Abstract: A microfluidic device for detecting target molecules in a fluid, the microfluidic device having an array of electrochemiluminescent (ECL) probes for reaction with the target molecules to form a probe-target complexes, electrodes for receiving an electrical pulse, the probe-target complexes being configured to emit a photon of light when excited by current between the electrodes, and, a photosensor for detecting the light emitted by the probes, wherein during use, addition of the fluid to the probes prevents subsequent addition of other fluid to the probes.

Abstract: A lab-on-a-chip (LOC) device for genetic analysis having a supporting substrate, an inlet for receiving a biological sample containing target nucleic acid sequences, an array of probes each having a nucleic acid sequence for hybridization with the target nucleic acid sequences to form probe-target hybrids, and, a control probe designed to be complementary to sequences known to be absent from the biological sample.

Abstract: A microfluidic device for detecting target molecules in a sample, the microfluidic device having probes for reaction with the target molecules to form probe-target complexes, the probe-target complexes being configured to emit photons when excited, photodiodes for detecting photons emitted by the probe-target complexes and a calibration photodiode for exposure to a calibration source to generate a calibration signal, wherein during use, output from the photodiodes for detecting photons emitted by the probe-target complexes is calibrated by the calibration signal.

Abstract: A lab-on-a-chip (LOC) device to for analyzing leukocytes in a blood sample, the LOC device having a supporting substrate, an inlet for receiving a sample of blood including leukocytes and erythrocytes, a dialysis section for separating at least some of the erythrocytes from the leukocytes, and, a microsystems technology (MST) layer for separately analyzing the leukocytes, wherein, the inlet, the dialysis section and the MST layer are all supported on the supporting substrate.

Abstract: A lab-on-a-chip (LOC) device for detecting target molecules in a fluid, the LOC device having an array of electrochemiluminescent (ECL) probes for reaction with the target molecules to form probe-target complexes, and, electrodes for receiving an electrical pulse, wherein, the probes each have an ECL luminophore that emits a photon when excited by current between the electrodes, and a functional moiety for quenching photon emission from the ECL luminophore by resonant energy transfer.

Abstract: A microfluidic device having a probe for hybridization with a target nucleic acid sequence, a photodiode for detecting fluorescence emissions generated by hybridization of the probe 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, a peripheral edge of the photodiode and a peripheral edge of the shunt transistor contiguously abut each other.

Abstract: A microfluidic device for detecting target nucleic acid sequences in a sample, the microfluidic device having reagent reservoirs for adding reagents to the sample prior to detection of the target nucleic acid sequences, 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 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, a lens positioned in the outer casing for directing 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 a dedicated reader purpose built for operating with the microfluidic test module, 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 dedicated reader, and, a controller for operative control of the communication interface.

Abstract: A lab-on-a-chip (LOC) device for genetic analysis having a supporting substrate, a microsystems technology (MST) layer supported on the substrate, the MST layer having an inlet for receiving a biological sample containing target nucleic acid sequences, probes for hybridization with the target nucleic acid sequence to form probe-target hybrids, and, a plurality of reagent reservoirs containing all reagents necessary for performing the diagnostic assay.

Abstract: A test module for biochemical processing and analysis, the test module having an outer casing dimensioned for hand-held portability, the outer casing having a receptacle for receiving biochemical liquid, and, a reagent reservoir containing a reagent for addition to the biochemical liquid for use in chemical analysis of the biochemical liquid, wherein, the reagent reservoir has a volume less than 1000,000,000 cubic microns.

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 mitochondria containing mitochondrial DNA, a lysis section for lysing the mitochondria to release the mitochondrial DNA, fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) probes for hybridization with target nucleic acid sequences in the mitochondrial DNA to form probe-target hybrids, and, a photosensor for detecting the probe-target hybrids.

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, an electrochemical coreactant that is present with the luminophore during electrochemiluminescence.

Abstract: A microfluidic device having a supporting substrate, an inlet for receiving a biological sample containing target nucleic acid sequences, probes that each have a nucleic acid sequence for hybridization with a respective one of the target nucleic acid sequences to form a probe-target hybrid and emit a fluorescence signal in response to an excitation light, and, photosensors corresponding to each of the probes respectively, and, a control photosensor not corresponding to any of the probes such that the control photosensor does not sense the fluorescence signal of a corresponding probe-target hybrid during correct operation of the microfluidic device.

Abstract: A microfluidic device having a probe for hybridization with a target nucleic acid sequence to form a probe-target hybrid, the probe-target hybrid having a reporting fluorophore for emitting a fluorescence signal in response to an excitation light, a detection photodiode for exposure to the excitation light and the fluorescence signal, and, a trigger photodiode for exposure to the excitation light, the trigger photodiode being configured to activate the detection photodiode after the excitation light has been extinguished.

