Abstract: A method of labelling biological molecules with 18F, via attachment of fluorine to a metal complex, where the metal complex is conjugated to the biological molecule. The invention highlights the incorporation of hydrogen bonding (H-bonding) into the metal complex scaffold, and how this can be utilised to improve the kinetics of fluoride incorporation. Also provided are pharmaceutical compositions, kits and methods of in vivo imaging.

Abstract: In one aspect the present invention relates to a system 100 for automated extraction of multi-cellular physiological parameters. The system 100 comprises a morphogenesis module 160 for growing a plurality of cells, a monitoring unit 110 for monitoring the plurality of cells, a controller 140 for controlling the morphogenesis module 160 and the monitoring unit 110 to grow the plurality of cells and analyse the growth of the plurality of cells in order to determine the multi-cellular physiological parameters, the controller (140) further comprising a process modelling unit (146) for determining inter-cellular interactions in response to various process conditions. The multi-cellular physiological parameters may provide an optimised protocol for growing various tissue types. A further aspect of the present invention provides a method 200 for automated extraction of multi-cellular physiological parameters.

Abstract: A biological sample holder for holding a solid phase sample, including a handle, and a seal area suitable for being received in an opening of a sample receiving chamber of a cassette, mountable to a sample analysis instrument. The holder further includes a stem connected to the seal and a sample retainer connected to the stem for retaining solids in the retainer, the sample retainer including a perforated wall region for allowing fluids to pass through the wall but preventing the solid phase sample from passing through the wall.

Abstract: The present invention relates to biomolecule stabilization to provide biomolecules, such as sensitive polymerases, in a convenient ready-to-go format. The invention provides a method and composition in which non-ionic surfactant or detergents of the polyoxyethylene cetyl ether family are used, preferably a Brij reagent or a combination of Brij reagents.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for storage and subsequent lysis of a sample in which the sample is immobilized on a solid support. The solid matrix is embedded with a low concentration of both a chaotropic salt and a surfactant which act synergistically to efficiently store and lyse a biological sample.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention relates to a method 200 for identifying one or more phenotypes from a multi-parameter data set. The method 200 comprises measuring 202 correlation between pairs of parameters within the multi-parameter data set, modifying 204 correlated parameter values within a predetermined multi-parameter data analysis set to form an analysis parameter set, and analyzing 206 the multi-parameter data set using the analysis parameter set to identify one or more phenotypes from the multi-parameter data set. Various embodiments of the present invention may, for example, be used in an automated high-content screening (HCS) apparatus 100 for biological cellular analysis.

Abstract: A fluidic device is disclosed for processing a biological sample in order to extract nucleic acids contained in said sample and for subsequently amplifying said extracted nucleic acids, said device including a processed sample storage archive area 10 comprising an absorbent solid substrate 14 treated with at least one nucleic acid stabilizing reagent or reagent mix, said substrate allowing the generally dry and stabilized storage of said extracted and/or amplified nucleic acids, for example for long term storage of biological samples recovered forensically.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of nucleic acid collection and storage, and in particular to the collection and long-term storage of nuclei. The invention provides a device and method which can be used to capture and store nuclei at ambient temperatures allowing the subsequent isolation of nucleic acids by passive washing with a wash buffer. The present invention also provides a kit including the device of the invention suitable for carrying out the method of the invention.

Abstract: A biological sample collection device 10 is disclosed including a shaped sample collecting tip 20a, said tip at least being formed from a fibrous material mixed with a liquid to form a pulp, said pulp being solidified to form the shape of the tip.

Abstract: Methods of using a biological sample collection device comprising a collection portion and a body portion, the body portion including a holding portion for holding a biological sample storage medium, and a sample transfer means, such as a cover. The collection portion can be arranged in a first position separated from the body portion for collecting a sample, and in a second position at least partly between the sample transfer means and the holding portion, with the sample transfer means being operable to push the collection portion towards a position at which the holding means is arranged to hold the biological sample storage medium, enabling a sample held in the collection portion to be transferred to the latter.

Abstract: A microfluidic device 100 is disclosed comprising a body 112 including a biological sample S and/or reagent R receiving slot 122. The sample and reagent are carried on a solid support 10. The device 100 includes two punch assemblies 130 for removing portions of the solid support 10 and delivering them, together with the sample and/or reagent(s), to a receiving chamber 126 for subsequent processing. The device can be used for various assays including those which require just the addition of water in the reaction chamber with no pre-treatment of sample prior delivery into the chamber.

Abstract: The invention relates to devices, methods and systems for collecting and solidifying waste material from bioreactor cell cultures in order to facilitate waste disposal. The invention finds particular utility in mammalian cell culture applications. A transverse wall divides the interior of a waste bag into two chambers, the first chamber containing an inlet receiving waste liquid from a bioreactor, the second chamber containing an absorbent material to solidify the liquid into a gel. The transverse wall acts to direct the flow of waste media into the second chamber where it is converted into a gel and further prevents the inlet from being blocked by any gel or particulate materials. Methods and uses regarding this invention are described.

Abstract: This invention relates to flat solid media for the storage of samples of biological materials and methods of analyzing biomolecules contained within the samples following storage. In particular, the invention relates to the storage and further analysis of biomolecules present in the biological materials, such as proteins, enzymes and nucleic acids. The invention finds particular utility in the dry, room temperature storage of biological materials.

Abstract: The present invention provides a syringe for filtering a liquid comprising: a housing with a plunger slidable therein; an inlet for taking in liquid from a liquid source into the housing; an outlet for expelling liquid from the inside of the housing; a filter; and a rotatable valve member being rotatable between a first position and a second position; wherein rotation of the valve member to the first position permits liquid that is drawn through the inlet into the housing by pulling the plunger to bypass the filter, and rotation of the valve member to the second position forces liquid that is expelled from the inside of the housing by pushing the plunger to pass through the filter and out of the outlet.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to a filtration device and method for filtering liquids. In conventional devices, a liquid is placed in a vial, and a plunger, having a filter membrane located at one end, is depressed into the vial, causing the liquid to pass through the filter membrane into the interior of the plunger, where it is stored until required for further processing. However, such plungers are typically made of a plastics material. It is undesirable to store the filtered liquid in contact with plastics for extended periods of time, as contaminants may leach from the plastics material into the sample. In embodiments of the present invention, a filtrate receptacle made from a different material to the plunger, such as a glass material, is located in the interior of the plunger and the filtered liquid collected in the filtrate receptacle after passing through the filter membrane.

Abstract: A controlled transfer biological sample material collection device is disclosed which includes a body and a sample collection member for collecting the biological sample material, the body housing a sample storage medium for generally dry storage of the biological material, the collection member being moveable from an exposed position where collection of a biological sample is possible, to a transfer position which effects transfer of at least a portion of the collected sample to said medium. The body of the device slideably supports the sample collection member, and the body or collection member includes a ramp-like projection portion operable to force the collection member into the transfer position against the medium and to effect the transfer as the collection member slides within the body.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device comprising: a housing comprising a first opening for connecting to a liquid source, a second opening for connecting with an apparatus for drawing in and expelling liquid, and a valve means comprising a filter carrier and a filter, the filter carrier supporting the filter and being movable within the housing; wherein the valve means permits liquid that is drawn into the housing from the liquid source by the apparatus to enter the apparatus by bypassing the filter but which forces liquid that is subsequently pushed from the apparatus through the second opening into the housing to be filtered through the filter.

Abstract: A method of performing data management in a high-speed data environment. The method includes collecting time-series information including multiple data types captured concurrently, and storing the collected time-series information in a process historian with organization, the organization occurring when the multiple data types are captured.