Abstract: A capsule (100) comprising a housing (110) in which are disposed nanofluidic biosensors (120), a fluid connecting element (140), a filter (150) and a cover (160) is described. The capsule (100) allows the analysis of a fluid sample (300) that would be deposited in the capsule system (100) by a pipette (400). The fluid sample (300) is filtered when passing through a filter (150), then transferred by a fluid connecting element (140) to the inlets of one or several nanofluidic biosensors (120). The capsule system (100) is disposed on an external support (200), and finally an optical or an electrical measurement unit (500) is used to measure the molecular interactions in the nanofluidic biosensors.

Abstract: Mass spectrometry (MS) active, fluorescent rapid tagging reagent is provided having three substituent groups: (a) a tertiary amino group or other MS active atom; (b) a highly fluorescent moiety; and (c) a reactive group that can react with an amine. The reactive group provides rapid tagging of desired bio-molecules. The fluorescent moiety provides the fluorescent signal. The tertiary amino group provides the MS signal.

Abstract: Reagents comprising MS active, fluorescent molecules with an activate functionality for reaction with amines useful in rapid tagging of biomolecules such as N-glycans, proteins, peptides, and amino acids, and uses thereof are taught and described. These MS active, fluorescent molecules may have three functional components such as a tertiary amino group or other MS active atom, a highly fluorescent moiety, and a functional group that rapidly reacts with amines.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides an apparatus for analyzing substances included in a liquid. The apparatus includes an absorber for absorbing the liquid and a testing device separate from the absorber. The absorber includes a main body and a detachable strip embedded in the main body, and both the main body and the detachable strip absorb the liquid. The testing device includes one or more sensors positioned on a top surface of the testing device to provide information associated with the substances included in the liquid in response to the detachable strip being placed on the top surface of the testing device.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods, materials and devices for approximation of blood volume in a fluid, such as in a biological fluid collected during a surgical procedure. The method and devices include the use of a RBC flocculant, such as polyDADMAC, and an approximate blood hematocrit for the type of animal, as well as a calculated RBC packing ratio corresponding to the collection device being used. Also provided is a Blood Indicator Panel (BIP), comprising a series of markings calculated from an observed red blood settlement volume, the average animal type hematocrit, and a calculated RBC packing ratio “?” value for the collection device. Pediatric (about 200 ml or 250 ml size container), adult human (about 1,000 ml-1,500 ml) and veterinary (about 500 ml-2,500 ml) collection containers are also disclosed, that include a RBC flocculant, for use in approximating blood volume in a fluid.

Abstract: A method of monitoring a respiratory stream can be provided by monitoring color change of a color change material to determine a CO2 level of the respiratory stream in contact with the color change material by emitting visible light onto the color change material. Related devices, systems, and compositions are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention addresses the problem of identifying a biomarker of renal failure, said biomarker being available from urine or blood, and fluctuating from an early stage than glomerular filtration rate and serum creatinine level, and thus developing a technique for diagnosing early stage kidney failure. A method for analyzing the blood, plasma, serum or urine of a renal failure suspected subject comprises a step of measuring the concentration of a pair of D-form and L-form of at least one amino acid selected from the amino acid group consisting of [D-serine] and [L-serine], etc., contained in the blood, plasma, serum or urine of the subject, and calculating, as an pathological index of the subject, the ratio of the D-form concentration to the L-form concentration or the percentage of the D-form concentration relative to the total concentration of the D-form and L-form.

Abstract: A microfluidic probe head for providing a sequence of separate liquid volumes separated by spacers, the separate liquid volumes including a respective target substance associated with a respective target area, the microfluidic probe head including an inlet and an outlet; a first fluid channel fluidly connected to the inlet, the first fluid channel configured for delivering an injection liquid from the inlet to a respective target area; a second fluid channel fluidly connected to the outlet, the second fluid channel configured for delivering liquid volumes from the respective target area to the outlet; and a spacer insertion unit fluidly connected to the second fluid channel, the spacer insertion unit configured for inserting spacers into the second fluid channel between the liquid volumes to provide the sequence of separate liquid volumes separated by spacers.

Abstract: A microfluidic platform including a microfluidic layer and a contact layer. The microfluidic layer is embedded with a microfluidic structure including a micro-channel and a fluidic sample contained in the micro-channel. The contact layer is able to be attached to the microfluidic layer, and includes a first heater for heating a first area of the microfluidic structure to a first temperature and a second heater for heating a second area of the microfluidic structure to a second temperature. The microfluidic layer and the contact layer rotate together during operation. A method for controlling a sample in the micro-channel of the microfluidic structure.

Abstract: An exposure apparatus for carrying out in vitro experiments with biological test systems, which are perfused with an exposure medium, forming an exposure atmosphere, includes an exposure cap, which is dimensioned in such a manner that it can be set onto a standard multiwell plate and connected with the standard multiwell plate using suitable connecting elements.

