Abstract: A fluid sample extraction device is disclosed comprising a housing defining an internal fluid passage having a distal open end and a proximal open end and a porous medium within the fluid passage, between the distal open end and proximal open end. The porous medium, which may be glass, is configured to allow fluid flow in the fluid passage to flow around the porous medium, toward the proximal open end of the housing, when fluid is drawn from the distal open end toward the proximal open end, and to allow fluid in the fluid passage to flow toward the distal open end of the housing, through the porous medium when the fluid is forced toward the distal open end. The porous medium is also configured to capture nucleic acids in the porous medium from the fluid when fluid is forced through the porous medium. Devices and kits are also disclosed.

Abstract: A cost-effective, single use bag or container is provided for storing biological substances that incorporates on its inner wall an electronic device that is configured to measure physiological and/or physical parameters of the enclosed biological substances, such as source history, identification, demographics, time stamping, temperature, pH, conductivity, glucose, O2, CO2 levels etc. The electronic device of the disclosed bag comprises a sensor configured to measure physiological and/or physical parameters of the biological substances enclosed within the bag, and a radio-frequency (RF) device communicably coupled to the sensor and configured to: (a) acquire from the sensor data associated with the measured parameters, (b) store the acquired sensor data in nonvolatile memory, and (c) communicate the stored data wirelessly to a RF reader.

Abstract: Artificial microvascular network (AMVN) devices are provided and related methods of making and methods of using such devices are provided. The present disclosure generally relates to an AMVN device comprising a substrate including a capillary network configured so as to simulate those actually encountered in the circulation of various humans and animal model systems. In certain aspects, the AMVN devices may be used, e.g., to investigate the effect of storing RBCs under aerobic and anaerobic conditions. However, the use of such AMVN devices is not so limited.

Abstract: The invention relates to a container system for transport of biological material comprising a container casing and an insulating device, wherein the container casing defines a container interior space for accommodation of the insulating device and for accommodation of biological material to be transported, and wherein the insulating device is constituted of at least two insulating portions, which are formed so as to surround the biological material inside the container interior space. The invention further relates to uses of such a container system for packaging and transport of biological material, as well as methods of packaging biological material for transport.

Abstract: A core-shell structure (a diameter is about 5 nm) is located on an Al2O3 catalyst support. Platinum (Pt metal) is a core, and a shell that surrounds the core has a solid solution structure (A1-xBxOY) (where X is a composition that composes A and B, and Y is a composition of oxygen (O)) that is composed of platinum, palladium, and oxygen.

Abstract: A microscopic collection device, method for collecting a microscopic sample from a target surface, and the work stand for holding the microscopic collection device are provided. The microscopic collection device includes a holding element comprising a handle at one end and a collection platform connected to the holding element at a second end. The collection platform includes a collection surface on which the microscopic sample is deposited when the microscopic collection device comes into contact with the target surface. A tape is inserted through a slit and wrapped around the collection platform. The work stand includes a slit capable of holding the microscopic collection device such that the collection platform is perpendicular to the top surface of the work stand. A microscopic sample, collected using the microscopic collection device, is not only collected from the target surface but is also concentrated onto the collection face of the tape.

Abstract: The invention concerns a cartridge for performing sample analysis in a portable point of care test device (POCT); a point of care assay device, comprising said cartridge and a reader for accommodating said cartridge, for detecting and/or quantifying an analyte in a sample; and a kit of parts comprising the said components of said point of care assay device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sampling assembly (1), in particular for relatively small quantities of bodily fluids. The said sample assembly (1) comprises a sample container (2) and a support assembly (15). The sample container (2) has an open end (4), an end (5) closed by a bottom (6) as well as a side wall (7). The support assembly (15) protrudes axially over the sample container (2) in the area of the closed end (5) thereof, and comprises at least two container extension pieces (16). The container extension pieces (16) are each integrally connected with the sample container (2) via a hinge assembly (17) and are pivotable from a production position aligned at an angle (18) to the longitudinal axis (8) to a use position which is aligned approximately parallel to the longitudinal axis (8).

Abstract: Techniques for forming nanoribbon or bulk graphene-based SPR sensors are provided. In one aspect, a method of forming a graphene-based SPR sensor is provided which includes the steps of: depositing graphene onto a substrate, wherein the substrate comprises a dielectric layer on a conductive layer, and wherein the graphene is deposited onto the dielectric layer; and patterning the graphene into multiple, evenly spaced graphene strips, wherein each of the graphene strips has a width of from about 50 nanometers to about 5 micrometers, and ranges therebetween, and wherein the graphene strips are separated from one another by a distance of from about 5 nanometers to about 50 micrometers, and ranges therebetween. Alternatively, bulk graphene may be employed and the dielectric layer is used to form periodic regions of differing permittivity. A testing apparatus and method of analyzing a sample using the present SPR sensors are also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to an incubation tray having a depression formed by the walls of the incubation tray and having a base, wherein the incubation tray has a means for drawing off liquid on at least one longitudinal end of the depression, preferably an opening which opens into an outlet channel on the longitudinal end of the depression, particularly preferably in a wall of the incubation tray, wherein the opening and the outlet channel are designed such that negative pressure can be applied, wherein the incubation tray is pivotable about the transverse axis of the incubation tray, and wherein the incubation tray can be equipped with a support.

