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: A fluorescence image registration method includes obtaining at least one fluorescence image of a biochip. An interior local area is selected. Sums of pixel values in the interior local area along a first direction and a second direction are obtained. A plurality of first template lines is selected to find a minimum total value of the sums of pixel values corresponding to the first template lines. Pixel-level correction is performed on a local area of the track line to obtain pixel-level track cross. Other track crosses on the biochip is obtained, and the pixel-level correction is performed on the other track crosses. The position of the pixel-level track line is corrected by a center-of-gravity method to obtain the subpixel-level position of the track line. The subpixel-level positions of all sites uniformly distributed on the biochip is obtained.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a device is described. The device includes a material defining a reaction region. The device also includes a plurality of chemically-sensitive field effect transistors have a common floating gate in communication with the reaction region. The device also includes a circuit to obtain respective output signals from the chemically-sensitive field effect transistors indicating an analyte within the reaction region.

Abstract: The embodiments disclosed herein utilized RNA targeting effectors to provide a robust CRISPR-based diagnostic with attomolar sensitivity. Embodiments disclosed herein can detect broth DNA and RNA with comparable levels of sensitivity and can differentiate targets from non-targets based on single base pair differences. Moreover, the embodiments disclosed herein can be prepared in freeze-dried format for convenient distribution and point-of-care (POC) applications. Such embodiments are useful in multiple scenarios in human health including, for example, viral detection, bacterial strain typing, sensitive genotyping, and detection of disease-associated cell free DNA.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a device is described. The device includes a material defining a reaction region. The device also includes a plurality of chemically-sensitive field effect transistors have a common floating gate in communication with the reaction region. The device also includes a circuit to obtain respective output signals from the chemically-sensitive field effect transistors indicating an analyte within the reaction region.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to sequencing library preparation methods. In certain embodiments, two or more template nucleic acids are joined together by a linking molecule, such as a PEG derivative. Identical copies of a nucleic acid fragment or both strands of a duplex fragment may be linked together. The linked nucleic acids are amplified, creating linked amplicons. Emulsion PCR with linked primers creates linked template nucleic acids for seeding sequencing clusters and errors can be readily identified by their presence on only one of the linked fragments.

Abstract: Methods and systems for Resonant Raman spectroscopy are provided. Methods according to certain embodiments include irradiating a sample with a monochromatic light source at a first irradiation intensity and a second irradiation intensity, determining the intensity of one or more of the Resonant Raman scattering and fluorescence scattering at the first irradiation intensity and second irradiation intensity, calculating a rate of change of one or more of the intensity of Resonant Raman scattering and fluorescence in response to the change in irradiation intensity from the first irradiation intensity to the second irradiation intensity and comparing one or more of the rate of change in the intensity of Resonant Raman scattering and the rate of change in the intensity of fluorescence scattering with the rate of change in the irradiation intensity by the monochromatic light source to determine the Resonant Raman response of the sample.

Abstract: A method of collecting a fluid sample includes flowing the fluid sample into an isolating container, wherein the isolating container includes a reactant material; removing a component from the fluid sample by reacting the component with the reactant material; and collecting the fluid sample leaving the isolating container into a sample container.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides compositions, methods, kits, systems and apparatus that are useful for nucleic acid polymerization. In particular, recombinant polymerases and biologically active fragments thereof are provided that allow for nucleic acid amplification. In some aspects, the disclosure provides recombinant polymerases that yield lower systematic error rates and/or improved accuracy, when used in sequencing by synthesis reactions as compared to a control polymerase. In one aspect, the disclosure relates to recombinant polymerases useful for nucleic acid sequencing, genotyping, copy number variation analysis, paired-end sequencing and other forms of genetic analysis. In another aspect, the recombinant polymerases are useful for the amplification of nucleic acid templates during PCR, emPCR, isothermal amplification, recombinase polymerase amplification, rolling circle amplification, strand displacement amplification and proximity ligation amplification.

