Abstract: A test module having an outer casing having an inlet for receiving a biological sample containing a target nucleic acid sequence, and, probes in the outer casing for hybridization with the target nucleic acid sequence to form probe-target hybrids, the probes each having a fluorophore such that the probe-target hybrids emit a fluorescence signal in response to exposure to an excitation light, wherein, the probes are suspended in a fluid.

Abstract: A microfluidic device for analysis of mitochondrial DNA in a sample, the microfluidic device having an inlet for receiving a sample of biological material having cells with an outer cellular membrane containing mitochondria and a nucleus, the mitochondria having a mitochondrial membrane containing mitochondrial DNA and the nuclei having a nuclear membrane containing nuclear DNA, a lysis section for lysing the outer cellular membrane and the mitochondrial membrane while the nuclear membrane remains intact, and, probes for hybridization with target nucleic acid sequences in the mitochondrial DNA to form probe-target hybrids.

Abstract: A microfluidic device having a supporting substrate, a microsystems technology (MST) layer overlying the supporting substrate, the MST layer defining MST channels for fluid flow within the MST layer, a cap overlying the MST layer, the cap defining cap channels for fluid flow within the cap and reservoirs for holding a quantity of fluid, wherein, the MST channels and the cap channels are in fluid communication.

Abstract: A dialysis device with capillary-driven, flow-channel structure for dialysis of a fluid containing constituents of different sizes, the dialysis device having a first channel configured to fill with the fluid by capillary action, a second channel configured to fill with the fluid by capillary action, a plurality of fluid connections between the first channel and the second channel, each of the fluid connections being configured to pin a meniscus of the fluid that arrests capillary flow between the first channel and the second channel, a bypass channel between the first channel and the second channel, the bypass channel joining the second channel upstream of the plurality of fluid connections and is configured for uninterrupted capillary driven flow from the first channel to the second channel, wherein during use, flow from the bypass channel reaches the meniscus pinned at each of the fluid connections after the meniscus has formed such that the flow sequentially removes each of the menisci and sample flow fro

Abstract: A lab-on-a-chip (LOC) device for analyzing a sample fluid, the LOC device having a sample inlet for receiving the sample, a microsystems technology (MST) layer with functional sections for processing and analyzing the sample, and, CMOS circuitry with digital memory for storing genetic data, and configured to download genetic data updates from an external source.

Abstract: A single-use test module having an outer casing dimensioned for hand-held portability, the outer casing having an inlet for receiving a biological sample containing a target nucleic acid sequence, probes in the outer casing for hybridization having a nucleic acid sequence for hybridization with a target nucleic acid sequence to form a probe-target hybrid, the probe-target hybrid being configured to generate a fluorescence signal in response to an excitation light, and, an excitation light source.

Abstract: A microfluidic device for processing a fluid sample, the microfluidic device having a first channel configured to fill with the sample by capillary action, a second channel configured to fill with the sample by capillary action, a plurality of fluid connections between the first channel and the second channel, one of the fluid connections having an active valve to arrest the sample flow into the second channel and the remaining fluid connections each being configured to pin a meniscus of the sample that arrests capillary flow between the first channel and the second channel, the fluid connection with the active valve being upstream of the remaining fluid connections, wherein during use, the sample flow into the second channel is initiated by activation of the active valve such that the sample flow in the second channel progressively removes the meniscus at each of the meniscus anchors.

Abstract: A microfluidic device for analyzing a sample fluid, the microfluidic device having a sample inlet for receiving the sample, a microsystems technology (MST) layer with functional sections for processing and analyzing the sample, and, CMOS circuitry with digital memory for storing data and operational information to operatively control the functional sections during processing and analysis of the sample.

