Abstract: A method for preserving viral particles comprises: (i) providing an aqueous solution of one or more sugars, a polyethyleneimine and said viral particles wherein the concentration of polyethyleneimine is 15 ?M or less based on the number-average molar mass (Mn) of the polyethyleneimine and the sugar concentration or, if more than one sugar is present, total sugar concentration is greater than 0.1 M; and (ii) drying the solution to form an amorphous solid matrix comprising said viral particles.

Abstract: Microfluidic devices having active features such as valves, peristaltic pumps, and mixing portions are fabricated to have a thin elastomeric membrane over the active features. The active features are activated by a tactile actuator external to the membrane, for example, a commercial Braille display. The display may be computer controlled, for example by simple text editor software, to activate individual Braille protrusions or a plurality of protrusions to actuate the active portions of the microfluidic device. Integral devices can incorporate the tactile actuators in a single device, but still external to the membrane.

Abstract: A unit (10) for the preparation of cells contained in a liquid comprises a storage chamber (20) configured to store the liquid containing the cells and to release the stored liquid via an exit opening (22) upon the application of a predetermined external force, in particular a centrifugal force. A passage (30) adjacently arranged to the exit opening (22) has a cross-section larger than that of the exit opening (22). The wall at the transition from the exit opening (22) to the passage (30) forms an edge (32). The unit further comprises an observation member (50) for receiving the released liquid and an absorbing means (40) arranged adjacent to the observation member (50) between the passage (30) and the observation member (50). The absorbing means (40) has an aperture (42) allowing the released liquid to travel onto the observation member (50), and removes the liquid so as to leave the cells on the observation member (50) for observation.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a method for preparing a product for fermentation comprising the steps: i. sterilizing and expanding a substrate to obtain a sterile expanded substrate, ii. cooling and inoculating the sterile expanded substrate by contacting the sterile expanded substrate with a cooling medium and an inoculum to obtain a cooled inoculated substrate. The expansion step can be performed using techniques from the state of the art known as popping or puffing. The method can be performed in standard equipment and is very flexible in its use. Furthermore, the method allows reducing the time and energy necessary to obtain a product for fermentation, such as solid state fermentation.

Abstract: A tissue sample preservation process and device for improving and standardizing tissue preservation procedure, including placing tissue specimens in a cold fixative, performing fixative penetration at a refrigerated temperature, and accelerating fixative penetration by ultrasound. Also disclosed is the application of ultrasound and temperature control in the dehydration, clearing, and impregnation steps.

Abstract: Generally, polymeric members and laser marking methods for producing visible marks on polymeric members, such as on thin and/or curved surfaces. The laser marking methods can include methods of laser marking straws with the step of matching laser source properties to the properties of straws being marked or with the step of laser marking straws having photochromic dyes.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of studying floating living cell by confining the cells floating in an aqueous medium in picowells located on a bottom surface of a top wall of a chamber. Disclosed is also a picowell-bearing device for the study of cells comprising a chamber having at least one picowell on a bottom surface of the chamber. Also disclosed is a picowell-bearing device for the study of cells comprising a chamber having at least one picowell on an internal surface and at least one moveable wall, a force applicator configured to removeably apply a substantially uniformly distributed force around the periphery of the moveable wall in a direction to retain the moveable wall secured to the chamber.

Abstract: The embodiments of the invention described herein relate to systems and methods for the vitrification of biological samples. Vitrification is achieved by generating nanodroplets of a solution comprising the biological sample with a means that can be automated and adapted to high-throughput applications.

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 method includes perfusing the organ at hypothermic and/or normothermic temperatures, preferably after hypothermic organ flushing for organ transport and/or storage. The method can be practiced with prior or subsequent static or perfusion hypothermic exposure of the organ. Organ viability is restored by restoring high energy nucleotide (e.g., ATP) levels by perfusing the organ with a medical fluid, such as an oxygenated cross-linked hemoglobin-based bicarbonate medical fluid, at normothermic temperatures.

