Abstract: Methods and systems for detecting the locations of individual instances of an analyte (e.g., individual cells, individual molecules) in an environment are provided. The environment includes functionalized fluorophores that are configured to selective interact with (e.g., bind with) the analyte and that have a fluorescent property that can be modulated (e.g., a fluorescence intensity that can be affected by the presence of a magnetic field). Detecting the location of individual instances of the analyte includes illuminating the environment and detecting signals emitted from the fluorophores in response to the illumination during first and second periods of time. Detecting the location of individual instances of the analyte further includes modulating the modulatable fluorescent property of the fluorophores during the second period of time and determining which individual fluorophores in the environment are bound to the analyte based on the signals detected during the first and second periods of time.

Abstract: An apparatus with a self-contained, tunable, microfluidic pumping system that utilizes the high air permeability of the matrix material to actuate fluid flow in a network of fluidic microchannels and microstructures is provided. The pumping relies upon partial evacuation of degas/vacuum channels that are located next to the fluid channels to degas air from the fluid channels or structures producing a reduction of pressure in the fluidic channel leading to the flow of fluid from an inlet at atmospheric pressure through the device. The solution is isolated from the pumping apparatus since the liquid does not pass through the diffusion barriers. The apparatus and method can also provide bubble-free microfluidic pumping, without any auxiliary equipment or device pre-treatment, and can fill dead-end channels and chambers, providing a powerful liquid handling tool for a broad range of applications.

Abstract: Methods and systems for processing a first solution on a respective primary area of a device with a plurality of primary areas and a plurality of secondary areas are described. A method includes providing the device and dispensing a second solution to a respective secondary area of one or more secondary areas adjacent to the respective primary area, thereby mixing the first solution on the respective secondary area and the second solution on the respective primary area. The method also includes removing at least a portion of the mixed solution.

Abstract: De novo synthesized large libraries of nucleic acids are provided herein with low error rates. Further, devices for the manufacturing of high-quality building blocks, such as oligonucleotides, are described herein. Longer nucleic acids can be synthesized in parallel using microfluidic assemblies. Further, methods herein allow for the fast construction of large libraries of long, high-quality genes. Devices for the manufacturing of large libraries of long and high-quality nucleic acids are further described herein.

Abstract: A biochip well is disclosed, including a vessel containing a well therewithin, the vessel forming at least base and side walls of the well and defining at least one aperture giving access to the well, and further including retaining means for holding a biochip at a predetermined position within the well, the well including a laterally offset region into which the biochip does not protrude when held at the predetermined position by the retaining means. Also disclosed are sealed well assemblies and apparatus and methods for opening sealed wells.

Abstract: A filling apparatus for filling a microplate. The microplate can comprise a plurality of wells each sized to receive an assay. A substrate can comprise a first surface and an opposing second surface, a first assay input port for receiving the assay disposed on the first surface, a plurality of staging capillaries extending through the substrate, and a first plurality of microfluidic channels fluidly coupling the first assay input port with at least one of the plurality of staging capillaries. Each of the plurality of staging capillaries can comprise an inlet and an outlet and be sized to receive the assay.

Abstract: An atomic cell includes: metallic atoms; a body portion having a through hole; window portions that are bonded to the body portion and form an inner space where the metallic atoms are sealed together with the body portion; a communication hole that communicates with the inner space and forms a groove and a hole; and a sealing portion that is disposed at a position that overlaps a bonding portion of the body portion and one window portion in a plan view seen in a direction where the body portion and the window portions are overlapped and blocks the communication hole by fusion.

Abstract: A nucleic acid analysis apparatus capable of selecting an optimal analysis method for every user and improving throughput is provided. In a genetic analyzer for measuring and analyzing amplification reaction of a nucleic acid in real time, an amplification curve is analyzed and a user can select conditions for terminating the amplification reaction upon detection of amplification. Further, a user can select conditions for selecting next processing after termination of the amplification reaction. A user can select, in situ, conditions for terminating the amplification reaction and conditions for selecting next processing upon detection of amplification and after the termination of amplification reaction. Alternatively, conditions for terminating the amplification reaction and conditions for selecting the next processing are registered previously and processing is performed automatically upon detection of amplification and after termination of the amplification reaction.

