Abstract: Provided are systems and methods for line volume calibration, and measurement of fluid samples delivered to an interrogation point. In various embodiments, a known fluid volume comprising a sample line fluid and a secondary fluid is delivered to a fluid boundary sensor. The fluid boundary sensor assists in determining the position of the boundaries between the various fluids, and the positions of these boundaries are used to determine the sample line fluid volume.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems for imaging and ablating a sample. An imaging/ablating device includes an optical assembly, a sample stage, and a receiver. The optical assembly enables ablation of a region of interest within the sample. The laser light propagated from the optical assembly during ablation propagates substantially in the same direction as the direction of travel of the ablation plume toward the receiver. A laser focus detection unit including at least one reference laser and photodetector generates at least one real-time detection signal indicative of one or more characteristics of the sample during ablation and/or of a distance from the objective to the sample stage or a surface of the sample. A controller coupled with the laser focus detection unit dynamically controls in real-time one or more parameters of the ablation laser and/or a position of the objective and/or a position of the receiver relative to the sample to improve MS imaging quality.

Abstract: Novel Y-STR multiplex analysis designs, primer design, allelic ladders, methods of use and kits are disclosed, including the use of primer sets designed to provide amplicons for at least 11 Y-STR loci having a base pair size of less than about 220 bp, as well as the use of primer sets designed to provide amplicons for at least 22 Y-STR loci including at least 5 rapidly mutating loci.

Abstract: The present disclosure is related generally to systems and methods for high level expression of recombinant proteins from baculovirus in insect cells. In particular, the methods and systems described herein allow for high levels of baculovirus production in insect cells and/or high levels of protein production in insect cells using a chemically-defined, yeast lysate-free insect cell medium. The disclosure also relates to compositions and kits for culturing, transfecting, and/or producing recombinant protein in insect cells.

Abstract: A lentiviral vector production system comprises (a) a lentiviral culture supplement to control cell growth, (b) a transfection reagent comprising DHDMS, DOPE, and cholesterol to increase transfection efficiency, (c) a lentiviral production enhancer comprising sodium propionate, sodium butyrate, and caffeine to boost lentiviral production, wherein the lentiviral vector production system is serum-free. A method of lentiviral vector production comprises using the lentiviral production system. Another method for lentiviral vector production comprises (a) culturing eukaryotic cells in a serum-free medium, (b) providing a lentiviral culture supplement to control cell growth, (c) transfecting the cells with a lentiviral vector using a transfection reagent comprising DHDMS, DOPE, and cholesterol to increase transfection efficiency, and (d) providing a lentiviral production using a lentiviral production enhancer comprising sodium propionate, sodium butyrate capable of boosting lentiviral production.

Abstract: A container includes a lower portion and a lid to connect with the lower portion. The lid includes a fluidic interface, a swing bar, and a counter structure disposed on an opposite side of the fluidic interface relative to the swing bar. The fluidic interface includes a first liquid port, a second liquid port, a gas port, and a seal ring disposed around the first liquid port, the second liquid port, and the gas port, the first liquid port disposed along a center axis of the container.

Abstract: A method for culturing a microbial or cellular seed culture includes positioning a first flexible bag within a chamber of a first retainer, the first retainer being secured to a mixer table. A culture is produced within a compartment of the flexible bag, the culture comprising a growth media and a microbial or cellular starter culture added thereto. The mixer table is activated so that the culture is mixed within the compartment of the first flexible bag while the microbes or cells of the culture grow, the culture having a maximum volume of less than 10 liters.

Abstract: A system includes a pipetting system including a 3-axis gantry; a sled mechanism to select a magnetic comb from a set of magnetic combs; a fluorometer; and a set of receptacles to receive welled plates. A method for purifying nucleic acids includes applying a sample to a well of a multi-well plate, selecting a magnetic comb from a set of magnetic combs disposed on a gantry system, collecting magnetic beads using the magnetic comb, collecting nucleic acid using the magnetic beads, and eluting the nucleic acid from the beads.

Abstract: A method of sequencing a polynucleotide strand can include providing the polynucleotide strand with a primer annealed thereto and a polymerase operably bound to the polynucleotide strand; successively exposing the polynucleotide strand to the flow of four different dNTPs according to a first predetermined ordering; and successively exposing the polynucleotide strand to the flow of four different dNTPs according to a second predetermined ordering, wherein the second predetermined ordering is different from the first predetermined ordering.

