Abstract:
The invention is directed to droplet actuator devices and assay methods. The method may include immobilization of the enzymatic substrate including forming an inclusion complex with the substrate within an aqueous environment in contact with an oil.
Abstract:
Droplet actuators and techniques for droplet-based assays are provided. A method of conducting an assay comprises: incubating a droplet in oil, the droplet comprising an umbelliferone substrate, a sample potentially comprising an enzyme which cleaves the umbelliferone substrate, and a zwitterionic surfactant; and detecting a signal emitted from the droplet.
Abstract:
The invention is directed to certain droplet actuated molecular techniques. In one embodiment, the invention provides droplet actuator methods for detection of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in a DNA sequence using digital microfluidics, including droplet actuator-based sample preparation and SNP analysis. In another embodiment, the invention provides droplet actuator devices and methods for providing integrated sample preparation and multiplexed detection of an infectious agent, such as HIV. In yet another embodiment, the invention provides droplet actuator devices and techniques for PCR amplification and detection of specific nucleic acid sequences using digital microfluidics, including droplet actuator-based sample preparation and target nucleic acid analysis. In yet another embodiment the invention provides methods for performing hot-start PCR on a droplet actuator. In yet another embodiment, the method of the invention combines PCR amplification with pyrosequencing to investigate specific sequences.
Abstract:
The present invention provides improved synthetic polymer hydrogel permeation layers for use on active electronic matrix devices for biological assays. The present invention includes methods for forming a permeation layer on an array of microelectrodes including the steps of attaching a linker to the surface of the array and providing a polymerization solution that includes a porogen. The surface of the array is then contacted with the polymerization solution and the polymerization solution is then polymerized on the surface of the array to form a permeation layer that is attached o the surface of the array through the linker. The porogen is then removed from the permeation layer, thereby creating void spaces in the permeation layer.
Abstract:
Droplet actuators and techniques for droplet-based assays are provided. A method of conducting an assay comprises: incubating a droplet in oil, the droplet comprising an umbelliferone substrate, a sample potentially comprising an enzyme which cleaves the umbelliferone substrate, and a zwitterionic surfactant; and detecting a signal emitted from the droplet.
Abstract:
The invention is directed to droplet actuator devices and assay methods. The method may include immobilization of the enzymatic substrate including forming an inclusion complex with the substrate within an aqueous environment in contact with an oil.
Abstract:
The invention is directed to droplet actuator devices and assay methods. The method may include, among other things, a method of conducting enzymatic assays using umbelliferone substrates with cyclodextrins in droplets in oil, the method including incubating a droplet in oil, the droplet preferably comprising an umbelliferone substrate, a sample, and a cyclodextrin compound. The methods may further include a method of substantially eliminating cross-contamination between droplets in enzymatic containing substrate-based bioassays. The method may include immobilization of the enzymatic substrate including forming an inclusion complex with the substrate for stabilizing the substrate within an aqueous environment, wherein the inclusion complex may be formed using cyclodextrins. In yet another embodiment, the invention may provide a method of enhancing hydrolysis of enzymatic substrates. The methods may further include a method of forming an inclusion complex with the substrate for stabilizing the substrate within an aqueous environment, wherein the substrate may be a 4-MU- or HMU containing substrate. The inclusion complex may be formed using cyclodextrin.
Abstract:
Electronically addressable microchips having covalently bound permeation layers and methods of making such covalently bonded permeation layers to microchips are provided. The covalent bonding is derived from combining the use of electrodes with silane derivatives. Such chemistry provides the ability to apply an electronic bias to the electrodes of the microchip while preventing permeation layer delaminating from the electrode surface. Methods for covalently attaching the permeation layer to the microchips are also described.
Abstract:
A microfluidic device having a substrate with an electrically conductive element made using a conductive ink layer underlying a hydrophobic layer.
Abstract:
A microfluidic device having a substrate with an electrically conductive element made using a conductive ink layer underlying a hydrophobic layer.