An example apparatus comprises includes a first reservoir to store a biologic sample containing a cell, a microfluidic channel fluidically coupled to the first reservoir, and circuitry. The microfluidic channel includes a constriction region including a first circumference that is attenuated from remaining portions of the microfluidic channel, and a fluidic pump disposed within the microfluidic channel. The circuitry is to activate the fluidic pump to direct flow of the cell from the first reservoir to the microfluidic channel and through the constriction region.

A diagnostic method for a detection of a nuclear deformation based a cellular differentiation includes the following steps: preparing nano/micropatterned surfaces; performing a cell seeding on the nano/micropatterned surfaces; imaging; analyzing nuclear deformations of a single cell and a cell population with an algorithm method.

Nanochannel arrays that enable high-throughput macromolecular analysis are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods of preparing nanochannel arrays and nanofluidic chips. Methods of analyzing macromolecules, such as entire strands of genomic DNA, are also disclosed, as well as systems for carrying out these methods.

The present invention refers to a device for the analysis of a particle comprising an analysis chamber adapted to contain a positioning fluid. A parameter of the particle suspended in the positioning fluid is detected by means of a detection and control unit. A positioning unit, during a particle analysis operation, is activated and deactivated on the basis of the detected parameter of the particle. The detection and control unit can activate the at least one positioning unit so as to generate a temporary positioning flow in the positioning fluid, such that said temporary positioning flow acts directly on the particle and drives the position of the particle so as to move it into a predefined position in the analysis chamber. The detection and control unit can also deactivate the at least one positioning unit when the particle to be analyzed is in the predefined position, such that the positioning fluid is at rest.

The present disclosure provides methods and structures for systems which can linearize and capture a nucleic acid molecule (e.g., DNA) for re-measurement of the nucleic acid molecule or other polymer prior to detection of the polymer. The structures may allow for quick exchange between different samples or other reagents.

Among others, the present invention provides apparatus comprising two micro-devices each fabricated by the method comprising: the first step of depositing a first material onto a substrate; the second step of depositing a second material onto the first material and then patterning the second material with a microelectronic technology or process; and repeating the second step at least once with a material that can be the same as or different from the first or second material. The micro-devices can pierce through the membrane of a circulating tumor cell and can move in different direction.

Methods and apparatus that facilitate membrane-perturbing surface interactions for delivering a payload to a variety of cell types without resulting in a substantial loss in cell viability or alteration of endogenous cellular functions. In one example, an intracellular delivery tool comprises a microfluidic device (10) which includes a microfluidic flow channel (12) containing fluid therein and a membrane perturbing surface (22), in fluid communication with the microfluidic flow channel (12), with a plurality of perturbing features disposed thereon. An exemplary intracellular delivery method includes flowing a fluid containing cells therein along a membrane perturbing surface having a plurality of perturbing features disposed thereon, and delivering nanomaterial across a membrane of the cells in the fluid during and after contact between the cells and the membrane perturbing surface.

A method and system for performing single molecule proteomics utilizing a nanopore sensor to measure an electronic signature of protein or peptide being transported through the nanopore from a first chamber to a second chamber. The protein's electronic signature is a function of ionic current over time. The method and system utilizing an agent, such as guanidinium chloride, to bind to the nanopore's interior and provide an electroosmotic force within the nanopore. The electroosmotic force, in some embodiments, enables stretching and unfolding of the protein during transport through the nanopore. The agent may also or alternatively induce the unfolding of the protein before transport through the nanopore and/or provide force moving the protein through the nanopore.

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.

A microfluidic device includes an array unit and a nanostructure connected to the array unit, wherein the array unit comprises array cells with substances for a polymerase chain reaction. The array cells include nucleotides with stop properties according to the Sanger sequencing method and primers for an asymmetric polymerase chain reaction. The nanostructure is configured to determine lengths of nucleotide strands formed by the polymerase chain reaction.