Abstract: In some embodiments, the disclosure relates generally to methods, as well as related systems, compositions, kits, apparatuses and computer-readable media, comprising a multiplex molecular tagging procedure that employs a plurality of tags that are appended to a plurality of polynucleotides. The tags have characteristics, including a sequence, length and/or detectable moiety, or any other characteristic, that uniquely identifies the polynucleotide molecule to which it is appended, and permits tracking individual tagged molecules in a mixture of tagged molecules. For example, the tag having a unique tag sequence, can uniquely identify an individual polynucleotide to which it is appended, and distinguish the individual polynucleotide from other tagged polynucleotides in a mixture. In some embodiments, the multiplex molecular tagging procedure can be used for generating error-corrected sequencing data and for detecting a target polynucleotide which is present at low abundance in a nucleic acid sample.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides compositions, methods, kits, systems and apparatus that are useful for nucleic acid polymerization. In particular, modified polymerases and biologically active fragment thereof are provided that allow for nucleic acid amplification. In one aspect, the disclosure relates to modified polymerases useful for nucleic acid sequencing, genotyping, copy number variation analysis, paired-end sequencing and other forms of genetic analysis. In some aspects, the disclosure relates to modified polymerases useful for the generation of nucleic acid libraries or nucleic acid templates for use in various downstream processes. In some aspects, the disclosure relates to the identification of homologous amino acid mutations that can be transferred across classes or families of polymerases to provide novel polymerases with altered catalytic properties. In some aspects, the disclosure provides modified polymerases having enhanced catalytic properties as compared to a reference polymerase.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a composition comprising a medium and a heterocyclic compound, for detecting a biomolecule in a sample. More specifically, the composition disclosed herein can be used to detect one or more biomolecules comprising one or more aromatic amino acid residues by producing an amino acid conjugate upon associating with the aromatic amino acid residue of the biomolecule. Also disclosed herein are methods of making and using the composition disclosed herein.

Abstract: The present set of embodiments relate to a system, method, and apparatus for separating cells from a suspension using a gravity driven cell separation device. The apparatus may include a chamber that is separated into a gas compartment and a liquid compartment allowing for transfer of gas through a membrane into the liquid compartment where the cell suspension flows during operation. The embodiments are designed to maximize the gravitational separation effect on the suspension while mitigating the loss of surface area through which gas transfer can occur through a membrane to provide nutrients to cells in the suspension by tilting the cell separation device on two or more axes.

Abstract: A fluid manifold system includes a first manifold having portions of opposing flexible sheets welded together to form a fluid flow path therebetween, a fluid inlet communicating with the fluid flow path. The fluid flow path of the first manifold includes: a primary flow path communicating with the fluid inlet of the first manifold; and a plurality of spaced apart secondary flow paths that branch off of the primary flow path. Each secondary flow path has a first end communicating with the primary flow path and an opposing second end, each secondary flow path having a diameter that is smaller than a diameter of the primary flow path. The fluid manifold system also includes a plurality of tubular connectors with each tubular connector being secured to the first manifold at the second end of a corresponding one of the secondary flow paths.

Abstract: Disclosed is an integrated biocontainment cell sorter that isolates portions of the cell sorter that can create contamination. Two containment systems are utilized. A main cabinet containment system contains input samples. An aerosol management containment area includes a nozzle chamber with a nozzle and a sort chamber with sort plates and collection media that collect a droplet stream from the nozzle. The main cabinet is maintained at a first low pressure and clean air is recirculated under a positive pressure. The aerosol management containment area is kept at a second low pressure, which is lower than the first pressure, so that contamination does not leak from the aerosol management containment area into the main cabinet containment area. A sliding sash window is located over an access opening in the main cabinet and can be moved to access different portions of the main cabinet without changing the substantially constant first low pressure in the main cabinet.

Abstract: Provided herein is an apparatus for gel electrophoresis comprising a cassette and a comb having at least one wedge-shaped tooth.

Abstract: The method of analyzing samples (3) in the wells (2) of a microplate (1) comprises the steps of producing electromagnetic radiation having a first predetermined wavelength or wavelength range (101), illuminating a sample (3) by said radiation by transmitting the radiation to the sample (3) from above the microplate (1) via the upper end of the well (102), transmitting light emitted by the sample (3) and having a second predetermined wavelength or wavelength range via the upper end of the well (2) to detection means (13) (103), determining intensity of light emitted by one or more predetermined measurement areas (23) of the sample (3) (104), based on the determined intensities, determining a result value representing the total amount of light emitted by the sample (3), and counting the number of spots emitting light having the second predetermined wavelength or wave-length range (106).

Abstract: Systems are provided for gel electrophoresis and electrotransfer that comprise one or more chambers that can removably and interchangeably receive either an electrophoresis cassette, or an electrotransfer cassette, and provide an electrical interface for both electrophoresis and electrotransfer of biomolecules. Electrophoresis devices including clamps and electrotransfer cassettes and related devices are provided. Methods for electrophoresis and electrotransfer using the systems and devices are also provided.

Abstract: A check valve assembly includes a first port fitting and a second port fitting with a base secured therebetween. The base has an annular sleeve encircling a seat, the seat having a central mounting hole and one or more flow channels passing therethrough. An umbrella valve includes a flexible sealing disk having an outer surface and an opposing inner surface, a mounting stem extending from the inner surface and projecting into the mounting hole of the base, the sealing disk being movable between a first position wherein at least a portion of the sealing disk sits on the seat so as to cover the one or more flow channels and a second position wherein the sealing disk is resiliently flexed so as to at least partially uncover the one or more flow channels. A retention plate is disposed between first port fitting and the seat of the base so that the retention plate sits against the outer surface of the sealing disk.