Abstract: Disclosed is a non-contact heating type gene amplification system. The non-contact heating type gene amplification system includes separate light sources for each step of a polymerase chain reaction in order to perform a high-speed temperature cycle by moving a rotation unit, in which a plurality of sample chambers are formed, to places at which the sample chambers are controlled at the temperatures corresponding to each step.

Abstract: A conveying system for material samples, especially medical samples, comprising a conveyor track forming at least one conveying section and a plurality of sample holders, designed to hold one sample vessel, which are self-propelled and displaceable along the conveying section. Each sample holder comprises a drive motor, an energy accumulator for supplying the motor with driving energy, at least one fiction wheel, drivable by the motor, for transmitting a force onto the track, and a control for controlling the travels of the sample holders. Signal transmitters are arranged in the track in predetermined positions along the conveying section and are adapted to form a near-field transmission section having signal receivers arranged in the sample holders, the signal transmitters being connected to the control and adapted to transmit control data relating to the adjustment of driving parameters to the sample holders via the near-field transmission section.

Abstract: According to the present invention, a PCR device including two heating blocks which is used for nucleic acid amplification reactions is disclosed. Using the PCR device of the present invention, nucleic acid amplification reactions can be efficiently performed.

Abstract: A multi-well assembly including a filter plate and receiver plate. Each plate includes a plurality of wells, which, when the filter plate is placed in nesting relationship with the receiver plate, each filter plate well has a corresponding receiver plate well into which it extends. The receiver plate wells are of a non-uniform cross-section in order to increase the gap between the outer walls of the filter plate wells and the inner walls of a corresponding receiver plate well when the receiver plate and filter plate are in nesting relationship. The increased gap size reduces wicking and cross-contamination. A multi-section well of maximum cross-section in an upper region and a minimized cross-section in a lower region, with a gradual transition between the regions, is thus provided.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions, methods and systems for the processing of chemical reactions, such as the synthesis of polymers.

Abstract: An apparatus for collecting or culturing cells or cell colonies includes: a common substrate formed from a flexible resilient polymeric material and having a plurality of wells formed therein; and a plurality of rigid cell carriers releasably connected to said common substrate, with said carriers arranged in the form of an array, and with each of the carriers resiliently received in one of the wells. A method of collecting or culturing cells or cell colonies with such an apparatus is carried out by depositing a liquid media carrying cells on the apparatus so that said cells settle on or adhere to said the carriers; and then (c) releasing at least one selected carrier having said cells thereon by gradual application of release energy to each carrier from the cavity in which it is received (e.g., by pushing with a probe).

Abstract: A microfluidic chip for three-dimensional cell culture with high-throughput perfusion includes an array of cell culture units, each unit including a cell culture medium inlet hole connecting to one cell culture medium tank, at least one micro-bioreactor, at least one microchannel and at least one medium collection and analysis tank. Each medium collection and analysis tank is connected to an air chamber with an air channel and the air chamber has negative pressure source holes to generate negative pressure to drive the culture medium. The microfluidic chip also includes an intermediate plate connected to the bottom surface of the roof, and two bottom plates detachably assembled at the bottom of the intermediate plate. The first and second bottom surfaces have micro-bioreactors and cylindrical recessed slots and the intermediate plate has corresponding holes to achieve the goal of three-dimensional cell culture using minimum experimental resources with high-throughput perfusion.

Abstract: According to the present invention, a PCR device including two heating blocks which is used for nucleic acid amplification reactions is disclosed. Using the PCR device of the present invention, nucleic acid amplification reactions can be efficiently performed.

