Abstract: In various embodiments a molecular circuit is disclosed. The circuit comprises a negative electrode, a positive electrode spaced apart from the negative electrode, and an enzyme molecule conductively attached to both the positive and negative electrodes to form a circuit having a conduction pathway through the enzyme. In various examples, the enzyme is a polymerase. The circuit may further comprise molecular arms used to wire the enzyme to the electrodes. In various embodiments, the circuit functions as a sensor, wherein electrical signals, such as changes to voltage, current, impedance, conductance, or resistance in the circuit, are measured as substrates interact with the enzyme.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for preparing an expanded cell or tissue sample suitable for microscopic analysis. Expanding the sample can be achieved by binding, e.g., anchoring, key biomolecules to a DMAA-TF polymer network and swelling, or expanding, the polymer network, thereby moving the biomolecules apart as further described herein. As the biomolecules are anchored to the polymer network isotropic expansion of the polymer network retains the spatial orientation of the biomolecules resulting in an expanded, or enlarged, sample.

Abstract: A system for microscopy slide locking include a stage slot configured to fit a microscopy slide, the stage slot including a first corner and a second corner diagonally across the first corner, a static securing element disposed at the first corner and configured to contact a microscopy slide at a first pair of its orthogonal, intersecting edges, and a dynamic securing element disposed at the second corner and configured to contact the microscopy slide at a second pair of its orthogonal, intersecting edges diagonally opposite the first pair of its orthogonal, intersecting edges, wherein the dynamic securing element includes a translating portion configured to slide in a translational direction between a proximal position and a distal position and a rotating portion rotationally connected to the translating portion and configured to rotate around an axis of rotation normal to a face of the microscopy slide and the translational direction.

Abstract: A fluidic device includes a fluidic chip having a fluidic network comprising a plurality of fluidic channels in fluidic communication with a plurality of input ports, at least one output port, and at least one sensing port; and an actuator configured to engage with the fluidic network to control each fluidic channel to switch between an open state in which fluidic flow through said fluidic channel is permitted and a closed state in which no fluidic flow through said fluidic channel is permitted, so as to selectively collect fluid from multiple inputs via the plurality of input ports, and direct either all of the multiple inputs to the at least one output port, or all but a single selected input to the at least one output port and the single selected input to the at least one sensing port to which an analytical instrument is operably connected.

Abstract: A target substance detection method includes forming a complex by causing a target substance and a dielectric particle to bind to each other, the dielectric particle being modified with a substance having a property of specifically binding to the target substance; separating the complex and an unbound particle from each other in a liquid by dielectrophoresis, the unbound particle being a dielectric particle not constituting the complex; and detecting the target substance included in the separated complex by using an imaging element.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel modules for transferring magnetic beads, an automated system comprising the same and a method for extracting nucleic acids using the same. The specifically designed magnet module and cover module of the present invention can be employed in the automated liquid handling apparatus by means of pre-existing moving modules (e.g., pipettor module) of the apparatus. The present invention enables a bead transfer-type method for extracting nucleic acids to be performed in an automated manner on the automated liquid handling apparatus. The present invention provides advantages of higher level of automation, more reduced cost and no need for another separate liquid handling apparatus compared to the conventional bead transfer-type method usually performed in the small apparatus designed to be used only for this bead transfer-type method. Also, the present method has the merits of more shortened reaction time compared to the conventional liquid transfer-type method.

Abstract: A computing system implementing a physical verification tool can determine principal feature components describing geometric patterns around points of interest in a semiconductor layout design. The principal feature components include topological features indicating whether structures are present around the points of interest, and include dimensional features corresponding to measurements associated with the structures present around the points of interest. The physical verification tool can generate a topological signature for each of the points of interest based on the topological features, and cluster the points of interest into different subsets based on the topological signature.

