Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to molecular biological protocols, equipment and reagents for the extraction and fractionation of DNA molecules, from whole or lysed samples, in a single flow-through device.

Abstract: A clinical diagnostic sample analyzer for analyzing a sample of a patient is disclosed. The analyzer includes a telescoping closed-tube sampling assembly with a sample probe concentrically housed within a piercing probe and a venting mechanism. The closed-tube sampling assembly is used for aspirating a sample from a sample tube for analysis by a clinical diagnostic sample analyzer.

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: Underdrain design for a multiwell device that when fixed to the device (either as an integral or removable component thereof), allows for adequate venting during filtration, minimizes or prevents air lock, and has improved structural integrity. Also disclosed is a laboratory device designed particularly for a multiplate format that includes a plate or tray having a plurality of wells, and an underdrain in fluid communication with each of the plurality of wells. The underdrain can be a separate, removable piece, or can be an integral unitary structure with the plate or tray forming a one-piece design. The design is preferably in compliance with SBS format.

Abstract: A separation module and method are disclosed for processing a liquid sample and providing high conversion by operating a single-pass tangential-flow process without a recirculation loop. In one embodiment, the separation module includes three reservoirs and has at least one long, thin channel with a large ratio of channel membrane area to: channel void volume; volume of a sample feed reservoir; and volume of the feed sample. In another embodiment, the separation module includes an external feed reservoir, an external retentate reservoir fluidly and a first vacuum source adapted to apply a first vacuum to the separation element disposed within the housing. The single-pass TFF separation element and single-pass process provides high conversion while operating with relatively low pressure sources. Certain embodiments disclosed herein can be used for the separation of blood.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and a method for cleaning sample material, in particular nucleic acids. The cleaning process takes place by means of centrifugal microfluidics and the invention provides a simple compact construction and a simple procedure. If necessary, the sample material is easily mixed with a solvent buffer and proteases in the device. The cleaned sample material is in particular transferred directly to a container. Separate containers for the removal of excess liquid are not required.

Abstract: A method filters particles from small volumes of fluid in a tubular vial having an open top and closed bottom with a tubular plunger sliding in the vial to force fluid through a filter at the end of the plunger and into a cavity in the plunger. The filter is held by a cap placed over the end of the plunger. The vial's bottom has an upward extending protrusion mating with a conforming recess in the cap to direct fluid to the protraction and filter as the cap abuts the bottom of the vial. Channels in the bottom help direct fluid flow.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to a syringeless filter device compressor for compressing one or more syringeless filter devices. Such syringeless filter devices are typically compressed entirely by hand; however, this may be uncomfortable and/or dangerous for the operator. In embodiments of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus comprising a holder for holding a plurality of syringeless filter devices in a two-dimensional array, and a compressor device. The compressor includes a pusher which can be moved by an actuator to compress the filtration devices held in the two-dimensional array. These features enable a compact compressor device for compressing syringeless filter devices, without the operator being in contact with the syringeless filter device during the compression process.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and a method for filtering a liquid sample, wherein first capillary-driven filtration occurs and, after initial filling, pressure-operated filtration is performed by applying a vacuum or a positive pressure.

Abstract: The invention provides a device for preparing a fluid sample, including but not limited to a sample comprising genomic DNA.

Abstract: The present invention is a pipette tip device for extraction of liquid, semi-solid or solid solutions to be chemically analyzed and the methods for their use. The pipette tip extraction device contains a screen or filter at its lower narrow end to contain solid particulate matter and a barrier at its upper wide end. The optional upper frit is to be made of material that permits liquid solutions to flow through it. In addition to the barrier and screen, the pipette tip extraction device may contain solid-phase sorbent. Through the use of a removable cap, the pipette extraction tip may also serve as a sample collection container or tip in which samples can be delivered to the top of the tip (e.g., for direct collection of samples, including solid samples). A new method for DPX extraction using liquid-liquid-solid-phase extraction is also disclosed.

Abstract: An filter, apparatus and method for preparing microscope slides is presented. After filtration of the specimen is performed, the filter containing the filtrand is configured to be microscopically examined. The filter may either be affixed to a microscope slide or, in an embodiment, the filter may be incorporated into a microscope slide.

