Abstract: A samples storage system for pharmaceutical development in which the usable volumes of ultramicrotubes (384 tubes) are increased and smooth insertion and extraction of ultramicrotubes is possible irrespective of the positions of the ultramicrotubes. The samples storage system includes tubes in which samples are sealed and a storage rack for vertically accommodating a plurality of the tubes in a grid pattern. Each tube is of a rectangular hollow tubular cross-section and the intersect is tapered toward the bottom portion of the tube. Corner portions of the outer four side surfaces of the tubes are chamfered. The storage rack has engagement partition walls forming open-ended sections in a grid pattern inside the rack frame. The height of the walls is smaller than the length of the tube, and tube-supporting pins project vertically from the intersections of the grid.

Abstract: The disclosure provides microstructured articles and methods useful for detecting an analyte in a sample. The articles include microwell arrays.

Abstract: A device (1) for housing a scientific sample comprising at least one sample well (2) and an on-board buffering substance (3) wherein the onboard buffering substance (3) at least partly surrounds the sample well (2). The on-board buffering substance (3) may be in the form of a matrix, such as a gel-like matrix. The device (1) may further comprise an insulating means. Also described is a substance for use in culturing and/or assaying a sample whereby the substance provides atmospheric and thermal buffering. The invention further provides a lid for a single-well or multi-well sample plate, the lid being configured to facilitate delivery of a sample through the lid into a well, and for sealing the well. The lid comprises moveable portions (52, 53) that have at least one orifice (54, 57) formed through the moveable portions (52, 53) such that a conduit is formed by alignment of the orifices (54, 57) of both the lid portions (52, 53).

Abstract: Methods and systems for venting a well that receives a liquid. The method includes providing a microplate including a well that has a cavity with an open inlet and a closed end. The cavity extends between the open inlet and the closed end. The cavity is defined by a wall surface having a cross-sectional contour that includes at least one continuous section and at least one discontinuity section. The method also includes depositing a liquid into the open inlet of the well. The liquid enters the cavity and flows toward the closed end to at least partially fill the well. The liquid flows along the continuous section of the wall surface and remains separated from the discontinuity section of the wall surface, thereby maintaining a gas exhaust path along a spacing between the liquid and the discontinuity section as the liquid flows toward the closed end.

Abstract: A surrounding environment and a solution to be dispensed are prevented from being polluted by aerosol inside a dispensation tip. A dispensation tip 20 is provided with a dispensation nozzle 19 attached to its distal end, a syringe having a hollow inner portion, that is connected to a proximal end of the dispensation nozzle 19, and a plunger 22 that is allowed to slide in the cylinder 21 of the syringe so that suction and discharge processes are carried out on the liquid by the dispensation nozzle 19. A separation member having airtightness for separating an inside of the nozzle 19 from the outside and flexibility for allowing the plunger 22 to freely slide is placed between the proximal end of the plunger 22 and the proximal end of the cylinder 21.

Abstract: A workstation for pipetting provides for an ergonomic pipetting environment. Test tubes, centrifuge tubes, micro tubes and micro plates are inserted into a top plate, which is designed to hold such devices in a desired configuration. The top plate is adjustable with respect to height and planar angle, so that extensive pipetting efforts are less likely to result in repetitive stress related injuries.

Abstract: A device adapted to determine an analyte concentration of a fluid sample using a test sensor. The device comprises a display adapted to display information to a user. The device further comprises at least one user-interface mechanism adapted to allow the user to interact with the device. The device further comprises a body portion including at least one opening formed therein, the at least one opening being of sufficient size to receive the test sensor. The device further comprises a memory adapted to store a plurality of stored analyte concentrations. The device further comprises a processing feature adapted to inhibit the stored analyte concentrations from being displayed on the display.

Abstract: Provided is a slide processing apparatus for processing a plurality of slides to which a bio probe is attached. The slide processing apparatus includes a reaction chamber of which side walls are sealed, and a plurality of reaction heating plates disposed in parallel in the reaction chamber at a first distance from each other. The slides are mounted adjacent to the reaction heating plates in the reaction chamber and in parallel to the reaction heating plates.

Abstract: A delivery apparatus for selectively delivering one or more liquid reagents into a reaction or test chamber (2), especially of an assay apparatus, the apparatus comprising: one or more respective storage chambers (5,6) for containing the one or more liquid reagents and arranged generally above the reaction or test chamber (2); and a plunger element (4) arranged and operable for insertion into the mouth of a selected storage chamber so as to displace a selected reagent from therewithin into the reaction or test chamber (2) generally therebelow by gravitational liquid overflow from the mouth of the chamber. The apparatus may conveniently be provided as a discrete delivery unit, with the storage chambers (5,6) prefilled with the selected reagents.

