Abstract: A microfluidic cartridge, configured to facilitate processing and detection of nucleic acids, comprising: a top layer comprising a set of cartridge-aligning indentations, a set of sample port-reagent port pairs, a shared fluid port, a vent region, a heating region, and a set of Detection chambers; an intermediate substrate, coupled to the top layer comprising a waste chamber; an elastomeric layer, partially situated on the intermediate substrate; and a set of fluidic pathways, each formed by at least a portion of the top layer and a portion of the elastomeric layer, wherein each fluidic pathway is fluidically coupled to a sample port-reagent port pair, the shared fluid port, and a Detection chamber, comprises a turnabout portion passing through the heating region, and is configured to be occluded upon deformation of the elastomeric layer, to transfer a waste fluid to the waste chamber, and to pass through the vent region.

Abstract: A thermal cycler (1) includes a holder (11) that holds a biotip (100) filled with a reaction mixture and liquid having a smaller specific gravity than the reaction mixture and being immiscible with the reaction mixture, the biotip (100) including a channel (110) in which the reaction mixture moves, a heating unit (12) that heats a first portion (111) of the channel when the biotip (100) is in the holder (11), and a driving unit (20) that disposes the holder (11) and the heating unit (12) by making a switch between a first disposition and a second disposition, the first disposition being such that the first portion (111) is in a lowest part of the channel (110) with respect to a gravitational force direction when the biotip (100) is in the holder (11), the second disposition being such that a second portion (112) that is a different portion from the first portion (111) relative to a moving direction of the reaction mixture is in the lowest part of the channel (110) with respect to the gravitational force direc

Abstract: A bioreactor system includes a housing and a hydrostatic loading module. The housing includes a chamber with an inlet port and an outlet port. The inlet and outlet ports allowing the chamber to be continuously perfused with a culture medium while chamber is hydrostatically loaded.

Abstract: A laboratory dish comprises an incubation container, containing cultured cells, for observation through a microscope, in which a partitioning member partitions an interior of the incubation container into a plurality of incubation chambers by substantially perpendicular walls. The partitioning member tightly fits to a bottom portion of the incubation container, thereby capable of retaining in separation a liquid inputted in each of the incubation chambers from liquids in the other incubation chambers. A cover member covers an upper portion of each of the incubation chambers partitioned by the partitioning member and tightly fitted to the partitioning member. A whole or part of the cover member is formed of a transparent member, and the upper portion of each incubation chamber is formed with an opening via which to input the liquid.

Abstract: An automated analyzer for performing multiple diagnostic assays simultaneously includes multiple stations in which discrete aspects of the assay are performed on fluid samples contained in sample vessels. The analyzer includes stations for automatically preparing a sample, incubating the sample, preforming an analyte isolation procedure, ascertaining the presence of a target analyte, and analyzing the amount of a target analyte. An automated receptacle transporting system moves the sample vessels from one station to the next. A method for performing an automated diagnostic assay includes an automated process for isolating and amplifying a target analyte, and, in one embodiment, a method for real-time monitoring of the amplification process.

Abstract: Provided herein are systems, devices, and methods for generating thermal gradients in channels and uses thereof. In particular, provided herein are system, methods, and devices employing first and second thermal layers positioned around a channel in order to create a thermal gradient across a cross-section of the channel having, for example, a nucleic acid denaturation zone, a nucleic acid annealing zone, and a nucleic acid polymerization zone. Such devices find use in, for example, nucleic acid amplification procedures, including digital polymerase chain reaction (dPCR) to temperature cycle droplets for amplification of nucleic acid templates within the droplets.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a rotation driving device for cell culturing, comprising: a power supplying unit operated by receiving an electric power from an outside; a rotational part rotated by the power supplying unit; and a driving part which is provided at an upper side of the rotational part and maintained in a stopped state during the rotation of the rotational part, and of which an inclination is changed according to a rotational direction of the rotational part. According to the present invention, there is provided a rotation driving device a rotation driving device which enables cells to be uniformly grown by equally distributing a culture solution with help of inclination control, of which a rotational speed is also controlled and which has a firm structure with a strong durability.

Abstract: A micro-incubator manifold for improved microfluidic configurations and systems and methods of manufacture and operation for a manifold and automated microfluidic systems.

Abstract: Provided herein are systems and methods for reducing the number of input/output connections required to connect a microfluidic substrate to an external controller for controlling the substrate. For example, provided herein is a device with three groups of independently controllable components, where the first group includes a first lead and a first heater configured to heat a valve; where the second group includes a second lead and a second heater configured to heat a reaction chamber; where the third group includes a third lead and the first and second heaters; and where the first heater is independently controllable via a combination of the first lead and the third lead, and the second heater is independently controllable via a combination of the second lead and the third lead.

