Abstract: Methods and apparatus relating to FET arrays including large FET arrays for monitoring chemical and/or biological reactions such as nucleic acid sequencing-by-synthesis reactions. Some methods provided herein relate to improving signal (and also signal to noise ratio) from released hydrogen ions during nucleic acid sequencing reactions.

Abstract: The invention relate to systems and methods for sequencing polynucleotides, as well as detecting reactions and binding events involving other biological molecules. The systems and methods may employ chamber-free devices and nanosensors to detect or characterize such reactions in high-throughput. Because the system in many embodiments is reusable, the system can be subject to more sophisticated and improved engineering, as compared to single use devices.

Abstract: An optical system configured to detect optical signals during imaging sessions. The optical system includes an objective lens that has a collecting end that is positioned proximate to a sample and configured to receive optical signals therefrom. The optical system also includes a removable path compensator that is configured to be located at an imaging position between the collecting end of the objective lens and the sample. The path compensator adjusts an optical path of the light emissions when in the imaging position. Also, the optical system includes a transfer device that is configured to move the path compensator. The transfer device locates the path compensator at the imaging position for a first imaging session and removes the path compensator from the imaging position for a second imaging session.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for determining the chromosome aneuploidy of a single cell and a system for determining the chromosome aneuploidy of a single cell. Among them, the method for determining the chromosome aneuploidy of a single cell according to the embodiments of the present invention comprises: the whole genome of the single cell is sequenced to obtain a first sequencing result; the total number of sequencing data from the first sequencing result is counted, obtaining a value L; the number of sequencing data of a first chromosome from the first sequencing result is counted, obtaining a value M; a first parameter is determined based on the value L and the value M; and it is determined whether or not the single cell has aneuploidy in respect of the first chromosome based on the difference between the first parameter and a predetermined control parameter.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a biochip is provided. First, a first self-assembled monolayer is coated on a substrate. Next, a plurality of first biomedical molecular dots are formed on the first self-assembled monolayer by micro-titration technique. After the bonding reaction between the first biomedical molecular point and the first self-assembled monolayer, a second self-assembled monolayer is deposited on the surface of the first self-assembled monolayer by evaporation. The second self-assembled monolayer attached on the plurality of first biomedical molecular dots and the first self-assembled monolayer not bonded to the substrate are removed, so that the first biomedical molecular dots immobilized on the first self-assembled monolayer are exposed. Finally, a second biomedical molecular layer is immobilized on the exposed portions of the first biomedical molecular dots.

Abstract: A system, method and apparatus for executing a sequence analysis pipeline on genetic sequence data includes an integrated circuit 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 integrated circuit 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: Provided are the method and device for genetic map construction and the method and device for haplotype determination of a single cell.

Abstract: Methods and systems for detecting allelic imbalance using nucleic acid sequencing are provided.

Abstract: The invention is a method of determining nucleotide sequence of a target nucleic acid using microarray analysis. Hybridization signals from probe sets corresponding to the sense and anti-sense strands are compared at each nucleotide position. If there is a substantial difference in performance between the two strands, probe sets from a poorly performing stand are eliminated from the sequence determination calculation for a particular nucleotide.

Abstract: A method is provided to construct libraries of nucleic acids that comprise a plurality of mutations, each of which may be identified with particularity, such as following a selection or screening.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatuses for performing a prenatal diagnosis of a sequence imbalance are provided. A shift (e.g. to a smaller size distribution) can signify an imbalance in certain circumstances. For example, a size distribution of fragments of nucleic acids from an at-risk chromosome can be used to determine a fetal chromosomal aneuploidy. A size ranking of different chromosomes can be used to determine changes of a rank of an at-risk chromosome from an expected ranking. Also, a difference between a statistical size value for one chromosome can be compared to a statistical size value of another chromosome to identify a significant shift in size. A genotype and haplotype of the fetus may also be determined using a size distribution to determine whether a sequence imbalance occurs in a maternal sample relative to a genotypes or haplotype of the mother, thereby providing a genotype or haplotype of the fetus.

Abstract: A method of estimating a parameter related to sequencing of a sample nucleic acid template includes: receiving signal data relating to nucleotide incorporation events resulting from a series of flows of nucleotides onto an array of wells including (i) a first well containing the sample nucleic acid template and (ii) a plurality of other sample-containing wells; determining sequence information for the sample nucleic acid template using signal data from the first well; and constructing a phase-state model for a set of nucleotide flows that contributed at least in part to the sequence information, wherein the model includes a signal correction parameter that is determined using signal data from the plurality of other sample-containing wells.