Abstract: A filling apparatus for filling a microplate. The microplate can comprise a plurality of wells each sized to receive an assay. A substrate can comprise a first surface and an opposing second surface, a first assay input port for receiving the assay disposed on the first surface, a plurality of staging capillaries extending through the substrate, and a first plurality of microfluidic channels fluidly coupling the first assay input port with at least one of the plurality of staging capillaries. Each of the plurality of staging capillaries can comprise an inlet and an outlet and be sized to receive the assay.

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: Provided is a masking system of masks for use with multiwell plates such as microtiter plates to facilitate sample dispensing and assay accuracy, especially when dispensing more than one solution into the wells. One or more masks, adapted in size to fit snugly over a multiwell plate and the mask formed with openings each aligned with a subset of one or more wells of the plate beneath, aids the user in sample and/or reagent administration. Advantageously, the masks contain registration aids so that proper orientation with respect to the plate below is achieved; the registration aid may be a cut corner, registration peg or mark, or visual marking or stamping.

Abstract: An apparatus for sampling and storing biological fluids from a human or animal subject is provided. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the apparatus includes a main body, lancet carrier or hub, lancet, lancet trigger, capillary tube, and sample compartments for collecting and storing dried blood and other bodily fluids. The lancet hub supports a lancet and provides for moving the lancet longitudinally between a first retracted position and a second extended position. The device includes a capillary tube having an internal diameter sized to draw and retain fluid from a contacted source using capillary action. The main body of the apparatus further includes a sample compartment for holding sampling and storage materials. In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the sample compartment can be accessed by lifting sample compartment lid. Also included is a new “fan” or “daisy” shaped collection material format for use in collecting and preserving samples.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the preparation of radiochemical compounds. It is provided that the device comprises at least a reaction module, a dosing module, and a storage module, wherein the reaction module has at least one reaction vessel having a closable opening through which substances needed for the preparation of a predetermined radiochemical compound can be introduced into the reaction vessel of the reaction module and through which the prepared radiochemical compound can be removed from the reaction vessel of the reaction module; the dosing module has at least one pipetting head which can be moved relative to the storage module and the reaction module and in x, y, and z directions and also has at least one dosing unit; and at least one reservoir for one of the substances needed for the preparation of the respective radiochemical compound is formed in the storage module.

Abstract: Microfluidic devices fabricated from paper that has been covalently modified to increase its hydrophobicity, as well as methods of making and using thereof are provided herein. The devices are typically small, portable, flexible, and both easy and inexpensive to fabricate. Microfluidic devices contain a network of microfluidic components, including microfluidic channels, microfluidic chambers, microwells, or combinations thereof, designed to carry, store, mix, react, and/or analyze liquid samples. The microfluidic channels may be open channels, closed channels, or combinations thereof. The microfluidic devices may be used to detect and/or quantify an analyte, such as a small molecules, proteins, lipids polysaccharides, nucleic acids, prokaryotic cells, eukaryotic cells, particles, viruses, metal ions, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: Techniques for use with dried sample portions include a device having sample areas, identification areas and detachable portions. Each sample area includes one of the dried sample portions of the sample. Each identification area includes information stored therein which identifies the sample from which the dried sample portions stored on the sample areas of the device are obtained. Each detachable portion includes one of the sample areas and includes one of the identification areas. Also described is a method for processing dried sample portions of a sample. A card is received that includes a plurality of detachable portions. Each detachable portion includes a sample area with a dried sample portion and an identification area including information that identifies the sample. A first detachable portion is detached to process a dried sample portion included in the first detachable portion.

Abstract: The present invention describes microplates with arrays of wells containing magnetic inserts in the form of disks, cylinders or otherwise shaped materials with apertures in the centre for optical interrogation of the contacting solution. These inserts are capable of capturing ferro- and paramagnetic nano- and microparticles. The subject microplates find use in a variety of applications, including clinical and environmental assays, high throughput screening for genomics, proteomics and pharmaceutical applications, point-of-care in vitro diagnostics, molecular genetic analysis and nucleic acid diagnostics, cell separations, and bioresearch generally and high-throughput screening of materials for separation and catalysis.

