Abstract: A sensor for detecting a target analyte in a sample includes a pair of conducting electrodes that are separated by a gap. An insulator is disposed in the gap between the electrodes. Plural wells are defined by one of the electrodes and the insulator, to expose the other of the electrodes. The wells are configured to receive a sample including a target analyte. The target analyte, when present in the sample received in the wells, modulates an impedance between the electrodes. The modulated impedance, which is measurable with an applied electrical voltage, is indicative of the concentration of the target analyte in the sample. The wells can include antibodies immobilized inside the wells, to bind the target analyte, which can be a cytokine. Also provided are a method for label-free sensing of a target analyte in a sample, and a transcutaneous impedance sensor for label-free, in-situ biomarker detection.

Abstract: A single-use valve arrangement that includes a valve housing, a diaphragm carried by the valve housing, a pressure sensor, and a controller coupled to the pressure sensor. The valve housing defines an inlet and an outlet, the inlet adapted to be fluidly connected to an outlet of a virus removal filter. The diaphragm divides the valve housing into a first chamber and a second chamber fluidly isolated from the first chamber. The pressure sensor is configured to measure a pressure change in the second chamber due to movement of the diaphragm responsive to a pressure change in the first chamber. The controller is configured to determine an actual leak rate of the filter based on the measured pressure change, the controller further configured to determine the integrity of the filter by comparing the actual leak rate to an expected leak rate of the filter.

Abstract: A hand-held bioanalytic instrument is described that can perform massively parallel sample analysis including single-molecule gene sequencing. The instrument includes a pulsed optical source that produces ultrashort excitation pulses and a compact beam-steering assembly. The beam-steering assembly provides automated alignment of excitation pulses to an interchangeable bio-optoelectronic chip that contains tens of thousands of reaction chambers or more. The optical source, beam-steering assembly, bio-optoelectronic chip, and coupling optics register to an alignment structure in the instrument that can form at least one wall of an enclosure and dissipate heat.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for moving a droplet from a first location to a second location, which droplet comprises a magnetic material disposed in an aqueous medium. The invention also relates to a droplet assembly comprising a droplet, which droplet comprises a magnetic material disposed in an aqueous medium. Various uses of the droplet assembly are also described.

Abstract: A well plate for measuring an analyte in a sample is disclosed. The well plate includes at least a first, a second, and a third electrode. The first electrode has a higher sensitivity to a first analyte than the second and third electrodes. The second electrode has a higher sensitivity to a second analyte than the first and third electrodes.

Abstract: A system for processing biological or other samples includes an array of transducer elements that are positioned to align with sample wells in a microplate. Each transducer element produces ultrasound energy that is focused towards a well of the microplate with sufficient acoustic pressure to cause inertial cavitation. In one embodiment, the transducers are configured to direct ultrasound energy into cylindrical wells. In other embodiments, the transducer elements are configured to direct ultrasound energy into non-cylindrical wells of a microplate.

Abstract: The invention(s) cover systems and methods for target detection in a multiplexed and rapid manner. Embodiments of the system can include: a base substrate; and an array of sample processing regions defined at a broad surface of the base substrate, wherein each of the array of sample processing regions includes: a set of microwell subarrays arranged in a gradient by volumetric capacity between an upstream end and a downstream end of each respective sample processing region, and a boundary separating each respective sample processing region from adjacent sample processing regions. The system can support methods, with example implementation by an automated platform, for returning preliminary results from a subset of microwells of the samples processing regions, as well as results pertaining to specific and non-specific amplification, for multiple targets of a sample.

Abstract: The technology provides arrays of microwells with reversible shape for culture, analysis, and recovery of individual cells or groups of cells. The microwells are reversibly formed by vacuum-induced deflection of an elastomeric membrane into an array of microwell molds formed in a microwell substrate. The shape of each microwell or groups of microwells can be selectively altered by applying or releasing vacuum to individual microwells. The devices, systems, and methods utilizing the technology enable collection of individual cells for further study or therapeutic use without the need for micromanipulation.

