Systems and methods for biological analysis and computation

Abstract

Provided herein are devices and methods suitable for sequencing, detecting, amplifying, analyzing, and performing sample preparation procedures for nucleic acids and other molecules. In some cases, the devices and methods provided herein are used for computation.

1 .- 198 . (canceled) 
     
     
         199 . A device comprising a well-less sensing array comprising a plurality of sensors in a housing, wherein at least a subset of said plurality of sensors is individually addressable, wherein a sensor of said plurality of sensors is configured to directly measure an electronic signature associated with a biological species in solution, wherein said housing has a footprint that is less than or equal to about 250,000 mm 2 , and wherein said device has a weight that is less than or equal to about 25 pounds. 
     
     
         200 . The device of  claim 199 , further comprising a fluid flow path in fluid communication with said plurality of sensors. 
     
     
         201 . The device of  claim 200 , wherein said fluid flow path is in fluid communication with a repository comprising one or more reagent for nucleic acid sequencing. 
     
     
         202 . The device of  claim 199 , wherein said plurality of sensors is configured for nucleic acid sequencing. 
     
     
         203 . The device of  claim 199 , wherein said well-less sensing array is part of a chip, and wherein said chip is removable from said housing. 
     
     
         204 . The device of  claim 199 , wherein said weight is less than or equal to about 10 pounds. 
     
     
         205 . The device of  claim 199 , wherein said footprint is less than or equal to about 100,000 mm 2 . 
     
     
         206 . The device of  claim 199 , further comprising a computer processor coupled to said well-less sensing array, which computer processor is configured to receive signals from said sensor indicative of said electronic signature associated with said biological species. 
     
     
         207 . The device of  claim 199 , wherein said electronic signature is an impedance or change in impedance associated with said biological species. 
     
     
         208 . A method for biological detection, comprising:
 (a) providing a device comprising a well-less sensing array comprising a plurality of sensors in a housing, wherein at least a subset of said plurality of sensors is individually addressable, wherein a sensor of said plurality of sensors directly measures an electronic signature associated with a biological species in solution, wherein said housing has a footprint that is less than or equal to about 250,000 mm 2 , and wherein said device has a weight that is less than or equal to about 25 pounds;   (b) directing a solution comprising said biological species to said plurality of sensors; and   (c) directly measuring an electronic signature associated with said biological species using said sensor.   
     
     
         209 . The method of  claim 208 , further comprising using a fluid flow path in fluid communication with said well-less sensing array to direct said solution. 
     
     
         210 . The method of  claim 208 , wherein said biological species is a polypeptide or a protein. 
     
     
         211 . The method of  claim 208 , wherein said biological species is nucleic acid molecule. 
     
     
         212 . The method of  claim 211 , wherein said electronic signature is indicative of a sequence of said nucleic acid molecule. 
     
     
         213 . The method of  claim 208 , wherein said well-less sensing array is a part of a chip, and wherein said chip is removable from said housing. 
     
     
         214 . The method of  claim 208 , wherein said electronic signature is an impedance or change in impedance associate with said biological species. 
     
     
         215 . The method of  claim 214 , wherein said impedance or change in impedance is associated with (i) said biological species immobilized to a bead disposed adjacent to said sensor, (ii) said biological species coupled to an electrode of said sensor, or (iii) said biological species in a fluid adjacent to said sensor.