumatic interface, an electrical interface and at least one mechanical valve. The reader comprises a housing; an upper clamp occupying a fixed position relative to the reader, and a lower clamp, movable relative to the first clamp, wherein the upper clamp and the lower clamp define a cartridge receiving region therebetween. The reader comprises a thermal module comprised in the lower clamp, wherein the thermal module comprises at least one thermal stack for heating the at least one sample processing region of the cartridge inserted into the reader.

Abstract: The present invention relates to antisense oligonucleotide that modulate the expression of and/or function of a Sirtuin (SIRT), in particular, by targeting natural antisense polynucleotides of a Sirtuin (SIRT). The invention also relates to the identification of these antisense oligonucleotides and their use in treating diseases and disorders associated with the expression of Sirtuins (SIRT)s.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods for processing and/or detecting a sample. A method can comprise providing a barrier between a first region and a second region, wherein the first region comprises the sample, wherein the barrier maintains the first region at a first atmosphere that is different than a second atmosphere of the second region, wherein a portion of the barrier comprises a fluid in coherent motion; and using a detector at least partially contained in the first region to detect one or more signals from the sample while the first region is maintained at the first atmosphere that is different than the second atmosphere of the second region. The portion of the barrier comprising fluid may have a pressure lower than the first atmosphere, the second atmosphere, or both.

Abstract: A micropillar and microwell chip and methods of studying cellular environments using micropillar and microwell chips is disclosed. The micropillar chip may include at least one micropillar with a pillar-microwell. The microwell chip may include at least one microwell with an upper and a lower microwell. A perfusion channel chip that may be integrated with a micropillar chip is also disclosed. The perfusion channel chip may include a channel, a pillar-insertion hole, a membrane cassette, and a reservoir well.

Abstract: Devices for sequencing linear biomolecules (e.g., DNA, RNA, polypeptides, proteins, and the like) using quantum tunneling effects, and methods of making and using such devices, are provided. A nanofabricated device can include a small gap formed by depositing a thin film between two electrodes, and subsequently removing the film using an etching process. The width of the resulting gap can correspond with the size of a linear biomolecule such that when a part of the biomolecule (e.g., a nucleobase or amino acid) is present in the gap, a change in tunneling current, voltage, or impedance can be measured and the part of the biomolecule identified. The gap dimensions can be precisely controlled at the atomic-scale by, for example, atomic layer deposition (ALD) of the sacrificial film. The device can be made using existing integrated circuit fabrication equipment and facilities, and multiple devices can be formed on a single chip.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing a microfluidic device, in particular, a sol-gel method for producing a microfluidic device in hybrid silica glass. The invention also relates to a microfluidic device obtainable by the method as described above and to microfluidic device in hybrid silica glass comprising at least one microchannel having a depth of at least 1 ?m, preferably between 1 ?m and 1 mm, and more preferably between 10 and 100 ?m.

Abstract: Digital assay system, including methods, apparatus, and compositions, for assay of one or more targets in a set of partitions containing a generic reporter of target amplification.

Abstract: A system and method for isolating and analyzing single cells, wherein the system includes: an array of wells defined at a substrate, each well including an open surface and a well cavity configured to capture cells in one of a single-cell format and single-cluster format, and a fluid delivery module including a fluid reservoir through which fluid flow is controlled along a fluid path; and wherein the method includes: capturing a population of particles into the array of wells in single-particle format; releasing, from the particles, a set of probes into the array of wells; capturing a population of cells into the array of wells in single-cell format; releasing biomolecules from each captured cell into the array of wells; and generating a set of genetic complexes comprising the biomolecules associated with a single captured cell and a subset of probes within individual wells of the array of wells.

Abstract: A method for sensing an analyte uses tethered particle motion. A functionalized particle has a first state in which the functionalized particle is bound to the surface and a second state in which the functionalized particle is not bound to the surface, where the functionalized particle switches between the first and second states depending on the presence and absence of the analyte, thereby changing motion characteristics of the functionalized particle depending on the presence of the analyte. A spatial coordinate parameter of the functionalized particle is measured by a detector, and a processor determines the presence/concentration of the analyte from changes in the measured spatial coordinate parameter.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a diagnostic device and methods of using the same for diagnostic assays for monitoring the presence of biological samples wherein the device allows for the determination of at least two assay components on one sensor. More specifically, the invention relates to a multi-marker electrochemical impedance spectroscopy sensor comprising a plurality of molecular recognition elements wherein the sensor comprises multiple different molecular recognition element types that are tuned in a manner that alters the frequency of the molecular recognition element type such that it is at a detectably different frequency to the frequency of other molecular recognition element types on the same sensor.