Abstract: An automated or semi-automated module-based cartilage cell processing device (20) for preparing a cell seeded carrier (27a) from a biological material, comprising at least a cartilage preparation module (21), a cell isolation module (22), a cell mixing module (29) and a carrier cell seeding module (29a). The invention further relates to the individual modules of the module-based cartilage cell processing device (20).

Abstract: Sample preparation device for receiving in sealing relation one or more filter assemblies and one or more sample containers, each container uniquely positioned within the device to receive filtered sample from a designated filter. The device includes a body, a lid disposed on the body, a container tray, a base, an integrated seal on the body, a valve and a valve actuator. The tray can be disposed in a vacuum chamber defined by the lid and the body, and one or more sample containers can be disposed in the tray. When properly positioned in the tray in the vacuum chamber, each container is in fluid communication with a single respective filter assembly disposed in sealing relation in a respective aperture in the lid. A single actuation of a valve to place the vacuum chamber under vacuum causes the lid to seal to the base and drives the simultaneous filtration of a plurality of samples.

Abstract: A self-contained breathing closure for flasks and other containers that require gas exchange. An illustrative embodiment of the closure is comprised of a splashguard, an adaptor for attaching the closure to the container, a bellows element and a gas-permeable barrier element. The splashguard is intended to keep liquid contents under vigorous agitation in the container without wetting the gas-permeable barrier. The adaptor couples the closure to the container in a secure fashion. The bellows element allows for repeated changes in the internal volume of the container-closure system. The gas-permeable barrier allows desired gases to enter and leave the container while excluding small particles and/or microorganisms. The technology may be used with existing glass flask technology, or coupled to a plastic flask that may be configured for either single-use, or multiple-use.

Abstract: The present invention relates to microfluidic devices and methods for manipulating and analyzing fluid samples. The disclosed microfluidic devices utilize a plurality of microfluidic channels, inlets, valves, filter, pumps, liquid barriers and other elements arranged in various configurations to manipulate the flow of a fluid sample in order to prepare such sample for analysis.

Abstract: A cap having a core structure dimensioned to receive a pipette therethrough. The cap includes two axially aligned frangible seals that are affixed to the core structure in a spaced-apart relationship. The frangible seals include a foil layer and are constructed so that air passageways are formed between the frangible seals and a pipette tip when the pipette tip penetrates the frangible seals. The cap optionally includes a filter interposed between the first and second frangible seals.

Abstract: The invention provides pipette tip extraction columns for the purification of a DNA vector from un-clarified cell lysate containing cell debris as well as methods for making and using such columns. The columns typically include a bed of extraction media positioned in the pipette tip column, above a bottom frit and with an optional top frit.

Abstract: The present invention aims to provide a mononuclear cell preparation material capable of improving the mononuclear cell recovery while reducing granulocyte contamination, and a mononuclear cell preparation method which improves the mononuclear cell recovery. Provided is a mononuclear cell preparation material for removing granulocytes from blood to prepare mononuclear cells, which includes a nonwoven fabric made of a polyamide resin. Also provided is a method for preparing mononuclear cells using a device with the mononuclear cell preparation material packed in a container, the method including the steps of: (A) passing blood through the mononuclear cell preparation device from an inlet side to an outlet side of the device, thereby capturing granulocytes in the device; and (B) passing a washing solution through the mononuclear cell preparation device from the inlet side to the outlet side of the device, thereby recovering mononuclear cells remaining in the device.

Abstract: Systems and methods for isolating samples are provided. The system comprises a first membrane and a second membrane disposed within an enclosure. First and second reservoirs can also be disposed within the enclosure and adapted to contain one or more reagents therein. A first valve can be disposed within the enclosure and in fluid communication with the first reservoir, the second reservoir, or both. The first valve can also be in fluid communication with the first or second membranes or both. The first valve can be adapted to selectively regulate the flow of the reagents from the first reservoir, through at least one of the first and second membranes, and into the second reservoir.

Abstract: A dried biological fluid spot punch device includes a tube, a frit, and a filter disposed on the frit. The tube includes a main section and a distal section adjoining the main section. The main section includes a proximal tube end circumscribing a proximal tube opening, and the distal section includes a distal tube end circumscribing a distal tube opening. The distal section further includes a distal tube having a tapered inside diameter that reduces from the main section to the distal tube opening. The frit is disposed in the distal section at a distance from the distal tube opening and fixed in position by frictional contact with the distal tube wall. The punch device may also include a punching tool. The punching tool may include a body engaging the tube at the proximal tube end and an ejection mechanism configured for disengaging the body from the tube.