Abstract: A reaction surface array diagnostic apparatus and method of making the same includes a substrate carrying a plurality of reaction surfaces, a plate and a gasket, each having a plurality of through bores, alignable with one of the reaction surfaces and forming a fluid tight well about each reaction surface when the gasket and the plate are sealingly affixed to the substrate to form a stack. Clamp members engage opposite side edges of a stack to compress the gasket. A plurality of side-by-side disposed clamped stacks of plates, gaskets and substrates are mounted in a tray in the standard footprint of a microtitre plate. Alternately, the plate and the gasket are combined into a single plate formed of a flexible material having an adhesive on one surface.

Abstract: The present invention teaches apparatus (511) and methods for screening the effect of test formulations on the barrier properties of a membrane (212), that are especially beneficial when skin is used as the test membrane (212). The apparatus (511) and methods enable more efficient measurements of skin permeabilization, of the permeation of molecular or particulate entities through skin, and of the absorption and adsorption by skin of ingredients in fluid formulations, together with screening of exfoliation of material from the exterior of the stratum corneum. The apparatus (511) provide for fluid contact to the skin from both donor and receptor sides, for measurements of skin electrical response in the presence of test formulations, of permeation and permeation enhancement, for the depth profiling of test formulation constituents through the skin, of stratum corneum component disruption, and of loss of material from the stratum corneum.

Abstract: A sample vessel matrix is provided in which the walls of the individual sample vessels are very high compared with their cross-section, wherein the ratio of the height of the sample vessel to the well length is between 3 and 7.

Abstract: An analytical biochemistry system featuring a substrate with reactants immobilized thereon at fixed, known locations, a holder supporting the substrate and a manipulator for transporting the holder to a fixed sample and to an inspection station. The reactants are binding agents for a target biomolecule in a sample which forms a bound substance having a detectable characteristic. The holder may be a standard pipettor, optionally carried by a robot arm or hand as the manipulator to contact the sample for detection of the presence of target biomolecules within the sample. In one embodiment, the holder is a pipette tip within which the substrate is housed, or it may be a pipette adapter which bears the substrate and fits within the sample wells of a standard microtiter plate.

Abstract: A probe array base including probe-holding portions which are periodically arranged on a solid base member and which have grooves is prepared by anisotropically etching a single-crystalline silicon substrate. Probe solutions are supplied to the probe-holding portions by capillary action from a plurality of tank arrays having a certain cylinder period. This allows a probe array to be completed. The probe array is used as, for example, a DNA or antigen chip, has a high degree of integration, and is capable of holding a constant and sufficient number of probe molecules.

Abstract: Diagnostic in-vitro devices for use in the assaying of biological fluids are provided which include cover plates or backing strips which exhibit hydrophilic properties to assist in transport of the biological fluid or retention of same within the device. Exemplary diagnostic devices include lateral flow devices, microfluidic devices and microtiter plates. The devices may also be comprised of low fluorescent material in order to facilitate any diagnostic determination by use of fluorescent emissions. Hydrophilic properties may be imparted to the cover plates or backing strips by physical or chemical treatment thereof. The cover plates or backing strips may exhibit heat sealable or pressure sensitive properties.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a carrier for flexible microassay devices (510). The carrier is detachably attached to the microassay device (510) and provides means for protecting and handling the flexible microassay device (510). A method of preparing a microassay device for use is also disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatuses, systems and methods for using assay preparation plates comprising wells with two trenches are presented. More specifically, well plates are presented that comprising an array of wells configured to retain a plurality of beads suspended in a fluid during an assay procedure, each well in the array comprising a first trench and a second trench, wherein the working volume of each well is between about 25 uL and about 10 mL.

Abstract: The present invention provides the use of a composition comprising a block polymer as a support matrix in the manipulation, processing or analysis of particles, such as cells and fluorescent beads. In a preferred embodiment, the composition exhibits gel-sol thermoreversibility, micelle formation under gelling conditions, optically compatible, controllable surfactant properties, molecular sieving properties and biocompatibility. Further aspects of the invention provide (a) a support matrix composition comprising a block polymer, fluorescent beads and/or a dye for use in the manipulation, processing or analysis of particles, (b) a multichamber plate coated in a support matrix composition and (c) kits for producing the same.