Abstract: A crystallization device for in situ x-ray diffraction of biological samples includes a flat plate made of single crystal quartz, silicon or sapphire and having an array of wells or lanes defined on the plate. The crystallization device may be in the form of a cover slide used with a crystallization plate in a vapor diffusion setup. Also disclosed is a method for preparing biological samples for crystallization and x-ray diffraction, including: obtaining a crystallization device made of single crystal quartz, silicon or sapphire; loading a solution containing biological molecules onto the crystal support device; maintaining the solution in a crystal growth environment to grow crystals of the biological molecules; removing the crystal support device carrying the crystals from the crystal growth environment; exposing the crystals carried on the crystal support device to an X-ray beam; and recording X-ray diffracted by the biological crystals.

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: 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 storage arrangement has a chamber. Several Dewar flasks are arranged in the chamber and above them a picking device. The picking device has at least one cassette lift, with which storage cassettes can be removed from above from the Dewar flasks. This arrangement is suitable for storing laboratory objects at very low temperatures.

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: Devices and methods for manual and high-throughput protein crystal growth and growth of other biological and organic crystals. A microplate includes a plurality of cells and a frame that defines the cells in the microplate. In each cell there is at least one well open at top. Each well in a cell may be enclosed at bottom, or it may be open at bottom, in which case the well bottom may be sealed by a separate part, which may be, e.g., a separate film or plate (e.g., of plastic, glass or metal) or a molded part.

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: A well plate includes a including a top portion, a bottom portion and a membrane disposed between the top portion and the bottom portion. The top portion defines a sample well in fluid communication with an opening defined by the membrane and in fluid communication with a reservoir defined by the bottom portion. The well plate is configured to be used in a centrifugation process of a test sample including a sample material and a wash liquid. The test sample configured to be received within the sample well and the reservoir. The membrane configured to filter the wash liquid from the test sample during the centrifugation process such that the wash liquid can pass from the reservoir, through the membrane and can be captured within a collection chamber while the sample material remains within the reservoir.

Abstract: Microplates, reaction modules and optical detection systems for chemical and/or bio-chemical reactions including polymerase chain reactions.

Abstract: An apparatus for biological reactions is provided. The apparatus includes a substrate and a plurality of reaction sites within the substrate. A surface of the substrate is configured to have a first hydrophilicity and each surface of the plurality of reaction sites is configured to have a second hydrophilicity to load a substantial number of reaction sites with a sample volume. The sample volume of each loaded reaction site is substantially confined to its respective reaction site. The sample volume is configured to undergo a biological reaction within the reaction site.

Abstract: An article for holding a plurality of biological samples includes a substrate a substrate comprising a first surface and an opposing second surface and a plurality of reaction sites in the substrate. Each of the reaction sites extends from an opening in the first surface to an opening in the second surface. The reaction sites comprise a hexagonal shape and are configured to provide sufficient surface tension by capillary action to hold respective biological samples. The reaction sites have a density over at least a portion of the surfaces that is at least 170 holes per square millimeter. At least one of the surfaces may have a surface roughness characterized by an arithmetic average roughness (Ra) that is less than or equal to 5 nanometers.

Abstract: A microreactor includes a plurality of interconnected microstructures arranged in m process units with the process units configured to be operable together in parallel. Each of the m process units has a number n of respective process fluid inlets, wherein a number y of the n respective process fluid inlets are connected individually to respective non-manifolded fluid pumps, and wherein a number n minus y of the n respective process fluid inlets are connected to a respective manifolded fluid pump via a manifold, wherein y is an integer from 1 to n?1 inclusive.

Abstract: Candidate cells, such as circulating tumor cells (CTCs), present with blood are captured using a multiple stage device, having successive stages configured to deviate candidate cells out of the blood while slowing down the flow rates of the deviated resultant for easier capture of CTCs through progressive stages. The devices can include separation channel and deviation channels formed of micro-post patterns dimensioned to deviate different desired candidate cells for analysis.

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: A microfluidic valve system is disclosed that includes a matrix, a hydrophilic acceptor region a hydrophilic transfer region, and a hydrophobic gap between the acceptor region and the transfer region.