Abstract: Devices for the preparation of a plurality of samples on mass-spectrometric sample supports are presented, where the samples are prepared by the application of liquids such that they are suitable for ionization in a mass spectrometer, for example ionization by matrix-assisted laser desorption (MALDI). The invention proposes that the dispenser and sample sites are positioned with respect to each other by means of two rotations about two eccentric axes. As acids and aggressive solvents are used, which have to evaporate on the samples, the preparation can be carried out in a closed chamber with air circulation, filter, dispenser and mounting table for the sample support. The drives for positioning the dispenser and sample support relative to each other are preferably kept outside the chamber because the aggressive vapors would very quickly damage the motors and also the complex cross-rails of the XY translation stages used to move the sample supports.

Abstract: A cap having a core structure dimensioned to receive a pipette therethrough. The cap includes two axially aligned frangible seals that are affixed to the core structure in a spaced-apart relationship. The frangible seals include a foil layer and are constructed so that air passageways are formed between the frangible seals and a pipette tip when the pipette tip penetrates the frangible seals. The cap optionally includes a filter interposed between the first and second frangible seals.

Abstract: Relates to a microplate carrier (1) for a microplate (2), in whose wells (3) magnetic particles (5), which are suspended in a liquid (4), with or without samples adhering thereto are located, the microplate carrier (1) comprising permanent magnets (6) generating magnetic fields which are implemented to collect and retain the magnetic particles (5) on the floor (14) and/or on the walls (7) of the wells (3) of this microplate (2). The microplate carrier (1) according to the invention is characterized in that it comprises two permanent magnets (6) situated diametrically opposite in relation to the well (3) for each well (3) of the microplate (2), which have the same polarity directed toward the well (3) and whose magnetic axis (25) is at least essentially perpendicular to the footprint of the microplate (2) to be placed. A corresponding method based on the use of the microplate carrier (1) is also disclosed.

Abstract: A filter vial for separating biological and chemical fluids has a cylindrical sidewall with an open top and a closed bottom. A protrusion extends upwards from the middle of the bottom to form an annular recess. A tubular plunger has an open bottom end to which is fastened an annular cup having an outer sidewall sized to fit into and seal against the vial's sidewall. An inner sidewall of the annular cup holds a filter over an opening in the bottom of the plunger and forms a shaped cavity leading to that filter. The annular cup on the plunger fits into the annular recess in the vial to force fluid from the vial through the filter and into the plunger.

Abstract: A collection device and a method for collecting a biological sample, particularly whole blood, includes a separating member to separate the whole blood into its components, and at least reagent positioned to selectively interact with a component of the separated sample. The reagent is able to selectively interact with the plasma/serum, and is prevented from contacting or interacting with the whole blood.

Abstract: A nucleic acid extraction kit, which enables the nucleic acid extraction operation to be accomplished safely without causing contamination, and in which the complex preparation of reagents and the disposal treatments that are performed before and after the nucleic acid extraction operation can be performed rapidly and simply, with the extraction performed in an automated manner. The nucleic acid extraction kit includes: a container including reagent wells that each store at least a reagent, a sample well into which a biological sample is introduced, a waste liquid well, and a collection well in which an extracted nucleic acid is collected, and an extraction filter cartridge equipped with an extraction filter for separating and extracting a nucleic acid from the biological sample, wherein the extraction filter cartridge is formed in a manner that enables the extraction filter cartridge to be supported on the waste liquid well and the collection well.

Abstract: Sample preparation device that allows for a complete bind, wash, elute, buffer-exchange and concentration process to be carried out without sample transfer between multiple devices. The device includes a reservoir, a column for holding chromatography media, a holder region for holding a filtration device, and an outlet. The filtration device plugs into the holder region of the centrifugal device, and the assembly can be placed in an optional holder. The assembly, with or without the optional holder, can be placed in a conventional centrifuge tube for centrifugation. The entire bind, wash, elute, buffer exchange and concentration steps can be carried out with the apparatus without any pipette transfers (and the associated sample losses. The sample preparation device also can be used for binding and washing steps, in which case the filtration device is not needed, and for buffer exchange and concentration steps, in which case the media is not needed.

