Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080253930 | CODED TUBES AND CONNECTORS FOR MICROFLUIDIC DEVICES - Tubes and connectors for microfluidic devices are described. The tubes are provided with a coding on their external surface for example, to allow easier identification. The connector comprises a plurality of through holes going through the connector. Each through hole can accommodate a pin for connection of microfluidic device ports on one side of the pin and connection of a reagent or sample liquid tube on the other side of the pin. | 10-16-2008 |
20080264863 | Microfluidic Sieve Valves - Sieve valves for use in micorfluidic device are provided. The valves are useful for impeding the flow of particles, such as chromatography beads or cells, in a microfluidic channel while allowing liquid solution to pass through the valve. The valves find particular use in making microfluidic chromatography modules. | 10-30-2008 |
20080281090 | Microfluidic Chemical Reaction Circuits - New microfluidic devices, useful for carrying out chemical reactions, are provided. The devices are adapted for on-chip solvent exchange, chemical processes requiring multiple chemical reactions, and rapid concentration of reagents. | 11-13-2008 |
20090018195 | MICROFLUIDIC CHEMOSTAT - A chemostat is described that includes a growth chamber having a plurality of compartments. Each of the compartments may be fluidly isolated from the rest of the growth chamber by one or more actuatable valves. The chemostat may also include a nutrient supply-line to supply growth medium to the growth chamber, and an output port to remove fluids from the growth chamber. Also, a method of preventing biofilm formation in a growth chamber of a chemostat is described. The method may include the steps of adding a lysis agent to a isolated portion of the growth chamber, and reuniting the isolated portion with the rest of the growth chamber. | 01-15-2009 |
20090053690 | SURFACE CHEMISTRY AND DEPOSITION TECHNIQUES - Surface chemistries for the visualization of labeled single molecules (analytes) with improved signal-to-noise properties are provided. To be observed, analyte molecules are bound to surface attachment features that are spaced apart on the surface such that when the analytes are labeled adjacent analytes are optically resolvable from each other. One way to express this concept is that binding elements should be spaced apart such that the Guassian point spread functions of adjacent labels do not overlap. Another way of expressing this concept is that the surface binding elements should be spaced apart by a distance equal to at least the diffraction limit for an optical label attached to the bound analytes. | 02-26-2009 |
20090165320 | Photocurable perfluoropolyethers for use as novel materials in microfluidic devices - A functionalized photocurable perfluoropolyether is used as a material for fabricating a solvent-resistant microfluidic device. Such solvent-resistant microfluidic devices can be used to control the flow of small amounts of a fluid, such as an organic solvent, and to perform microscale chemical reactions that are not amenable to other polymer-based microfluidic devices. | 07-02-2009 |
20090253141 | METHODS AND APPARATUSES FOR ANALYZING POLYNUCLEOTIDE SEQUENCES - Methods for high speed, high throughput analysis of polynucleotide sequences, and apparatuses with which to carry out the methods are provided in the invention. | 10-08-2009 |
20100069250 | Digital PCR Calibration for High Throughput Sequencing - Disclosed is a method for accurately determining the number of template molecules in a library of nucleic acids (e.g., DNA) to be sequenced. The method does not require large amounts of the DNA sample, nor does it require the preparation of a standard curve. The method is especially applicable to methodologies for “sequencing by synthesis,” where quantitation of the starting library is important. The method uses quantitative real time PCR, especially digital PCR, which measures the number of individual molecules in a sample. The present method particularly may use a microfluidic device for running large numbers of PCR reactions. Each PCR reaction is monitored in real time by a primer/probe combination. The forward primer is adapted to contain a sequence not on the adapter but which corresponds to a probe sequence. A short probe which generates fluorescence during the PCR process is used. | 03-18-2010 |
20100112575 | Noninvasive Diagnosis of Fetal Aneuploidy by Sequencing - Disclosed is a method to achieve digital quantification of DNA (i.e., counting differences between identical sequences) using direct shotgun sequencing followed by mapping to the chromosome of origin and enumeration of fragments per chromosome. The preferred method uses massively parallel sequencing, which can produce tens of millions of short sequence tags in a single run and enabling a sampling that can be statistically evaluated. By counting the number of sequence tags mapped to a predefined window in each chromosome, the over- or under-representation of any chromosome in maternal plasma DNA contributed by an aneuploid fetus can be detected. This method does not require the differentiation of fetal versus maternal DNA. The median count of autosomal values is used as a normalization constant to account for differences in total number of sequence tags is used for comparison between samples and between chromosomes. | 05-06-2010 |
