Abstract: A microfluidic detection unit comprises at least one fluid injection section, a fluid storage section and a detection section. Each fluid injection section defines a fluid outlet; the fluid storage section is in gas communication with the atmosphere and defines a fluid inlet; the detection section defines a first end in communication with the fluid outlet and a second end in communication with the fluid inlet. A height difference is defined between the fluid outlet and the fluid inlet along the direction of gravity. When a first fluid is injected from the at least one fluid injection section, the first fluid is driven by gravity to pass through the detection section and accumulate to form a droplet at the fluid inlet, such that a state of fluid pressure equilibrium of the first fluid is established.

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: Apparatus and methods are described including a sample carrier (22) configured to carry a portion of a bodily sample, at least a portion of the sample carrier being configured to fluoresce, at least under certain conditions. An optical measurement device (24) performs optical measurements upon the portion of the bodily sample that is housed within the sample carrier (22), and at least partially photobleaches an area within the portion of the sample carrier (22) by causing the area to fluoresce. By detecting that the area within the portion of the sample carrier (22) has been photobleached, an output is generated indicating that at least a portion of the sample carrier (22) is contaminated or that optical measurements cannot be performed on the portion of the sample carrier (22), or the optical measurement device (24) is prevented from performing optical measurements upon a sample portion housed within the given portion of the sample carrier (22).

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention is to provide the device and methods for performing an assay that uses the multiplexing of sample thicknesses on the same plate. The sample thickness multiplexing can offer many information that are unavailable in using a single sample thickness.

Abstract: A memory device including at least one channel and a fluid including particles is provided. In one aspect, the channel includes a least some of the fluid. The memory device may further include an actuator configured to induce a movement of the particles in the channel; and a writing element configured to arrange the particles in a sequence, thereby yielding a sequence of particles in the channel. The particles may include first particles and second particles. The particles may be in a first state or a second state in the channel. In certain aspects, the channel is configured to preserve the sequence of the particles. The memory device may further include a reading element for detecting the sequence of the particles in the channel.

Abstract: A point of use analyzer includes pump, valve, port, and storage channel. The storage channel may hold multiple assay packets composed of reagent aliquots separated by bounding slugs. The storage channel may define an elongated lumen having two ends with each of the ends coupled to the valve. A sampling device for use with the analyzer engages the port and may include a recurrent coaxial tube having a separation medium. A method of using the analyzer with the sampling device includes steps of pumping a fluid to displace a sample into the separation medium and out through the opposed connection.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device and method for a microfluidic paper-based analytical device (?PAD), for low-cost and user-friendly analytical devices capable of use for disease screening, point-of-care pathogen and biomarker detection, food and water quality testing. A microfluidic paper-based analytical device is further produced by chemical vapor deposition for multiplex heavy metal detection in water. Assay demonstrations proved that the immobilization of functional groups and multiplex heavy metal detection is suitable for real-world applications and established the approach for DNA analysis. The disclosed invention comprises multilayer capability, including the ability for various biomolecules to be immobilized with charge interaction.

Abstract: Disclosed sensors can include at least one resonator (in some embodiments, at least two resonators) and various other structures that may be formed in association with the resonators. The at least one resonator in embodiments can include a bottom electrode, a piezoelectric layer, and a top electrode, wherein the piezoelectric layer is positioned between the bottom electrode and the top electrode.

Abstract: The invention is directed to apparatus and methods for delivering multiple reagents to, and monitoring, a plurality of analytical reactions carried out on a large-scale array of electronic sensors under minimal noise conditions. In one aspect, the invention provides method of improving signal-to-noise ratios of output signals from the electronic sensors sensing analytes or reaction byproducts by subtracting an average of output signals measured from neighboring sensors where analyte or reaction byproducts are absent. In other aspects, the invention provides an array of electronic sensors integrated with a microwell array for confining analytes and/or particles for analytical reactions and a method for identifying microwells containing analytes and/or particles by passing a sensor-active reagent over the array and correlating sensor response times to the presence or absence of analytes or particles.

Abstract: A sample processing apparatus includes a pipette configured to dispense a sample or a reagent and an arm supporting the pipette. A camera is configured to capture an image of a tip end of the pipette and a container to which the sample or the reagent is dispensed. A controller is programmed to determine, based on the image, an adjustment value for the arm such that the pipette is inserted into the container without collision.

