Abstract: Sample plates and methods for exchanging buffer solutions are disclosed herein. The sample plates and methods may be used with automated buffer exchange systems where high pressures, for example, pressures of at least about 30 psig, are applied across a filtering membrane. Methods for manufacturing the sample plates are further disclosed.

Abstract: A cell culture system or assembly, flask, plate and dish for growing, viewing and evaluating cells; and methods of use.

Abstract: A multi-well microtiter plate is provided designed for high-throughput screening of piercing-sucking arthropods,such as insects exposed to various compounds. The microtiter plates comprise a base comprising a plurality of sample wells, a covering made from pierceable material, a housing unit comprising a plurality of housing wells providing a predetermined fit in the plurality of sample wells, and an air-penetrable seal. Methods for containing, screening, and/or imaging piercing-sucking pests andarthropods utilizing the multi-chambered microtiter plates are also provided.

Abstract: Sensor devices and systems can include a silicon substrate comprising a sensor-side and a backside. The backside can include a backside electrode. The sensor-side can include a chemical sensor. The chemical sensor can include a chemical sensor electrode, the chemical sensor electrode can be electrically coupled to the backside electrode by a through-silicon via (TSV), the TSV being physically and electrically connected to the chemical sensor electrode and extending from the chemical sensor electrode through the silicon substrate towards the backside. The TSV can electrically connect the chemical sensor to the backside electrode. A printed circuit board can surround the sensor device and can include a metal contact pad. The metal contact pad can be electrically coupled to the backside electrode by a wire bond. The sensor-side can include a polymeric membrane covering the chemical sensor.

Abstract: Example monitoring devices, systems and methods for use are provided. The devices can comprise one or more paths. In an embodiment, a first fluid path is connected to a sensor manifold, the sensor manifold comprising one or more sensors for sensing one or more characteristics of a fluid, and a second fluid path connected to a second sensor component, the second sensor component comprising a density sensor for sensing the density of the fluid.

Abstract: An analysis unit for quantitating detection target substances bound to antibodies includes wells and inclination parts. The wells each have a hole-like shape defined by an opening, an inner circumferential surface, and a bottom. The inclination parts each have an inclined surface connected to the inner circumferential surface and inclined downward such that whose height with respect to the bottom decreases as a distance from an outer circumferential side of the well increases.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to sample test cards having an increased sample well capacity for analyzing biological or other test samples. In one embodiment, the sample test cards of the present invention comprises a fluid channel network disposed in both the first surface and the second surface and connecting the fluid intake port to the sample wells, the fluid channel network comprising at least one distribution channels, a plurality of fill channels operatively connected to the at least one distribution channel, a plurality of through-channels operatively connected to one or more of the fill channels and a plurality of horizontally orientated fill ports operatively connecting the fill channels to the sample wells.

Abstract: A multi-well plate comprising: inlet wells configured to contain liquid; walled observation windows located between the inlet wells, each observation window being associated with a respective inlet well; detection wells, each being disposed below a respective observation window and being associated with the respective inlet well associated with the respective observation window; outlet wells located between the inlet wells and the observation windows, each outlet well being associated with a respective inlet well and a respective detection well; inlet channels, disposed in first groups, each first group providing fluid communication between an inlet well and a respective detection well; outlet channels, disposed in second groups, each second group providing fluid communication between a detection well and a respective outlet well. The inlet channels are configured to prevent passage of the liquid from the inlet wells to the respective detection wells if no external force is applied to the liquid.

Abstract: A microfluidic synthesis platform includes a microfluidic chip holder that has a computer controlled heating element and cooling element therein. A microfluidic chip is mountable in the microfluidic chip holder. The microfluidic chip is formed by a hydrophobic substrate having patterned thereon a hydrophilic reaction site and a plurality of hydrophilic channels or pathways extending outward from the hydrophilic reaction site and terminating at respective loading sites on the substrate, wherein the hydrophilic channels or pathways are tapered with an increasing width in an inward direction toward the hydrophilic reaction site.