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

Abstract: A lab-on-a-chip (LOC) device to separate pathogens from a biological sample for analysis, the LOC device having a supporting substrate, an inlet for receiving the sample including pathogens and other constituents larger than the pathogens, a dialysis section for separating the pathogens into a portion of the sample, and, a microsystems technology (MST) layer for separately analyzing the pathogens, wherein, the inlet, the dialysis section and the MST layer are all supported on the supporting substrate.

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, and, an excitation LED for generating the excitation light, the LED positioned in the outer casing for simultaneously illuminating all the probes.

Abstract: A microfluidic device for detecting target nucleic acid sequences in a sample, the microfluidic device 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, wherein, the hybridization chambers each have a volume less than 900000 cubic microns.

Abstract: A microfluidic device having a supporting substrate, an inlet for receiving a biological sample containing a target nucleic acid sequence, probes that each have a nucleic acid sequence for hybridization with the target nucleic acid sequence to form a probe-target hybrid, a fluorophore and a quencher configured such that the fluorophore emits a fluorescence signal in response to an excitation light and the quencher quenches the fluorescence signal when the probe is not hybridized, but fails to quench the fluorescence signal from the probe-target hybrid, and, a reporter with a fluorophore positioned for exposure to the excitation light simultaneously with the probes, wherein, the reporter always emits the fluorescence signal in response to the excitation light.

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 to form an amplification mix, and, a nucleic acid amplification section for controlling the temperature of the amplification mix during isothermal amplification of the target nucleic acid sequences.

Abstract: A 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, and, a humidifier for increasing the humidity within the casing.

Abstract: A microfluidic device having a sample inlet for receiving a fluid sample, an incubation section for maintaining the fluid sample at an incubation temperature, the incubation section having at least one heater and at least one temperature sensor, wherein, the at least one temperature sensor is configured to provide output for feedback control of the at least one heater.

Abstract: A single-use test module for detecting hybridization of probes with nucleic acid sequences, the test module having a sample input for receiving a biological sample with target nucleic acid sequences, a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) section for amplifying the target nucleic acid sequences in the biological sample, an array of probes for hybridization with target nucleic acid sequences in the biological sample, and, circuitry having a photosensor for sensing hybridization between the probes and target nucleic acid sequences in the biological sample, wherein, the circuitry is configured to use outputs from the photosensor to generate a signal indicative of the probes that have hybridized.

Abstract: A microfluidic device for removing cell debris from a biological sample, the microfluidic device having a dialysis section with a large constituent channel and a small constituent channel, and a series of stoma 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, each of the stoma is tapered in a counter-flow direction such that each have a small opening to the large constituent channel and a large opening to the small constituent channel, the small openings being sized to allow the target molecules to flow into the small constituent channel but retain the cell debris larger than a threshol

Abstract: A system for loading reagents into a microfluidic device for genetic analysis, the system having containers with reagents for processing a biological sample in the microfluidic device, an integrated circuit secured to each of the containers respectively, each of the integrated circuits having a container digital memory storing reagent specification data related to the reagent in that container, a microfluidic device for performing a desired genetic test assay, the microfluidic device having a device digital memory, a reagent dispensing apparatus for loading a selection of the reagents into the microfluidic device, the reagent dispensing apparatus having a control microprocessor for accessing the container digital memory and transmitting the specification data to the device digital memory, and, a device reader for accessing the reagent specification data from the device digital memory in order to analyze test assay results from the microfluidic device.

Abstract: A microfluidic device having a supporting substrate, a probe 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, CMOS circuitry on the substrate, the CMOS circuitry having a photosensor for generating an output signal in response to the fluorescence signal, wherein, the CMOS circuitry is configured to initiate a time delay upon deactivation of the excitation light before activating the photosensor.

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 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, and, a nucleic acid amplification section downstream of the lysis section for amplifying nucleic acid sequences in the genetic material, wherein, the dialysis section, the lysis section and the nucleic acid amplification section are all supported on the supporting substrate.

Abstract: A microfluidic device for biochemical processing and analysis, the microfluidic device having a supporting substrate, a microsystems technology (MST) layer supported on the substrate, the MST layer having an inlet for receiving biochemical liquid, and, a reagent reservoir containing a reagent necessary for the biochemical processing, wherein, the reagent reservoir has a volume less than 1000,000,000 cubic microns.

Abstract: A microfluidic device for detecting target molecules in a fluid, the microfluidic device having an array of chambers, each containing electrochemiluminescent (ECL) probes for reaction with the target molecules to form a probe-target complex, and electrodes positioned in each of the chambers for receiving an electrical pulse, the probe-target complexes being configured to emit a photon of light when excited by current between the electrodes, a flow-path for the fluid containing the targets, wherein, each of the chambers have a chamber inlet for fluid communication between the sample flow-path and the probes within the chamber, the chamber inlet being configured as a diffusion barrier to prevent diffusion of the probe-target complexes between the chambers to an extent that causes erroneous detection results.

