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: A method for sorting cells in a biological sample comprising a first type of cells and a second type of cells may comprise introducing the biological sample into a chamber comprising a first surface and a second surface, wherein the first surface is associated with a transparent electrode and the second surface is associated with a photoconductive portion of an electrode. The method may further comprise moving incident light and the photoconductive portion relative to one another so as to illuminate regions of the photoconductive portion and modulate an electric field in the chamber in proximity to the illuminated regions. The method may further comprise separating the first type of cells from the second type of cells in the chamber via dielectrophoretic movement of the first type of cells and the second type of cells caused by the modulated electric field, wherein a dielectrophoretic characteristic of at least one of the first type of cells and the second type of cells has been modified.

Abstract: A method of tracking and predicting the spread of micro-organisms in an environment relies on the optical detection of the growth of micro-organisms within an analyte containing a growth medium for the micro-organism(s) to be detected. Standardisation of the containers and growth medium for each micro-organism allows rapid detection of the growth pattern of particular organisms and the implementation of a regime of remote self-reporting of results from portable incubator units (1201) in the field which include a memory (1206) to store the results, a GPS unit (1204) to provide location information and a transmitter (1203) to send the results to a central plotting organisation allowing rapid tracking and prediction of the spread of environmentally borne organisms.

Abstract: Test kits for assessing male fertility include a sample holder containing at least one sample chamber, a laser light source, and a light detector to detect scattered light intensity from the sample chamber. The sample holder may include multiple sample chambers connected by sperm swim channels. The test kit may have a housing with a maximum linear dimension of no more than 100 mm. Processing circuitry may be provided that is configured to produce a sperm count and/or sperm motility measurements by processing data from scattered light intensity measurements.

Abstract: A microorganism detecting device includes a light source that illuminates a particle with an excitation beam, a fluorescence detector that detects fluorescence produced by the particle, an evaluating portion that evaluates that the particle is a microorganism if there is a plurality of peaks in the fluorescence spectrum, and evaluates that the particle is a non-microorganism if there is a single peak in the fluorescence spectrum.

Abstract: An analysis device includes an optical element which includes a metal layer, a light transmitting layer provided on the metal layer to transmit light, and a plurality of metal particles arranged at a first interval P1 in a first direction and arranged at a second interval P2 in a second direction intersecting the first direction on the light transmitting layer, P1<P2, a light source which irradiates incident light incident on the optical element, and a detector which detects light emitted from the optical element. Linearly polarized light in the same direction as the first direction and linearly polarized light in the same direction as the second direction are irradiated onto the optical element.

Abstract: A device may be configured to allow individual measuring of at least one property of at least one cell, such as measuring a contraction force of a platelet. The device may include a plurality of wells. Each well may include a hydrogel layer, the hydrogel layer including a hydrogel having a top surface that includes a pattern of cell interaction regions. The wells may differ in stiffness properties of the hydrogel and/or biochemical conditions. Each cell interaction region may include a group of at least two cell interaction sites. The spacing between each cell interaction region may be greater than a spacing between the at least two cell interaction sites of each cell interaction region. In this way, cell-cell interactions may be reduced and thereby increasing number of individual cells capable of being measured.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for measuring thrombin generation in a whole blood sample. The whole blood sample may be applied forthwith, without prior processing. The blood cells and blood plasma in the whole blood sample are separated by (lateral) flow migration. Also disclosed is an assembly of a sample support and a device dedicated to measure thrombin generation in a whole blood sample. Advantageously, the sample support comprises a separator medium allowing separation of whole blood into blood cells and blood plasma by means of (lateral) flow migration.

Abstract: The present invention relates to devices and methods for the detection of analytes. In particular, the invention relates to methods for the qualitative and/or quantitative detection of analytes, comprising a microarray on a substrate, onto which probe molecules are immobilized on array elements, said microarray being disposed on a first surface of the device; and a detection chamber formed between the first surface including the microarray disposed thereon and a second surface, wherein the distance between the microarray and the second surface is variable, and wherein the second surface has a displacement structure.

Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting and/or identifying target cells (e.g., bacteria) using engineered transduction particles are described herein. In some embodiments, a method includes mixing a quantity of transduction particles within a sample. The transduction particles are associated with a target cell. The transduction particles are non-replicative, and are engineered to include a nucleic acid molecule formulated to cause the target cell to produce a series of reporter molecules. The sample and the transduction particles are maintained to express the series of the reporter molecules when target cell is present in the sample. A signal associated with a quantity of the reporter molecules is received. In some embodiments, a magnitude of the signal is independent from a quantity of the transduction particle above a predetermined quantity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of studying a sample using an optical microscope, comprising providing the sample in a sample holder with means to maintain the sample at a temperature below 273 K; providing a microscope objective lens, in a thermally insulating jacket, having an extremal lens element proximal to the sample holder; bringing the lens into a focus position proximal to the sample, which separates the extremal lens element and sample by an intervening space, providing a transparent window in said intervening space, with a gap between the window and the extremal lens element; providing a flow of substantially dry gas in said gap; and tailoring the geometry and velocity of said flow so that, at least in said gap, the flow is non-laminar; and does not excite substantial acoustic vibration in a structure proximal the gap.

Abstract: A method for analyzing a blood sample is provided that includes the steps of: providing a blood sample having one or more of each first and second constituents; admixing a colorant with the sample, which colorant is operative to cause the first constituents and second constituents to fluoresce and absorb light; illuminating at least a portion of the sample; e) imaging a portion of the sample; determining a fluorescence value for each the first constituents and second constituents; determining an optical density value for each of the first constituents and second constituents; and identifying the first constituents and the second constituents using the determined fluorescence and optical density values.

Abstract: A method for sorting motile cells includes introducing an initial population of motile cells into an inlet port of a microfluidic channel, the initial population of motile cells having a first average motility; incubating the population of motile cells in the microfluidic channel; and collecting a sorted population of motile cells at an outlet port of the microfluidic channel. The sorted population of motile cells has a second average motility higher than the first average motility.

Abstract: The invention relates to a continuous water monitoring system, including components thereof, and a method relating thereto for continuously monitoring, in real-time, a water supply in order to detect contaminants therein. The system employs the use of a live culture of bioluminescent bacteria and suitable light detecting means.

Abstract: The bioreactor is for use in performing biological and/or biochemical reactions and includes a vessel, an agitator, a reaction assembly, and a harvesting outlet. The vessel of the bioreactor includes several ports including a mixing port, a reaction port, and a harvesting port. The agitator extends through the mixing port into the vessel while the harvesting outlet extends through the harvesting port and permits the withdrawal of reaction medium to another vessel. The reaction assembly extends through the reaction port into the vessel and has multiple components including a gas conduit adapted to introduce gas into a reaction medium in the vessel, a sampling device adapted to remove a portion of the reaction medium from the vessel without contamination of the remaining reaction medium, and an introduction conduit permitting the introduction of at least the reaction medium into the vessel.

Abstract: The present invention provides microfabricated substrates and methods of conducting reactions within these substrates. The reactions occur in plugs transported in the flow of a carrier-fluid.

Abstract: A low coherence enhanced backscattering tomography (LEBT) method is disclosed for depth-selective sensing of the superficial layer of tissue. 3D images of the microarchitecture and molecular conformation of the superficial layer of tissue are obtained. The method combines the high resolution advantage of low coherence light and the high sensitivity advantage of light scattering to tissue structure and composition. Intact tissue can be examined without the need of excision or processing. The method can be applied in in situ measurements. According to the method, 3D images of the nuclear morphology and cellular structure for the superficial layer of the tissue are generated; this is particularly useful in detecting cancer and precancer at the earliest stage of carcinogenesis.

