Abstract: The present invention discloses a microstructured discrimination device for separating hydrophobic-hydrophilic fluidic composites comprising particulate and/or fluids in a fluid flow. The discrimination is the result of surface energy gradients obtained by physically varying a textured surface and/or by varying surface chemical properties, both of which are spatially graded. Such surfaces discriminate and spatially separate particulate and/or fluids without external energy input. The device of the present invention comprises a platform having bifurcating microchannels arranged radially. The lumenal surfaces of the microchannels may have a surface energy gradient created by varying the periodicity of hierarchically arranged microstructures along a dimension. The surface energy gradient is varied in two regions. In one pre-bifurcation region the surface energy gradient generates a fluid flow.

Abstract: Methods for rapidly concentrating a food sample for efficient detection of bacteria are disclosed. A microfiltration approach followed by centrifugation was used to concentrate the cells with an enzyme (e.g., a protease) added at the beginning of the process to facilitate more efficient micro-filtering. The enzyme was found to have no significant effect on cell viability.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods, microfluidic devices, and systems for isolating target particles from a sample containing or suspected of containing the target particles. The methods, microfluidic devices, and systems disclosed herein facilitate affinity-based isolation of target particles in a microfluidic channel by translating the target particles to the side walls of the microfluidic channel where capture agents that bind to the target particles are immobilized.

Abstract: An automated tape transfer apparatus including a tape feed mechanism feeding a continuous length of an adhesive tape through the automated tape transfer apparatus and a tape applicator applying the adhesive tape to a cutting face of a sample block, wherein a section of the sample block is adhered to the adhesive tape after cutting of the section from the sample block. A slide station transfers the cut section from the adhesive tape to a slide.

Abstract: Devices for microbial detection of microorganisms are provided including a body member including a substrate having a first major surface and a second major surface. The device further includes a substantially dry, first microbial growth nutrient composition disposed on a portion of the first major surface, a first adhesive composition adhered to the first microbial growth nutrient composition, and a cold-water-soluble first hydrogel-forming composition adhered to the first adhesive composition. The device also includes a cover sheet attached to the body member, where the cover sheet includes a first major surface facing the body member. Devices including a water-proof pouch are also provided. Methods for detecting and enumerating at least one microorganism in a sample are additionally provided, using the devices.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for transferring materials such as cells or microbial colonies during sample preparation. The apparatus includes a filament having a first end for carrying the materials and a head portion adapted to movably receive at least part of the filament. The filament is movable such that the first end protrudes by a pre-determined length from the head portion to allow transfer of the materials to and from the first end.

Abstract: A system and method of manufacture for the system, comprising a set of heater-sensor dies, each heater-sensor die comprising an assembly including a first insulating layer, a heating region comprising an adhesion material layer coupled to the first insulating layer and a noble material layer, and a second insulating layer coupled to the heating region and to the first insulating layer through a pattern of voids in the heating region, wherein the pattern of voids in heating region defines a coarse pattern associated with a heating element of the heating region and a fine pattern, integrated into the coarse pattern and associated with a sensing element of the heating region; an electronics substrate configured to couple heating elements and sensing elements of the set of heater-sensor dies to a controller; and a set of elastic elements configured to bias each of the set of heater-sensor dies against a detection chamber.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of recovering viable microbial cells from a complex sample, said method comprising: a) providing a sample having a volume of at least 1 ml; b) contacting said sample with a buffer solution and one or more proteases, wherein said buffer solution has a pH of at least pH 6 and less than pH 11, wherein said buffer solution and said one more proteases do not comprise a detergent or a chaotrope, and wherein the buffer solution/protease/sample mixture is non-hypotonic; c) filtering the mixture obtained in step (b) through a filter suitable for retaining microbial cells; and d) recovering the microbial cells retained by the filter in step (c), wherein the recovered microbial cells are viable, and a microbial recovery device for the same.