Abstract: A lab-on-a-chip (LOC) device for amplifying and detecting target nucleic acid sequences, the LOC device having electrochemiluminescent (ECL), resonant energy transfer, stem-and-loop probes for hybridization with the target nucleic acid sequences, each of the probes having a loop portion containing a sequence complementary to the target nucleic acid sequence, an ECL luminophore for emitting photons when in an excited state, a functional moiety for quenching photon emission from the ECL luminophore by resonant energy transfer, and a covalently attached primer for extension along a complementary sequence denatured from the target nucleic acid sequence to replicate the target nucleic acid sequence, heaters for thermally cycling the target nucleic acid sequences through a polymerase chain reaction (PCR), in which the covalently attached primers anneal to oligonucleotides containing the target nucleic acid sequences, and, electrodes for receiving an electrical pulse to excite the ECL luminophores, wherein during us

Abstract: A test module having an outer casing dimensioned for hand-held portability, the outer casing having an inlet for receiving a biological sample containing a target nucleic acid sequence, and, probes in the outer casing for hybridization with the target nucleic acid sequence to form probe-target hybrids, the probes each having a fluorophore such that the probe-target hybrids emit a fluorescence signal in response to exposure to an excitation light, wherein, the fluorophore is a lanthanide metal-ligand complex.

Abstract: A microfluidic device having a supporting substrate, a microsystems technology (MST) layer overlying the supporting substrate for processing a fluid containing target nucleic acid sequences, the MST layer having a plurality of probe spots, each of the probe spots containing probes for hybridization with the target nucleic acid sequences, wherein, the mass of the probes in each of the probe spots is less than 270 picograms.

Abstract: A microfluidic device having a sample inlet for receiving a sample of biological material containing target nucleic acid sequences, and, a microsystems technologies (MST) layer with a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) section for amplifying the target nucleic acid sequences, and an array of probes for hybridization with the target nucleic acid sequences.

Abstract: A test module for lysing cells in a fluid, the test module having an outer casing with receptacle for receiving a fluid containing cells, a lysis reagent reservoir containing a lysis reagent and having a valve, and, a lysis section in fluid communication with the receptacle for holding the fluid during lysis of the cells, the lysis section having a lysis heater for heating the fluid in the lysis section, wherein, the valve is upstream of the lysis section and configured to open as the fluid flows into the lysis section thereby adding the lysis reagent to the fluid.

Abstract: A LOC device having a supporting substrate, a primer-linked, linear probe with a nucleic acid sequence that matches a target nucleic acid sequence, and a primer for elongating against the target nucleic acid sequence to form a complementary sequence such that during use the nucleic acid sequence matching the target nucleic acid sequence anneals to the complementary sequence to change a fluorescence emission from the probe in response to an excitation light, and, CMOS circuitry on the supporting substrate, the CMOS circuitry having operative control of the excitation light.

Abstract: A microfluidic device having a supporting substrate, an inlet for receiving a biological sample containing a target nucleic acid sequences, a hybridization chamber containing probes each having a nucleic acid sequence for hybridization with the target nucleic acid sequences to form probe-target hybrids, and, a calibration chamber containing a control probe incapable of hybridization with any sequence in the biological sample.

Abstract: A microfluidic device having a channel having an inlet, an outlet and an aperture between the inlet and the outlet, wherein, the aperture has a geometry that does not allow a meniscus of the fluid flow to anchor to the aperture, such that fluid flow from the inlet towards the outlet is uninterrupted.

Abstract: A microfluidic test module for analyzing genetic material, the test module having a casing configured for hand-held portability, an array of probes housed in the casing, the probes being configured to hybridize with target nucleic acid sequences to form probe-target hybrids, wherein, the casing has a membrane seal for reducing dehumidification within the casing and providing pressure relief from small air pressure fluctuations.

Abstract: A lab-on-a-chip (LOC) device for genetic analysis of a biological sample, the LOC device having an inlet for receiving the sample, a supporting substrate, a dialysis section for separating cells larger than a predetermined threshold in the sample from smaller constituents, whereby the cells larger than a predetermined threshold include target cells containing genetic material for analysis, a plurality of reagent reservoirs, a lysis section downstream of the dialysis section for lysing the target cells to release the genetic material therein, the lysis section being in fluid communication with one of the reagent reservoirs containing a lysis reagent for lysing the target cells in the lysis section, and, a nucleic acid amplification section downstream of the lysis section for amplifying nucleic acid sequences from the genetic material, wherein, the dialysis section, the lysis section and the nucleic acid amplification section are all supported on the supporting substrate.

