Abstract: Bare porous polymer monoliths, fluidic chips, methods of incorporating bare porous polymer monoliths into fluidic chips, and methods for functionalizing bare porous polymer monoliths are described. Bare porous polymer monoliths may be fabricated ex situ in a mold. The bare porous polymer monoliths may also be functionalized ex situ. Incorporating the bare preformed porous polymer monoliths into the fluidic chips may include inserting the monoliths into channels of channel substrates of the fluidic chips. Incorporating the bare preformed porous polymer monoliths into the fluidic chips may include bonding a capping layer to the channel substrate. The bare porous polymer monoliths may be mechanically anchored to channel walls and to the capping layer. The bare porous polymer monoliths may be functionalized by ex situ immobilization of capture probes on the monoliths. The monoliths may be functionalized by direct attachment of chitosan.

Abstract: Portable coagulation monitoring devices, systems, and methods are disclosed. Namely, a test cartridge is provided for use in a portable coagulation monitor (PCM) device. Further, the test cartridge comprises two glass-filled thermoplastic polymer plates and a disposable blood introduction device. The two glass-filled thermoplastic polymer plates are arranged substantially in parallel with a small gap therebetween for receiving a sample of blood to be tested. Using the PCM device, the two glass-filled thermoplastic polymer plates can be moved linearly relative to each other. Methods of measuring coagulation response in a blood sample using the test cartridge and the PCM device are provided. A method of introducing blood into the test cartridge using the disposable blood introduction device is provided.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are devices and methods for the real-time detection of aeropathogens. The device includes an aerosampler having an air inlet and at least one collector tube, a microfluidic system which includes a container, piping, a micro-pump for flowing a liquid, and a viral detection chamber. The viral detection chamber has an electrode which may be equipped with functionalized biosensors, a counter electrode, an electronic detection system connectable to the electrodes of the viral detection chamber, and an embedded electronic processing system for processing data from the electronic detection system.

Abstract: A diagnostic and prognostic method and system for sequentially analyzing in a biological fluid or tissue extract the presence of an antigenic infectious agent, infectious organism or its toxic product; an antibody response to the antigenic infectious agent, infectious organism or its toxic product; one or more biomarkers formed during infection in response to a communicable disease; and one or more biomarkers to assess the severity of the disease and to monitor the effectiveness of drug therapy or vaccination.

Abstract: Spatially distributed optical excitation and integrated waveguides are used for ultrasensitive particle detection based on individual electrokinetic velocities of particles. In some embodiments, chip-integrated systems are used to identify individual particles (e.g., individual molecules) based on their velocity as they move through an optically interrogated channel. Molecular species may be identified and quantified in a fully integrated setting, allowing for particle analysis including molecular analysis that can operate at low copy numbers down to the level of single-cell lysates. In some embodiments, the single-particle velocimetry-based identification and/or separation techniques are applied to various diagnostic assays, including nucleic acids, metabolites, macromolecules, organelles, cell, synthetic markers, small molecules, organic polymers, hormones, peptides, antibodies, lipids, carbohydrates, inorganic and organic microparticles and nanoparticles, whole viruses, and any combination thereof.

Abstract: A flow-cytometer has an excitation light source generating an excitation light that excites one or more bio-cells in a bio-sample carried by a flow path to luminesce. The flow-cytometer includes a spectrum dispersive element that disperses the luminescent light generated by the bio-sample into a photo-detector array. The flow-cytometer further includes a digital signal processor (DSP) that receives signals from the photo-detector array and generates a self-triggering signal based on the luminescent light generated by the bio-cells in bio-sample. The self-triggering signal triggers data capture in the DSP to improve synchronization with the data generated from signals received from the photo-detector array.

Abstract: A microfluidic test system is disclosed. The system includes a test substrate including parallel channels and reaction chambers. The reaction chambers are adapted to accommodate optical transmittance, absorbance and reflectance testing. The movement of the fluid within the system is controlled and synchronized in real time with the optical measurements of the reagents and analytes within each individual reaction chamber. The optical testing of each reaction chamber is customized regarding the color and intensity of the source light. The system includes an easy-to-use applicator for the capture of the test fluid and a fully automated measurement and test system. The microfluidic test system may be incorporated into clothing or apparel such as in a diaper. A device and method are also disclosed.

Abstract: A biological sheet storage device includes a fixation arrangement and a storage box. The fixation arrangement includes a first carrier, a second carrier and a fixing piece. The first carrier is configured to carry a biological sheet and positioned on the second carrier. The fixing piece is configured to fix the first carrier on the second carrier. The storage box is configured to encapsulate the fixation arrangement carrying the biological sheet. A limiting mechanism for limiting the fixation arrangement is included in the storage box.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a fluid analyzing device that includes a sensing device for analyzing a fluid sample. The sensing device includes a microchip configured for sensing the fluid sample, and a closed micro-fluidic component for propagating the fluid sample to the microchip. The fluid sample can be provided to the micro-fluidic component via an inlet of the fluid analyzing device. And a vacuum compartment, which is air-tight connected to the sensing device, can create in the micro-fluidic component a suction force suitable for propagating the fluid sample through the micro-fluidic component.