Abstract: A disposable cartridge is described which is compatible with a MEMS particle sorting device. The disposable cartridge may include passageways which connect fluid reservoirs in the cartridge with corresponding microfluidic passageways on the MEMS chip. A flexible gasket may prevent leakages and allow the fluid to cross the gasket barrier through a plurality of holes in the gasket. Vents and septums may also be included to allow air to escape and fluids to be inserted by hypodermic needle. A MEMS-based particle sorting system using the disposable cartridge is also described.

Abstract: A culture apparatus for microscopic viewing enables effective microscopic viewing at high magnification of samples such as cells suspended in a culture solution while the samples are maintained at a uniform temperature. The apparatus is used to microscopically view a sample placed on a microscope stage, and is provided with a housing unit that houses the vessel containing a culture solution and the sample; a lid that closes the aperture on the upper surface side of the housing unit; a transparent sheet top heater provided in the portion of the lid that corresponds to the viewing area; and a temperature detecting means where a thin wire detection unit penetrates into the interiors of the housing unit and a well plate to directly measure the temperature of the culture solution. Based on the temperature information, a controller controls the temperature of the transparent sheet top heater using a feedback method.

Abstract: A method for the analysis of at least two analytes in a liquid sample, in which a substrate is provided wherein at least two different types of capturing molecules are immobilized on the substrate and wherein each type of capturing molecule has specific affinity for an analyte. The sample is contacted with capturing molecules, wherein for at least one analyte to be analyzed contact is induced between the capturing molecules and a labelled detection molecule with specific affinity for the analyte, and for at least one another analyte to be contact is induced between the capturing molecules and a labelled version of the analyte. A detectable signal is measured from the labelled detection molecule and the labelled analyte on the substrate, wherein the concentration of the labelled analyte is adapted to the concentration of the analyte in the sample.

Abstract: A microfluidic device including a platform and a cartridge is disclosed. The platform includes a chamber containing a fluid. The reagent cartridge is mounted to the platform. and contains a solid reagent for detecting material contained in the fluid.

Abstract: A radioluminescence microscopy system and method for imaging the distribution of radiolabeled molecules in live cell cultures and tissue sections. Cells are grown and incubated with radiolabeled molecules on a scintillator plate or a scintillator plate is placed adjacent to the cells after incubation. Scintillation light produced by decay of radiolabeled molecules inside, bound to, or surrounding the cells, is recorded on an imaging device. Fluorescence microscopy of the same cells with other types of molecules of interest that are labeled with different fluorophores can be conducted concurrently and the biological activity of the labeled molecules can be correlated.

Abstract: A urine analyzer capable of operating in a urine measurement mode and a body fluid measurement mode, the urine analyzer includes a specimen preparing section configured to prepare a measurement specimen and a detecting section configured to derive signals of particles in the measurement specimen supplied from the specimen preparing section. A computer and a memory including programs on a computer-readable medium that enable the computer to execute operations to control the specimen preparing section and the detecting section in the urine measurement mode and in the body fluid measurement mode.

Abstract: An analytical apparatus is disclosed for detecting at least one analyte in a sample, where in an analyte measurement at least an electrical or optical property changeable by presence of the analyte at least one test chemical of a test element is recorded, and where the analytical apparatus also can perform at least one quality measurement on the at least one test chemical such as an intrinsic luminescence, which is recorded and from the intrinsic luminescence a conclusion is drawn on a quality of the test chemical and thus the test element. Methods also are disclosed for detecting at least one analyte in a sample that include a quality measurement of the at least one test chemical of the test strip.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a nucleic acid extracting apparatus, and the nucleic acid extracting apparatus can include a pipe-shaped tube having an open outlet at one side thereof, and a hydrogel supporting member that is provided inside the tube and filters impurities excluding an extraction target material.