Abstract: The embodiments disclose a method including functionalizing a biosensor with a biologic analytical target prior to installation into a detection cartridge, depositing a test subject bodily fluid test sample onto the biosensor surface, inserting the detection cartridge into a portable detection cartridge reader, measuring the electrical impedance of the bodily fluid test sample across biosensor energized electrodes, providing algorithms for analyzing measured electrical impedance data of the bodily fluid test sample obtained in the detection cartridge, identifying and determining the presence of biologic analytical target molecules in the bodily fluid test sample, and transmitting results of the test results to the test subject.

Abstract: A technique relates to a fluidic cell configured to hold a nanofluidic chip. A first plate is configured to hold the nanofluidic chip. A second plate is configured to fit on top of the first plate, such that the nanofluidic chip is held in place. The second plate has at least one first port and at least one second port. The second plate has an entrance hole configured to communicate with an inlet hole of the nanofluidic chip. The second port is angled above the first port, such that the first port and second port intersect to form a junction. The second port is formed to have a line-of-sight to the entrance hole, such that the second port is configured to receive input for extracting air trapped at a vicinity of the entrance hole.

Abstract: A method for detecting false positive variant calls in a next generation sequencing analysis pipeline involves obtaining a plurality of read pileup windows associated with a first sample genome. The method also involves obtaining, for each reference nucleotide position represented in the plurality of read pileup windows, a label indicating that the reference nucleotide position is either (i) a known variant or (ii) a non-variant. The method further involves training a neural network based on data indicative of the plurality of read pileup windows and the labels. Additionally, the method involves receiving a read pileup window associated with a second sample genome. Further, the method involves determining, using the trained neural network, a likelihood that the read pileup window associated with the second sample genome represents a variant.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of medicine and provides compositions and kits-of-parts comprising a CD6 product and Imipenem, in particular for their use in a therapeutic and/or preventive method of treatment, in a mammal including a human, of an infectious disease, or of an inflammatory condition related to an infectious disease, or of an inflammatory disease related to the presence of a product derived from an infectious agent.

Abstract: A real time assay monitoring system and method can be used to monitor reagent volume in assays for fluid replenishment control, monitor assays in real-time to obtain quality control information, monitor assays in real-time during development to detect saturation levels that can be used to shorten assay time, and provide assay results before the assay is complete, enabling reflex testing to begin automatically. The monitoring system can include a real time imaging system with a camera and lights to capture images of the assay. The captured images can then be used to monitor and control the quality of the staining process in an assay, provide early assay results, and/or to measure the on-site reagent volume within the assay.

Abstract: This application discloses methods of producing a DNA strand for sequencing, as well as genetic constructs, libraries, and arrays using DNA strands produced according to these methods. The application also discloses methods of sequencing using the DNA strands, genetic constructs, libraries, and arrays produced. In certain aspects, DNA being sequenced includes a target sequence and at least one adaptor sequence.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a method for recovering two or more genes, or gene products, or cDNAs, encoding for an immunoreceptor having two or more subunits, which two or more genes, or gene products, are comprised in a given source cell. The invention is further related to a method of creating a library of expressor cells, in which library each cell is capable of expressing two or more genes, or gene products, encoding for the subunits of the immunoreceptor. The invention is further related to a method of screening a library of expressor cells as created according to the above method, for one cell that expresses an immunoreceptor that has specificity for a given target molecule.

Abstract: An impact blood splatters generation experimental apparatus capable of measuring an applied force includes: a hammer including a rod-shaped body portion, a head portion formed at one end of the body portion, and a striking portion formed on one side of the head portion; a housing receiving a certain amount of blood thereon and including a striking surface on which the striking portion may strike; a tensile force gauge attached to an outer surface of the housing; an elastic member having one end connected to the body portion and the other end connected to the tensile force gauge; and a display unit displaying a force applied to the hammer, the force being measured by the tensile force gauge, when a user lifts the hammer to strike the striking surface.

Abstract: Selectively vented biological assay devices and methods of performing biological assays with such devices are provided herein. Disclosed devices include (a) a sample receiving cartridge comprising a sample inlet and one or more reaction chambers and (b) a selective venting element having passively tunable porosity. The methods include controlling fluid flow within the subject devices with the selective venting element.

Abstract: The invention provides an alternating current electrospray technology that can generate micron sized droplets in oil at very high throughput for emulsion or digital PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction). This technology outperforms the throughput of the current gold standard in droplet generation using flow-focusing technology by at least a factor of 100. The design is simple and can generate a billion to a trillion monodispersed droplets in about one hour. This is much faster than flow-focusing which is limited to a few million droplets per hour. The droplet size and generation rate can also be easily adjusted by changing the voltage of the AC electric field. The range of produced droplet sizes is about 1-100 microns, wherein the droplets are monodispersed in size.

