Abstract: Disclosed are compositions for isolating populations of nucleic acids from biological, forensic, and environmental samples. Also disclosed are methods for using these compositions as one-step formulations for killing pathogens, inactivating nucleases, and releasing polynucleotides from other cellular components within the sample, and stabilizing the nucleic acids prior to further processing or assay. The disclosed compositions safely facilitate rapid sample collection, and provide extended storage and transport of the samples at ambient or elevated temperature without contamination of the sample or degradation of the nucleic acids contained therein. This process particularly facilitates the collection of specimens from remote locations, and under conditions previously considered hostile for preserving the integrity of nucleic acids released from lysed biological samples without the need of refrigeration or freezing prior to molecular analysis.

Abstract: In a microorganism capturing device as a filter separation apparatus, a first contact chamber and a second contact chamber in each of which an object to be treated is contacted with a treatment agent are disposed apart from each other by a hydrophilic filter. The second contact chamber and a filtrate outlet are separated from each other by a hydrophobic filter. The microorganism capturing device is adapted to efficiently contact the object to be treated with the treatment agent, even if the object to be treated enters into the hydrophilic filter.

Abstract: Disclosed are articles, compositions and methods for detecting analytes. The disclosed articled, compositions and methods increase the ease of detection and quantitation of the target analyte.

Abstract: A bindable target such as a bacterial cell, virus, or molecule is captured from a liquid by contacting the liquid with magnetically attractable particles have an affinity for the target, and causing said particles to move repeatedly through said liquid to at least one solid support zone by attractive magnetic forces to capture the target onto said particles. The particles may be ferromagnetic, paramagnetic or superparamagnetic particles and may bear antibody, antibody binding fragments, a substance having an epitope capable of reacting in a specific manner with an antibody, an aptamer, a nucleic acid sequence or a nucleic acid analogue sequence, biotin, avidin or streptavidin.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (100) for separating adult stem cells from adipose tissue taken from a biological structure. The device (100) has a container (110) for receiving a material mixture with the adipose tissue and the adult stem cells. Furthermore, the device (100) has a rinse agent feed device (120), a mixture feed device (130), a stem cell extraction device (140), a rinse agent drainage device (150), and a selectively permeable membrane (161-165). The container (110) has at least two chambers (171-174) which are separated from one another by at least one membrane (161-165). The mixture feed device (130) and the stem extraction device (140) are also separated by the at least one membrane (161-165).

Abstract: Apparatuses for preparing a sample are disclosed herein. The apparatuses include a chamber, a first valve at least partially disposed in the first chamber, a second valve at least partially disposed in the first chamber, and a pump comprising an actuator and nozzle.

Abstract: An in vitro diagnostics analyzer and assay cartridge for carrying out biochemical assays is disclosed. The analyzer includes a tilted clamp assembly for holding an assay cartridge, upper and lower motor assemblies for manipulating the assay cartridge, and an optical reader. The cartridge includes an injection port for receiving a biological sample, a central channel through which the sample passes, one or more processing chambers, one or more reagent containers, a detection chamber, and optionally a waste chamber. The analyzer and cartridge may be used for detection of a variety of analytes, including pathogens for medical diagnostics.

Abstract: The present invention relates to solid supports that are used for the storage and further processing of biological materials. The invention is particularly concerned with solid supports which have at least one surface coated with a chemical mixture that enhances the recovery of the biological material from the support. Methods of preparing and using the solid supports are also described.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of forming sections for inspection in an electron microscope and a fluorescent light microscope. Conventionally these sections are made by for example the Tokuyama method, which involves freeze substitution and fixing at cryogenic temperatures. A problem is the time that it takes to come from a sample to sections, as the diffusion speed of the chemicals (organic solvents and fixatives) is extremely low. The invention comprises the sectioning of the sample at cryogenic temperature and fixing afterwards. As the sections are much thinner (e.g. 100 nm or less) than the sample (often >1 ?m), the total time it takes to come from a sample to a section ready for inspection is less than 8 hours. This makes it possible to achieve results relevant for health care within one workday.

