This disclosure provides an integrated and automated sample-to-answer system that, starting from a sample comprising biological material, generates a genetic profile in less than two hours. In certain embodiments, the biological material is DNA and the genetic profile involves determining alleles at one or a plurality of loci (e.g., genetic loci) of a subject, for example, an STR (short tandem repeat) profile, for example as used in the CODIS system. The system can perform several operations, including (a) extraction and isolation of nucleic acid; (b) amplification of nucleotide sequences at selected loci (e.g., genetic loci); and (c) detection and analysis of amplification product. These operations can be carried out in a system that comprises several integrated modules, including an analyte preparation module; a detection and analysis module and a control module.

Apparatuses and methods for whole column imaging detection (WCID) capillary isoelectric focusing (CIEF). The apparatus includes a separation capillary having a separation inner diameter and a separation outer diameter; a base, wherein the separation capillary is anchored to the base; an inlet transfer capillary having an inlet inner diameter and an inlet outer diameter; and an outlet transfer capillary having an outlet inner diameter and an outlet outer diameter. The inlet transfer capillary, the separation capillary, and outlet transfer capillary are configured to be in fluidic communication with each other. The separation inner diameter exceeds the outlet inner diameter.

An electrophoresis apparatus is generally disclosed for sequentially analyzing a single sample or multiple samples having one or more analytes in high or low concentrations. The apparatus comprises a relatively large-bore transport capillary which intersects with a plurality of small-bore separation capillaries and includes a valve system. Analyte concentrators, having antibody-specific (or related affinity) chemistries, are stationed at the respective intersections of the transport capillary and separation capillaries to bind one or more analytes of interest. The apparatus allows the performance of two or more dimensions for the optimal separation of analytes. The apparatus may also include a plurality of valves surrounding each of the analyte concentrators to localize each of the concentrators to improve the binding of one or more analytes of interest.

Compositions, systems, and methods for detecting events are provided. A composition can include a nanopore including a first side, a second side, and an aperture extending through the first and second sides; and a permanent tether including head and tail regions and an elongated body disposed there between. The head region can be anchored to or adjacent to the first or second side of the nanopore. The elongated body including a reporter region can be movable within the aperture responsive to a first event occurring adjacent to the first side of the nanopore. For example, the reporter region is translationally movable toward the first side responsive to the first event, then toward the second side, then toward the first side responsive to a second event. The first event can include adding a first nucleotide to a polynucleotide. The second event can include adding a second nucleotide to the polynucleotide.

A pump is used to draw in a sample into a sample suction tube, and the sample is introduced into a capillary tube that is disposed straight in the horizontal direction. Because the sample is drawn in through the sample suction tube in this way, there is no need to bend the capillary tube so as to dip an end portion thereof into the sample. The result is that there is no need to lengthen the capillary tube to compensate for the degree of separation that is lost through bending of the capillary tube, and thus the capillary tube may be shorter, enabling the analysis to be performed more quickly and with higher throughput.

An elution apparatus and a detection apparatus are described. The elution apparatus includes: a sample trap for trapping a sample; and one or more pumps and/or valves to move a liquid eluent and a liquid eluate, wherein the eluate includes an extracted portion of the sample that is extracted by the eluent. The detection apparatus includes: a capillary having a low-voltage (LV) end portion to receive a sample; and a conductivity detector coupled to a high-voltage (HV) end portion of the capillary to generate signals based on conductivity of a monitored portion of the capillary in the HV end portion, wherein the conductivity detector is electrically isolated from the LV end portion.

A capillary unit includes a reservoir capable of retaining a liquid. A capillary having a linear shape has one end secured on a bottom-end portion of the reservoir. The capillary extends from the bottom-end portion in a direction away from an opening of the reservoir. A nozzle connector is provided between a bottom of the reservoir and the one end of the capillary, and provides liquid-tight removable connection with a nozzle for injecting the liquid into the capillary from a portion adjacent to the reservoir.

An oil removal device for removing oil from a stream (103) of oil-separated sample droplets (104) is disclosed. The oil removal device comprises a sample delivery channel (101) for conducting the stream of sample droplets to an outlet (102). A porous, hydrophobic and oleophilic absorber element (106) is arranged at the outlet of the sample delivery channel so as to absorb the oil phase (105) from the stream of oil-separated sample droplets. The oil removal device can be used in two-dimensional separation techniques such as LC-MS, LC-CE, CE-CE etc.

Various embodiments of the teachings relate to a system or method for sample preparation or analysis in biochemical or molecular biology procedures. The sample preparation can involve small volume processed in discrete portions or segments or slugs, herein referred to as discrete volumes. A molecular biology procedure can be nucleic acid analysis. Nucleic acid analysis can be an integrated DNA amplification/DNA sequencing procedure.

A method of analyzing a molecule in a nanopore is disclosed. A voltage is applied across a nanopore that is inserted in a membrane by coupling the nanopore to a voltage source. The nanopore is decoupled from the voltage source. After the decoupling, a rate of decay of the voltage across the nanopore is determined. A molecule in the nanopore is distinguished from other possible molecules based on the determined rate of decay of the voltage across the nanopore.