Abstract: A method of evaluating suitability of lighting conditions for detecting an analyte in a sample using a mobile device camera. A test strip is provided for detecting the analyte. A first image of the test strip is captured while an illumination source of the mobile device is turned off and a second image of the test strip is captured while the illumination source is turned on. A sample is applied to the test strip and the first and second images are compared to thereby determine the difference in lighting conditions between the first image and the second image. The comparison is used to derive information on suitability of the lighting conditions for analyte detection. The lighting conditions are indicated as suitable when a predetermined threshold amount of light intensity used for illumination of the test strip originates from the illumination source.

Abstract: Disclosed is a digital PCR chip with on-chip micro-slot array based on impedance detection and its manufacturing method. The a digital PCR chip with on-chip micro-slot array based on impedance detection includes a micro-slot array, a power management unit, a clock generation module, a digital control logic module, a driver module, an analog-to-digital converter (ADC), a backscatter module and a power-on-reset module, where the power management unit generates a standard voltage and current. The clock generation module generates clocks required for the digital module, the ADC, and an excitation for impedance test. The power-on-reset module generates a reset signal for a digital circuit, and the backscatter module completes wireless transmission of an ADC output signal to an upper computer, and the digital control logic completes sequential gating and time-division measurement of micro-slot cells.

Abstract: Techniques regarding nanofluidic chips with a plurality of inlets and/or outlets in fluid communication with one or more nanoDLD arrays are provided. For example, one or more embodiments described herein can comprise a nanoscale deterministic lateral displacement array between and in fluid communication with a global inlet and a global outlet. The nanoscale deterministic lateral displacement array can further be between and in fluid communication with a local inlet and a local outlet. Also, the nanoscale deterministic lateral displacement array can laterally displace a particle comprised within a sample fluid supplied from the global inlet to a collection region that directs the particle to the local outlet. An advantage of such an apparatus can be the expanded versatility of the nanoscale deterministic lateral displacement array for sample preparation applications involving nanoparticles not accessible to other higher throughput microscale microfluidic technologies.

Abstract: The present description relates to a sample collection device comprising a receptacle and a closure member configured to seal the receptacle. Within the closure member is provided a reservoir configured to contain a stabilization fluid capable of preserving and stabilizing a collected sample. The reservoir includes an outlet which is sealed by a sealing member. The sealing member may be openable to allow communication, or mixture, between the contents of the reservoir and the contents of the receptacle. The closure member may also include a peel foil on the end of the closure member having the outlet to ensure sterility of and to avoid tampering with the outlet and the reservoir. The method includes collecting a sample from the user using the sample collection device, mixing the sample with the stabilization fluid, and analyzing the sample thus collected.

Abstract: The invention relates to the detection of fatty acids. In a particular aspect, the invention relates to methods for detecting very long chain fatty acids and branched chain fatty acids by mass spectrometry.

Abstract: The embodiments disclose a method including making electrodes using an electrically conductive material for impedimetric detection of analytical targets in an electrochemical sensing platform device, collecting patient samples in a solution compartment of the electrochemical sensing platform device, binding primers and aptamers to electrodes for functionalizing electrodes for detecting and binding targeted viruses and bacterial pathogens, incubating oral fluid samples in the solution compartment using a heater, measuring electrode impedance changes, recording measured electrode impedance changes in a memory device, and integrating wireless technologies into the electrochemical sensing platform device configured for transmitting recorded measured data.

Abstract: A pipette tip for and method of automatically maintaining pipette tip depth in a fluid during a fluid transfer operation is disclosed. The pipette tip includes, for example, two electrodes that run substantially the full length of the pipette tip for measuring the resistance therebetween when submerged in a conductive fluid. A method is provided of automatically maintaining the depth of the pipette tip in a liquid throughout a pipetting operation, as the liquid surface rises or falls in its container, without any prior knowledge of the container geometry.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a flow cell receiver. The flow cell receiver can include at least one platen, having a plurality of ports. The flow cell receiver can include magnets. The flow cell receiver can be configured to automatically align, secure, and retain a flow cell carrier containing a flow cell.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods for sorting a cell. The system may comprise a flow channel configured to transport a cell through the channel. The system may comprise an imaging device configured to capture an image of the cell from a plurality of different angles as the cell is transported through the flow channel. The system may comprise a processor configured to analyze the image using a deep learning algorithm to enable sorting of the cell.