Abstract: Systems and methods disclosed herein related to an apparatus including a fluid flow plate and a microfluidic valve assembly. The fluid flow plate includes a plurality of polymer layers that define a fluid flow passage through the microfluidic valve assembly. The microfluidic valve assembly includes a valve seat, a flexible membrane, a valve cavity, a valve head, and an actuator. The actuator is configured to selectively control pressure applied by the valve head to the flexible membrane, such that in a first actuator state the valve head depresses the flexible membrane into the valve cavity and into contact with the valve seat, thereby preventing fluid flow through the valve assembly, and in a second state, the valve head and the flexible membrane are retracted substantially out of the valve cavity allowing fluid to flow through the valve assembly. In various implementations, the valve seat and/or the flexible membrane include an elastomer layer.

Abstract: A reagent dispensing apparatus includes a housing having a cavity with an opening and an aperture; and a plunger that includes a first member, that fits through the aperture, that is associated with a first seal. The plunger includes a second member associated with the first seal and a second seal that together form a first chamber, within the cavity, in which a first reagent is stored. The plunger includes a safety mechanism that controls movement of the plunger within the cavity. The apparatus includes a frangible seal that covers the opening and together with the second seal forms a second chamber, within the cavity, that stores a second reagent. When the first end is depressed and the safety mechanism is disengaged, the frangible seal is breached causing the evacuation of the first reagent or the second reagent through the opening.

Abstract: The invention relates to a reagent station (1) for an automated analysis device, comprising a first and a second reagent container storage (2, 10) and a transfer apparatus (20) which transfers reagent containers (16) between the first and the second reagent container storage (2, 10). Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for loading an automated analysis device with reagent containers.

Abstract: A biological fluids concentration device, including a tube-in-tube assembly, is disclosed. The tube-in-tube assembly receives biologic fluids and may then be placed in the bucket of a centrifuge and spun to separate out the components of the biological fluid by their various densities. For example, whole blood may be centrifuged in the tube-in-tube assembly for separating into plasma, red blood cell component, and a buffy coat. A piston slideably and sealingly engages an inner tube of the tube-in-tube assembly, the inner tube fitting within an outer tube. A lid is designed to engage the top of the outer tube, which lid has an opening therein for receipt of a plunger. The plunger is adapted to move up and down with respect to the lid and the tubes, so as to sealingly, in a down position, and unsealingly, in an open position, engage the top of the inner tube of the tube-in-tube assembly.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a new series of compounds exhibiting high fluorescence quantum yields in the solid state. In one embodiment, the compounds include a series of 2,3,4,5-tetraphenylgermoles with the same or different 1,1-substituents. In another embodiment, substituted germafluorenes, germa-fluoresceins/rhodamines, and germapins are described. These germanium heterocycles possess ideal photophysical and thermostability properties, which makes them excellent candidates for chemical or biological sensors, host materials for electroluminescent devices and solar cells, and emissive and for electron-transport layer components in organic light emitting diode devices.

Abstract: A Method for the detection of the conformational state of a protein contained in a complex mixture of further proteins and/or other biomolecules, is proposed as well as assays for such a method. The method comprises the following steps: (1) Limited proteolysis of the complex mixture under a condition where the protein is in the conformational state to be detected leading to a first fragment sample; (2) Denaturation of the first fragment sample to a denaturated first fragment sample; (3) Complete fragmentation of the denaturated first fragment sample in a digestion step to a completely fragmented sample; and (4) Analytical analysis of the completely fragmented sample for the determination of fragments characteristic of having been the result both the limited proteolysis of step 1 as well as of the complete fragmentation in the digestion step 3. for the determination of the conformational state.

Abstract: A method for producing a pneumatically actuatable microfluidic analysis cartridge includes closing a joining side of a fluidic part of the analysis cartridge with a first fluid-tight elastic membrane and/or closing a joining side of a pneumatic part of the analysis cartridge with a second membrane. The fluidic part is configured to perform fluidic basic operations of a biochemical analysis process, and the pneumatic part is configured to control the basic operations using air pressure. The joining side of the fluidic part and the joining side of the pneumatic part are aligned, and the fluidic part and the pneumatic part are connected to form the analysis cartridge.

Abstract: An energized dispersive extraction method for sample preparation for analysis is disclosed. The method includes the steps of placing an extraction solvent, sorbent particles, and a sample matrix containing an analyte in a heat conductive sample cup; positioning the sample cup in a pressure-resistant reaction chamber; dispersing the solvent and the sample matrix in the sample cup in the reaction chamber; heating the sample matrix and the solvent in the sample cup in the reaction chamber to a temperature that generates an above-atmospheric pressure; draining the solvent extract from the sample cup at atmospheric pressure; and collecting the solvent extract for analysis.

Abstract: An analytical device for determining a parameter of a liquid sample, especially a digestion parameter, such as chemical oxygen demand, total carbon content or total nitrogen content, comprising a reactor, and measuring system for ascertaining the parameter of the liquid sample. A container system for storing samples, reagents and waste products in containers, a transport and dosing system for metering and transporting the sample and reagents from the containers into a metering container and for disposal of waste products from the metering container into a waste container, and a measuring transducer for registering a measured parameter correlating, measured value of the liquid sample mixed in the reactor, and measuring, system, in given cases, with one or more reagents is provided.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are devices and methods for determining the pH of fluid. Example devices include a device comprising a surface configured to contact the fluid and a pH indicator covalently bound thereto, wherein the pH indicator has a first color prior to contact with the fluid and changes color as a function of the pH of the fluid.