Abstract: A method of operating a laboratory sample distribution system is presented. The system comprises container carriers, a transport plane, and drive elements. The container carriers carry sample containers. The transport plane supports the container carriers. The drive elements move the container carriers on the transport plane. The method comprises planning a movement path for a container carrier from a start to a goal on the transport plane modelled by nodes. The nodes are free for one time-window or reserved for one-time window. The planning comprises analyzing the reachability out of a free time-window of one node to free time-windows of a next node and an over-next node such that planned movement of the container carrier is nonstop. The method comprises reserving the planned movement path comprising a sequence of time-windows of nodes and moving the container carrier along the reserved movement path on the transport plane by a drive element.

Abstract: Cross-linked polymer networks that are at least partially conjugated (e.g., phenylene vinylene polymer networks). The cross-linked polymer networks may be thin-films disposed on a substrate. The cross-linked polymer network may be covalently bonded to the substrate. The cross-linked polymer networks can be used, for example, in methods of detecting explosives (e.g., RDX (cyclotrimethylenetrinitramine)) and degradation products thereof.

Abstract: A system for analyzing a biological sample may include at least one sample acquisition stage comprising a sample acquisition device for acquiring the biological sample from a sample source; a droplet generator device for forming a droplet wrapped in an immiscible carrier fluid, wherein the wrapped droplet comprises at least the biological sample and a reagent, the droplet generator configured to receive the biological sample transferred from the sample acquisition device; a collection vessel for collecting the wrapped sample droplet from the droplet generator, the vessel configured to contain a carrier fluid for receiving and protecting the sample droplet; and an analysis system for analyzing the wrapped sample droplet and detecting products of a polymerase chain reaction.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a sterilization apparatus which uses thermal or non-thermal plasma to disinfect surgical scoping devices such as endoscopes, gastroscopes, laparoscopes and the like. Aspect of the disclosure provide: (i) an apparatus for sterilizing inside an instrument channel formed with an insertion tube of a surgical scoping device, (ii) a whole-device sterilization apparatus for treating the entire exterior surface of a surgical scoping device, and (iii) an apparatus for cleaning and sterilizing a distal end face of an insertion tube of a surgical scoping device.

Abstract: A fluorescence immunochromatographic detection card and a preparation method therefor and usage thereof is disclosed. The fluorescence immunochromatographic detection card comprises a treatment liquid A, a treatment liquid B, and a detection card. The treatment liquid A contains an antibody 15C4 that is coupled with a fluorescent microsphere. The treatment liquid B contains an antibody 13G12 that is coupled with biotin. The detection card comprises a detection line area and a quality control line area, and a streptavidin detection T line is fixed in the detection area, and an antibody quality control C line is immobilized in the quality control line area. The preparation method comprises: (1) formulating the treatment liquid A; (2) formulating the treatment liquid B; and (3) drawing the line on the detection card.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to compositions and methods for the detection of zinc. Provided herein is a class of zinc-responsive probes with tunable photophysical properties that can be modified for coupling to a solid support or other chemical moieties. In particular, modifications to the 5-position of the BODIPY core allows for alteration of probe properties and functionalities.

Abstract: In some aspects, the present disclose provides methods for amplifying and quantifying nucleic acids. Methods for amplifying and quantifying nucleic acids comprise isolating a sample comprising nucleic acid molecules into a plurality of microchambers, performing a polymerase chain reaction on the plurality of microchambers, and analyzing the results of the polymerase chain reaction. In some aspects, the present disclosure provides devices consistent with the methods herein.

Abstract: An automated analyzer is provided that includes a sample probe for dispensing a substance to be dispensed into a plurality of reaction vessels for causing a sample to be analyzed to react with a reagent, a measurement unit (e.g., light source, spectrophotometer, and control device) for measuring a reaction liquid produced from the sample and reagent in a reaction vessel, a cleaning tank for probe cleaning, and a control device for controlling the operation of the probe, measurement unit, and cleaning tank. The cleaning tank includes a cleaning pool for storing cleaning water for immersing and cleaning the probe and a drying tank for sucking up the cleaning water on the surface of the probe after the probe has been immersed in the cleaning water of the cleaning water pool and cleaned. As a result, it is possible to reduce the amount of cleaning water used to clean the probe.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an automatic and portable system, comprising a bench-top instrument and a disposable microfluidic device for multiplex detection and quantitation of biomolecules such as proteins and nucleic acids from biological samples. The disposable device pre-encapsulates all the reagents including capture probes, detection probes, and wash buffer, with a waste reservoir in it, allowing all the liquids to be circulated inside the device, without interaction with the external environment. The bench-top instrument comprises a pressure control module and a fluorescence detection module, enabling automatic device operation and signal detection without manual intervention.

Abstract: A microfluidic device performs a method of partitioning droplets from a fluid reservoir containing particles that provides a non-Poissonian distribution of dispensed droplets containing a desired number of particles. Using an electrowetting on dielectric (EWOD) device, droplets are dispensed having a Poissonian distribution of dispensed droplets containing a desired number of particles, and the droplets are interrogated to determine whether each dispensed droplet has a desired number of particles. Droplets that contain the desired number of particles are moved by EWOD operation to a reaction area on the EWOD device, and droplets that do not contain the desired number of particles are rejected and moved by EWOD operation to a holding area on the EWOD device that is different and spaced apart from the reaction area. The result is that droplets in the reaction area have a non-Poissonian distribution of droplets containing the desired number of particles.