Abstract: Fluid containers are disclosed which have fluid reservoirs in their closures. These reservoirs are advantageous to hold sacrificial fluid which lessens the loss of the fluid of interest to the outside through evaporation. The reservoirs may have openings to the inside or outside of the container, or to both. Reservoirs with openings to the outside serve to reduce evaporative loss by raising the partial pressure of fluid in the vicinity of the contact between the closure and the remainder of the container. The reservoirs may be refillable without opening the container. In one embodiment a fluid reservoir allows the zone of contact between the closure and the remainder of the container to be immersed in fluid, so that gases seeking to escape the interior of the container must pass through fluid.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for rapid solution capture purification of nucleic acids for subsequent analysis by electrospray mass spectrometry which is efficient and cost-effective relative to existing methods. The present invention also provides for kits useful for practicing rapid solution capture of nucleic acids so that purified samples are in condition for analysis by electrospray mass spectrometry.

Abstract: The tissue disaggregator device includes a base having a multiple well array. Each of the wells includes a screen embedded into bottom portion of the well. The device removably connects with standardized plate and allows for multiple fold increase in tissue sample preparation.

Abstract: Methods of manufacturing cards, strips and multiwell plates for use in diagnostic assays are described. The methods employ the use of synthetic constructs of the generic structure F-S-L (where F is an antigen for a reactive antibody, S is a spacer covalently linking F to L, and L is a lipid) as “ink” in inkjet printers. The cards, strips and multiwell plates provide a number of advantages including efficiency of manufacture and improved accuracy in determining and recording assay results.

Abstract: A sample plate comprising a sample well is disclosed. The sample well can comprise one or more bead retaining chambers. A method of using the sample plate and a kit comprising the sample plate is also disclosed.

Abstract: A receptacle having a plurality of interconnected chambers arranged to permit multiple process steps or processes to be performed independently or simultaneously. The receptacles are manufactured to separate liquid from dried reagents and to maintain the stability of the dried reagents. An immiscible liquid, such as an oil, is included to control loading of process materials, facilitate mixing and reconstitution of dried reagents, limit evaporation, control heating of reaction materials, concentrate solid support materials to prevent clogging of fluid connections, provide minimum volumes for fluid transfers, and to prevent process materials from sticking to chamber surfaces. The receptacles can be adapted for use in systems having a processing instrument that includes an actuator system for selectively moving fluid substances between chambers and a detector. The actuator system can be arranged to concentrate an analyte present in a sample.

Abstract: An immunodiagnostic test card includes a plurality of transparent chambers wherein each chamber includes a quantity of testing material that combines with a patient sample, when mixed, to produce an agglutination reaction. A plurality of indicia are disposed to aid in the manufacture and determining the usability of the cards prior to test and also in objectively grading the agglutination reactions that are formed or lack of agglutination.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the invention provide a system comprising a meter and a disposable cartridge for analyzing a fluid sample typically blood that is drawn into the cartridge by capillary action, negative pressure, positive pressure, or a combination thereof. The cartridge has at least one flow path, and includes at least one optical chamber for spectroscopic measurement, and at least one biosensor for biosensor measurement. The meter has a sample slot for receiving the disposable cartridge. The cartridges have electrical output contacts, and the meter slot has electrical input contacts. When the output contacts mate with the input contacts, the optical chamber becomes positioned for spectroscopic measurement. The present invention can provide joint-diagnostic spectroscopic and biosensor measurements.

Abstract: A cap for a microtube, which can be automatically aligned by an alignment plate for insertion in a correct orientation into the open end of the microtube held in a micro tube rack. The plate has partitions in a grid which produces a matrix of cells having a pitch defined by the spacing between the partitions. The cap 100 has an plug portion 120, which is adapted to be inserted into the open end of the microtube which is held in a rack having a matrix of wells congruent with the matrix of cells in the alignment plate. A grip portion 110 of the cap has an outer circumferential diameter larger than an outer circumferential diameter of the plug portion 120, so that when the cap is inserted in the microtube, the grip portion protrudes from the open end of the microtube. The entire length of the cap 100 is longer than the pitch of the alignment plate and shorter than twice the pitch.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for conducting binding assays in an assay device that includes one or more storage and use zone. The storage zones of the assay device are configured to house one or more reagents used in an assay conducted in the use zone of the device.