Abstract: The invention generally provides devices and methods for sampling, detecting and/or characterizing particles, for example, via collection, growth and analysis of viable biological particles such as microorganisms. Devices and methods of the invention include particle samplers and impactors for collecting and/or analyzing biological particles in manufacturing environments requiring low levels of particles, such as cleanroom environments for electronics manufacturing and aseptic environments for manufacturing pharmaceutical and biological products, such as sterile medicinal products. Devices and methods of the invention incorporate an integrated sampler and impact surface, such as the receiving surface of a growth media, in a manner to minimize, or entirely eliminate, risks associated with user handling, such as the occurrence of false positive determinations due to contamination of the impact surface during particle sampling, growth or analysis processes.

Abstract: A filter for a coffee machine comprises a cup-shaped body (2) for containing coffee powder, having at least a bottom wall (3) having an opening (5); a filtering wall (6) placed in the cup-shaped body (2) upstream of the opening (5) and removably associated with the cup-shaped body (2); a seal (7) placed at least between one edge (6b) of the filtering wall (6) and the cup-shaped body (2); a tightening member (8) active on the filtering wall (6) and on the seal (7) so as to reversibly fix said filtering wall (6) and said seal (7) to the cup-shaped body (2); said tightening member (8) comprising a tubular element (9) connected to the filtering wall (6) and to the seal (7) and arranged through the opening (5); said tubular element (9) being directly constrained to the cup-shaped body (2) by means of a bayonet-type connection.

Abstract: A new Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans strain as well as a process for bacterially devulcanizing sulphur-vulcanized rubber particles and devulcanized rubber particles obtainable by the process.

Abstract: A microfluidic chip system includes an input for receiving the biologic sample, and a first reading window for enabling a detection of the biologic material within the biologic sample. A first plurality of pathways is provided each for determining a treatment agent providing a best treatment efficacy for the predetermined biologic material. A first micro-pump is provided for pumping a portion of the biologic sample into each of the first plurality of pathways. A second plurality of pathways is provided, each for determining a dosage level of a particular one of the plurality of treatment agents with respect to the predetermined biologic material. A plurality of second micro-pumps are provided for pumping a second portion of the biologic sample into a selected one of the second plurality of pathways responsive to the determination of treatment efficacy of the treatment agent providing a best treatment of the predetermined biologic material.

Abstract: Parts are exposed to liquid chromatography to generate a corresponding chromatogram, wherein the chromatogram is compared to a chromatogram of a genuine part to determine if the tested part is suspect counterfeit. Depending on the selected predetermined target analytes, the generated chromatogram can be used to assess an associated manufacturing process as conforming or non-conforming.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of separating cultured cells, which is used in a configuration including: a first accommodation space; a cell suspension which is present in a liquid in the first accommodation space in a state in which a plurality of cells is connected to one another; a filter container which is hermetically connected to the first accommodation space and mounted with a cell dividing member having one or more through holes having an average diameter of 5 ?m to 300 ?m; and a second accommodation space which is hermetically connected to the filter container, in which the cell suspension flows from the first accommodation space to the second accommodation space through the filter, such that the connection between the cells is passively and mechanically separated while the cells collide with a fixed resistance portion of the filter.

Abstract: A system is provided that includes a tray having a number of compartments for holding liquid samples and partitioning the liquid samples from one another. The liquid samples are prepared by adding an indicator configured to produce a characteristic change in light from the liquid samples when a target microbe metabolizes the indicator while the liquid samples are incubated. The system also includes a light sensor for sensing light from the liquid samples held in the tray while the plurality of liquid samples is incubated. The system further includes a processor coupled with the light sensor and configured to analyze the light from the liquid samples while the liquid samples are incubated to detect the characteristic change in light from one or more of the liquid samples if the target microbe is present in the liquid samples.

Abstract: A method for generating a treatment plan in response to medical test results is provided. The method comprises requesting point-of-care (POC) services from a mobile POC unit, receiving at a server confirmation of delivery of POC services to a patient, receiving at the server one or more test results as a result of operation of a medical testing device used in the POC services, wherein the one or more test results includes a determination of the efficacy and dosage level of a medication, generating at the server an updated digital patient record reflecting the one or more test results, and transmitting by the server to a medical entity a treatment plan based on the efficacy and dosage level determined for the medication, wherein the treatment plan is a dosage regimen for the medication.