Abstract: The present invention relates to growing stem cells, for e.g., MSCs, in large-scale under GMP-compliance, using media and reagents that satisfy GMP requirements, while maintaining stemness, for effective downstream therapeutic use, which include but are not limited to, stem cell therapy, production of products, such as beneficial factors, recombinant proteins, etc. obtained from such stem cells.

Abstract: Devices, containers, and methods are provided for performing biological analysis in a closed environment. Illustrative biological analyses include nucleic acid amplification and detection and immuno-PCR.

Abstract: The disclosure describes example devices and methods for amplifying nucleic acids by using an oil layer including exothermal particles, forming an emulsion using the oil layer including exothermal particles, and performing a nucleic acids amplification reaction in the emulsion. The nucleic acids amplification reaction may be effectively performed even with a small amount of a sample by maximizing nucleic acids amplification efficiency, reducing reaction time, and improving controls to be convenient.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are automated systems for performing various biochemical and molecular biological procedures, including processor-controlled execution of protocols involving multiple steps performed in, on, or with liquid microdroplets. Example protocols are the various Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) protocols, but the subject systems are not limited to performing PCR protocols. Formation of a microdroplet of the sample for use in the described systems is achieved by bringing an amount of the sample into contact with a hydrophobic milieu, such as a superhydrophobic surface or hydrophobic liquid.

Abstract: Rapid and uniform temperature changes in the wells of a microplate or any thin-walled plate that contains an array of reaction wells or sample receptacles are achieved by the use of heating and cooling elements with a vapor chamber interposed between such elements and the microplate. The upper surface of the vapor chamber and the underside of the sample plate in certain embodiments are complementary in shape, i.e., they have identical but oppositely directed contours in the areas around each of the sample receptacles, to provide continuous surface contact along the surface of each receptacle. In other embodiments, an intermediary plate is placed between the vapor chamber and the well plate, with the top surface of the intermediary plate being complementary in shape to the underside of the well plate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for automated, computer-controlled, tracking and manipulation of motile specimen. The systems and methods of the present invention are suited for tracking and manipulating sperm, particularly for Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) procedures. The present invention also relates also to devices for holding motile cells, such as sperm, and non-motile cells, such as oocytes. The device of the present invention comprises a sealed chamber having an air outlet, one well for the motile cells, and another well for non-motile cells.

Abstract: There is provided a culture observation system by which even a culture other than an observation target culture can be cultured and observation can be properly performed by a microscope during culturing of the culture. A culture observation system S includes a culturing cabinet 2 for forming an environment suitable for culturing cells in a culturing room 13 and an image pick-up device 3 for photographing a microscopic image of the cells. The image pick-up device 3 includes a light source 47 which is provided in the culturing room 13 and a table 37 which is provided in the culturing room 13 to hold the culture as an image pick-up target, and a shelf 7 for accommodating the cells is provided in the culturing room 13 other than the light source 47 and the table 37.

Abstract: There are provided an incubating container capable of preventing bubble generation within a cell incubating container when a sample is injected into the container, and a sample injection method therefor. The incubating container includes: a plurality of wells to be filled with a sample through an injection of the sample; and at least one bubble discharge hole formed as a hole penetrating through a bottom of each of the plurality of wells, and discharging, to the outside, bubbles generated when the sample is injected into the plurality of wells.

Abstract: Rapid and uniform temperature changes in the wells of a microplate or any thin-walled plate that contains an array of reaction wells, or in the channels of a multi-channel microfluidics device, are achieved by the use of a thermal block with thermoelectric heating/cooling elements built into the block, or by the use of a thermal block with wedges protruding from its lower surface, with thermoelectric elements placed in surface contact with the angled sides of each wedge.

Abstract: Methods of producing renewable materials may include consuming a fermentation feedstock with a fermentation organism to produce a renewable material in fermentation broth; water may then be separated from the feedstock or broth using one or more phase separations, or the renewable material may be concentrated from the feedstock or broth using one or more phase separations. Methods of producing biofuel components may include consuming a lignocellulosic or sugar fermentation feedstock with a fermentation organism to produce either ethanol or butanol in fermentation broth; cooling the feedstock or broth to solidify at least some water therein; and separating the solidified water from the feedstock or broth using a solid-liquid phase separation.