Abstract: Some configurations of a microfluidic apparatus can comprise a fluidic circuit of interconnected fluidic structures into which a plurality of different media can be introduced or extracted. A variety of operations can be performed with the different media including isolating with a second medium one or more of the fluidic structures that is filled partially or fully with a first medium. Discrete volumes of a medium can be moved through the isolating second medium to deliver materials or micro-objects to or remove micro-objects or materials from a fluidic structure that is otherwise isolated by the second medium. Some configurations of a microfluidic apparatus can isolate microfluidic structures in a microfluidic apparatus using flow rates or blocking structures, and some configurations can manage bubbles in fluidic structures.

Abstract: Sample preparation can include obtaining a sample in the form of a liquid mixture and forcing the liquid mixture through a cavitation chamber at an optimal pressure for separating pathogens from particles in the mixture without fragmenting at least 30% of the pathogens. Apparatuses used for sample preparation methods can include a fluid circuit, a cavitation chamber incorporated into the fluid circuit and having a channel with first, second, and third cross-sectional areas, the second cross-sectional area being downstream of and smaller than the first cross-sectional with respect to fluid flow through the fluid circuit and the third cross-sectional area being larger than and downstream of the second cross-sectional area with respect to fluid flow through the fluid circuit. The apparatus can include a pump in fluid communication with the cavitation chamber and a pressure sensor positioned upstream of the cavitation chamber.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for analyzing a biological sample on a single cell level by compartmentalizing said sample using a grid and performing an optimized combinatorial indexing protocol within cells of the compartmentalized tissue while deducing cell-specific information regarding the cell identity and activity in the spatial context within the sample.

Abstract: Methods and algorithms for a multiplexed single detection channel amplification process and quantification of generated amplicons is presented. Various mathematical approaches for quantifying and verifying the amplicons in a reaction are presented. Usage of such methods and approaches allow upgrading of existing single and multiple channel instruments for further multiplexing capabilities.

Abstract: Microfluidic devices, systems, and methods.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for making and using uniquely tagged target nucleic acid molecules.

Abstract: A production method for a dried Vitrigel film includes, in the following order: step 1 of concentrically arranging and disposing member A having one or more recesses and member B having one or more through holes, such that the recesses overlap the through holes; step 2 of pouring a sol from the through holes of member B; step 3 of gelling the sol; step 4 of drying and vitrifying the hydrogel obtained in step 3 in a state in which it is formed in the member A and the member B; step 5 of hydrating the dried hydrogel obtained in step 4; step 6 of drying and re-vitrifying the Vitrigel obtained in step 5; and step 7 of cutting off a portion, which slightly covers the top surface of the member A, of the dried Vitrigel obtained in step 6.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for electrically lysing cells and releasing macromolecules from the cells. A microfluidic device is provided that includes a planar channel having a thickness on a submillimeter scale, and including electrodes on its upper and lower inner surfaces. After filling the channel with a liquid, such that the channel contains cells within the liquid, a series of voltage pulses of alternating polarity are applied between the channel electrodes, where the amplitude of the voltage pulses and a pulse width of the voltage pulses are effective for causing irreversible electroporation of the cells. The channel is configured to possess thermal properties such that the application of the voltage produces a rapid temperature rise as a result of Joule heating for releasing the macromolecules from the electroplated cells. The channel may also include an internal filter for capturing and concentrating the cells prior to electrical processing.

Abstract: A substrate assembly includes a first substrate, a second substrate and a bonding member. The first substrate includes a first surface-modified region having a functionality different from that of a remainder region of the first substrate. The second substrate includes a second surface-modified region connected to the first surface-modified region through a physical interaction and having a functionality different from that of a remainder region of the second substrate. The first and second substrates cooperatively define a space therebetween. The bonding member is disposed within said space to bond said first and second substrates together. A method for bonding substrates is also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are method for separating, amplifying, or detecting a nucleic acid from a sample may comprise contacting a sample lysate with a plurality of buoyant, inorganic, nucleic-acid-capture microspheres. The nucleic-acid-capture microspheres may comprise unicellular hollow microspheres having a diameter between 5 and 300 ?m and/or a true particle density between 0.05 and 0.60 grams/cm3. The microspheres may comprise hollow soda-lime-borosilicate microspheres. In some embodiments, the microspheres comprises hollow soda-lime-borosilicate microspheres surrounded by an amorphous silica shell. Also disclosed are kits for performing the methods.