Abstract: A method comprises magnetically holding a bead carrying biological material (e.g., nucleic acid, which may be in the form of DNA fragments or amplified DNA) in a specific location of a substrate, and applying an electric field local to the bead to isolate the biological material or products or byproducts of reactions of the biological material. For example, the bead is isolated from other beads having associated biological material. The electric field in various embodiments concentrates reagents for an amplification or sequencing reaction, and/or concentrates and isolates detectable reaction by-products. For example, by isolating nucleic acids around individual beads, the electric field can allow for clonal amplification, as an alternative to emulsion PCR. In other embodiments, the electric field isolates a nanosensor proximate to the bead, to facilitate detection of at least one of local pH change, local conductivity change, local charge concentration change and local heat.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for in-field detection of a distinctive marker. The method includes providing a sample from an article of interest and analyzing the sample to detect the presence of the distinctive marker. The analysis is performed using an in-field detection instrument. The in-field detection instrument includes a microsystem configured to perform sample in-answer out analysis and detect the presence of the distinctive marker in the sample.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for analyzing single molecule and performing nucleic acid sequencing. An integrated device includes multiple pixels with sample wells configured to receive a sample, which, when excited, emits radiation; at least one element for directing the emission radiation in a particular direction; and a light path along which the emission radiation travels from the sample well toward a sensor. The apparatus also includes an instrument that interfaces with the integrated device. Each sensor may detect emission radiation from a sample in a respective sample well. The instrument includes an excitation light source for exciting the sample in each sample well.

Abstract: An active-source-pixel, integrated device capable of performing biomolecule detection and/or analysis, such as single-molecule nucleic acid sequencing, is described. An active pixel of the integrated device includes a sample well into which a sample to be analyzed may diffuse, an excitation source for providing excitation energy to the sample well, and a sensor configured to detect emission from the sample. The sensor may comprise two or more segments that produce a set of signals that are analyzed to differentiate between and identify tags that are attached to, or associated with, the sample. Tag differentiation may be spectral and/or temporal based. Identification of the tags may be used to detect, analyze, and/or sequence the biomolecule.

Abstract: A technique is provided for a structure. A substrate has a nanopillar vertically positioned on the substrate. A bottom layer is formed beneath the substrate. A top layer is formed on top of the substrate and on top of the nanopillar, and a cover layer covers the top layer and the nanopillar. A window is formed through the bottom layer and formed through the substrate, and the window ends at the top layer. A nanopore is formed through the top layer by removing the cover layer and the nanopillar.

Abstract: An assembly and a method are disclosed for analyzing nucleic acid sequences by way of so-called sequencing-by-synthesis. According to an embodiment of the invention, a chemical substance group that is released when a nucleotide bonds to a nucleic acid sequence to be sequenced is detected. The reagents are applied by way of a spraying device to a sensor that detects the released substance group. This has the advantage that no lateral flow occurs. The rate of false-negative and false-positive results is significantly reduced. Furthermore, a small amount of the reagent is sufficient to completely wet the sensor. Filling of the supply and discharge lines as for a flow cell is not necessary.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a non-destructive method for analyzing maternal DNA of a seed. In this method the DNA may be dislodged from the seed coat surface and may be used to collect information on the genome of the maternal parent of the seed. Also, the present invention provides a high throughput DNA analysis system for large plant populations.

Abstract: There are systems and methods for performing an assay to generate genotype information about a subject associated with a medical condition. There are also systems and method for generating and utilizing prognostic information associated with treating the patient with a medication based on the genotype information and an association of the genotype and metabolizing the medication. The genotype information includes data relating to SNP alleles in the patient's genotype and the association of the alleles and metabolism of a medication by the patient.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a method for aiding assessment of the likelihood of dysplasia or esophageal adenocarcinoma being present in a subject can include (a) providing an esophagal sample from said subject (b) determining the methylation status of (i) SLC22A18, (ii) PIGR, (iii) GJA12 and (iv) RIN2 in said sample wherein if 2 or more of said genes are methylated then an increased likelihood of presence of dysplasia or esophageal is determined. The invention also relates to apparatus for same.

Abstract: Provided are a method and a system for identifying whether the twins are dizygotic twins, the method comprising: typing at least one polymorphic loci of the twins fetuses to obtain the fetal polymorphism types, comparing the fetal polymorphism types with the corresponding polymorphism types of their parents, determining whether the twins are dizygotic twins on the basis of the comparison result.

Abstract: Disclosed are a biological sample analysis system and method for determining whether or not each of a plurality of biological samples has a test-target property using the plurality of biological samples and a plurality of pools generated by pooling samples. The system includes a determiner configured to determine whether or not there is a possibility of a determination of a false positive according to test values for the test-target property of the plurality of pools, an additional sample selector configured to select a minimum number of additional test-target samples on which an individual test of whether or not a sample has the test-target property will be carried out from among the plurality of samples when it is determined that there is the possibility of a determination of a false positive, and a test result determiner configured to determine whether or not each of the plurality of samples has the test-target property according to test results of the additional test-target samples.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for capturing, amplifying and identifying one or more of a plurality of target nucleotide sequences in a sample. The present invention is further directed to a device comprising a solid support having a plurality of wells or pillars and a plurality of oligonucleotides attached to the wells or pillars. Other aspects of the invention are directed to methods of making such devices.