Abstract: An oligonucleotide spotting device for contactless spotting of probes onto a surface, the probes having nucleic acid sequences that are complementary to target nucleic acid sequences to be identified in a biological sample, the oligonucleotide spotting device having a supporting substrate, an array of ejectors, each having an actuator for ejecting droplets of liquid containing the oligonucleotide probes, CMOS circuitry for providing each of the drop ejection actuators with a drive pulse for droplet ejection, and, bond-pads for electrically connecting the CMOS circuitry and an external microprocessor controller for operative control of the array of ejectors.

Abstract: A microfluidic device having a supporting substrate, a microsystems technologies (MST) layer on the supporting substrate for processing a fluid sample, and, a humidity sensor for sensing the humidity of an area encompassing the MST layer, wherein, the humidity sensor generates an output for humidity control of the area encompassing the MST layer.

Abstract: A lab-on-a-chip (LOC) device for detecting a target nucleic acid sequence in a sample, the LOC device having probes with a nucleic acid sequence complementary to the target nucleic acid sequence for forming probe-target hybrids, and an electrochemiluminescent (ECL) luminophore, electrodes for generating an excited state in the ECL luminophore in which the ECL luminophore emits photons of light, and, a photosensor for sensing the photons emitted from the ECL luminophore.

Abstract: A microfluidic device for detecting target molecules in a fluid, the microfluidic device having reagent reservoirs for adding reagents to the fluid prior to detection of the target molecules, probes for reaction with the target molecules to form probe-target hybrids, and an electrochemiluminescent (ECL) luminophore, electrodes for generating an excited state in the ECL luminophore in which the ECL luminophore emits photons of light, and, a photosensor for sensing the photons emitted from the ECL luminophore.

Abstract: A lab-on-a-chip (LOC) device for detecting a target nucleic acid sequence in a sample, the LOC device having probes with a nucleic acid sequence complementary to the target nucleic acid sequence for forming probe-target hybrids, and an electrochemiluminescent (ECL) luminophore, electrode pairs in which one electrode in each of the electrode pairs is a working electrode which causes oxidation or reduction of the luminophore to generate an excited species that emits a photon, and, photodiodes corresponding to each of the electrode pairs respectively, wherein, the photodiodes have a planar active surface area for receiving the light from the luminophore, and the working electrode has a surface area optically coupled to the active surface area of the photodiode, the working electrode being configured such that the optically coupled surface area is greater than 50% of the active surface area of the photodiode.

Abstract: A spotting device for contactless spotting of lab-on-a-chip (LOC) devices with oligonucleotide probes, the LOC devices being held in a fixed array on a printed circuit board (PCB) and each having an array of hybridization chambers for receiving the oligonucleotide probes, the probes having nucleic acid sequences that are complementary to target nucleic acid sequences to be identified in a biological sample, the spotting device having a monolithic supporting substrate, an array of reservoirs on one side of the supporting substrate, the reservoirs containing sufficient amount of the oligonucleotide probes suspended in a liquid to spot all the LOC devices on the PCB, and, an array of ejectors on the other side of the supporting substrate, each of the ejectors being configured for fluid communication with a corresponding one of the reservoirs respectively such that the ejectors eject droplets containing the oligonucleotide probes from the corresponding reservoir into one of the hybridization chambers.

Abstract: A microfluidic device having a supporting substrate, a probe with a nucleic acid sequence for hybridization with a target nucleic acid sequence to form a probe-target hybrid and generate a fluorescence signal in response to an excitation light, and, CMOS circuitry on the supporting substrate for operative control of the excitation light.

Abstract: A microfluidic test module for analyzing a sample fluid and communicating test results to a tablet computer, the microfluidic test module having an outer casing with a receptacle for receiving the sample, functional sections for processing and analyzing the sample, a communication interface for communication with the tablet computer, and, a controller for operative control of the communication interface.