Abstract: Method for hyper-spectral imaging and analysis of a sample of matter, for identifying and characterizing an object of interest therein. Preparing test solution or suspension of the sample, including adding thereto a spectral marker specific to object of interest, such that if object of interest is in test solution or suspension, object of interest becomes a hyper-spectrally active target which is hyper-spectrally detectable and identifiable; adding to test solution or suspension a background reducing chemical, for reducing background interfering effects caused by presence of objects of non-interest in test solution or suspension, thereby increasing hyper-spectral detectability of hyper-spectrally active target in test solution or suspension; generating and collecting hyper-spectral image data and information of test solution or suspension; and, processing and analyzing thereof.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a disk diffusion assay for determining susceptibility of bacteria to a glycopeptide antibiotic. The assay includes improvements over conventional assays due to the inclusion of polysorbate 80 and Span 80 in the antibacterial solution used to impregnate paper disks used in the assay.

Abstract: Improved systems, system components, and methods for performing assays involving biological membranes and/or components thereof. Preferred luminescence test measurements are conducted using an assay module with integrated electrodes having biological membranes and/or components thereof immobilized thereon with a reader apparatus adapted to receive assay modules, induce luminescence, preferably electrode induced luminescence, in the wells or assay regions of the assay modules and measure the induced luminescence.

Abstract: Systems and methods analyzing body fluids such as blood and bone marrow are disclosed. The systems and methods may utilize an improved technique for applying a monolayer of cells to a slide to generate a substantially uniform distribution of cells on the slide. Additionally aspects of the invention also relate to systems and methods for utilizing multi color microscopy for improving the quality of images captured by a light receiving device.

Abstract: A mixing bag for use in bioprocessing in which a fluid is received and agitated using an internal fluid-agitating element driven by an external motive device is disclosed. The bag may include an integral sparger and sensor receiver. Related methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: Biosensors and methods of producing biosensors for use in detecting one or more analytes in a solution are disclosed herein.

Abstract: Provided herein is a composition for detection of a microbial product in a sample comprising a polydiacetylene (PDA) and a packaging polymer, wherein the sample contacts the PDA and a change of PDA color indicates detection. Also provided herein are methods of making a packaging material comprising a PDA and methods of using the composition for detection of a microbial product in a sample.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for sample processing. A device may be provided, capable of receiving the sample, and performing one or more of a sample preparation, sample assay, and detection step. The device may be capable of performing multiple assays. The device may comprise one or more modules that may be capable of performing one or more of a sample preparation, sample assay, and detection step. The device may be capable of performing the steps using a small volume of sample.

Abstract: There is described a diagnostic apparatus (1) for analysing a blood sample, the apparatus comprising a luminometer (9) for generating a “luminescence curve” and white blood cell counters (5,7) for determining a lymphocyte count and a neutrophil count, and processing means (10) to determine a physical condition of the subject on the basis of the “luminescence curve” and the white blood cell counts. A diagnostic method is also disclosed, for determining the physical condition of a subject on the basis of the blood test data. A diagnostic system is also disclosed in which data generated by blood tests carried out at a remote location may be communicated to a central server (201), where a fitness result may be generated, and thence communicated to the subject or a third party. The server may also store additional information relating to the subject, which may be made accessable to remote users.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for measuring a biological value Vb in a liver wherein said method comprises the steps of: a/ applying an infrared radiation having at least a first wave number range between 2800 cm?1 and 3000 cm?1 to one or more portions, pi, of a sample of said liver, b/ detecting the intensity of the radiation after it has passed through each of one or more portions, p;, and generating a signal related to the detected intensity, c/ processing the generated signal(s) to calculate an average value va; d/ comparing said average value Va to a standard to obtain the biological value Vb.

