Abstract: A method of sample preparation for streamlined multi-step assays is provided. The method includes the step of providing a microfluidic device including a reservoir defined by a surface configured to repel an aqueous solution. A dried reagent is provided on a portion of the surface and the reservoir is filled with an oil. A first droplet formed from the aqueous solution is positioned on the dried reagent so to pick-up and re-dissolve the dried reagent therein so as to expose the portion of the surface. In addition, a second droplet of an aqueous solution may be deposited on a hydrophilic spot patterned on the surface. A magnetic force may be configured to interact magnetically with the paramagnetic beads within the first droplet to move the droplet through the oil in the reservoir or to move the paramagnetic beads from the first droplet, through the oil, into the second droplet.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to an arrangement (100) in a capillary driven fluid system for metering a predetermined volume of sample fluid. The arrangement comprises a sample reservoir (SR) arranged to receive a sample fluid, a first channel (C1) which is in fluid communication with the sample reservoir (SR) and which branches off into a second channel (C2) ending at a first valve (V1) and a third channel (C3) ending at a second valve (V2). The second channel (C2) and the third channel (C3) together have a predetermined volume, and the first channel (C1) is arranged to draw sample fluid from the sample reservoir (SR) by use of capillary forces to fill the second channel (C2) and the third channel (C3) with the predetermined volume of sample fluid. By selectively opening the first valve (V1) and the second valve (V2), a capillary driven flow may be formed, thereby causing the predetermined volume of sample fluid to flow out through the first valve (V1).

Abstract: Methods of detecting a non-explosive analyte can include exposing a sensor compound to a non-explosive analyte and displaying a change in the sensor compound upon exposure of the sensor compound to the non-explosive analyte. A variety of sensor compounds for detecting a target analyte, including both explosive and non-explosive analytes, is also described. Sensor devices for detecting a target analyte can include a substrate and a sensor compound positioned on the substrate in a plurality of detection zones.

Abstract: The embodiments disclose a method including functionalizing a biosensor with a biologic analytical target prior to installation into a detection cartridge, depositing a test subject bodily fluid test sample onto the biosensor surface, inserting the detection cartridge into a portable detection cartridge reader, measuring the electrical impedance of the bodily fluid test sample across biosensor energized electrodes, providing algorithms for analyzing measured electrical impedance data of the bodily fluid test sample obtained in the detection cartridge, identifying and determining the presence of biologic analytical target molecules in the bodily fluid test sample, and transmitting results of the test results to the test subject.

Abstract: In biosciences and related fields, it can be useful to study cells in isolation so that cells having unique and desirable properties can be identified within a heterogenous mixture of cells. Processes and methods disclosed herein provide for encapsulating cells within a microfluidic device and assaying the encapsulated cells. Encapsulation can, among other benefits, facilitate analyses of cells that generate secretions of interest which would otherwise rapidly diffuse away or mix with the secretions of other cells.

Abstract: The present specification discloses a microfluidic analysis chip capable of adjusting movement of a specimen or a reagent by a negative pressure generation unit. A microfluidic analysis chip according to the present specification may comprise: a microtube for a main channel, which provides a space in which a specimen input through a specimen inlet formed at one end thereof reacts with a regent while the specimen moves to the other end thereof; a chip housing surrounding the microtube for the main channel; and a negative pressure generation unit which is positioned in the chip housing and connected to the microtube, so as to affect an internal pressure of the microtube for the main channel.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device and method for a microfluidic paper-based analytical device (?PAD), for low-cost and user-friendly analytical devices capable of use for disease screening, point-of-care pathogen and biomarker detection, food and water quality testing. A microfluidic paper-based analytical device is further produced by chemical vapor deposition for multiplex heavy metal detection in water. Assay demonstrations proved that the immobilization of functional groups and multiplex heavy metal detection is suitable for real-world applications and established the approach for DNA analysis. The disclosed invention comprises multilayer capability, including the ability for various biomolecules to be immobilized with charge interaction.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus and compositions are described for the measurement of metal and/or metalloid elements, including selenium in samples. More specifically, the present disclosure provides a sensor and/or array of sensors to measure metal and/or metalloid analytes, e.g., sensor and/or array of sensors having a chelator molecule, the chelator molecule including a peptide.

Abstract: A method and/or system can include processing a blood sample of a patient by degrading red blood cells of the blood sample using a lysing solution, quenching the degradation of the red blood cells after a threshold lysing time, centrifuging and aspirating the quenched solution to remove degraded red blood cell debris and concentrate white blood cells of the blood sample, and suspending the concentrated white blood cells in a buffer solution; within a threshold transfer time, deforming white blood cells, of the suspended white blood cells, within a microfluidic chip; and determining a probability that the patient is in an immune activation state based on images of the white blood cells acquired while deforming the white blood cells.

Abstract: An automatic chemical solution formulating device combines and mixes stored solids and liquids into user specified formulations and dispenses those formulations into containers. Chemical solids are stored in cartridges of material separated into predetermined dosages (for example in reeled blister packs), avoiding the need for weighing during formulation. Elements include user interface, computer-controlled automated loading and unloading port for reagent-containing cartridges, cartridge conveyor system, reader for identifying cartridges, blister-pack strip drive system, punching mechanism to release reagents, portioning chamber to mix solvent with solids or liquids with optional portioning, accommodating formulation delivery port, position sensors, liquid flow measuring devices, liquid and gas pumps and valves, and label printer. The combination of these elements allows high-speed formulation and dispensing of user-specified formulations.

