Abstract: A hand-held or portable SPR device focuses light at two or more positions on a noble metal sensor surface, functionalized to enable detection of different SPR curves and their respective minima. The detection is accomplished substantially simultaneously by obtaining SPR signals contemporaneously from the different locations on the sensor surface, on the same sensor. The SPR device may incorporate multiple light sources or a single light source with a beam that is shifted by deflectors in seriatim to focus on different positions on along the functionalized sensor surface. To control wettability of the sensor surface (to augment multiplexing), the sensor surface may include i) the addition of surface assembled monolayers (SAMs) and ii) surface bombardment by gaseous plasmas, most notably O2.

Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a pathogenic microorganism sample collection and preservation device with a protection function, including a sampler and a preservation container; the sampler and the preservation container are both packaged by independent aseptic packaging bags. The sampler includes a sample collection mechanism, a holding mechanism, and a protection mechanism arranged between the sample collection mechanism and the holding mechanism. Before sample collection, the preservation container is sealed by an assorted sealing cover. The sample collection and preservation device of the present disclosure is convenient for holding and flexible adjustment of a sample collection angle. The protection mechanism between the holding mechanism and the sample collection mechanism plays a role of shielding, thus avoiding the problem of cross contamination.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods, systems and kits for performing microwell analysis in sealed small volumes. The microwells of the invention are sealed through the pairing of microwell and bead geometry wherein the diameter of the beads is greater than the diameter of the bottom of the microwells. Loading the beads into the microwells seals samples within an analytical space between the bottom of a nested bead and the bottom of the subject microwell.

Abstract: Devices and methods that can detect and control an individual polymer in a mixture is acted upon by another compound, for example, an enzyme, in a nanopore are provided. The devices and methods also determine (˜>50 Hz) the nucleotide base sequence of a polynucleotide under feedback control or using signals generated by the interactions between the polynucleotide and the nanopore. The invention is of particular use in the fields of molecular biology, structural biology, cell biology, molecular switches, molecular circuits, and molecular computational devices, and the manufacture thereof.

Abstract: A biological false bottom transport tube system includes a top section of a specimen tube body, the top section comprising a top, a semi-spherical interior floor, and a bottom below the interior floor, the top section manufactured from a material transparent to both visible and infrared light, wherein the top section may hold a sample on the interior floor; and a bottom section of the specimen tube body, the bottom section comprises a top of a diameter less than a dimeter defined by a remainder of the bottom section, the top of the bottom section fits into the bottom of the top section below the interior floor such that the top of the bottom section is secured within the bottom of the top section, the bottom section manufactured from a material that is not transparent to either visible or infrared light.

Abstract: A solid phase microextraction device is disclosed, including a substrate having a planar surface and a sorbent layer disposed on the planar surface. The planar surface is defined by a base edge, a spray edge disposed distal across the substrate from the base edge, the spray edge including a tapering tip extending away from the base edge, a first lateral edge extending from the base edge to the tapering tip, and a second lateral edge extending from the base edge to the tapering tip, the second lateral edge being disposed distal across the substrate from the first lateral edge. The sorbent layer extends a sampling length from the spray edge toward the base edge and includes sorbent particles. A method for forming the solid phase microextraction device is disclosed, including applying the sorbent layer on the planar surface utilizing at least one of screen printing, stencil printing, or additive manufacturing.

Abstract: A device for base calling is provided. The device includes a receptacle configured to hold a biosensor having a sample surface holding a plurality of clusters during a sequence of sampling events, an array of sensors sensing information from clusters disposed in corresponding pixel areas of the sample surface during the sampling events and generate sequences of pixel signals and a communication port configured to output the sequences of pixel signals. The device also includes a signal processor coupled to the communication port and configured to receive and process at least one pixel signal in the sequences of pixel signals that mixes light gathered from at least two clusters in a corresponding pixel area, and to base call each of the at least two clusters using the at least one pixel signal.

Abstract: A micro-bioelectrochemical cell (?-BEC) device is disclosed that includes from 4 to 96 microfluidically connected of chambers, in which each chamber encloses a volume of about 1 ?L to 2 ?L. A working electrode, reference electrode, and counting electrode contacts each volume. The ?-BEC device includes a support layer coated with a working electrode layer, a microfluidics layer containing a plurality of wells, and an electrical layer containing the reference and counter electrodes. Methods of using the ?-BEC device to perform bioelectrochemical measurements of cells are also disclosed.

Abstract: A device and a method for repeatedly modifying the composition of a fluid. The device includes a first module (19) modifying the composition of the fluid, a second module (21) modifying the composition of the fluid and a dwell module (20) with an inlet (8) and an outlet (10). The first module is connected in a fluid-conducting manner to the dwell module inlet and the dwell module outlet is connected in a fluid-conducting manner to the second module. Either the first or the second module is a filter unit, or the first module is a first filter unit and the second module is a second filter unit. The filter unit(s) include(s) at least one first filter medium (4, 14) delimiting a supply channel (2, 12) and a retentate channel (1, 11) and at least one second filter medium (5, 15) delimiting the retentate channel and a permeate channel (3, 13).

