Abstract: The present invention discloses apparatus and methods to enhance magnetic field gradient for magnetic cell separation. One preferred embodiment in accordance with the invention comprises an electromagnet with an open gap formed between two pole tips and two driving coils with independently controlled electrical current magnitude and direction. In the specific case when two magnetic pole tips emanate magnetic fields with different magnitude and in opposite direction, the field gradient, and therefore the magnetic force exerted on MNPs, is advantageously enhanced. Spatial uniformity of the magnetic field gradient is also enhanced. Preferred embodiments are capable of magnetic cell separation for both positive and negative cell selection, as well as in-vitro capture and separation in miniaturized form of embodiments.

Abstract: Microfluidic devices and methods that use cells such as cancer cells, stem cells, blood cells for preprocessing, sorting for various biodiagnostics or therapeutical applications are described. Microfluidics electrical sensing such as measurement of field potential or current and phenomena such as immiscible fluidics, inertial fluidics are used as the basis for cell and molecular processing (e.g., characterizing, sorting, isolation, processing, amplification) of different particles, chemical compositions or biospecies (e.g., different cells, cells containing different substances, different particles, different biochemical compositions, proteins, enzymes etc.). Specifically this invention discloses a few sorting schemes for stem cells, whole blood and circulating tumor cells and also extracting serum from whole blood. Further medical diagnostics technology utilizing high throughput single cell PCR is described using immiscible fluidics couple with single or multi cells trapping technology.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device and a method for concentrating pathogenic germs potentially present in blood products or derivatives and for detecting said germs comprising the following steps: (a) subjecting a sample of said blood product to a blood cell aggregating treatment, (b) eliminating the aggregates formed at step (a) by passing the treated sample over a first filter allowing through the contaminating germs but not the cell aggregates, (c) selectively lyzing the residual cells of the filtrate obtained at step (b), (d) recuperating the contaminating germs by passing the lysate of step (c) over a second filter to detect the contaminating germs possibly trapped.

Abstract: Described herein are methods and systems for harvesting, collecting, separating and/or dewatering algae using iron based salts combined with a magnetic field gradient to separate algae from an aqueous solution.

Abstract: The present invention includes methods, devices and systems for isolating a nucleic acid from a fluid comprising cells. In various aspects, the methods, devices and systems may allow for a rapid procedure that requires a minimal amount of material and/or results in high purity nucleic acid isolated from complex fluids such as blood or environmental samples.

Abstract: The present invention includes methods, devices and systems for isolating a nucleic acid from a fluid comprising cells. In various aspects, the methods, devices and systems may allow for a rapid procedure that requires a minimal amount of material and/or results in high purity nucleic acid isolated from complex fluids such as blood or environmental samples.

Abstract: A method for magnetic cellular manipulation may include contacting a composition with a biological sample to form a mixture. The composition may include a plurality of particles. Each particle in the plurality of particles may include a magnetic substrate. The magnetic substrate may be characterized by a magnetic susceptibility greater than zero. The composition may also include a chargeable silicon-containing compound. The chargeable silicon-containing compound may coat at least a portion of the magnetic substrate. The biological sample may include cells and/or cellular structures. The method may also include applying a magnetic field to the mixture to manipulate the composition.

Abstract: The invention comprises two key components: dielectrophoresis (DEP) and reversible binding surfaces. DEP has become an important tool for trapping dielectric particles. Moreover, DEP can manipulate cell movement as dictated by the intrinsic dielectric constant of the cell without modification. DEP therefore provides a mechanism by which to force targets in a flow channel to a reversible binding surface. By building selectivity into the binding surface, the capacity to choose which targets can be held after the dielectric field is turned off, providing a separation strategy that does not suffer from fouling issues, as large foulants can freely pass over the surface through the flow channel.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a cell sorter including a measuring electrode, working electrode, detection electrode, and output section. The measuring electrode forms a measuring electric field in a flow path to measure a complex dielectric constant of each cells flowing through the flow path. The working electrode forms, in the flow path, a working electric field to sort the cells by imparting a dielectrophoretic force to the cells and using the flow path. The detection electrode detects the presence of the cell in the fluid flowing through the flow path. The output section acquires a sorting signal based on information about the measured complex dielectric constant and a detection signal indicating the detection of the cell by the detection electrode. The output section outputs a working signal adapted to form the working electric field to the working electrode when the detection signal is acquired if the sorting signal is acquired.

