Opko Diagnostics, LLC

Bioarray Solutions Ltd.

Other

Enqing Tan

Vincent Linder

David Steinmiller

Jason Taylor

Michael Seul

Chiu Wo Chau

Sukanta Banerjee

Jiacheng Yang

The specification generally discloses systems and methods for mixing and delivering fluids in microfluidic systems. The fluids can contain, in some embodiments reagents that can participate in one or more chemical or biological reactions. Some embodiments relate to systems and methods employing one or more vent valves to controllably flow and/or mix portions of fluid within the microfluidic system. Advantageously, fluid control such as a sequence of fluid flow and/or a change in flow rate, can be achieved by opening and closing one or more vent valves and by applying a single source of fluid flow (e.g., a vacuum) operated at a substantially constant pressure. This can simplify the operation and use of the device by an intended user.

Fluid mixing and delivery in microfluidic systems

The specification generally discloses systems and methods for mixing and delivering fluids in microfluidic systems. The fluids can contain, in some embodiments reagents that can participate in one or more chemical or biological reactions.

Disclosed is number coding of pairs ('doublets') or small sets ('multiplets') of solid phase carriers which provides distinguishable subtypes of a given type of such carriers, where each carrier type is distinguishable on the bases of a different code. Such number coding is useful for augmenting a coding system, such as a color code, and thereby effectively multiplying the number of &#x201c;colors&#x201d; (distinguishable sub-types). It can be applied, for example, to determine whether a sample is homozygous or heterozygous at a number of different sites for one of two different alleles, where the same color code is applied for each of the two alleles, and the alleles with the same color code are distinguished by knowing how many carriers are associated with molecules which detect each different allele.

Number coding for identification of subtypes of coded types of solid phase carriers

Disclosed is number coding of pairs ('doublets') or small sets ('multiplets') of solid phase carriers which provides distinguishable subtypes of a given type of such carriers, where each carrier type is distinguishable on the basis of a different code. Such number coding is useful for augmenting a coding system, such as a color code, and thereby effectively multiplying the number of &#x201c;colors&#x201d; (distinguishable sub-types). It can be applied, for example, to determine whether a sample is homozygous or heterozygous at a number of different sites for one of two different alleles, where the same color code is applied for each of the two alleles, and the alleles with the same color code are distinguished by knowing how many carriers are associated with molecules which detect each different allele.

Disclosed are gel-coated beads (including Hydrogel&#x2122;-coated beads), which are capable of adsorbing, or absorbing, proteins and other biomolecules onto or into the gel coating. The gel-coated beads with absorbed or adsorbed biomolecules are suitable for use in an assays, purification or other purposes. The beads have a core made from any of a number of materials, including latex, coated with the gel shell. The biomolecules can be retained within the gel, following adsorption, by covalent attachment, or, by selection of conditions of ambient pH and/or ionic strength such that they are retained without further reaction. Therefore, adsorbed proteins would retain the ability to bind to their respective ligands.

Gel-shell beads with adsorbed or bound biomolecules

Disclosed are methods relating to cell membrane fragments associated with microbeads, so that the characteristics of the cells the fragments originated from can be determined. The fragments can be oriented with what was the outer surface of the cell membrane facing outwardly, so that the antigens associated with the membrane can be contacted with ligands (including antibodies) to antigens in the membranes which would be accessible to antibodies in vivo. The system is useful, inter alia, for detection of panel reactive antibodies in donor serum, as well as detection of other cell membrane antigens; or quantitation of particular cell membrane antigens.

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Lexington, MA, United States of America

Enqing Tan