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for receiving a body fluid, wherein the apparatus comprises a first chamber with a displaceable wall and a second chamber of a constant effective size, said second chamber being movable with respect to the displaceable wall, wherein the apparatus is designed to connect the first chamber and the second chamber during a longitudinally axial movement of the second chamber with respect to the displaceable wall and to transfer body fluid from the first chamber to the second chamber during a movement of the second chamber together with the displaceable wall.

Abstract: Pipetting containers, such as reservoirs, reservoir liners, microplates, PCR plates, microtubes and PCR tubes, include anti-vacuum channels on the bottom wall of the receptacle to prevent a pipette tip vacuum engaging the wall during aspiration. The groupings of anti-vacuum channels are located on the bottom surface facing upward into the basin that holds liquid samples or reagents. The anti-vacuum channels also lower the required working volume for pipetting and reduce liquid waste.

Abstract: Provided herein is technology relating to testing fluid specimens and particularly, but not exclusively, to apparatuses, devices, methods, systems, and kits for testing a fluid specimen, e.g. urine, saliva, or other body fluids, to detect specified chemical components in the specimen.

Abstract: A device for permeation of a biological material may include a lower portion and an upper portion configured to be releasably coupled to the lower portion. The lower portion may include a groove configured to receivingly support a biological material. The lower portion and the upper portion may be coupled such that a first reservoir and a second reservoir are formed collectively by the lower portion and the upper portion. The first reservoir, the second reservoir, and the groove may be in fluid communication with each other.

Abstract: A sample separation device to introduce a sample to be separated to an inside of the sample separation device, centrifuge the sample, and collect a desired liquid after separation, includes: a sample introducing portion introducing the sample into the sample separation device; a liquid surface defining portion connected to the sample introducing portion; a first separating portion connected to the liquid surface defining portion; a second separating portion connected to the first separating portion; a third separating portion connected to the second separating portion; and a liquid extracting portion including the third separating portion and connected to the third separating portion, in which a tubular flow path is formed by at least the first separating portion and the second separating portion, in which an opening of the sample introducing portion and an opening of the liquid extracting portion are oriented in the same direction.

Abstract: Devices, kits, and methods separating and metering a plasma sample from a patient's liquid test sample.

Abstract: An apparatus and associated methods of use for a controlled combination of reagents is disclosed. The apparatus includes a vessel 400, a vessel insert 220, and a cap element 200. The vessel 400 has a body portion 410 for receiving a biological sample. The vessel insert 220 receives at least one reagent therein. Preferably, the vessel insert 220 is received in a portion 420 of the vessel 400. The cap element 200 is attached to the vessel 400 to secure the vessel insert 220 in the vessel 400. During use, the vessel insert 220 is adapted to release its contents when the biological sample is introduced into the body portion 410 of the vessel 400 upon application of an intermixing force to the vessel insert 220. A variety of intermixing forces may be applied, depending upon the embodiment of the present invention and its associated methods of use.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to nanowires. In one aspect, the present invention is generally directed to systems and methods of individually addressing nanowires on a surface, e.g., that are substantially upstanding or vertically-oriented with respect to the surface. In some cases, one or more nanowires may be individually addressed using various integrated circuit (“IC”) technologies, such as CMOS. For example, the nanowires may form an array on top of an active CMOs integrated circuit.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser having a reservoir (R) containing fluid (P) and air (A), the reservoir (R) forming an assembly opening (11); a fluid dispenser cannula (12) in communication with the reservoir (R); and an actuator member (2) engaged in the assembly opening (11), for supplying the dispenser cannula (13) with fluid (P). The actuator member (2) has a deformable membrane (23) that defines an outside face (231) forming a pusher (24), and an inside face (232) that is in contact with the air (A) of the reservoir (R), when the dispenser cannula (12) is in contact with the fluid (P) of the reservoir (R).

Abstract: Described herein are systems and methods of providing a nanosensor chip for detecting and/or quantifying target molecules in a solution. Said nanosensor chip comprises a pore comprising a plurality of nanopores. Said plurality of nanopores is functionalized with immobilized probe molecules for detecting the target molecules. The solution is directed to the nanochip to permit binding of said target molecules. Changes an aggregate current in response to target molecules in the liquid sample binding to the probe molecules are measured to detect and/or quantify said target molecules in said solution.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for receiving a body fluid, wherein the apparatus comprises a first chamber with a displaceable wall and a second chamber of a constant effective size, said second chamber being movable with respect to the displaceable wall, wherein the apparatus is designed to connect the first chamber and the second chamber during a longitudinally axial movement of the second chamber with respect to the displaceable wall and to transfer body fluid from the first chamber to the second chamber during a movement of the second chamber together with the displaceable wall.