E. I. Spectra, LLC

Other

Orflo Technologies LLC

El Spectra, LLC

Harold E Ayliffe

Curtis S King

Donald O'Neil

Michael E McGinnis

Curts S King

Michael E Mcguinnis

A method for analyzing a target nucleic acid includes diluting nucleic acid targets and filling pico to femto-liter sized wells such that they contain a single target nucleic acid and one or more amplification reagents, amplifying the target in the individual wells, distinguishing wells containing amplicon from the target and amplicon from a variant of the target generated by polymerase error by using two differently labeled-hybridization probes, one hybridizing to the target and one hybridizing to a specific variant of the target; and analyzing target amplicons.

Ultra-sensitive platform for nucleic acid detection using a novel method, scanning digital polymerase chain reaction (PCR)

A portable, stand-alone microfluidic interrogation device including a microprocessor and a touch-screen display. The touch-screen display can receive one or more user input to select a particular particle interrogation procedure, and subsequently show interrogation results. A microfluidic path extending through the interrogation device includes alignment structure that defines an interrogation zone in which particles carried in a fluid are urged toward single-file travel. Operable alignment structure may define sheath-, or non-sheath fluid flow. Desirably, a portion of the alignment structure is removable from the device in a tool-free procedure. The device may operate under the Coulter principle, and/or detect Stokes' shift phenomena, and/or other optically-based signal(s).

Microfluidic interrogation device

A flow cytometer including a laser, indexing structure, adjustment structure, and sensor structure. The cytometer is conventionally used with a removable microfluidic cassette, which is installed at a first position that is enforced by the indexing structure. The adjustment structure changes a relative position between an interrogation aperture of the cassette and the laser beam. Feedback from the sensor structure is used to optimize propagation of the laser through the interrogation aperture to reduce (and hopefully eliminate) autofluorescence caused by beam impingement onto the cassette.

Fluorescence flow cytometry device and method

A pipette instrumentcarrying interrogation circuitryadapted to interrogate a data signal received from a removable instrumented pipette tip. The pipetteincludes a microprocessor and memorythat can be programmed to perform data collection procedures. User controls typically include a start button, and a track wheel. A display devicecan present device options through one or more menu, and show data resulting from one or more test result. The pipette can interrogate particles carried by a fluid flowing through a tipby detecting either of or both of Coulter principle phenomena, and Stokes-shift phenomena.

Pipette instrument

A method for performing multiplexed bead-based immunoassays using a microfluidic cassette capable of detecting a particle passing in substantially single file through an interrogation zone and generating a Coulter effect signal responsive to a characteristic of the particle. A fluid sample may be prepared by associating antibody-coated beads of different sizes to particles of interest. A first multiplexing option may be based on bead size, in which case the intensity of the Coulter signal is used to sort or characterize the particles. A second multiplexing option may be based on detection of Stokes' shift phenomena, or even simply emission intensity, in which case particles may be characterized responsive to intensity of the signal resulting from detection of radiation. The first and second multiplexing options may be employed together to populate an array of particle characteristics.

Method for mutiplexed microfluidic bead-based immunoassay

A microfluidic device and method of its use. A workable microfluidic device () includes a channel () extending between an entry aperture () and a vent (). Part of the channel () is arranged to permit interrogation of particles carried by a fluid passing therethrough. Suction structure carried on the device () is disposed in fluid communication with the channel operably to apply a reduced pressure at the entry aperture () effective to infuse an amount of fluid through the entry aperture and into a receiving zone (&#x2033;) of the channel. The entry aperture () is placed into a bulk fluid, and the suction structure is operated to load a sample into the microfluidic device ().

Sample-acquiring microfluidic tester

An apparatus for, and a method of, characterizing a plurality of particles carried by a fluid that can be urged to move through a channel in a microfluidic cassette by combining data analysis of a first signal that is optically-based, and data analysis of a second signal that is electrically-based. Optically-based information is typically obtained by a digital image sensor. Electrically-based information can be obtained by direct measurement of impedance; sometimes in an arrangement operating under the Coulter principle. Data provided by exemplary characterization includes at least one of: volumetric cell count; viability percentage or ratio; particle type; and a particle size histogram.

Combined optical imaging and electrical detection to characterize particles carried in a fluid

Fluorescence flow cytometry

A microfluidic sensor formed by stacking a plurality of substantially non-electrically conductive layers, typically formed from thin polymer films. Certain layers may carry patterned electrodes that are arranged to permit their connection to an electrical interrogation circuit. Electrodes may be disposed in a 3-dimensional array in the sensor. A fluid path through the sensor includes an orifice sized to promote single-file travel of particles. The orifice may be defined by a tunnel passing through at least one layer. Particles entrained in an electrolytic carrier fluid may be detected, or otherwise characterized, by interrogation circuitry connected to certain embodiments of the sensor. Sensors generally include portions of a fluid path disposed parallel to the layers. Sensors may operate under the Coulter principle, and/or Stokes' shift phenomena. In certain embodiments, the sensor may be carried by a cartridge, which is adapted to couple with an interrogation platform. In any case, coupling desirably places the sensor in-circuit with operable interrogation structure, as well as with a fluid-flow control device. Structure included in a cartridge may provide fluid sample loading, routing, and storage capabilities.

Reusable thin film particle sensor

A method to manufacture microfluidic sensors, includes stacking a plurality of layers of material to form at least a first cap layer, a first channel layer, an interrogation layer, and a second channel layer. During assembly, ribbon sections of substrate layers are sandwiched to cooperatively align elements through-the-thickness of the sandwich. Individual sensors are then removed from the sandwich ribbon. A componentizing step includes forming one or more element for successive sensors spaced along the axial length of a ribbon of substrate material. Certain elements include electrically conductive patterned structuresprinted onto a substrate using conductive ink and a printing process. Sometimes, the printing process places material in operable position to conduct electricity through the thickness of at least one ribbon. Other elements may include channels; tunnels, and vias

Method for manufacturing a microfluidic sensor

A single-use disposable cartridge and reusable interrogation platform for interrogating particles in a fluid carrier medium. The cartridge includes a micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) embodied in a chip to perform electrical property interrogations of fluid flowing in a micro channel. Desirably, the microchannel is sized to cause single-file particle flow past a sensor portion of the MEMS chip.

Disposable particle counter cartridge

A method to manufacture microfluidic sensors, typically including componentizing substrate layers One such method includes providing a plurality of layers of material configured to permit their stacking to form at least a first cap layer, a first channel layer, an interrogation layer, and a second channel layer During assembly, ribbon sections of substrate layers are sandwiched to cooperatively align elements through-the-thickness of the sandwich Individual sensors are then removed from the sandwich ribbon A componentizing step includes forming one or more elements for successive sensors spaced along the axial length of a ribbon Certain elements include electrically conductive patterned structures preferably printed onto a substrate using conductive ink and a printing process, sometimes placing material in operable position to conduct electricity through the thickness of at least one nbbon Other elements may include channels, tunnels, and vias that can be machined, stamped, or cut into a ribbon section.

Growing community of inventors

Woodinville, WA, United States of America

Harold E Ayliffe