Abstract: A method for detecting, sorting, purifying and characterizing objects of interest in a liquid sample. The method comprises preparing, in a preparation module ON) of a microfluidic router system, the liquid sample for processing. Preparing comprises transporting the sample through a microfluidic channel, and forwarding the prepared sample from an outlet of the preparation module into an inlet of a routing module. Forwarding comprises coupling a microfluidic flow between the outlet and the inlet to passively buffer against or actively compensate for variations in a flow rate of the prepared sample at the outlet, and diverting the objects of interest from the microfluidic flow. Forwarding the sample comprises sensing a flow characteristic of the sample in preparation, routing module, or in flow connection, and controlling a flow control element taking the sensed characteristic into account to compensate for a variation in the flow rate by a closed-loop flow control.

Abstract: Provided herein is a valve manifold comprising (a) an elastomer sheet attached to a plurality of magnetic pistons, wherein the magnetic pistons project from a first side of the elastomer sheet; (b) a foot component comprising a first surface and a plurality of shafts that orthogonally pass through the first surface; and (c) a body component comprising a second surface, a groove that laterally passes along the second surface, and a plurality of reservoir channels that orthogonally pass through the second surface, wherein the elastomer sheet is compressed between the foot component and the body component.

Abstract: Provided herein is technology relating to sensors for detecting an analyte and particularly, but not exclusively, to liquid crystal sensors, methods of producing liquid crystal sensors, and methods of using liquid crystal sensors.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a microfluidic device configured to deliver a controlled amount of a liquid to an analysis tool, wherein the microfluidic device comprises: a buffer tank configured to contain a liquid and/or a gas; at leas one level sensor configured to measure a liquid level in the buffer tank; a pneumatic system configured to create selectively a positive or a negative pressure in the buffer tank; at least one intake port to let in a liquid in the buffer tank; at least one delivery port to inject a controlled amount of liquid from the buffer tank onto the analysis tool; at least one drain port with a controlled drain valve, located on the lower part of the buffer tank to discharge the liquid from the buffer tank; a first check valve located upstream of the intake port and a second check valve between the buffer tank and the analysis tool.

Abstract: The present invention relates to, inter alia, a microfluidic device for performing single cell genomic DNA isolation and amplification under flow. The microfluidic device comprises a solid substrate having one or more microfluidic channel system formed therein. Each microfluidic channel system of the microfluidic device comprises: (a) an intake region comprising a single microchannel; (b) a plurality of cell segregation microchannels; (c) a cell capture site located downstream of each cell segregation microchannel; and (d) a DNA capture array positioned downstream of the cell capture site and comprising a plurality of micropillars. Also disclosed is a whole genome amplification system that includes the microfluidic device of the present disclosure, as well as a method for conducting single cell DNA analysis via on-chip whole genome amplification while under flow, and a method for multiple displacement amplification (MDA) reactions of one or more nucleic acid sequence isolated single cells.

Abstract: A pretreatment apparatus includes a pretreatment container placement section where a pretreatment container which is housing a specimen holding member including a microchannel for holding a specimen is placed; a carrying mechanism for carrying the pretreatment container that is placed at the pretreatment container placement section; and a pretreatment section including a port where the pretreatment container that is carried by the carrying mechanism is placed, the pretreatment section being configured to perform pretreatment including a shaking process of shaking the pretreatment container to extract the specimen from the specimen holding member in the pretreatment container that is placed in the port.

Abstract: A digital dispense apparatus includes at least one fluid dispense device, at least one reservoir fluidically connected to the at least one fluid dispense device, a monolithic carrier structure carrying the at least one fluid dispense device and reservoir, the monolithic carrier forming fluid routing between the reservoir and the fluid dispense device.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for washing and concentrating microparticles encapsulated in microscale droplets using an acoustic radiation force. The apparatus includes: a piezoelectric substrate; a slanted finger interdigital transducer (SIDT) electrode deposited on the piezoelectric substrate and configured to generate surface acoustic waves under an AC signal applied thereto; and a microfluidic chip which is adhered to the piezoelectric substrate with being spaced apart from the SIDT electrode, has a microscale channel section formed therein, in which a single continuous phase and a plurality of dispersed phases are injected, respectively, and includes a plurality of inlet ports into which continuous and dispersed phases are injected, and a discharge port from which a plurality of droplets composed of the continuous and dispersed phases and generated by the intersection thereof are discharged.

