Abstract: Device and method for detecting the presence of known or unknown toxic agents in a fluid sample. Targets in the sample are bound to releasable receptors immobilized in a reaction region of a micro- or nano-fluidic device. The receptors are selected based on their affinity for classes of known toxic agents. The receptors are freed and the bound and unbound receptors separated based on differential electrokinetic mobilities while they travel to a detection device.

Abstract: A microfluidic device for mitochondria analysis includes an inlet coupled to a first access channel, an outlet coupled to a second access channel, and a plurality of trapping channels fluidically coupled at one end to the first access channel and fluidically coupled at an opposing end to the second access channel, each trapping channel has a cross-sectional dimension about 2 ?m in one direction and a cross-sectional dimension between about 0.45 and about 0.75 ?m in a second direction.

Abstract: An object of the present invention relates to providing a nucleic acid analyzer capable of testing a plurality of test items in parallel, and of obtaining high efficiency of specimen processing even if the test item or a measuring object is changed. The present invention relates to an analyzer including a carousel rotatable about a rotation axis, a plurality of reaction containers held along a circumferential edge of the carousel, and at least one detector having a light source for irradiating the reaction container with excitation light and a detection element for detecting fluorescence from a reaction liquid in the reaction container. The detector is removable. By attaching a desired detector, it is possible to perform fluorescence measurement in response to the test item. According to the present invention, it is possible to test a plurality of test items in parallel, and even if the test item or the measuring object is changed, the high efficiency of specimen processing can be obtained.

Abstract: A method for measuring a degree of deformation of blood cells includes: supplying blood to a centrifugal container of a disk; centrifuging the blood in the centrifugal container to blood cells and plasma by rotating the disk and detecting an actual moving distance of the blood cells in the centrifugal container every hour; and calculating a first curve representing the actual moving distance of the blood cells in the centrifugal container every hour and a second curve representing a theoretical moving distance of the blood cells every hour and measuring a degree of deformation of the blood cells by comparing the first curve and the second curve.

Abstract: A device and method for performing a point of care diagnostic test for detecting and quantifying at least one analyte in a biological sample (e.g., a body fluid). A device may include an immunoassay apparatus and a holder with an adjustable variable angle stage for positioning the immunoassay apparatus relative to a light source and a detector device so as to optimize the angle of incidence and angle of radiation to optimize an elastic light scattering signal from the immunoassay apparatus. The elastic light scattering signal may be used to quantify the amount of the analyte(s) of interest present in the sample. The device is based upon elastic light scattering, so the variation in the angle of incidence and angle of reflection are optimized to maximize signal generation due to elastic light scattering.

Abstract: A viable particle counting apparatus 77 includes devices 10, 70, 2. The device 10 radiates a light with a predetermined wavelength toward a liquid containing a detection target. The device 70 reduces a Raman-scattered light emitted from the liquid out of lights emitted due to an interaction of the light radiated by the device 10 with the target or the liquid and selects an autofluorescence light emitted from the target. The device 2 determines whether or not the target contained in the liquid is a viable particle, based on a light obtained after the Raman-scattered light is reduced by the device 70. The device 10 radiates the light with a wavelength that causes the autofluorescence light and the Raman-scattered light to be different in peak wavelength.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to compositions, devices and methods of detecting the presence of molecules and optionally quantifying forces associated with molecular interactions on the surface of cells and other lipids. In certain embodiments, devices disclosed herein can be used to detect forces through cell surface receptors. In other embodiments, the devices can be used to detect the presence or absence of molecules on cells or other particles or detect the changes in cell morphology after ligand receptor binding.

Abstract: Apparatuses are disclosed for performing calorimetric assays with plucked human hair using a device adapted for that purpose. This device may include a transparent reaction vessel connected via a capillary tube to a burst pack, and connected via another capillary tube to a funnel, into which a plucked human hair may be placed.