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 present invention discloses the integration of programmable microfluidic circuits to achieve practical applications to process biochemical and chemical reactions and to integrate these reactions. In some embodiments workflows for biochemical reactions or chemical workflows are combined. Microvalves such as programmable microfluidic circuit with Y valves and flow through valves are disclosed. In some embodiments microvalves of the present invention are used for mixing fluids, which may be part of an integrated process. These processes include mixing samples and moving reactions to an edge or reservoir for modular microfluidics, use of capture regions, and injection into analytical devices on separate devices. In some embodiments star and nested star designs, or bead capture by change of cross sectional area of a channel in a microvalve are used. Movement of samples between temperature zones are further disclosed using fixed temperature and movement of the samples by micropumps.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for the assembly of a polynucleic acid sequence from a plurality of nucleic acid sequences in which the polynucleic acid sequence is of a formula Nn+1, in which N represents a nucleic acid sequence and where n is 1 or greater than 1 and each N may be the same or a different nucleic acid sequence, in which the method comprises: (i) providing a first nucleic acid sequence N1 which has an oligonucleotide linker sequence L13? at the 3?-end of the nucleic acid sequence; (ii) providing a second nucleic acid sequence N2 which optionally has an oligonucleotide linker sequence L23? at the 3?-end of the nucleic acid sequence and which has an oligonucleotide linker sequence L25? at the 5?-end of the nucleic acid sequence, wherein the 5?-end linker sequence L25? of nucleic acid sequence N2 is complementary to the 3?-end linker sequence L13? of nucleic acid sequence N1; (iii) optionally providing one or more additional nucleic acid sequences N, wherein nucleic acid sequence N2

Abstract: A method and device for performing DNA sequencing and extracting structural information from unknown nucleic acid strands. The device includes a microwell structure, where identical DNA strands are immobilized within the microwell structure on a surface of a micro-bead, an active electrode or a porous polymer. The device further includes a CMOS-integrated semiconductor integrated circuit, where the CMOS-integrated semiconductor integrated circuit includes metal layers on a silicon substrate, where the metal layers form an active electrode biosensor. In addition, a sensing electrode is formed by creating openings in a passivation layer of the CMOS-integrated semiconductor integrated circuit to hold a single bead, on which the DNA strands are immobilized.

Abstract: Systems and method for determining variants can receive mapped reads, align flow space information to a flow space representation of a corresponding portion of the reference. Reads spanning a position with a potential variant can be evaluated in a context specific manner. A list of probable variants can be provided.

Abstract: Screening assays and methods of performing such assays are provided. In certain examples, the assays and methods may be designed to determine whether or not two or more species can associate with each other. In some examples, the assays and methods may be used to determine if a known antigen binds to an unknown monoclonal antibody.

Abstract: It has been found that certain alleles of the human MYH6 gene are predictive of risk of certain conditions, including Sick Sinus Syndrome, Atrial Fibrillation, Pacemaker implantation and Thoracic aortic aneurysm, in humans. The invention provides diagnostic applications using such alleles, including methods of determining a susceptibility of Sick Sinus Syndrome and related conditions.

Abstract: This invention provides substrates for use in various applications, including single-molecule analytical reactions. Methods for propagating optical energy within a substrate are provided. Devices comprising waveguide substrates and dielectric omnidirectional reflectors are provided. Waveguide substrates with improved uniformity of optical energy intensity across one or more waveguides and enhanced waveguide illumination efficiency within an analytic detection region of the arrays are provided.

Abstract: Methods of identifying RNA-protein interaction sites are provided. Systems for identifying RNA-protein interaction sites are provided. Systems for identifying secondary structures are provided. Methods of identifying secondary structures are provided. Methods of identifying RNA-binding proteins are provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method capable of detecting single or multiple fetal chromosomal aneuploidies in a maternal sample comprising fetal and maternal nucleic acids, and verifying that the correct determination has been made. The method is applicable to determining copy number variations (CNV) of any sequence of interest in samples comprising mixtures of genomic nucleic acids derived from two different genomes, and which are known or are suspected to differ in the amount of one or more sequence of interest. The method is applicable at least to the practice of noninvasive prenatal diagnostics, and to the diagnosis and monitoring of conditions associated with a difference in sequence representation in healthy versus diseased individuals.