Abstract: An integrated system for determining a hemostasis and oxygen transport parameter of a blood sample, such as blood, is disclosed. The system includes a measurement system, such as an ultrasonic sensor, configured to determine data characterizing the blood sample. For example, the data could be displacement of the blood sample in response to ultrasonic pulses. An integrated aspect of the system may be a common sensor, sample portion or data for fast and efficient determination of both parameters. The parameters can also be used to correct or improve measured parameters. For example, physiological adjustments may be applied to the hemostatic parameters using a HCT measurement. Also, physical adjustments may be applied, such as through calibration using a speed or attenuation of the sound pulse through or by the blood sample. These parameters may be displayed on a GUI to guide treatment.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a cartridge for use in nucleic acid extraction and a nucleic acid extraction method which can simplify a nucleic acid extraction process and can be applicable to a point-of-care testing (POCT). The cartridge includes a chamber module, an air valve module, and a liquid valve module. The chamber module includes a plurality of chambers for extracting nucleic acids from a sample including a pretreatment chamber in which the sample is crushed and homogenization, cell disruption, and purification are performed. The air valve module is installed on the chamber module to control a pressure required to move a fluid between the plurality of chambers. The liquid valve module is installed below the chamber module to move the fluid between the plurality of chambers.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides chips, devices and methods for sequencing a biomolecule. The biomolecule may be DNA, RNA. a protein, or a peptide. The chip comprises a substrate; a first and second fluid chamber; fluid channels connecting the first and second fluid chamber; a first and second electrode disposed on opposing sides of the central fluid channel and having a nanogap therebetween, wherein the width of the nanogap is modulated by confined electrochemical deposition; and a passivation layer disposed on top of the first and second electrodes and the fluid channel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a straw comprising a tube (11) and a gas-permeable and liquid-tight stopper (12), said stopper (12) being arranged in the tube (11), close to an end (16). The invention is characterised in that the stopper (12) comprises an indicator component (20) having a first pre-determined colour in the absence of previous contact with said substance (21) and a second pre-determined colour, of a different shade from that of the first colour, once it has been in contact with said substance (21). The assembly comprises the straw (10) and a device (26) for controlling the filling of the straw.

Abstract: A method of sorting cells including magnetically coupling a nozzle assembly to a flow cytometer in a predetermined orientation to form a fluid stream having a sheath fluid and a sample fluid. Particles within the sample fluid are oriented and then interrogated at an inspection zone to produces signals representative of emitted or reflected electromagnetic radiation. The electromagnetic radiation is analyzed to classify the cells and the cells are sorted according to their classification.

Abstract: Provided herein, among other aspects, are methods and apparatuses for analyzing particles in a sample. In some aspects, the particles can be analytes, cells, nucleic acids, or proteins and can be contacted with a tag, partitioned into aliquots, detected by a ranking device, and isolated. The methods and apparatuses provided herein may include a microfluidic chip. In some aspects, the methods and apparatuses may be used to quantify rare particles in a sample, such as cancer cells and other rare cells for disease diagnosis, prognosis, or treatment.

Abstract: Provided are methods and apparatuses for controlling a position of a target point on a processing result relative to a focus point of a focusing sensor system for determining properties of the processing result. The method includes the steps of determining an initial focus point of the focusing sensor system, controlling rotation of the cartridge and disc, checking whether the initial focus point of the focusing sensor system corresponds to the target point on the processing result, comparing (x, y) target positions in captured images with the initial focus point of the focusing sensor system, adjusting rotation of the cartridge and disc such that the focus point of the focusing sensor system corresponds to the target point on the processing result, and detecting and examining signals received from the focusing sensor system for determining properties of the processing result.

Abstract: The invention provides a device and method for the real-time detection of aeropathogens. The device includes an aerosampler having an air inlet and at least one collector tube, a microfluidic system which includes a container, piping, a micro pump for flowing a liquid and a viral detection chamber. The viral detection chamber has an electrode which may be equipped with functionalized bio sensors, a counter electrode, an electronic detection system connectable to the electrodes of the viral detection chamber, and an embedded electronic processing system for processing data from the electronic detection system.

Abstract: Air-matrix digital microfluidics (DMF) apparatuses and methods of using them to prevent or limit evaporation and surface fouling of the DMF apparatus. In particular, described herein are air-matrix DMF apparatuses and methods of using them including thermally controllable regions with a wax material that may be used to selectively encapsulate a reaction droplet in the air gap of the apparatus; additional aqueous droplets may be combined with the encapsulated droplet even after separating from the wax, despite residual wax coating, by merging with an aqueous droplet having a coating of a secondary material (e.g., an oil or other hydrophobic material) that may remove the wax from the droplet and/or allow combining of the droplets.

Abstract: An exemplary mobile impedance-based flow cytometer is developed for the diagnosis of sickle cell disease. The mobile cytometer may be controlled by a computer (e.g., smartphone) application. Calibration of the portable device may be performed using a component of known impedance value. With the developed portable flow cytometer, analysis may be performed on two sickle cell samples and a healthy cell sample. The acquired results may subsequently be analyzed to extract single-cell level impedance information as well as statistics of different cell conditions. Significant differences in cell impedance signals may be observed between sickle cells and normal cells, as well as between sickle cells under hypoxia and normoxia conditions.

Abstract: An optical analyte sensor and diabetes management system is provided. The sensor preferably includes a hydrogel matrix for receiving a sample containing an analyte at unknown concentration, a light emitter for emitting light at a stimulation frequency, a light receiver for receiving a fluorescence signal at a first isosbestic frequency, and at a second frequency, for measuring an intensity of the fluorescence signal and the first and second frequencies. A processor determines a concentration of the analyte based on the respective intensities.