Abstract: A system for detecting infectious agents in biological samples in real time that includes a sample to be tested for at least one specific infectious agent; and a biosensor, wherein the biosensor is operative to detect a specific infectious agent in the sample to be tested; and wherein the biosensor emits an amplified and detectable signal when it reacts with the specific infectious agent. Signal detection is enhanced through the release of LPS from the cells of the infectious agent.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for collecting, preparing, and/or analyzing a biological sample. A sample collection site may be utilized with one or more sample processing device. The sample processing device may be configured to accept a sample from a subject. The sample processing device may perform one or more sample preparation step and/or chemical reaction involving the sample. Data related to the sample may be sent from the device to a laboratory. The laboratory may be a certified laboratory that may generate a report that is transmitted to a health care professional. The health care professional may rely on the report for diagnosing, treating, and/or preventing a disease in the subject.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are an apparatus and method for measuring biomedical data and a measurement strip. The apparatus includes a plurality of detection units arranged within a strip reception area on a plane and spaced apart from each other, a measurement type determination unit for determining whether reactive portions are present in areas of the measurement strip corresponding to the plurality of detection units based on detection results obtained by the detection units and determining a type of measurement based on results of the determination, a biomedical data measurement unit for activating part or all of the detection units according to the type of measurement determined by the measurement type determination unit, and measuring the biomedical data using the activated detection units, and an output unit for outputting the measured biomedical data to an outside.

Abstract: Enzymes and/or polypeptides and/or mixtures of interest are evaluated during hydrolysis of cellulosic material by the use of indicator constituents such as fluorescent agents, resulting in efficient high-throughput analysis of enzymes and/or polypeptides. A high-throughput assay for the analysis of inter alia, pretreated corn stover (PCS) hydrolysis is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present technology provides for an fluorescent detector that is configured to detect light emitted for a probe characteristic of a polynucleotide. The polynucleotide is undergoing amplification in a microfluidic channel with which the detector is in optical communication. The detector is configured to detect minute quantities of polynucleotide, such as would be contained in a microfluidic volume. The detector can also be multiplexed to permit multiple concurrent measurements on multiple polynucleotides concurrently.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to systems and methods for counting biomolecules or cells. In certain embodiments, the invention provides a cell counting or biomolecule counting system including: a covered chamber having a known height and configured to hold a suspension of biomolecules or cells in a sample; at least one fluorescent light source connected to at least one fluorescent light beam narrowing device; a bright-field light source connected to a bright-field light beam narrowing device; a microscope objective; a detection device; a fluorescent filter assembly to allow only excitation light to illuminate the sample and allow only emission light from the sample to be imaged by the detection device; and a movable light shutter to block bright-field light during fluorescent detection.

Abstract: Contact lens testing apparatuses and method for testing contact lenses for analytes are presented. In an aspect, a device is provided that includes a housing configured to hold one or more contact lenses, and a testing compartment provided within the housing and comprising a reagent, the reagent configured to facilitate a chemical reaction in response to the existence of a predetermined biomarker disposed on or within a contact lens placed in the testing compartment, wherein the chemical reaction produces a known result related to state information of an individual from which the biomarker was generated.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems and methods are provided for the identification of various objects, particularly circulating tumor cells. In one aspect the system includes, but is not limited to, a scanning system, an image storage system, and an analysis system. The analysis system preferably identifies desired objects, such as complete cells, based on various criteria, which may include cell nuclear area or volume, CD-45 negative status, and cytokeratine positive status. Preferably included is a slide for containing the cells during the imaging step, the well including a planar bottom surface, a border at the periphery of the well defining sides for the well, the border being adjacent the bottom surface of the well and providing a fluidic seal there between. The invention herein provides for a single imaging well, providing for substantially a monolayer of objects, e.g., cells.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to a device and method of using the device to analyze a sample. The sample may be a suspension, a portion of the suspension, a particular component of the suspension, or the like. For example, the suspension may be blood, the portion may be buffy coat, and the component may be circulating tumor cells. The device may be used to hold the sample for imaging or further processing. The device comprises a cavity that may be sealed on one side by a porous membrane and on an opposite side by a non-porous cover. The porous membrane allows for reagents to be introduced to the sample without diluting the sample. The non-porous cover allows for imaging of the sample. The device further comprises a nozzle for introducing the sample into a space within the cavity.