Abstract: A capillary driven microfluidic system and a biosensing device including the capillary driven microfluidic system are provided. The capillary driven microfluidic system includes: a first substrate comprising at least one microfluidic channel ending in an opening, and having, adjacent to the opening, a protruding element; and a second substrate comprising at least one open cavity. The at least one protruding element and the at least one cavity include at least one hydrophilic surface. In addition, the at least one protruding element and the at least one cavity may be adapted for engaging with one another for providing transfer of a fluid between the first substrate and the second substrate. A space between the at least one hydrophilic surface of the at least one protruding element and the at least one hydrophilic surface of the at least one cavity is provided, where the separation between said surfaces is such that capillary forces are generated on the fluid upon entering inside the space.

Abstract: An analytical toilet comprising a bowl for receiving excreta from a user; a base supporting the bowl; a supply of flush water; and a plurality of receptacles, each providing mechanical attachment, a power supply, and a data connection to an analytical device, which analytical device is adapted to provide data useful to the user is disclosed.

Abstract: Nanoreactors comprising a metal precursor in a carrier are provided as well as methods of initiating, methods of preparing, and methods of using nanoreactors. In some embodiments, upon exposure to heat, the metal precursor forms nanoparticles that can be detected, e.g., by detecting a color change in the nanoreactor and/or by detecting the number and/or size and/or size distribution and/or shape of the nanoparticles. The nanoreactors can be used, in some embodiments, as time-temperature indicators for perishable goods.

Abstract: An analysis apparatus including a stage, an analysis device placed on the stage and including receiving sections which accommodate a sample and a reagent for biochemical reaction, and are communicated with one another through a flow path having an inlet and an outlet, a liquid introduction section which is connected to the inlet and supplies into the flow path the sample, the reagent, and an sealing liquid for sealing each of the receiving sections, and a waste liquid storage section which is connected to the outlet and stores as waste liquid an excess of the sample and the reagent and a part of the sealing liquid supplied to the flow path, an optical system which includes an objective lens, emits excitation light to the receiving sections and allows observation of fluorescence generated in the receiving sections by the excitation light, and a control unit that controls such that the sealing liquid and the excess of the sample and the reagent form an interface in the waste liquid storage section, and that the

Abstract: Provided is a container (10) including a base material (1) including a plurality of concave portions (2); a recognition unit (3) disposed on the base material and configured to recognize the base material; and a storage unit (4) disposed in a position other than a measurement region of the base material and configured to store information on biomaterials contained in the plurality of concave portions, wherein the recognition unit and the storage unit are allowed to correspond to each other.

Abstract: Provided in the present invention is a preparation method for a nano organometallic carboxylate which effectively solves the problems of a complex washing process, and cumbersome, dangerous and uneconomical preparation of lye in traditional methods for producing organometallic carboxylates. A new method for preparing high-quality organometallic carboxylates by using a carboxylic acid, caustic soda, a metal oxide or a hydroxide as starting materials, and using ball milling to assist reaction thereof. The present invention not only efficiently utilizes lye, it also obtains high-quality organometallic carboxylates, which overcomes the technical prejudice that the prior art uses calcium chloride, sodium chloride and other salts for poor reaction efficiency. The problem in environmental pollution caused by the washing waste liquid in the existing process is fundamentally solved.

Abstract: A compact explosive detecting system collects explosive residues in the form of vapor powder. The residues are accumulated on a desorber which is subjected to pyrolysis to release a gaseous sample. The sample is pumped to a detecting system through a metering valve. A luminol cell reacts with the gaseous sample to create chemiluminescence, the light output of which is measured by a photo multiplier tube. The light intensity is indicative of the amount of explosive present. Based on the amount of explosive present, a metering valve is adjusted to pass the gaseous sample into a highly sensitive metal oxide sensor array to detect NO2 from nitrogen containing explosive and CO/CO2 from non nitrogen containing explosive. The metal oxide sensor array reliably selects explosives from those compounds indicating chemiluminescence.

Abstract: Systems and techniques are described for capturing target extracellular vesicles from a fluid sample. In some implementations, a microfluidic device includes a microfluidic channel where an internal surface of at least one wall of the microfluidic channel includes a plurality of grooves or ridges, or both grooves and ridges, arranged and configured to generate chaotic mixing within a fluid sample flowing through the microfluidic channel. The microfluidic device also includes a plurality of elongate flexible linker molecules, each having a molecular weight between about 1.8-4.8 kDa, where each elongate flexible linker molecule is bound at a first end to an internal surface of at least one wall of the microfluidic channel and is bound at a second end to one or more binding moieties that specifically bind to a target extracellular vesicle.

Abstract: A process for detecting oil or lubricant contamination in a manufactured product, the process comprising adding at least two fluorescent taggants to oils or lubricants contained in processing machinery for said product, irradiating said product, causing at least one of said taggants to fluoresce and detecting radiation emitted by said fluorescing taggant in an oil-contaminated product.

Abstract: A portable biosensor for detecting and quantifying a target molecule in a biological sample and method of use include a biosensor fabricated with a recognition layer with an imprinted polymer, an electrode electrically coupled to the recognition layer, and a logic circuit that may include a processor and non-transitory memory with computer executable instructions embedded thereon, wherein the imprinted polymer is shaped to have a profile that substantially matches a profile of the target molecule, such that the target molecule can form-fit and bind to the imprinted polymer, thus changing an electrical property of the polymer layer that may be detected to identify the presence of the target molecule.