Abstract: An aspect of embodiment relates to a digital bio disc (DBD) including new valve control means and fluid movement system, a digital bio disc (DBD) driver apparatus, and an assay method using the same. More particularly, an aspect of embodiment relates to a DBD with a lab-on-a-chip for various diagnostic assays, nucleic acid hybridization assays, or immunoassays, a DBD driver apparatus integrated with a controller for controlling the DBD and a general optical disc (CD or DVD), and an assay method using the same.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems, methods and storage media for preserving and prolonging viability of cultured matrix dependent cells including multipotent progenitor cells, such as mesenchymal stem cells. The system and method of the invention are effective in ambient room temperature and apply during storage and shipment of said cells. The storage medium of the invention comprises fibrin microbeads and culture medium, and is suitable for the maintenance and storage of matrix dependent cells. The methods of the invention comprise use of said system, for attaching matrix dependent cells to fibrin microbeads in culture so as to form cell-fibrin microbead complexes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cell carrier (10) for receiving a biological sample. The carrier comprises a magnetic element (20) and a floor element (30) that forms a stable support (31) that can be displaced on a solid base surface in at least one direction. The invention also relates to a manipulation device for biological samples and to a method for manipulating biological samples.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for processing tissue specimens against decomposition, putrefaction and autolysis which use a simple three step procedure in a single vessel or container. First, the specimens are saturated with a solvent mixture of a ketone and a hydrocarbon, e.g., an Acetone/Hexane or an Acetone/Xylene mixture, to dissolve lipids and other cellular solutes. The container is then flooded with melted Paraffin. In a last step, the solvent mixture is vaporized and evacuated from the container, allowing the melted Paraffin to replace the vaporized solvent and impregnate the specimens. Raw, i.e., non-processed and non-burred specimens up to 5 mm thick can be processed in about 60 minutes. A solvent regenerator distills the evacuated solvent; and converts vent waste gases into carbon dioxide and water through a thermocatalytic oxidizer.

Abstract: A container (1) for storing stem cell material of an animal for subsequent treatment of the animal contains discrete pouches (15) for the stem cell material. The container (1) comprises a pair of transparent flexible panels (3) which are secured together by a peripheral heat seal (4) to define a hollow interior region (8). The hollow interior region (8) is divided into discrete pouches (15) and a mixing region (16) by primary heat seals (18) extending substantially perpendicularly from the peripheral seal (4) adjacent an edge (5a) of the panels (3). An inlet port (9) to the mixing region (16) accommodates the stem cell material and a protective solution to be mixed in the mixing region (18). A manifold (25) extending transversely of the pouches (15) communicates the pouches (15) with the mixing region (16). On completion of mixing of the stem cell material with the protective solution, two additional pouches (22) are formed in the mixing area (16) by primary heat seals (34).

Abstract: An auto-nucleating device includes a tube containing a crystalline cholesterol matrix. The ends of the tube are closed by a membrane that is impermeable to the cholesterol but permeable to liquids contained in a cryopreservation vessel. The auto-nucleating device provides a site for ice nucleation during freezing of the liquid within the vessel. One such cryopreservation vessel is a flexible vial having a closed port at one adapted to be pierced by a needle to withdraw the liquid within, and an opposite end that is initially open to receive the liquid. Another vessel includes an adaptor mounted to liquid container with a tubular branch closed by a needle septum and another tubular branch provided with a barbed fitting for engaging a flexible tube that terminates in a needle septum. In another embodiment, the vessel includes an inlet and vent branch at the top of the container and an outlet septum at a bottom opening.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for tissue, such as an allograft, storage and preservation for extended periods of time at room temperature in a sterile tissue culture chamber. The invention further provides a process for maintaining the sterility of tissue using the apparatus as described.

Abstract: System for fluid perfusion of biological matter that includes tissue. According to one embodiment, the system may include a storage container for storing the biological matter, a thermal control device for cooling the contents of the storage container, a gas generator for generating a preserving gas, a fluid conduit coupled to the gas generator and insertable into tissue for delivering the preserving gas to the biological matter, and a process controller for controlling the operation of the gas generator and the thermal control device. The gas generator, in turn, may include an electrochemical oxygen concentrator and/or a water electrolyzer for generating the preserving gas. The system may further include a liquid perfusion system that includes a reservoir of liquid perfusate, a fluid delivery conduit for delivering liquid perfusate from the reservoir to the biological matter, and a fluid draining conduit for draining liquid perfusate from the biological matter.

