Abstract: A fluid transfer system includes a transfer carousel capable of rotational and/or translational movement; at least one holding vessel (e.g. syringe) having a plunger, wherein the syringe is connected to the transfer carousel such that the movement of the transfer carousel results in movement of the syringe and wherein the syringe is capable of translational movement relative to the transfer carousel; a drive motor connected to the syringe that is capable of controlling the position of the plunger; and a peripheral module comprising at least one vessel that is capable of containing a fluid, wherein the vessel has an opening that can be mated with the syringe to allow fluid transfer between the vessel and the syringe. Methods for transferring a fluid are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to devices and methods for the detection of analytes. In particular, the invention relates to methods for the qualitative and/or quantitative detection of analytes, comprising a microarray on a substrate, onto which probe molecules are immobilized on array elements, said microarray being disposed on a first surface of the device; and a detection chamber formed between the first surface including the microarray disposed thereon and a second surface, wherein the distance between the microarray and the second surface is variable, and wherein the second surface has a displacement structure.

Abstract: A method of applying a biological specimen to an analytic plate by using an applicator device to apply a coating to the analytic plate and adhering the biological sample to the plate. The coating is substantially transparent, translucent or invisible, and is substantially flush with the surface of the analytic plate. The coating is preferably comprised of a polysiloxane, siloxane, silicone, a silane, a silicon fluid, or a combination thereof and optionally an acid.

Abstract: Described is a device comprising an anchor, a tray including a well adapted to receive the anchor, and a cover adapted to engage the tray and cover the well. The device may be used to form a membrane-cell matrix having a substantially uniform distribution of the cells on the membrane in at least two dimensions.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for efficiently providing accurate temperature control of a microtiter cold plate and precise alignment of the microtiter cold plate with a microtiter plate.

Abstract: A high-throughput system for processing biological material that comprises: a tray that supports a functionally-closed fluid path subsystem comprising, a vessel for containing and enabling the biological material to separate into two or more distinct submaterials; one or more receptacles to receive one or more of the submaterials from the vessel; a filtration device; a conduit through which one or more submaterials are transported between at least the vessel and the filtration device; and a first engagement structure; a processing unit comprising, a pumping device for moving one or more of the submaterials between at least the vessel and the filtration device via the conduit; a second engagement structure corresponding to the first engagement structure; a locking mechanism for at least temporarily holding the tray in a fixed position relative to the processing unit; a control device that automatically starts and stops the pumping device in response to one or more commands.

Abstract: There is provided a bio-chip, including a fixing plate having a plurality of guide grooves formed in one surface thereof, a first substrate having a plurality of support plates inserted into the guide grooves, and a plurality of pillars protruded from one surface of the respective support plates, and having a biomaterial disposed thereon.

Abstract: Provided herein is technology relating to the collection of biological samples and particularly, but not exclusively, to compositions, methods, and uses related to using a biopolymer substrate to collect biological samples for analysis.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for patterning biological and non-biological material at specific sites on a plate, as well as growing three dimensional structures. Preferred embodiments comprise a plate with regions that will trap gas, usually in the form of bubbles, when the plate is submerged in liquid. Other embodiment of the present invention include a method for placing materials on the plate at pre-determined locations through the use of trapped gas to prevent materials from collecting at unwanted regions. The plate has great utility for plating cells and tissues at specific sites, such as on an array. The disclosed method can also be used to coat the surface of a plate with coatings at specific locations for patterned coating applications and to build up materials to produce three dimensional structures, including micromechanical structures—where the structures may be formed from living or non-living material, tissue or non-tissue, organic or inorganic, and the like.

Abstract: Methods for fabricating of high aspect ratio probes and deforming micropillars and nanopillars are described. Use of polymers in deforming nanopillars and micropillars is also described.

Abstract: A microarray slide comprises a flat platform having a plurality of compartments thereon, the compartments having a bottom and a sidewall extending from the bottom. The platform and compartments are formed of a polymer material, such as polystyrene or cycloolefin, or other plastic material. The sidewall has a low profile such that the ratio of the surface area of the bottom to the height of the sidewall is greater than 30. In another aspect of the invention, the top surface of the slide is coated with a layer of reflective material such as aluminum, gold, chromium or other suitable reflective material. The layer of reflective material may be coated with a layer of protective coating, to prevent corrosion or other damage to the reflective layer and to functionalize the surface.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a multi-layered cell culture vessel having a rectangular shape with a top a bottom sides and ends, where the sides are longer than the ends. The vessel has hand grips and ports at each end of the rectangular vessel. The ports allow fluid entering into the vessel to flow into the multiple cell culture layers through a manifold. The ports may be incorporated into the hand grips.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for immobilization of biological molecules such as nucleic acids, peptides and proteins onto the surface of a glass or plastic solid support.