Abstract: This invention relates to adsorbents and methods for highly selective removal of anti-von Willebrand Factor-cleaving protease antibodies (“anti-vWF-cp-abs”) from human plasma using human von Willebrand Factor-cleaving protease (“hvWF-cp”) or fragments thereof as affinity ligands. The adsorbents can be used for treating disorders associated with the occurrence of anti-vWF-cp-abs in patients, such as thromboembolic diseases.

Abstract: The invention aims at providing an adsorbent for bacterial toxins, a method for removal of such toxins by adsorption, and an adsorber packed with said adsorbent. Provided are an adsorbent for bacterial toxins, which comprises a water-insoluble porous material having a mode of pore radius of 20 angstroms to 1,000 angstroms, a method for removal of bacterial toxins using said adsorbent, and an adsorber packed with said adsorbent.

Abstract: A magnetic platform is provided and includes a patterned array of discrete magnetic elements positioned on a substrate, a plurality of first electromagnets for creating a first magnetic field substantially in the plane of the substrate, an electromagnetic coil for creating a second magnetic field substantially perpendicular to the plane of the substrate, and a control device for controlling the application of the magnetic fields. Processes for manipulating, transporting, separating and sorting micro- or nano-scale particles and biomolecules are also described.

Abstract: To provide a system by which evaluation of circumstances of contamination by microparticles having nucleic acid can be performed rapidly and accurately. The theme is achieved by a system for measuring microparticles that includes: (1) a microparticle adhesion step of adhering the microparticles having nucleic acid to a microparticle adhesion member; (2) a membrane breakage step of breaking membranes of the adhered microparticles by electrical discharge; (3) an electrophoresis step of electrophoresing the microparticles in a thickness direction of a gel to make the nucleic acid in the microparticles migrate from a negative electrode side toward a positive electrode side and adhere the nucleic acid on a surface of a nucleic acid detection member; and (4) a nucleic acid measurement step of fluorescently staining the surface of the nucleic acid detection member to measure a concentration of the nucleic acid.

Abstract: A method and device for aggregating algae in an aqueous solution is disclosed. The method can include providing an algae feed comprising a liquid and algae dispersed therein. The algae feed can be aggregated by applying a nanosecond pulsed electric field to the algae feed. The nanosecond pulsed electric field can include a plurality of electric pulses having a pulse duration ranging from 1 to 1,000 nanoseconds. The method can also include separating an aggregated algae stream from the algae feed and feeding the aggregated algae stream to a lipid extraction operation.

Abstract: This invention provides methods utilizing a microfluidic device that can quickly and accurately discern differences in deformability between individual cells and sets of cells and continuously fractionate populations of cells based on their deformability. This information may be important in disease diagnosis and treatment efficacy monitoring. For example such a device may be able to determine the stage of malarial infection by using red blood cell deformability. Additionally, methods of the invention may be used as a tool to screen drugs that can make cells more flexible in diseases such as sickle cell anemia that causes sickle cell crises. The relatively low manufacturing and operation costs of methods of the invention enable this device to be used in resource-limited settings to diagnose and monitor disease.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to a system for isolating or separating a target from a sample. In certain aspects, processes performed by the target capture system include introducing a plurality of magnetic particles, in which a plurality of the particles include at least one binding moiety specific to a target, into a sample to form at least one target/particle complex and applying a magnetic field to isolate the magnetic particle/target complexes from the sample. The process starts at inputting a sample into the system and ends at delivering a capture target or nucleic acids of the target into a container for further analysis.