Abstract: A microfluidic device for detecting target molecules in a fluid, the microfluidic device having a hybridization chamber containing electrodes and probes for hybridization with target molecules to form probe-target complexes and generate an electrochemiluminescence (ECL) signal in response to an electrical current between the electrodes, and, a photodiode with an active area and an optical axis extending normal to the active area and through the hybridization chamber, wherein, the hybridization chamber has a floor surface positioned parallel to the active area of the photodiode, the floor surface having a centroid and the active area being encompassed within a cone having the centroid at its vertex, and a vertex angle less than 174°.

Abstract: A microfluidic test module having an outer casing having an inlet for receiving a biological sample containing a target nucleic acid sequence, and, a hybridization chamber mounted in the casing, the hybridization chamber holding a volume of fluid containing probes, the probes each having a nucleic acid sequence for hybridization with the target nucleic acid sequence to form probe-target hybrids, wherein, the mass of the probes in each of the hybridization chambers is less than 270 picograms.

Abstract: A test module for detecting target nucleic acid sequences in a fluid, the test module having an outer casing having a receptacle for receiving the fluid containing the target nucleic acid sequences, electrochemiluminescent (ECL) probes having an ECL luminophore for emitting photons when in an excited state and a functional moiety for quenching photon emission from the ECL luminophore by resonant energy transfer, electrodes for receiving an electrical pulse to excite the ECL luminophores, and, a detection photosensor for exposure to the photons emitted by the ECL luminophores.

Abstract: A lab-on-a-chip (LOC) device for detecting a target nucleic acid sequence in a sample, the LOC device having probes with a nucleic acid sequence complementary to the target nucleic acid sequence for forming probe-target hybrids, and an electrochemiluminescent (ECL) luminophore, and, electrodes for generating an excited state in the ECL luminophore in which the ECL luminophore emits photons of light.

Abstract: A test module for analyzing genetic material in a biological sample, the test module having an outer casing with a receptacle for receiving the biological sample, functional sections for processing and analyzing the biological sample, a controller for operating the functional sections, and, a flow-path from the receptacle to the functional sections, wherein, the flow-path is configured to draw the sample to be analyzed from the receptacle to the functional sections by capillary action regardless of module orientation relative to gravity.

Abstract: A microfluidic device for detecting target nucleic acid sequences in a sample, the microfluidic device having a supporting substrate, a microsystems technology (MST) layer overlying the supporting substrate for processing the sample, the MST layer having an array of hybridization chambers, each containing electrochemiluminescent (ECL) probes for hybridization with the target nucleic acid sequences, and electrode pairs for receiving an electrical pulse, the ECL probes being configured to emit a photon of light when hybridized with one of the nucleic acid targets and activated by one of the electrodes, an array of temperature sensors positioned such that at least one of the temperature sensors corresponds to each of the hybridization chambers respectively, and, heaters for heating each of the hybridization chambers, such that, output from the temperature sensors is used for feedback control of the heaters.

Abstract: A test module having an outer casing dimensioned for hand-held portability, the outer casing having an inlet for receiving a biological sample containing a target nucleic acid sequence, probes in the outer casing for hybridization having a nucleic acid sequence for hybridization with a target nucleic acid sequence to form a probe-target hybrid, the probe-target hybrid being configured to generate a fluorescence signal in response to an excitation light, an excitation light for generating the excitation light, and, mirrors positioned in the outer casing for redirecting light from the excitation light to simultaneously illuminate the probes.

Abstract: A microfluidic test module for analyzing a sample fluid and communicating test results to an ebook reader, the microfluidic test module having an outer casing with a receptacle for receiving the sample, functional sections for processing and analyzing the sample, a communication interface for communication with the ebook reader, and, a controller for operative control of the communication interface.

Abstract: A test module for detecting hybridization of probes with target nucleic acid sequences, the test module having a casing configured for hand held portability, the casing having a receptacle for receiving a biological sample with target nucleic acid sequences, an array of probes for hybridization with the target nucleic acid sequences, an excitation light source for illuminating the array of probes, and a photosensor for sensing a fluorescence emission from any of the probes in the array that have hybridized with the target nucleic acid sequences.