Abstract: A compound has Formula I: A, B, C, D, W, X, Y, and Z are independently selected from hydrogen, optionally substituted C1-C6 alkyl, optionally substituted C1-C6 alkoxy, aryl, aldehyde, protected aldehyde, CH, N, O, S, null, and bond; Q is selected from aldehyde, protected aldehyde, and null, at least one of A, B, C, D, W, X, Y, Z, or Q is an aldehyde or protected aldehyde; the bonds between each of A-B, B-C, C-D, W-X, X-Y, and Y-Z are selected from single bond, double bond, triple bond, and no bond; L is a linker selected from a C1-C12 alkyl, aralkyl, and aryl, any of which is optionally substituted; one or more methylene unit (CH2) of the C1-C12 alkyl is optionally replaced by any combination of oxygen, carbonyl(C?O), and NH; and R1 and R2 are independently selected from —NR3R4, halogen, C1-C8 alkoxy, aralkoxy, alkenyloxy, alkynyloxy, and OCH2CH2CN; R3 and R4 are independently a C1-C4, straight chain or branched alkyl group.

Abstract: A kit comprising a carrier and vessels arranged on the carrier, wherein different reagents are contained in different vessels, the vessels are arranged with an openable closing device on top of the carrier, the carrier has a footprint on the bottom side for being placed on a base, and the carrier has bottom positioning means for being positioned on at least one workplace of an automated laboratory system for microtiter plates according to the SBS standard.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method and a device for feeding and/or discharging fluids in microreactor arrays through one or several fluid ducts that extend into each individual microreactor and can be individually controlled and regulated, in order to control, regulate, influence, and/or verify processes. The fed or discharged amounts of fluid are introduced into or discharged from the volume of the reaction liquid during a continuous shaking process and are evenly mixed as a result of the shaking process. The continuous shaking process causes sufficient mass transfer and thorough mixing of the reaction partners or fluids while the reaction is not limited or restricted by the mass transfer conditions.

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: This invention provides for multi-unit plates that comprise a layer of membrane, preferably nitrocellulose or PVDF membrane, on the surface of individual unit of the multi-unit plate. These multi-unit plates are particularly well suited for high throughput immunoblot analysis including Zestern analysis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing a perforated breakable multi well plate comprising providing a multi well plate, and generating one or more perforated section lines along the width and/or length of the multi well plate by puncturing the multi well plate with a slotted blade for each section line to be generated, wherein the slotted blade is rigid and sharpened along one edge and a series of slots extends from the sharpened edge into the blade, thereby forming a series of sharp and rigid teeth alternating with slots. The invention further relates to a press tool usable in the above method as well as a perforated breakable multi well plate.

Abstract: The application relates to improved optical containment structures, methods of manufacture and use, and systems for employing same. The optical containment structures generally comprise zero-mode waveguide structures having non-reflective walls. The non-reflective walls allow the preparation of optical containment regions in which the optical containment dimensions can be decoupled from the solution containment dimensions. The application also relates to methods for producing islands of functionality within nanoscale apertures.

Abstract: A vacuum assist apparatus can comprise a microplate. The microplate can comprise a first surface and an opposing second surface. A plurality of wells can be formed in the first surface of the microplate. Each of the plurality of wells can be sized to receive an assay therein. A support base can comprise a fluid passage. The microplate can be positioned adjacent and in contact with the support base. A pressure device, in fluid communication with the fluid passage, can exert a vacuum within the fluid passage to actively retain the microplate in the contact with the support base.

Abstract: A testing device uses a selectively deformable substrate to capture and retain spherical beads for genetic experimentation. A method of fabricating the device is described in which a silicon substrate can be coated with a photosensitive, bio-compatible polymer for photolithographic patterning using a single mask exposure. The polymer is patterned with a matrix of wells, each well capable of expansion to accept placement of a bead in the well, and contraction to secure the bead in the well. The polymer can exhibit piezoelectric properties that cause it to respond mechanically to a selected electrical excitation.