Abstract: In the present invention, a photobioreactor and process for producing and harvesting microalgae involves a vessel for cultivating microalgae that is at least partially transparent to admit light into the vessel. At least a portion of the transparent part of the vessel is coated with a transparent conductive oxide (TCO) layer. The TCO layer is transparent to visible light necessary for algae growth, but is opaque to infrared light thereby reducing thermal heating load in the photobioreactor. The TCO layer also acts as an electrode, which when combined with a counter-electrode can provide a potential difference across at least a portion of the interior of the vessel between the TCO layer and the counter-electrode. The electrode arrangement can be utilized in an electrochemical process (e.g. electrodeposition and/or electroflotation) to dewater and harvest the microalgae in the same apparatus as the microalgae was cultivated.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods of isolating white blood cells (WBCs) from a sample, e.g., whole blood, using magnetic particles that specifically bind to WBCs and a series of specific steps and conditions. The methods can include one or more of decreasing the viscosity of the sample prior to WBC isolation, agitating the sample at specified frequencies, and/or using a sample container arranged such that all of the sample is placed in close proximity (e.g., within 5, 2, 1, or 0.5 mm) to the source of the magnetic field. The new methods provide for isolation of WBC preparations with high yield, purity, and viability. The methods are designed for compatibility with automation protocols for rapid processing of multiple samples.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for detaching cultured cells that can selectively detach cultured adhered cells. The scaffold to which the cells adhere is configured from at least a cell adhesion factor containing carbon nanotubes, and by means of radiating laser light in a spot shape on the scaffold in a region where cells are adhered, a shock wave is generated by the heat arising by means of the photothermal conversion of the carbon nanotubes, and by means of this shock wave, the cells are caused to be in a non-adhered state.

Abstract: A rapid method for the quantitation of various live cell types is described. This new cell fluorescence method correlates with other methods of enumerating cells such as the standard plate count, the methylene blue method and the slide viability technique. The method is particularly useful in several applications such as: a) quantitating bacteria in milk, yogurt, cheese, meat and other foods, b) quantitating yeast cells in brewing, fermentation and bread making, c) quantitating mammalian cells in research, food and clinical settings. The method is especially useful when both total and viable cell counts are required such as in the brewing industry. The method can also be employed to determine the metabolic activity of cells in a sample. The apparatus, device, and/or system used for cell quantitation is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of extracting neural stem cells from a living subject, comprising the steps of introducing magnetic nanoparticles into the subject, targeting the neural stem cells with the magnetic nanoparticles to form magnetic nanoparticle-targeted cells, isolating the magnetic nanoparticle-targeted cells, extracting the magnetic nanoparticles-targeted cells from the subject.

Abstract: Described are methods of cultivating autotrophic microorganisms, particularly microalgae or diatoms, in a bioreactor by entraining a culture of the microorganisms in a tenuous, gelated, thixotrophic carrier medium having nutrients therefor and moving the medium along a passage at a sufficiently slow speed to enable laminar flow which in cross section is closed and which has transparent walls through which the culture is irradiated to enable photosynthesis. The method includes effecting convective turnover of the culture and medium as they flow along the passage by differentially heating the medium laterally relative to the flow direction so as to produce a generally helical flow of the culture and medium. Also described are processing methods, both physical and chemical, performed underground e.g.

Abstract: The present invention relates to testis somatic cell-derived pluripotent stem cells, and more particularly, to pluripotent adult stem cells which exhibit a positive immune reaction to both CD34 and CD73 and which are derived from testis somatic cells. The present invention further relates to a method for producing the testis somatic cell-derived pluripotent stem cells, and to a pharmaceutical composition including same for the treatment of erectile dysfunction.

Abstract: Described herein are systems, methods, and apparatuses for aggregating microorganism in an aqueous suspension. In particular, are systems, methods, and apparatuses that apply an electrical field to an aqueous suspension comprising microorganisms as the aqueous suspension follows a flow path to cause aggregation of the microorganisms. The electrical field may comprise different types of pulses. In some embodiments, the flow path for the aqueous suspension may vary.

Abstract: A method of controlling nematode response in a microfluidic environment is provided comprising exposing the nematode to an electric field that induces a nematode response. In one embodiment, a method of sorting a group of nematodes based on a selected parameter is provided comprising the step of exposing the nematodes to an electric field that induces a differential response among the nematodes based on the selected parameter, wherein the differential response functions to separate the nematodes based on the selected parameter. Devices useful to achieve these methods are also provided.

Abstract: A cell separation apparatus comprises a means for moving a cell within a cell separating space by applying an electrical voltage to cells in the cell separating space using gel electrodes, and channels for separating and discharging the cell, which thus does not damage a cell sample and prevents the exhaustion of an electrode due to its electrolysis.

Abstract: The invention comprises two key components: dielectrophoresis (DEP) and reversible binding surfaces. DEP has become an important tool for trapping dielectric particles. Moreover, DEP can manipulate cell movement as dictated by the intrinsic dielectric constant of the cell without modification. DEP therefore provides a mechanism by which to force targets in a flow channel to a reversible binding surface. By building selectivity into the binding surface, the capacity to choose which targets can be held after the dielectric field is turned off, providing a separation strategy that does not suffer from fouling issues, as large foulants can freely pass over the surface through the flow channel.