Abstract: A microfluidic device for simultaneous detection of multiple conditions in a patient, the microfluidic device having an inlet for receiving a sample of biological material drawn from the patient, a microsystems technologies (MST) layer with a detection section having an array of probes for reaction with target molecules in the sample to form probe-target complexes, the target molecules being indicative of medical conditions in the patient, and, a photosensor for detecting the probe-target complexes, wherein, the array of probes has more than 1000 probes.

Abstract: A microfluidic device for removing cell debris from a biological sample, the microfluidic device having a dialysis section with a large constituent channel, a small constituent channel and a plurality of apertures for fluid communication between the large constituent channel and the small constituent channel, the large constituent channel having an upstream end for receiving the biological sample, the biological sample being a liquid carrying a mixture of cell debris and target molecules, the small constituent channel having a downstream end for connection to a hybridization section with an array of probes for reaction with the target molecules to form probe-target complexes, wherein, the apertures are spaced along the large constituent channel at a spacing between 1 micron and 10 microns and each of the apertures is sized to allow the target molecules to flow into the small constituent channel but retain the cell debris larger than a threshold size in the large constituent channel.

Abstract: A lab-on-a-chip (LOC) device for detecting target nucleic acid sequences in a fluid, the LOC device having electrochemiluminescent (ECL) probes for detecting the target nucleic acid sequences, each of the probes having an ECL luminophore for emitting photons when in an excited state, a functional moiety for quenching photon emission from the ECL luminophore by resonant energy transfer, and, electrodes for receiving an electrical pulse to excite the ECL luminophores, wherein, the electrodes are arranged into pairs, each having an anode and a cathode, the anode and the cathode being separated by a dielectric gap between 0.4 microns and 2 microns wide.

Abstract: A microfluidic device having a supporting substrate, an inlet for receiving a fluid, a microsystems technology (MST) layer for processing the fluid, the MST layer incorporating an incubation section, the incubation section having at least one heater for maintaining the fluid at a predetermined incubation temperature, and, CMOS circuitry between the MST layer and the supporting substrate, the CMOS circuitry being connected to the at least one heater for operative control of the at least one heater.

Abstract: A microfluidic device having a supporting substrate, a hybridization chamber containing probes having a nucleic acid sequence for hybridization with a target nucleic acid sequence to form probe-target hybrids and generate a fluorescence signal in response to an excitation light, and, a photodiode with an active area and an optical axis extending normal to the active area and through the hybridization chamber, wherein, the hybridization chamber has a floor surface positioned parallel to the active area of the photodiode, the floor surface having a centroid and the active area being encompassed within a cone having the centroid at its vertex, and a vertex angle less than 173°.

Abstract: A microfluidic device having a probe for hybridization with a target nucleic acid sequence to form a probe-target hybrid, a photodiode having an active area for detecting fluorescence emissions generated by the probe-target hybrid in response to an excitation light, and, a shunt transistor between the photodiode anode and a voltage source, the shunt transistor being configured to remove carriers generated by absorption of photons of the excitation light in the photodiode, wherein, the shunt transistor is encompassed by the active area.

Abstract: A microfluidic test module for detecting target nucleic acid sequences in a fluid, the test module having an outer casing configured for hand-held portability, the outer casing having an inlet for receiving the fluid containing the target nucleic acid sequences, a hybridization chamber mounted in the casing, the hybridization chamber containing electrochemiluminescent (ECL) probes for detecting the target nucleic acid sequences, each of the ECL probes having an ECL luminophore for emitting photons when in an excited state and a functional moiety for quenching photon emission from the ECL luminophore by resonant energy transfer, and electrodes for receiving an electrical pulse to excite the ECL luminophores, wherein, the hybridization chamber has a volume less than 900,000 cubic microns.

Abstract: A lab-on-a-chip (LOC) device for concentrating nucleated cells in a biological sample, the LOC device having an inlet for receiving a sample of biological material including nucleated cells and other constituents, the nucleated cells all being larger than a predetermined threshold, a dialysis section for concentrating the nucleated cells into a portion of the sample such that the remainder of the sample contains the other constituents smaller than the predetermined threshold, and, a microsystems technology (MST) layer for processing the nucleated cells.