Abstract: The following invention relates to a device for visual detection of hemolysis in a whole blood sample from a pierceable container, said device comprising at least one visible detection compartment and a transfer passage connected to said visible detection compartment, said device further comprising means for passing through the container to the interior of said container for accessing the whole blood and permitting transfer of a volume of plasma from said sample to said detection compartment via said transfer passage, wherein said device further is arranged with a separation device for separating plasma from blood cells within said whole blood sample before said plasma reaches the detection compartment, said device further being arranged with means providing a capillary action for generating a capillary force urging said volume of plasma to be transferred through the separation device to said detection compartment.

Abstract: This invention relates to a testing system for assessing the level of a biochemical marker, comprising a disposable device (2) with a sample inlet (4) and a at least one visible detection compartment (5A, 5B), arranged with composition including a chemical means (Y) for direct detection of said biochemical marker, wherein said composition also includes an inhibitor (Z) arranged to first detection compartment (5A) being arranged to block the biochemical marker up to a certain concentration.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to apparatus, systems, compositions, and methods for analyzing a sample containing particles. A particle imaging system or analyzer can include a flowcell through which a urine sample containing particles is caused to flow, and a high optical resolution imaging device which captures images for image analysis. A contrast pattern for autofocusing is provided on the flowcell. The image processor assesses focus accuracy from pixel data contrast. A positioning motor moves the microscope and/or flowcell along the optical axis for autofocusing on the contrast pattern target. The processor then displaces microscope and flowcell by a known distance between the contrast pattern and the sample stream, thus focusing on the sample stream. Cell or particle images are collected from that position until autofocus is reinitiated, periodically, by input signal, or when detecting temperature changes or focus inaccuracy in the image data.

Abstract: The invention provides novel devices and methods that enable ultrahigh spatial and temporal resolution interfaces that allow access and intervention to local (intra- and proximate extra-neuronal) neuroelectronic and neurotransmitter molecular signatures associated with aberrant cell function and cell death leading to neurodegenerative diseases. Scalable devices based on a unique nanocoaxial electrode array of the invention offer neural recording and control at unprecedented levels of precisions.

Abstract: Provided is a device and a method for examining myocardial toxicity, which can be realized in vitro in an equivalent manner as those conventionally carried out in vivo. A cell population as a pulsating pacemaker is arranged on a transparent substrate. Myocardial pulsating cells are arranged while being spaced apart appropriately. Fibroblast cells are arranged with/connected to the myocardial pulsating cells to form a cell network. Each of the myocardial pulsating cells and fibroblast cells forming the network is arranged on a transparent electrode provided on the transparent substrate. The cells forming the network are exposed to a flow of a solution containing a drug and QT delay due to the drug is evaluated.

Abstract: An object selecting device includes a container configured to store liquid, a plate configured to support a selection object by being immersed into the liquid stored in the container, and a holder configured to hold the plate in a state where a bottom surface of the plate and an inner bottom part of the container are separated. The plate includes a through hole at a support position. The through hole includes a tapered portion configured to allow the selection object to precipitate along a direction of gravity and support the selection object in contact with the inner wall surface of the through hole. An opening area at the upper end of the tapered portion is larger than that at the lower end of the tapered portion. Only the selection object can be supported out of the collection of objects having different shapes.

Abstract: In conventional apparatuses for measuring blood cells and immunity from whole blood, the CRP cell is used for the final cleaning of a nozzle, and CRP measurement—cleaning of the CRP cell—final cleaning of nozzle are performed in this order in the CRP cell. In contrast, in the present invention, an exclusive cleaning chamber A for immunity measurement is further provided for the cleaning nozzle after completion of dispensing the specimen and the reagent(s) for CRP measurement to the CRP cell. Thus, a configuration is adapted wherein the outer surface and inner surface of the nozzle are cleaned in the cleaning chamber A for immunity measurement while the immunity measurement is performed in CRP cell. Since the final cleaning of the nozzle is performed in parallel with the CRP measurement, the time conventionally necessary for the final cleaning of the nozzle can be shortened.

