A biopolymer (e.g. DNA) sequencing system comprises a biopolymer capture element for capturing a biopolymer from a sample disposed on a substrate for receiving the sample which capture element is preferably provided by a helicase which further acts as a size exclusion molecular motor for delivering a biopolymer such as DNA to a discrete detection means associated with the capture element and the substrate. The detection means may detect signals or variances in a signal associated with the biomolecule and, in particular, components of the biomolecule (e.g. nucleotides or bases). The biomolecule may be returned to the sample. Highly efficient, high speed, low cost sequencing of biopolymers such DNA are thereby achievable.

A method of fabricating a nanoscale topography system for inducing unfolding of a DNA molecule for sequencing includes providing a substrate and creating trench walls on the substrate which define a trench therebetween. The method further includes depositing a layer of a block copolymer (BCP) in the trench and forming cylindrical domains by self-assembly of the BCP between the trench walls, removing a first portion of the cylindrical domains to create a vacant region in the trench, and depositing a subsequent layer of the BCP in the vacant region and forming spherical domains by self-assembly of the BCP between the trench walls adjacent a second portion of the cylindrical domains. The spherical domains form staggered post structures for unfolding the DNA molecule and the cylindrical domains form parallel channel structures for entry of the DNA molecule for sequencing.

System and method includes a body having a central microchannel separated by one or more porous membranes. The membranes are configured to divide the central microchannel into a two or more parallel central microchannels, wherein one or more first fluids are applied through the first central microchannel and one or more second fluids are applied through the second or more central microchannels. The surfaces of each porous membrane can be coated with cell adhesive molecules to support the attachment of cells and promote their organization into tissues on the upper and lower surface of the membrane. The pores may be large enough to only permit exchange of gases and small chemicals, or to permit migration and transchannel passage of large proteins and whole living cells. Fluid pressure, flow and channel geometry also may be varied to apply a desired mechanical force to one or both tissue layers.

System and method includes a body having a central microchannel separated by one or more porous membranes. The membranes are configured to divide the central microchannel into a two or more parallel central microchannels, wherein one or more first fluids are applied through the first central microchannel and one or more second fluids are applied through the second or more central microchannels. The surfaces of each porous membrane can be coated with cell adhesive molecules to support the attachment of cells and promote their organization into tissues on the upper and lower surface of the membrane. The pores may be large enough to only permit exchange of gases and small chemicals, or to permit migration and transchannel passage of large proteins and whole living cells. Fluid pressure, flow and channel geometry also may be varied to apply a desired mechanical force to one or both tissue layers.

A system and method for determining a trajectory parameter of particles, comprising receiving a plurality of particles at a microfluidic channel, applying a force to each particle of the microfluidic channel, acquiring a dataset of each particle, measuring a trajectory of the particle, and determining a trajectory parameter of the particles.

The present disclosure relates to a sample analysis device for increasing measurement resolution of forces generated by a sample and method of use thereof. The sample analysis device comprises a body stretchable along a central longitudinal axis. The body includes at least one attachment region engageable with a sample and a plurality of stretchable portions spaced apart by joining regions. The body also includes at least one detectable datum for determining displacement. Each stretchable portion extends generally longitudinally and includes an offset region inclined to the longitudinal axis. The stretchable portions increase the compliance of the body within a predetermined measurement range.

A polymerase chain reaction apparatus according to the present invention comprises: a transparent photothermal substrate including a transparent plate having an array of transparent nano-pillars arranged to be spaced apart from each other, and plasmonic metal nano-islands disposed on surfaces including upper surfaces and side surfaces of the nano-pillars; a light source disposed under the photothermal substrate and emitting light to the plasmonic metal nano-islands; and a chamber receiving a fluid heated by the transparent photothermal substrate.

The present disclosure relates to methods, systems, and devices for performing analyses of biological nanoparticles. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to methods, systems, and devices for performing single biological nanoparticle size determination on a sample while the biological nanoparticle is in transit through a microfluidic chip. In other aspects, the present disclosure relates to methods, systems, and devices for selectively capturing biological nanoparticles on a coated planar surface, the capturing being facilitated by centrifugation.

Among others, the present invention provides apparatus for interacting with a biological subject to detect circulating tumor cells therein, comprising one device for sending a signal to the biological subject and optionally receiving a response to the signal from the biological entity.

A method for isolating molecules and/or molecular complexes having a radius of gyration smaller or equal to 2 m from a complex fluid, including the steps of: a) contacting a complex fluid with a structured capture array having topographical features, wherein the structured capture array is placed in an environment with surrounding humid air humidity of at least 40% based on the maximal moisture content, b) covering the deposited complex fluid with a covering element, wherein the surface tension of the complex fluid between the covering element and the structured capture array defines at least a front and a rear meniscus; and c) dragging either the covering element or the structured capture array in one direction at a speed of at most 2 mm.Math.s.sup.1 for displacing the complex fluid, resulting in that the molecules and/or the molecular complexes are trapped inside the cavities.