Abstract: A method, device and system employs particles, such as nanoparticles, and an electric or electro-magnetic field, to cause cell death in target cells by non-thermal means. The method of causing targeted cell death comprises the steps of: introducing a particle to the interior of a target cell and exposing the target cell to a transient electromagnetic field for a sufficient time interval in order to cause cell death. Apparatus for performing the method; as well as techniques of delivering particles and for producing particles are also described.

Abstract: A method, device and system employs particles, such as nanoparticles, and an electric or electro-magnetic field, to cause cell death in target cells by non-thermal means. The method of causing targeted cell death comprises the steps of: introducing a particle to the interior of a target cell and exposing the target cell to a transient electromagnetic field for a sufficient time interval in order to cause cell death. The invention overcomes problems associated with similar methods as a result of the fact that a smaller electric field is applied because the particle enhances the effect of the electric field in its immediate vicinity, so reducing the field strength needed to achieve cell lysis and thereby reducing the risk of damage to healthy cells that may be in its vicinity. Apparatus for performing the method; as well as techniques of delivering particles and for producing particles are also described.

Abstract: A method, device and system employs particles, such as nanoparticles, and an electric or electro-magnetic field, to cause cell death in target cells by non-thermal means. The method of causing targeted cell death comprises the steps of: introducing a particle to the interior of a target cell and exposing the target cell to a transient electromagnetic field for a sufficient time interval in order to cause cell death. The invention overcomes problems associated with similar methods as a result of the fact that a smaller electric field is applied because the particle enhances the effect of the electric field in its immediate vicinity, so reducing the field strength needed to achieve cell lysis and thereby reducing the risk of damage to healthy cells that may be in its vicinity. Apparatus for performing the method; as well as techniques of delivering particles and for producing particles are also described.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and system that employs particles, e.g., nanoparticles, and an electric or electro-magnetic field, to cause electroporation in target cells at reduced fields. Electroporation may be irreversible, leading to targeted cell death, or reversible, allowing species to be introduced into the target cell. The method introduces a particle to a position adjacent to the cell membrane of a target cell and exposes the target cell to a transient electromagnetic field for a time interval to cause targeted electroporation. A smaller electric field is applied, thereby surmounting similar methods. The particle enhances the effect of the electric field in its immediate vicinity, so reducing the field strength needed to achieve electroporation and thereby reducing the risk of damage to cells through high field exposure. Electroporation can be targeted to a subset of target cells by targeting the particles to surface markers on the target cell membrane.

Abstract: A device for transporting at least one cellular entity during culture or maturation, the device comprising a substrate having one or more wells, said one or more wells being adapted to hold a cellular entity in a fluid, lid means for preventing entry or exit of the cellular entity from the one or more wells and fluid transport means connecting the one or more wells to enable flow of fluid or diffusion of chemical species. The apparatus alternatively or in addition comprise a module for transporting a payload at a controlled temperature, the module comprising an outer housing, an outer thermally insulating region, an inner thermally insulating region, and a heat sinking region located between the inner and outer thermally insulating regions, the inner thermally insulating region defining a cavity for receiving a payload, and heating means.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrochemical gas sensor that includes a first planar substrate having at least one planar electrode formed thereon, thereby forming a first electrode assembly, and a housing defining a reservoir which, in use, contains liquid electrolyte for contacting the electrode(s). The housing has a first sealing face to which the first electrode assembly is sealed, the sealing face having conducting portions electrically isolated one from another. A portion of at least one electrode is in contact with a respective conducting portion so as to provide a means of external electrical connection to the electrode(s). The conductive portions and non-conductive portions of the housing are co-moulded. This sensor has a relatively small number of component parts and is relatively cheap and easy to manufacture. It also provides a cheap and reliable way of forming external electrical connections to the electrodes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a gas sensor and its method of manufacture. Electrochemical gas sensors usually comprise an external housing, which acts as a reservoir for electrolyte; a wick to keep electrodes wetted with the electrolyte and external electrical terminals, for making electrical contact with the electrodes. Typically a gas permeable/microporous membrane has been used to seal a gas sensor in order to prevent leakage of electrolyte. A problem with existing sensors has been that there was a risk of electrolyte leaking through the membrane around the region where electrical connectors passed therethrough. The present invention overcomes this by providing a method of urging conductive polymer through the membrane under controlled conditions of heat and pressure, thereby ensuring the integrity of the membrane remains in tact while defining an electrically/conductive pathway therethrough.