Abstract: A processing system for cell cultures for carrying out cell/tissue culturing processes in the field of regenerative medicine, etc. which is a processing system for cell cultures which prevents viruses and human-derived cells, etc. other than a culturing processing target from entering the interior of a closed space from outside of the system to maintain sterility, maintains sealability of the closed spaces of modules, and couples or detaches the plurality of modules in accordance with a wide variety of cell culturing processing steps so that cell culturing processes can be carried out by combining the plurality of culturing processing modules is provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for holding cells. The apparatus comprises a mechanism for incubating cells having a dynamically controlled environment in which the cells are grown, which are maintained in a desired condition and in which cells can be examined while the environment is dynamically controlled and maintained in the desired condition. The apparatus also comprises an imaging mechanism for automatically determining the state of an individual cell of the cells over time. The imaging mechanism is in communication with the incubating mechanism.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for thermal cycling including a pasting edge heater. The pasting edge heater can provide substantial temperature uniformity throughout the retaining elements during thermal cycling by a thermoelectric module.

Abstract: The present invention describes various devices for holding cell culture dishes in a secure manner and to ensure rapid and uniform heat transfer to and from the cell culture dish.

Abstract: Disclosed is a multi-stage thermal convection apparatus such as a two-stage thermal convection apparatus and uses thereof. In one embodiment, the two-stage thermal convection apparatus includes a temperature shaping element that assists a thermal convection mediated Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). The invention has a wide variety of applications including amplifying nucleic acid without cumbersome and expensive hardware associated with many prior devices. In a typical embodiment, the apparatus can fit in the palm of a user's hand for use as a portable, simple to operate, and low cost PCR amplification device.

Abstract: Disclosed is a multi-stage thermal convection apparatus and uses thereof. In one embodiment, the invention features a three-stage thermal convection apparatus that includes a temperature shaping element for assisting a thermal convection mediated Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). The invention has a wide variety of applications including amplifying nucleic acid without cumbersome and expensive hardware associated with many prior devices. In a typical embodiment, the apparatus can fit in the palm of a user's hand for use as a portable, simple to operate, and low cost PCR amplification device.

Abstract: A fast, multiplexed PCR system is described that can rapidly generate amplified nucleic acid products, for example, a full STR profile, from a target nucleic acid. Such systems include, for example, microfluidic biochips and a custom built thermal cycler, which are also described. The resulting STR profiles can satisfy forensic guidelines for signal strength, inter-loci peak height balance, heterozygous peak height ratio, incomplete non-template nucleotide addition, and stutter.

Abstract: An incubator is fitted with an enclosure which surrounds the incubator. A cold air generation system supplies relatively cold air to a space formed between enclosure and the incubator. The system supplying the cold air can be embodied in a cart or base upon which the incubator sits. The enclosure is also placed on the base in a manner such that it substantially envelops the incubator. The top of the cart has openings for egress of cold air and return of air so that air may circulate in a closed loop. The incubator, cold air supply system and enclosure present a solution for incubating samples in a nominal 20-25° C. temperature environment. The enclosure, which is preferably insulated, may include a void or opening which exposes doors or other access device of the incubator, allowing direct access to the samples in the incubator while the rest of the incubator is enveloped by the enclosure.

Abstract: A culture apparatus includes a heat insulating box main body having an inner box and a heat insulating door, a culture vessel, a duct and a circulation blower forcing convection of a gas such as air in the culture vessel, a humidifying pan disposed on a bottom portion of the culture vessel within the duct, and heaters disposed on the outer side of the inner box and on the inner side of the heat insulating door, for heating the inside of the culture vessel. The culture apparatus is configured such that a rapid heater is provided on the downstream side of the circulation blower inside the duct, and the rapid heater is activated if a temperature in the culture vessel is decreased below a prescribed temperature, thereby rapidly regaining the prescribed temperature.

Abstract: A heat exchange module for use in a chemical, pharmaceutical or biological reactor system can include a body configured to be disposed in the reactor system having an inner replaceable reactant container is disclosed. The body can further include at least one thermally conductive surface adapted to contact the inner replaceable reactant container to facilitate heat transfer. Furthermore, the heat exchange module can include a heat exchanger disposed within the module body and can include a fluid circulation path through which a heat exchange fluid can be circulated.

Abstract: Gas permeable devices and methods are disclosed for cell culture, including cell culture devices and methods that contain medium at heights, and certain gas permeable surface area to medium volume ratios. These devices and methods allow improvements in cell culture efficiency and scale up efficiency.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for the producing feeds/fertilizers containing died and fermented animal and plant residues. The apparatus includes a fermentation tank, an unobstructed circulation duct connected to the fermentation tank and a blower directly connected to the circulation duct wherein blower supplies air for advancing the residues up the circulation duct.

