Systems and methods are provided for high speed sorting of objects in a continuous body of fluid. The object can be analyzed within one or more interrogation volumes that allow for simultaneous or time-correlated measurement of the object's properties. A processor can interpret the properties of the object and then measured and then direct the object to one of a plurality of downstream flow paths. In some embodiments, the sorting of the object is based on two or more properties of the object. The sorting process can be repeated to create a network of sorting events.

The invention relates to a method for analysis of the AT/GC ratio of DNA by stretching the DNA in nanochannels and performing melting mapping of the AT/GC ratio along the DNA molecule.

Provided herein are methods and devices for single object detection. The methods and devices can be used to identify a plurality epigenetic markers on a genetic material, or a chromatin, encompassing fragments thereof. The invention provides for the characterization of the genetic material flowing through a channel in a continuous body of fluid based on detection of one or more properties of the genetic material. The methods and systems provided herein allow genome-wide, high-throughput epigenetic analysis and overcome a variety of limitations common to bulk analysis techniques.

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 relates to a substrate for nucleic acid amplification, and a method for manufacturing same, the substrate for rapid and accurate PCR analysis comprising: a transparent substrate; a micro-patterned metal layer formed on the transparent substrate; an N-heterocyclic carbene compound having one end annealed to the surface of the micro-patterned metal layer; and a primer immobilized on the other end of the N-heterocyclic carbene compound.

Disclosed herein are ruthenium-containing materials, such as ruthenium containing materials having a double layer capacitance ranging from between about 180 pF/um.sup.2 to about 320 pF/um.sup.2. In some embodiments, the ruthenium-containing materials are suitable for use in electrodes. In some embodiments, the ruthenium-containing materials are suitable for use in nanopore sequencing devices.

Analytical nanostrips for clinical analysis are improved by using multifunctional coding (multicoding) to allow simultaneous identification of the particular assay, the value of the assayed analyte, and a calibration of the analyte. The multicoding layout on the nanostrip minimizes the number of zones that are required for a given assay. Moreover, the nanostrip can be scanned in real time during flow of the nanostrip through a detection beam. This both simplifies the assay and allows for alternative means of coding.

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.

A device for optical mapping of protein binding sites, in particular, transcription factor binding sites, on single DNA molecules, includes an insulating substrate having two parallel channels and at least one slit connecting the two channels, a coverslip on the substrate, at least two reservoirs on the substrate connecting the channels of the insulating substrate, and at least two electrodes in the reservoirs. When the reservoirs are filled with a buffer solution, the electrodes are in electrical contact in the buffer solution.

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.