Abstract: A method for the determination of pollen viability and/or maturation grade of a pollen population, comprising mechanically removing pollen grains from flowers; re-suspending pollen grains in an electrically conductive buffer for keeping the plant cells to remain viable; passing the pollen suspension through an appropriate filter with a pore size suitable for a microfluidic device being adapted to perform impedance flow cytometry (IFC); An advantage of the present invention is that a plant cell does not have to be stained for viability analysis, the method is non-invasive and a high number of cells can be analyzed in a short time frame in real-time and on-site. It is possible to follow developmental processes of plant cells, and that it is applicable to all plant species. In particular, the method allows a standardized measurement independent of the location and all over the world.

Abstract: A method is provided for the discrimination of cells from other particles, as well as of different types of cells in raw milk samples by impedance microflow cytometry. A method is provided of analysing the quality of raw milk in terms of its bacterial and somatic cell content without the need to pre-treat the milk sample, such that the analysis can take place directly at the production site. One advantage is discriminating and counting somatic cells from milk particles (consisting mainly of lipid vesicles) by high-frequency impedance analysis directly performed on untreated raw milk. Another advantage is that the method allows diagnosing the status of a mastitis infection directly after milking according to the analysis of the somatic cell count. Another advantage is to allow a fast method for determining the bacterial cell count in raw milk directly after milking. In addition, viability of both somatic and bacterial cells can be determined without the need of any cell label.

Abstract: A method for the determination of pollen viability and/or maturation grade of a pollen population, comprising mechanically removing pollen grains from flowers; re-suspending pollen grains in an electrically conductive buffer for keeping the plant cells to remain viable; passing the pollen suspension through an appropriate filter with a pore size suitable for a microfluidic device being adapted to perform impedance flow cytometry (IFC); An advantage of the present invention is that a plant cell does not have to be stained for viability analysis, the method is non-invasive and a high number of cells can be analysed in a short time frame in real-time and on-site. It is possible to follow developmental processes of plant cells, and that it is applicable to all plant species. In particular, the method allows a standardized measurement independent of the location and all over the world.

Abstract: A method is provided for the discrimination of cells from other particles, as well as of different types of cells in raw milk samples by impedance microflow cytometry. A method is provided of analysing the quality of raw milk in terms of its bacterial and somatic cell content without the need to pre-treat the milk sample, such that the analysis can take place directly at the production site. One advantage is discriminating and counting somatic cells from milk particles (consisting mainly of lipid vesicles) by high-frequency impedance analysis directly performed on untreated raw milk. Another advantage is that the method allows diagnosing the status of a mastitis infection directly after milking according to the analysis of the somatic cell count. Another advantage is to allow a fast method for determining the bacterial cell count in raw milk directly after milking. In addition, viability of both somatic and bacterial cells can be determined without the need of any cell label.

Abstract: A method for measuring transport properties of cell membranes or lipid bilayers by providing at least a substrate having a topside and a backside and plurality of nano- or micro-pores and a cell membrane covering the plurality of pores being accessible from both sides of the cell membrane for measurement, a material layer at least in the region of the pores to support the cell membrane at the pores but not hindering the transport through the cell membrane and the pores arranged on the substrate, either on the topside or on the backside, applying a fluid containing at least one molecule to the topside of the membrane in order to allow the molecule to move through the membrane, one of the pores and the material layer, and monitoring of the molecules having passed the material layer by using an optical detection method.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dispensing device and a method for dispensing liquids, preferably reagents, in an essentially automated and finely dosed manner. The dispensing device comprises a first duct that is connected to a storage element for storing the liquid to be dispensed. In addition, a conveying element for conveying the liquid through the fist duct is provided, whereby the liquid has to be dispensed. Liquid is transported from the storage element and is conveyed into the first duct by the conveying element. Moreover, the dispensing device is provided with a closing device that is arranged downstream in the conveying direction of the liquid in relation to the conveying element and serves for quickly closing and quickly opening the first duct. The aim of the invention is to regulate the pressure of the liquid in the region between the conveying element and the closing device. A device for regulating the pressure of the liquid in this region is provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dispensing device and a method for dispensing liquids, preferably reagents, in an essentially automated and finely dosed manner. The dispensing device comprises a first duct that is connected to a storage element for storing the liquid to be dispensed. In addition, a conveying element for conveying the liquid through the fist duct is provided, whereby said liquid has to be dispensed. Liquid is sucked from the storage element and is conveyed into the first duct by means of the conveying element. Moreover, the dispensing device is provided with a closing device that is arranged downstream in the conveying direction of the liquid in relation to the conveying element and serves for quickly closing and quickly opening the first duct. The aim of the invention is to regulate the pressure of the liquid in the region between the conveying element and the closing device. A device for regulating the pressure of the liquid in said region is provided.