Abstract: Sampling devices for sampling an aqueous source (e.g., field testing of ground water) for multiple different analytes are described. Devices include a solid phase extraction component for retention of a wide variety of targeted analytes. Devices include analyte derivatization capability for improved extraction of targeted analytes. Thus, a single device can be utilized to examine a sample source for a wide variety of analytes. Devices also include an isotope dilution capability that can prevent error introduction to the sample analysis and can correct for sample loss and degradation from the point of sampling until analysis as well as correction for incomplete or poor derivatization reactions. The devices can be field-deployable and rechargeable.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are described for the use of optically driven bubble, convective and displacing fluidic flow to provide motive force in microfluidic devices. Alternative motive modalities are useful to selectively dislodge and displace micro-objects, including biological cells, from a variety of locations within the enclosure of a microfluidic device.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a nucleic acid collection column that collects a nucleic acid from a liquid sample containing the nucleic acid. The nucleic acid collection column includes a sample injection portion having an opening into which the liquid sample containing the nucleic acid is injected, a support adsorption portion that houses a support for adsorbing the nucleic acid and in which the nucleic acid is adsorbed on the support, and a discharge portion that discharges a liquid passed through the support adsorption portion. The support includes aluminum oxide having a surface where a water-soluble neutral polymer is adsorbed. A space that houses the support in the support adsorption portion has a cylindrical shape, and has a volume of 0.13 ?L or more and 13.5 ?L or less. An aspect ratio (d1/d2) of the space satisfies 1.0?d1/d2<15.0.

Abstract: A device and method for detecting the presence of bacteria in a sample are provided. A multi-step process for sample preparation is utilized and a microfluidic device is disclosed. The detection is performed using microfluidics and physical changes in multiple samples in differential mode.

Abstract: A real-time, on-line method and analytical system for determining halohydrocarbons in water which operate by (1) extracting on-line samples; (2) purging volatile halohydrocarbons from the water (e.g., with air or nitrogen); (3) carrying the purge gas containing the analytes of interest over a porous surface where the analytes are adsorbed; (4) recovering the analytes from the porous surface with heat (thermal desorption) or solvent (solvent elution) to drive the analytes into an organic chemical mixture; (5) generating an optical change (e.g., color change) in dependence upon a reaction involving the analytes and a pyridine derivative; and (6) measuring optical characteristics associated with the reaction to quantify the volatile halogenated hydrocarbon concentration.

Abstract: The invention relates to strong hydrogen-bond acidic sorbents. The sorbents may be provided in a form that limits or eliminates intramolecular bonding of the hydrogen-bond acidic site between neighboring sorbent molecules, for example, by providing steric groups adjacent to the hydrogen-bond acidic site. The hydrogen bond site may be a phenolic structure based on a bisphenol architecture. The sorbents of the invention may be used in methods for trapping or detecting hazardous chemicals or explosives.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a microfluidic device, a method for manufacturing a microfluidic device, and a method for provision of double emulsion droplets using a microfluidic device. Furthermore, the present invention relates to an assembly configured to supply pressure to the microfluidic device for provision of double emulsion droplets. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a kit comprising a plurality of microfluidic devices and a plurality of fluids configured for use with the microfluidic device for provision of double emulsion droplets. The microfluidic device comprises a transfer conduit comprising a first transfer conduit part having a first affinity for water; and a collection conduit comprising a first collection conduit part having a second affinity for water being different from the first affinity for water. A well section and a microfluidic section of the microfluidic device are fixedly connected to each other.

Abstract: A testing device for testing the level of a selected chemical in central heating system water in a central heating system circuit comprises: a sample chamber for holding a sample of central heating system water, the sample chamber being connected to the central heating system circuit; means for controlling filling of the sample chamber with central heating system water from the central heating system circuit, and emptying of the sample chamber; at least one valve for isolating the sample of central heating system water from the heating circuit during testing; and optical testing apparatus including a light source and a detector, for measuring an optical property of the sample of central heating system water isolated within the sample chamber and thereby making a determination as to whether or not the level of the selected chemical in the water is greater than a predetermined threshold level.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an electrode plate, a microfluidic chip, and a method of manufacturing the electrode plate. In one embodiment, an electrode plate includes: a substrate, an electrode and a surface contact layer stacked in sequence, and a droplet inlet hole passing through the substrate, the electrode and the surface contact layer. The surface contact layer comprises a super-hydrophobic region and a hydrophilic region, and the droplet inlet hole is disposed in the hydrophilic region. The microfluidic chip includes: a first electrode plate formed by the abovementioned electrode plate, and a second electrode plate provided on a side of the first electrode plate close to the surface contact layer. The first electrode plate is provided opposite to the second electrode plate and a liquid channel is formed between the first electrode plate and the second electrode plate.

Abstract: An analytical toilet comprising a bowl for receiving excreta from a user; a flush mechanism for cleaning the bowl after use; at least one analytical test device wherein a sample of excreta is analyzed; a manifold comprising conduits and valves for distributing one or more fluids to and from the at least one receptacle; and a digital control device controlling the valves to distribute the sample to the analytical test device for analysis; and distribute fluid to remove the sample from the analytical test device after analysis and to clean the analytical test device is disclosed.

Abstract: A fluid processing cassette includes first and second covers, with an interior wall positioned between the covers. The interior wall includes a first surface facing the first cover and defining a portion of a plurality of macrofluidic channels. A second surface of the interior wall faces the second cover and defines a portion of a plurality of microfluidic channels. At least one opening defined in the interior wall provides fluid communication between at least one of the macrofluidic channels and at least one of the microfluidic channels. An additional interior wall may also be positioned between the covers, with each interior wall secured to a different one of the covers and to the other interior wall. The additional interior wall may be positioned between the first cover and the interior wall, with macrofluidic channels defined on each side of the additional interior wall.