Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080227654 | Method for sequencing nucleic acid molecules - The present invention is directed to a method of sequencing a target nucleic acid molecule having a plurality of bases. In its principle, the temporal order of base additions during the polymerization reaction is measured on a molecule of nucleic acid, i.e. the activity of a nucleic acid polymerizing enzyme on the template nucleic acid molecule to be sequenced is followed in real time. The sequence is deduced by identifying which base is being incorporated into the growing complementary strand of the target nucleic acid by the catalytic activity of the nucleic acid polymerizing enzyme at each step in the sequence of base additions. A polymerase on the target nucleic acid molecule complex is provided in a position suitable to move along the target nucleic acid molecule and extend the oligonuelcotide primer at an active site. A plurality of labelled types of nucleotide analogs are provided proximate to the active site, with each distinguishable type of nucleotide analog being complementary to a different nucleotide in the target nucleic acid sequence. The growing nucleic acid strand is extended by using the polymeras to add a nucleotide analog to the nucleic acid strand at the active site, where the nucleotide analog being added is complementary to the nucleotide of the target nucleic acid at the active site. The nucleotide analog added to the oligonucleotide primer as a result of the polymerizing step is identified. The steps of providing labelled nucleotide analogs, polymerizing the growing nucleic acid strand, and identifying the added nucleotide analog are repeated so that the nucleic acid strand is further extended and the sequence of the target nucleic acid is determined. | 09-18-2008 |
20080245135 | MICROFLUIDIC ENCAPSULATED NEMS RESONATORS - A device includes a microfluidic channel and a nanoelectromechanical mass detector encapsulated within the microfluidic channel. Multiple microfluidic channels may be included with multiple nano electromechanical mass detectors encapsulated within each microfluidic channel. A method of detecting masses includes delivering a sample via the microfluidic channel to the nano electromechanical mass detectors and creating a pressure within the microfluidic channel that significantly reduces viscous damping effects on the mass detector. The detector may be actuated and response measured. | 10-09-2008 |
20090047681 | ENTROPIC TRAPPING AND SIEVING OF MOLECULES - Nanofluidic entropic traps, comprising alternating thin and thick regions, sieve small molecules such as DNA or protein polymers and other molecules. The thick region is comparable or substantially larger than the molecule to be separated, while the thin region is substantially smaller than the size of the molecules to be separated. Due to the molecular size dependence of the entropic trapping effect, separation of molecules may be achieved. In addition, entropic traps are used to collect, trap and control many molecules in the nanofluidic channel. A fabrication method is disclosed to provide an efficient way to make nanofluidic constrictions in any fluidic devices. | 02-19-2009 |
20090072728 | ELECTROSPUN LIGHT-EMITTING FIBERS - The invention teaches electrospun light-emitting fibers made from ionic transition metal complexes (“iTMCs”) such as [Ru(bpy) | 03-19-2009 |
20090116007 | QUANTUM DOT CONJUGATES IN A SUB-MICROMETER FLUIDIC CHANNEL - A nanofluidic channel fabricated in fused silica with an approximately 500 nm square cross section was used to isolate, detect and identify individual quantum dot conjugates. The channel enables the rapid detection of every fluorescent entity in solution. A laser of selected wavelength was used to excite multiple species of quantum dots and organic molecules, and the emission spectra were resolved without significant signal rejection. Quantum dots were then conjugated with organic molecules and detected to demonstrate efficient multicolor detection. PCH was used to analyze coincident detection and to characterize the degree of binding. The use of a small fluidic channel to detect quantum dots as fluorescent labels was shown to be an efficient technique for multiplexed single molecule studies. Detection of single molecule binding events has a variety of applications including high throughput immunoassays. | 05-07-2009 |
20090136932 | FIBERS WITH ISOLATED BIOMOLECULES AND USES THEREOF - The present invention relates to compositions, methods, and uses for isolated biomolecule-containing fibers. The invention also relates to isolated, elongated biopolymers such as nucleic acids, polypeptides, lipids, and carbohydrates within fibers. The invention relates to methods of detecting and analyzing biomolecules in fibers using light, electrons, and neutrons. The invention further relates to methods of determining the sequence, structure, and properties of isolated, elongated biopolymers fixed within fibers. | 05-28-2009 |