Abstract: An apparatus for holding a test tube in which insulated isothermal polymerase chain reaction is performed includes a heat insulating mount and a heating member. The heat insulating mount has a main body provided with a receiving space for receiving a bottom of the test tube, a lateral channel communicated between the receiving space and an ambient environment, and an upper channel communicated between the receiving space and the ambient environment for insertion of the test tube. The heating member is inserted into the lateral channel for stopping at the bottom of the test tube. The apparatus can minimize the influence caused by the high temperature generated from the heat source on the heat dissipation of the reaction mixture in middle and upper sections of the test tube. The apparatus is suitable for the fluorescent detection of PCR reaction.

Abstract: A bioreactor comprising a reactor chamber defined by reactor walls and a reactor opening, optionally with means penetrating the reactor opening in order to supply gases and/or liquids, for taking samples, for supplying microorganisms or cells, for the introduction of measuring probes, for the addition of additives or sterilizing agents and/or for emptying the bioreactor, with means for sealing the reactor opening, wherein at least one inflatable eddy current breaker is installed in the reactor chamber.

Abstract: Compositions, methods, systems/devices and media are provided for maintaining a harvested organ in a functioning and viable state prior to implantation. The organ perfusion apparatus includes a preservation chamber for storing the organ during the preservation period. A perfusion circuit is provided having a first line for providing an oxygenated fluid to the organ, and a second line for carrying depleted fluid away from the organ. The perfusion apparatus also includes a device operably associated with the perfusion circuit for maintaining the organ at a substantially normothermic temperature.

Abstract: An assembly for cycling vials of reaction mixtures through a series of temperature excursions is provided. The assembly can include a sample block for receiving the vials, a plurality of thermoelectric devices, a heat sink, and a clamping mechanism positioned to clamp the thermoelectric devices between the sample block and heatsink. The assembly can also include a thermal connector having a first end and a second end, the first end in close contact with the sample block and the second end in close contact with the heatsink to provide a thermal path between the sample block and the heatsink, the thermal connector being positioned to reduce thermal gradients across the sample block. The assembly can further include means for connecting the assembly to a computing apparatus for controlling the temperature excursions of the assembly.

Abstract: A culture apparatus includes a heat insulating box main body having an inner box; a culture vessel; a duct and a circulation blower forcing convection of a gas in the culture vessel; a humidifying pan disposed on the bottom of the culture vessel and positioned inside the duct; a heat pipe having a heat insulating section, a heat input section disposed at one end of the heat insulating section and a heat dissipation section disposed at the other end of the heat insulating section. The heat pipe is attached to the culture apparatus with the heat dissipation section being disposed outside the culture apparatus, the heat insulating section passing through the heat insulating box main body and the inner box, and the heat input section being disposed in a gas passage in the duct.

Abstract: A microfluidic thermal bend actuated pressure pulse valve having an inlet for receiving a flow of liquid, an outlet for outputting the flow of liquid, a meniscus anchor between the inlet and the outlet such that the flow from the inlet towards the outlet stops at the meniscus anchor where the liquid forms a meniscus, a movable member for contacting the liquid, and, a thermal expansion actuator for displacing the movable member to generate a pulse in the liquid to dislodge the meniscus such that the liquid flow towards the outlet resumes.

Abstract: A variety of elastomeric-based microfluidic devices and methods for using and manufacturing such devices are provided. Certain of the devices have arrays of reaction sites to facilitate high throughput analyses. Some devices also include reaction sites located at the end of blind channels at which reagents have been previously deposited during manufacture. The reagents become suspended once sample is introduced into the reaction site. The devices can be utilized with a variety of heating devices and thus can be used in a variety of analyses requiring temperature control, including thermocycling applications such as nucleic acid amplification reactions, genotyping and gene expression analyses.

Abstract: A lab-on-a-chip (LOC) device having a supporting substrate, a sample inlet for receiving a fluid sample, an incubation section in fluid communication with the sample inlet, the incubation section having at least one heater, and, CMOS circuitry between the supporting substrate and the incubation section, wherein, the CMOS circuitry is connected to the at least one heater for maintaining the fluid sample at an incubation temperature for an incubation period.

Abstract: Sample processing units useful for mixing and purifying materials, such as fluidic materials are provided. A sample processing unit typically includes a container configured to contain a sample comprising magnetically responsive particles, and one or more magnets that are in substantially fixed positions relative to the container. A sample processing unit also generally includes a conveyance mechanism configured to convey the container to and from a position that is within magnetic communication with the magnet, e.g., such that magnetically responsive particles with captured analytes can be retained within the container when other materials are added to and/or removed from the container. Further, a sample processing unit also typically includes a rotational mechanism that is configured to rotate the container, e.g., to effect mixing of sample materials disposed within the container. Related carrier mechanisms, sample processing stations, systems, and methods are also provided.