Abstract: A method for generating a treatment plan in response to medical test results is provided. The method comprises receiving at a server one or more test results as a result of operation of a medical testing device, wherein the one or more test results includes a determination of the efficacy and dosage level of a medication, generating at the server an updated digital patient record reflecting the one or more test results, and transmitting by the server to a medical entity a treatment plan based on the efficacy and dosage level determined for the medication, wherein the treatment plan is a dosage regimen for the medication.

Abstract: Provided is a test apparatus in which a test for bacterial identification or antimicrobial susceptibility can be promptly determined. A division state of bacteria is monitored by performing microscopic observation of shapes and the number of the bacteria in each of wells in a culture plate for bacterial identification culture or an antimicrobial susceptibility test, and it is determined whether or not the bacteria grow in a stage shifted from an induction phase to a logarithmic phase, with reference to an image obtained through microscopic observation. In addition, determination performed based on turbidity in the related art may be combined with determination performed based on microscopic observation in which change and the like in the shapes of the bacteria are monitored. Accordingly, it is possible to realize a highly accurate test result.

Abstract: A microfabricated device defining a high density array of microwells is described for cultivating cells from a sample. A series of unique tags may be disposed in the microwells to identify one or more species of cells and locate the particular microwells in which each species was cultivated. A unique tag may be a nucleic acid molecule including a target-specific nucleotide sequence for annealing to a target nucleic acid fragment and a location-specific nucleotide sequence predetermined to identify one or more microwells. The device may be incubated to grow a plurality of cells, which may be split into an analysis portion and a reserve portion. High throughput methods are described for cultivating, screening, and determining a relative and/or absolute abundance of cells from a sample.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for non-invasively obtaining fetal cells from a pregnant female. The methods include placing an absorbent medium in an interlabial or intravaginal space or adjacent to the perineum at the vaginal opening of the pregnant female, and collecting vaginal fluid comprising cells in the absorbent medium while the absorbent medium is interlabial or intravaginal space or adjacent to the perineum at the vaginal opening. The absorbent medium is removed and cells are isolated from the absorbent medium to obtain the fetal cells. The fetal cells can be, for example, somatic cells, embroyic stem cells, fetal stem cells or trophoblast cells.

Abstract: A method of detecting a biological substance, including introducing a first substance dispersed in a solvent into a flow channel formed between a first substrate and a second substrate such that the first substance is placed in a first well formed in the first substrate, and detecting the first substance. The first well is formed such that the first well has an open side which faces downwards and is communicated with the flow channel, and the solvent has a specific gravity larger than a specific gravity of the first substance.

Abstract: A container sample manipulation apparatus utilizing a handle with a terminal portion. The apparatus may be manually operated in an upright position or in a tilted configuration in conjunction with a guide for interaction with the structure of a sample container.

Abstract: A sample analyzing apparatus for performing an optical-based measurement on a sample includes a housing, a first light source, excitation optics, a first light detector, emission optics, and a monitoring system, all of which are disposed in the housing. The monitoring system is configured for monitoring a movable component disposed in the housing. The monitoring system includes one or more light sources for illuminating the movable component, and one or more light detectors for detecting light reflected from the movable component in response to being illuminated.

Abstract: A microscopic collection device, method for collecting a microscopic sample from a target surface, and the work stand for holding the microscopic collection device are provided. The microscopic collection device includes a holding element comprising a handle at one end and a collection platform connected to the holding element at a second end. The collection platform includes a collection surface on which the microscopic sample is deposited when the microscopic collection device comes into contact with the target surface. A tape is inserted through a slit and wrapped around the collection platform. The work stand includes a slit capable of holding the microscopic collection device such that the collection platform is perpendicular to the top surface of the work stand. A microscopic sample, collected using the microscopic collection device, is not only collected from the target surface but is also concentrated onto the collection face of the tape.

Abstract: A cartridge and an associated apparatus for preparing a biological sample includes a reaction chamber configured to be closed by a substrate carrying the biological sample, where the reaction chamber is connected to a fluidic inlet system and a fluidic outlet system. When the substrate closes the reaction chamber, the fluidic inlet system, the reaction chamber, and the fluidic outlet system constitute a fluidic system that is closed to an environment outside the cartridge with respect to an exchange of liquids. Further, a pressure-driven flow through the reaction chamber may be induced by actuation of deformable membranes formed in the cartridge.