20100120018 | Integrated Active Flux Microfluidic Devices and Methods - The invention relates to a microfabricated device for the rapid detection of DNA, proteins or other molecules associated with a particular disease. The devices and methods of the invention can be used for the simultaneous diagnosis of multiple diseases by detecting molecules (e.g. amounts of molecules), such as polynucleotides (e.g., DNA) or proteins (e.g., antibodies), by measuring the signal of a detectable reporter associated with hybridized polynucleotides or antigen/antibody complex. In the microfabricated device according to the invention, detection of the presence of molecules (i.e., polynucleotides, proteins, or antigen/antibody complexes) are correlated to a hybridization signal from an optically-detectable (e.g. fluorescent) reporter associated with the bound molecules. These hybridization signals can be detected by any suitable means, for example optical, and can be stored for example in a computer as a representation of the presence of a particular gene. Hybridization probes can be immobilized on a substrate that forms part of or is exposed to a channel or channels of the device that form a closed loop, for circulation of sample to actively contact complementary probes. Universal chips according to the invention can be fabricated not only with DNA but also with other molecules such as RNA, proteins, peptide nucleic acid (PNA) and polyamide molecules. | 05-13-2010 |
20100138165 | Noninvasive Diagnosis of Fetal Aneuploidy by Sequencing - Disclosed is a method to achieve digital quantification of DNA (i.e., counting differences between identical sequences) using direct shotgun sequencing followed by mapping to the chromosome of origin and enumeration of fragments per chromosome. The preferred method uses massively parallel sequencing, which can produce tens of millions of short sequence tags in a single run and enabling a sampling that can be statistically evaluated. By counting the number of sequence tags mapped to a predefined window in each chromosome, the over- or under-representation of any chromosome in maternal plasma DNA contributed by an aneuploid fetus can be detected. This method does not require the differentiation of fetal versus maternal DNA. The median count of autosomal values is used as a normalization constant to account for differences in total number of sequence tags is used for comparison between samples and between chromosomes. | 06-03-2010 |
20100175767 | Microfabricated Elastomeric Valve and Pump Systems - A method of fabricating an elastomeric structure, comprising: forming a first elastomeric layer on top of a first micromachined mold, the first micromachined mold having a first raised protrusion which forms a first recess extending along a bottom surface of the first elastomeric layer; forming a second elastomeric layer on top of a second micromachined mold, the second micromachined mold having a second raised protrusion which forms a second recess extending along a bottom surface of the second elastomeric layer; bonding the bottom surface of the second elastomeric layer onto a top surface of the first elastomeric layer such that a control channel forms in the second recess between the first and second elastomeric layers; and positioning the first elastomeric layer on top of a planar substrate such that a flow channel forms in the first recess between the first elastomeric layer and the planar substrate. | 07-15-2010 |
20100187105 | Microfabricated Elastomeric Valve And Pump Systems - A method of fabricating an elastomeric structure, comprising: forming a first elastomeric layer on top of a first micromachined mold, the first micromachined mold having a first raised protrusion which forms a first recess extending along a bottom surface of the first elastomeric layer; forming a second elastomeric layer on top of a second micromachined mold, the second micromachined mold having a second raised protrusion which forms a second recess extending along a bottom surface of the second elastomeric layer; bonding the bottom surface of the second elastomeric layer onto a top surface of the first elastomeric layer such that a control channel forms in the second recess between the first and second elastomeric layers; and positioning the first elastomeric layer on top of a planar substrate such that a flow channel forms in the first recess between the first elastomeric layer and the planar substrate. | 07-29-2010 |
20100190151 | FLUORESCENTLY LABELED NUCLEOSIDE TRIPHOSPHATES AND ANALOGS THEREOF FOR SEQUENCING NUCLEIC ACIDS - The invention provides methods for sequencing a nucleic acid, and particularly methods for synthesizing fluorescently labeled nucleoside triphosphates and related analogs for sequencing nucleic acids. | 07-29-2010 |
20100196892 | Methods and Systems for Molecular Fingerprinting - This invention relates in general to a method for molecular fingerprinting. The method can be used for forensic identification (e.g. DNA fingerprinting, especially by VNTR), bacterial typing, and human/animal pathogen diagnosis. More particularly, molecules such as polynucleotides (e.g. DNA) can be assessed or sorted by size in a microfabricated device that analyzes the polynucleotides according to restriction fragment length polymorphism. In a microfabricated device according to the invention, DNA fragments or other molecules can be rapidly and accurately typed using relatively small samples, by measuring for example the signal of an optically-detectable (e.g., fluorescent) reporter associated with the polynucleotide fragments. | 08-05-2010 |