Abstract: A lab-on-a-chip (LOC) device for detecting target nucleic acid sequences in a fluid, the LOC device having hybridization chambers 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, a functional moiety for quenching photon emission from the ECL luminophore by resonant energy transfer, at least one calibration chamber containing probes sealed from contact with the fluid, and, electrodes for receiving an electrical pulse to excite the ECL luminophores.

Abstract: A lab-on-a-chip (LOC) device for pathogen detection, genetic analysis and proteomic analysis of a biological sample, the LOC device having an inlet for receiving the sample, a supporting substrate, a leukocyte dialysis section for dividing the sample into a leukocyte stream, and a pathogen and erythrocyte stream containing cells and sample constituents smaller than a first size threshold, a pathogen dialysis section for dividing the pathogen and erythrocyte stream into an erythrocyte stream and a pathogen stream containing cells and sample constituents smaller than a second size threshold, a leukocyte lysis section downstream of the leukocyte dialysis section for lysing the leukocytes with a lysis reagent to release genetic material and proteins therein, a leukocyte incubation section downstream of the leukocyte lysis section for enzymatic reaction of the genetic material with enzymes, a leukocyte nucleic acid amplification section downstream of the leukocyte incubation section for amplifying nucleic acid seq

Abstract: A test module for analyzing a sample fluid and communicating epidemiological data to a database, the test module having a receptacle for receiving the sample, functional sections for processing and analyzing the sample, a communication interface for communication with the epidemiological database, and, a controller for operative control of the communication interface.

Abstract: A microfluidic device for biochemical processing and analysis, the microfluidic device having a supporting substrate, a microsystems technology (MST) layer supported on the substrate, the MST layer having an inlet for receiving biochemical liquid, and, a plurality of reagent reservoirs containing all reagents necessary for the biochemical processing, wherein, each of the reagent reservoirs have an outlet with a surface tension valve for retaining the reagent in the reservoir with a reagent meniscus until contact with the biochemical liquid removes the reagent meniscus.

Abstract: A test module for analyzing a sample fluid containing target molecules, the test module having an outer casing with a receptacle for receiving the sample fluid, and, a microfluidic device having: a dialysis device in fluid communication with the receptacle and configured to separate the target molecules from other constituents of the sample, a lab-on-a-chip (LOC) device for analyzing the target molecules, and, a cap overlaying the LOC device and the dialysis device for establishing fluid communication between the LOC device and the dialysis device.

Abstract: A portable test module for excitation of electrochemiluminescent probes configured to detect target nucleic acid sequences, the test module having an outer casing configured for hand-held portability, the outer casing having a receptacle for receiving a 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, and, electrodes for receiving an electrical pulse to excite the ECL luminophores, wherein during use, the ECL probes that have detected one of the target nucleic acid sequences reconfigure such that the functional moiety does not quench the photon emission from the ECL luminophore when excited by the electrodes.

Abstract: A lab-on-a-chip (LOC) device for removing cell debris from a biological sample containing target nucleic acid sequences, the LOC 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 nucleic acid sequences, and the small constituent channel having a downstream end for connection to a hybridization section with an array of probes for hybridization with the target nucleic acid sequences to form probe-target complexes, wherein, the apertures are sized to allow the target nucleic acid sequences to flow into the small constituent channel but retain the cell debris larger than a threshold size in the large constituent channel.

Abstract: A microfluidic device having a supporting substrate, a sample inlet for receiving a sample of biological material having nucleic acid sequences, a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) section for amplifying the nucleic acid sequences, the PCR section having a PCR chamber, and, a heater element for heating the nucleic acid sequences within the PCR chamber, wherein during use, the PCR section generates sufficient amplicon for hybridization with an array of probes in less than 10 minutes.

Abstract: A microfluidic device for lysing cells in a fluid, the microfluidic device having an inlet channel for receiving a fluid containing cells, a lysis section in fluid communication with the inlet channel for holding the fluid during lysis of the cells, and, a lysis heater for heating the fluid in the lysis section such that the cells lyse, wherein, the inlet channel is configured for filling the lysis section by capillary action.