Abstract: This blood analyzer includes a sample preparation portion preparing a measurement sample free from a labeling substance from a blood sample and a hemolytic agent free from a labeling substance, a light information generation portion generating fluorescent information and at least two types of scattered light information from the measurement sample and a control portion performing a first classification of white blood cells in the measurement sample into at least four groups of monocytes, neutrophils, eosinophils and others on the basis of the fluorescent information and the two types of scattered light information.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an assay device (1) for detecting active enzyme in a sample.

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: The present invention relates to moving microorganisms to a surface, where they are grown in the presence and absence of antimicrobials, and by monitoring the growth of the microorganisms over time in the two conditions, their susceptibility to the antimicrobials can be determined. The microorganisms can be moved to the surface through electrophoresis, centrifugation or filtration. When the movement involves electrophoresis, the presence of oxidizing and reducing reagents lowers the voltage at which electrophoretic force can be generated and allows a broader range of means by which the target can be detected. Monitoring can comprise optical detection, and most conveniently includes the detection of individual microorganisms. The microorganisms can be stained in order to give information about their response to antimicrobials.

Abstract: Provided herein are systems and methods for improving yield of sorted particles. In one embodiment, for example, there is provided a system including: (a) a flow cytometer to analyze a sample, wherein the flow cytometer provides a parameter plot based on the analysis of the sample; (b) a user-interface, wherein a user can define a coincidence acceptance gate in the parameter plot, and wherein the coincidence acceptance gate identities a non-target particle population in the sample that may be accepted with a target particle in a subsequent sort analysis; and (c) a sort analysis system to sort particles within the sample, while accepting particles defined by coincidence acceptance gate.

Abstract: A method for analysing a metalloprotein and/or the interaction with its environment comprising the following steps: (a) Providing a medium that enhances the detection of the electromagnetic cross-section signal of metalloproteins, (b) Incorporating a metalloprotein to analyse into said medium, (c) Contacting said medium with electromagnetic radiation, (d) Obtaining the electromagnetic cross-section spectrum of said metalloprotein, (e) Determining from said electromagnetic cross-section spectrum at least one parameter related to one or several analytes of interest.

Abstract: A cell observation device is provided with a reflection interference shutter 106A which adjusts a light quantity of light emitted from a reflection interference measurement light source 106, a quantitative phase shutter 105A which adjusts a light quantity of light emitted from a quantitative phase measurement light source, a camera 110 which images reflected light from the reflection interference measurement light source 106 to generate a reflection interference image and which images transmitted light from a quantitative phase measurement light source 105 to generate a quantitative phase image, and a first extraction unit 204 and a second extraction unit 205 which extract first and second parameters from the reflection interference image generated by the camera 110. During generation of the reflection interference image, the quantitative phase shutter 105A blocks the light from the quantitative phase measurement light source 105.

Abstract: A MEMS-based system and a method are described for separating a target particle from the remainder of a fluid stream. The system makes use of a unique, microfabricated movable structure formed on a substrate, which moves in a rotary fashion about one or more fixed points, which are all located on one side of the axis of motion. The movable structure is actuated by a separate force-generating apparatus, which is entirely separate from the movable structure formed on its substrate. This allows the movable structure to be entirely submerged in the sample fluid.

Abstract: Aspects and embodiments of the instant disclosure provide a particle and/or intracellular organelle alignment agent for a particle analyzer used to analyze particles contained in a sample. An exemplary particle and/or intracellular organelle alignment agent includes an aqueous solution, a viscosity modifier, and/or a buffer.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed herein to improve on and expand the range of electrical and electromagnetic frequencies used in therapeutic electro medical devices. The present invention uses electrical and electromagnetic frequency generators and detectors integrated with a live cell imaging system that provides feedback to the frequency generators using data derived from said imaging system.