20100200782 | Microfabricated Elastomeric Valve And Pump Systems - A method of fabricating an elastomeric structure, comprising: forming a first elastomeric layer on top of a first micromachined mold, the first micromachined mold having a first raised protrusion which forms a first recess extending along a bottom surface of the first elastomeric layer; forming a second elastomeric layer on top of a second micromachined mold, the second micromachined mold having a second raised protrusion which forms a second recess extending along a bottom surface of the second elastomeric layer; bonding the bottom surface of the second elastomeric layer onto a top surface of the first elastomeric layer such that a control channel forms in the second recess between the first and second elastomeric layers; and positioning the first elastomeric layer on top of a planar substrate such that a flow channel forms in the first recess between the first elastomeric layer and the planar substrate. | 08-12-2010 |
20100255471 | Single cell gene expression for diagnosis, prognosis and identification of drug targets - Methods are provided for diagnosis and prognosis of disease by analyzing expression of a set of genes obtained from single cell analysis. Classification allows optimization of treatment, and determination of whether on whether to proceed with a specific therapy, and how to optimize dose, choice of treatment, and the like. Single cell analysis also provides for the identification and development of therapies which target mutations and/or pathways in disease-state cells. | 10-07-2010 |
20100260717 | METHODS OF TREATING A FLAVIVIRIDAE FAMILY VIRAL INFECTION, COMPOSITIONS FOR TREATING A FLAVIVIRIDAE FAMILY VIRAL INFECTION, AND SCREENING ASSAYS FOR IDENTIFYING COMPOSITIONS FOR TREATING A FLAVIVIRIDAE FAMILY VIRAL INFECTION - Briefly described, embodiments of this disclosure include compositions, pharmaceutical compositions, methods of treating a host infected with a virus from the Flaviviridae family of viruses, methods of identifying a candidate agent for the treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, and the like. | 10-14-2010 |
20100263732 | Microfluidic Free Interface Diffusion Techniques - A static fluid and a second fluid are placed into contact along a microfluidic free interface and allowed to mix by diffusion without convective flow across the interface. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the fluids are static and initially positioned on either side of a closed valve structure in a microfluidic channel having a width that is tightly constrained in at least one dimension. The valve is then opened, and no-slip layers at the sides of the microfluidic channel suppress convective mixing between the two fluids along the resulting interface. Applications for microfluidic free interfaces in accordance with embodiments of the present invention include, but are not limited to, protein crystallization studies, protein solubility studies, determination of properties of fluidics systems, and a variety of biological assays such as diffusive immunoassays, substrate turnover assays, and competitive binding assays. | 10-21-2010 |
20110151442 | Direct Molecular Diagnosis of Fetal Aneuploidy - Methods and materials for detection of aneuploidy and other chromosomal abnormalities using fetal tissue are disclosed. Results can be obtained rapidly, without cell culture. The method uses digital PCR for amplification and detection of single target sequences, allowing an accurate count of a specific chromosome or chromosomal region. Specific polynucleic acid primers and probes are disclosed for chromosomes 1, 13, 18, 21, X and Y. These polynucleic acid sequences are chosen to be essentially invariant between individuals, so the test is not dependent on sequence differences between fetus and mother. | 06-23-2011 |
20110177499 | Methods and Systems for Molecular Fingerprinting - This invention relates in general to a method for molecular fingerprinting. The method can be used for forensic identification (e.g. DNA fingerprinting, especially by VNTR), bacterial typing, and human/animal pathogen diagnosis. More particularly, molecules such as polynucleotides (e.g. DNA) can be assessed or sorted by size in a microfabricated device that analyzes the polynucleotides according to restriction fragment length polymorphism. In a microfabricated device according to the invention, DNA fragments or other molecules can be rapidly and accurately typed using relatively small samples, by measuring for example the signal of an optically-detectable (e.g., fluorescent) reporter associated with the polynucleotide fragments. | 07-21-2011 |
20110201009 | Microfabricated Crossflow Devices and Methods - A microfluidic device for analyzing and/or sorting biological materials (e.g., molecules such as polynucleotides and polypeptides, including proteins and enzymes; viruses and cells) and methods for its use are provided. The device and methods of the invention are useful for sorting particles, e.g. virions. The invention is also useful for high throughput screening, e.g. combinatorial screening. The microfluidic device comprises a main channel and an inlet region in communication with the main channel at a droplet extrusion region. Droplets of solution containing the biological material are deposited into the main channel through the droplet extrusion region. A fluid different from and incompatible with the solution containing the biological material flows through the main channel so that the droplets containing the biological material do not diffuse or mix. Biological material within the droplets can be analyzed and/or sorted by detecting a predetermined characteristic of the biological sample in each droplet and sorting the droplet accordingly. | 08-18-2011 |