Abstract: Provided are methods for biological sample processing and analysis. A method can comprise providing a substrate configured to rotate. The substrate can comprise an array having immobilized thereto a biological analyte. A solution comprising a plurality of probes may be directed, via centrifugal force, across the substrate during rotation of the substrate, to couple at least one of the plurality of probes with the biological analyte. A detector can be configured to detect a signal from the at least one probe coupled to the biological analyte, thereby analyzing the biological analyte.

Abstract: Spatially distributed optical excitation and integrated waveguides are used for ultrasensitive particle detection based on individual electrokinetic velocities of particles. In some embodiments, chip-integrated systems are used to identify individual particles (e.g., individual molecules) based on their velocity as they move through an optically interrogated channel. Molecular species may be identified and quantified in a fully integrated setting, allowing for particle analysis including molecular analysis that can operate at low copy numbers down to the level of single-cell lysates. In some embodiments, the single-particle velocimetry-based identification and/or separation techniques are applied to various diagnostic assays, including nucleic acids, metabolites, macromolecules, organelles, cell, synthetic markers, small molecules, organic polymers, hormones, peptides, antibodies, lipids, carbohydrates, inorganic and organic microparticles and nanoparticles, whole viruses, and any combination thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel modules for transferring magnetic beads, an automated system comprising the same and a method for extracting nucleic acids using the same. The specifically designed magnet module and cover module of the present invention can be employed in the automated liquid handling apparatus by means of pre-existing moving modules (e.g., pipettor module) of the apparatus. The present invention enables a bead transfer-type method for extracting nucleic acids to be performed in an automated manner on the automated liquid handling apparatus. The present invention provides advantages of higher level of automation, more reduced cost and no need for another separate liquid handling apparatus compared to the conventional bead transfer-type method usually performed in the small apparatus designed to be used only for this bead transfer-type method. Also, the present method has the merits of more shortened reaction time compared to the conventional liquid transfer-type method.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a combination of molecular barcoding and emulsion-based microfluidics to isolate, lyse, barcode, and prepare nucleic acids from individual cells in a high-throughput manner.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides, inter alia, methods and compositions (e.g., conjugates) for imaging, at high spatial resolution, targets of interest.

Abstract: An ejection material filling device fills an ejection material into a first storage space of an ejection material ejecting device including an ejection head configured to eject the ejection material and a storage container having an internal space separated by flexible membrane into the first storage space storing the ejection material and a second storage space storing a hydraulic fluid. The ejection material filling device includes an ejection material server bottle storing the ejection material to be filled into the first storage space, pipes configured to form a circulation path including the ejection material server bottle and the first storage space, a pump configured to circulate the ejection material through the circulation path, and a particle filter provided in the circulation path.

Abstract: An arithmetic processing apparatus includes a memory; and a processor coupled to the memory and the processor configured to execute a prediction process and a search process in an evolutionary calculation process for searching an optimum value of inputs by calculating an objective function based on eigen solutions for inputs and repeatedly calculating the objective function, wherein the prediction process includes predicting a range of an eigen solution for a second input, which satisfies a predetermined eigen solution condition, based on a first eigen solution for a first input when searches an optimum value of inputs by calculating an objective function based on eigen solutions for inputs and repeatedly calculating the objective function, and the search process includes searching a second eigen solution for the second input, which satisfies the eigen solution condition, in the predicted range of the eigen solution.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for whole cell analysis. In particular, the present disclosure relates to single cell genomic analysis (e.g., gene expression analysis.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to droplet based digital PCR and methods for analyzing a target nucleic acid using the same. In certain embodiments, a method for determining the nucleic acid make-up of a sample is provided.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a sensor that detects bacteria cells comprising (a) a primary negatively charged, nanoparticulate sensing material; (b) a secondary positively charged, fluorescent sensing material; (c) a housing; and (d) at least one illuminator. This disclosure further relates to a method for detecting bacteria cells.