Abstract: A method of isolating cells includes providing a microfluidic device having at least one microfluidic channel coupled to an inlet and an outlet, the at least one microfluidic channel comprises at least one expansion region disposed along the length thereof. The at least one expansion region is an abrupt increase in a cross-sectional dimension of the at least one microfluidic channel configured to generate a vortex within the at least one expansion region in response to fluid flow. A solution containing a population of cells at least some of which have diameters ?10 ?m flows into the inlet. A portion of cells is trapped within vortex created within the at least one expansion region. The trapped cells may then released from the expansion region.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1) for automated inoculation of a culture medium, the device being of the type comprising: a clamp (2) suitable for gripping the inoculation tool; a clamp-holder (3); a support base (4) carrying the assembly formed by the clamp (2) and the clamp-holder (3); and a support structure (5) for supporting the support base (4) and for enabling the support base (4) to be moved along three axes.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to enclosed desorption electrospray ionization probes, systems, and methods. In certain embodiments, the invention provides a source of DESI-active spray, in which a distal portion of the source is enclosed within a transfer member such that the DESI-active spray is produced within the transfer member.

Abstract: A bioparticle collection device and an aerosol collection system. The bioparticle collection device includes a collection medium including a plurality of fibers formed into a fiber mat and configured to collect bioparticles thereon, and includes a viability enhancing material provider disposed in a vicinity of the plurality of fibers and configured to provide a viability enhancing material to the collected bioparticles to maintain viability of the bioparticles collected by the fiber mat. The aerosol collection system includes an aerosol pumping device configured to entrain particles in an gas stream, an aerosol saturation device configured to saturate the particles in the gas stream with a biocompatible liquid, and an aerosol collection medium downstream from the aerosol saturation device and including a plurality of fibers formed into a fiber mat for collection of the saturated aerosol particles.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for non-invasively obtaining fetal cells from a pregnant female. The methods include placing an absorbent medium in an interlabial or intravaginal space or adjacent to the perineum at the vaginal opening of the pregnant female, and collecting vaginal fluid comprising cells in the absorbent medium while the absorbent medium is interlabial or intravaginal space or adjacent to the perineum at the vaginal opening. The absorbent medium is removed and cells are isolated from the absorbent medium to obtain the fetal cells. The fetal cells can be, for example, somatic cells, embroyic stem cells, fetal stem cells or trophoblast cells.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for separating, characterizing and/or identifying microorganisms in a test sample. The method of the invention comprises an optional lysis step for lysing non-microorganism cells that may be present in a test sample, followed by a subsequent separation step. The method may be useful for the separation, characterization and/or identification of microorganisms from complex samples such as blood-containing culture media. The invention further provides methods for separating, characterizing and/or identifying microorganisms in situ within a single system.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composition including a poly-l-lactic acid (PLLA) and polylactic-co-glycolic-acid (PLGA) scaffold on which neuronal tissue is grown ex-vivo. Furthermore, the invention provides a method for making ex-vivo cellular vasculature networks, and a method for treating a neuronal injury in a subject by implanting the current composition.

Abstract: A disposable microbe-collecting carrier cartridge and a carrier treating apparatus which efficiently convert microbes collected on a carrier into a solution and prevent variations in the amount of retrieval of microbes upon concentration on a filter are provided. A cartridge formed of an upper lid having a plurality of through holes, a container in an inverted-cone shape having both of a liquid storage sink unit having a filter at the bottom and an air suction path, and a support base for setting up a thermoplastic carrier, and a carrier treating apparatus formed of a dispensing nozzle for liquid supply, a liquid supply mechanism, a liquid heating mechanism, and a suction pump for filtration are prepared. Warm water is supplied onto the filter set up on a bottom surface of the inverted-cone-shaped. The contact with the warm water causes the carrier to be solated filtered through the filter.