20110246083 | Noninvasive Diagnosis of Fetal Aneuploidy by Sequencing - Disclosed is a method to achieve digital quantification of DNA (i.e., counting differences between identical sequences) using direct shotgun sequencing followed by mapping to the chromosome of origin and enumeration of fragments per chromosome. The preferred method uses massively parallel sequencing, which can produce tens of millions of short sequence tags in a single run and enabling a sampling that can be statistically evaluated. By counting the number of sequence tags mapped to a predefined window in each chromosome, the over- or under-representation of any chromosome in maternal plasma DNA contributed by an aneuploid fetus can be detected. This method does not require the differentiation of fetal versus maternal DNA. The median count of autosomal values is used as a normalization constant to account for differences in total number of sequence tags is used for comparison between samples and between chromosomes. | 10-06-2011 |
20110319272 | Noninvasive Diagnosis of Fetal Aneuploidy by Sequencing - Disclosed is a method to achieve digital quantification of DNA (i.e., counting differences between identical sequences) using direct shotgun sequencing followed by mapping to the chromosome of origin and enumeration of fragments per chromosome. The preferred method uses massively parallel sequencing, which can produce tens of millions of short sequence tags in a single run and enabling a sampling that can be statistically evaluated. By counting the number of sequence tags mapped to a predefined window in each chromosome, the over- or under-representation of any chromosome in maternal plasma DNA contributed by an aneuploid fetus can be detected. This method does not require the differentiation of fetal versus maternal DNA. The median count of autosomal values is used as a normalization constant to account for differences in total number of sequence tags is used for comparison between samples and between chromosomes. | 12-29-2011 |
20120046639 | MICROFLUIDIC FREE INTERFACE DIFFUSION TECHNIQUES - A static fluid and a second fluid are placed into contact along a microfluidic free interface and allowed to mix by diffusion without convective flow across the interface. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the fluids are static and initially positioned on either side of a closed valve structure in a microfluidic channel having a width that is tightly constrained in at least one dimension. The valve is then opened, and no-slip layers at the sides of the microfluidic channel suppress convective mixing between the two fluids along the resulting interface. Applications for microfluidic free interfaces in accordance with embodiments of the present invention include, but are not limited to, protein crystallization studies, protein solubility studies, determination of properties of fluidics systems, and a variety of biological assays such as diffusive immunoassays, substrate turnover assays, and competitive binding assays. | 02-23-2012 |
20120061305 | MICROFLUIDIC SIEVE VALVES - Sieve valves for use in microfluidic device are provided. The valves are useful for impeding the flow of particles, such as chromatography beads or cells, in a microfluidic channel while allowing liquid solution to pass through the valve. The valves find particular use in making microfluidic chromatography modules. | 03-15-2012 |
20120065277 | MICROFLUIDIC CHEMOSTAT - A chemostat is described that includes a growth chamber having a plurality of compartments. Each of the compartments may be fluidly isolated from the rest of the growth chamber by one or more actuatable valves. The chemostat may also include a nutrient supply-line to supply growth medium to the growth chamber, and an output port to remove fluids from the growth chamber. Also, a method of preventing biofilm formation in a growth chamber of a chemostat is described. The method may include the steps of adding a lysis agent to a isolated portion of the growth chamber, and reuniting the isolated portion with the rest of the growth chamber. | 03-15-2012 |
20120091374 | MICROFABRICATED ELASTOMERIC VALVE AND PUMP SYSTEMS - A method of fabricating an elastomeric structure, comprising: forming a first elastomeric layer on top of a first micromachined mold, the first micromachined mold having a first raised protrusion which forms a first recess extending along a bottom surface of the first elastomeric layer; forming a second elastomeric layer on top of a second micromachined mold, the second micromachined mold having a second raised protrusion which forms a second recess extending along a bottom surface of the second elastomeric layer; bonding the bottom surface of the second elastomeric layer onto a top surface of the first elastomeric layer such that a control channel forms in the second recess between the first and second elastomeric layers; and positioning the first elastomeric layer on top of a planar substrate such that a flow channel forms in the first recess between the first elastomeric layer and the planar substrate. | 04-19-2012 |