Abstract: The invention provides a photo bioreactor comprising an aqueous liquid comprising a photosynthetic culture and light distributors (30). Each light distributor has a surface arranged to receive light and a tapered surface arranged to emit at least part of the received light. At least part of the tapered surface is submerged in the aqueous liquid comprising the photosynthetic culture. Light may be distributed efficiently in the aqueous liquid comprising the photosynthetic culture by relatively simple and cheap means. The reactor allows a high illuminated volume fraction.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for differentiating multiple detectable signals by excitation wavelength. The apparatus can include a light source that can emit respective excitation light wavelengths or wavelength ranges towards a sample in a sample retaining region, for example, in a well. The sample can contain two or more detectable markers, for example, fluorescent dyes, each of which can be capable of generating increased detectable emissions when excited in the presence of a target component. The detectable markers can have excitation wavelength ranges and/or emission wavelength ranges that overlap with the ranges of the other detectable markers. A detector can be arranged for detecting an emission wavelength or wavelength range emitted from a first marker within the overlapping wavelength range of at least one of the other markers.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of biotechnology. The method for determining the spatial and temporal distribution of the activity of a proteolytic enzyme in an in vitro heterogeneous system, such as blood or blood plasma, involves the introduction of a luminescent, fluorogenic or chromogenic substrate into a sample with the subsequent release of a detectable tag as the proteolytic enzyme cleaves the substrate, and the recording of the optical characteristics of the sample, which makes it possible to assess the spatial and temporal distribution of the activity of the enzyme. The device for the implementation of the above method comprises an in vitro system, a means for illuminating the sample, a recording means and a control means. A method for diagnosing homeostatic imbalances according to a change in the spatial and temporal distribution of the activity of a proteolytic enzyme in a blood sample is also proposed.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in analysing microbial growth on a solid culture medium in a culture plate, the apparatus including an image capture device, a support for supporting the culture plate for the image capture device to capture an image of the solid culture medium and any microbial growth, a ring light between the image capture device and the support, for diffusely illuminating one side of the culture plate, and a frame for positioning the image capture device, support and ring light relative to each other.

Abstract: Provided is an observation method by an electron microscope, in which a biological sample can be observed as it is alive and a situation that the biological sample is moving can be observed using an electron microscope, and a composition for evaporation suppression under vacuum, a scanning electron microscope, and a transmission electron microscope used in the method. The sample observation method by an electron microscope according to the invention includes applying a composition for evaporation suppression containing at least one kind selected from an amphiphilic compound, oils and fats, and an ionic liquid to the surface of a sample to form a thin film, and covering the sample with the thin film, and displaying an electron microscopic image of the sample, which is covered with the thin film and accommodated in a sample chamber under vacuum, on a display device.

Abstract: Methods and devices for detecting a target enzyme include an anchored or trapped peptide complex. The peptide complex includes an anchor particle immobilized on a sample analysis device or trapped in a reaction receptacle including a filter, a peptide, with at least one enzyme cleavage site for a target enzyme, bound to the anchor particle, at least one detectable label, and at least one first tag bound to the peptide on a side of the enzyme cleavage site opposite the anchor particle. When the target enzyme is present in the sample, the enzyme cleaves the peptide at the enzyme cleavage site, permitting the cleaved peptide to reach the test zone of a sample analysis device such that the first tag binds to the immobilized second tag and a signal is detected at the test zone.

Abstract: It is possible to determine the presence of bacteria in a sample solution in a shorter period of time without changing a conventional incubating method. Bacteria in a sample solution are incubated in, for example, a sterilized agar medium 10 having a layer thickness of 0.1 ?m to 1 ?m formed on an electrode of a crystal resonator 2, and an oscillation frequency is measured. When the bacteria proliferate, the mass of the entire crystal resonator 2 increases, and the oscillation frequency decreases. Therefore, by monitoring presence of such a change over time, presence of bacteria in the sample solution can be determined quickly.

Abstract: A system for detecting microorganisms in a test sample is provided that includes a fluorescently detectable product having both acidic and basic species, wherein the fluorescently detectable product is the reaction product of (a) an enzyme substrate that comprises an enzymatically hydrolysable group and a fluorescent group and (b) a test sample comprising a microorganism having an enzyme that hydrolyzes the hydrolysable group from the fluorescent group of the enzyme substrate. The fluorescently detectable product has an excitation isosbestic point Ex?iso where the absorbance of the acid species is the same as the absorbance of the basic species. The system also includes a first light source having a wavelength of Ex?iso for irradiating the fluorescently detectable product, The fluorescently detectable product emits light at a wavelength of Em?1, and the quantity of light emitted at the wavelength Em?1 is substantially constant across a pH range of 2.5 to 8.0.