Abstract: Described herein are systems, methods, and apparatuses for aggregating microorganism in an aqueous suspension. In particular, are systems, methods, and apparatuses that apply an electrical field to an aqueous suspension comprising microorganisms as the aqueous suspension follows a flow path to cause aggregation of the microorganisms. The electrical field may be continuous or pulsed. In some embodiments, the flow path for the aqueous suspension may vary. In some embodiments, the cross-sectional area of the electrical field may be tuned.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are devices for the magnetophoretic separation of target biological materials including a separation chamber that has a plurality of channels, and one or more wires carrying a current, the wires generating a magnetic force that deflects magnetically-labeled target biological materials into a buffer stream. In addition, methods of separating target biological materials from non-target biological materials in a sample are disclosed. Finally, methods for constructing a magnetophoretic separation device are disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and systems for purifying cells and/or viruses are provided. The sample is added to a well disposed in a medium. A potential is applied across the medium to cause the contaminants to enter one or more walls of the well, and retain the cells and/or viruses in the well. The cells and/or viruses can be removed from the well, and optionally adhered or fixed to a surface, or detected. In one embodiment, the cells and/or viruses may be retained in the well by embedding in the medium. The medium including the embedded cells and/or viruses may be excised or otherwise removed and transferred to a glass slide or other solid surface.

Abstract: Fluidic sorting systems configured to immobilize, and optionally concentrate and/or analyze, one or more particles within the system are provided. Aspects of the systems include a flow-through chamber and an immobilization component configured to immobilize, preferably reversibly, a particle within the flow-through chamber. Optionally, the systems include an analysis component configured to optically analyze an immobilized particle within the flow-through chamber. In certain aspects, the systems are configured to collect one or more particles from the flow-through chamber for subsequent analysis, experimentation, and/or use. Also provided are methods, components and kits for reversibly immobilizing, and optionally analyzing, one or more particles within a fluidic sorting system.

Abstract: A liquid sample flow containing living cells is irradiated with measurement laser light and the photo data of at least either scattering light or fluorescence that is generated by each of the living cells in the liquid sample flow due to the irradiation with the measurement laser light is acquired. Based on the photo data thus acquired, it is determined whether each of the cells assignable to the respective photo data is an unnecessary living cell or a target living cell. Based on the determination results, a pulse voltage is then applied exclusively to the living cells having been determined as unnecessary living cells so that the unnecessary living cells are damaged and killed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for characterizing, treating and diagnosing cancer. In particular, the present invention provides a cancer stem cell profile, as well as novel stem cell cancer markers useful for the diagnosis, characterization, prognosis and treatment of cancer and in particular the targeting of solid tumor stem cells.

Abstract: A method for irradiating a sample with focused acoustic energy is provided. The generated acoustic energy is transmitted from the source to the sample via a completely dry propagation path. At least two different focal regions are generated with the source for generating acoustic energy.

Abstract: Described herein are systems, methods, and apparatuses for aggregating microorganism in an aqueous suspension. In particular, are systems, methods, and apparatuses that apply an electrical field to an aqueous suspension comprising microorganisms as the aqueous suspension follows a flow path to cause aggregation of the microorganisms. The electrical field may comprise different types of pulses. In some embodiments, the flow path for the aqueous suspension may vary.

Abstract: Described herein are systems, methods, and apparatuses for aggregating microorganism in an aqueous suspension. In particular, are systems, methods, and apparatuses that apply an electrical field to an aqueous suspension comprising microorganisms as the aqueous suspension follows a flow path to cause aggregation of the microorganisms. The electrical field may be continuous or pulsed. In some embodiments, the flow path for the aqueous suspension may vary. In some embodiments, the cross-sectional area of the electrical field may be tuned.

Abstract: Described herein are systems, methods, and apparatuses for aggregating microorganism in an aqueous suspension. In particular, are systems, methods, and apparatuses that apply an electrical field to an aqueous suspension comprising microorganisms as the aqueous suspension follows a flow path to cause aggregation of the microorganisms. The electrical field may be continuous or pulsed. In some embodiments, the flow path for the aqueous suspension may vary.