20120108460 | NON-INVASIVE FETAL GENETIC SCREENING BY SEQUENCING ANALYSIS - The invention provides a non-invasive technique for the differential detection of multiple genotypes and/or mutations for a plurality of target genes in a biological sample containing genetic material from different genomic sources. Methods are conducted using multiplex amplification of a plurality of target sequences from the biological sample, and sequencing is used to detect and enumerate genetic mutations and chromosomal abnormalities at the single nucleotide level. | 05-03-2012 |
20120129719 | Mechanically induced trapping of molecular interactions - The invention provides devices and methods for surface patterning the substrate of a microfluidic device, and for detection and analysis of interactions between molecules by mechanically trapping a molecular complex while substantially expelling solvent and unbound solute molecules. Examples of molecular complexes include protein-protein complexes and protein-nucleic acid complexes. | 05-24-2012 |
20120178084 | INTEGRATED ACTIVE FLUX MICROFLUIDIC DEVICES AND METHODS - The invention relates to a microfabricated device for the rapid detection of DNA, proteins or other molecules associated with a particular disease. The devices and methods of the invention can be used for the simultaneous diagnosis of multiple diseases by detecting molecules (e.g. amounts of molecules), such as polynucleotides (e.g., DNA) or proteins (e.g., antibodies), by measuring the signal of a detectable reporter associated with hybridized polynucleotides or antigen/antibody complex. In the microfabricated device according to the invention, detection of the presence of molecules (i.e. Polynucleotides, proteins, or antigen/antibody complexes) are correlated to a hybridization signal from an optically-detectable (e.g. fluorescent) reporter associated with the bound molecules. These hybridization signals can be detected by any suitable means, for example optical, and can be stored for example in a computer as a representation of the presence of a particular gene. | 07-12-2012 |
20120196754 | NON-INVASIVE DETERMINATION OF FETAL INHERITANCE OF PARENTAL HAPLOTYPES AT THE GENOME-WIDE SCALE - The present invention provides a method, device and a computer program for haplotyping single cells, such that a sample taken from a pregnant female, without directly sampling the fetus, provides the ability to non-invasively determine the fetal genome. The method can be performed by determining the parental and inherited haplotypes, or can be performed merely on the basis of the mother's genetic information, obtained preferably in a blood or serum sample. The novel device allows for sequence analysis of single chromosomes from a single cell, preferably by partitioning single chromosomes from a metaphase cell into long, thin channels where a sequence analysis can be performed. | 08-02-2012 |
20120208710 | Noninvasive Diagnosis of Fetal Aneuoploidy by Sequencing - Disclosed is a method to achieve digital quantification of DNA (i.e., counting differences between identical sequences) using direct shotgun sequencing followed by mapping to the chromosome of origin and enumeration of fragments per chromosome. The preferred method uses massively parallel sequencing, which can produce tens of millions of short sequence tags in a single run and enabling a sampling that can be statistically evaluated. By counting the number of sequence tags mapped to a predefined window in each chromosome, the over- or under-representation of any chromosome in maternal plasma DNA contributed by an aneuploid fetus can be detected. This method does not require the differentiation of fetal versus maternal DNA. The median count of autosomal values is used as a normalization constant to account for differences in total number of sequence tags is used for comparison between samples and between chromosomes. | 08-16-2012 |
20120231444 | Microfabricated Crossflow Devices and Methods - This invention provides microfabricated devices and methods for detecting, analyzing and sorting biological materials and particles. Droplets containing the particles are provided in an extrusion fluid, passed through a detection region, and then directed into a branch channel according to predetermined characteristics. For example, cells or viral particles contained in droplets of aqueous solvent are flowed past a detector in the nonpolar extrusion fluid decane, and routed into a selected branch channel for subsequent analysis or use. | 09-13-2012 |
20120276543 | Microfabricated Crossflow Devices and Methods - A microfluidic device is provided for analyzing or sorting biological materials, such as polynucleotides, polypeptides, proteins, enzymes, viruses and cells. The invention can be used for high throughput or combinatorial screening. The device comprises a main channel and an inlet channel that communicate at a droplet extrusion region so that droplets of solution are deposited into an immiscible solvent in the main channel. Droplets can thereafter be sorted according to biological material detected in each droplet. | 11-01-2012 |
20120276544 | Microfabricated Crossflow Devices and Methods - A microfluidic device is provided for analyzing or sorting biological materials, such as polynucleotides, polypeptides, proteins, enzymes, viruses and cells. The invention can be used for high throughput or combinatorial screening. The device comprises a main channel and an inlet channel that communicate at a droplet extrusion region so that droplets of solution are deposited into an immiscible solvent in the main channel. Droplets can thereafter be sorted according to biological material detected in each droplet. | 11-01-2012 |