Abstract: The present invention enables to keep the culture vessel clean with the clean air without touching the open air in which floating bacteria exist, and to culture cells with taking in and out the culture apparatus under the environment with low damages for the cells in constant temperature. The present invention is the culture vessel box which has one or more culture vessels, has the heater, and has the door outside which the good adhesive resin film is stuck, the culture apparatus which has various apparatuses including a heater and culture cells, and has the door outside which the resin film is stuck similarly to the culture vessel box and has its storing chamber.

Abstract: A tissue culture microscope apparatus includes a culture unit that includes a chamber in which a specimen is put, and maintains the chamber at a predetermined temperature to culture the specimen; an observation unit that forms an observation image of the specimen put in the chamber; and a liquid supply unit that stores a liquid in a protrusion portion penetrating into a wall of the chamber and protruding to an inside of the chamber, matches a temperature of the liquid with the temperature of the chamber, and injects the liquid from the protrusion portion to the specimen.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for cell transport Said system allows the transport of cells, assuring their integrity and viability during the entire transport process. It consists of a system suitable for a wide variety of formats which allows a broad range of technical applications of the system The system of the invention allows providing ready-to-use cells, without the cells having to be manipulated before they are used by technical experts in cell biology The invention particularly relates to an agarose plus agarase mixture covering or enveloping, depending on the format of the selected transport system, the cell culture, protecting it during the transport process, as well as to the methodology of cell recovery of the cells transported in the system.

Abstract: A system for cryoencapsulating a natural or manmade biological specimen which is capable of enabling the nucleation of at least one of benign polycrystalline or vitreous ice in the specimen via the introduction of particulate nuclei and cryoprotectant into the specimen including: (a) one or more specimen cooling modules or stations; (b) one or more specimen particulate or particulate-former introduction modules or stations; (c) one or more specimen cryoprotectant-introduction modules or stations; and (d) a system control unit and necessary system utilities, wherein the system is to implement a combined process of specimen cooling, specimen particulate introduction or formation, and specimen cryoprotectant introduction, and wherein the introduced particulate is to favorably enable the nucleation of one or both of encapsulating polycrystalline or vitreous ice resulting in ice formation with at least one of reduced ice damage or cryoprotectant toxic damage to the specimen during cryoencapsulation or during event

Abstract: An assembly for culturing cells includes a housing defining a reservoir for containing cell culture media and an opening in fluid communication with the reservoir. The cell culture assembly further includes a filter valve assembly configured to sealingly engage the opening. The filter valve assembly includes a flexible membrane, a contiguous side wall, an end wall, and a microbial filter. The end wall has an opening and extends across one end of the side wall to form a major cavity within the side wall and the end wall. The flexible membrane has a slit spanning the membrane and is disposable within the major cavity such that the membrane sealingly divides the major cavity into (i) a chamber formed between the end wall and the membrane and (ii) a minor cavity formed by the membrane and a portion of the side wall. The minor cavity is in fluid communication with the reservoir.

Abstract: An arrangement for the transport and/or safekeeping of a human or animal tissue sample comprising a tablet and one or more alignment pins; each pin having a tip to pierce the cover of the tablet; the tablet designed with at least two layers that include a cover layer and a support member; and at least one alignment pin with a tip that is undercut in the direction of piercing so that it locks against the inside of the cover layer, counteracted by a lower piercing resistance of the support member in the area the piercing point. Upon piercing the cover layer, the tablet and/or the respective alignment pin limit the piercing depth of the alignment pin forming a locking event. The arrangement is designed to preserve orientation information and allow for unobscured imaging of the sample.

Abstract: A cell culture apparatus is provided in which a plurality of culture vessels can be mounted and removed in a set, which has a regulation mechanism that can fix each culture vessel in the correct position, and which enables suppression of production costs. The cell culture apparatus has one or a plurality of concave portions, and can arrange and accommodate one or a plurality of culture vessels in the concave portions. Spring-type fixing devices are provided in the depth direction and the width direction, respectively, in each concave portion. The two spring-type fixing devices press against side surfaces of the culture vessel to fix the culture vessel in the culture vessel set. At this time, by pressing against the culture vessel at two points, the position of the culture vessel at the time of fixing can be maintained with good accuracy.