Abstract: A well plate is formed with a well for holding a subject to be sucked by a suction nozzle on an inner bottom part and storing liquid and, a clearance forming member for forming a clearance to allow the liquid to flow in a state where a tip part of the suction nozzle is inserted into and held in contact with the well is provided in the well. According to the present invention, the clearance enabling the liquid to flow is formed even in the state where the tip part of the suction nozzle is inserted into and held in contact with the well in sucking the subject held in the well by the suction nozzle. The suction nozzle can suck the liquid around through the clearance and the subject held in the well is efficiently sucked through the suction port along the flow of the sucked liquid.

Abstract: An incubation system for incubating membranes in western blot experiments featuring a base with an inner cavity adapted to hold membranes and small amounts of solutions and a lid that can pivot between an open and closed position to respectively allow and prevent access to the inner cavity. A gasket is disposed in between the lid and base to provide a water-tight seal between the lid and base. The systems can be stacked atop one another to allow for multiple systems to be placed atop a moving platform such as a rocking platform or an orbital shaker.

Abstract: The invention relates to apparatus for the detection of particles and for particle analysis. The apparatus comprises a sample holder comprising a base and a projection extending from the base. The base includes a contact region where, in use, the surface of a fluid sample may contact the projection. The surface of at least the contact region of the projection exhibits properties that allow the surface of the contact region to be substantially wetted by a fluid sample when the apparatus is in use so that the fluid sample forms a meniscus having its apex in contact with the contact region of the projection. The invention also relates to methods for using the apparatus.

Abstract: A microwell device is provided. The device includes a plate having a upper surface. The upper surface has first and second recesses formed therein. Each recess has an outer periphery. First and second portions of microwells are formed in upper surface of the plate. The first portion of microwells are spaced about the outer periphery of the first recess and the second portion of microwells spaced about the outer periphery of the first recess. A first barrier is about a first portions of the microwells for fluidicly isolating the first portion of the microwells and a second barrier about a second portions of microwells for fluidicly isolating the second portion of the microwells.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for the collection of biological samples. In at least one exemplary embodiment, a device comprises a collection medium having top and bottom surfaces and a predetermined size and shape, the top surface comprising a position marker and at least one binding site operable to bind a biological sample, a protective facing substantially impermeable to the biological sample, the protective facing coupled to the top surface of the collection medium and having a size and shape substantially similar to the predetermined size and shape of the collection medium. The protective facing being sized and shaped to define a first void positioned to allow for the transfer of the biological sample through the protective facing and onto the at least one binding site of the collection medium, and a second void positioned to expose the position marker for alignment of the collection medium.

Abstract: The invention discloses a blood analyzing device (100) comprising a holder (110) arranged for carrying a container (10) having a cuvette (20) containing a blood sample (30). The container (10) is positioned in the holder (110) so that a longitudinal axis (60) of the cuvette (20) is angled relative a horizontal axis (70). A light source (120) provides light (40) into the sample (30) and a detector (130) detects the output light (50) from a sub-portion of the blood sample (30). Kinetic information indicative of the change in hemoglobin concentration in a measuring volume (32, 34) is determined by a Hb processor (145) from the detected output light (50). An ESR processor (140) determines the erythrocyte sedimentation rate of the sample (30) based on the kinetic information.

Abstract: A blister package for a plurality of pipette tips comprises a support block with a plurality of molded pockets that extends into the support block from a first wall. The plurality of pockets is configured to receive the plurality of pipette tips. At least one reservoir located within the support block at a distal end of and in fluid communication with at least one of the plurality of pockets. A closure member configured to close the plurality of pockets within the support block.