Abstract: Described herein are systems, methods, and apparatuses for aggregating microorganism in an aqueous suspension. In particular, are systems, methods, and apparatuses that apply an electrical field and/or acoustic energy to an aqueous suspension comprising microorganisms as the aqueous suspension follows a flow path to cause aggregation of the microorganisms. The electrical field may be continuous or pulsed. In some embodiments, the flow path for the aqueous suspension may vary.

Abstract: Described herein are systems, methods, and apparatuses for aggregating microorganism in an aqueous suspension. In particular, are systems, methods, and apparatuses that apply an electrical field and/or acoustic energy to an aqueous suspension comprising microorganisms as the aqueous suspension follows a flow path to cause aggregation of the microorganisms. The electrical field may be continuous or pulsed. In some embodiments, the flow path for the aqueous suspension may vary.

Abstract: Described herein are systems, methods, and apparatuses for aggregating microorganism in an aqueous suspension. In particular, are systems, methods, and apparatuses that apply an electrical field and acoustic energy to an aqueous suspension comprising microorganisms as the aqueous suspension follows a flow path to cause aggregation of the microorganisms. The electrical field may be continuous or pulsed. In some embodiments, the flow path for the aqueous suspension may vary.

Abstract: Described herein are systems, methods, and apparatuses for aggregating microorganism in an aqueous suspension. In particular, are systems, methods, and apparatuses that apply an electrical field and/or acoustic energy to an aqueous suspension comprising microorganisms as the aqueous suspension follows a flow path to cause aggregation of the microorganisms. The electrical field may be continuous or pulsed. In some embodiments, the flow path for the aqueous suspension may vary. In some embodiments, the cross-sectional area of the electrical field may be tuned.

Abstract: The present invention includes methods, devices and systems for isolating a nucleic acid from a fluid comprising cells. In various aspects, the methods, devices and systems may allow for a rapid procedure that requires a minimal amount of material and/or results in high purity nucleic acid isolated from complex fluids such as blood or environmental samples.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to methods of using compositions that include sets of magnetic particles, members of each set being conjugated to an antibody specific for a pathogen, and magnets to isolate a pathogen from a body fluid sample.

Abstract: Described are methods for purification of recombinant adenovirus from cell culture using a step of ultrafiltration wherein the retentate contains the virus. By applying back pressure on the permeate side during this step, adenovirus can be obtained at high purity without the need for chromatography or ultracentrifugation steps.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to a system for producing an algae biomass and wastewater that have reduced concentrations of contaminants. The algae and wastewater treated by the system of the present invention can be combined in a heterotrophic growth system in which the growth of the algae is increased due to the reduced concentration of contaminants. The algae grown in this manner also has a longer shelf life due to the lack of contaminants within the harvested algae.

Abstract: Embodiments herein concern compositions, methods and uses for harvesting suspension cultures or decontaminating waters. In certain embodiments, suspension microorganism cultures can comprise algal cultures. In some embodiments, harvesting suspension cultures may include using a composition capable of interacting with the culture in order to separate the culture from a liquid or media.

Abstract: Methods and devices for the interfacing of microchips to various types of modules are disclosed. The technology disclosed can be used as sample preparation and analysis systems for various applications, such as DNA sequencing and genotyping, proteomics, pathogen detection, diagnostics and biodefense.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for separating immunomagnetic bead labeled particulates. A carrier board is formed with at least one flow channel structure, which includes an inner reservoir, an outer reservoir, and at least one micro flow channel in communication with the inner reservoir and the outer reservoir. The method includes labeling target particulates with immunomagnetic bead, introducing a sample fluid into the inner reservoir, and applying a magnetic force and a driving force, wherein the driving force drives the particulates not labeled with immunomagnetic bead to flow through the micro flow channel to the outer reservoir, while the magnetic force attracts the particulates labeled with the immunomagnetic bead to retain in the inner reservoir. The driving force may be centrifugal force, pressure, or surface tension.

Abstract: Provided herein is a surface acoustic wave (“SAW”) sensor device including an isolation component of a target biomolecule. A sample containing the target biomolecule is separated by its size using electrophoresis, and sequentially reacts with a SAW sensor. In other words, the device is capable of detecting the target biomolecule by separating biomolecules using electrophoresis, and applying the separated biomolecules to the SAW sensor.

Abstract: The present inventive concept provides a multiple separation device and a method of separating a blood cancer cell using the same. In the device and the method, a blood sample is put in a fine channel and then cancer cells can be separated according to the type of cancer by controlling a flow velocity of the blood or a magnetic force of ferromagnetic pattern.