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

Abstract: Various embodiments of a low-volume sequencing system are provided herein. The system can include a low-volume flowcell having at least one reaction chamber of a defined volume (e.g., less than about 100 ?l). The system can also include an automated reagent delivery mechanism configured to reversibly couple with the inlet port corresponding to a target reaction chamber thereby placing allowing for reagent to be accurately moved from a storage container to the reaction chamber with minimal reagent waste. The flowcells can include a plurality of reaction chambers (e.g., 6) thereby allowing for parallel analysis of multiple samples. Various methods of analyzing a biomolecule are also provided herein.

Abstract: A method of generating a high resolution two-dimensional image of a sample comprising cells and extracellular structures is provided. In certain embodiments, the method comprises: labeling a sample with at least one mass tag, thereby producing a labeled sample; scanning the sample with a secondary ion mass spectrometer (SIMS) ion beam to generate a data set that comprises spatially-addressable measurements of the abundance of the mass tag across an area of the sample; and outputting the data set. In many embodiments, the data set contains the identity and abundance of the mass tag. A system for performing the method is also provided.

Abstract: In a genome sequencing system and methodology, a protocol is provided to achieve precise alignment and accurate registration of an image of a planar array of nanoballs subject to optical analysis. Precise alignment correcting for fractional offsets is achieved by correcting for errors in subperiod x-y offset, scale and rotation by use of minimization techniques and Moiré averaging. In Moiré averaging, magnification is intentionally set so that the pixel period of the imaging element is a noninteger multiple of the site period. Accurate registration is achieved by providing for pre-defined pseudo-random sets of sites, herein deletion or reserved sites, where nanoballs are prevented from attachment to the substrate so that the sites of the array can be used in a pattern matching scheme as registration markers for absolute location identification.

Abstract: A system and method for characterizing contributions to signal noise associated with charge-coupled devices adapted for use in biological analysis. Dark current contribution, readout offset contribution, photo response non-uniformity, and spurious charge contribution can be determined by the methods of the present teachings and used for signal correction by systems of the present teachings.

Abstract: A device includes at least one nanoscale capillary and means for applying an electric voltage, said means being adapted to create an electric field at least in said capillary when said electric voltage is applied, so that, when said electric voltage is applied, a charged molecule or particle placed within the created electric field can be electrically controlled. A fluidic network structure includes the at least one nanoscale capillary. A method of using and manufacturing the fluidic network structure is also described.

Abstract: The invention relates to a new method of characterising a target polynucleotide. The method uses a pore and an XPD helicase. The helicase controls the movement of the target polynucleotide through the pore.

Abstract: The systems and methods of the invention provide a guided approach to pyrosequencing (i.e., hybrid pyrosequencing). A de novo nucleic acid sequence may compared to a library of possible results and the next nucleotide to be dispensed is selected based on the comparison of the de novo sequence and the library of possible results. In another example, at least the first nucleotide to be dispensed is selected based on a query of a database(s) of non-sequence parameters (e.g., incidence of infection, diagnostic symptoms, sample source) and subsequent dispensations determined based on a comparison of the de novo sequence and the library of possible results (e.g., candidate sequences). The systems and methods of the invention may be performed using a droplet actuator.

Abstract: Provided herein is technology relating to next-generation sequencing and particularly, but not exclusively, to methods and compositions for preparing a next-generation sequencing library comprising short overlapping DNA fragments and using the library to sequence one or more target nucleic acids.

Abstract: A fluidic system that includes a reagent manifold comprising a plurality of channels configured for fluid communication between a reagent cartridge and an inlet of a flow cell; a plurality of reagent sippers extending downward from ports in the manifold, each of the reagent sippers configured to be placed into a reagent reservoir in a reagent cartridge so that liquid reagent can be drawn from the reagent reservoir into the sipper; at least one valve configured to mediate fluid communication between the reservoirs and the inlet of the flow cell. The reagent manifold can also include cache reservoirs for reagent re-use.

