Integenx, Inc.

Nautilus Subsidiary, Inc.

Denoptix, Inc.

Ezra Van Gelder

William D Nielsen

Stevan Bogdan Jovanovich

Omar EL-Sissi

Michael Recknor

David Eberhart

Mattias Vangbo

David S Cohen

Lars Majlof

Richard Joseph Belcinski

Gregory Bogdan

Timothy M Woudenberg

Boris Kobrin

Iuliu Ioan Blaga

Stephen J Williams

Yuan Li

James Ogg

Dean S Burgi

Pierre F Indermuhle

David Stern

Torri Elise Rinker

Seth Stern

David W Wyrick

Vadim Lobanov

Ryan Kempston Seghers

Joseph R Rimsa

Gary R Cantu

Daniel Horner

Daniel B Steinberg

Iain H Hueton

Pengyu Hao

Maryam Jouzi

Kevin Chen

David Wyrick

Shize D Qi

This disclosure provides an integrated and automated sample-to-answer system that, starting from a sample comprising biological material, generates a genetic profile in less than two hours. In certain embodiments, the biological material is DNA and the genetic profile involves determining alleles at one or a plurality of loci (e.g., genetic loci) of a subject, for example, an STR (short tandem repeat) profile, for example as used in the CODIS system. The system can perform several operations, including (a) extraction and isolation of nucleic acid; (b) amplification of nucleotide sequences at selected loci (e.g., genetic loci); and (c) detection and analysis of amplification product. These operations can be carried out in a system that comprises several integrated modules, including an analyte preparation module; a detection and analysis module and a control module.

Sample preparation, processing and analysis systems

Compositions, systems, and methods are disclosed for preparing and utilizing arrays, such as single-analyte arrays containing a plurality of fiducial elements with random spatial distributions. Arrays may be prepared with pluralities of fiducial elements comprising optically active or passive moieties. Arrays containing random spatial distributions of fiducial elements may be utilized for various array-based processes that require spatial information.

Integrated arrays for single-analyte processes

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 ft. 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.

Universal sample preparation system and use in an integrated analysis system

This invention provides composite plastic articles and methods of making them. The articles can be fluidic or microfluidic devices having fluidic conduits and, optionally, pneumatic conduits that regulate flow in the fluidic conduits. The articles comprise a first substrate coated with a layer of a material that comprises, or onto which have been introduced, reactive groups. For example, the substrate can be a plastic coated with an oxide or a siloxane onto which hydroxyl groups have been introduced. These articles are covalently bonded with other articles comprising reactive groups on their surfaces, for example, polysiloxanes treated to have silanol groups. Certain articles have specified locations on their surfaces that are not bonded to the other piece. For example, the coating can be removed from these locations before bonding. Such locations can be useful as functional elements of various devices, such as valve seats in valves of microfluidic devices.

Device with diaphragm valve

This invention provides a capillary electrophoresis device in which capillaries are thermally regulated on a thermally responsive electrical path attached to an electrically insulating circuit board. This invention also provides an optical scanner useful for scanning an array of capillaries. A laser, optical detector and optical selector are in an arrangement that allows the optical detector to selectively detect an optical signal from any one or more of the plurality of electrophoresis capillaries.

Capillary electrophoresis device

This invention provides fluidic devices, in particular microfluidic devices, with diaphragm valves having low failure rates. Low failure rates are achieved by inhibiting sticking of the diaphragm to functional surfaces such as valve seats, valve chamber and fluidic channels and conduits. One way to implement this is to provide exposed surfaces facing the diaphragm, particularly valve seats, with a low energy material, such as a noble metal, a perfluorinated polymer, a self-assembled monolayer, hard diamond, diamond-like carbon or a metal oxide. In other embodiments, the valves are provided with ridges and the diaphragm is adhered to the fluidic or actuation layer with an adhesive material.

Fluidic devices with diaphragm valves

A system is provided for reading an image stored on a storage layer radiation screen. The system includes a carousel for holding a storage layer radiation screen and a screen scanning system. The screen scanning system includes a carousel mount on which the carousel may be mounted and a rotation mechanism for rotating the carousel mount, rotation of the carousel mount serving to rotate the carousel about a rotational axis which, in turn, causes the screens held on the carousel to move in a circular path about the rotational axis. The carousel is preferably removable from the carousel mount. The screen scanning system also includes an image acquisition optical system positioned adjacent the circular path of the screen, the image acquisition optical system including an excitation system for focusing an excitation beam on a portion of the screen to cause a light emission, and an emission collecting system for collecting the light emitted from the screen. The screen scanning system may further include an optics driver for moving the image acquisition optical system in a direction parallel to the rotational axis of the carousel. A method is provided for reading images stored on multiple storage layer radiation screens. The method includes attaching multiple storage layer radiation screens to a carousel, rotating the carousel about a rotational axis such that the screens move in a circular path about the rotational axis, focusing an excitation beam at a point on the circular path such that the portions of the screens passing the point on the circular path emit light, collecting the light emitted, and moving the point on the circular path on which the excitation beam is focused in a direction parallel to the rotational axis.

Rotating scanner system for reading multiple storage layer radiation

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Palo Alto, CA, United States of America

Ezra Van Gelder