Abstract: A petri dish includes a cover and base, the cover having at least one circular opening in the top of the cover. A number of securing members are connected to the underside of the cover around the opening to secure at least one filter under the opening, the filter(s) being used to prevent any contaminants from the air from entering the petri dish. A guard member such as a plastic disc is disposed under the filter(s) to prevent any oil in the base of the petri dish from contaminating the filter(s). A sealing member is provided on a peripheral edge of the base to seal the petri dish when the petri dish is closed.

Abstract: A disposable inoculation loop assembly comprising a test tube and a tube stopper adapted to fit into a free end of the test tube. A first end of the stopper faces into the interior of the test tube substantially hermetically sealing the interior of the test tube. The assembly further includes an inoculation loop fixed to the tube stopper and extending into the interior of the test tube to a predetermined distance when the stopper is positioned in the free end of the test tube. The assembly when assembled is sterilized and pre-evacuated to a predetermined vacuum which is sufficient to draw a volume of a bodily liquid to be sampled into the test tube. The volume is of such an amount so that the liquid level in the test tube substantially just covers a predetermined portion of the inoculation loop.

Abstract: A container assembly for storing, treating, transporting and stabilizing a biological sample includes a container, a cap and a sample holder removably received in the container. The sample holder can be a platform-like device dimensioned to be supported on a ledge formed in the side wall of the container. The sample holder includes a central cavity for receiving the sample and immersing the sample in the stabilizing agent in the container. In another embodiment, the sample holder has a closure member for closing the open top end of the cavity. The container includes a liquid reagent in an amount sufficient to treat the biological sample. The biological sample is retained in a predetermined containment area of the container to maintain the biological sample immersed in the reagent without regard to the orientation of the container.

Abstract: Provided are apparatuses for cryopreserving cells which include a vessel comprising a biocompatible substrate, wherein the vessel further comprises an interior and an exterior, and a mechanical ice nucleating device disposed in or on the vessel interior for initiating ice crystal formation. Also provided are kits comprising one or more apparatuses for cryopreserving cells and a biopreservation medium. Further provided are compositions comprising a vessel for holding cells, a mechanical ice nucleating device, a biopreservation medium, and cells disposed in the vessel. The apparatuses, kits, and compositions of the invention can optionally include an insulating material which is disposed on all or a portion of the vessel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a swab for collecting biological specimens of the type consisting of a rod terminating in a tip covered with fiber with hydrophilic properties to allow absorption of said specimens, wherein said fiber covers said tip in the form of a layer deposited by flocking.

Abstract: A ready-to-use electroporation cuvette is provided that includes a cuvette, first and second electrodes positioned within the cuvette and electroporation competent cells frozen in a suspension solution within the cuvette, wherein the electroporation cuvette is configured to permit electroporation of the cells when the cells are thawed. The electroporation cuvette may be sealed with a cap that may be color coded to aid the user.

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 cassette and transporter with heat transfer surfaces arranged to transfer heat between a cooling source in said transporter and the heat transfer surfaces of the cassette.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes holder devices, testing kits that include the holder devices, and methods for using the holder devices to allow a user to dispense an aqueous test sample from a sampling device onto a culture plate device having a cover sheet, whereby the cover sheet is supported in an open position by the holder while the user dispenses the aqueous test sample onto a base member of the culture plate device.

Abstract: The straw comprises a tube (41) and a plug (42) consisting of a one-piece cylinder of microporous material, permeable to gases and liquid tight. The microporous material is a sintered self-sealing microporous material with at least a solid portion (42) having a diameter matching the inner diameter of said tube (41), said solid portion being in direct contact with said tube (41), said plug having in the tube a permeability to gases when it is dry such that if one end of the tube is placed in communication with a pressure source 150 mbar above atmospheric pressure and the other end of the tube is opened to atmospheric pressure, the air flow per unit area through the plug is in the range of 7.5 to 40 ml/min.mm2.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention include compositions, materials and methods for maintaining and propagating mammalian mesenchymal stem cells in an undifferentiated state in the absence of feeder cells and applications of the same.