20120295266 | Methods and Systems for Molecular Fingerprinting - This invention relates in general to a method for molecular fingerprinting. The method can be used for forensic identification (e.g. DNA fingerprinting, especially by VNTR), bacterial typing, and human/animal pathogen diagnosis. More particularly, molecules such as polynucleotides (e.g. DNA) can be assessed or sorted by size in a microfabricated device that analyzes the polynucleotides according to restriction fragment length polymorphism. In a microfabricated device according to the invention, DNA fragments or other molecules can be rapidly and accurately typed using relatively small samples, by measuring for example the signal of an optically-detectable (e.g., fluorescent) reporter associated with the polynucleotide fragments. | 11-22-2012 |
20120295810 | Non-Invasive Diagnosis of Graft Rejection in Organ Transplant Patients - The disclosure provides methods, devices, compositions and kits for diagnosing or predicting transplant status or outcome in a subject who has received a transplant. The methods comprise determining the presence or absence of one or more nucleic acids from a donor transplant, wherein said one or more nucleic acids from said donor are identified based on a predetermined marker profile, and diagnosing or predicting transplant status or outcome based on the presence or absence of said one or more nucleic acids. | 11-22-2012 |
20120328834 | MICROFABRICATED ELASTOMERIC VALVE AND PUMP SYSTEMS - A method of fabricating an elastomeric structure, comprising: forming a first elastomeric layer on top of a first micromachined mold, the first micromachined mold having a first raised protrusion which forms a first recess extending along a bottom surface of the first elastomeric layer; forming a second elastomeric layer on top of a second micromachined mold, the second micromachined mold having a second raised protrusion which forms a second recess extending along a bottom surface of the second elastomeric layer; bonding the bottom surface of the second elastomeric layer onto a top surface of the first elastomeric layer such that a control channel forms in the second recess between the first and second elastomeric layers; and positioning the first elastomeric layer on top of a planar substrate such that a flow channel forms in the first recess between the first elastomeric layer and the planar substrate. | 12-27-2012 |
20130079231 | METHODS FOR OBTAINING A SEQUENCE - The invention generally relates to methods for obtaining a sequence, such as a consensus sequence or a haplotype sequence. In certain embodiments, methods of the invention involve determining an amount of amplifiable nucleic acid present in a sample, partitioning the nucleic acid based upon results of the determining step such that each partitioned portion includes, on average, a subset of unique sequences, sequencing the nucleic acid to obtain sequence reads, and assembling a consensus sequence from the reads. | 03-28-2013 |
20130157870 | METHODS FOR OBTAINING A SEQUENCE - The invention generally relates to methods for obtaining a sequence, such as a consensus sequence or a haplotype sequence. In certain embodiments, methods of the invention involve determining an amount of amplifiable nucleic acid present in a sample, partitioning the nucleic acid based upon results of the determining step such that each partitioned portion includes, on average, a subset of unique sequences, sequencing the nucleic acid to obtain sequence reads, and assembling a consensus sequence from the reads. | 06-20-2013 |
20130196861 | MEASUREMENT AND COMPARISON OF IMMUNE DIVERSITY BY HIGH-THROUGHPUT SEQUENCING - A precise measurement of the immunological receptor diversity present in a sample is obtained by sequence analysis. Samples of interest are generally complex, comprising more than 10 | 08-01-2013 |
20130225435 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR ANALYSIS OF SINGLE CELLS - Methods are provided for diagnosis and prognosis of disease by analyzing expression of a set of genes obtained from single cell analysis. Classification allows optimization of treatment, and determination of whether on whether to proceed with a specific therapy, and how to optimize dose, choice of treatment, and the like. Single cell analysis also provides for the identification and development of therapies which target mutations and/or pathways in disease-state cells. | 08-29-2013 |
20130252835 | METHODS FOR PROFILING AND QUANTITATING CELL-FREE RNA - The invention generally relates to methods for assessing the health of a tissue by characterizing circulating nucleic acids in a biological sample. According to certain embodiments, methods for assessing the health of a tissue include the steps of detecting a sample level of RNA in a biological sample, comparing the sample level of RNA to a reference level of RNA specific to the tissue, determining whether a difference exists between the sample level and the reference level, and characterizing the tissue as abnormal if a difference is detected. | 09-26-2013 |
