Abstract: A micro flow device for separating or isolating cells from a bodily fluid or other liquid sample uses a flow path where straight-line flow is interrupted by a pattern of transverse posts. The posts are spaced across the width of an expanded collection chamber region in the flow path, extending between the upper and lower surfaces thereof; they have rectilinear surfaces, being curved in cross-sections, e.g. circular or tear-drop shaped, and are randomly arranged so as to disrupt streamlined flow. The device is oriented so that its lower surface is aligned at about 45° to the horizontal. Sequestering agents, such as Abs, which are attached to surfaces of the collection region via a hydrophilic coating, preferably a permeable hydrogel containing isocyanate moieties, are highly effective in capturing cells or other targeted biomolecules while the remainder of the liquid sample exits horizontally.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides pathogen inactivating formulations, and methods of use thereof in collecting, transporting and storing biological samples, as well as preventing degradation of and purifying nucleic acids. The disclosure further provides methods of preparing compositions comprising the pathogen inactivating formulation and a biological sample.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device for isolating target biomolecules or cells from samples, particularly biological samples. In particular, the device comprises a loading mixture, which contains the biological sample and a first binding entity that specifically binds to the target biomolecule or target cell; and a micro-channel coated with a second binding entity that binds directly or indirectly to the first binding entity. Methods of capturing, detecting, and/or evaluating target biomolecules or target cells (e.g. cancer cells) in biological samples are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for detecting the presence or absence of a nucleic acid variant in a target region. These methods include amplifying the target region with a forward primer and a reverse primer in the presence of a selector blocker. The selector blocker includes a sequence complementary to the target region in the absence of the nucleic acid variant. The methods further include detecting amplification of the target region where amplification of the target region indicates the presence of the nucleic acid variant in the target region. The nucleic acid variant can include deletions, mutations or insertions.

Abstract: A delivery device includes a housing, an insertion member, a transfer member, and an actuator. The insertion member includes a distal end portion configured to be removably coupled to an implant. At least a portion of the insertion member is movably disposed within a passageway defined by the housing. The transfer member includes a coupling portion configured to be coupled to the insertion member to transfer a force from the actuator to the insertion member such that the insertion member is moved relative to the housing. The coupling portion of the transfer member is configured to move relative to the insertion member when the force exerted by the actuator exceeds a threshold value.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device for isolating target biomolecules or cells from samples, particularly biological samples. In particular, the device comprises a loading mixture, which contains the biological sample and a first binding entity that specifically binds to the target biomolecule or target cell; and a micro-channel coated with a second binding entity that binds directly or indirectly to the first binding entity. Methods of capturing, detecting, and/or evaluating target biomolecules or target cells (e.g. cancer cells) in biological samples are also disclosed.

Abstract: A micro flow device (11, 71) for separating or isolating cells from a bodily fluid or other liquid sample uses a flow path where straight-line flow is interrupted by a pattern of transverse posts (23, 81). The posts are spaced across the width of an expanded collection chamber region (17, 75) in the flow path, extending between the upper and lower surfaces thereof; they have rectilinear surfaces, being curved in cross-sections, e.g. circular or tear-drop shaped, and are randomly arranged so as to disrupt streamlined flow. The device is oriented so that its lower surface is aligned at about 45° to the horizontal. Sequestering agents, such as Abs, which are attached to surfaces of the collection region via a hydrophilic coating, preferably a permeable hydrogel containing isocyanate moieties, are highly effective in capturing cells or other targeted biomolecules while the remainder of the liquid sample exits horizontally.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for detecting the presence or absence of a nucleic acid variant in a target region. These methods include amplifying the target region with a forward primer and a reverse primer in the presence of a selector blocker. The selector blocker includes a sequence complementary to the target region in the absence of the nucleic acid variant. The methods further include detecting amplification of the target region where amplification of the target region indicates the presence of the nucleic acid variant in the target region. The nucleic acid variant can include deletions, mutations or insertions.

Abstract: An apparatus is described that includes a vacuum line and a head coupled to a first end portion of the vacuum line. The vacuum line defines a fluid passageway. The head is configured to be removably coupled to a first portion of a reusable device. The head includes a contact portion configured to contact a surface associated with a target location. The contact portion is configured to circumscribe an opening to a bodily cavity associated with the target location. The head defines a volume through which a vacuum is conveyed to the surface associated with the target location. The volume is in fluid communication with the fluid passageway of the vacuum line.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device for isolating target biomolecules or cells from samples, particularly biological samples. In particular, the device comprises a loading mixture, which contains the biological sample and a first binding entity that specifically binds to the target biomolecule or target cell; and a micro-channel coated with a second binding entity that binds directly or indirectly to the first binding entity. Methods of capturing, detecting, and/or evaluating target biomolecules or target cells (e.g. cancer cells) in biological samples are also disclosed.

