Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for lysing individual cells in situ, including the steps of capturing a tissue sample comprising a cellular content, subjecting the tissue sample to a stream of continuous fluid flow, lysing a selected area of the tissue sample with a laser, thereby releasing at least a portion of the cellular content from the tissue sample, recovering at least one target molecule from the cellular content in the stream, and processing the at least one target molecule.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an optical luminescence dual sensor comprising a polymerized form of a probe for sensing pH; a polymerized form of a probe for sensing oxygen; a polymerized form of an internal reference probe; and a matrix. The present disclosure also relates to methods of preparing an optical luminescence dual sensor and methods of using them.

Abstract: The invention relates to microfluidic devices and array disks for “one-pot” isolated chemical reactions. The array disks comprise a plurality of sectors in which each sector comprises one microfluidic device. The microfluidic devices comprise a fluid delivery channel and an array of wells wherein the fluid delivery channel delivery fluid into the wells in a serpentine arrangement. In some embodiments, the fluid delivery channel is directly above the array of wells. In other embodiments, the fluid delivery channel is offset from the array of wells so that side channels branching from the fluid delivery channel delivers fluid into the wells. The well of the microfluidic device comprises a gas-permeable membrane that forms the floor, well, or at least a portion of the floor or wall of the well. In preferred embodiments, the well is cylindrical.

Abstract: Microfluidic devices for 3D hydrodynamic microvortical rotation of at least one live single cell or cell cluster, systems incorporating the devices, and methods of fabricating and using the devices and systems, are provided. A microfluidic chip rotates at least one live single cell or cell cluster in a microvortex about a stable rotation axis perpendicular to an optical axis within a chamber having a trapezoidal cross-sectional shape located below a flow channel. An optical trap may be used to position the cell or cells with the microvortex, and the cell or cells may be subject to live-cell or cell cluster computer tomography imaging.

Abstract: Methods of pre-methylation of foreign DNA to improve genetic transformation in cyanobacterium. Two Type II methyltransferase-encoding genes, i.e., M (sll0729) and C (slr0214), were cloned from the chromosome of Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 (hereafter Synechocystis 6803) and expressed in E. coli that harbors the integrative plasmid pBS-SPtK or pJU105. After pre-methylation in E. coli, the integrative plasmids were extracted and used for transformation of Synechocystis 6803. The results showed that expression of slr0214 in the integrative-plasmid-harboring E. coli cells before DNA preparation resulted in orders of magnitude higher efficiency in the following integrative transformation of Synechocystis 6803.

Abstract: This disclosure relates generally to potassium ion sensors and monomers derived from such sensors. The disclosure also provides for polymers (e.g., random copolymers, nanoparticles, polymer thin films, and sensors) having polymerized monomeric potassium ion sensors as described herein. These compounds and polymers are useful for measuring intracellular and extracellular potassium ion concentrations.

Abstract: A triple sensor structured for simultaneous measurement of glucose, oxygen, and pH. The sensor components are in thin film states such as sensing films or membranes, with a glucose probe associated with emission of radiation in the blue part of the spectrum, an oxygen probe associated with radiation in red portion of the spectrum, and a pH probe—with a green portion of the spectrum. The optical probes are chemically grafted or immobilized in a suitable polymer matrix, alleviating the leaching of the probes from the matrix, improving the thin film sensing stability, and enabling the repeatable use of the same sensing films.

Abstract: Novel methods and devices including modified endoscopes that employ fiber optic technology and multiple extrinsic optical sensors for enablement of simultaneous determination of change rates of biological analytes in vivo with single-cell resolution. The devices employ dynamic oscillatory actuation to determine the gradient of analytes of interest along one or multiple directions with respect to the cell. The change rate or flux of the analyte of interest can be easily determined by applying the first Fick's law that relates the flux with the concentration gradient. The dual operation mode of the device markedly increases measurement sensitivity and accuracy.