Abstract: A membrane separation device for use in blood processing procedures is disclosed. In one embodiment, a spinning membrane separator is provided in which at least two zones or regions are created in the gap between the spinning membrane and the shell, such that mixing of the fluid between the two regions is inhibited by a radial rib or ridge associated with the spinning membrane that decreases the gap between the spinning membrane and the shell to define two fluid regions, the ridge isolating the fluid in the two regions to minimize mixing between the two. Automated systems and methods are disclosed for separating a unit of previously collected whole blood into selected blood components, such as concentrated red cells and plasma, for collecting red cells and plasma directly from a donor in a single pass, and for cell washing. Data management systems and methods and priming methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for determining sickle-cell zygosity in a subject. The method involves forming a first solution which includes a sample from the subject, a phosphate buffer, a detergent, and a reducing agent and subjecting the first solution to centrifugation to form a second solution and a supernatant; and taking a color reading of the supernatant and of the second solution; optionally filtering the second solution to form a filtrate and a precipitate, and optionally measuring the amount of the precipitation and the absorbance of the filtrate or taking a color reading of the filtrate.

Abstract: Microfluidic devices, assemblies, and systems are provided, as are methods of manipulating micro-sized samples of fluids. Microfluidic devices having a plurality of specialized processing features are also provided.

Abstract: A method of processing animal sperm cells that includes: collecting sperm cells from a male animal; sorting the sperm cells to obtain a quantity of sperm cells having a desired characteristic, the quantity of sorted sperm cells being contained in a first volume of fluid having a first concentration of sperm cells; and subjecting the sperm cells to concentration steps in which the concentration of the sperm cells is increased to a second concentration greater than the first concentration.

Abstract: Disclosed are articles, compositions and methods for detecting analytes. The disclosed articled, compositions and methods increase the ease of detection and quantitation of the target analyte.

Abstract: In particular, a disposable cartridge is disclosed that is suitable for use with a clinical or diagnostic point-of-care device and capable of performing diagnostic and analytical functions including filtering samples such as plasma from whole blood and running assays and collecting measurements of analytes or biomarkers.

Abstract: A self-propelled apparatus for analyzing a component contained in a fluid medium. The self-propelled apparatus uses kinetic energy of the apparatus to drive a fluid under analysis through the apparatus. This is accomplished by use of a conveyance system that is attached to the analytical system of the apparatus. A sensor system is used to analyze the component collected within the confines of an analysis chamber, a part of the analysis system. The invention also includes a method of using the analytical apparatus.

Abstract: A reaction unit containing a bottom part and a top part for pipetting a liquid, wherein the bottom part contains a reaction cavity with a permeable filter grid insert and the top part contains a reaction cavity which can be fixed on said bottom part and contains a cavity or covering for receiving a magnet.

Abstract: A plunger for mixing a biological sample with a reagent in a tube is moved up and down reciprocally to agitate the biological sample and the reagent for subsequent extraction of the material from the mixture to be analyzed. The plunger's agitation facilitates the concentration of the extracted material to reach an extent where a correct analysis is possible. The plunger of the present invention has a shape of a hollow cylinder with an aperture at the bottom, a plurality of slots formed on the cylindrical surface, and an opening formed at the top. The plunger allows a pipette to draw the extracted material in the test tube out from the opening at the top of the plunger without removing the plunger, and prevents drawing out the fragments of the sample after the biological sample and the reagent have been sufficiently mixed.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for automatically extracting i2,6-diisopropylphenol (Propofol), from a complex sample matrix comprising cellular material, e.g.

Abstract: The invention provides a device for preparing a fluid sample, including but not limited to a sample comprising genomic DNA.

Abstract: A submersible, self-propelled apparatus for analyzing a component contained in a liquid medium. The submersible, self-propelled apparatus uses kinetic energy of the apparatus to drive a liquid under analysis through the apparatus. This is accomplished by use of a conveyance system that is attached to the analytical system of the apparatus. A sensor system is used to analyze the component collected within the confines of an analysis chamber, a part of the analysis system. The invention also includes a method of using the analytical apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for diagnosing cancer, predicting a disease outcome or response to therapy in a patient sample. The method involves isolating a circulating tumor cell (CTC), for example, a viable CTC, from a sample using a parylene microfilter device comprising a membrane filter having or consisting of a parylene substrate, which has an array of holes with a predetermined shape and size; and detecting and quantifying telomerase activity in blood circulating tumor cells. The invention further provides methods of using cells live-captured in various applications.