Abstract: This present invention relates to an automatic toxicological fluid sample preparation module and method for use thereof, for automatically preparing a fluid sample for the detection and measurement of toxics and/or toxicological effects. The invention further relates to an automatic analysis system. The automatic toxicological fluid sample preparation module comprising: an inlet for automatically obtaining a sample directly from a fluid or fluid stream to be analyzed; preparation for preparing the fluid sample from the sample, comprising first coupling means for coupling with the inlet; and—an outlet for discharge of prepared fluid to measurement means, wherein the preparation means comprise indicator micro-organisms.

Abstract: A cell culture system for the production of cells and cell derived products includes a reusable instrumentation base device incorporating hardware to support cell culture growth. A disposable cultureware module including a cell growth chamber is removably attachable to the instrumentation base device. The base device includes microprocessor control and a pump for circulating cell culture medium through the cell growth chamber. The cultureware module is removably attached to the instrumentation base device. Cells are introduced into the cell growth chamber and a source of medium is fluidly attached to the cultureware module. Operating parameters are programmed into the microprocessor control. The pump is operated to circulate the medium through the cell growth chamber to grow cells or cell products therein. The grown cells or cell products are harvested from the cell growth chamber and the cultureware module is then disposed.

Abstract: An organ perfusion apparatus and method monitor, sustain and/or restore viability of organs and preserve organs for storage and/or transport. Other apparatus include an organ transporter, an organ cassette and an organ diagnostic device. The apparatus and methods include the organ cassette with one or more openings configured to allow tubing to pass through the openings and be connected to the organ or tissue within the cassette, and including a pressure control device to allow pressure inside the portable housing to be varied.

Abstract: A cell culture system for the production of cells and cell derived products includes a reusable instrumentation base device incorporating hardware to support cell culture growth. A disposable cultureware module including a cell growth chamber is removably attachable to the instrumentation base device. The base device includes microprocessor control and a pump for circulating cell culture medium through the cell growth chamber. The cultureware module is removably attached to the instrumentation base device. Cells are introduced into the cell growth chamber and a source of medium is fluidly attached to the cultureware module. Operating parameters are programmed into the microprocessor control. The pump is operated to circulate the medium through the cell growth chamber to grow cells or cell products therein. The grown cells or cell products are harvested from the cell growth chamber and the cultureware module is then disposed.

Abstract: According to the present invention, a PCR device including two heating blocks which is used for nucleic acid amplification reactions is disclosed. Using the PCR device of the present invention, nucleic acid amplification reactions can be efficiently performed.

Abstract: A storage-access apparatus includes a first support device including a first base; at least one first storage-access device and at least one first storage device, disposed on the first base and arranged in a first circle; a second support device including a second base; at least one second storage-access device and at least one second storage device, disposed on the second base and arranged in a second circle; and a transporting device, wherein the first storage-access device, the first storage device, the second storage-access device and the second storage device each has plural compartments, the transporting device corresponds to the compartments, and the first storage-access device and the first storage device can rotate relative to the second storage-access device and the second storage device. Accordingly, the storage-access apparatus can be employed in depositing and picking up products independently. Also disclosed is a storage system including, among others, the storage-access apparatus.

Abstract: An instrument is provided that can monitor nucleic acid sequence amplification reactions, for example, PCR amplification of DNA and DNA fragments. The instrument includes a multi-notch filter disposed along one or both of an excitation beam path and an emission beam path. Methods are also provided for monitoring nucleic acid sequence amplifications using an instrument that includes a multi-notch filter disposed along a beam path.

Abstract: A movable incubator facility comprises a culture chamber which is arranged for receiving at least one cell culture, a heating arrangement by means of which the temperature of the culture chamber can be adjusted, a gas feed arrangement by means of which at least one gas can be introduced into the culture chamber, and an energy storage arrangement which is disposed for supplying the heating arrangement and/or the gas feed arrangement with electrical energy.

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

Abstract: An automated analyzer for performing multiple diagnostic assays simultaneously includes multiple stations, or modules, in which discrete aspects of the assay are performed on fluid samples contained in reaction receptacles. The analyzer includes stations for automatically preparing a specimen sample, incubating the sample at prescribed temperatures for prescribed periods, performing an analyte isolation procedure, and ascertaining the presence of a target analyte. An automated receptacle transporting system moves the reaction receptacles from one station to the next.