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:
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:
Embodiments of the present disclosure present methods, systems, and devices for extrachromosomal DNA extraction, and in some embodiments, isolation of DNA therefrom, and/or analysis of the extracted and/or isolated DNA, including, in some embodiments, ecDNA.
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 sample containing particles having high-molecular-weight (HMW) DNA is entrapped in a gel matrix, and the gel matrix is exposed to a lysis reagent configured to release the HMW DNA from the particles. The HMW DNA may be purified by subjecting the gel matrix to an electrophoretic field that removes the HMW DNA from the particles, lysis reagents, and/or other sample constituents, from the gel matrix such that the HMW DNA remains. The gel matrix may be subjected with DNA cleavase reagents configured to cleave at specific DNA sequences within the HMW DNA to liberate defined segments of the DNA as fragments of reduced size. The gel matrix may also be subjected to an electrophoretic field, which moves and separates the DNA fragments from uncleaved DNA of the HMW DNA, which remains substantially immobile. The electrophoretically separated DNA fragments may be isolated from the gel matrix.
Abstract:
Methods, systems and apparatus for automated extraction, purification, and processing of nucleic acids from biological samples are presented. In some embodiments, hydrogel supports are used to immobilize particulate biological input samples and extract nucleic acids during operations. The use of hydrogel facilitates automated sample processing on robotic liquid handling systems. Devices, methods, and systems are also provided for electrophoretic sample preparation.