Abstract: An objective of the present invention is to provide immunoassay microchips in which microstructures of beads having a sufficient reaction area were constructed within microchannels while suppressing flow path resistance, and to provide simple and highly-sensitive immunoassay methods for microsamples. The objective was achieved by immunoassay microchips comprising microchannels with microstructures arranged in at least a portion of the microchannels, the microstructures retaining microbeads uniformly dispersed in photo-cured hydrophilic resins, and the microbeads having a primary antibody immobilized on their surfaces, and by immunoassay methods using the microchips.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and a system for diagnosing lymphoma in cats. The system allows a care giver to measure the enzymatic activity of thymidine kinase in a blood sample. The invention teaches that when the enzymatic activity of thymidine kinase in the blood stream of a cat is above 15.5 Units per liter, the cat has a high probability of having lymphoma. The invention allows for initial diagnosis, follow up after treatment for lymphoma and/or monitoring for example in breeds that prone to have lymphoma.

Abstract: An apparatus, method, and apparatus for hematology analysis comprising using a holographic microscope, in one embodiment a transmission-type holographic microscope. In one aspect, laser light is provided and split into first and second sample beams, the first sample beam for imaging with a first magnification, the second sample beam for imaging with a second magnification. The first and second sample beams are passed through a sample volume requiring hematology analysis. The first and second sample beams are combined with a reference beam and captured for digital analysis. The present invention enables adequate blood cell type differentials with a single, easily implemented, cost-effective holographic technique.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for the preparation of soil samples and the determination of the number of microbes within a soil sample are disclosed. The methods include measuring, solubilizing, bleaching and filtering soil samples and measuring the turbidity of the filtered solution. The turbidity of the sample can be determined by visual inspection of a Secchi disk viewed through the column liquid sample in a transparent tubular cylinder, or by using a cell phone camera and application. Devices and kits for the rapid, cost efficient determination of microbial numbers in the field setting are disclosed. The disclosed devices and methods can also be used for applications other than determination of microbial numbers.

Abstract: Techniques for generating microtissues, including a micro-fabricated platform including at least one micro-well including a plurality of micro-cantilevers coupled thereto and surrounded by a plurality of ridges, each micro-cantilever including a cap at a terminal end thereof. The platform can be immersed in a suspension of cells. The suspension of cells can be driven into at least one micro-well, and the ridges can be de-wetted to remove excess suspension and isolate the suspension of cells in each micro-well. The cells can be driven in the suspension of each micro-well toward a top surface of the suspension, which can be polymerized to form a matrix. The cells can be cultivated to spontaneously compact the matrix such that the micro-cantilevers anchor and constrain the contracting matrix to form a band of microtissue that spans across the micro-cantilevers.

Abstract: A colorimetric reagent in the form of nanoparticles, composite nanoparticles, and nanoparticle coatings, including methods of use, methods of preparation, deposition, and assembly of related devices and specific applications. The colorimetric reagent comprises cerium oxide nanoparticles which are used in solution or immobilized on a solid support, either alone or in conjunction with oxidase enzymes, to form an active colorimetric component that reacts with an analyte to form a colored complex. The rate of color change and the intensity of the color are proportional to the amount of analyte present in the sample. Also described is the use of ceria and doped ceria nanoparticles as an oxygen storage/delivery vehicle for oxidase enzymes and applications in biocatalytic processes in anaerobic conditions of interest in biomedicine and bioanalysis.

Abstract: An instrument and a method for the automated thermal treatment of liquid samples are disclosed. An inter-distance between a temperature-controlled receptacle for loading with a plurality of vessels for containing the samples and end portions of optical fibers can be varied, wherein the receptacle is configured to form a thermal communication with the loaded vessels and wherein the optical fibers have first and second end portions. The first end portion and the second end portion of each optical fiber is fixed with respect to each other for transmitting light, wherein the variation of the inter-distance allows the vessels to be loaded to or unloaded from the receptacle and to enable detection of light from the samples contained in the one or more receptacle-loaded vessels.