Netbio, Inc.

Ande Corporation

Eugene Tan

Richard F Selden

Heung Chuan Lam

Gregory John Kellogg

John A Wright

Cheuk Wai Kan

Ulrich Hans Thomann

Valery Leonidovich Bogdanov

James W Schumm

Rosemary S Turingan

Chuek Wai Kan

Heidi Susanne Giese

Heung C Lam

Gregory J Kellogg

Heidi S Giese

Hueng Chuan Lam

Greg Kellogg

Hua Jiang

Hans Thomann Ulrich

Described herein is an adaptive expert system comprising a computing device having a memory that stores programmatic instructions and a processor that executes the programmatic instructions. The adaptive expert system receives sample data comprising at least one of raw data, optical data, and electropherogram data from a DNA analysis device, said data generated from a sample containing DNA. The adaptive expert system determines at least one characteristic of the sample data. The adaptive expert system utilizes the at least one characteristic to classify the sample data and apply a predefined parameter set to the said sample data to generate an output.

Adaptive expert system for analysis and classification of DNA sample data

A biochip for the integration of all steps in a complex process from the insertion of a sample to the generation of a result, performed without operator intervention includes microfluidic and macrofluidic features that are acted on by instrument subsystems in a series of scripted processing steps. Methods for fabricating these complex biochips of high feature density by injection molding are also provided.

Unitary biochip providing sample-in to results-out processing and methods of manufacture

Described herein are instruments for excitation and detection of fluorophores in a plurality of functional regions in a biochip, using an excitation source and a steering element that directs a beam from the excitation source to a plurality of functional regions in the biochip, wherein the excitation source excites the fluorophores in the plurality of functional regions generating a signal that is detected such that said signal from at least one of the plurality of functional regions allows for nucleic acid quantification. Also described are systems for quantification and separation and detection using optical devices adapted for preliminary, simultaneous or sequential quantitation of nucleic acid in separate detection positions, and for the excitation and detection of multiple samples to steer both the excitation and detection beam paths to separately image each lane of a biochip.

Optical instruments and systems for forensic DNA quantitation

The present disclosure provides fully integrated microfluidic systems to perform nucleic acid analysis. These processes include sample collection, nucleic acid extraction and purification, amplification, sequencing, and separation and detection. The present disclosure also provides optical detection systems and methods for separation and detection of biological molecules. In particular, the various aspects of the invention enable the simultaneous separation and detection of a plurality of biological molecules, typically fluorescent dye-labeled nucleic acids, within one or a plurality of microfluidic chambers or channels. The nucleic acids can be labeled with at least 6 dyes, each having a unique peak emission wavelength. The present systems and methods are particularly useful for DNA fragment sizing applications such as human identification by genetic fingerprinting and DNA sequencing applications such as clinical diagnostics.

Integrated nucleic acid analysis

Plastic electrophoresis separation chips are provided comprising a plurality of microfluidic channels and a detection window, where the detection window comprises a thin plastic; and the detection window comprises a detection region of each microfluidic channel. Such chips can be bonded to a support provided an aperture is provided in the support to allow detection of samples in the electrophoresis chip at the thin plastic detection window. Further, methods for electrophoretically separating and detecting a plurality of samples on the plastic electrophoresis separation chip are described.

Plastic microfluidic separation and detection platforms

Provided are methods for multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of short tandem repeat (STR) loci that can be used to rapidly generate a highly specific STR profile from target nucleic acids. The resulting STR profiles are useful for human identification purposes in law enforcement, homeland security, military, intelligence, and paternity testing applications.

Methods and compositions for rapid multiplex application of STR loci

Described herein are methods and devices for nucleic acid quantification and, in particular, to microfluidic methods and devices for nucleic acid quantification. In certain embodiments methods of quantifying a target nucleic acid without the need for amplification are provided. The methods involve, in some embodiments, allowing a binding agent to become immobilized with respect to the target nucleic acid. In some cases, the binding agent comprises a signaling moiety that can be used to quantify the amount of target nucleic acid. In another aspect, the quantification can be carried out rapidly. For example, in certain embodiments, the quantification can be completed within 5 minutes. In yet another aspect, samples containing a low amount of target nucleic acid can be quantified. For instance, in some cases, samples containing less than 100 nanograms per microliter may be quantified. Also described are devices and kits for performing such methods, or the like.

Methods for forensic DNA quantitation

A self-contained apparatus for isolating nucleic acid, cell lysates and cell suspensions from unprocessed samples apparatus, to be used with an instrument, includes at least one input, and: (i) a macrofluidic component, including a chamber for receiving an unprocessed sample from a collection device and at least one filled liquid purification reagent storage reservoir; and (ii) a microfluidic component in communication with the macrofluidic component through at least one microfluidic element, the microfluidic component further comprising at least one nucleic acid purification matrix; and (iii) at least one interface port to a drive mechanism on the instrument for driving said liquid purification reagent, through the microfluidic element and the nucleic acid purification matrix, wherein the only inputs to the apparatus are through the chamber and the interface port to the drive mechanism.

Nucleic acid purification

The invention provides methods and systems for ruggedizing a nucleic acid analyzing apparatus. The ruggedized apparatus can be used reliably and effectively in uncontrolled environments, such as, for example at a crime scene to collect and analyze forensic data, as well as in semi-controlled environments, such as, for example at a point of care location.

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Arlington, MA, United States of America

Eugene Tan