Abstract: A detection cartridge, a detection method, and a detection device are provided. The detection cartridge includes a detection tank, a sample tank, N containers, and at least one first temporary tank. The sample tank is in communication with the detection tank. The N containers are in communication with the detection tank, wherein N is a positive integer greater than or equal to 2. The at least one first temporary tank is disposed on at least one of N flow paths between the N containers and the detection tank, wherein a quantity of the first temporary tanks on an nth flow path in the N flow paths is greater than or equal to that on an (n-1)th flow path, and n is a positive integer that is not less than 2 and is not more than N.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of producing a probe-bound carrier, a probe-bound carrier and a method of detecting or separating a target substance. The method of producing a probe-bound carrier includes: step 1 of mixing a carrier having tosyl groups and a probe; and step 2 of reducing the amount of tosyl groups on a surface of a carrier, in which a proportion of area S2 that is occupied by one tosyl group on a surface of the carrier obtained in the step 2 with respect to area S1A that is occupied by one tosyl group on a surface of the carrier used in the step 1 (S2/S1A×100%) is not less than 140%.

Abstract: A reaction processor includes: a reaction processing vessel placing portion for placing a reaction processing vessel provided with a channel into which a sample is introduced; a temperature control system, which controls the temperature of the channel in order to heat the sample inside the channel; and a liquid feeding system, which controls the pressure inside the channel of the reaction processing vessel in order to move the sample inside the channel. The liquid feeding system maintains the pressure inside the channel to be higher than the atmospheric pressure in the surrounding of the reaction processing vessel, more preferably 1 atm or higher, during a reaction process of the sample.

Abstract: A microfluidic device includes a plurality of reaction wells; and a plurality of solid supports, and each of the solid supports has a reagent attached thereto. The reagent is attached to the solid support via a labile reagent/support bond such that the reagent is configured to be cleaved from the support via a cleaving operation.

Abstract: It is intended to save time for adjusting a position of a detection unit. In a position adjustment process of a detector, a control device moves the detector obliquely with respect to a boundary line partitioning photodiodes on a plane on which the detector moves and moves the detector so that the position of the center of gravity of a spot of a laser beam and the center of a light-receiving surface coincide in response to the incident of at least a part of the laser beam on the light-receiving surface.

Abstract: Provided are a quality control method, a quality control system, a management apparatus, an analyzer, and a quality control abnormality determination method in which measurement results of both a quality control substance and a specimen are sufficiently utilized to improve the quality of quality control. The quality control method used in a management apparatus which is connected via a network to an analyzer installed in each of a plurality of facilities includes obtaining, from an analyzer in each facility via a network, first quality control information obtained by measuring an artificially generated quality control substance, and second quality control information obtained by measuring a plurality of specimens by the analyzer in each facility; and outputting information concerning quality control of an analyzer in at least one facility, based on the obtained first quality control information and second quality control information.

Abstract: An example system includes a microfluidic cavity; a retaining feature within the microfluidic cavity, and a releasing feature. The retaining feature is to position capsules at a predetermined location in the microfluidic cavity. The capsules have a thermally degradable shell enclosing a material therein. The releasing feature is to selectively cause degradation of the shell to release the material into the microfluidic opening. The releasing feature is to generate heat to facilitate degradation of the shell. In some examples, the retaining feature is a physical barrier sized to prevent flow of the capsule and to allow flow of the released materials through the microfluidic cavity.

Abstract: Provided herein are systems and methods for storing digital information by assembling an identifier nucleic acid molecule from at least a first component nucleic acid molecule and a second component nucleic acid molecule. The system may include a first printhead configured to dispense a first droplet of a first solution comprising the first component nucleic acid molecule onto a coordinate on a substrate, and a second printhead configured to dispense a second droplet of a second solution comprising the second component nucleic acid molecule onto the coordinate on the substrate, such that the first and second component nucleic acid molecules are collocated on the substrate. The system may include a finisher that dispenses a reaction mix onto the coordinate on the substrate to physically link the first and second component nucleic acid molecules, provides a condition necessary to physically link the first and second component nucleic acid molecules, or both.