20090137007 | Method for sequencing nucleic acid molecules - The present invention is directed to a method of sequencing a target nucleic acid molecule having a plurality of bases. In its principle, the temporal order of base additions during the polymerization reaction is measured on a molecule of nucleic acid, i.e. the activity of a nucleic acid polymerizing enzyme on the template nucleic acid molecule to be sequenced is followed in real time. The sequence is deduced by identifying which base is being incorporated into the growing complementary strand of the target nucleic acid by the catalytic activity of the nucleic acid polymerizing enzyme at each step in the sequence of base additions. A polymerase on the target nucleic acid molecule complex is provided in a position suitable to move along the target nucleic acid molecule and extend the oligonucleotide primer at an active site. A plurality of labelled types of nucleotide analogs are provided proximate to the active site, with each distinguishable type of nucleotide analog being complementary to a different nucleotide in the target nucleic acid sequence. The growing nucleic acid strand is extended by using the polymerase to add a nucleotide analog to the nucleic acid strand at the active site, where the nucleotide analog being added is complementary to the nucleotide of the target nucleic acid at the active site. The nucleotide analog added to the oligonucleotide primer as a result of the polymerizing step is identified. The steps of providing labelled nucleotide analogs, polymerizing the growing nucleic acid strand, and identifying the added nucleotide analog are repeated so that the nucleic acid strand is further extended and the sequence of the target nucleic acid is determined. | 05-28-2009 |
20090206987 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR OBJECT IDENTIFICATION AND FOR AUTHENTICATION - Methods and systems for object identification and/or authentication. | 08-20-2009 |
20090280300 | SCANNED SOURCE ORIENTED NANOFIBER FORMATION - Nanofibers are formed using electrospray deposition from microfluidic source. The source is brought close to a surface, and scanned in one embodiment to form oriented or patterned fibers. In one embodiment, the surface has features, such as trenches on a silicon wafer. In further embodiments, the surface is rotated to form patterned nanofibers, such as polymer nanofibers. The nanofibers may be used as a mask to create features, and as a sacrificial layer to create nanochannels. | 11-12-2009 |
20090317558 | Multiplexed Electrospray Deposition Apparatus - Multiplexed electrospray deposition apparatus capable of delivering picoliter volumes of one or more substances is disclosed. The apparatus may include a unitary planar dispenser etched from a silicon wafer through microfabrication or micromachining technology. The apparatus may be used as a deposition tool for making protein microarrays in a noncontact mode. Upon application of potential difference in the range of 7-9 kV, the substances may be dispensed directly, not through a collimating mask, onto a substrate with microhydrogel features functionalized with an anchoring agent. | 12-24-2009 |
20100157294 | SUB-MICROMETER FLUIDIC CHANNEL FOR MEASURING PHOTON EMITTING ENTITIES - A nanofluidic channel fabricated in fused silica with an approximately 500 nm square cross section was used to isolate, detect and identify individual quantum dot conjugates. The channel enables the rapid detection of every fluorescent entity in solution. A laser of selected wavelength was used to excite multiple species of quantum dots and organic molecules, and the emission spectra were resolved without significant signal rejection. Quantum dots were then conjugated with organic molecules and detected to demonstrate efficient multicolor detection. PCH was used to analyze coincident detection and to characterize the degree of binding. The use of a small fluidic channel to detect quantum dots as fluorescent labels was shown to be an efficient technique for multiplexed single molecule studies. Detection of single molecule binding events has a variety of applications including high throughput immunoassays. | 06-24-2010 |
20100331196 | ELECTRON BEAM NUCLEIC ACID SEQUENCING - The present invention relates to compositions, methods, and uses for obtaining sequence information from nucleic acid molecules. | 12-30-2010 |
20110020834 | HIGH SENSITIVITY MECHANICAL RESONANT SENSOR - A system and method for detecting mass based on a frequency differential of a resonating micromachined structure, such as a cantilever beam. A high aspect ratio cantilever beam is coated with an immobilized binding partner that couples to a predetermined cell or molecule. A first resonant frequency is determined for the cantilever having the immobilized binding partner. Upon exposure of the cantilever to a solution that binds with the binding partner, the mass of the cantilever beam increases. A second resonant frequency is determined and the differential resonant frequency provides the basis for detecting the target cell or molecule. The cantilever may be driven externally or by ambient noise. The frequency response of the beam can be determined optically using reflected light and two photodetectors or by interference using a single photodetector. | 01-27-2011 |