Abstract: A triple sensor structured for simultaneous measurement of glucose, oxygen, and pH. The sensor components are in thin film states such as sensing films or membranes, with a glucose probe associated with emission of radiation in the blue part of the spectrum, an oxygen probe associated with radiation in red portion of the spectrum, and a pH probe—with a green portion of the spectrum. The optical probes are chemically grafted or immobilized in a suitable polymer matrix, alleviating the leaching of the probes from the matrix, improving the thin film sensing stability, and enabling the repeatable use of the same sensing films.

Abstract: A microfluidic device useable for performing live cell computed tomography imaging is fabricated with a cover portion including a first wafer with at least one metal patterned thereon, a base portion including a second wafer with at least one metal patterned thereon and negative photoresist defining recesses therein, and a diffusive bonding layer including a negative photoresist arranged to join the cover portion and the base portion. A composition useful in live cell computer topography includes a long-chain polysaccharide at a concentration of from about 0.01% to about 10.0% in cell culture medium for supporting cell life while enabling cell rotation rate to be slowed to a speed commensurate with low light level imaging.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an optical fluorescence sensor comprising a probe for sensing glucose, an intra-reference probe, and a matrix. The present disclosure also relates to an optical fluorescence dual sensor comprising a probe for sensing glucose, a probe for sensing oxygen, an intra-reference probe, and a matrix. The present disclosure additionally relates to methods of preparing these sensors and methods of using them.

Abstract: This disclosure relates generally to potassium ion sensors and monomers derived from such sensors. The disclosure also provides for polymers (e.g., random copolymers, nanoparticles, polymer thin films, and sensors) having polymerized monomeric potassium ion sensors as described herein. These compounds and polymers are useful for measuring intracellular and extracellular potassium ion concentrations.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an optical fluorescence dual sensor comprising a probe for sensing pH, a probe for sensing oxygen, an intra-reference probe and a matrix. The present invention also relates to methods of preparing an optical fluorescence dual sensor and methods of using them.

Abstract: Optical analysis system fluidically self-assembled using shape-coded freestanding optoelectronic components and a template having shape-coded recessed binding sites connected by an embedded interconnect network. Also includes methods of manufacture and use for optical analyses.

Abstract: Optical analysis system fluidically self-assembled using shape-coded freestanding optoelectronic components and a template having shape-coded recessed binding sites connected by an embedded interconnect network. Also includes methods of manufacture and use for optical analyses.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems, components, devices and methods for automated yeast pedigree analysis. Systems, components, devices and methods for analyzing microorganisms, cells, particles and molecules are also disclosed.

Abstract: A rotor (14) is located within a rotor chamber (12) formed in a housing (24). A drive shaft (16) extends from a motor and couples to the drive shaft interconnect (46) at the center of the rotor (14). One side of the rotor (14) is provided with circumferentially spaced apart radial rows of mincing edges (20). These edges (20) are situated on concentric circles or on a spiral. They are elongated circumferentially and may be situated substantially on an arc and substantially on an arc or on a chord. During use, the rotor (14) is rotated after biopsy obtained tissue (10) has been placed in the rotor chamber (12) on the side of the rotor (14) that includes the mincing edges (20). A fluid is delivered into and out from the rotor chamber (12) as the rotor (14) is being rotated to mince the biopsy, lyse the cells, and release the cell nuclei from the obtained tissue. Cell nuclei are expelled from the chamber (12) and are moved through a filter (58).

Abstract: A high precision, small volume fluid processing system employs open ended capillary tubes to meter, aliquot and mix small volumes of sample fluid and reagents. The system has an automatic mechanism for moving the capillary tubes as well as automated sub-systems for incubating and mixing fluids within the capillary tubes.

Abstract: A high precision, small volume fluid processing system employs open ended capillary tubes to meter, aliquot and mix small volumes of sample fluid and reagents. The system has an automatic mechanism for moving the capillary tubes as well as automated sub-systems for incubating and mixing fluids within the capillary tubes.