Abstract: A sequencing method is presented in which a biomolecule is hybridized with a specially chosen pool of different probes of known sequence which can be electrically distinguished. The different probe types are tagged such that they can be distinguished from each other in a Hybridization Assisted Nanopore Sequencing (HANS) detection system, and their relative positions on the biomolecule can be determined as the biomolecule passes through a pore or channel. The methods eliminate, resolve, or greatly reduce ambiguities encountered in previous sequencing methods.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and devices for analyzing single molecules, i.e., nucleic acids. Such single molecules may be derived from natural samples, such as cells, tissues, soil, air and water without separating or enriching individual components. In certain aspects of the invention, the methods and devices are useful in performing nucleic acid sequence analysis by probe hybridization.

Abstract: A system, method and apparatus for executing a sequence analysis pipeline on genetic sequence data includes a structured ASIC formed of a set of hardwired digital logic circuits that are interconnected by physical electrical interconnects. One of the physical electrical interconnects forms an input to the structured ASIC connected with an electronic data source for receiving reads of genomic data. The hardwired digital logic circuits are arranged as a set of processing engines, each processing engine being formed of a subset of the hardwired digital logic circuits to perform one or more steps in the sequence analysis pipeline on the reads of genomic data. Each subset of the hardwired digital logic circuits is formed in a wired configuration to perform the one or more steps in the sequence analysis pipeline.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for determining copy number of the Y chromosome, including, but not limited to, methods for gender determination or Y chromosome aneuploidy of fetus using maternal samples comprising maternal and fetal cell free DNA. Some embodiments disclosed herein describe a strategy for filtering out (or masking) non-discriminant sequence reads on chromosome Y using representative training set of female samples. In some embodiments, this filtering strategy is also applicable to filtering autosomes for evaluation of copy number variation of sequences on the autosomes. In some embodiments, methods are provided for determining copy number variation (CNV) of any fetal aneuploidy, and CNVs known or suspected to be associated with a variety of medical conditions. Also disclosed are systems for evaluation of CNV of sequences of interest on the Y chromosome and other chromosomes.

Abstract: A system, method and apparatus for executing a sequence analysis pipeline on genetic sequence data includes a structured ASIC formed of a set of hardwired digital logic circuits that are interconnected by physical electrical interconnects. One of the physical electrical interconnects forms an input to the structured ASIC connected with an electronic data source for receiving reads of genomic data. The hardwired digital logic circuits are arranged as a set of processing engines, each processing engine being formed of a subset of the hardwired digital logic circuits to perform one or more steps in the sequence analysis pipeline on the reads of genomic data. Each subset of the hardwired digital logic circuits is formed in a wired configuration to perform the one or more steps in the sequence analysis pipeline.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a device is described. The device includes a material defining a reaction region. The device also includes a plurality of chemically-sensitive field effect transistors have a common floating gate in communication with the reaction region. The device also includes a circuit to obtain respective output signals from the chemically-sensitive field effect transistors indicating an analyte within the reaction region.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus(100) and a method for the processing of single molecules, particularly for the sensing or sequencing of single-stranded DNA. A bottom layer(110) and an electrically conductive top layer(120) with a first and a second slit(111,121), respectively, are disposed on top of each other such that an aperture(A) is formed by the slits. The slits(111,121) are preferably perpendicular to each other. An electrical circuit(140) may be connected to the top layer(120), allowing to sense single molecules that pass through the aperture(A).

Abstract: A nucleic acid amplification method includes ligating a double-stranded adapter (20) containing adapter DNA strands capable of forming a folded structure to a double-stranded DNA (1, 2) containing a target DNA sequence (1) to prepare a cyclic DNA template composed of double-stranded DNA containing a nick (5). A 3?-end elongation reaction is performed using a strand-displacement DNA polymerase from the nick (5) as an origin, thereby producing a concatemer (29) in which a plurality of the target DNA sequences (1) and the adapter DNA strands capable of forming the folded structure are linked in series as a single-stranded DNA. The concatemer (29) contains a plurality of the target DNA sequences (1) suitable for nucleotide sequence analysis and has a folded shape such that it takes the form of a ball due to its folded structure.

Abstract: To form a layer separating two volumes of aqueous solution, there is used an apparatus comprising elements defining a chamber, the elements including a body of non-conductive material having formed therein at least one recess opening into the chamber, the recess containing an electrode. A pre-treatment coating of a hydrophobic fluid is applied to the body across the recess. Aqueous solution, having amphiphilic molecules added thereto, is flowed across the body to cover the recess so that aqueous solution is introduced into the recess from the chamber and a layer of the amphiphilic molecules forms across the recess separating a volume of aqueous solution introduced into the recess from the remaining volume of aqueous solution.

