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.

Among others, the present invention provides devices each including a micro-filter, a shutter, a cell counter, a selector, a micro-surgical kit, a timer, and a data processing circuitry, wherein the micro-filter is capable of detecting or filtering circulating tumor cells.

The present disclosure pertains to a circulating tumor cell (CTC) microfluidic platform that is used for the detection of CTCs, enumeration of CTCs in a sample, characterization of biophysical properties, CTC cell size, CTC cell membrane deformability, stresses on CTC cell membranes, adhesion stress on CTC cells, normal stress of CTC cells, or combinations thereof.

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 devices each including a micro-filter, a shutter, a cell counter, a selector, a micro-surgical kit, a timer, and a data processing circuitry, wherein the micro-filter is capable of detecting or filtering circulating tumor cells.

The present invention provides a nano-fluidic field effective device. The device includes a channel having a first side and a second side, a first set of electrodes adjacent to the first side, a second set of electrodes adjacent to the second side, a control unit for applying electric potentials to the electrodes and a fluid within the channel containing a charge molecule. The first set of electrodes is disposed such that application of electric potentials produces a spatially varying electric field that confines a charged molecule within a predetermined area of said channel. The second set of electrodes is disposed such that application of electric potentials relative to the electric potentials applied to the first set of electrodes creates an electric field that confines the charged molecule to an area away from the second side of the channel.

Among others, the present invention provides micro-devices for detecting or treating a disease, each comprising a first micro sensor for detecting a property of the biological sample at the microscopic level, and an interior wall defining a channel, wherein the micro sensor is located in the interior wall of the micro-device and detects the property of the biological sample in the microscopic level, and the biological sample is transported within the channel.

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 meansassociated 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.

Techniques for fabricating horizontally aligned nanochannels are provided. In one aspect, a method of forming a device having nanochannels is provided. The method includes: providing a SOI wafer having a SOI layer on a buried insulator; forming at least one nanowire and pads in the SOI layer, wherein the nanowire is attached at opposite ends thereof to the pads, and wherein the nanowire is suspended over the buried insulator; forming a mask over the pads, the mask having a gap therein where the nanowire is exposed between the pads; forming an alternating series of metal layers and insulator layers alongside one another within the gap and surrounding the nanowire; and removing the nanowire to form at least one of the nanochannels in the alternating series of the metal layers and insulator layers. A device having nanochannels is also provided.

Disclosed herein is a method comprising: depositing a second electrode of each of a plurality of electrode pairs onto a substrate, through an opening of one or more resist layers; depositing a strip of a sacrificial layer directly on the second electrode through the same opening of the one or more resist layer; depositing a first electrode of each of the plurality of electrode pairs directly on the strip of the sacrificial layer through the same opening of the one or more resist layer; and forming a nanogap channel by removing the strip of the sacrificial layer; wherein the strip of the sacrificial layer is sandwiched between and in direct contact with the first electrode and the second electrode before the strip is removed, and wherein at least a portion of the first electrode directly faces at least a portion of the second electrode.