Abstract: A nucleic acid amplification reaction vessel has a substrate, a cavity formed in the substrate, a cover plate for sealing the cavity, and a sample-injection inlet formed in the cover plate. The cavity includes a columnar structure connected to the cover plate or the substrate. The nucleic acid amplification reaction vessel allows fast temperature increase or decrease of sample liquid.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating plasma by which plasma can be separated from a small amount of whole blood cell sample without centrifugation is disclosed. This apparatus includes a blood channel through which blood flows; and a plasma channel through which plasma separated from said blood flows. The plasma channel is arranged at least partially in parallel with said blood channel and the blood channel and the plasma channel are at least partially in contact with each other along the longitudinal direction of the channels. Blood is made to flow at a flow rate at which blood cell components in the blood flowing through the blood channel axially accumulate and at which hemolysis does not occur. The plasma moves to the plasma channel after being separated into a blood cell layer and a plasma layer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a piercable hermetic cover (2) for a bioassay cartridge (4) with at least one reaction chamber (6). Characteristic for the invention is that: the cover (2) comprises at least a top layer (8), a middle layer (10), a bottom layer (12), and sites intended for piercing (14); and the cover (2) has, at the sites (16) intended for piercing, a hollow space (18) between the top layer (14) and the bottom layer (12). The present invention also relates to a system (20) comprising a bioassay cartridge (4) and a cover (2) for the cartridge (4). The present invention further relates to use of the cover (2) for covering the cartridge (4).

Abstract: Sample processing devices that include transmissive layers and control layers to reduce or eliminate cross-talk between process chambers in the processing device are disclosed. The transmissive layers may transmit significant portions of signal light and/or interrogation light while the control layers block significant portions of signal light and/or interrogation light. Methods of manufacturing processing devices that include transmissive layers and control layers are also disclosed. The methods may involve continuous forming processes including co-extrusion of materials to form the transmissive layer and control layer in a processing device, followed by formation of the process chambers in the control layer. Alternatively, the methods may involve extrusion of materials for the control layer, followed by formation of process chambers in the control layer.

Abstract: A sample analysis cartridge and a sample cartridge reader are provided. In measuring a particular component included in a sample flowing in a microfluidic channel, a numerical value of hematocrit is reflected to thus improve the accuracy of measurement of the particular component.

Abstract: A particle processing device includes a substrate and at least one fluidic path. The substrate is rotatable with respect to the middle region thereof. The fluidic path is provided in the substrate to extend from the middle region to a peripheral region. The fluidic path transfers a fluid having a particle from an input portion to an output portion of the fluidic pather by using a centrifugal force of the rotation of the substrate. A capturing region is formed between the input portion and the output portion of the fluidic path to have a changeable sectional shape for capturing the particle.

Abstract: A microfluidic chip includes microfluidic channels, elements for thermally and optically isolating the microfluidic channels, and elements for enhancing the detection of optical signal emitted from the microfluidic channels. The thermal and optical isolation elements may comprise barrier channels interposed between adjacently-arranged pairs of microfluidic channels for preventing thermal and optical cross-talk between the adjacent microfluidic channels. The isolation element may alternatively comprise reflective film embedded in the microfluidic chip between the adjacent microfluidic channels. The signal enhancement elements comprise structures disposed adjacent to the microfluidic channels that reflect light passing through or emitted from the microfluidic channel in a direction toward a detector. The structures may comprise channels or a faceted surface that redirects the light by total internal reflection or reflective film material embedded in the microfluidic chip.

Abstract: A specimen transfer device having high flexibility is implemented, where a specimen can be transferred between carriers purposed for different kinds of conveyance without decreasing processing speed for the specimen. A plurality of trays that can retain specimen carriers of a transfer destination is provided, and these trays can be freely grouped, and therefore, while a carrier is fed from a tray, a specimen is automatically executed to a carrier in a different tray.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to a slide for analyzing target analytes of a suspension. The slide can be used to collect and hold the target analyte for imaging or further processing. The slide comprises a well section, including wells into which the target analyte can be stored. The wells may be removable and sized to fit into a second apparatus, such as a PCR thermocycler, for additional processing. Alternatively, the wells may hold processing vessels, such as PCR tubes, the processing vessels being used for downstream processing and/or analysis.

Abstract: A digital microfluidics system manipulates samples in liquid droplets within disposable cartridges and has disposable cartridges each with a bottom layer, a top layer and a gap therebetween. A base unit with cartridge accommodation sites and at least one electrode array with electrodes works with a cover plate at the sites and a control unit for controlling selection of the electrodes and for providing them with voltage pulses for manipulating liquid droplets within the cartridges by electrowetting. The cover plate has an electrically conductive material that extends parallel to the array. A selection of disposable cartridges and a method for manipulating samples in liquid droplets that adhere to a hydrophobic surface can be used with the system.