Abstract: A multi-layer sealing structure for sealing a microwell array defined in or on a substrate includes at least one front compliant layer, a back compliant layer, and a flexural layer arranged between the at least one front compliant layer and the back compliant layer, wherein the at least one front compliant layer is closer than the back compliant layer to microwells of the microwell array. One or more front compliant layers may be optically reflective and/or may embody a sensor layer. The back compliant layer may include an adhesive or various types of rubber, and the flexural layer may include a polymeric material or metal. A multi-layer sealing structure may be separated from a microwell array by peeling. A multi-layer sealing structure allows local disruption of sealing where particle contaminants are present without compromising the sealing performance of an entire microwell array, and without requiring a large sealing force.

Abstract: A measuring device for a container having a process connection for determining the concentration of a constituent in an essentially liquid container content, comprising a concentration sensor, wherein the measuring device comprises a filter, an extraction line and a pump, wherein the filter is arranged within the container and the concentration sensor is arranged outside of the container, and the extraction line runs, starting from the filter, through the process connection to the concentration sensor, with the concentration sensor being connected to the pump, and the pump conveys the container content from the container through the filter across the extraction line to the concentration sensor, with the extraction line having at least one bend located between the filter and the process connection.

Abstract: A multiwell instrument includes a vessel having an inside; a plurality of culture plates arranged in the inside of the vessel, each individual one of the plurality of culture plates having an inside in which material to be examined can be stored; and filters disposed inside the respective culture plates to partition the insides of the respective culture plates into at least two wells which are horizontally adjacent.

Abstract: A device for differentially enumerating colonies of coliform and Escherichia coli microorganisms is provided. The device comprises a water-impermeable first sheet; a water-impermeable second sheet attached to the first sheet; a dry, rehydratable culture medium comprising a lactose-fermentation indicator system, a ?-D-glucuronidase indicator system that comprises a plurality of compounds that enhance ?-glucuronidase enzyme activity in E. coli, a redox indicator system and a first cold-water soluble gelling agent adhered to the first sheet, the culture medium disposed in a microbial growth zone; and a second cold-water-soluble gelling agent adhered to the second sheet. The microbial growth zone is disposed between the first sheet and the second sheet. Methods of using the device are also provided.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus are provided for evacuating and for filling an array at the point of use.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for inserting into an imaging system. The device has a receptacle for a specimen carrier for a specimen. The device also includes an arrangement for producing a magnetic field in a region of the receptacle for the specimen carrier.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention comprise microfluidic devices, instrumentation interfacing with those devices, processes for fabricating that device, and methods of employing that device to perform PCR amplification. Embodiments of the invention are also compatible with quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (“qPCR”) processes. Microfluidic devices in accordance with the invention may contain a plurality of parallel processing channels. Fully independent reactions can take place in each of the plurality of parallel processing channels. The availability of independent processing channels allows a microfluidic device in accordance with the invention to be used in a number of ways. For example, separate samples could be processed in each of the independent processing channels. Alternatively, different loci on a single sample could be processed in multiple processing channels.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods, device, assemblies, and systems for dispensing and visualizing single cells. For example, provided herein are systems and methods for dispensing a dispense volume into a plurality of wells of a multi-well device, where, on average, a pre-determined number of cells (e.g., 1-20) are present in the dispense volume, and determining, via a cellular label, the number of cells present in each of the plurality of wells. Such dispensing and cell detection may be repeated a number of times with respect to wells identified as having less than the pre-determined number of cells in order increase the number wells in the multi-well device containing the desired number (e.g., a single cell).

Abstract: An arrangement including a plurality of carrier elements for a reagent, which is to be introduced into a microfluidic device, in particular a flow cell, via the carrier element, and a holder receiving the plurality of carrier elements. The carrier element is fixed by positive fit in all spatial directions by the holder, keeping at least one region of the carrier element which receives the reagent clear.