Abstract: Methods for interpreting absolute copy number of complex tumors and for determining the copy number of a genomic region at a detection position of a target sequence in a sample are disclosed. In certain aspects, genomic regions of a target sequence in a sample are sequenced and measurement data for sequence coverage is obtained. Sequence coverage bias is corrected and may be normalized against a baseline sample. Hidden Markov Model (HMM) segmentation, scoring, and output are performed, and in some embodiments population-based no-calling and identification of low-confidence regions may also be performed. A total copy number value and region-specific copy number value for a plurality of regions are then estimated.

Abstract: A method for improving color calls or base calls utilizes current and prior cycle multi-channel intensity data from a sequencing run to model residual cycle buildup. The model is applied to correct the multi-cycle channel intensity for the current cycle. The corrected multi-cycle channel intensity is used for color calls or base calls for the current cycle.

Abstract: Technology provided herein relates in part to methods, processes, compositions and apparatuses for analyzing nucleic acid.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for diagnosing biological states or conditions based on ratios of gene expression data from cell or tissue samples, such as cancer cell or tissue samples. The invention also provides sets of genes that are expressed differentially in normal and cancer lung cells and tissues. These sets of genes can be used to discriminate between normal and malignant cells or tissues, and between classes of malignant cells or tissues. Accordingly, diagnostic assays for classification of tumors, prediction of tumor outcome, selecting and monitoring treatment regimens and monitoring tumor progression/regression also are provided.

Abstract: A microfluidic chip (100) for use in multiplexed analysis of samples is described. The microfluidic chip (100) comprises a plurality of sensing chambers (130) and further comprises at least a first fluid supply channel (110) for providing a first fluid and a plurality of microfluidic channels (120). These are in fluid communication with at least one sensing chamber (130) and with the first fluid supply channel (110) for delivery of said first fluid to the at least one sensing chamber. The microfluidic channels (120) are branching off from the supply channel (110) in the neighbourhood of the sensing chamber (130) that can be provided with the first fluid through the microfluidic channel (120). The different channels (110, 120) thus form a tree-like delivery distribution system for supplying the first fluid to said plurality of sensing chambers (130).

Abstract: Sample nucleic acids are prevented from removing from a sample-immobilizing layer during a sequencing reaction. A reaction device for nucleic acid analysis is provided that enables high throughput analysis by increasing the number of nucleic acid samples that can be analyzed. The reaction device for nucleic acid analysis comprises a substrate, a sample-immobilizing layer on the substrate, nucleic acid samples or carriers having nucleic acid samples on their surfaces, which are immobilized on the sample-immobilizing layer, and a blocking layer that covers areas other than areas where the nucleic acid samples or the carriers are bound to the sample-immobilizing layer, wherein the immobilizing layer is formed of an inorganic oxide.

Abstract: The invention discloses methods and apparatus for characterizing trace nucleic acids that are biomarkers for disease. The methods and apparatus provide increased sensitivity to such trace nucleic acids, and allow analysis of nucleic acids present in a sample at only 0.01% of the wild-type sequences. The methods and apparatus are also designed for straightforward multiplexing, thus allowing pooling of clinical samples.

Abstract: A method for nucleic acid sequencing includes: disposing a plurality of template polynucleotide strands, sequencing primers, and polymerases in a plurality of defined spaces of a sensor array; exposing template polynucleotide strands to a series of flows of nucleotide species, the series comprising a sequence of random flows; and obtaining, for each of the series of flows of nucleotide species, a signal indicative of how many nucleotide incorporations occurred for that particular flow to determine a predicted sequence of nucleotides corresponding to the template polynucleotide strands.

Abstract: A system for sequencing nucleic acids, that includes (a) a table having an arrangement of sites, including a site for receiving a first substrate, and a site for receiving a second substrate, the substrates each having an array for providing sequencing data for a plurality of different nucleic acids in parallel; (b) a plurality of stations configured to carry out manipulations in a sequencing procedure; and (c) a system control interface configured to direct relative movement between the table and the plurality of stations, and to direct different steps of the sequencing procedure to occur at the sites for receiving the different substrates, wherein the first substrate can be removed from the system independently of the second substrate such that the second substrate can be processed to obtain sequencing data independently of the first substrate.