20110043405 | MEMS CONTROLLED OSCILLATOR - An array of micromechanical oscillators have different resonant frequencies based on their geometries. In one embodiment, a micromechanical oscillator has a resonant frequency defined by an effective spring constant that is modified by application of heat. In one embodiment, the oscillator is disc of material supported by a pillar of much smaller diameter than the disc. The periphery of the disc is heated to modify the resonant frequency (or equivalently the spring constant or stiffness) of the disc. Continuous control of the output phase and frequency may be achieved when the oscillator becomes synchronized with an imposed sinusoidal force of close frequency. The oscillator frequency can be detuned to produce an easily controlled phase differential between the injected signal and the oscillator feedback. A phased array radar may be produced using independent phase controllable oscillators. | 02-24-2011 |
20110101475 | CMOS INTEGRATED MICROMECHANICAL RESONATORS AND METHODS FOR FABRICATING THE SAME - The present invention is directed to a CMOS integrated micromechanical device fabricated in accordance with a standard CMOS foundry fabrication process. The standard CMOS foundry fabrication process is characterized by a predetermined layer map and a predetermined set of fabrication rules. The device includes a semiconductor substrate formed or provided in accordance with the predetermined layer map and the predetermined set of fabrication rules. A MEMS resonator device is fabricated in accordance with the predetermined layer map and the predetermined set of fabrication rules. The MEMS resonator device includes a micromechanical resonator structure having a surface area greater than or equal to approximately 20 square microns. At least one CMOS circuit is coupled to the MEMS resonator member. The at least one CMOS circuit is also fabricated in accordance with the predetermined layer map and the predetermined set of fabrication rules. | 05-05-2011 |
20110111401 | METHOD FOR SEQUENCING NUCLEIC ACID MOLECULES - The present invention is directed to a method of sequencing a target nucleic acid molecule having a plurality of bases. In its principle, the temporal order of base additions during the polymerization reaction is measured on a molecule of nucleic acid, i.e. the activity of a nucleic acid polymerizing enzyme on the template nucleic acid molecule to be sequenced is followed in real time. The sequence is deduced by identifying which base is being incorporated into the growing complementary strand of the target nucleic acid by the catalytic activity of the nucleic acid polymerizing enzyme at each step in the sequence of base additions. A polymerase on the target nucleic acid molecule complex is provided in a position suitable to move along the target nucleic acid molecule and extend the oligonucleotide primer at an active site. A plurality of labelled types of nucleotide analogs are provided proximate to the active site, with each distinguishable type of nucleotide analog being complementary to a different nucleotide in the target nucleic acid sequence. The growing nucleic acid strand is extended by using the polymerase to add a nucleotide analog to the nucleic acid strand at the active site, where the nucleotide analog being added is complementary to the nucleotide of the target nucleic acid at the active site. The nucleotide analog added to the oligonucleotide primer as a result of the polymerizing step is identified. The steps of providing labelled nucleotide analogs, polymerizing the growing nucleic acid strand, and identifying the added nucleotide analog are repeated so that the nucleic acid strand is further extended and the sequence of the target nucleic acid is determined. | 05-12-2011 |
20110121937 | METHOD FOR MAKING A TRANSDUCER, TRANSDUCER MADE THEREFROM, AND APPLICATIONS THEREOF - A method for manufacturing or preparing thin-film stacks that exhibit moderate, finite, stress-dependent resistance and which can be incorporated into a transduction mechanism that enables simple, effective signal to be read out from a micro- or nano-mechanical structure. As the structure is driven, the resistance of the intermediate layers is modulated in tandem with the motion, and with suitable dc-bias, the motion is directly converted into detectable voltage. In general, detecting signal from MEMS or NEMS devices is difficult, especially using a method that is able to be integrated with standard electronics. The thin-film manufacturing or preparation technique described herein is therefore a technical advance in the field of MEMS/NEMS that could enable new applications as well as the ability to easily develop CMOS-MEMS integrated fabrication techniques. Also disclosed are: (i) transducers where current flows across a piezo layer from one major surface to the opposite major surface; and (ii) methods of making a transducer the resistivity of a piezoresistive layer is decreased and/or the gauge factor of a piezoresistive layer is increased. | 05-26-2011 |