Abstract: Provided is a culture system comprising a base comprising a multiwell plate; a transwell-like type insert plate comprising a plurality of culture insert assemblies, wherein each culture insert assembly comprises a culture surface element that is removably mounted to a culture insert body; and a cover designed to fit over the transwell-like type insert plate.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a cell culture device and its applications of creating gradient of chemicals or gradient of cells to mimic the in vivo physiological conditions of homeostasis.

Abstract: According to some aspects, a microfluidic device is provided, comprising a sample holding chamber; and at least one flow path connected to the sample holding chamber configured to supply liquid into the sample holding chamber, wherein the sample holding chamber includes a first inner surface; and a light irradiation region intersecting the first inner surface and configured to receive light from outside of the sample holding chamber to irradiate liquid inside the sample holding chamber, wherein the first inner surface includes at least one recess shaped so as to contain gas bubbles present within the liquid, and wherein the at least one recess is located outside of the light irradiation region.

Abstract: Provided is an array including a solid support having a surface, the surface having a plurality of wells, the wells containing a gel material, the wells being separated from each other by interstitial regions on the surface, the interstitial regions segregating the gel material in each of the wells from the gel material in other wells of the plurality; and a library of target nucleic acids in the gel material, wherein the gel material in each of the wells comprises a single species of the target nucleic acids of the library. Methods for making and using the array are also provided.

Abstract: Provided herein are devices, systems, and methods for magnetic purification of sample components. In particular, provided herein are device bases, systems, and methods for manipulating magnetic particles.

Abstract: Systems and methods for concentrating a sample and detecting an analyte of interest using a separation liquid. The system can include a sample detection container that can include a microcavity. The microcavity can include a concentrate of a sample resulting from centrifugation of the sample. The container can further include a separation liquid located between the microcavity and a supernatant of the sample located outside of the microcavity. The separation liquid can have a density greater than that of the supernatant of the sample, and an interfacial tension with the supernatant of at least 0.05 N/m. The separation liquid can be non-toxic and inert. The method can include adding the separation liquid to the sample detection container, after centrifuging the sample detection container, to displace the supernatant located outside of the microcavity from the microcavity.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for Immunohistochemistry, including a slide holder assembly fixture, a slide holder, a slide holder frame, and a slide holder frame assembly adapted to be placed in communication with a driving force to draw fluid through the slide holder. The slide holder may include an injection port that allows consistent fluid delivery and recovery, while minimizing the introduction of air bubbles. The slide holder may include a reservoir that allows for filling, soaking, rinsing, flushing, uniform antibody coverage of the tissue and reduces handling time, space, and errors, and one or more sample chambers. The slide orientation in the slide holder allows for visualization of label information and tissue to confirm adequate antibody coverage. A multi-port frame allows multiple assays to be carried out concurrently, and is removable from a vacuum manifold and allows for easy transport from the vacuum manifold to an incubator/refrigerator and back.

Abstract: A first method comprises using an imaging device to produce a plurality of images of a culture device, analyzing a first image to identify a microorganism colony at a first location, analyzing a second image to identify a gas bubble at a second location, and determining whether the first location is proximate the second location. A second method comprises analyzing an image of a culture device to detect gas bubbles and classifying the gas bubbles according to a size parameter associated with each of the gas bubbles. A third method comprises analyzing a first area of an image of a culture device to detect a first number of gas bubbles, analyzing a second area of the image to detect a second number of gas bubbles, and comparing the first number of gas bubbles to the second number of gas bubbles.

Abstract: A fluid loader is provided for loading fluid into a microfluidic device, the microfluidic device having upper and lower spaced apart substrates defining a fluid chamber therebetween and an aperture for receiving fluid into the fluid chamber. The fluid loader includes a fluid well communicating with a fluid exit provided in a base of the fluid loader. The base of the fluid loader is shaped, in use, to locate the fluid loader relative to the aperture, and to direct fluid leaving the fluid loader via the fluid exit preferentially in a first direction in the fluid chamber of the microfluidic device. In one embodiment the base of the fluid loader includes a protruding portion having at least first and second legs, the first leg being shorter than the second leg. In use, the fluid loader is positioned such that the first leg of the fluid loader is between a fluid loading area associated with the aperture and an operating area of the device.

