US Patent 11016053 Devices and methods for sample analysis

Methods, devices, and systems for analyte analysis using a nanopore are disclosed. The methods, devices, and systems utilize a first and a second binding member that each specifically bind to an analyte in a biological sample. The method further includes detecting and/or counting a cleavable tag attached to the second binding member and correlating the presence and/or the number of tags to presence and/or concentration of the analyte. Certain aspects of the methods do not involve a tag, rather the second binding member may be directly detected/quantitated. The detecting and/or counting may be performed by translocating the tag/second binding member through a nanopore. Devices and systems that are programmed to carry out the disclosed methods are also provided. Also provided herein are instruments that are programmed to operate a cartridge that includes an array of electrodes for actuating a droplet and further includes an electrochemical species sensing region. The instrument may be used to analyse a sample in a cartridge that includes an array of electrodes for actuating a droplet and further includes a nanopore layer for detecting translocation of a tag/second binding member through nanopore. An instrument configured to operate a first cartridge that includes an array of electrodes for actuating a droplet and further includes an electrochemical species sensing region and a second cartridge that includes an array of electrodes for actuating a droplet and further includes a nanopore layer for detecting translocation of a tag/second binding member through nanopore is disclosed. An instrument configured to operate a cartridge that includes an array of electrodes for actuating a droplet, an electrochemical species sensing region, and a nanopore layer for detecting translocation of a tag/second binding member through nanopore is disclosed.