Abstract: A continuous temperature-gradient incubation apparatus designed to solve the problem of moving of liquid vapor generated on the high-temperature side toward the low-temperature side to thereby cause condensation.

Abstract: A system for mixing a bioprocessing fluid includes a container receiving the bioprocessing fluid and a support member supporting the container in an interior of a housing. A first channel is bounded by a first stationary arm and a second stationary arm with the first channel receiving the container. A first mixing arm and a second mixing arm are located in the interior. The first mixing arm is connected to the second mixing arm by a connecting member. The first mixing arm is located in the first channel and the second mixing arm is located in a second channel. The connecting member is movable to cause the first mixing arm to contact a first outer surface of the container to cause mixing of the bioprocessing fluid.

Abstract: A device that includes a scaffold composition and a bioactive composition with the bioactive composition being incorporated into or coated onto the scaffold composition such that the scaffold composition and/or a bioactive composition controls egress of a resident cell or progeny thereof. The devices mediate active recruitment, modification, and release of host cells from the material.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for controlling the proliferation and differentiation of cord blood-derived hematopoietic stem cells with excellent safety when proliferating them by culturing. The hematopoietic stem cells are inoculated into a medium containing a sonicated liquid component of cord blood. The proliferation and differentiation of the cord blood hematopoietic stem cells can be inhibited in the presence of the sonicated liquid component of cord blood. On the contrary, the proliferation of cord blood hematopoietic stem cells can be accelerated by inoculating the hematopoietic stem cells into a medium containing a non-sonicated liquid component of cord blood. Thus, according to the present invention, by using serum derived from cord blood, it is possible to regulate the inhibition of the proliferation and differentiation of cord blood hematopoietic stem cells and the acceleration of the proliferation of the same as desired.

Abstract: An apparatus and processes for aseptically dispensing live mammalian cells into sterile, flexible bags in a non-sterile atmosphere. The method includes the steps of: providing the cells suspended in a liquid; providing a plurality of sterile flexible bags fluidly connected to a main line by a plurality of branch lines of sterile flexible tubing; evacuating air from the flexible bags by applying a vacuum to the open end of the main line; preventing fluid flow through all branch lines except that of one bag to be filled; dispensing a desired volume of cell suspension into the open end of the main line; and introducing sufficient sterile purging gas under pressure into open end of the main line to drive into the bag any of the dispensed volume remaining in the main line or branch line of filled bag. Cells can be cryogenically preserved in the filled bags.

Abstract: Hydrophobic polymer surfaces whose level of protein binding is less than about 50-80 ng/cm2 are achieved by: (1) applying a coating solution composed of a solvent and a non-ionic surfactant having a HLB number of less than 5 to the surface; and (2) drying the surface to remove the solvent and thereby bring the surfactant into direct contact with the hydrophobic polymer. The combination of a low HLB number and the drying step have been found to produce low binding surfaces which can withstand multiple washes with water and/or protein-containing solutions Alternatively, the low binding surfaces can be produced by applying the non-ionic surfactant to the mold surfaces which contact molten polymer and form the polymer into a desired shape, e.g., into a multi-well plate, a pipette tip, or the like. Further, the low binding surfaces may be produced by incorporating non-soluble, non-ionic surfactants having an HLB number of less than or equal to 10 into a polymer blend prior to molding the article.

Abstract: A kit (1) for storing cells or tissues. The kit (1) comprises a frame (7) having an opening therein and a peripheral wall surrounding the opening. Also provided is a sealable receptacle (2) for receiving the frame (7) and for receiving a liquid medium (6). A section of the sealable receptacle (2) being formed of a resilient member (5) for permitting access to the interior of the receptacle (5) by a penetrating element and subsequently forming a seal after withdrawal of the penetrating element.

Abstract: A donated blood collection kit includes an easy-to-open closed container. Stored within the container are items necessary or useful for collecting donated blood, such as an antiseptic scrub, an antiseptic swab, test tubes, a blood collection container, a gauze pad and a sheet of pre-printed adhesive barcode labels. Each kit is assigned a unique identification when the kit is manufactured. The identification may eventually be used as the unique donor identification for a unit of donated blood that is collected using the items in the kit. The container is pre-labeled with the unique identification, such as by a barcode or an RF-ID tag. The test tubes and, if included, the blood collection container are pre-labeled with the same unique donor identification.