20110158575 | EXTRAORDINARY LIGHT TRANSMISSION APPARATUS AND METHOD - An optical apparatus that provides extraordinary light transmission through a sub-wavelength-sized light transmitting region of the apparatus includes a core region of dielectric material having a complex dielectric constant, ε | 06-30-2011 |
20120028811 | DEVICE FOR RAPID IDENTIFICATION OF NUCLEIC ACIDS FOR BINDING TO SPECIFIC CHEMICAL TARGETS - The present invention relates to microfluidic chips and their use in SELEX. The microfluidic chip preferably includes a reaction chamber that contains a high surface area material that contains target. One preferred high surface area material is a sol-gel derived material. Methods of making the microfluidic chips are described herein, as are uses of these devices to select aptamers against the target. | 02-02-2012 |
20120058741 | THERMAL-MECHANICAL SIGNAL PROCESSING - A source signal is converted into a time-variant temperature field with transduction into mechanical motion. In one embodiment, the conversion of a source signal into the time-variant temperature field is provided by utilizing a micro-fabricated fast response, bolometer-type radio frequency power meter. A resonant-type micromechanical thermal actuator may be utilized for temperature read-out and demodulation. | 03-08-2012 |
20120097832 | ELECTROSPUN LIGHT-EMITTING FIBERS - The invention teaches electrospun light-emitting fibers made from ionic transition metal complexes (‘iTMCs”) such as [Ru(bpy) | 04-26-2012 |
20120107194 | CHANNEL AND METHOD OF FORMING CHANNELS - A device is made by forming sacrificial fibers on a substrate mold. The fibers and mold are covered with a first material. The substrate mold is removed, and the covered fibers are then removed to form channels in the first material. | 05-03-2012 |
20120196376 | NANOFILTER DEVICES USING ELASTOMERIC MICRO TO NANOCHANNEL INTERFACES AND METHODS BASED THEREON - A method is provided for fabricating a nanochannel. The method comprises providing a microchannel and controlling collapse of the microchannel so that it collapses to form a nanochannel of desired dimensions. The method employs a collapsible, flexible material such as the elastomer polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) to form the nanochannel. A master is provided that is configured to have geometric conditions that promote a desired frequency of microchannel collapse. A collapsible material having a stiffness that also promotes a desired frequency of microchannel collapse is molded on the master. The molded collapsible material is removed from the master and bonded to a base, thereby forming the microchannel, which then collapses (or is collapsed) to form the nanochannel of desired dimensions. Nanofluidic and microfluidic devices comprising complex nanochannel structures and micro to nanochannel transitions are also provided. | 08-02-2012 |
20120244532 | Device and Methods for Epigenetic Analysis - Provided herein are methods and devices for single object detection. The methods and devices can be used to identify a plurality epigenetic markers on a genetic material, or a chromatin, encompassing fragments thereof. The invention provides for the characterization of the genetic material flowing through a channel in a continuous body of fluid based on detection of one or more properties of the genetic material. The methods and systems provided herein allow genome-wide, high-throughput epigenetic analysis and overcome a variety of limitations common to bulk analysis techniques. | 09-27-2012 |
20120245047 | DEVICE AND METHODS FOR MOLECULAR ANALYSIS - Systems and methods are provided for high speed sorting of objects in a continuous body of fluid. The object can be analyzed within one or more interrogation volumes that allow for simultaneous or time-correlated measurement of the object's properties. A processor can interpret the properties of the object and then measured and then direct the object to one of a plurality of downstream flow paths. In some embodiments, the sorting of the object is based on two or more properties of the object. The sorting process can be repeated to create a network of sorting events. | 09-27-2012 |
20130045335 | Multiplexed Electrospray Deposition Apparatus - Multiplexed electrospray deposition apparatus capable of delivering picoliter volumes of one or more substances is disclosed. The apparatus may include a unitary planar dispenser etched from a silicon wafer through microfabrication or micromachining technology. The apparatus may be used as a deposition tool for making protein microarrays in a noncontact mode. Upon application of potential difference in the range of 7-9 kV, the substances may be dispensed directly, not through a collimating mask, onto a substrate with microhydrogel features functionalized with an anchoring agent. | 02-21-2013 |