20130295653 | INTEGRATED ACTIVE FLUX MICROFLUIDIC DEVICES AND METHODS - The invention relates to a microfabricated device for the rapid detection of DNA, proteins or other molecules associated with a particular disease. The devices and methods of the invention can be used for the simultaneous diagnosis of multiple diseases by detecting molecules (e.g. amounts of molecules), such as polynucleotides (e.g., DNA) or proteins (e.g., antibodies), by measuring the signal of a detectable reporter associated with hybridized polynucleotides or antigen/antibody complex. In the microfabricated device according to the invention, detection of the presence of molecules (i.e., polynucleotides, proteins, or antigen/antibody complexes) are correlated to a hybridization signal from an optically-detectable (e.g. fluorescent) reporter associated with the bound molecules. These hybridization signals can be detected by any suitable means, for example optical, and can be stored for example in a computer as a representation of the presence of a particular gene. | 11-07-2013 |
20130341190 | Method and Apparatus for Analysis and Sorting of Polynucleotides Based on Size - The invention relates to a microfabricated device and methods of using the device for analyzing and sorting polynucleotide molecules by size. | 12-26-2013 |
20140041727 | HIGH THROUGHPUT SCREENING OF CRYSTALLIZATION OF MATERIALS - High throughput screening of crystallization of a target material is accomplished by simultaneously introducing a solution of the target material into a plurality of chambers of a microfabricated fluidic device. The microfabricated fluidic device is then manipulated to vary the solution condition in the chambers, thereby simultaneously providing a large number of crystallization environments. Control over changed solution conditions may result from a variety of techniques, including but not limited to metering volumes of crystallizing agent into the chamber by volume exclusion, by entrapment of volumes of crystallizing agent determined by the dimensions of the microfabricated structure, or by cross-channel injection of sample and crystallizing agent into an array of junctions defined by intersecting orthogonal flow channels. | 02-13-2014 |
20140051583 | Noninvasive Diagnosis of Fetal Aneuploidy by Sequencing - Disclosed is a method to achieve digital quantification of DNA (i.e., counting differences between identical sequences) using direct shotgun sequencing followed by mapping to the chromosome of origin and enumeration of fragments per chromosome. The preferred method uses massively parallel sequencing, which can produce tens of millions of short sequence tags in a single run and enabling a sampling that can be statistically evaluated. By counting the number of sequence tags mapped to a predefined window in each chromosome, the over- or under-representation of any chromosome in maternal plasma DNA contributed by an aneuploid fetus can be detected. This method does not require the differentiation of fetal versus maternal DNA. The median count of autosomal values is used as a normalization constant to account for differences in total number of sequence tags is used for comparison between samples and between chromosomes. | 02-20-2014 |
20140065653 | MICROFLUIDIC LARGE SCALE INTEGRATION - High-density microfluidic chips contain plumbing networks with thousands of micromechanical valves and hundreds of individually addressable chambers. These fluidic devices are analogous to electronic integrated circuits fabricated using large scale integration (LSI). A component of these networks is the fluidic multiplexor, which is a combinatorial array of binary valve patterns that exponentially increases the processing power of a network by allowing complex fluid manipulations with a minimal number of inputs. These integrated microfluidic networks can be used to construct a variety of highly complex microfluidic devices, for example the microfluidic analog of a comparator array, and a microfluidic memory storage device resembling electronic random access memories. | 03-06-2014 |
20140134613 | Direct Molecular Diagnosis of Fetal Aneuploidy - Methods and materials for detection of aneuploidy and other chromosomal abnormalities using fetal tissue are disclosed. Results can be obtained rapidly, without cell culture. The method uses digital PCR for amplification and detection of single target sequences, allowing an accurate count of a specific chromosome or chromosomal region. Specific polynucleic acid primers and probes are disclosed for chromosomes 1, 13, 18, 21, X and Y. These polynucleic acid sequences are chosen to be essentially invariant between individuals, so the test is not dependent on sequence differences between fetus and mother. | 05-15-2014 |
20140141497 | MICROFLUIDIC CHEMOSTAT - A chemostat is described that includes a growth chamber having a plurality of compartments. Each of the compartments may be fluidly isolated from the rest of the growth chamber by one or more actuatable valves. The chemostat may also include a nutrient supply-line to supply growth medium to the growth chamber, and an output port to remove fluids from the growth chamber. Also, a method of preventing biofilm formation in a growth chamber of a chemostat is described. The method may include the steps of adding a lysis agent to a isolated portion of the growth chamber, and reuniting the isolated portion with the rest of the growth chamber. | 05-22-2014 |
20140235478 | Measurement and Comparison of Immune Diversity by High-Throughput Sequencing - High-throughput long read sequencing is used to perform immunogenomic characterization of expressed antibody repertoires in the context of vaccination. Informatic analysis allows global characterizations of isotype distributions, determination of the lineage structure of the repertoire and measure age and antigen related mutational activity. Global analysis of the immune system's clonal structure provides direct insight into the effects of vaccination and provides a detailed molecular portrait of age-related effects. | 08-21-2014 |
