Princeton University

Other

Jonas O Tegenfeldt

Robert H Austin

Stephen Y Chou

Han Cao

Zhaoning Yu

Walter Reisner

Henrik Flyvbjerg

Eugene Y Chan

Chia Fu Chou

Edward C Cox

Olgica Bakajin

Nanochannel arrays that enable high-throughput macromolecular analysis are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods of preparing nanochannel arrays and nanofluidic chips. Methods of analyzing macromolecules, such as entire strands of genomic DNA, are also disclosed, as well as systems for carrying out these methods.

Nanochannel arrays and their preparation and use for high throughput macromolecular analysis

A fluidic chip includes at least one nanochannel array, the nanochannel array including a surface having a nanofluidic area formed in the material of the surface; a microfluidic area on said surface; a gradient interface area having a gradual elevation of height linking the microfluidic area and the nanofluidic area; and a sample reservoir capable of receiving a fluid in fluid communication with the microfluidic area. In another embodiment, a fluidic chip includes at least one nanochannel array, the nanochannel array includes a surface having a nanofluidic area formed in the material of the surface; a microfluidic area on said surface; and a gradient interface area linking the microfluidic area and the nanofluidic area, where the gradient interface area comprises a plurality of gradient structures, and the lateral spacing distance between said gradient structures decreases towards said nanofluidic area; and a sample reservoir capable of receiving a fluid in fluid communication with the microfluidic area.

Gradient structures interfacing microfluidics and nanofluidics, methods for fabrication and uses thereof

The invention relates to a method for analysis of the AT/GC ratio of DNA by stretching the DNA in nanochannels and performing melting mapping of the AT/GC ratio along the DNA molecule.

Method for the mapping of the local AT/GC ratio along DNA

The present invention relates to a device for interfacing nanofluidic and microfluidic components suitable for use in performing high throughput macromolecular analysis. Diffraction gradient lithography (DGL) is used to form a gradient interface between a microfluidic area and a nanofluidic area. The gradient interface area reduces the local entropic barrier to nanochannels formed in the nanofluidic area. In one embodiment, the gradient interface area is formed of lateral spatial gradient structures for narrowing the cross section of a value from the micron to the nanometer length scale. In another embodiment, the gradient interface area is formed of a vertical sloped gradient structure. Additionally, the gradient structure can provide both a lateral and vertical gradient.

Gradient structures interfacing microfluidics and nanofluidics

The present invention further provides a device for the integrated micromanipulation, amplification, and analysis of polarized particles such as DNA comprises a microchip which contains constrictions of insulating material for dielectrophoresis powered by an alternating current or direct current signal generator, and attached to a hot source that can be heated to specific temperatures. Nucleic acids can be heated and cooled to allow for denaturation, and the annealing of complementary primers and enzymatic reactions, as in a thermocycling reaction. After such a reaction has been completed at the constriction, the dielectrophoretic field can be switched to a direct field to release the product and direct it through a matrix for fractionation. The device includes data analysis equipment for the control of these operations, and imaging equipment for the analysis of the products. The invention permits the efficient handling of minute samples in large numbers, since reactions occur while sample material is trapped between constrictions. Because the positioning, reactions, and release into a fractioning matrix all occur at the constriction which serves as a focusing locus, the need to transfer samples into different tubes is eliminated, thus increasing the efficiency and decreasing the possibility of damage to the samples.

Electrode-less dielectrophorises for polarizable particles

The invention relates to new systems, methods and products for analyzing polymers and in particular new systems, methods and products useful for obtaining sequence information from polymers. The invention has numerous advantages over prior art systems and methods used to obtain sequence-related information. Using the methods of the invention the entire human genome could be analyzed several orders of magnitude faster than could be accomplished using conventional technology. In addition to obtaining sequencing information for the entire genome, the systems, methods and products of the invention can be used to create comprehensive and multiple expression maps for developmental and disease processes. The ability to analyze an individual's genome and to generate multiple expression maps will greatly enhance the ability to determine the genetic basis of any phenotypic trait or disease process.

Growing community of inventors

Lund, Sweden

Jonas O Tegenfeldt