Abstract: A method for reading a microfluidic microplate having a plurality of cells is provided. The method includes determining target locations on the microfluidic microplate, each of the target locations being deviated from a center of each of the cells, and directing a beam centered at each of the target locations perpendicular to the microfluidic microplate, the beam having a predetermined diameter. Each of the plurality of cells includes a well structure including a side wall for a loading well, a through hole at a center of a base of the well structure, and a microfluidic channel formed in a spiral pattern configured to start from a first end of the microfluidic channel and end with a second end of the microfluidic channel at the base of the well structure, wherein the first end of the microfluidic channel is connected to the through hole, and the second end of the microfluidic channel includes an outlet hole.

Abstract: An article for detecting Salmonella microorganisms is provided. The article comprises a highly selective nutrient medium and a plurality of indicator systems. A method of using the article to detect Salmonella microorganisms is also provided.

Abstract: Devices for use in determining properties of biochemicals and macromolecules derived from a biological sample include a fluid control unit and a macromolecule measurement unit integrated on a monolithic platform. Devices and methods of measuring the properties of macromolecules using immobilized magnetic particles are also disclosed.

Abstract: A micro-structured substrate to support a liquid sample having a lower face and an upper face. At least one surface cavity of volume V0 opening onto the upper face and forming a zone for analyzing the liquid sample. A first groove having a first volume V1, positioned around each surface cavity and opening onto the upper face thereof. The substrate also includes at least one second groove opening onto the upper face thereof and positioned around the first groove. The sum of the volumes of the second grooves is equal to V2. The volume V1+V2 is greater than or equal to 0.05 V0, preferably 0.1 V0. An analysis assembly including the substrate and the use thereof is also contemplated herein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for preparation and/or treatment of a biological sample comprising a set of storage chambers and/or reaction chambers intended for receiving a fluid, the chambers being separated by walls so as to constitute a set of adjacent chambers. It also relates to an analysis apparatus capable of using such a device and also a method of using this device. The device comprises a base and a drawer comprising the set of adjacent chambers, the drawer being movable relative to the base, the drawer comprising a contact surface on which emerge first means for placing in fluidic communication linked to the volume of at least one chamber, the contact surface of the drawer being intended to be positioned facing a contact surface of the base comprising at least one position at which there are arranged second fluidic communication means linked to detection means. The invention has a preferred application in the field of medical diagnosis.

Abstract: In the present invention, cells cultured inside the wells of a microplate are observed easily and clearly regardless of the height or curvature state of the liquid surface of the culturing liquid. Provided is an observation device that includes an illumination optical system that irradiates a transparent sample with illumination light from a light source, an objective lens that collects observation light from the sample, a detection optical system that detects the observation light collected by the objective lens, and a retroreflective member that is arranged opposite the objective lens with the sample interposed therebetween and in which a plurality of very small reflective elements are arrayed. The objective lens and the illumination optical system are arranged below the sample in the direction of gravity.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for depositing solid waste into a waste bin in an automated analyzer having a transport mechanism for transporting solid waste to a waste bin. The method includes providing a transport mechanism including a sliding mechanism, a parking position, and an opening that is proximal to the waste bin. The sliding mechanism includes a slider and an extendable ramp and the slider pushes the solid waste along the ramp into the waste bin. The method also includes placing solid waste into the parking position, contacting the solid waste with the slider, and pushing said solid waste towards the waste bin along the ramp until the solid waste moves along the extendable ramp into the waste bin.

