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.

Devices, systems, and methods for detecting molecules of interest within a collected sample are described herein. In certain embodiments, self-contained sample analysis systems are disclosed, which include a reusable reader component, a disposable cartridge component, and a disposable sample collection component. The reader component may communicate with a remote computing device for the digital transmission of test protocols and test results. In various disclosed embodiments, the systems, components, and methods are configured to identify the presence, absence, and/or quantity of particular nucleic acids, proteins, or other analytes of interest, for example, in order to test for the presence of one or more pathogens or contaminants in a sample.

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.

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.

Temperature-actuated valves, devices including temperature-actuated valves, and related methods are described. In an embodiment, the temperature-actuated valve includes a heat-shrink film defining a perforation extending at least partially in a first direction. In an embodiment, the temperature-actuated valve is configured to open when a portion of the heat-shrink film including the perforation is heated above a threshold temperature to contract the heat-shrink film along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction to define an aperture, in an open configuration, providing a fluid a path through the heat-shrink film. In an embodiment, the temperature-actuated valve includes a leakage-mitigation feature configured to limit fluid flow through the perforation when the valve is in a closed configuration.

Various implementations provide an inherently safer design feature for microchannel reactors that provides temperature control at the individual channel level. This approach relies on bimetallic strips embedded within the combustion channel, forming a thermally-actuated valve. Bimetallic strips convert a temperature change into a mechanical displacement. Heating the strip increases its deflection and thereby restricts flow in the combustion channels, which consequently reduces the rate of heat generation. The thermally-actuated valve is not limited to use in microchannel reactors and may be used in other structures for which thermally actuated flow control is desired, according to some implementations.

A component for a target material transfer system for a laser-produced plasma radiation source and a method of manufacturing such a component are disclosed. The component, which may, for example, be a target material transfer line, a freeze valve, or a flow restrictor, or some combination of this functionality, is made up of a glass capillary body sealed with glass-to-metal seals at both of its ends to a respective metal fitting. The method of manufacturing involves heating the ends of the glass capillary and then forming them to conform with, and forming a glass-to-metal seal with, the interior contours of the respective channels in each of the metal fittings.

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.

A transfer circuitry, e.g. in a display system, electrically generating a transfer-gradient along which an optically-active fluid is transferred via a valve from a first reservoir to a second reservoir and a valve-control circuitry providing a voltage to change the valve's shape from a first shape when it is closed to a second shape when it is open.

A microfabricated valve with no moving parts. In one embodiment, the valve includes a reservoir of a liquid that is in fluid communication with an outlet channel having a throat that is less than 100 microns wide. Preferably, the channel is an elongated slit. The configuration of channel is adapted and configured such that surface tension of the liquid prevents flow out of the channel. A heater increases the temperature of the meniscus of the fluid, until a portion of the fluid is ejected from the channel. The ejection of the fluid creates both a thrusting effect and a cooling effect.