Abstract: The invention pertains to certain genetic variants that have been determined to be susceptibility variants of breast cancer. Methods of disease management, including diagnosing increased susceptibility to breast cancer, methods of predicting response to therapy and methods of predicting prognosis using such variants are described. The invention further relates to kit, medium and apparatus useful for assessing risk of breast cancer.

Abstract: A sequencer device generates basic nucleotide sequence data 30 comprising probe data 34 of a capture probe in the sequencer device 10 and a determined sequence of identifiers 32 of a fragment of nucleic acids captured by the probe. The sequencer device outputs enriched nucleotide sequence data 36 that is enriched with data comprising a reference to a sequence 38 that is expected for the fragment of nucleic acids.

Abstract: High throughput system for in vivo screens on vertebrate larvae. The system includes a source of vertebrate larvae in a liquid medium and loading tube means for aspirating a larva. A detector assembly is provided to differentiate passage of a larva from bubbles and/or debris. An imaging means is provided for both confocal imaging and wide-field fluorescence imaging of the larva. A laser is provided for optical manipulation of the larva.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and reagents for diagnosing colorectal cancer that are based on the detection of biomarkers in the circulating nucleic acids from a patient to be evaluated. In some embodiments, the CNA biomarkers are polynucleotide fragments, e.g., DNA fragments, that are present at an elevated level in blood, e.g., in a serum or plasma sample, of a colorectal cancer patient in comparison to the level in blood, e.g., a serum or plasma sample, obtained from a normal individual who does not have colorectal cancer.

Abstract: The present teachings provide a device including a memory. According to various embodiments, the memory is readable, writable, and rewritable. The present teachings further provide processing stations, e.g., for carrying out electrophoresis, pcr, genetic analysis, sample preparation, and/or sample cleanup, etc., that are capable of reading from and/or writing/rewriting to such memory.

Abstract: An analysis instrument comprises plural modules connected together over a data network, each module comprising an analysis apparatus operable to perform biochemical analysis of a sample. Each module comprises a control unit that controls the operation of the analysis apparatus. The control units are addressable to select an arbitrary number of modules to operate as a cluster for performing a common biochemical analysis. The control units communicate over the data network, repeatedly during the performance of the common biochemical analysis, to determine the operation of the analysis apparatus of each module required to meet the global performance targets, on the basis of measures of performance derived from the output data produced by the modules. The arrangement of the instrument as modules interacting in this manner provides a scalable analysis instrument.

Abstract: Solid supports comprising polymers covalently bound to a solid substrate are provided. The polymers find utility in any number of applications including immobilizing analyte molecules to solid supports for high throughput assays.

Abstract: Optical analytical devices and their methods of use are provided. The devices are useful in the analysis of highly multiplexed optical reactions in large numbers at high densities, including biochemical reactions, such as nucleic acid sequencing reactions. The devices include integrated illumination elements and optical waveguides for illumination of the optical reactions. The devices further provide for the efficient coupling of optical excitation energy from the waveguides to the optical reactions. Optical signals emitted from the reactions can thus be measured with high sensitivity and discrimination using features such as spectra, amplitude, and time resolution, or combinations thereof. The devices of the invention are well suited for miniaturization and high throughput.

Abstract: A detection apparatus that includes (a) an array of responsive pads on a substrate surface; (b) an array of pixels, wherein each pixel in the array has a detection zone on the surface that includes a subset of at least two of the pads; and (c) an activation circuit to apply a force at a first and second pad in the subset, wherein the activation circuit is configured to apply a different force at the first pad compared to the second pad, and wherein the activation circuit has a switch to selectively alter the force at the first pad and the second pad.

Abstract: A method for nucleic acid sequencing includes: (a) disposing a plurality of template polynucleotide strands in a plurality of defined spaces disposed on a sensor array, at least some of the template polynucleotide strands having a sequencing primer and a polymerase operably bound therewith; (b) exposing the template polynucleotide strands with the sequencing primer and a polymerase operably bound therewith to a series of flows of nucleotide species flowed according to a predetermined ordering; (c) determining sequence information for a plurality of the template polynucleotide strands in the defined spaces based on the flows of nucleotide species to generate a plurality of sequencing reads corresponding to the template polynucleotide strands; and (d) aligning the plurality of sequencing reads using an alignment process comprising a first set of alignment criteria or penalties that are based on biological changes in sequence and a second set of alignment criteria or penalties that are based on a sequencing erro