Abstract: An apparatus for reducing resources for selecting seed to be produced in commercial quantities or for research is disclosed. Samples of seed which are candidates for selection are collected and given an identifier. Specific tissue or structure from candidate seed is removed. A test or analysis is performed on the candidate seed or the removed tissue or structure. Results of the test or analysis are recorded and correlated to the seed's identifier. The results are evaluated and a decision is made whether to select a candidate seed for commercial production or for research. Time, space, and labor associated with growing plants in an experimental plot or greenhouse and taking tissue samples from growing plants is saved.

Abstract: The present invention relates to fluidic devices for preparing, processing, storing, preserving, and/or analyzing samples. In particular, the devices and related systems and methods allow for preparing and/or analyzing samples (e.g., biospecimen samples) by using one or more of capture regions and/or automated analysis.

Abstract: A sample feeding apparatus includes a first cylinder, a second cylinder, and a sealing section. The first cylinder is configured to be mounted with a sample tube. The second cylinder is configured to move the first cylinder between a first position and a second position, the first position being for mounting of the sample tube, the second position being for feeding of a sample in the sample tube. The sealing section is configured to cover the sample tube, the sample tube being mounted to the first cylinder being at the second position, the first cylinder applying pressure to an inner space of the sealing section at the second position.

Abstract: A device for extraction or isolation of an analyte, such as a nucleic acid, a protein, or a cell, from a sample, and in particular from a biological sample, is described. Methods of using the device are also described. Further processes, such as amplification of the isolated analyte, may also be carried out within the device.

Abstract: A device and method for use in taking a sample from an item of medical equipment for the purpose of microbiological testing. The device includes attachment mechanism for attaching about a region of the item of medical equipment in an air-tight manner; and collection mechanism for collecting fluid which emanates from the item of medical equipment.

Abstract: Systems and methods for isolating samples are provided. The system comprises a first membrane and a second membrane disposed within an enclosure. First and second reservoirs can also be disposed within the enclosure and adapted to contain one or more reagents therein. A first valve can be disposed within the enclosure and in fluid communication with the first reservoir, the second reservoir, or both. The first valve can also be in fluid communication with the first or second membranes or both. The first valve can be adapted to selectively regulate the flow of the reagents from the first reservoir, through at least one of the first and second membranes, and into the second reservoir.

Abstract: A system and method for eluting a sample from a swab are presented. The system includes a chamber dimensioned to receive at least a portion of the length of at least one swab, a fluidic channel connected to the chamber, and an actuator. The chamber has at least one wall being a flexible film. The fluidic channel is configured to at least one of introduce and expel liquids from the chamber. The actuator is configured to contact an outer surface of the flexible film such that movement of the actuator against the outer surface of the flexible film causes a respective movement of the at least one swab when the at least one swab is disposed next to an inner surface of the flexible film. The respective movement of the at least one swab elutes the sample from the at least one swab into the chamber.

Abstract: An air sampler device has a top plate and a bottom plate, and receives a Petri dish between the top plate and the bottom plate. The top plate includes 283 substantially small holes. The bottom plate has a deepened center well formed in the top surface. Elongated slots are formed in the top surface which extend out from the well. The slots have distal ends which extend beyond the Petri dish. Air is drawn into the sampler by a vacuum tube through an air port which communicates with the center well. Air is pulled into the 283 holes in the top plate and strikes the capture material in the Petri dish. The air then travels up over the sides of the dish, into the distal ends, through the slots, and into the center well, where it exits out of the vacuum air port.

Abstract: A cell collecting device is configured to collect target cells from a fluid sample such as blood or physiological fluid. The cell collecting device includes a first filter having a plurality of first pores formed into a size that enables target cells contained in a fluid sample to pass through the first pores, and a second filter having a plurality of second pores formed into a size that enables the target cells contained to pass through the second pores. The second filter is arranged below the first filter in such a position as to filter the target cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for partitioning a sampling region on a solid surface and a method for collecting a microbial sample from a solid surface, in which an optimal sampling region is partitioned on a solid surface using a light source without bringing the solid surface into direct contact with a ruler or a partitioning tool. With the apparatus and method, a solid surface can be prevented from being contaminated during partitioning process, accuracy of sampling operation can be increased, partitioning operation can be continuously performed in a simple manner, and cost of sampling operation can be reduced.

Abstract: This invention relates to a device and method for engineering microchannel geometries to take advantage of surface tension to guide fluid location. This technology may be used to construct compartmentalized systems of various materials that are added in liquid state, and may be used in a liquid state, or may be solidified, gelled, cross-linked, polymerized, or alternatively may be accumulated through gravity (e.g. cell settling), or centrifugation.