20130062104 | RESONANT MATERIAL LAYER APPARATUS, METHOD AND APPLICATIONS - A resonant structure and a method for fabricating the resonant structure each include a substrate that includes at least one cavity. The resonant structure and the method for fabricating the resonant structure also include a resonant material layer located and formed over the substrate and at least in-part covering the at least one cavity. The resonant structure may comprise a graphene resonator structure. | 03-14-2013 |
20130118228 | STRESS-BASED SENSOR, METHOD, AND APPLICATIONS - A composite, analyte sensor includes a substrate; a micro- or nano-electro-mechanical (MEMS; NEMS) resonator that is coupled to the substrate at least two edge locations (i.e., it is at least doubly-clamped) of the resonator, wherein the resonator is in a statically-buckled state near a buckling transition point of the resonator; and a chemically-responsive substance covering at least a portion of the surface of the resonator that will undergo a conformational change upon exposure to a given analyte. The resonator may be a double-clamped, statically-buckled beam (or bridge), a multiply-clamped, statically-buckled dome (or crater), or other resonator geometry. The sensor may include two or more at least double-clamped, statically-buckled, composite MEMS or NEMS resonators each operating near a buckling transition point of the respective resonator, and each characterized by a different resonant frequency. A method for sensing an analyte in ambient air. | 05-16-2013 |
20130327742 | SCANNED SOURCE ORIENTED NANOFIBER FORMATION - Nanofibers are formed using electrospray deposition from microfluidic source. The source is brought close to a surface, and scanned in one embodiment to form oriented or patterned fibers. In one embodiment, the surface has features, such as trenches on a silicon wafer. In further embodiments, the surface is rotated to form patterned nanofibers, such as polymer nanofibers. The nanofibers may be used as a mask to create features, and as a sacrificial layer to create nanochannels. | 12-12-2013 |
20140121132 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR HIGH RESOLUTION BIOMOLECULAR IMAGING AND ANALYSIS - The present invention relates to a system for producing a nucleic acid molecule imaging array for use in high resolution imaging of individual nucleic acid molecules. The system includes a micro/nanostructured capture array having a hydrophobic surface having topographical features effective to assist in capillary-based trapping and elongation of individual nucleic acid molecules. The system also includes a transfer platform having a support and a hydrophobic substrate layered on the support. The transfer platform is effective to receive and capture, through solvent mediation, the trapped and elongated individual nucleic acid molecules from the micro/nanostructured capture array. The present invention also relates to a nucleic acid molecule imaging array, a transfer platform for use in preparing a nucleic acid molecule array, and a kit for producing a nucleic acid molecule imaging array for use in high resolution imaging of individual nucleic acid molecules. | 05-01-2014 |
20140194313 | MICROFLUIDIC DEVICE FOR EXTRACTING, ISOLATING, AND ANALYZING DNA FROM CELLS - The present invention relates to a microfluidic device for extracting and isolating DNA from cells. The device includes a support having an inlet port for receiving a sample containing a cell, an outlet port for dispensing DNA isolated from the cell, and a microfluidic channel disposed within the support and extending from the inlet port to the outlet port. The microfluidic channel includes a micropillar array, an inflow channel disposed between the inlet port and the micropillar array, and an outflow channel disposed between the micropillar array and the outlet port. The micropillar array includes micropillars spatially configured to entrap, by size exclusion, the cell, to immobilize DNA released from the cell, and to maintain the immobilized DNA in elongated or non-elongated form when hydrodynamic force is applied to the microfluidic channel. Systems and methods of making and using the device are also provided herein. | 07-10-2014 |
20140322710 | DEVICE AND METHODS FOR EPIGENETIC ANALYSIS - Provided herein are methods and devices for single object detection. The methods and devices can be used to identify a plurality epigenetic markers on a genetic material, or a chromatin, encompassing fragments thereof. The invention provides for the characterization of the genetic material flowing through a channel in a continuous body of fluid based on detection of one or more properties of the genetic material. The methods and systems provided herein allow genome-wide, high-throughput epigenetic analysis and overcome a variety of limitations common to bulk analysis techniques. | 10-30-2014 |