Abstract:
The invention provides a method for detecting a target nucleotide sequence by tagging the nucleotide sequence with a nucleotide tag, providing a probe oligonucleotide with a melting temperature Tm1, comprising a regulatory sequence and a nucleotide tag recognition sequence; incorporating the probe oligonucleotide into the tagged polynucleotide in a polynucleotide amplification reaction, providing a regulatory oligonucleotide with a melting temperature Tm2, comprising a sequence segment that is at least partially complementary to the regulatory sequence, amplifying the tagged target nucleic acid sequence in a PCR amplification reaction using the probe oligonucleotide as a primer, and detecting the amplification product; wherein Tm1 and Tm2 are higher than the annealing temperature associated with the polynucleotide amplification reaction.
Abstract:
A microfabricated fluidic unidirectional valve includes a microfabricated elastomer material having a flow through channel. The microfabricated fluidic unidirectional valve also includes an elastomer flap attached to the elastomer material in the flow through channel. The elastomer flap forms a seal in the flow through channel to prevent fluid from flowing in a first direction through the flow through channel and to allow fluid flow in a second direction through the flow through channel.
Abstract:
Methods and reagents for detection and analysis of nucleic acids are provided. Certain methods involves an encoding amplification in which a target sequence is associated with probe-binding sequences and optionally with indexing sequences, (2) an optional distribution step in which the product of the encoding amplification is split into multiple aliquots, and (3) a decoding and detection step in which the presence, absence, quantity, or relative amount of the target sequence in the aliquots is determined. The detection step makes use of a multifunctional “self-digesting” molecular probe comprising a primer polynucleotide and a probe oligonucleotide, linked in a 5′-5′ orientation.
Abstract:
Carriers or holders for holding microfluidic devices are provided. Some of the carriers that are provided include a hydration control device and/or a source of controlled fluid pressure to facilitate use of the carrier in conducting various types of analyses.
Abstract:
Reagents and methods are provided for detecting the presence of a target polynucleotide in a sample are disclosed. In one aspect, a method for producing a labeled amplification product by amplifying a target nucleic acid sequence to produce an amplification product comprising the target sequence, a first probe-binding sequence 5′ to the target sequence, and a second probe-binding sequence 3′ to the target sequence, thereby producing an amplification product; and hybridizing a first detection probe to the amplification product, said first detection probe comprising a first segment that hybridizes to the first probe-binding sequence and a second segment that hybridizes to the second probe-binding sequence, thereby producing a labeled amplification product is disclosed.
Abstract:
An apparatus for imaging one or more selected fluorescence indications from a microfluidic device. The apparatus includes an imaging path coupled to least one chamber in at least one microfluidic device. The imaging path provides for transmission of one or more fluorescent emission signals derived from one or more samples in the at least one chamber of the at least one microfluidic device. The chamber has a chamber size, the chamber size being characterized by an actual spatial dimension normal to the imaging path. The apparatus also includes an optical lens system coupled to the imaging path. The optical lens system is adapted to transmit the one or more fluorescent signals associated with the chamber.
Abstract:
Methods and systems are provided for conducting a reaction at a selected temperature or range of temperatures over time. An array device is provided. The array device contains separate reaction chambers and is formed as an elastomeric block from multiple layers. At least one layer has at least one recess that recess has at least one deflectable membrane integral to the layer with the recess. The array device has a thermal transfer device proximal to at least one of the reaction chambers. The thermal transfer device is formed to contact a thermal control source. Reagents for carrying out a desired reaction are introduced into the array device. The array device is contacted with a thermal control device such that the thermal control device is in thermal communication with the thermal control source so that a temperature of the reaction in at least one of the reaction chamber is changed as a result of a change in temperature of the thermal control source.
Abstract:
An M.times.N matrix microfluidic device for performing a matrix of reactions, the device having a plurality of reaction cells in communication with one of either a sample inlet or a reagent inlet through a via formed within an elastomeric block of the device. Methods provided include a method for forming vias in parallel in an elastomeric layer of an elastomeric block of a microfluidic device, the method comprising using patterned photoresist masks and etching reagents to etch away regions or portions of an elastomeric layer of the elastomeric block.
Abstract:
Microfluidic devices are described that include a rigid base layer, and an elastomeric layer on the base layer. The elastomeric layer may include at least part of a fluid channel for transporting a liquid reagent, and a vent channel that accepts gas diffusing through the elastomeric layer from the flow channel and vents it out of the elastomeric layer. The devices may also include a mixing chamber fluidly connected to the fluid channel, and a control channel overlapping with a deflectable membrane that defines a portion of the flow channel, where the control channel may be operable to change a rate at which the liquid reagent flows through the fluid channel. The devices may further include a rigid plastic layer on the elastomeric layer.
Abstract:
The invention relates to methods, reagents and devices for detection and characterization of nucleic acids, cells, and other biological samples. Assay method are provided in which a sample is partitioned into sub-samples, and analysis of the contents of the sub-samples carried out. The invention also provides microfluidic devices for conducting the assay. The invention also provides an analysis method using a universal primers and probes for amplification and detection.