Abstract: A microfluidic device includes a first substrate and a second substrate opposite to each other. A light-emitting layer, a first driving layer, and a first hydrophobic layer are on surface of the first substrate facing the second substrate; and first hydrophobic layer is disposed near second substrate; a photosensitive layer, a second driving layer and a second hydrophobic layer are on surface of the second substrate facing the first substrate; and second hydrophobic layer is disposed near first hydrophobic layer, and a gap for holding a droplet is between second hydrophobic layer and first hydrophobic layer; the first and second driving layers are configured to drive the droplet to move within the gap when applied with a driving voltage; the light-emitting layer is configured to emit light with a set wavelength toward the gap; and the photosensitive layer is configured to generate an induced current according to received light.

Abstract: A method comprises adding reagent I to a sample to be detected, incubating to obtain a first detection sample, and detecting to obtain a first absorbance value A1 of the sample to be detected; adding reagent II to the first detection sample, incubating to obtain a second detection sample, and detecting to obtain a second absorbance value A2 of the sample to be detected; adding reagent I to a standard sample, incubating to obtain a first detection standard, and detecting to obtain a first absorbance value B1 of the standard; adding reagent II to the first detection standard, incubating to obtain a second detection standard, and detecting to obtain a second absorbance value B2 of the standard; and using A1 and A2, and B1 and B2 to obtain a concentration level of complement factor H in the sample to be detected.

Abstract: A microfluidic device includes a substrate having a first fluid inlet/outlet system, a second fluid inlet/outlet system, and a fluidic network between the first fluid inlet/outlet system and the second fluid inlet/outlet system and in fluid communication with the first fluid inlet/outlet system and the second fluid inlet/outlet system. The fluidic network includes a microfluidic channel network that is in fluid communication with the first fluid inlet/outlet system and spaced from the second fluid inlet/outlet system, a nanofluidic channel network fluidly connecting the microfluidic channel network and the second fluid inlet/outlet system, and a plurality of pores in fluid communication with the microfluidic channel network and the nanofluidic channel network.

Abstract: Provided is a microfluidic device to more easily and effectively operate a valve by improving the structure of valves for controlling a fluid flow more simply and efficiently, which comprises a platform having at least one chamber, at least one flow channel connected to the chambers and transfer fluid, and a valve which opens or closes the flow channel, wherein the valve comprises a body installed in the platform, a blocking plate installed in the body and positioned to face the flow channel to selectively blocks the flow channel, a pressing rod installed to be movable at the inside of the body to press the blocking plate, and a fixing unit installed at the body and fix the pressing rod at a blocking plate pressing position.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a flexible temperature sensor, a method for preparing the same, and a flexible device. The flexible temperature sensor includes: a flexible substrate; an electrode arranged on the flexible substrate; a mixed fluid arranged on the flexible substrate and in contact with the electrode, in which the mixed fluid includes an ionic liquid and porous conductive particles; and a protective plate arranged on a surface of the flexible substrate having the mixed fluid to protect the mixed fluid.

Abstract: The invention, is directed to devices and methods for low cost and convenient separation, of plasma from whole blood. In some embodiments, devices of the invention comprise an integrated collection of channels and chambers m a body that permit acquisition of a blood sample by capillary action, centrifugal separation of cells from plasma, and manual dispensing of purified plasma by simple pinching of a bellows chamber to force air into plasma-holding channels which thereby expels a predetermined volume of the purified plasma.

Abstract: A cartridge for sample handling and sensing includes (i) a sample port; (ii) a first fluid port connected to the sample reservoir in the distal region via a first fluid channel; and (iii) a second fluid port connected to the sample reservoir via a second fluid channel. The cartridge includes (i) a sensor platform comprising a bulk acoustic wave (BAW) resonator and a fluid flow path comprising a sensing region extending across a sensing surface of the BAW resonator; and (ii) a fluid valve between the sample reservoir and the sensing region. A sample may be applied to the sample port; first volume of fluid may be injected through the first fluid port; and then a second volume of fluid may be injected through the second fluid port to drive the sample into the sensing region of the fluid flow path.