Abstract: Biochemical flow cells having sealed inlets and outlets are provided for performing high-volume assays on macromolecules. In one example embodiment, a flow cell with detachable inlet and outlet connectors comprises an inlet manifold, a coverslip, and a substrate disposed below the coverslip to form a reaction chamber, where the substrate is disposed to partially cover the inlet manifold such that a slit is formed along an entire edge of the substrate where fluids can flow from the inlet manifold through the slit, around substantially the entire edge of the substrate, and into the reaction chamber at equalized pressure and without bubbles.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide transducers capable of transducing redox active chemical signals into electrical signals. Transducers comprise two electrodes separated by a nanogap. At least one electrode is comprised of conducting diamond. Methods of fabricating nanogap transducers and arrays of nanogap transducers are provided. Arrays of individually addressable nanogap transducers can be disposed on integrated circuit chips and operably coupled to the integrated circuit chip.

Abstract: A portable detector is disclosed for detecting certain analytes of interest, such as genetic material (e.g., nucleic acids). The detector includes a reading component for the detection of the analytes, and control circuitry for controlling operation of the reading component. Processing circuitry may be included to perform both primary analysis of acquired data, and where desired, secondary analysis. Where desired, some or all of the computationally intensive tasks may be off-loaded to enhance the portability and speed of the device. The device may incorporate various types of interface, technologies for reading and analysis, positioning system interfaces, and so forth. A number of exemplary use cases and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: An optical system configured to detect optical signals during imaging sessions. The optical system includes an objective lens that has a collecting end that is positioned proximate to a sample and configured to receive optical signals therefrom. The optical system also includes a removable path compensator that is configured to be located at an imaging position between the collecting end of the objective lens and the sample. The path compensator adjusts an optical path of the light emissions when in the imaging position. Also, the optical system includes a transfer device that is configured to move the path compensator. The transfer device locates the path compensator at the imaging position for a first imaging session and removes the path compensator from the imaging position for a second imaging session.

Abstract: An apparatus with a transducer having a first output signal and arranged to receive an electrical input. The transducer switches the first output signal between an ON and OFF state. The apparatus has a chemical sensing surface coupled to the transducer arranged to receive a chemical input. A signal generator oscillates one or more of said inputs to vary the switching point of the transducer. The oscillating input may be the chemical input and/or the electrical input. The output signal may be a pulse whose period ON or OFF is determined by the oscillating input modulated by the chemical input.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus relating to very large scale FET arrays for analyte measurements. ChemFET (e.g., ISFET) arrays may be fabricated using conventional CMOS processing techniques based on improved FET pixel and array designs that increase measurement sensitivity and accuracy, and at the same time facilitate significantly small pixel sizes and dense arrays. Improved array control techniques provide for rapid data acquisition from large and dense arrays. Such arrays may be employed to detect a presence and/or concentration changes of various analyte types in a wide variety of chemical and/or biological processes. In one example, chemFET arrays facilitate DNA sequencing techniques based on monitoring changes in hydrogen ion concentration (pH), changes in other analyte concentration, and/or binding events associated with chemical processes relating to DNA synthesis.

Abstract: The present invention provides a high-throughput sequencing method for methylated DNA, and use thereof. Particularly, the present invention provides a high-throughput sequencing method for methylated DNA, which combines methylated DNA immunoprecipitation, removal of repetitive sequences, and bisulfite treatment. The site of sequencing library will be decreased, and the cost will be reduced by using the method disclosed in the present invention.

Abstract: A device for controlling, detecting, and measuring a molecular complex is disclosed. The device comprises a common electrode. The device further comprises a plurality of measurement cells. Each measurement cell includes a cell electrode and an integrator electronically coupled to the cell electrode. The integrator measures the current flowing between the common electrode and the cell electrode. The device further comprises a plurality of analog-to-digital converters, wherein an integrator from the plurality of measurement cells is electrically coupled to one analog-to-digital converter of the plurality of analog-to-digital converters.

Abstract: A flow cell including inlet and outlet ports in fluid communication with each other through a flow channel that extends therebetween. The flow channel includes a diffuser region and a field region that is located downstream from the diffuser region. The field region of the flow channel directs fluid along reaction sites where desired reactions occur. The fluid flows through the diffuser region in a first flow direction and through the field region in a second flow direction. The first and second flow directions being substantially perpendicular.