Abstract: The disclosed invention is a new concept for a network of specialized continuous ambient air sampling systems, which employ a novel non-destructive ionization and separation method, coupled to a near real-time genomic sequencer. The network of preferably pathogen samplers, would constitute a plurality of distributed nodes throughout the world, with bacterial & viral concentration, identification, and mutation data uploaded to the cloud for epidemic/pandemic predictive modeling. The proposed system offers the ability to migrate from outbreak surveillance, to outbreak forecast. In addition, the capability for continuous data of genomic sequencing offers an enhanced capability to help track antigenic drift and antigenic shift. While optimized for viral capture and analysis, any airborne pathogen or spore can be accepted using the technology. Applications include world health monitoring, pandemic prediction, and detection of real-time bioterror pathogen deployment.

Abstract: A method according to one or more aspects may be a method of measuring a detection material contained in a sample by using a cartridge including: chambers each capable of housing at least one of the detection material and a reagent; and a path through which the detection material is transferred between the chambers. The method may include: moving at least one of the chambers and the path to a measurement position and an image capturing range by rotating the cartridge about a rotational shaft; measuring the detection material in the measurement position; and capturing an image of a monitoring target comprising at least one of the chambers and the path in the image capturing range.

Abstract: Systems and methods for a mobile electronic system that gathers and analyzes odors, airborne chemicals and/or compounds. The system includes a sample delivery component that can gather airborne substances and/or gaseous substances. A detection component can detect the presences of chemicals, substances, and/or visual gases in a sample. Analyzed samples can be compared with known substance and/or odor analysis. In addition, the source of the sample can be determined. Accordingly, odor, gas, and/or airborne substance identification can be accomplished.

Abstract: To introduce a biomolecule into a nanopore without the need to check the position of the nanopore in a thin film. In addition, displacement stability is ensured and stable acquisition of blocking signals is realized. An immobilization member 107 having a larger size than a thin film 113 with a nanopore 112 is used, and biomolecules are immobilized on the biomolecule immobilization member 107 at a density that allows at least one biomolecule 108 to enter an electric field region around the nanopore when the biomolecule immobilization member 107 has moved close to a nanopore device 101.

Abstract: An automated sample specimen storage system including a tube holding microplate including a plate frame, a predetermined array of tube holding receptacles formed in the plate frame, the receptacles having a SBS standard pitch corresponding to the predetermined array, and being configured for holding therein sample store and transport tubes, each disposed so as to contain sample specimen in a sample storage of the storage system and to effect, with the sample tube, delivery from the sample storage to a workstation, the predetermined array of receptacles defining a volume capacity of the tube holding microplate, and each of the receptacles being shaped to conformally engage walls of the sample tubes and hold a respective one of the sample store and transport tubes, wherein the receptacles are arranged so that the tube holding microplate volume capacity defined by the predetermined array is an under optimum volume capacity.

Abstract: A food inspection apparatus includes: a conveyance unit; a light irradiation unit; an unit capturing an image of an inspection object A; a wavelength emphasis emphasizing a foreign substance specific wavelength characteristic of a foreign substance F from light having a wavelength of 300 nm to 1100 nm by using a first and/or second optical filter or a wavelength-specific light source; and an identification processing device identifying the foreign substance and including: a lightening unit normalizing the captured image with 256 or less of gradations into lightened data; and an identification unit having been provided with deep-learning of an identification processing of the foreign substance specific wavelength from the lightened data and identifying the foreign substance or a good item S in line from the lightened data obtained through capturing the image during conveyance of the inspection object.

Abstract: Provided is a composition comprising an analyte bound covalently or through a first binding pair to a polymer. In this composition, the analyte is less than about 2000 MW; the polymer further comprises more than one signal or first member of a second binding pair; and the analyte is not a member of the first binding pair or the second binding pair. Also provided is an assay for an analyte. The assay comprises: combining a sample suspected of containing the analyte with the above-described composition and a binding agent that binds to the analyte; and detecting the signal or the first member of the second binding pair that is bound to the binding agent. Additionally provided is a multisignal labeling reagent comprising a first polymer covalently bound to (a) a reactive group or a first member of a first binding pair, and (b) more than one digoxigenin molecule.