Abstract: Passive and actives approaches to mitigating the effects of spin-bath polarization are described and illustrated. Such may, for example, include at least partially depolarizing the spin-bath polarization, for instance by: performing an annealing cycle by the quantum processor to generate a final state of a qubit of the quantum processor; flipping the final state of the qubit of the quantum processor to an opposite state; and latching the qubit in the opposite state for a predetermined duration.

Abstract: The invention includes a method of assaying an analyte in a sample in a portable, handheld microfluidic reader. The method includes the steps of: inserting the sample in the reader; capturing the analyte with a first antibody having a DNA tag attached thereto; capturing the analyte in the sample with a second antibody attached to a surface or having a magnetic nanoparticle (MNP) attached thereto; where a sandwich including the magnetic nanoparticle, first and second antibodies, the analyte and the DNA tag is formed; replicating the DNA tag using isothermal amplification to a predetermined amount of DNA tags detectable by a detector sufficient to overcome the minimal mass sensitivity limitations of the detector; and measuring the amount of replicated DNA tags using the detector. The invention also includes an apparatus or handheld portable field microfluidic reader in which the method is performed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are microfluidic devices and systems for amplifying and detecting a target polynucleotide, comprising: one or more wells for receiving one or more substrates; a droplet generation channel in fluid communication with the one or more wells, wherein the microfluidic channel is adapted to generate droplets; and a chamber in fluid communication with the droplet generation channel, and adapted to collect droplets generated by the droplet generation channel, and further adapted to perform nucleic acid amplification in droplets, and further adapted to detect light signal from droplets. Also disclosed are methods of using the same.

Abstract: Provided are systems and methods for analyte detection and analysis. A system can comprise an open substrate. The open substrate may be configured to rotate or otherwise move. The open substrate can comprise an array of individually addressable locations, with analytes immobilized thereto. The substrate may be spatially indexed to identify nucleic acid molecules from one or more sources, and/or sequences thereof, with the respective one or more sources. A solution comprising a plurality of probes may be directed across the array to couple at least one of the plurality of probes with at least one of the analytes to form a bound probe. A detector can be configured to detect a signal from the bound probe via scanning of the substrate while minimizing temperature fluctuations of the substrate or optical aberrations caused by bubbles.

Abstract: Fiducial markers are provided on patterned arrays of the type that may be used for molecular analysis, such as sequencing. The fiducial markers may have configurations that enhance their detection in image or detection data, that facilitate or improve processing, that provide encoding of useful information, and so forth. Examples of the fiducial markers may include features and materials that are provided on or in the support of a patterned array and that return at least a portion of incident light by reflection. The fiducial markers may form gratings or other encoding configurations that assist in image processing, alignment, or other aspects of processing of the patterned array.

Abstract: Analyte collection and testing systems and methods, and more particularly to disposable oral fluid collection and testing systems and methods. Described herein are methods and apparatuses to achieve significant improvements in the detection of fluorescence signals in the reader.

Abstract: A digital PCR device using centrifugal force. The present disclosure comprises: sample dish on which a microwell film having formed microwells is mounted; a door unit for inputting a sample while rotating the sample dish, and controlling the temperature of the sample which has been fractionated in the microwells by means of the centrifugal force and thus performing a PCR process; and a scan head unit for reading a fluorescent signal while rotating the sample which has been amplified in the microwells during the PCR process.

Abstract: A photon-accounting system for use with a flow cytometry system is disclosed which includes a signal shaping sub-system, including a differentiator configured to generate a differentiated output of photodiode signals into corresponding zero-crossings each associated with one of the received photons, a comparator configured to receive the differentiated signal and compare to a threshold to thereby generate a comparator output digital signal associated with the crossing of the differentiated signal about the threshold, a front-end synchronization system adapted to receive and synchronize the comparator generated digital signal to a clock, thereby generate synchronized photon data with the clock and associated with the asynchronized photodiode signal, and a timestamping system adapted to receive the synchronized data as a bit stream and generate a timestamp associated with each photon data.

Abstract: Surface-modified glass and polymer membrane interfaces form high-electrical resistance seals that can be used in microfluidic valves and array devices tailored for electrophysiological measurements. The incorporation of high seal resistance valves into the array device allows only the desired electrophysiological signal to be detected by a patch clamp amplifier, enabling parallel experiments with one patch clamp amplifier, which can greatly improve the cost efficiency. To achieve the desired high seal resistance, surface modification was performed on the glass components to increase the interaction between the glass and the membrane surfaces. The valves exhibit seal resistance of >500 G? after modification, which is 100× higher than reported for unmodified valves.