Abstract: An assay device for use with samples of biological fluid, the assay device comprising: a physical detection unit for measuring a viscosity of a biological fluid sample; and a biomarker detection unit for detecting and/or measuring a biomarker in the biological fluid sample, wherein the physical detection unit and the biomarker detection unit act together as part of an assay process.

Abstract: Methods and systems for cell media exchange wherein media maybe aspirated without also aspirating cells and wherein removal and re-plating of cells is not necessarily required. For example, the cell culture system or apparatus features a gap that is small enough to retain cells therein and also sized to prevent media from leaking. The methods and systems of the present invention may help reduce stress and damage to cells as compared to traditional methods that require removing and re-plating cells.

Abstract: A cell culture apparatus, includes a connected culture container including n number of units disposed in parallel along a second direction that is a different direction from a first direction where each of the n number of the units is constituted of m number of culture chambers and one or more communication-channels, the m number of the culture chambers each having a cell-holding portion that holds seeded cells, the m number of the culture chambers storing liquid culture media, the m number of the culture chambers being disposed in parallel along the first direction, the communication-channels communicating the m number of the culture chambers with each other; and a plurality of pneumatic pipes communicating same-row-disposed culture chambers that are disposed on a same row along the second direction with each other in the connected culture container.

Abstract: A method and device for detecting mercury isotopes in an oil-gas source. The device includes at least one enrichment-absorption system for mercury in crude oil/hydrocarbon source rock, an enrichment-absorption system for mercury in natural gas and at least one secondary purification-enrichment system for mercury. The enrichment-absorption system for mercury in crude oil/hydrocarbon source rock includes three air-absorption bottles, a pyrolysis/cracking system, five impact samplers, and a vacuum pump, which are connected in series by pipe lines. The enrichment-absorption system for mercury in natural gas includes five impact samplers connected in series, wherein the first impact sampler is connected to the natural gas outlet from the natural gas well and the last impact sampler is connected to the cumulative gas flow meter.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and device for measuring mercury isotopes in natural gas. The method includes the following steps: (1) primary enrichment: subjecting natural gas to a three-stage cascading absorption with an acidic potassium permanganate aqueous solution, and collecting all of the acidic potassium permanganate aqueous solutions in which natural gas is absorbed in step (1); (2) mercury purification and enrichment: reducing the mercury absorbed in the step (1) to mercury vapor with a stannous chloride solution, and then purifying and enriching the mercury vapor by using an acidic potassium permanganate aqueous solution; (3) detecting the acidic potassium permanganate solution in which the mercury vapor is enriched in step (2) to determine the total mercury content therein; and (4) detecting the acidic potassium permanganate solution in which the mercury vapor is enriched in step (2) to determine the composition/content of stable mercury isotopes therein.

Abstract: A positioning system for positioning a consumable rack in a diagnostic system is disclosed. The positioning system comprises a rack comprising an upper surface comprising holding positions and a receiving compartment comprising a rectangular chassis comprising front, rear, and two lateral sides. The receiving compartment comprises a holding structure coupled to the chassis to move between first and second positions. The rack comprises sidewalls. At least three sidewalls have a center alignment element. The chassis comprises three chassis alignment elements on the rear and two lateral sides. The holding structure comprises a corner push element between the chassis front and lateral sides to push against a side edge of the rack between two sidewalls when the holding structure is moved from the first position towards the second position forcing the three alignment elements against a chassis alignment element and laterally holding the rack in position by the chassis alignment elements.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sensor for an electronic tongue or nose for analysing a sample or detecting a target. The sensor comprises a support, on one surface of which a plurality of sensitive areas are located, each sensitive area comprising at least one receptor and being capable of transmitting a measurable signal generated by the interaction of at least one constituent of the sample or one target with at least one receptor. The sensor is characterised in that it comprises at least three sensitive areas that differ from one another in terms of their respective receptor compositions, at least one of the sensitive areas comprising a mixture of at least two different receptors, while the two other sensitive areas each comprise at least one of the two receptors.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for detecting a target moiety in a sample of biological specimens by: a) providing at least one conjugate with the general formula (I) Xn—P—Ym, b) contacting the sample of biological specimens with at least one conjugate, thereby labeling the target moiety recognized by the antigen recognizing moiety Y with the conjugate c) exciting the labelled target moieties with light having a wavelength within the absorbance spectrum of fluorescent moiety X d) detecting the labelled target moieties by detecting the fluorescence radiation and e) degrading the fluorescent moiety X of the labelled target moieties by irradiating the conjugate with light having a wavelength within the absorbance spectrum of fluorescent moiety X Use of the method in fluorescence microscopy, flow cytometer, spectrofluorometry, cell separation, pathology or histology.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a bio-detection chip and a detection method associated therewith. The bio-detection chip includes an upper substrate, a lower substrate, a reference electrode, a driving electrode, and a first dielectric layer, a first hydrophobic layer, a second hydrophobic layer and a second dielectric layer disposed successively between the reference electrode and the driving electrode. The bio-detection chip further includes a plurality of micro-capsules arranged between the first hydrophobic layer and the second hydrophobic layer. Each micro-capsule encapsulates a plurality of charged microspheres, and surfaces of the charged microspheres have a first biomolecule for specifically binding with a second biomolecule that enters the bio-detection chip so as to give rise to a color change. The charged microspheres move close to the upper substrate when a voltage is applied between the reference electrode and the driving electrode.