Abstract: The invention provides a device for preparing a fluid sample, including but not limited to a sample comprising genomic DNA.

Abstract: A sample handling method may include drawing an encapsulating liquid from an encapsulating-liquid input; discharging the drawn encapsulating liquid (a) onto a free surface of a carrier liquid in a carrier-liquid conduit comprising a stabilisation feature and (b) proximate to the stabilisation feature, the encapsulating liquid being immiscible with the carrier liquid, so that the discharged encapsulating liquid does not mix with the carrier liquid, floats on top of the carrier liquid, and is immobilised by the stabilisation feature; drawing a sample liquid from a sample-liquid input; and discharging the drawn sample liquid, the sample liquid being immiscible with the encapsulating liquid and with the carrier liquid, so that the sample liquid does not mix with the encapsulating liquid or with the carrier liquid.

Abstract: A system and method for preparing samples to test an environmental surface for an analyte of interest. The system can include a deformable self-supporting receptacle comprising a reservoir, and a loaded substrate positioned in the reservoir of the deformable self-supporting receptacle. The loaded substrate can include a substrate and a source collected from the surface. The method can include combining the loaded substrate and a diluent in the reservoir, and agitating the loaded substrate and the diluent to form a liquid composition comprising the source and the diluent.

Abstract: The device has a fluid inlet; a filtering compartment, connected to the fluid inlet and accommodating a filtering matrix in presence of adsorption agents; a fluidic circuit connected downstream of the filtering compartment and including a discharge circuit and a loading circuit; a discharge chamber, connected downstream of the discharge circuit; a preparation outlet, connected downstream of the loading circuit; and suction pumps, connected to the fluidic circuit and configured so as to fluidically connect the filtering compartment alternatively to the discharge circuit or to the loading circuit.

Abstract: The methods described herein enable the evaluation of compounds on subjects to assess their therapeutic efficacy or toxic effects. The target of analysis is the underlying biochemical process or processes (i.e., metabolic process) thought to be involved in disease pathogenesis. Molecular flux rates within the one or more biochemical processes serve as biomarkers and are quantitated and compared with the molecular flux rates (i.e., biomarker) from control subjects (i.e., subjects not exposed to the compounds). Any change in the biomarker in the subject relative to the biomarker in the control subject provides the necessary information to evaluate therapeutic efficacy of an administered drug or a toxic effect and to develop the compound further if desired. In one aspect of the invention, stable isotope-labeled substrate molecules are administered to a subject and the label is incorporated into targeted molecules in a manner that reveals molecular flux rates through one or more metabolic pathways of interest.

Abstract: The present invention relates to adapters for microplates. The adapters allow sampling from a liquid growth medium in a microplate well after a microorganism has formed a dense layer of biomass on the surface of the growth medium.

Abstract: A process for capturing or concentrating microorganisms for detection or assay comprises (a) providing a concentration device comprising (1) a porous fibrous nonwoven matrix and (2) a plurality of particles of at least one concentration agent that comprises a metal silicate, the particles being enmeshed in the porous fibrous nonwoven matrix; (b) providing a sample comprising at least one target cellular analyte; (c) contacting the concentration device with the sample such that at least a portion of the at least one target cellular analyte is bound to or captured by the concentration device; and (d) detecting the presence of at least one bound target cellular analyte.

Abstract: A process for capturing or concentrating microorganisms for detection or assay comprises (a) providing a concentration device comprising (1) a porous fibrous nonwoven matrix and (2) a plurality of particles of at least one concentration agent that comprises diatomaceous earth, the particles being enmeshed in the porous fibrous nonwoven matrix; (b) providing a sample comprising at least one target cellular analyte; (c) contacting the concentration device with the sample such that at least a portion of the at least one target cellular analyte is bound to or captured by the concentration device; and (d) detecting the presence of at least one bound target cellular analyte.

Abstract: An automated system for sampling seeds generally includes an automated sampling station having a seed feeder and a seed sampler. The seed feeder is configured to deliver seeds to the seed sampler, and the seed sampler is configured to remove material from the seeds without substantially adversely affecting the germination viability of the sampled seeds. The system also includes a sample handling station configured to receive the material removed from the seeds, and a seed handling station configured to receive the sampled seeds after the material is removed from the seeds such that the relationship between the material removed from the seeds and the respective seeds can be determined.

