Abstract:
Disclosed are methods for performing capillary electrophoresis on two or more nucleic acid samples. The methods employ a forward voltage to move a first sample forward from an inlet to an interrogation region in the capillary, then a backward voltage to move the first sample backward, and then a forward voltage again to move the first sample and a second sample forward. Systems and apparatuses for performing capillary electrophoresis are also provided.
Abstract:
The invention provides a system that can process a raw biological sample, perform a biochemical reaction and provide an analysis readout. For example, the system can extract DNA from a swab, amplify STR loci from the DNA, and analyze the amplified loci and STR markers in the sample. The system integrates these functions by using microfluidic components to connect what can be macrofluidic functions. In one embodiment the system includes a sample purification module, a reaction module, a post-reaction clean-up module, a capillary electrophoresis module and a computer. In certain embodiments, the system includes a disposable cartridge for performing analyte capture. The cartridge can comprise a fluidic manifold having macrofluidic chambers mated with microfluidic chips that route the liquids between chambers. The system fits within an enclosure of no more than 10 ft3. and can be a closed, portable, and/or a battery operated system. The system can be used to go from raw sample to analysis in less than 4 hours.
Abstract:
A system for outputting electropherograms includes a capillary containing a separation medium and comprising an inlet end, a distal end, and an interrogation region between the inlet and distal ends, the inlet end of the capillary configured to receive a plurality of differing samples containing DNA fragments having a plurality of different sizes; a power source configured to selectively apply forward and reverse polarity voltages between the inlet end and the distal end of the capillary; a detector configured to detect signal associated with DNA fragments moving through the interrogation region of the capillary; and a processor communicatively coupled to the detector and configured to process signal detected by the detector and output electropherograms during an electrophoresis run, the electropherograms corresponding to a plurality of differing samples successively introduced to the capillary from the inlet and traveling through the capillary at the same time.
Abstract:
A system for performing capillary electrophoresis of multiple samples comprises a capillary containing a separation medium and having inlet and distal ends and an interrogation region; a power source configured to apply voltages between inlet and distal ends; and logic to cause execution of: applying a first substantially constant forward polarity electrophoresis voltage to the capillary; before all of the first DNA fragments have passed the interrogation region, applying a reverse polarity voltage pulse to the capillary, thereby transporting at least some of the first DNA fragments in the capillary toward the capillary inlet; introducing a second sample to the capillary inlet, the second sample comprising second DNA fragments having a plurality of different sizes; and applying a second substantially constant forward polarity electrophoresis voltage to the capillary to simultaneously perform electrophoresis on the second DNA fragments and the first DNA fragments.
Abstract:
Performing sample quantitation and sample amplification may be performed in a sample cartridge or sample cartridges. Sample quantitation using qPCR may be performed during STR PCR on the sample. Samples need not be normalized prior to performing STR PCR. In certain embodiments, qPCR and STR PCR are performed on the same cartridge, optionally at the same time (or in real-time, or overlapping in time) and optionally using some or all of the same PCR apparatus. In other embodiments, qPCR and STR PCR are performed on different cartridges. Quantitation of the STR PCR sample may be performed without substantially delaying the STR PCR process.
Abstract:
The present disclosure provides systems and methods for sample preparation, processing and analysis. Also provided in the present disclosure is a fully-integrated electrophoresis cartridge which has a small footprint and configured to removably engage with the system.
Abstract:
This invention provides a fluidic device comprising a diaphragm valve having a fluidics layer, an actuation layer and an elastic layer between the fluidics layer and the actuation layer, the elastic layer having a diaphragm that is mechanically sealed against the fluidics layer and the actuation layer by a sealing ring in the actuation layer.
Abstract:
The invention provides for devices and methods for interfacing microchips to cartridges and pneumatic manifolds. The cartridges, microchips, and pneumatic manifolds can be integrated with downstream preparation devices, such as thermal regulating devices and separation and analysis devices.
Abstract:
A method includes providing a system comprising an electrophoresis cartridge interface that releasably engages with an electrophoresis cartridge that includes an anode, a cathode, and at least one electrophoresis capillary that is in fluid communication with the anode and the cathode. The method further includes receiving the electrophoresis cartridge at said electrophoresis cartridge interface and automatically establishing at least one of (i) optical communication between an optical detection assembly of the system and a portion of the at least one electrophoresis capillary, (ii) electrical communication between the system and the anode and cathode, (iii) fluidic communication between the system and the at least one electrophoresis capillary, (iv) thermal communication between the system and the electrophoresis cartridge or the at least one electrophoresis capillary; (v) electromagnetic communication between the system and the electrophoresis cartridge and (vi) magnetic communication between the system and the electrophoresis cartridge.
Abstract:
A system for performing capillary electrophoresis of multiple samples comprises a capillary containing a separation medium and having inlet and distal ends and an interrogation region; a power source configured to apply voltages between inlet and distal ends; and logic to cause execution of: applying a first substantially constant forward polarity electrophoresis voltage to the capillary; before all of the first DNA fragments have passed the interrogation region, applying a reverse polarity voltage pulse to the capillary, thereby transporting at least some of the first DNA fragments in the capillary toward the capillary inlet; introducing a second sample to the capillary inlet, the second sample comprising second DNA fragments having a plurality of different sizes; and applying a second substantially constant forward polarity electrophoresis voltage to the capillary to simultaneously perform electrophoresis on the second DNA fragments and the first DNA fragments.