Abstract: A cryopreservation device for storing reproductive biological material is provided. The device comprises an elongate first member includes an elongate first member extending between a distal end and a proximal end, a first bulge portion disposed around a circumference of the first member, and a trough defined within the first member, the trough being configured to receive a reproductive biological sample thereon. A second member includes a second member with a lumen defined therethrough. The second member is configured to slide over the first member and the inner diameter of the second member is similar to an outer diameter of the bulge portion to form a seal between the first and second members.

Abstract: Manufacturing method of cell cryopreservation tube comprises the steps of providing a metal tubule having an inside wall and an outside wall. Smoothing the inside wall of the metal tubule thereby forming a smooth surface on the inside wall, and the roughness of the smooth surface is named the first roughness. Roughening the outside wall of the metal tubule thereby forming a rough surface on the outside wall, and the roughness of the rough surface is called the second roughness. The magnitude of the second roughness is greater than the first roughness.

Abstract: A robotic microfluidic incubator system has a thin transparent sidewall and close proximity of the embryo/oocyte/cultured cells to the sidewall allow close approach of a side view microscope with adequate focal length for mid to high power. This arrangement permits microscopic examination of multiple culture wells when arranged in rows (linear or along the circumference of a carousel). Manual or automated side to side movement of the linear well row, or rotation of the carousel, allows rapid inspection of the contents each well. Automated systems with video capability also allow remote inspection of wells by video connection or Internet connection, and automated video systems can record oft-hours inspections or time lapse development in culture (i.e. embryo cell division progression, or axon growth in neuron cell cultures).

Abstract: An apparatus for vitrifying a biological specimen includes a cap member, a tubular plunger, and a specimen chamber. The cap member includes a stem portion integrally formed with a receiving portion. The receiving portion has a disc-like shape and includes an outer surface. The outer surface includes a first skirt member comprised of a heat-sealable material. The first skirt member is attached along a circumferential portion of the outer surface. The specimen chamber has an open first end portion, a closed second end portion, and a cavity extending between the first and second end portions. The cavity is defined by oppositely disposed inner and outer surfaces. The specimen chamber further includes a second skirt member comprised of heat-sealable material. The second skirt member is attached along a circumferential portion of the outer surface.

Abstract: Disclosed is a multi-compartment medical device useful in the storage, processing and extended shelf life of perishable products, especially pharmaceutical, food and biological products. Particular biological materials processed according to the present methods are human blood and blood products (RBCs). Also disclosed are processes for preserving food, pharmaceutical and biological products for long-term storage and extended shelf life employing a process that reduces the hydration level of the material to less than native hydration levels of the specific product. The invention further provides stabilized biological products, such as in the form of glassified beads, prepared using a two-phase system according to the described processes that may be rehydrated and prepared for clinical use, and having essentially no loss of biological and/or pharmacological activity.

Abstract: Biological cells in a liquid suspension are counted in an automated cell counter that focuses an image of the suspension on a digital imaging sensor that contains at least 4,000,000 pixels each having an area of 2×2 ?m or less and that images a field of view of at least 3 mm2. The sensor enables the counter to compress the optical components into an optical path of less than 20 cm in height when arranged vertically with no changes in direction of the optical path as a whole, and the entire instrument has a footprint of less than 300 cm2. Activation of the light source, automated focusing of the sensor image, and digital cell counting are all initiated by the simple insertion of the sample holder into the instrument. The suspension is placed in a sample chamber in the form of a slide that is shaped to ensure proper orientation of the slide in the cell counter.

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: An automated system and method of cryopreservation and reanimation of oocytes, embryos, or blastocysts is disclosed. One or more oocytes or embryos are positioned in a processing container, the processing container being configured to allow fluid to flow into and out of the processing container, where two or more fluids flow into and out of the processing container with oocytes or embryos therein. The temperature of the fluid may be controlled in the processing container according to predetermined requirements. The flowing of the fluids may be controlled by a central controller adapted to control one or more valves.