Abstract: This application discloses cards comprising sintered porous plastic which may be employed in liquid sample collection, storage, transport and/or delivery to an analytical device. Sintered porous plastic materials provide a unique porous structure, an inert substrate, precise liquid holding capability, are quick drying, and easy to cut and handle.

Abstract: The invention refers to a disposable sample holding and processing device (1) for being used in an apparatus for analyzing a liquid sample by nucleic acid amplification, especially polymerase chain reaction technique, comprising a device body (2) having a structured surface and a sealing cover (4) which covers the structured surface thereby forming a wall of an amplification chamber (5)), which amplification chamber (5) is designed and intended for performing nucleic acid amplification for analyzing the liquid sample, and a wall of an inlet channel (6) connected to the amplification chamber (5) for providing the amplification chamber (5) with liquid. According to the invention the device body (2) comprises a sheet (20) on which the structured surface forming the inlet channel (6) is arranged, and that the sheet (20) carries at least one rib (34, 35, 36) for increasing the stiffness of the device body (2).

Abstract: A reaction cassette for biochemical assay, a biochemical assay device including a first space configured to accommodate liquid, having a first opening and rounding edges, a direction of the first opening being directed upward. A second space includes a second opening, a direction of the second opening being perpendicular to the direction of the first opening, wherein the first space and the second space are disposed such that when the reaction cassette is rotated allowing the liquid to drain into the second space. A third space is located below the first space and having a third opening, a direction of the third opening being upward such that when the reaction cassette is reversibly rotated allowing the liquid to drain into the third space, wherein an array of bumps is disposed in the third space to create turbulence of the liquid. An inner partition wall, connected with the second opening and the third opening, acts as a liquid flow channel between the second space and the third space.

Abstract: The invention relates to a container (1) for a fluid for metering a reagent into a microfluidic system. The container comprises a chamber (4) and a first film (3) which seals off the chamber (4) so that the fluid is encapsulated in the chamber. Advantageously, the first film (3) is an aluminum sealing film. A second film (7) is sealingly arranged on the first film, for example by adhesive bonding of the film layers. The films differ in their tear strength such that when pressure is applied simultaneously to both films the first film tears while the second film deforms elastically and/or plastically. By tearing the first film a connection is produced between the container chamber and an inlet channel so that a fluid contained in the chamber flows into the microfluidic system.

Abstract: A system for analyzing, manipulating, and recording data associated with a microtiter plate is provided. The system provides a touch screen element provided proximal to the microtiter plate such that data pertaining to events and conditions observed within one or more wells of the microtiter plate may be easily and accurately recorded. Data display, storage, and manipulation features are also provided.

Abstract: A system and method for sonication of multiple samples and continuous sonication of an input fluid stream in flow-through arrangements useful for economical breakdown of particulates and organisms present in large volumes with relatively low-power sonication devices such as production of oil from algae. The system includes an electrical wave generator oscillating in the ultrasound range, a vibrating element electrically connected to the electrical wave generator, and a sonication plate that vibrates in certain modes. The sonication plate contains features for mating with sample tubes, and the sample tubes also possess complimentary mating features to those on the sonication plate. A method for sonication of multiple samples includes utilizing mating features to attach tubes to the sonication plate and energizing the sonicator to vibrate the sonication plate. The invention also relates to arrangements for continuous flow-through useful for sonicating large sample volumes.

Abstract: Methods and devices for adding liquids to and washing a microfluidic element array are disclosed. The method and devices feature a microfluidic plate holder with a sloped wall for improved draining of liquid, a machine readable/writable identifier, plate leveling systems, liquid filling systems, a hydrophilic-liquid coating, and an automated washing station.

Abstract: A microfluidic disk includes: a disk-shaped main body; a receiving container; an injection channel; a mixing channel; a reaction container; and a discharge container.

Abstract: The invention is a device comprising a substrate and a material provided on at least a portion of the substrate and having an exposed surface. The exposed surface of the material is non bio-adhesive. The invention further includes a non bio-adhesive material composition and a method of making a device having the same non bio-adhesive surface. The invention further provides a device having a coating of a hydrophobic material. In particular, the hydrophobic material coated portion of the device is resistant to bio-adhesion.

Abstract: A fluidic device for conveying liquid to a well of a microplate. The device includes a support structure configured to be mounted along the microplate. The device also includes a microfluidic tube coupled to the support structure. The tube has an inlet, an outlet, and an open-sided channel that extends longitudinally therebetween. The tube has a cross-section that includes an interior contour with a gap therein. The gap extends at least partially along a length of the tube. The tube is configured to convey liquid to the well of the microplate when the tube is held in a dispensing orientation.