Abstract: A specimen delivery apparatus includes a housing having a backplane. The backplane includes at least one fluid communication port. The housing has an open state and a closed state. A midplane has a cavity for holding a sample. The midplane is sealed within the housing when the housing is in the closed state. A first actuator is disposed to move fluid within the housing when the housing is in a closed state and the first bulb is actuated. Various embodiments provide for caching of the fluid as well as staging to permit further preparation of the specimen prior to delivery. Various features roil the fluid to assist in extraction, mixing, and transport of the sample with the fluid. A destructible seal prevents fluid communication through the fluid communication port while the seal is intact. Communication of fluid through the fluid communication port is enabled only when the destructible seal is not intact.

Abstract: The subject invention provides materials and methods that effectively support innate immunity and/or disperse pathogenic biofilms using readily available, nontoxic, natural substances, while supporting restoration of normal microbiotic homeostasis. In one embodiment, the subject invention provides anti-biofilm compositions comprising one or more probiotic organisms, anti-microbial honey, and other ingredients such as prebiotic compounds, other hive products, green tea derivatives, other plant derivatives, and vitamin D3.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device having an internal and an external functional element for producing a fluid stream having a core stream and an sheath stream. The device having an internal and an external functional element is distinguished by an internal component for shaping a core stream, an external functional element having a section for guiding an sheath stream and a section for focusing the sheath stream having core stream at the free end of the functional element, wherein the device having an internal and an external functional element is formed in such a manner that the functional element for shaping the core stream is spatially separated from the external functional element having a section for focusing the sheath stream and/or the section for guiding the sheath stream. In a further aspect, an apparatus for separating particles having this device having an internal and an external functional element is provided. In particular, this is a flow-cytometry apparatus in this case.

Abstract: Apparatuses for determining whether a substance is carried in a fluid are disclosed. One such apparatus includes a body having: a plurality of spaced-apart capture surfaces configured to contact the fluid and capture the substance from the fluid; and a plurality of fluid guiding surfaces spaced apart by a predetermined distance from respective at least portions of respective ones of the plurality of capture surfaces. Another such apparatus includes: a fluid conduit to direct flow of the fluid; and at least one element removably positioned in the fluid conduit and having at least one capture surface configured to contact the fluid and capture the substance from the fluid.

Abstract: A method for forming a sensor includes forming a channel in substrate, forming a sacrificial layer in the channel, forming a sensor having a first dielectric layer disposed on the substrate, a graphene layer disposed on the first dielectric layer, and a second dielectric layer disposed on the graphene layer, a source region, a drain region, and a gate region, wherein the gate region is disposed on the sacrificial layer removing the sacrificial layer from the channel.

Abstract: The present invention includes methods and apparatus to separate X or Y-chromosome bearing sperm cells in a population by first placing the population of sperm cells at physiological pH environment, and simultaneously contacting the population of sperm cells with one or more additional sub-environments with different pH values. The exposure allows mobile sperm cells bearing X or Y-chromosome to migrate to the different pH sub-environments, wherein each cell only exposed or come in contact with one pH sub-environment. Finally, the collecting X or Y-chromosome enriched population of sperm cells is performed.

Abstract: A method for forming a sensor includes forming a channel in substrate, forming a sacrificial layer in the channel, forming a sensor having a first dielectric layer disposed on the substrate, a graphene layer disposed on the first dielectric layer, and a second dielectric layer disposed on the graphene layer, a source region, a drain region, and a gate region, wherein the gate region is disposed on the sacrificial layer removing the sacrificial layer from the channel.

Abstract: A microorganism counting cell of the present invention includes bottomed cylindrical vessel that includes upper surface opening and cylindrical retaining body disposed vertically on a bottom surface in vessel, a collecting element provided on a lower end portion of a rod-shaped cotton swab being inserted in retaining body from upper surface opening. In the microorganism counting cell, elution protrusion is provided on an interior side surface of retaining body, and elution groove that pierces retaining body from an inside to an outside is provided on a side surface of retaining body.

Abstract: A method of arranging a large number of living bodies, such as cells, embryos, or organisms rapidly, individually, and one by one, a holding sheet for the method, and a device for processing the living bodies. The method of holding living bodies includes using a sheet in which multiple through-holes with a size capable of holding one of the target living bodies, but not capable of holding two or more of the living bodies, are provided, to thereby arrange and hold the living bodies one by one in the multiple through-holes in the sheet together with a liquid.