Abstract: In some embodiments, an implant delivery device can include a housing defining a housing passageway. A distal end of the housing can flexibly couple to a head that can define a head passageway. Collectively, the housing passageway and the head passageway can define an insertion passageway such that, at least a portion of the insertion passageway is nonlinear. The implant delivery device can include at least one insertion member having a distal end configured to be removably coupled to an implant. The insertion member can be disposed within the housing such that, at least a portion of a proximal end of the insertion member is housed within the housing. The insertion member can be configured to bend, pivot, and/or rotate and move within a portion of the insertion passageway to convey the implant to a target tissue.

Abstract: The present invention provides reagents containing binding moieties conjugated to dextran moieties, methods of making such reagents, and use of such reagents in a variety of molecular and cellular assays.

Abstract: A device includes an insertion member having a distal end portion configured to be removably engaged with an implant, and a sheath having an exit portion and defining a lumen. The exit portion of the sheath includes a set of dilation members configured to be moved from a first configuration to a second configuration. The set of dilation members forms a dilation surface when the set of dilation members is in the first configuration and defines an opening when the set of dilation members is in the second configuration. The sheath includes a hinge configured to facilitate movement of the set of dilation members between the first configuration and the second configuration. The distal end portion of the insertion member configured to move within the lumen to convey the implant from within the lumen via the opening when the set of dilation members is in the second configuration.

Abstract: A micro flow device (11, 71) for separating or isolating cells from a bodily fluid or other liquid sample uses a flow path where straight-line flow is interrupted by a pattern of transverse posts (23, 81). The posts are spaced across the width of an expanded collection chamber region (17, 75) in the flow path, extending between the upper and lower surfaces thereof; they have rectilinear surfaces, being curved in cross-sections, e.g. circular or tear-drop shaped, and are randomly arranged so as to disrupt streamlined flow. The device is oriented so that its lower surface is aligned at about 45° to the horizontal. Sequestering agents, such as Abs, which are attached to surfaces of the collection region via a hydrophilic coating, preferably a permeable hydrogel containing isocyanate moieties, are highly effective in capturing cells or other targeted biomolecules while the remainder of the liquid sample exits horizontally.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device for isolating target biomolecules or cells from samples, particularly biological samples. In particular, the device comprises a loading mixture, which contains the biological sample and a first binding entity that specifically binds to the target biomolecule or target cell; and a micro-channel coated with a second binding entity that binds directly or indirectly to the first binding entity. Methods of capturing, detecting, and/or evaluating target biomolecules or target cells (e.g. cancer cells) in biological samples are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for preventing clumping of cells in microfluidic devices by addition of diazolidinyl urea (DU). DU can be added to samples at the time of collection or can be added to samples post-collection. DU can also be pre-added to sample collection devices.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device for isolating target biomolecules or cells from samples, particularly biological samples. In particular, the device comprises a loading mixture, which contains the biological sample and a first binding entity that specifically binds to the target biomolecule or target cell; and a micro-channel coated with a second binding entity that binds directly or indirectly to the first binding entity. Methods of capturing, detecting, and/or evaluating target biomolecules or target cells (e.g. cancer cells) in biological samples are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for detecting the presence or absence of a nucleic acid variant in a target region. These methods include amplifying the target region with a forward primer and a reverse primer in the presence of a selector blocker. The selector blocker includes a sequence complementary to the target region in the absence of the nucleic acid variant. The methods further include detecting amplification of the target region where amplification of the target region indicates the presence of the nucleic acid variant in the target region. The nucleic acid variant can include deletions, mutations or insertions.

Abstract: In some embodiments, an implant delivery device can include a housing defining a housing passageway. A distal end of the housing can flexibly couple to a head that can define a head passageway. Collectively, the housing passageway and the head passageway can define an insertion passageway such that, at least a portion of the insertion passageway is nonlinear. The implant delivery device can include at least one insertion member having a distal end configured to be removably coupled to an implant. The insertion member can be disposed within the housing such that, at least a portion of a proximal end of the insertion member is housed within the housing. The insertion member can be configured to bend, pivot, and/or rotate and move within a portion of the insertion passageway to convey the implant to a target tissue.

Abstract: A micro flow device (11, 71) for separating or isolating cells from a bodily fluid or other liquid sample uses a flow path where straight-line flow is interrupted by a pattern of transverse posts (23, 81). The posts are spaced across the width of an expanded collection chamber region (17, 75) in the flow path, extending between the upper and lower surfaces thereof; they have rectilinear surfaces, being curved in cross-sections, e.g. circular or tear-drop shaped, and are randomly arranged so as to disrupt streamlined flow. The device is oriented so that its lower surface is aligned at about 45° to the horizontal. Sequestering agents, such as Abs, which are attached to surfaces of the collection region via a hydrophilic coating, preferably a permeable hydrogel containing isocyanate moieties, are highly effective in capturing cells or other targeted biomolecules while the remainder of the liquid sample exits horizontally.