Abstract:
In some embodiments, a method for manipulating DNA molecules for use in a microfluidic device is provided, where the method may comprise providing a solution of a plurality of DNA molecules having a first radius of gyration under under a zero flow velocity, and maintaining the DNA molecules in a spherical shape under a flow velocity.
Abstract:
The invention provides an electrophoresis cassette, wherein a macrofluidic separation channel (9) splits into separate portions (5, 6), one of which having an elution chamber (28) being formed by an analyte-permeable barrier (32) and an analyte-impermeable barrier (33).
Abstract:
A system has utility is guiding and tracking the execution of manual procedures. The system includes a support that holds multiple sample receptacles, computational circuitry to execute a protocol script that delivers instructions for executing various steps of the procedure, and a protocol progress sensor that advances the execution of the protocol script. The computer may be comparable in size to a support for holding the receptacles The receptacles be arranged in a frame, may be sealed with peelable or puncturable films and may include identifiers that are read by the system. The receptacles may be filled with a high heat capacity material to maintain a given temperature range. A variety of companion devices may interact with the system using the protocol script. An instrumented pipettor can communicate with the system for semi-automated execution of protocols.
Abstract:
A cassette for retaining molecules during electrophoresis has a housing with a lane configured therein. The lane has a first elongate edge and a second elongate edge, and an elution module is configured to be received in the late to divide the lane into a first chamber and a second chamber. A first buffer reservoir is positioned adjacent the first elongate edge, and a second buffer reservoir is positioned adjacent the second elongate edge. The first side of the elution module facing the first chamber comprises a porous sterile filtration membrane. The second side of the elution module facing the second chamber comprises an ultrafiltration membrane that has a pore size to retain molecules during electrophoresis.
Abstract:
A nucleic acid sample may be provided, and the sample may be treated by applying a first enzymatic nucleic acid modifying reagent to produce a first nucleic acid solution. A first protease reagent may be applied to the first nucleic acid solution to produce a second nucleic acid solution. The application of the first protease reagent may completely or substantially inactivate the first enzymatic nucleic acid modifying reagent. A first inhibitor reagent may be applied in order to produce a third nucleic acid solution, and the first inhibitor reagent may completely or substantially inactivate the first protease reagent.
Abstract:
A temperature regulation system has a polished surface sufficiently smooth so as to reduce the emissivity of the surface. A conduit is in thermal proximity to the polished surface and is in communication with a source of coolant. The coolant is circulated through the conduit so as to transfer heat from the surface to the coolant. System may include a sprayed-on resistive heater. An a temperature controlled vessel has a heat transfer wall that is of an electrically conductive material that is coated with a durable thermally conductive and electrically nonconductive coating. The coating may be a sprayed on coating and the vessel may hold a buffer for performing electrophoresis.
Abstract:
An electrophoresis cassette may include sample well(s), gel column(s) containing a separation gel, and elution modules arranged adjacent the gel column(s). A sample may be provided to the electrophoresis cassette and high-molecular weight DNA may be isolated from the sample. Single-copy DNA sequences may be cleaved on both sides of a repeat region of the DNA sequences to produce a cleaved sample, which then may be fractionated using gel electrophoresis. DNA fractions may be isolated from consecutive sections of the separation gel and subjected to PCR assays to detect single-copy sequences within the DNA fraction, said single-copy sequence containing repeat expansion sequences. The subjected DNA fractions may be electroeluted into the plurality of elution modules. A size of DNA fractions having the repeat expansion sequences may be determined. It is also determined if that size is above a normal repeat size range.
Abstract:
Systems and methods for processing fluid samples are disclosed. Fluid sample processing is accomplished using a series of microfluidic bump arrays include an automated and integrated system for sorting particles from a biological sample, lysing those particles to expose total RNA or DNA, purifying the RNA or DNA, processing the RNA or DNA by chemical or enzymatic modification, to select RNA or DNA molecules by size, or to generate, optionally, a sequencing library. The sequencing library is suitable for use in next generation sequencing ("NGS").
Abstract:
A fluid handling apparatus for use with a fluid transfer instrument has a support member for supporting a receptacle having a plurality of wells (each well has an opening defining a well plane), and at least one detector operatively coupled with the support member. The detector detects when an instrument penetrates the well plane of at least one of the plurality of wells.
Abstract:
Various implementations disclosed herein relate to automated processing of nucleic acids and electrophoretic sample preparation. An exemplary disposable cassette for automated molecular processing may include a base housing, a central channel arranged in the housing, and an elution module configured to be received in central channel and to divide the central channel into a first chamber and a second chamber. The elution module comprises a housing having a proximal side, a distal side and an elution module channel passing from the proximal side to the distal side. The elution module also comprises a first membrane attached to a proximal side of the elution module, a second membrane attached to a distal side of the elution module, and a porthole in fluid communication with the elution module channel and configured for receiving a sample.