Abstract:
The invention provides compositions and methods for storage of biomolecules. The biomolecules are stored via absorption to a substrate. Absorbed biomolecules can be eluted or recovered from the substrate at a future time, and optionally be subjected to a subsequent analysis or application. Biomolecules absorbed to a substrate for storage may also optionally be preserved, i.e., the absorbed biomolecule is resistant to or resists degradation.
Abstract:
An automated forensic data analysis system enabled for crowd-sourcing expert review comprises a logic processor with a memory or storage configured with logic instructions to provide or facilitate: a data-accessing module for reading and reviewing an original forensic biological data file; an evaluation module for determining whether the original forensic biological data file meets quality criteria for uploading to a forensic matching or identification service or database; and a crowd-sourcing expert review module for communicating with one or more experts for review of the data file when quality criteria or not met and receiving notifications and results from the one or more experts.
Abstract:
An electrophoresis cartridge can include an integrated electrophoresis assembly including an anode sub-assembly comprising an anode, a cathode sub-assembly comprising a cathode; and at least one electrophoresis capillary having a first end in fluid communication with the cathode sub-assembly and a second end in fluid communication with the anode sub-assembly. The cartridge can further include a reagent container comprising electrophoresis buffer; a fluid conduit in fluidic communication with the reagent container; a pump in fluidic communication with the fluid conduit, the pump configured to transfer the electrophoresis buffer through the fluid conduit from the reagent container to the passage of the cathode sub-assembly; and a sample inlet port and at least one sample line, wherein the sample line places the sample inlet port in fluidic communication with the first end of the electrophoresis capillary through a passage in the cathode sub-assembly.
Abstract:
A system for controlling custody of a sample can include a cartridge comprising a sample receptacle configured to receive an article configured to deliver a sample to the cartridge, a cartridge module having a cartridge receptacle configured to receive the cartridge; a housing enclosing the cartridge module and the cartridge. The housing can include a closable door; at least one sensor configured to produce a signal indicating: insertion or removal of an article into or from the sample receptacle; whether the cartridge is inserted into the cartridge receptacle; or whether the door is open or closed. The system can further include a computer programmed to record a signal from the at least one sensor for a recording period of time and to display a signal history to a user.
Abstract:
A method of controlling fluid flow in a fluid channel of fluidic cartridge can include closing a valve by actuating a mechanical actuator against the valve to force a deformable layer against walls of a valve body, wherein the valve body comprises a valve inlet and a valve outlet and each of the valve inlet and valve outlet are fluidically coupled to a fluidic channel; releasing the valve by retracting the mechanical actuator away from the valve body; and moving liquid through the valve by applying positive or negative pressure to the fluidic channel.
Abstract:
Provided herein is an electrophoresis separation medium comprising: (a) a non-crosslinked or sparsely cross-linked polymer or copolymer; (b) one or more denaturant compounds, in an amount sufficient to inhibit re-naturation of single stranded polynucleotides; (c) an aqueous solvent; (d) optionally, a wall-coating material suited to inhibition of electroosmotic flow; and (e) optionally, an organic water miscible solvent such as DMSO or acetonitrile, wherein the electrophoresis separation medium exhibits functional stability for at least seven days at 23° C. Also provided herein are sieving compositions, including polymer-based sieving compositions, for molecular sieving as well as related kits, devices and methods of use. Such compositions can be useful for separation of biomolecules such as nucleic acids, proteins, glycoproteins and glycans.
Abstract:
This disclosure provides an integrated and automated sample-to-answer system that, starting from a sample comprising biological material, generates a genetic profile in less than two hours. In certain embodiments, the biological material is DNA and the genetic profile involves determining alleles at one or a plurality of loci (e.g., genetic loci) of a subject, for example, an STR (short tandem repeat) profile, for example as used in the CODIS system. The system can perform several operations, including (a) extraction and isolation of nucleic acid; (b) amplification of nucleotide sequences at selected loci (e.g., genetic loci); and (c) detection and analysis of amplification product. These operations can be carried out in a system that comprises several integrated modules, including an analyte preparation module; a detection and analysis module and a control module.
Abstract:
Methods for analyzing raw electropherogram data are disclosed. Some methods includes extracting color data as a function of time or position from the raw electropherogram data, selecting from the electropherogram one or more peaks that contain color data for a first dye and substantially no color data from other dyes used in electrophoresis. The method also includes determining the color spectrum of the first dye, and using the color spectrum of the first dye to deconvolve the color data of the raw electropherogram data to separate the contributions of each of the dyes to the raw electropherogram data. Systems and apparatus for producing electropherograms are also disclosed.
Abstract:
A method of making an article bonding a layer of deformable material to a surface of a cartridge body having at least one valve body thereon to seal the at least one valve body, the valve body comprising a valve floor and valve walls comprising upper parts, wherein the valve floor is recessed from the surface and the valve walls extend from the surface to the valve floor, and wherein the valve body comprises walls that are curved or sloped in a direction that is non-normal to the plane defined by the surface; and deforming the layer such that upon release of a force causing the deformation, the layer is in contact with the upper parts of the valve walls and is in spaced from the valve floor so as to bias the valve to an open state.
Abstract:
A system comprises an authentication sub-system configured to authenticate a user and a biochemical analysis sub-system configured to perform a biochemical analysis on a biological sample provided to the biochemical analysis sub-system. The system is configured to authenticate a user using the authentication sub-system, instruct an authenticated user to provide a biological sample to the biochemical analysis sub-system, execute a biochemical analysis on a provided biological sample.