Abstract: A test module for analyzing a sample containing nucleic acid sequences, the test module having a casing configured for hand-held portability, an array of probes housed in the casing, the probes being configured to hybridize with target nucleic acid sequences in the sample to form probe-target hybrids, a humidity sensor for sensing the humidity within the casing, wherein, the humidity sensor generates an output for humidity control within the casing.

Abstract: A lab-on-a-chip (LOC) device for detecting a target nucleic acid sequence in a sample, the LOC device having probes with a nucleic acid sequence complementary to the target nucleic acid sequence for forming probe-target hybrids, and an electrochemiluminescent (ECL) luminophore, and, electrodes for generating an excited state in the ECL luminophore in which the ECL luminophore emits photons of light, wherein, the electrodes are arranged in pairs, one of the electrodes in each electrode pair being a working electrode which causes oxidation or reduction of the luminophore to generate an excited species that emits a photon, the working electrode being transparent to light at the wavelength of the photons emitted by the ECL luminophores.

Abstract: A lab-on-a-chip (LOC) device for detecting pathogens in a biological sample, the LOC device having an inlet for receiving the sample, a supporting substrate, a first dialysis section for separating pathogens from larger constituents in the sample, a lysis section downstream of the dialysis section for lysing the pathogens to release genetic material therein, the lysis section having a lysis chamber and a heater for lysing the pathogens while the sample is in the lysis chamber, a nucleic acid amplification section downstream of the lysis section for amplifying nucleic acid sequences in the genetic material, and, a second dialysis section downstream of the nucleic acid amplification section for prehybridization filtration of amplicon produced by the nucleic acid amplification section, the second dialysis section being configured to remove cell debris from the amplicon, wherein, the first dialysis section, the lysis section, the nucleic acid amplification section and the second dialysis section are all supported

Abstract: A lab-on-a-chip (LOC) device for pathogen detection and genetic analysis of a biological sample, the LOC device having an inlet for receiving the sample containing genetic material, a supporting substrate, a plurality of reagent reservoirs, an incubation section downstream of the inlet, the incubation section being in fluid communication with one of the reagent reservoirs containing enzymes for enzymatic reaction with the genetic material, and, a nucleic acid amplification section downstream of the incubation section for amplifying nucleic acid sequences in the genetic material, and, a dialysis section downstream of the nucleic acid amplification section for prehybridization filtration of amplicon produced by the nucleic acid amplification section, the dialysis section being configured to remove cell debris from the amplicon, wherein, the incubation section, the nucleic acid amplification section and the dialysis section are all supported on the supporting substrate.

Abstract: A lab-on-a-chip (LOC) device for genetic analysis of a sample containing target nucleic acid sequences, the LOC device having a sample inlet for receiving the sample, a plurality of reagent reservoirs containing buffer, dNTPs, primers, and polymerase for addition to the sample, and, a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) section for thermal cycling the sample, buffer, dNTPs, primers, and polymerase to amplify the target nucleic acid sequences.

Abstract: An oligonucleotide spotting device for contactless spotting of probes onto a surface, the probes having nucleic acid sequences that are complementary to target nucleic acid sequences to be identified in a biological sample, the oligonucleotide spotting device having a supporting substrate, an array of ejectors, each having an actuator for ejecting droplets of liquid containing the oligonucleotide probes, and, CMOS circuitry for providing each of the drop ejection actuators with a drive pulse for droplet ejection, wherein, the CMOS circuitry has a digital memory for storing data related to the device.

Abstract: A microfluidic device for amplifying and detecting target nucleic acid sequences in a sample, the microfluidic device having a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) section for amplifying the target nucleic acid sequences, and, a hybridization section that has an array of electrochemiluminescent (ECL) probes for hybridization with the target nucleic acid sequences to form probe-target hybrids, and a plurality of electrodes for receiving an electrical pulse such that the probe-target hybrids emit a photon of light.