Abstract: A specimen transfer device adapted to receive a blood sample is disclosed. The specimen transfer device includes a housing and an actuation member. A deformable material is disposed within the housing and is deformable from an initial position in which the material is adapted to hold the sample to a deformed position in which at least a portion of the sample is released from the material. A viscoelastic member is disposed within the housing between the material and the housing and between the material and the actuation member. The viscoelastic member is engaged with the actuation member and the material such that movement of the actuation member from a first position to a second position deforms the material from the initial position to the deformed position.

Abstract: A device for separating and concentrating target particles or molecules from a fibrinogen containing sample of liquid comprises a container (1) for collecting the sample and a closure (2). The container (1) comprises a first end and a second end and at least one interior wall defining a reservoir portion (5) for receiving the sample. The reservoir portion (5) comprises at least one anchor element (4) to locally catch a polymerized fibrin pellet formed upon the addition of the sample into the container. The separation and concentration process is operated by trapping the target particles or molecules into the so-formed polymerized fibrin pellet that are captured on the anchor element (4).

Abstract: The present invention provides a bio-sensing device. The bio-sensing device includes an array of unit cells, each unit cell including: a source electrode and a drain electrode spaced apart from each other; a sensing film which is a channel between the source electrode and the drain electrode; and gate electrodes spaced apart from the sensing film, wherein the gate electrodes include an upper gate electrode and a lower gate electrode that are vertically spaced apart from each other.

Abstract: The present technology discloses a cost-effective, single use bag or container for storing biological substances that incorporates on its inner wall an electronic device that is configured to measure physiological and/or physical parameters of the enclosed biological substances, such as source history, identification, demographics, time stamping, temperature, pH, conductivity, glucose, O2, CO2 levels etc. The electronic device of the disclosed bag comprises a sensor configured to measure physiological and/or physical parameters of the biological substances enclosed within the bag, and a radio-frequency (RF) device communicably coupled to the sensor and configured to: (a) acquire from the sensor data associated with the measured parameters, (b) store the acquired sensor data in nonvolatile memory, and (c) communicate the stored data wirelessly to a RF reader.

Abstract: Techniques for forming nanoribbon or bulk graphene-based SPR sensors are provided. In one aspect, a method of forming a graphene-based SPR sensor is provided which includes the steps of: depositing graphene onto a substrate, wherein the substrate comprises a dielectric layer on a conductive layer, and wherein the graphene is deposited onto the dielectric layer; and patterning the graphene into multiple, evenly spaced graphene strips, wherein each of the graphene strips has a width of from about 50 nanometers to about 5 micrometers, and ranges therebetween, and wherein the graphene strips are separated from one another by a distance of from about 5 nanometers to about 50 micrometers, and ranges therebetween. Alternatively, bulk graphene may be employed and the dielectric layer is used to form periodic regions of differing permittivity. A testing apparatus and method of analyzing a sample using the present SPR sensors are also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus, in particular a microfluid apparatus, includes a chamber for extracting a fluid. The chamber has a wall with an opening. The opening is sealed by a sealing mechanism that is impermeable to specified substances. The apparatus further includes a membrane that contacts the outside of the wall, in a region of an outside of the wall which adjoins the opening, and covers the opening.

Abstract: A support that comprises a plate having a first side and a second side opposed to the first side. The plate has a sample section including bottle-receiving members defined in the first side and configured for holding the bottles in a fixed position relative to the plate, and first conduit-receiving openings extending from the first side to the second side for receiving conduits extending from the bottles. The plate has a manifold section including second conduit-receiving openings extending from the first side to the second side for receiving the conduits. The plate has a channel section including channels defined in the second side and extending between the first conduit-receiving openings and the second conduit-receiving openings for receiving the conduits therein. The support may be used for example on a shaker. A method for retaining bottles and conduits connected to the bottles is also discussed.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a gas sensor that includes an active sensor area that is exposed to an environment for detection of elements. The gas sensor may be an air quality sensor that can be fixed in position or carried by a user. The gas sensor includes a heater formed above chamber. The gas sensor includes an active sensor layer above the heater that forms the active sensor area. The gas sensor can include a passive conductive layer, such as a hotplate that further conducts and distributes heat from the heater to the active sensor area. The heater can include a plurality of extensions. The heater can also include a first conductive layer and a second conductive layer on the first conductive layer where the second conductive layer includes a plurality of openings to increase an amount of heat and to more evenly distribute heat from the heater to the active sensor area.

Abstract: [Problem to be solved] A sample storage tube having the seal function to the tube body is provided by integral molding and the airtightness is secured in the sample storage tube. [Solution] The sample storage tube 100 comprise a first molded portion 210 and a second molded portion 220 by the integral molding. The first molded portion 210 is molded as the base figure of the tube body. The second molded portion 220 includes at least the opening edge portion which contacts the lid 300 and closes the opening. The first molded portion 210 is molded by the first material such as polypropylene, the second molded portion 220 is molded by the second material such as TPE which is suitable for the seal object to secure the airtightness between the opening and the lid 300. This second molded portion providing the seal function is molded onto the opening edge of the tube body by the integral molding.

Abstract: A cover member for a substrate supporting a biological sample comprises first and second opposing ends, first and second opposing surfaces, a void in the second surface which, when juxtaposed with a substrate, forms a chamber, and a fluid inlet toward the first end and in fluid communication with the void. The void is bounded by void walls having one or more contoured regions for enhancing fluid movement within the chamber. A treatment module for a biological sample comprises the cover member, a support surface for a substrate bearing the biological sample and clamp means operable to releasably retain the cover member in juxtaposition with the substrate for an incubation period. A method for incubating the biological sample with one or more reagents uses the cover member.