Abstract: A microfluidic cartridge is provided. The microfluidic cartridge has an interior and an exterior. The microfluidic cartridge includes a reservoir disposed in the interior of the microfluidic cartridge and configured to contain a fluid composition. The microfluidic cartridge includes an electric circuit disposed on the exterior of the microfluidic cartridge. The electric circuit comprises a first end portion having electrical contacts and a second end portion opposing the first end portion. The microfluidic cartridge includes a microfluidic die disposed on the exterior of the microfluidic cartridge, wherein the microfluidic die is electrically connected with the second end portion of the electric circuit and in fluid communication with the reservoir. A silicone pressure-sensitive adhesive is used to join the electric circuit with the exterior of the microfluidic cartridge.

Abstract: A method for fabrication of a gold nanoporous anodic aluminum oxide (NAAO) substrate used in coordination with a handheld Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) device for detecting phenylalanine (Phe) in a sample collected from a subject, the method comprising forming a three-phase system on top of a multilayered nanoporous aluminum layer of the gold NAAO substrate; injecting a cosolvent solution into the three-phase system, wherein the cosolvent solution comprises gold nanoparticles; forming a gold layer on top of the multilayered nanoporous aluminum layer, and drying the gold NAAO substrate.

Abstract: A gold nanoporous anodic aluminum oxide (NAAO) substrate used in coordination with a handheld Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) device for detecting phenylalanine (Phe) in a sample collected from a subject, the gold NAAO substrate comprising a multilayered nanoporous aluminum layer; and a gold layer disposed on top of the multilayered nanoporous aluminum layer. The gold layer comprises gold nanoparticles.

Abstract: Aqueous calibration or quality control reagents that include urea are disclosed; the reagents may further include at least one amino acid-containing composition to provide pH stability thereto. Methods of production and use thereof are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods for isolating viable cancer cells from a sample that comprises a mixture of cancerous cells and normal (non-cancerous) cells are provided. In the methods, a fluid preparation comprising a mixture of cancerous and normal cells is repeatedly exposed to fluid shear stresses, whereby the repeated exposure to the fluid shear stresses preferentially imparts fluid shear stress-resistance to the cancerous cells.

Abstract: A milking system includes a milking device, a milk line, and a sampling and analysis device for milk from the milk line, that includes a control unit, a carrier with reagent pads to detect a substance in the sample, a dosing device to dose a sample onto a reagent pad, an sensor device to detect radiation from that reagent pad, and to analyse the detected radiation to indicate a presence or concentration of said substance. The dosing device includes a nozzle with a supply line, a pump for pumping liquid to the nozzle, a flat wall part, and a mover to press the flat wall part and the nozzle against each other to close the nozzle. In this way, the nozzle can be filled completely to a known level and without bubbles. Thereafter, the sample pump can provide a sample droplet with known volume, which enables better control over the sample supply process.

Abstract: A disclosed system uses modulations of ionic current across a nanopore in a membrane to detect target molecules passing through the nanopore. This principle has been applied mainly to nucleic acid sequencing, but can also be used to detect other molecular targets such as proteins and small molecules. In addition, the system delivers target molecules to a nanopore to provide label-free single molecule analysis using a chip-based system. Target molecules are concentrated on microscale carrier beads, and the beads are delivered and optically trapped in an area within the capture radius of the nanopore. The target molecules are released from the beads and detected using nanopore current modulation. In addition, the disclosed system combines sample preparation (e.g. purification, extraction, and pre-concentration) with nanopore-based readout on a microfluidic chip.

Abstract: According to an example aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus comprising a volume for receiving a gas sample; and an ultrasonic transducer; wherein the ultrasonic transducer is caused to generate a standing wave to the volume, said standing wave comprising at least one particle trapping zone for trapping particles carried by the gas sample, and to release particles trapped to the at least particle trapping zone by decreasing power of the standing wave to at least one lower power level and/or switching off the standing wave.

Abstract: Apparatus, methods, and systems for transducing measurements from medium of interest. One non-limiting example is in planta monitoring of plants. In one aspect, a micro- or nano-scale probe body includes one or more microprobes (e.g. microneedles or waveguides) to access desired plant tissue, and one or more microsensors on the probe body. A microcircuit on or in the probe body transduces relevant measurements from the microsensor(s). An output interface allows storage, communication, or transfer of the transduced measurement for further use. Non-limiting examples are processing into estimations of chemical concentrations or the like for biochemical sensing. As such, if used as in planta sensors, they can be minimally invasive and cost effective for both single use and use in sets for plural plants with one central station.

Abstract: A concentration device that concentrates a solution containing a biological substance includes: a first chamber into which the solution is to be introduced; a second chamber to be filled with a drawing agent; and a film that separates a space of the first chamber and a space of the second chamber. The film has a first region and a second region. The first region is semipermeable in that the first region is permeable to a solvent of the solution but impermeable to the biological substance and the drawing agent. The second region is impermeable to the solution, the biological substance, and the drawing agent. When the solution is introduced into the first chamber, the film is positioned to incline with respect to a surface of the solution. The second region is positioned below the first region with respect to the surface of the solution.