摘要:
A method and system are presented for fast and efficient isolation, purification and quantitation of nucleic acids from complex biological samples using isotachophoresis in microchannels. In an embodiment, a sieving medium may be used to enhance selectivity. In another embodiment, PCR-friendly chemistries are used to purify nucleic acids from complex biological samples and yield nucleic acids ready for further analysis including for PCR. In another embodiment, small RNAs from biological samples are extracted, isolated, preconcentrated and quantitated using on-chip ITP with a high efficiency sieving medium. The invention enables fast concentration and separation (takes 10s to 100s of seconds) of nucleic acids with high selectivity and using lower volumes of reagents (order of 10s of μL to focus less than 1 pg/μL of nucleic acid).
摘要:
Isotachophoresis (ITP) can be employed to simultaneously focus the target and ligand of an assay into the same ITP focus zone. The target and ligand can bind to each other in the ITP focus zone, and then the resulting bound complex can be detected (e.g., by fluorescence). The sensitivity of this approach can be greatly increased by the enhanced concentration of both target and ligand that ITP provides in the focus zone. Since ITP can be performed quickly, the resulting assay is both rapid and sensitive. Markers of bacterial urinary tract infections have been experimentally detected at clinically relevant concentrations with this approach. MicroRNA sequences have also been profiled with this approach, which is clinically relevant because MicroRNA is expected to provide useful markers for disease. In one experiment, miR-122 in human kidney and liver was detected and quantified.
摘要:
Analysis of samples is facilitated. According to an example embodiment, an electrophoresis approach involves electrophoretically stacking and/or separating a sample or samples. An electrolyte and a mixture of one or more samples with another electrolyte are added to a microchannel or capillary. An electric field is applied to stack (and, in some applications, further separate) the one or more samples. Generally, the electric field and electrolyte are used to facilitate isotachophoretic (ITP) stacking. In some embodiments, a further electric field is applied and used with the electrolyte to facilitate subsequent capillary electrophoresis (CE).
摘要:
Isotachophoresis (ITP) can be employed to simultaneously focus the target and ligand of an assay into the same ITP focus zone. The target and ligand can bind to each other in the ITP focus zone, and then the resulting bound complex can be detected (e.g., by fluorescence). The sensitivity of this approach can be greatly increased by the enhanced concentration of both target and ligand that ITP provides in the focus zone. Since ITP can be performed quickly, the resulting assay is both rapid and sensitive. Markers of bacterial urinary tract infections have been experimentally detected at clinically relevant concentrations with this approach. MicroRNA sequences have also been profiled with this approach, which is clinically relevant because MicroRNA is expected to provide useful markers for disease. In one experiment, miR-122 in human kidney and liver was detected and quantified.
摘要:
Indirect detection and/or identification of analytes by ITP can be enhanced by adding a mixture of labeled carrier ampholytes (CAs) to the sample to provide a continuous range of mobility markers. Each analyte can be detected and quantified by corresponding gaps in the CA signal. This approach does not require a priori choice of fluorophores and can be readily applied (without extensive and specific design) to a wide range of analytes. Analyte identification can be expedited by computing a normalized signal integral (NSI) from the CA signals. Empirical calibrations can relate the NSI to effective mobility. Effective mobility results under two or more different pH conditions can be used to determine analyte pKa and fully ionized mobility, which are analyte properties that can facilitate analyte identification.
摘要:
Apparatus and methods according to the present invention preferably utilize electroosmotic pumps in fluid handling and field sampling applications. The electroosmotic pumps used in these applications are capable of generating high pressure and flow without moving mechanical parts and the associated generation of unacceptable electrical and acoustic noise, as well as the associated reduction in reliability. Having multiple small flow channels in parallel provides both a high flow rate and high pressure in liquid handling. These electroosmotic pumps are fabricated with materials and structures that improve performance, efficiency, and reduce weight and manufacturing cost relative to presently available micropumps. These electroosmotic pumps also allow for recapture of evolved gases and deposited materials, which may provide for long-term closed-loop operation. Apparatus and methods according to the present invention also allow active regulation of the fluid handling and field sampling devices through electrical control of the flow through the pump. Electroosmotic pumping enables precise dispensing of samples to form genetic, proteomic, or small molecule arrays. A fluid sensor which can be optical, capacitive or other type of electrical sensor is integrated with the electroosmotic pump for measuring liquid levels in liquid drawing and dispensing operations.
摘要:
Apparatus and methods according to the present invention preferably utilize electroosmotic pumps that are capable of generating high pressure and flow without moving mechanical parts and the associated generation of unacceptable electrical and acoustic noise, as well as the associated reduction in reliability. These electroosmotic pumps are preferably fabricated with materials and structures that improve performance, efficiency, and reduce weight and manufacturing cost relative to presently available micropumps. These electroosmotic pumps also preferably allow for control including venting or recapture of evolved gases and deposited materials, which may provide for long-term closed-loop operation. A gas permeable membrane removes and vents electrolytic gasses generated within the fluid chamber of the electroosmotic pump to ambient. A catalyst can be used to recombine electrolytic gases to form a vapor product that can be vented or condensed into a liquid state. An osmotic membrane provides for re-entry of condensed fluid to the fluid chamber.
摘要:
In one aspect, the present invention is a technique of, and a system for conditioning power for a consuming device. In this regard, a power conditioning module, affixed to an integrated circuit device, conditions power to be applied to the integrated circuit device. The power conditioning module includes a semiconductor substrate having a first interface and a second interface wherein the first interface opposes the second interface. The power conditioning module further includes a plurality of interface vias, to provide electrical connection between the first interface and the second interface, and a first set of pads, disposed on the first interface and a second set of pads disposed on the second interface. Each of the pads is connected to a corresponding one of the interface vias on either the first or second interface. The power conditioning module also includes electrical circuitry, disposed within semiconductor substrate, to condition the power to be applied to the integrated circuit device. The electrical circuitry may be disposed on the first interface, the second interface, or both interfaces. Moreover, the electrical circuitry includes at least one voltage regulator and at least one capacitor.
摘要:
Devices and methods for preparing RNA and DNA from single cells are disclosed. In particular, the invention relates to a method of simultaneously extracting RNA and DNA from single cells and separating the nucleic acids electrophoretically. An electric field is used to lyse a single target cell, such that the plasma membrane is selectively disrupted without lysing the nuclear membrane. Cytoplasmic RNA is separated from the nucleus by performing isotachophoresis (ITP) in the presence of a sieving matrix that preferentially reduces the mobility of the nucleus. During ITP, the cytoplasmic RNA accumulates at an ITP interface between leading and trailing electrolytes and can later be extracted free of nuclear DNA. The method can be performed in a microfluidic device that fully automates all steps of the process.
摘要:
Disclosed are a method and apparatus that use an electric field for improved biological assays. The electric field is applied across a device having wells, which receive reactants, which carry a charge. The device thus uses a controllable voltage source between the first and second electrodes, which is controllable to provide a positive charge and a negative charge to a given electrode. By controlled use of the electric field charged species in a fluid in a fluid channel are directed into or out of the well by an electric field between the electrodes. The present method involves the transport of fluids, as in a microfluidic device, and the electric field-induced movement of reactive species according to various assay procedures, such as DNA sequencing, synthesis or the like.