Scaffolded chromophores for nucleic acid detection and systems, methods, and uses thereof are provided. Certain embodiments are directed to nucleic acid probes that include a nucleic acid that is complementary to a target sequence. The probe further includes a dye structure linked to a first end of the nucleic acid and includes a non-conjugated polymeric backbone with one or more donor fluorophores linked to the polymeric backbone and one or more acceptor fluorophores linked to the polymeric backbone, where the donor and acceptor fluorophores are in energy transfer relationship. Such probes can further include a quencher attached to a second end of the nucleic acid, where the quencher and one or more acceptor fluorophores are in an energy transfer relationship. Additional embodiments include a second nucleic acid probe including a second nucleic acid that is complementary to a different target sequence.

The present invention provides a method for performing thermal melt analysis using a microfluidic device, the method comprising providing a microfluidic device having at least one microfluidic channel, introducing fluid comprising into the at least one microfluidic channel, continuously flowing the fluid through the at least one microfluidic channel while varying the temperature of the entire fluid stream as it moves through the at least one microfluidic channel by uniformly heating the entire fluid stream, and measuring, while continuously flowing the fluid through the at least one microfluidic channel, a detectable property emanating from the fluid.

Devices and methods are provided for electrically lysing cells and releasing macromolecules from the cells. A microfluidic device is provided that includes a planar channel having a thickness on a submillimeter scale, and including electrodes on its upper and lower inner surfaces. After filling the channel with a liquid, such that the channel contains cells within the liquid, a series of voltage pulses of alternating polarity are applied between the channel electrodes, where the amplitude of the voltage pulses and a pulsewidth of the voltage pulses are effective for causing irreversible electroporation of the cells. The channel is configured to possess thermal properties such that the application of the voltage produces a rapid temperature rise as a result of Joule heating for releasing the macromolecules from the electroplated cells. The channel may also include an internal filter for capturing and concentrating the cells prior to electrical processing.

In example implementations, an apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a channel, an energy source, and a transfection chamber. The channel includes an indentation to hold a cell. The energy source is to apply a shockwave to the cell in the channel to porate the cell. The transfection chamber is to store a reagent to be inserted into the cell after the cell is porated.

In example implementations, an apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a channel, an energy source, and a transfection chamber. The channel includes an indentation to hold a cell. The energy source is to apply a shockwave to the cell in the channel to porate the cell. The transfection chamber is to store a reagent to be inserted into the cell after the cell is porated.

Systems are described that provide thermal rates of change occurring in fluidic compartments, such as reaction chambers of a fluidic device, so as to achieve significantly reduced overall reaction times. Moreover, various biological analysis systems enhance temperature uniformity occurring within a reaction chamber that is subject to external thermal exchange to control a temperature therein. To increase thermal rates of change and/or enhance temperature uniformity, various embodiments of the present disclosure rely on one or more thermally insulative portions of the device surrounding chambers in which thermal cycling reactions and/or other change in temperature occurs. Providing fluidic devices with relatively fast reaction rates and thermal uniformity can both reduce the overall time for such reactions and enhance accuracy of results.

Apparatus and methods for measuring the concentrations of organic and inorganic carbon, or of other materials in aqueous samples are described, having a reactor that is resistively heated by passing an electric current through the reactor.