Abstract: An apparatus including a flow cell part having a flow channel where a sample solution containing the particles to be analyzed flows; a light irradiation device for irradiating an irradiation light as a beam light to a light irradiation point in the flow channel; and a light receiving device for detecting the light resulting from the irradiation of the beam light to the light irradiation point. The light irradiation device has a light source device and a beam-light-forming-film composed of an opaque film and a light transmitting hole formed in the film. Using the light transmitting hole, the cross sectional shape of the irradiation light is changed to that of the beam light, whereby optical apparatuses such as lens and the like on the irradiation side are omitted.

Abstract: A disposable cartridge for use in red blood cell mechanical fragility profiling, comprising a stressing section with a lysing chamber in which the sample can receive multiple increments of mechanical stress to cause lysis, and a detection section with a transparent region that at least sometimes can have a thickness suitable to take optical readings that can directly or indirectly reflect a fraction/proportion of cells lysed after each increment of the stress, whereby said region can capture at least a representative portion of the sample that received each increment of stress. In some embodiments, the stressing section and the detection section are the same, and/or the transparent region is flexible or otherwise compressible, and/or the stress is ultrasonic. In some embodiments, the sections are separate, and/or the region is rigid or has a fixed thickness, and/or the stress may comprise cell-to-wall interaction and associated fluidic or viscous shear stress induced via concentric/coaxial objects.

Abstract: The present invention provides a photobioreactor comprising at least one translucent flexible sheet shapable by a support assembly forming thereby an elongated channel adapted for biomass production therewithin. Kits for making a photobioreactor and a floatable photobioreactor are also provided.

Abstract: A system for deforming and analyzing a plurality of particles carried in a sample volume includes a substrate defining an inlet, configured to receive the sample volume, and an outlet; and a fluidic pathway fluidly coupled to the inlet and the outlet.

Abstract: This invention relates to a testing system arrangement for assessing the level of a biochemical marker, comprising a disposable device (2) with a sample inlet (4) and a at least one visible detection compartment (5A, 5B), for detection of said bio-chemical marker, a mobile unit (8) including a digital camera arranged to capture a digital picture (60) of said at least one visible detection compartment (5A, 5B), software run on a processor for analysing said picture (60) to assess said level and means arranged to present the result (70) of said assessment in a display (8A) of or connected to, said mobile unit (8), wherein said disposable device (2) is arranged with at least one reference surface (12) having a predetermined colour setting that is known to said software to enable exact assessment of the colour within said detection compartment (5A, 5B) by the use of said reference surface (12) within said digital picture as a basis reference.

Abstract: Screening assays and methods of performing such assays are provided. In certain examples, the assays and methods may be designed to determine whether or not two or more species can associate with each other. In some examples, the assays and methods may be used to determine if a known antigen binds to an unknown monoclonal antibody.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a nucleic acid analysis device for analysis of nucleic acid in a sample through fluorometry, in which a localized surface plasmon by light irradiation, and in which a nucleic acid probe or a nucleic acid synthase for the analysis of the nucleic acid in the sample is disposed in a region of generation of the surface plasmon. The present invention allows the fluorescence intensifying effect of the surface plasmon to be produced efficiently and also enables the immobilization of a DNA probe or the nucleic acid synthase in a region on which the fluorescence intensifying effect is exerted, thus making it possible to carry out a measurement on the base elongation reaction without having to remove the unreacted substrate with the fluorescent molecule.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting an object capable of emitting light. The apparatus comprises a light source and a waveguide. The waveguide comprises a core layer and a first cladding layer. At least one nanowell is formed in at least the first cladding layer. The apparatus further comprises a light detector. The light detector can detect a light emitted from a single molecule object contained in the at least one nanowell.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting an object capable of emitting light. The apparatus includes a light source and a waveguide. The waveguide includes a core layer and a first cladding layer. At least one nanowell is formed in at least the first cladding layer. The apparatus further includes a light detector. The light detector can detect a light emitted from a single molecule object contained in the at least one nanowell.