Abstract: Multiplex binding assay assemblies are disclosed. The assemblies generally include at least one assay bar that includes a top side, a bottom side, and at least one well accessible from the top side of the assay bar. Each well includes a side surface, a bottom surface, an open top end, and at least one secondary container, with each secondary container including a capillary tube that (i) begins at a location within an interior volume of the well and (ii) ends at a location beneath the bottom surface of the assay bar. The assemblies further include a dispenser bar that is adapted to be positioned adjacent to the top side of the assay bar, which includes one or more reservoirs that are configured to provide one or more reagents to the at least one secondary container located in each well of the assay bar.

Abstract: The present relates to a system and method for preventing or reducing unwanted heat in a microfluidic of the device while generating heat in selected regions of the device. Current can be supplied to a heating element through electric leads that are designed so that the current density in the leads is substantially lower than the current density in the heating element. Unwanted heat in the microfluidic complex can be reduced by thermally isolating the electric leads from the microfluidic complex by, for example, running each lead directly away from the microfluidic complex. Unwanted heat can be removed from selected regions of the microfluidic complex using one or more cooling devices.

Abstract: A test device for analyzing fluid samples. The test device includes a planar support member for supporting reagent pads, and a handle attached to, or for attaching to the planar support member. The test device can be treated with a fluid sample by disposing a fluid sample on the reagent pads. The fluid sample can be disposed onto the reagent pads by the handle, or by dipping the test device into the fluid sample.

Abstract: Multiplex binding assay assemblies are disclosed. The assemblies include at least one assay bar that has a top side, a bottom side, and at least one well accessible from the top side of the assay bar, with each well including a side surface, a bottom surface, an open top end. Each well also includes at least one secondary container, with each secondary container including a capillary tube that (i) begins at a location within an interior volume of the well and (ii) ends at a location beneath the bottom side of the assay bar. The assemblies further include a guiding track, which includes a set of two rails, with each rail having its own separate groove. Such grooves are configured to run parallel to each other with a distance between such grooves, with a first groove configured to receive a protruding element (or an end) of a first side of the assay bar, and a second groove configured to receive a protruding element (or an end) of a second side of the assay bar.

Abstract: Described are devices for retaining a nonporous substrate, as well as methods for their use, the devices comprising a housing for receiving the nonporous substrate, a removable well insert attached to the housing and adjacently coplanar to the substrate, the well insert having at least one opening that, together with the substrate, defines a well, and means for exerting a force against the substrate such that the substrate engages the well insert with sufficient force to attain a fluid-tight seal in the well.

Abstract: A multi-chambered deposition pin wash station is provided. The wash station includes a lower chamber and an upper drain basin connected by a plurality of wash tubes. Cleaning fluid is provided to the lower chamber and passes through the cleaning tubes into the upper drain basin. The cleaning tubes are adapted to clean a single deposition pin with a single tube per wash cycle.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for fixing and/or stabilizing a sample, in which the sample is put into a permeable container with a maximum overall height of 10 mm, preferably of 5 mm, and the container filled with the sample is immersed in fixing and/or stabilizing agents and the sample is fixed and/or stabilized.

Abstract: The invention relates to a punching device for processing samples, in particular dried samples, applied to a sample card, preferably liquids containing DNA, such as blood, saliva and the like, comprising at least one punching means with a punch and a lower die, wherein the punch is movable between a resting position at a distance from the lower die and a punching position closer to the lower die. The punching means has a receiving opening, into which a sample card from a sample card container can be introduced by means of a movable gripping unit (300) of the punching device and can be positioned in relation to the punching means, and a punching drive, which can be coupled or is coupled to the punch of the punching means and which drives the punch between the resting position and the punching position.

Abstract: The invention relates to systems and methods for marketing and using products such as liquid materials, especially liquid reagents for use in microbiological and cellular biological laboratory settings include the use of unique color and simple numeric or alphanumeric identifiers to quickly and easily identify any product from a catalog list of products. Methods of marketing, advertising and producing such products are also disclosed. Particular embodiments include products, product packaging and product labeling. The invention also relates to collars and sleeves for containers, as well as related methods of use.

Abstract: A microtitration plate, comprising: a frame which is made of at least one laser-inscribable plastic completely or in at least one area, and a multiplicity of receptacles arranged in the frame and having an opening on one side of the frame which are made of a plastic other than the laser-inscribable plastic.