Abstract: This disclosure provides for devices and methods for conducting assays for combinatorial libraries. The devices comprise a multiplicity of wells and a removable cap.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a substrate, a first heating element, and a second heating element. The substrate includes a first portion, a second portion, and a third portion that is between the first portion and the second portion. The first portion is characterized by a first thermal conductivity, the second portion is characterized by a second thermal conductivity, and the third portion is characterized by a third thermal conductivity. The third thermal conductivity is less than the first thermal conductivity and the second thermal conductivity. The first heating element is coupled to the first portion of the substrate, and is configured to produce a first thermal output. The second heating element is coupled to the second portion of the substrate, and configured to produce a second thermal output. The second thermal output is different from the first thermal output.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a system and method for microfluidic separation. More particularly, the disclosure describes a system and method for the purification of a fluid by the removal of undesired particles. The device includes microfluidic separation channels that include multiple outlets. The device also includes isolation slots positioned between each of the microfluidic separation channels. The device's base includes multiple acoustic transducers which in some implementations are configured to protrude into the isolation slots. The acoustic transducers are configured to generate aggregation axes within the separation channels, which are used to separate out undesired particles.

Abstract: A method for automated microbial detection includes collecting air particles into a solid-state sampler, the air particles including microbes, charging the air particles using a plasma field generated by propulsion electrodes, focusing the charged air particles toward a sample well of a microfluidic testing cartridge, tagging the charged air particles with a fluorescence marker, and detecting a quantity of the microbes using a fluorescence detector.

Abstract: A microfluidic diagnostic chip may comprise a microfluidic channel, a functionalizable enzymatic sensor in the microfluidic channel, the functionalizable enzymatic sensor comprising a binding surface to bind with a biomarker in a fluid, and a microfluidic pump to pass the fluid over the binding surface. A microfluidic device may comprise a number of pumps to pump a fluid though the number of microfluidic channels and a number of microfluidic channels comprising at least one sensor to detect a change in a chemical characteristic of the fluid in response to presence of the fluid on the sensor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for determining the result of an agglutination reaction and a microplate used in such a method. Agglutinated and non-agglutinated sample material is separated by means of a separation material such as gel material or a bead matrix in a centrifugation step. Whether an agglutination reaction took place or not is determined by comparing the color intensities and/or the gray levels of images of the top side and the bottom side of the respective reaction vessel. Comparing the color intensities and/or the gray levels of the two images makes the automatic determination reliable and stable. Furthermore, the reaction wells are arranged in a two-dimensional array which provides a high throughput.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a multiplex fluid processing cartridge includes a sample well, a deformable fluid chamber, a mixing well with a mixer disposed therein, a lysis chamber including a lysis mixer, an electrowetting grid for microdroplet manipulation, and electrosensor arrays configured to detect analytes of interest. An instrument for processing the cartridge is configured to receive the cartridge and to selectively apply thermal energy, magnetic force, and electrical connections to one or more discrete locations on the cartridge and is further configured to compress the deformable chamber(s) in a specified sequence.

Abstract: A fingermark lifting and visualization device includes a carrier and an indicator. The carrier has a lifting surface. The indicator is immobilized on the lifting surface. The indicator changes color or changes in fluorescence in the visible spectrum in response to contact with a glandular secretion.