Abstract: The present invention describes disposable inoculation tools designed to fit into an appropriately sized test tube with the lid closed. A method that reduces the overall number of steps required to complete inoculation and can reduce repetitive motion injuries that might result from repetitive inoculation is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bioreactor apparatus, and methods of use, for the isolation of rare blood cells, including hematopoietic stem cells and megakaryocytes. The apparatus includes a soft substrate and an anti-contractility agent, thereby providing a soft microenvironment to cultured cells. The apparatus of the invention is permissive for the survival of non-dividing cells while dividing cells are eliminated. This unique property allows for the simple isolation of rare blood cells without the use of costly equipment and antibodies.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is described for seeding cells on a sample or specimen. The cells may be selectively and locally seeded on an upper and lower surface of a planar sample or specimen or on either or both of an interior luminal surface and exterior surface of a hollow sample or specimen. The apparatus includes a chamber suitable for cell seeding, cell growth, and cell conditioning.

Abstract: Swabs, and materials of the present disclosure, and methods of making same, include randomly arranged sea-island bicomponent fibers.

Abstract: Disclosed is a substrate (10A) for trapping a microorganism or cell (T), characterized by comprising a base (4) and having a space (2) into which a fluid (R) containing the microorganism or cell (T) is introduced and a microtine suction hole (1) through which the space (2) communicates with the outside of the base (4). The substrate is further characterized in that the space (2) has been formed in the base (4), and at least the portion of the base (4) which forms the microfine suction hole (1) is constituted of a single member.

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 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: An aspect of the disclosure is a method and device for the detection of antibiotics in a sample. Embodiments include a microbial culture with growth indicators and sensitivity adjustment reagents. Adjustment reagents include a variety of antibiotic binders that can be added to microbial culture to reduce sensitivity to certain antibiotics. Some embodiments include multiple buffers with a variety of pKa ranges. Some embodiments also include a complete self-contained apparatus for sampling and testing.

Abstract: A devise for fecal occult blood test comprises a first and a second casings, a sampling portion extending from the first casing, a specimen processing portion, at least a testing portion and a packing cylindrical member. The packing cylindrical member is coupled between the first and second casings when unused and dismantled therefrom when used. After sampling via a specimen collecting portion of the sampling portion, the specimen collecting portion is drawn into the first casing to reduce the device size. The first and second casings are fixedly coupled together in a specimen processing position thereof to mix specimens with a liquid of the specimen processing portion into a testing liquid, and then in a specimen testing position thereof to disperse onto the testing portions for testing and directly display test results. The present invention advantages high accuracy, rather hygiene, significant size reduction, real-time testing-result display and convenient use.

Abstract: The aim of the present invention is a method of sampling all or part of a sample (11) of biological matter (7), which is crude, enriched or cultured through contact with a culture medium (8), such as agar, for example in a Petri dish, using a probe (3) equipped with a terminal end (4), said sampling method comprising the steps of cooling the terminal end (4) of the probe (3), sticking all or part of the sample (11) of biological matter (7) to be sampled through contact, or by applying a pressure exerted by the terminal end (4) onto the sample (11) of biological matter (7), and sampling of all or part of the sample (11) of biological matter (7) so as to separate the sample (11) of biological matter (7) from the culture medium (8), a method of depositing into a container (9) or onto an analysis plate (14) all or part of a sample (11) of biological matter (7) stuck onto a frosted terminal end (4) of a probe, said depositing method including a step of separating the terminal end (4) of the probe (3) from all or p

Abstract: A device and methods are provided for efficient and quick capture of target cells through a main microchannel having capture elements immobilized thereon and manipulating a velocity profile of a sample as it passes through the main microchannel. The cell capture device may have a main microchannel with a depth slightly larger than the diameter of the target cells and a plurality of side microchannels. The side microchannels may have a depth smaller than the diameter of the target cells. The device and methods may be used for early cancer detection.

Abstract: Swabs, and materials of the present disclosure, and methods of making same, include randomly arranged sea-island bicomponent fibers.