Abstract: Liquid receptacle with an opening for receiving liquid dispensed at a distance there above, wherein the receptacle comprises a liquid receiving member arranged in the vicinity of the opening and at an angle with respect to the motion of dispensed liquid to receive and direct dispensed liquid into the receptacle.

Abstract: A microreactor is shown having an inlet or feed channel, an inlet or feed zone for a flow of fluid, a reaction zone, an outlet zone and an outlet or evacuation channel, the zones and channels being in fluid communication, and at least one compound such as an enzyme capable of producing a biological or biochemical reaction with at least one constituent of the flow of fluid, the compound being attached to the surfaces of the inlet zone, reaction zone, and outlet zone.

Abstract: A nucleic acid extraction kit, which enables the nucleic acid extraction operation to be accomplished safely without causing contamination, and in which the complex preparation of reagents and the disposal treatments that are performed before and after the nucleic acid extraction operation can be performed rapidly and simply, with the extraction performed in an automated manner. The nucleic acid extraction kit includes: a container including reagent wells 2 to 9 that each store at least a reagent, a sample well 13 into which a biological sample is introduced, a waste liquid well, and a collection well 11 in which an extracted nucleic acid is collected, and an extraction filter cartridge 12 equipped with an extraction filter for separating and extracting a nucleic acid from the biological sample, wherein the extraction filter cartridge is formed in a manner that enables the extraction filter cartridge to be supported on the waste liquid well and the collection well.

Abstract: A well drain system for use with a synthesizer. The well drain system comprises a well plate, a well adapter plate and a drain plate detachably coupled together. The well plate comprises a matrix of wells for receiving one or more vials, wherein the matrix has a plurality of rows. The well adapter plate comprises an arched plate body and a plurality of apertures in communication with one or more of the wells. The drain plate comprises a plurality of channels in communication with one or more of the apertures. As a result, a user is able to selectively drain the vials found within individual rows of the well plate instead of all the vials at once.

Abstract: The invention discloses a temperature variation apparatus for varying the temperature of a liquid. The temperature variation apparatus includes a metal tube, a power supply, a heat conductor, and a thermo-electric cooler (TEC). The liquid is poured into the metal tube. The power supply has an anode and a cathode respectively connected to two ends of the metal tube, so that the metal tube can be electrified to generate heat. The heat conductor encircles and contacts with the metal tube, and the thermo-electric cooler contacts with the heat conductor.

Abstract: A culture insert carrier for supporting at least one culture insert in a culture tray having at least one well, wherein the culture insert carrier comprises a plane member with at least one opening for insertion of the at least one culture insert in such a way that the culture insert carrier supports the at least one culture insert in a position in the culture tray is provided. Further, a culture insert comprising a plurality of suspension elements including a first set of suspension elements and a second set of suspension elements, the suspension elements being adapted to suspend the culture insert in a plurality of vertical positions, including a first vertical position and a second vertical position, in relation to a frame is provided.

Abstract: An analyte testing/observing apparatus includes a microplate mounting stand 10 which supports at least one of microplates 27 having a plurality of wells 27a for accommodating an analyte and microplates 28 each having a plurality of wells 28a for accommodating a reagent, and which includes a retractable shutter 20 for covering a surface of the at least one microplate mounted on the mounting stand 10. When the dispensing work is stopped, the shutter 20 is closed and lowered, so that the shutter 20 comes into contact with the surfaces of the microplates, to thereby prevent evaporation and drying of the analyte and the reagent accommodated within the wells before being dispensed.

Abstract: A fraction collector comprising a movable tray is provided. The movable tray may be attached to the fraction collector support system in a variety of ways and adjusted without adjusting the parts of the fraction collector support system. The moveable tray may be stably attached to the fraction collector support system by either fixed or removable pegs, as well as by channels. In an exemplary embodiment, a mechanized lift is used to adjust the position of the movable tray.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for separation of magnetic particles with either hand held devices or automated instruments. Specifically, the production of magnetic fields for the separation of the particles within containers such as microtiter plates with a magnetic field that is substantially consistent for each well. Certain embodiments produce a magnetic field that is substantially uniform across each well bottom, while other embodiments produce a magnetic field that is stronger toward the outer region of each well.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to detecting receptor-ligand binding by measuring local pH modulation using a pH-sensitive fluorophore.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for controlling immunoassay reactivity are provided. In one embodiment, a method for preparing a substrate for an immunoassay is provided in which a composition containing a reagent and a neutral material is applied to a substrate under conditions suitable to couple the reagent and the neutral material to the substrate.