Abstract: A method of selecting pipetting parameters of a pipetting device for dispensing or pipetting a specific volume of a liquid sample, includes a fluid column of a fluid chamber of the pipetting device set into oscillation at the beginning of the aspiration, the pressure is monitored with the pressure transducer in the fluid chamber, and the pressure changes generated during aspiration into measuring signals are recorded. These measuring signals are processed by a computer or micro-processor and reproduced as a pressure curve, which is characteristic for the fluid column with the aspirated liquid sample, and which is compared with known pressure curves. Based on this comparison, pipetting parameters of the pipetting device are selected for the dispense or for pipetting a specific volume of the liquid sample. Selectable pipetting parameters include a speed of a movement of a pump piston of the pipetting device.

Abstract: A miniature sieve apparatus is described and includes a first sieve, a separator and a second sieve from top to bottom. The first and second sieves are formed with at least one first mesh and a plurality of second meshes, respectively. The first and second meshes are misaligned with each other in a vertical direction of the first and second sieves. The miniature sieve apparatus is provided to separate or screen microparticles with different sizes, such as target cells, bio-medical particles, organic or inorganic microparticles. Additionally, the invention also provides a manufacturing method of the miniature sieve apparatus, and the same material is applied to manufacture the sieves and the separators. Thus, the problem caused by the residual thermal stress due to different material can be solved. Therefore, the cost of the miniature sieve apparatus can be lowered as the yield rate thereof is improved.

Abstract: An apparatus and a system for filtering a liquid sample in a sample well (310) by transferring the liquid out of the sample well (310) through a filter member (320) situated at a bottom part of the sample well (310). The apparatus and the system include a syringe (100), and a seal member (200) arranged around a nozzle (140) of the syringe (100) in such a way that the syringe (100) is adjustable in connection with an upper part of the sample well (310) in a substantially airtight manner. A method for filtering a liquid sample and use of the system for filtering eluted blood are also disclosed.

Abstract: A device for continuously, periodically monitoring water for microbial germs, comprising a reactor and at least one reagent feed line into the reactor and at least one metering device for reagents as well as at least one measuring device for detecting the presence of microorganisms, wherein the reactor comprises a reactor chamber and a filtrate chamber, which is separated from said reactor chamber by means of a filter, a water feed line as well as a reagent feed line empty into the reactor chamber and at least one water discharge line leads out of the filtrate chamber, and a controller is set up to use pump/valve means to lead a predefinable quantity of water into the reactor chamber and through the filter as well as to introduce a predefinable quantity of reagent into the reactor chamber.

Abstract: A device and a process are proposed for separating constituents of a sample fluid, wherein the sample fluid is supplied by capillary force to a receiving region (7) for metering, stopping or delaying the sample fluid and the sample fluid is pre-treated with a soluble chemical (13) in the receiving region (7) before the sample fluid is supplied to a separating device (5) for separating off constituents of the sample fluid.

Abstract: Installation for treating a biological liquid, including a circulation pump (5), a filter element (9), a container for collecting treated liquid, a first circuit section connecting a source of said biological liquid to an inlet orifice of said filter element (9), including a circuit element adapted to cooperate with said circulation pump (5); a second circuit section, connecting an outlet orifice of said filter element (9) to said treated liquid collecting container; characterized in that said treated liquid collecting container, said first circuit section and said second circuit section are disposable and said installation further includes a first cart (1) carrying said pump (5) and a second cart (2) including a housing (14) for said collecting container, separable from the first cart (1) and adapted to be at least partly nested in said first cart (1).

Abstract: Large-scale downstream processing of secreted recombinant proteins is provided in a single device, wherein the contents of a plurality of bioreactors are combined simultaneous to their harvesting and purification resulting in significant savings of time and the cost of manufacturing.

Abstract: This invention concerns a method, devices, instrument and program for extraction an ingredient from a liquid sample by bidirectional transfer of an aliquot of fluid between compartments, the method can be applied to a wide variety of laboratory techniques such as; solid phase extraction by filter disc, column chromatography, magnetic separation, diagnostic tests and others, the system is suitable for single or multi sample handling, manual operation or integrated into an automated system, can be used in a lab or in field.

Abstract: Tissue patches and associated systems and methods are described. Certain embodiments are related to inventive systems and methods in which tissue patches can be made quickly and robustly without the use of complicated fabrication or sterilization equipment.