Methods and systems for processing polynucleotides (e.g., DNA) are disclosed. A processing region includes one or more surfaces (e.g., particle surfaces) modified with ligands that retain polynucleotides under a first set of conditions (e.g., temperature and pH) and release the polynucleotides under a second set of conditions (e.g., higher temperature and/or more basic pH). The processing region can be used to, for example, concentrate polynucleotides of a sample and/or separate inhibitors of amplification reactions from the polynucleotides. Microfluidic devices with a processing region are disclosed.

The subject of this application is a sequencing manifold for the purpose of supplying control and supply services of pre-determined temporal sequences to fluid processing assemblies. The functioning of this sequencing manifold requires that translation be applied to the sequencing ports. Actuator mechanisms may supply such translation as either continuous motion or as a series of stepwise motions. Actuator mechanism can be obtained that rely on only mechanical means without the need for a source of electricity. With such actuators, it becomes feasible to conduct the operations of fluid processing assemblies in remote and primitive locations that lack a source of electricity. One skilled in the mechanical arts can provide various actuator mechanisms to meet these requirements.

The figures included below with the description of attributes are intended to convey an understanding of the mechanical principles underpinning the operation of the sequencing manifold. For reasons of clarity, the figures depict configurations involving apparently geometrically flat plates rather than more complex configurations involving cylinders or circular discs. The omission of configurations involving cylinder or discs from the figures included with this application is not meant to be limiting in any manner.

Methods and systems for processing polynucleotides (e.g., DNA) are disclosed. A processing region includes one or more surfaces (e.g., particle surfaces) modified with ligands that retain polynucleotides under a first set of conditions (e.g., temperature and pH) and release the polynucleotides under a second set of conditions (e.g., higher temperature and/or more basic pH). The processing region can be used to, for example, concentrate polynucleotides of a sample and/or separate inhibitors of amplification reactions from the polynucleotides. Microfluidic devices with a processing region are disclosed.

Drainage devices have a self-clearing capability for reducing obstructions and a controllable flow restriction capability for controlling drainage flow, and microactuators for providing such capabilities. Such a microactuator includes a frame and an appendage anchored to the frame such that the frame supports the appendage, the frame at least partially surrounds the appendage, and the appendage is disposed in an opening or window defined by the frame. The appendage includes a platform and at least one beam that anchors the platform to the frame to enable the appendage to deflect out of a plane defined by the frame. The platform may include a ferromagnetic material that enables the appendage to deflect in response to an applied magnetic field.

A flow control mechanism and a system comprising the mechanism, specifically relating to a microflow control mechanism and system. The mechanism comprises a base and a constant volume mechanism. The base and the constant volume mechanism are dynamically connected to form two or more relative activity states, comprising a first relative state and a second relative state. A fluid input end and a fluid receiving end are provided on the base. The constant volume mechanism is provided with a constant volume pipeline. In the first relative state, the fluid input end communicates with the constant volume pipeline. In the second relative state, the constant volume pipeline communicates with the fluid receiving end. The microflow control mechanism and system can achieve precise micro-scale fluid flow control, and have a simple structure.

Methods and systems for processing polynucleotides (e.g., DNA) are disclosed. A processing region includes one or more surfaces (e.g., particle surfaces) modified with ligands that regain polynucleotides under a first set of conditions (e.g., temperature and pH) and release the polynucleotides under a second set of conditions (e.g., higher temperature and/or more basic pH). The processing region can be used to, for example, concentrate polynucleotides of a sample and/or separate inhibitors of amplification reactions from the polynucleotides. Microfluidic devices with a processing region are disclosed.

This disclosure provides, among other things, a cartridge comprising: (a) a cartridge body comprising a malleable material and having, disposed on a surface of the body, at least one valve body comprising a valve inlet and a valve outlet, each fluidically connected to a fluidic channel; and (b) a layer comprising a deformable material bonded to a surface of the cartridge body and sealing the at least one valve body at points of attachment, thereby forming at least one valve; wherein the at least one valve body is depressed in the cartridge body relative to the points of attachment and wherein the deformable material covering the at least one valve body retains sufficient elasticity after deformation such that in a ground state the valve is open. Also disclosed is an instrument comprising a cartridge interface and a cartridge as described herein engaged with the cartridge interface, wherein (II) the cartridge interface comprises: (A) at least one mechanical actuator, each mechanical actuator positioned to actuate a valve; and (B) at least one motor operatively coupled to actuate a mechanical actuator toward or away from a valve.

Methods and systems for processing polynucleotides (e.g., DNA) are disclosed. A processing region includes one or more surfaces (e.g., particle surfaces) modified with ligands that retain polynucleotides under a first set of conditions (e.g., temperature and pH) and release the polynucleotides under a second set of conditions (e.g., higher temperature and/or more basic pH). The processing region can be used to, for example, concentrate polynucleotides of a sample and/or separate inhibitors of amplification reactions from the polynucleotides. Microfluidic devices with a processing region are disclosed.

The invention is directed to a microfluidic device. The device includes an input microchannel, a set of m distribution microchannels, a set of m microfluidic modules and a set of m nodes. The m microfluidic modules (m2) are in fluidic communication with the m distribution microchannels, respectively. The one or more nodes of the set of m nodes branch from the input microchannel, and further branch to a respective one of the set of m distribution microchannels. In addition, a subset, but not all, of the nodes are altered. The nodes of the set of m nodes have different liquid pinning strengths. As a result, the extent in which a liquid passes through one or more of the m microfluidic modules varies based on the different liquid pinning strengths, in operation. Additional sets of nodes may be provided to allow liquid to pass through ordered pairs of modules.

This disclosure provides, among other things, a cartridge comprising: (a) a cartridge body comprising a malleable material and having, disposed on a surface of the body, at least one valve body comprising a valve inlet and a valve outlet, each fluidically connected to a fluidic channel; and (b) a layer comprising a deformable material bonded to a surface of the cartridge body and sealing the at least one valve body at points of attachment, thereby forming at least one valve; wherein the at least one valve body is depressed in the cartridge body relative to the points of attachment and wherein the deformable material covering the at least one valve body retains sufficient elasticity after deformation such that in a ground state the valve is open. Also disclosed is an instrument comprising a cartridge interface and a cartridge as described herein engaged with the cartridge interface, wherein (II) the cartridge interface comprises: (A) at least one mechanical actuator, each mechanical actuator positioned to actuate a valve; and (B) at least one motor operatively coupled to actuate a mechanical actuator toward or away from a valve.