Abstract: Sensing compositions, sensing element, sensing systems and sensing devices for the detection and/or quantitation of one or more analytes. Compositions comprising carbon nanotubes in which the carbon nanotubes retain their ability to luminesce and in which that luminescence is rendered selectively sensitive to the presence of an analyte. Compositions comprising individually dispersed carbon nanotubes, which are electronically isolated from other carbon nanotubes, yet which are associated with chemical selective species, such as polymers, particularly biological polymers, for example proteins, which can interact selectively with, or more specifically selectivity bind to, an analyte of interest. Chemically selective species bind, preferably non-covalently, to the carbon nanotube and function to provide for analyte selectivity. Chemically selective species include polymers to which one or more chemically selective groups are covalently attached.

Abstract: In one aspect, an on-chip microfluidic device (OMD) is provided for microscopic observation. In one embodiment, an on-chip gradient generating device has a silica chip having a cell loading portion configured to load the tissue. A microfluidic channel is formed in the silica chip for a chemoattractant solution having the chemoattractant to flow through, and a plurality of gradient generating ports is formed to connect to the microfluidic channel to the cell loading portion. A chemoattractant supply device is connected to an inlet of the at least one microfluidic channel for supplying the chemoattractant with a constant positive pressure to the chemoattractant solution flowing in the microfluidic channel to create the passive gradient of the chemoattractant in the chemoattractant solution such that the tissue is exposed to the chemoattractant solution having different concentration of the chemoattractant at each gradient generating port.

Abstract: Provided are devices and methods featuring a nanoelectronic interface between graphene devices (for example, field effect transistors or FETs) and biomolecules such as proteins, which in turn provides a pathway for production of bioelectronic devices that combine functionalities of the biomolecular and inorganic components. In one exemplary application, one may functionalize graphene FETs with fluorescent proteins to yield hybrids that respond to light at wavelengths defined by the optical absorption spectrum of the protein. The devices may also include graphene in electronic communication with a biomolecule that preferentially binds to a particular analyte.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the field of medical technology, which provides methods and apparatuses for identifying red blood cells infected by plasmodium. The methods may include: obtaining a forward-scattered light signal, a side-scattered light signal and an optional fluorescence signal from cells in a blood sample; obtaining a first two-dimensional scattergram according to the forward-scattered light signal and the side-scattered light signal, or obtaining a three-dimensional scattergram according to the forward-scattered light signal, the side-scattered light signal and the fluorescence signal; and identifying cells located in a predetermined area of the first two-dimensional scattergram or the three-dimensional scattergram as the red blood cells infected by plasmodium. The apparatuses perform the methods. The methods and apparatuses can have better identification accuracy.

Abstract: The present invention addresses the simultaneous detection and quantitative measurement of multiple biomolecules, e.g., pathogen biomarkers through either a sandwich assay approach or a lipid insertion approach. The invention can further employ a multichannel, structure with multi-sensor elements per channel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a chip for optical analysis. In particular, the present invention relates to an optical sensor handling a liquid sample, which is a chip for analysis that can be used for selectively measuring a biologically-relevant substance or a chemical substance such as an environmental pollutant or a health affecting substance in a liquid to be measured. The chip for optical analysis of the present invention is characterized in that (1) an adsorption region (filter region) is provided between a sample introduction section and the observation section in a passage of the chip for analysis, (2) a bypass passage is provided in the passage (main passage) of the chip for analysis, and a time lag is generated between samples passed through the main passage and passed through a bypass passage, and (3) a measurement region and a reference region are provided in the observation section of the chip for analysis.

Abstract: There is provided a data processing method that reduces influences of air bubbles and dirt while maintaining changes in light amounts. Two scattering light photoreceivers are disposed in the forward direction. A photoreceiver 33a closer to the optical axis is taken to be a main angle photoreceiver, and a photoreceiver 33b further from the optical axis is taken to be a sub-angle photoreceiver. Noise is estimated based on the reaction process data of the sub-angle photoreceiver, and noise is reduced by subtracting the estimated noise from the reaction process data of the main angle photoreceiver.