Abstract: Methods and systems for detecting the presence of a target microorganism in a liquid sample are provided. Methods comprise the steps of passing the liquid sample through a surface filter, placing the surface filter into contact with a culture device, incubating the culture device for a period of time and detecting the presence of a target microorganism. Methods may be used with an automated detection system.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to an apparatus, system and method for retrieving a target material from a suspension. A system includes a plurality of processing vessels and a collector. The collector funnels portions of the target material from the suspension through a cannula and into the processing vessels. Sequential density fractionation is the division of a sample into fractions or of a fraction of a sample into sub-fractions by a step-wise or sequential process, such that each step or sequence results in the collection or separation of a different fraction or sub-fraction from the preceding and successive steps or sequences. In other words, sequential density fractionation provides individual sub-populations of a population or individual sub-sub-populations of a sub-population of a population through a series of steps.

Abstract: The method for fluorescent staining of cellular and intracellular membranes includes contacting a cell sample, such as a cell culture, with a fluorescent probe including Zn(II) meso-tetrakis(N-n-hexylpyridinium-4-yl)porphyrin tetrachloride (ZnTnHex-4-PyPCl4). The fluorescent probe is an amphiphilic, water-soluble compound. The fluorescent probe does not interfere with cell culture media components or other staining products. The fluorescent probe is not harmful to cells.

Abstract: Provided herein is technology relating to the collection of biological samples and particularly, but not exclusively, to compositions, methods, and uses related to using a biopolymer substrate to collect biological samples for analysis.

Abstract: A method for filtering a sample comprising the steps of: (a) providing a sample with eukaryotic cells and containing or suspected to contain a micro-organism; (b) performing a selective lysis of the eukaryotic cells to obtain a lysed sample; (c) filtering the lysed sample obtained in step (b) through a filter arranged to retain the micro-organism; (d) washing the filter with a detergent based wash buffer to selectively solubilize proteins originating from the eukaryotic cells retained by the filter, by passing the detergent based wash buffer through the filter, to remove protein clogs from the filter in order to allow an additional step (c) of filtering said lysed sample.

Abstract: Various embodiments disclosed herein provide for reagents and methods for rapidly isolating viable microbial cells, including S. pneumoniae, from positive blood culture samples. The resulting microbial pellet can be used for both identification and growth-based methods such as antimicrobial susceptibility testing. The buffers described herein may contain a base solution, non-ionic detergents, thiols, and optionally, ammonium chloride. The disclosed methods provide a process for rapidly isolating and concentrating viable microorganism (s) from PBC samples using only one sample preparation tube and centrifugation while removing cellular debris from the mammalian blood cells that may interfere with identification methods.

Abstract: Cell binding peptides are provided for binding to cells including urothelial and thyroid follicular cells. The peptides are useful for detection and diagnosis of cancer including bladder and thyroid cancer. A device and method for using the device for capturing cells is provided, the device includes a support having attached cell binding peptide. The support can be a slide and the device can be used for detection and diagnosis of cancer including bladder and thyroid cancer. A kit is provided with instructions for capturing cells and a support with attached cell binding peptide for detection and diagnosis of bladder and thyroid cancer.

Abstract: The introduction of tools to study, control or expand the inner-workings of algae has been slow to develop. Provided are embodiments of a molecular method based on guanidinium-rich molecular transporters (GR-MoTrs) for bringing molecular cargos into algal cells. The methods of the disclosure have been shown to work in wild-type algae that have an intact cell wall. Developed using Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, this method is also successful with less studied algae, including Neochloris oleoabundans and Scenedesmus dimorphus, thus providing a new and versatile tool for algal research and modification. The method of delivering a cargo compound to an algal cell comprises contacting an algal cell with a guanidinium-rich delivery vehicle comprising a guanidinium-rich molecular transporter (GR-MoTr) linked to a cargo compound desired to be delivered to the algal cell, whereby the guanidinium-rich molecular transporter can traverse the algal cell wall, thereby delivering the cargo compound to the algal cell.