Abstract: A case for containing a plurality of biological samples contains a base, a substrate and a cover. The substrate is attached to the base and comprises a plurality of reaction regions configured to receive one or more biological samples. The cover comprises an inner surface and is configured to be attached to the base such that the base and cover together provide a cavity containing the substrate. The inner surface includes a central area and a recessed area disposed about the central area. The central area is configured to cover the reaction regions, while the recessed area is offset from the central area in a direction normal to the inner surface.

Abstract: Disclosed examples provide gas cells and a method of fabricating a gas cell, including forming a cavity in a first substrate, forming a first conductive material on a sidewall of the cavity, forming a glass layer on the first conductive material, forming a second conductive material on a bottom side of a second substrate, etching the second conductive material to form apertures through the second conductive material, forming conductive coupling structures on a top side of the second substrate, and bonding a portion of the bottom side of the second substrate to a portion of the first side of the first substrate to seal the cavity.

Abstract: A device for controlling apical flow to a cell culture includes an apical insert that defines at least one inlet channel extending from an inlet port to an apical feed port and at least one outlet channel extending from an apical effluent port to an outlet port. The apical insert includes a projecting portion configured to extend into a cell culture insert to a depth that is less than a depth of the cell culture insert, and a contact surface configured to maintain a spatial relationship between the projecting portion and the cell culture insert.

Abstract: We disclose a system which may be used to analyze data collected from a customized test strip. The customized test strip may include a set of reaction pads which are selected to address the medical needs of a specific user. The system may include a data analysis platform which analyzes the data and proposes a second customized test strip. The second test strip may comprise of a set of reaction pads that the data analysis platform selects for the user based on the analysis of the first customized test strip. The data analysis platform may propose that additional diagnostic metrics be collected from the user to assist in diagnosis. The customized test strips and the additional diagnostic metrics may be within a medical toilet.

Abstract: The present invention is in the field of sample preparation. In particular, it relates to methods for preparing samples prior to performing nucleic acid amplification.

Abstract: We disclose a novel diagnostic test strip which may be used to conduct biochemical assays for analytes in liquid samples. The disclosed test strip may be loaded with much smaller volumes of sample than traditional test strips. The disclosed test strip may be loaded with a precision dispenser instead of submersing the test strip into a larger volume of liquid sample. In addition, the disclosed test strip dissolves in aqueous fluid so it may be flushed into the sewer system. Consequently, it is not necessary to dispose of the disclosed test strip in biological waste containers.

Abstract: A nucleic acid amplification device includes: an introduction unit into which a reaction solution including a target nucleic acid is introduced; a nucleic acid amplification reaction section in which at least two temperature zones of different temperature are present, for amplifying the target nucleic acid included in the reaction solution introduced into the introduction unit; and a channel arranged to pass back and forth or in cyclic fashion through the at least two temperature zones, and having a capillary force transport mechanism for feeding the reaction solution by capillary force.

Abstract: A disposable cartridge for preparing a sample fluid containing cells for analysis is disclosed. The cartridge includes one or more parallel preparation units, each preparation unit includes one or more chambers enclosed between seals and connected in series. Each chamber is configured for receiving an input fluid, performing a procedure affecting the fluid thereby generating an output fluid, and releasing the output fluid. A first chamber of the one or more chambers is a pressable chamber coupled to a first opening, while a last chamber of the one or more chambers is coupled to a second opening. The input fluid of the first chamber is the sample fluid. The one or more preparation units are coupleable to a compartment for performing analysis of the respective output fluids convey able via the second openings.

Abstract: A microplate reader comprises a housing; at least one optical measuring/detection device; a microplate support; a moving unit; and an integrated lid holding apparatus. The lid holding apparatus is arranged to move the microplate lid and/or the microplate support is arranged to move the microplate in one respective, in an at least approximately vertical direction for moving the microplate lid away from the microplate. The lid holding apparatus is arranged inside the housing as a magnetic lifter and comprises a non-array arrangement of at least one permanent magnet, or at least three electromagnets, or at least one switchable permanent magnet. Each microplate lid to be moved away from the microplate comprises magnetizable material.

