Abstract: The technology disclosed herein relates to an imaging device. In some embodiments the imaging device has a support plate defining an object plane. A housing surrounds the object plane across the support plate. A first reflector plane is within the housing and in reflective communication with the object plane. The first reflector plane is 68.0° to 70.0° from the object plane. A second reflector plane within the housing and in reflective communication with the object plane. The second reflector plane is 68.0° to 70.0° from the object plane. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a device that includes a base comprising a substrate having a first major surface, a pressure sensitive adhesive adhered to at least a portion of the first major surface, a polymeric cover film coupled to the substrate via the adhesive, a plurality of isolated closed compartments disposed between the substrate and the cover film, and an aqueous liquid disposed in two or more of the closed compartments. The cover film is a composite film comprising ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer, a linear copolymer of ethylene and a higher alkene, and a tackifier. Each compartment of the plurality is defined by a seal that prevents liquid communication with at least one other compartment of the plurality. Methods of using the device for partitioning a sample, for analyzing a sample, and for culturing a microorganism are also provided.

Abstract: A device for growing microorganisms. The device can include a self-supporting, water-proof substrate having an inner-facing surface and an outer-facing surface; a cover sheet having an inner-facing surface and an outer-facing surface, the cover sheet adhered to at least a portion of the substrate; a microstructured surface on the inner-facing surface of the coversheet, wherein the microstructured surface comprises a plurality of microstructures; a substantially dry, gelling agent and a substantially dry, microbial growth nutrient composition disposed on the microstructured surface of the microstructured film or on a portion of the inner-facing surface of the substrate.

Abstract: A culture system for culturing a microaerophilic or an anaerobic microorganism is provided. The culture system can include effective amounts of i) an enzyme of an oxidoreductase family and ii) a substrate for said enzyme, a container, and a predetermined volume of aqueous medium that supports growth of said anaerobic or microaerophilic microorganism. The enzyme can be selected from a group consisting of ascorbic acid oxidase and laccase. The effective amounts are effective to deplete dissolved oxygen in the predetermined volume to a concentration that facilitates growth of a microaerophilic microorganism or an obligately-anaerobic microorganism. A method of using the system is also provided.