Abstract: An analyte-sensitive substance is provided that has an optical property related to the concentration of an analyte. The analyte-sensitive substance includes an ionophore or other substance configured to provide a local pH, within the analyte-sensitive substance, that is related to the concentration of the analyte proximate the analyte-sensitive substance. The analyte-sensitive substance further includes a pH-sensitive fluorophore that increases or decreases its intrinsic fluorescence intensity with the local pH across a specified range of pH values. The analyte-sensitive substance further includes a pH-sensitive quencher configured to increase the slope of the change of fluorescence intensity of the pH-sensitive fluorophore across the specified range of pH values. The analyte-sensitive substance may further include an ionic additive configured to adjust the local pH such that the specified range of pH values corresponds to a range of analyte concentration values of interest.

Abstract: In a method of nucleic acid extraction using a support, the present invention realizes collection of a nucleic acid from a liquid containing the nucleic acid at an extremely low concentration at which collection cannot be achieved with polyacrylamide. A method of extracting a nucleic acid, comprising allowing the nucleic acid to be adsorbed onto a support in the presence of a chaotropic salt and an alcohol in coexistence with an anionic polymer. A reagent for nucleic acid extraction, comprising an anionic polymer, a chaotropic salt, an alcohol and a support.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for the arrangement of droplets in pre-determined locations. Many applications require the collection of time-resolved data. Examples include the screening of cells based on their growth characteristics or the observation of enzymatic reactions. The present invention provides a tool and related techniques which addresses this need, and which can be used in many other situations. The invention provides, in one aspect, a tool that allows for stable storage and indexing of individual droplets. The invention can interface not only with microfluidic/microscale equipment, but with macroscopic equipment to allow for the easy injection of liquids and extraction of sample droplets, etc.

Abstract: A fluidic device including an inorganic solid support attached to an organic solid support by a bonding layer, wherein the inorganic solid support has a rigid structure and wherein the bonding layer includes a material that absorbs radiation at a wavelength that is transmitted by the inorganic solid support or the organic solid support; and a channel formed by the inorganic solid support and the organic solid support, wherein the bonding layer that attaches the inorganic solid support to the organic solid support provides a seal against liquid flow. Methods for making fluidic devices, such as this, are also provided.

Abstract: A single disposable cartridge for performing a process on a particle, such as particle sorting, encapsulates all fluid contact surfaces in the cartridge for use with microfluidic particle processing technology. The cartridge interfaces with an operating system for effecting particle processing. The encapsulation of the fluid contact surfaces insures, improves or promotes operator isolation and/or product isolation. The cartridge may employ any suitable technique for processing particles.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods and kits for separating, accumulating, characterizing and/or identifying microorganisms known to be present or that may be present in a test sample. The method of the invention comprises optional lysing non-microorganism cells and/or particulates that may be present in a test sample, followed by a subsequent filtration step for isolation and/or accumulation of microorganisms. The kit of the present invention may comprise at least one filter membrane or an integrated filtration and sample transfer device for isolation and/or accumulation of microorganisms.

Abstract: An apparatus for a vacuum-driven microfluidic probe includes a body with an apex and a processing surface, at an end of the body. The apparatus also includes a partially open cavity formed as a recess on the processing surface and a set of apertures in the cavity, where the set of apertures include a sample outlet aperture intersected by a vertical axis of the cavity. The apparatus also includes aspiration apertures radially distributed around said vertical axis, wherein the apex is further configured to generate a pressure in the cavity upon aspirating an external liquid through the aspiration apertures that causes to aspirate a liquid sample from the sample outlet aperture, so as to eject the aspirated liquid sample from the probe.

Abstract: The present invention provides method for isolating DNA molecules having a size above a certain cut-off value from a DNA containing sample, comprising a) contacting the sample with a binding buffer which comprises a chaotropic agent and a buffering agent to provide a binding mixture and binding DNA molecules having a size above the cut-off value to a binding matrix which has a silicon containing surface, wherein the cut-off value is determined by the pH value of the binding mixture; b) separating the bound DNA from the remaining sample; c) optionally washing the bound DNA; and d) optionally eluting the bound DNA from the binding matrix. Said method allows the size selective purification of DNA molecules.