Abstract: Systems for harvesting biological samples are provided that can include a first multi-well plate configured to support the growth of individual biological material within one or more of first wells of the first plate; and a second multi-well plate configured to couple with the first plate. Methods for harvesting biological samples are provided that can include providing first and second complimentary multi-well plates; growing individual biological material within the first plate; separating the individual biological material into first and second portions; and providing at least some of the second portion of the individual biological material into the second wells while maintaining at least some of the first portion within the first wells. Complimentary multi-well plates configured to couple in a stacked configuration are provided that can include a top plate having one or more open-bottomed wells and a bottom plate comprising one or more close-bottomed wells.

Abstract: A thermal-cycling device for thermally processing at least one substance carried by a thermally-conductive microwell plate includes a heating-cooling unit that may be placed in thermal contact with a surface of the microwell plate. The microwell plate may include at least one well that may have low volume capacity. In one embodiment, the microwell plate is transported by a carrier in the thermal-cycling device and positioned in thermal communication with the heating-cooling unit. The heating-cooling unit may include one or more Peltier units, a heat sink and a heat spreader.

Abstract: The Invention is an apparatus and method for selectably sealing wells in a plurality of well plates. A plurality of lids and a plurality of gaskets are adapted to cover the wells of each well plate. A compression device is adapted to receive and to selectably compress the plurality of well plates, gasket and lids and to thereby selectably seal the wells of the well plate.

Abstract: A lid for a well plate is provided. Pins penetrate the lid and project downwardly into the wells of the well plate. Thermal energy is applied to the upper end of the pin to regulate the temperature of liquid samples in the well plate. Ultrasonic energy is applied to the upper end of the pin to sonicate the liquid sample. An electrical charge is applied to the upper end of the pin to attract charged materials, such as DNA, and to selectably segregate charged materials from the liquid sample.

Abstract: A lid for a well plate is provided. A pin penetrates the lid and projects downwardly into a well of the well plate. An electrical charge is applied to the pin and an electrical charge of opposite polarity is applied to an electrically conductive portion of a corresponding well, generating a small flow of electrical current and corresponding electrical fields within the well. Charged materials, such as DNA, selectably are attracted to the pin and segregated from the liquid sample.