Abstract: Disclosed are a structure with a nanopore and an apparatus for determining sequences of nucleic acids including the structure, the structure including three or more structures having facing surfaces, a plurality of oligonucleotides attached at one ends thereof to the surfaces, and a pore formed between the structures to which the plurality of oligonucleotides are bound, and allowing a pore of a desired size to be precisely formed by adjusting the length of a plurality of oligonucleotides.

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: Devices, systems, kits, and methods for detecting and/or identifying a plurality of spectrally labeled bodies well-suited for performing multiplexed assays. By spectrally labeling the beads with materials which generate identifiable spectra, a plurality of beads may be identified within the fluid. Reading of the beads is facilitated by restraining the beads in arrays, and/or using a focused laser.

Abstract: The technology provided herein relates to the SNPs identified as described herein, both singly and in combination, as well as to the use of these SNPs, and others in linkage disequilibrium with these SNPs, for diagnosis, prediction of clinical course, and/or treatment response for pulmonary disease such as COPD, development of new treatments for pulmonary disease such as COPD based upon comparison of the variant and normal versions of the gene or gene product, and development of cell-culture based and animal models for research and treatment of pulmonary disease such as COPD. The technology provided herein further relates to novel compounds, pharmaceutical compositions, and kits for use in the diagnosis, treatment, and evaluation of such disorders.

Abstract: Real time redox sequencing methods, devices, and systems are described. Arrays of redox devices comprising one or two electrodes are used to provide sequence information about a template nucleic acid in a polymerase-template complex bound proximate to the electrode(s). A sequencing reaction mixture comprising nucleotide analogs comprising redox labels is introduced to the array of redox devices under conditions of polymerase mediated nucleic acid synthesis. The time sequence of incorporation of nucleotide analogs is determined by electrochemically identifying the redox labels of the nucleotide analogs that are incorporated into the growing strand.

Abstract: This invention provides methods for attaching a nucleic acid to a solid surface and for sequencing nucleic acid by detecting the identity of each nucleotide analogue after the nucleotide analogue is incorporated into a growing strand of DNA in a polymerase reaction. The invention also provides nucleotide analogues which comprise unique labels attached to the nucleotide analogue through a cleavable linker, and a cleavable chemical group to cap the —OH group at the 3?-position of the deoxyribose.

Abstract: Methods for generating physical maps for polynucleotides, such as genomic DNA, are disclosed herein. Also disclosed are methods for identifying the source of polynucleotides. The methods can, for example, be used in physical map construction of whole genome. In addition, methods and systems capable of performing high throughput characterization of macromolecules using nanofludic devices are enclosed.

Abstract: In general, the invention features methods and systems for sequencing of nucleic acids based on the measurement of the incorporation of fluorogenic nucleotides in microreactors. The invention provides numerous advantages over previous systems such as unambiguous determination of sequence, fast cycle time, long read lengths, low overall cost of reagents, low instrument cost, and high throughput. The invention also features methods and kits for nucleic acid amplification. The amplification and sequencing aspects of the invention may or may not be employed in conjunction with one another. The invention also features fluorogenic nucleotides that may be used in the sequencing methods of the invention.

Abstract: A sample processing system (100) includes a sample carrier support (106) configured to concurrently supports multiple sample carriers (402) in series, each sample carrier carrying a respective sample (404) to be processed. The apparatus also includes a plurality of processing stations (102) located at different positions along the sample carry support, each processing station configured to perform a different processing act of a plurality of processing acts to be performed on each sample. The apparatus further includes a support mover (108) that moves the sample support and hence the sample carriers sequentially from processing station to processing station for processing.

Abstract: A calorimeter device includes various components located on a common substrate. A first (calorimeter) integrated chip device is located on the substrate. This first device has a first microfluidic channel that has first side and a second side. A first heat sensing circuit is located on the first side of the first channel and a second heat sensing circuit is located on the second side of the channel, opposite the first side and facing the first heat sensing circuit. A second integrated chip device is located on the substrate and proximal to the first device. The second device includes a second microfluidic channel having a fourth side and fifth side. A third heat sensing circuit is located on the third side of the second channel. A fourth heat sensing circuit is located on the fourth side of the channel, opposite the third side and facing the third heat sensing circuit.