Abstract: A specimen collection and transport kit comprising an external housing member for receiving a tray. A tray comprising a plurality of compartments for receiving a plurality of specimen handling tools and at least one opening configured to receive a specimen container in an upright position during use. Methods for handling a biological specimen including arranging a specimen container in an upright orientation within a tray and transferring a portion of the specimen between one or more receptacles. The methods may be used, for example, to collect and transport urine for urinalysis to diagnose a sexually transmitted disease.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for biopolymer synthesis wherein said apparatus comprises at least one support having a plurality of microwells and wherein said microwells comprise a porous substrate providing a surface area for biopolymer synthesis.

Abstract: Disposable units in current use for performing PCR are limited by their heat block ramping rates and by the thermal diffusion delay time through the plastic wall as well as by the sample itself. This limitation has been overcome by forming a disposable plastic chip using a simple deformation process wherein one or more plastic sheets are caused, through hydrostatic pressure, to conform to the surface of a suitable mold. After a given disposable chip has been filled with liquid samples, it is brought into close contact with an array of heating blocks that seals each sample within its own chamber, allowing each sample to then be heat treated as desired.

Abstract: The present invention provides a vessel with a textured inner surface and methods of using the vessel to trap aggregated substances. The vessel facilitates the separation of the substance from surrounding media. The present invention relates to vessels with a textured inner surface and methods of using such vessels for the separation of a trapped aggregated target substance from a media containing one or more other substances.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, systems, methods, and devices are provided for handling liquid. In some embodiments, such systems, methods, and devices are used to combine fluids while removing gaseous bubbles.

Abstract: A fluid processing device is provided that includes a substrate, a plurality of fluid retainment regions formed in or on the substrate, and a barrier at least partially separating two or more of the fluid retainment regions. The barrier includes a mixture of a sequestering material and a reaction component. The reaction component can be at least one of a reactant, a reagent, a catalyst, an initiator, a promoter, a cofactor, an enzyme, a salt, or a combination thereof. The sequestering material can be a porous material, a dissolvable material, or both.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a culture insert carrier, a culture insert and a culture system for culturing and testing of different kinds of cells, such as for example skin models. A culture insert carrier for supporting at least one culture insert in a culture tray having at least one well, wherein the culture insert carrier comprises a plane member with at least one opening for insertion of the at least one culture insert in such a way that the culture insert carrier supports the at least one culture insert in a position in the culture tray is provided. Further, a culture insert comprising a plurality of suspension elements including a first set of suspension elements and a second set of suspension elements, the suspension elements being adapted to suspend the culture insert in a plurality of vertical positions, including a first vertical position and a second vertical position, in relation to a frame is provided.

Abstract: Glass as a substrate for fluorescence-based assays is expensive. Disclosed is a poly(cyclic olefin) alternative to glass that is of comparable sensitivity. More specifically, disclosed is a method of making a microdevice for the immobilization of biomolecules for the purpose of carrying out a fluorescence-based assay, said method comprising providing a substrate comprising a poly(cyclic olefin); protecting the substrate from ultraviolet (UV) light; and subjecting a surface of said UV-protected substrate to ozone oxidation to activate said surface; wherein a content of intrinsic fluorophores on the surface of the substrate remains substantially unchanged after the ozone oxidation.

Abstract: An immunodiagnostic test card includes a plurality of transparent chambers wherein each chamber includes a quantity of testing material that combines with a patient sample, when mixed, to produce an agglutination reaction. A plurality of indicia are disposed to aid in the manufacture and determining the usability of the cards prior to test and also in objectively grading the agglutination reactions that are formed or lack of agglutination.

Abstract: An automated immunoassay apparatus is disclosed comprising a single optical reading device for reading two microtitre plates. A first microtitre plate is loaded into an upper plate holder which is linearly translated at a fixed height. A second microtitre plate is loaded into a lower plate holder. The lower plate, holder runs along a contoured track which varies the vertical height of the second microtitre plate.

Abstract: A reaction surface array diagnostic apparatus includes a substrate carrying a plurality of reaction surfaces and, a plate having a plurality of wells, alignable with one of the reaction surfaces and forming a fluid tight well about each reaction surface when the plate and the substrate are sealingly affixed to each other in a frame. The plate is formed of a flexible material which may have an adhesive on one surface. Interlocking latch members are formed on the plate and the frame for releasably latching the plate and the frame in a position for sealing attachment to the substrate.