Abstract: Provided is a microchannel chip, for microparticle separation, which can continuously separate microparticles, from a solution in which microparticles of different particle diameter are mixed, without needing to use an antibody or similar, and without causing clogging. Also provided are a microparticle separation method and a system for microparticle separation using the chip. Microparticles can be captured by using the microchannel chip for microparticle separation, the microchannel chip being characterised by being provided with a plurality of main channels and capture portions that are wider than the main channels and at least one of which is provided to each main channel.

Abstract: The present invention provides a machine for automated extraction of nucleic acid, which includes: a machine bottom plate, a support frame, and a vertical movement unit. The machine of the present invention can extract large-volume samples for automated extraction of nucleic acid, and if so desired, the extracted nucleic acid can be concentrated to produce high-quality nucleic acid samples.

Abstract: Described herein are systems, methods, and apparatus for automatically identifying and recovering individual cells of interest from a sample of biological matter, e.g., a biological fluid. Also described are methods of enriching a cell type of interest. These systems, methods, and apparatus allow for coordinated performance of two or more of the following, e.g., all with the same device, thereby enabling high throughput: cell enrichment, cell identification, and individual cell recovery for further analysis (e.g., sequencing) of individual recovered cells.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for carrying out chemical or biological reactions, having a reaction vessel receiving element for receiving a microtiter plate with several reaction vessels, where the reaction vessel receiving element has several recesses arranged in a regular pattern to receive the respective reaction vessels, a treating device for heating the reaction vessel receiving element, and a cooling device for cooling the reaction vessel receiving element. The reaction vessel receiving element is divided into several segments so that the individual segments are thermally decoupled from one another, and each segment is assigned a heating device which can be actuated independently of the others. By means of the segmentation of the reaction vessel receiving element, it is possible for zones to be set and held at different temperatures.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (12; 72) for optically measuring fluorescence of nucleic acids in test samples (14). The device (12; 72) comprises a plurality of sample wells (32) each for receiving an upright sample tube (16) made of a transparent material, having a side wall (20) and a bottom end (22) and containing one of the test samples (14) together with at least one fluorescent dye, at least one excitation light source (24; 74, 76, 78, 80) disposed in the vicinity of each sample well (32) for directing an excitation light beam through the side wall (20) of the sample tube (16) into the test sample (14) for exciting the dye, and an optical fluorescence detector (28) disposed underneath the bottom end (22) of each sample tube (16) for capturing fluorescence emitted from the dye in the test sample (14) upon excitation.

Abstract: Disclosed are nanostructured gold films which may be produced by solution-phase depositions of gold ions onto a variety of surfaces. The resulting plasmonic gold films are used for enhanced spectroscopic-based immunoassays in multiplexed microarray format with detection mechanisms based on either surface-enhanced Raman scattering or near-infrared fluorescence enhancement. The preparation of the films and subsequent modifications of the gold film surfaces afford increased sensitivity for various microarrays. The films are discontinuous, forming gold “islands.” Sensitivity, size, shape, and density of the nanoscopic gold islands comprising the discontinuous nanostructured gold film are controlled to enhance the intensity of Raman scattering and fluorescence in the near-infrared, allowing for improved measurements in clinical diagnostic or biomedical research applications.

Abstract: A system and method for imaging biological samples on multiple surfaces of a support structure are disclosed. The support structure may be a flow cell through which a reagent fluid is allowed to flow and interact with the biological samples. Excitation radiation from at least one radiation source may be used to excite the biological samples on multiple surfaces. In this manner, fluorescent emission radiation may be generated from the biological samples and subsequently captured and detected by detection optics and at least one detector. The detected fluorescent emission radiation may then be used to generate image data. This imaging of multiple surfaces may be accomplished either sequentially or simultaneously. In addition, the techniques of the present invention may be used with any type of imaging system. For instance, both epifluorescent and total internal reflection methods may benefit from the techniques of the present invention.