Abstract: The subject invention provides a SELEX strategy for isolating cross-reactive aptamers that recognize a core structure of a small-molecule family and bind to several structurally-similar molecules in the family. The subject invention also provides methods, assays, and products for detecting small-molecule targets of the family in a sample in both clinical and field settings. Such method is based on an aptamer sensor that reports the presence of small-molecule targets via a sensitive colorimetric signal for naked-eye detection. The subject invention further provides exonuclease-based methods for generating structure-switching aptamers from fully folded aptamers and developing electrochemical aptamer-based (E-AB) sensors for rapid and sensitive detection of synthetic cathinones.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, and computer program products are provided where fluid, such as a blood sample, is entered into a microfluidic channel in a microchip where the microfluidic channel possesses a micro/nanopillar array for sorting molecules by size. When the fluid passes through the micro/nanopillar array it is separated into particles of interest or particles not of interest or both. When particles of interest are lit by a light source via a first waveguide in the microchip connecting the light source to the microfluidic channel, then lighted particles of interest can be detected by an optical detector via a second waveguide in the microchip connecting the optical detector to the microfluidic channel. The information from the optical detector can be analyzed further by connecting the microchip to a mobile computing device with its own processing abilities or abilities via the internet or cloud.

Abstract: A multiplex slide plate device and an operation method thereof are provided. The multiplex slide plate device includes a slide plate and a sacrificial layer. The slide plate has reaction vessels arranged in an array, an injection hole and an exhaust hole, wherein each of the reaction vessels has an opening portion and a bottom portion. The sacrificial layer has a microfluidic channel, wherein the microfluidic channel has an injection channel, a main channel and a distal channel connected to each other. The sacrificial layer is assembled to the slide plate, wherein the main channel faces the opening portion. A sample solution is injected into the injection channel, such that the sample solution flows from the injection channel through the main channel to the distal channel, wherein the sample solution loads into each of the reaction vessels while flowing through the main channel.

Abstract: Nanoassembled complexes of nucleic acids, avidin and biotinylated compounds functionalized to make them suitable for delivering and releasing drugs are described. These nanoassembled complexes consist of central poly-avidin nucleus, i.e. nucleus formed from the self-assembling of tetrameric avidin units on oligonucleotide sequences of nucleic acids, on which biotinylated compounds are further auto-assembled through high-affinity interactions between the avidin of the central nucleus and the biotin of the biotinylated compounds. The biotinylated compounds are functionalized so as to bind drugs with a reversible bond, allowing the delivery thereof and a controlled release.

Abstract: In various embodiments a molecular circuit is disclosed. The circuit comprises a negative electrode, a positive electrode spaced apart from the negative electrode, and an enzyme molecule conductively attached to both the positive and negative electrodes to form a circuit having a conduction pathway through the enzyme. In various examples, the enzyme is a polymerase. The circuit may further comprise molecular arms used to wire the enzyme to the electrodes. In various embodiments, the circuit functions as a sensor, wherein electrical signals, such as changes to voltage, current, impedance, conductance, or resistance in the circuit, are measured as substrates interact with the enzyme.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided herein for preparing high-throughput cDNA sequencing libraries.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides improved particle processing (e.g., cytometry and/or cell purification) systems and methods that can operate in an autonomous fashion. More particularly, the present disclosure provides for assemblies, systems and methods for analyzing, sorting, and/or processing (e.g., purifying, measuring, isolating, detecting and/or enriching) particles (e.g., cells, microscopic particles, etc.) where human intervention is not required and/or is minimized. The systems, assemblies and methods of the present disclosure advantageously improve run performance of particle processing systems (e.g., cell purification systems, cytometers) by significantly reducing and/or substantially eliminating the burden of operation for human intervention by automating numerous functions, features and/or steps of the disclosed systems and methods.

Abstract: A method of forming a nanostructure comprises forming a directed self-assembly of nucleic acid structures on a patterned substrate. The patterned substrate comprises multiple regions. Each of the regions on the patterned substrate is specifically tailored for adsorption of specific nucleic acid structure in the directed self-assembly.