Abstract: A lab-on-a-chip (LOC) device for pathogen detection, genetic analysis and proteomic analysis of a biological sample, the LOC device having an inlet for receiving the sample, a supporting substrate, a leukocyte dialysis section for dividing the sample into a leukocyte stream, and a pathogen and erythrocyte stream containing cells and sample constituents smaller than a first size threshold, a pathogen dialysis section for dividing the pathogen and erythrocyte stream into an erythrocyte stream and a pathogen stream containing cells and sample constituents smaller than a second size threshold, a leukocyte lysis section downstream of the leukocyte dialysis section for lysing the leukocytes with a lysis reagent to release genetic material and proteins therein, a leukocyte incubation section downstream of the leukocyte lysis section for enzymatic reaction of the genetic material with enzymes, a pathogen lysis section downstream of the pathogen dialysis section for lysing the pathogens with a lysis reagent to release

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, electrodes for receiving an electrical pulse to excite the ECL luminophores, hybridization chambers containing the probes for detection of the targets, and a pair of the electrodes, and, at least one positive control chamber containing positive control probes that have the ECL luminophore but not the functional moiety for quenching photon emission.

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, wherein, the electrodes are plates of conductive material, the plates having edge profiles configured such that the length of peripheral edge of each of the plates is greater than 128 microns.

Abstract: A microfluidic device for analysis of genetic DNA and 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 has a mitochondrial membrane containing mitochondrial DNA and the nuclei have a nuclear membrane containing nuclear DNA, a first lysis section for lysing the outer cellular membrane and the mitochondrial membrane while the nuclear membrane remains intact, a second lysis section for lysing the nuclear membrane, mitochondrial probes downstream of the first lysis section for hybridization with target nucleic acid sequences in the mitochondrial DNA to form probe-target hybrids, and, nuclear probes downstream of the second lysis second for hybridization with target nucleic acid sequences in the nuclear DNA to form probe-target hybrids.

Abstract: A microfluidic device having a supporting substrate, an inlet for receiving a biological sample containing target nucleic acid sequences, probes that each have a nucleic acid sequence for hybridization with the target nucleic acid sequences to form probe-target hybrids, a fluorophore and a quencher configured such that the fluorophore emits a fluorescence signal in response to an excitation light and the quencher quenches the fluorescence signal when the probe is not hybridized, but fails to quench the fluorescence signal from the probe-target hybrid, and, a control probe with no fluorophore such that the control probe never emits the fluorescence signal in response to the excitation light.

Abstract: A LOC device having a supporting substrate, primer-linked, stem-and-loop probes, each with a nucleic acid sequence that matches one of a plurality of target nucleic acid sequences, 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, a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) section for amplifying the target nucleic acid sequences in the fluid prior to hybridization with the FRET probes, 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, a hybridization chamber containing probes having a nucleic acid sequence for hybridization with a target nucleic acid sequence to form probe-target hybrids, the probe-target hybrids being configured to 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 active area is less than 249 microns from the probe-target hybrids.

Abstract: A microfluidic device for amplifying nucleic acid sequences, the microfluidic device having an inlet for receiving a sample containing genetic material, a plurality of reagent reservoirs containing reagents for addition to the sample, and, a nucleic acid amplification section for amplifying nucleic acid sequences in the genetic material.

Abstract: A lab-on-a-chip (LOC) device for detecting a target nucleic acid sequence in a sample, the LOC device having a supporting substrate, probes with a nucleic acid sequence complementary to the target nucleic acid sequence for forming probe-target hybrids, an electrochemiluminescent (ECL) luminophore, and a functional moiety for quenching photon emission from the ECL luminophore by resonant energy transfer, electrodes for generating an excited state in the ECL luminophore in which the ECL luminophore emits photons of light, and, CMOS circuitry between the supporting substrate and the probes for applying a voltage across the electrodes.

Abstract: An apparatus for loading oligonucleotide spotting devices and spotting oligonucleotide probes, the apparatus having a plurality of oligonucleotide vials, each with a droplet dispenser, a mounting surface for detachably mounting an oligonucleotide spotting device, a chuck for detachably mounting the oligonucleotide spotting device adjacent the mounting surface, and, a control processor for operative control of the oligonucleotide vials, the oligonucleotide spotting device when mounted in the chuck and movement of the mounting surface relative to the oligonucleotide vials, and the oligonucleotide spotting device, wherein, the control processor is configured to activate the droplet dispensers, and move the oligonucleotide spotting device into registration with the oligonucleotide vials.

Abstract: A microfluidic device for processing a fluid, the microfluidic device having an inlet for receiving the fluid, functional sections for processing the fluid, a flow-path extending from the inlet into at least some of the functional sections, circuitry for operative control of the functional sections, and, a capillary meniscus marching velocity sensor having a plurality of liquid sensors spaced along the flow-path, each of the liquid sensors having electrodes positioned for contact with the fluid flowing along the flow-path, wherein, the circuitry is configured to provide a voltage across the electrodes such that current above a predetermined threshold is indicative of liquid at the electrodes and used to derive a velocity of the liquid flow front.