Abstract: A method of forming a fluid tight seal between a first fluid pathway and a second fluid pathway a volume is defined between an outer surface of the first fluid pathway and an inner surface of the second fluid pathway. The surfaces are maintained in a given orientation and distance with respect, one to another, so as to achieve a desired capillaric property therebetween. A quantity of sealant is delivered to a junction region of said surfaces. The sealant is caused or permitted to flow into the defined volume, so as to achieve capillary balance. Only substantially sufficient sealant is delivered to fill the volume. The sealant is then caused or permitted to cure or set.

Abstract: An adaptor for receiving a fluidic device (12) and facilitating connection of the device (12) to a similar device or other object, the device having defined therein at least one fluid pathway (24), the adaptor being capable of receiving fluid from said at least one pathway (24) and having connecting means (28) for connecting to the, or each fluid pathway (24), so as to substantially immobilise the pathway(s) with respect to the device, thereby preventing damage to the pathway(s), the means for connecting each pathway provides a fluid tight seal, so that in use fluid passes to/from the device, without leakage, to a similar device.

Abstract: Apparatus for sampling a liquid, said apparatus comprising: i) a sampling device capable of automatically taking a known volume of liquid from a source; ii) fixing means connected to said sampling device and removably attachable to a solid phase extraction (SPE) unit, the fixing means being arranged such that liquid taken from a sample by the sampling device is passed directly through the solid phase extraction unit; iii) a reading device able to read labels on an SPE unit attached to said fixing means; iv) a controller arranged to log codes based upon a signal from the reading device, and thereafter issue instructions to an operator and/or operate the sampling device to take an appropriate volume of liquid in response to a signal from said reading device. Methods of sampling using the apparatus are also claimed. These are useful in, for example analysis methods.

Abstract: A gas sensor including a housing containing at least a sensing electrode, a counter electrode, a test electrode, and electrolyte means in contact with such electrodes. The housing permits gas from the environment to flow to the sensing electrode. The gas sensor is operable either in a normal mode of operation in which potentials are applied to the electrodes for detecting when a gas to be sensed is present at the sensing electrode, or in a test mode of operation in which potentials are applied to the electrodes so that the test electrode generates a gas which flows to the sensing electrode to enable an indication whether the sensor is operating correctly.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell in the form of first and second sheet members (2,12) at least one of which is gas permeable on which is disposed one or more planar electrodes (4,6,8). Peripheral regions of the first and second sheet members (2,12) are sealed together to form a sealed envelope or reservoir containing electrolyte. Electrical connection means (41,61,81) extend from each of the electrodes (4,6,8) across the sealing of the sheet members (2,12) to provide external electrical connection.

Abstract: Apparatus comprising a micro engineered structure and a capillary or other tube and a method for connecting the tube to the structure. The micro engineered structure is composed of at least one substrate 2 in which fluid flow channels 6 are formed, connecting to an aperture 12 into which the tube 14 is inserted. A sealant material is flowed into the aperture around the tube and then hardened in order to seal the tube within the aperture.

Abstract: A gas sensor including a substrate that is porous at least in a region thereof to permit permeation of gas. At least first and second porous electrodes are formed as planar elements on the substrate. The substrate is bonded to a housing in a peripheral area of the sensor. A portion of the first electrode extends into this peripheral area and is rendered non-porous to prevent the leakage of electrolyte therethrough.