Abstract: A method for identifying the source of animal waste is provided. The method includes taking DNA samples from a known group of animals, conducting DNA analysis on the DNA samples to prepare a genetic profile for each animal from the group, preparing a database of the genetic profiles, collecting a specimen of waste from an unknown source, conducting DNA analysis on the specimen, and comparing the DNA analysis from the specimen to the database to determine the source of the waste.

Abstract: An automatic device for inoculating a sample on a substrate with a dilution mechanism formed by a head that holds a stylus in cooperation with a first dilution tank and a second dilution tank to dilute an original sample in at least one sub-sample and for inoculating the sub-sample on a substrate.

Abstract: A method for transferring a filter membrane (130) bearing a retentate to a reagent pad (310), in which the membrane is mounted in a support frame (120) having a shoulder (121) and a skirt (122) projecting from the shoulder, the pad being mounted on a cassette (300) of complementary form to said skirt, the skirt being adapted to slide sealingly on the cassette until it comes into abutment formed by the shoulder, the method comprising the steps of sealingly engaging the skirt of the membrane support frame on the cassette, establishing a pressure difference between the cassette and the membrane support frame such that the membrane adopts the shape of a dome pointing towards the pad, while maintaining the pressure difference, applying a force on the frame so as to make the skirt slide on the cassette until contact is established between the end of the dome and the pad, maintaining a force on the frame so as to move it downward until it comes into abutment formed by the shoulder while maintaining the pressure diff

Abstract: This present invention relates to an automatic fluid sample preparation module and method for use thereof, for automatically preparing a fluid sample for detecting micro-organisms and/or biological substances. The invention further relates to an automatic analysis system. The automatic fluid sample preparation module comprises:—an inlet for automatically obtaining a sample directly from a fluid or fluid stream to be analyzed; —preparation means 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 are provided such that micro-organisms and/or biological substances from one or multiple samples are accumulated in the prepared fluid sample.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods and kits for separating, accumulating, characterizing and/or identifying microorganisms known to be present or that may be present in a test sample. The method of the invention comprises optional lysing non-microorganism cells and/or particulates that may be present in a test sample, followed by a subsequent filtration step for isolation and/or accumulation of microorganisms. The kit of the present invention may comprise at least one filter membrane or an integrated filtration and sample transfer device for isolation and/or accumulation of microorganisms.

Abstract: A cap for a container is described that is configured to retain a gynecological sample collected with a sampling device. The cap includes a peripheral wall extending between a base and a flange opposite the base, and a diaphragm extending from the base of the peripheral wall. The flange projects beyond the peripheral wall and is configured to seat against a rim of the container. The diaphragm defines a first open area communicating with a second open area that is smaller than the first open area and includes a boundary spaced from the peripheral wall that is configured to detach the distally located sampler from the sampling device.

Abstract: A device for the transport of a placenta and a stand for the collection of stem cells from the placenta. The placental transport device comprising a cylindrical top portion and a cylindrical bottom portion together defining a placental storage region, with a hinge coupling the portions such that the placenta is enclosed inside the placental storage region when the cylindrical top and bottom portions are in a closed configuration. The stand comprising a base with a recess adapted to hold a placenta during stem cell collection solution loading, an upright back support, and an upper platform with a recess adapted to hold the placenta during collection of stem cells.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating components and a method of separating components using the apparatus are provided. The apparatus includes: a main chamber which contains a sample that is separated into a plurality of layers by a centrifugal force; a component separating chamber which is connected to the main chamber, and receives a specific layer including specific components among the plurality of layers; a first channel which connects the component separating chamber to the main chamber; and a first channel valve which is disposed in the first channel to control a liquid flowing through the first channel.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments provide bioaerosol detection systems and methods for detecting bioaerosols. In one embodiment, the bioaerosol detection system can include a humidifier to increase the humidity of a continuously flowing sample volume of a bioaerosol sample using a biologically compatible liquid medium, and an amplifier to deposit vapor on the bioaerosol sample for a particle size amplification process. Bioaerosol(s) can thus be detected and sampled while simultaneously maintaining their viability. The disclosed bioaerosol detection systems and the methods can provide high efficiency for sampling and detecting ultrafine bioaerosol(s) such as viruses and proteins, which can be smaller than 0.3 ?m in diameter and can be as small as 20 nm.