Abstract: Modular flow cells, devices with modular flow cells, and methods of sequencing using modular flow cells, as well as systems and kits including modular flow cells, are described, permitting sequencing wherein less than the full capacity for sequencing is desired.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a method suitable for analyzing the temperature control of a device which is supposed to establish a defined temperature in a micro-environment, said method comprising a first Optical Temperature Verification step which comprises a) providing one or more thermochromatic liquid crystals in a micro-environment, wherein each thermochromatic liquid crystal has a specific event temperature, b) providing one or more temperature dependent luminophores in a micro-environment, c) varying the temperature in the micro-environments and irradiating the micro-environments with light, d) recording the luminescence of the one or more temperature dependent luminophores when the event temperature of the one or more thermochromatic liquid crystals is reached in the micro-environment and wherein said method preferably comprises a second Optical Temperature Verification step, which comprises the following a) providing one or more temperature dependent luminophores that were used in the First

Abstract: A method of controlling the temperature of a liquid held within a reaction container in a chamber of a thermal cycling apparatus, the method including determining a sensed chamber temperature from a temperature sensor in the chamber, determining an air temperature using the sensed chamber temperature, determining a liquid temperature using the air temperature and selectively heating or cooling air in the chamber in accordance with the liquid temperature.

Abstract: A device for thermal cycling a plurality of samples, the device including a chamber for housing a plurality of sample containers, the chamber having a selectively openable port, wherein one or more selected sample containers can be introduced to or withdrawn from the chamber through the port during thermal cycling.

Abstract: The invention relates to continuous flow systems, in particular thermocyclers for the automated and continuous cycling of fluid between a plurality of temperature zones in the amplification of nucleic acids. The invention also relates to an improved sample port for introducing a volume of a liquid sample into a continuous flow system.

Abstract: Apparatus for controlling the temperature of a reaction mixture held within a reaction container, the apparatus including a radiation source for exposing the reaction container to radiation thereby heating the reaction mixture, a temperature sensor for sensing a temperature indicative of a reaction mixture temperature and a controller for controlling the radiation source in accordance with the reaction mixture temperature to thereby selectively heat the reaction mixture.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the amplification of DNA and apparatus for such amplification. The method comprises steps typically found in amplification methods but utilizes an optical procedure to detect denaturation of DNA or attainment of the desired denaturation temperature. The apparatus (1) comprises a temperature controllable chamber (2) including a rotor (3) for holding a plurality of reaction vessels (see 7 for example) for reaction mixtures including DNA, a drive means for the rotor, a heater (8) within the chamber for transiently supplying infrared energy to the reaction vessels, and an optical system (12-16) for determining denaturation of at least a reference DNA or for detecting attainment of a desired denaturation temperature in at least a reference reaction vessel.

Abstract: A method for separating carriers from a solution, the carriers being adapted to have biomolecules, such as DNA, RNA, proteins, polypeptides or carbohydrates attached thereto. The method includes the steps of introducing a tubular member (13) into a receptacle which holds a solution containing the carriers immersing an end portion of the tubular member in the solution attracting and holding the carriers to the end portion and removing the tubular member together with the held carriers from the solution. The attracting and holding step includes the step of providing an under-pressure within the tubular member so as to attract and hold the carriers to a filter (25) being disposed in the end portion of the tubular member. The invention also relates to an apparatus (10) performing such a method.

Abstract: A device (10) is described for automatically separating solid and liquid phases of a suspension (78) and for purifying magnetic microparticles (76) loaded with organic, e.g., biological or biochemical substances. The device includes a process area (12) with devices, which move in a cyclic manner for transporting the magnetic microparticles (76) in the x-direction. A first guide (14) is used for supplying sample containers (P) in the x-direction and second guides (18) are used for supplying reagent containers (R) in the y-direction to the process area (12). The second guides (18) in the y-direction extend at an angle (?) of 30 to 150 ° to the x-direction. A carrier element (24), including carrier plates (24a, 24b, 24c) can be moved back and forth in the x-direction and can be lifted and lowered in the z-direction.

Abstract: A microtitre plate with wells having transparent bottoms, wherein the microtitre plate includes at least one physical deformation between at least two adjacent wells. The physical deformations may have the shape of e.g. a channel, a ridge, a hole, a slit or a step.

Abstract: A device (10) for automatically separating the solid and liquid phase of a suspension (78) and for purifying magnetic microparticles (76) loaded with organic, in particular molecular biological or biochemical substances, comprises a process area (12) with devices, which move in a cyclic manner for transporting the magnetic microparticles (76) in the x-direction. A first guide (14) is used for supplying sample containers (P) in the x-direction and second guides (18) are use for supplying reagent containers (R) in the y-direction to the process area (12). The second guides (18) in the y-direction extend at an angle (?) of 30 to 150° to the x-direction. A carrier element (24), which can be moved back and forth in the x-direction, comprises carrier plates (24a, 24b, 24c) which can be lifted and lowered in the z-direction, individually and together, for magnetic or magnetisable transfer elements (28) arranged in a matrix shape.