20140256561 | SURFACE CHEMISTRY AND DEPOSITION TECHNIQUES - Surface chemistries for the visualization of labeled single molecules (analytes) with improved signal-to-noise properties are provided. To be observed, analyte molecules are bound to surface attachment features that are spaced apart on the surface such that when the analytes are labeled adjacent analytes are optically resolvable from each other. One way to express this concept is that binding elements should be spaced apart such that the Guassian point spread functions of adjacent labels do not overlap. Another way of expressing this concept is that the surface binding elements should be spaced apart by a distance equal to at least the diffraction limit for an optical label attached to the bound analytes. | 09-11-2014 |
20140322489 | MICROFABRICATED ELASTOMERIC VALVE AND PUMP SYSTEMS - A method of fabricating an elastomeric structure, comprising: forming a first elastomeric layer on top of a first micromachined mold, the first micromachined mold having a first raised protrusion which forms a first recess extending along a bottom surface of the first elastomeric layer; forming a second elastomeric layer on top of a second micromachined mold, the second micromachined mold having a second raised protrusion which forms a second recess extending along a bottom surface of the second elastomeric layer; bonding the bottom surface of the second elastomeric layer onto a top surface of the first elastomeric layer such that a control channel forms in the second recess between the first and second elastomeric layers; and positioning the first elastomeric layer on top of a planar substrate such that a flow channel forms in the first recess between the first elastomeric layer and the planar substrate. | 10-30-2014 |
20140329691 | Noninvasive Diagnosis of Fetal Aneuploidy by Sequencing - Disclosed is a method to achieve digital quantification of DNA (i.e., counting differences between identical sequences) using direct shotgun sequencing followed by mapping to the chromosome of origin and enumeration of fragments per chromosome. The preferred method uses massively parallel sequencing, which can produce tens of millions of short sequence tags in a single run and enabling a sampling that can be statistically evaluated. By counting the number of sequence tags mapped to a predefined window in each chromosome, the over- or under-representation of any chromosome in maternal plasma DNA contributed by an aneuploid fetus can be detected. This method does not require the differentiation of fetal versus maternal DNA. The median count of autosomal values is used as a normalization constant to account for differences in total number of sequence tags is used for comparison between samples and between chromosomes. | 11-06-2014 |
20140347953 | MICROFLUIDIC FREE INTERFACE DIFFUSION TECHNIQUES - A static fluid and a second fluid are placed into contact along a microfluidic free interface and allowed to mix by diffusion without convective flow across the interface. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the fluids are static and initially positioned on either side of a closed valve structure in a microfluidic channel having a width that is tightly constrained in at least one dimension. The valve is then opened, and no-slip layers at the sides of the microfluidic channel suppress convective mixing between the two fluids along the resulting interface. Applications for microfluidic free interfaces in accordance with embodiments of the present invention include, but are not limited to, protein crystallization studies, protein solubility studies, determination of properties of fluidics systems, and a variety of biological assays such as diffusive immunoassays, substrate turnover assays, and competitive binding assays. | 11-27-2014 |
20150031116 | INTEGRATED ACTIVE FLUX MICROFLUIDIC DEVICES AND METHODS - The invention relates to a microfabricated device for the rapid detection of DNA, proteins or other molecules associated with a particular disease. The devices and methods of the invention can be used for the simultaneous diagnosis of multiple diseases by detecting molecules (e.g. amounts of molecules), such as polynucleotides (e.g., DNA) or proteins (e.g., antibodies), by measuring the signal of a detectable reporter associated with hybridized polynucleotides or antigen/antibody complex. In the microfabricated device according to the invention, detection of the presence of molecules (i.e., polynucleotides, proteins, or antigen/antibody complexes) are correlated to a hybridization signal from an optically-detectable (e.g. fluorescent) reporter associated with the bound molecules. These hybridization signals can be detected by any suitable means, for example optical, and can be stored for example in a computer as a representation of the presence of a particular gene. Hybridization probes can be immobilized on a substrate that forms part of or is exposed to a channel or channels of the device that form a closed loop, for circulation of sample to actively contact complementary probes. Universal chips according to the invention can be fabricated not only with DNA but also with other molecules such as RNA, proteins, peptide nucleic acid (PNA) and polyamide molecules. | 01-29-2015 |