Abstract: A cartridge for providing a target analyte for detection is described. One such exemplar cartridge includes a base portion including: (1) a receiving area disposed at or near a center region of the base portion; (2) multiple reaction wells disposed outside the center region or radially disposed at or near a perimeter of the base portion; and (3) multiple connecting tracks that substantially linearly extend from a region at or proximate to the receiving area to the multiple reaction wells and designed to convey a sample including the target analyte from the receiving area to the multiple reaction wells, each of which are configured to transform the sample to a detectable sample. Systems and methods of reacting and detecting the sample including the target analyte are also described.

Abstract: A wirelessly controlled device for atmospheric water generation is provided. The device comprises an atmospheric water generator for generating filtered potable water and a wireless external control system. The wireless external control system comprises one or more display presentation pages for displaying a plurality of operating parameters for the atmospheric water generator, including content display with a variety of operation parameters and historical water collection data for operation of the atmospheric water generator. The wireless external control also has one or more display pages configured for user input for a user to select one or more water generation parameters for operation of the atmospheric water generator. Once the device is directed by the wireless external control system to generate water, the device is capable of automatic water generation until the device fulfills the one or more set water generation parameters.

Abstract: Provided is a method for cell isolation and morphological analysis. The method includes: providing a substrate with one or more wells; inserting cell isolation devices, each of which has one side patterned with one or more microwells, into the wells; introducing a liquid medium including cells into the wells; allowing the microwells of the cell isolation devices to come into contact with the inner surfaces of the wells such that some of the cells are isolated and trapped at the level of individual cells in the microwells; and observing the morphological changes of the isolated cells.

Abstract: A low-profile, vibration-damped tabletop for supporting sensitive scientific equipment is described. The tabletop may include a laminated structure having a lower metal plate that is sized to achieve a desired weight for the tabletop, a manufactured, homogenous filler and a “clean top” metal upper skin having a plurality of holes backed by liquid impermeable barriers. The damping characteristics are improved at low frequencies compared to a comparable structure with a honeycomb filler.

Abstract: A sample holder includes a first member featuring a first retaining mechanism configured to retain a first substrate that includes a sample, a second member featuring a second retaining mechanism configured to retain a second substrate that includes a reagent medium, and an alignment mechanism connected to at least one of the first and second members, and configured to align the first and second members such that the sample contacts at least a portion of the reagent medium when the first and second members are aligned.

Abstract: A method for determining a concentration of a synthesis component in a radiopharmaceutical sample comprises providing an indicator, a metal or a metal complex, contacting the radiopharmaceutical sample with the indicator, metal or metal complex for a period of time sufficient to obtain an interaction, measuring an optical characteristic of the interacted components, and determining a concentration of the synthesis component in the radiopharmaceutical sample based on the measured optical characteristic.

Abstract: Disclosed is an assay device comprising a high density of wells aligned thereon.

Abstract: There is provided a chemiluminescence detector sample enclosure. The enclosure comprises a first interface member forming part of a chemiluminescence detector and having a first sealing element and a second interface member comprising a plurality of sample holders, each sample holder having a second sealing element. The first interface member is engagable with and moveable between sample holder subsets of the plurality of sample holders, engagement with a respective sample holder subset providing engagement of the first interface member with each sample holder of the respective sample holder subset and relative movement of the first and second interface members providing movement between sample holder subsets; and when the first interface member is engaged with each respective sample holder, the first sealing element and the respective second sealing element are adapted to interact so as to form a light restricting seal between the first interface member and said sample holder.

Abstract: The disclosed pathology slides may include a substantially transparent substrate that includes a top major surface, at least two regions on the top major surface of the substantially transparent substrate having a size sufficient for receiving at least two respective biopsy tissue sample sections on the substantially transparent substrate, and at least one visibly perceptible separation mark on or in the substantially transparent substrate separating the at least two regions from each other. Various other related methods and systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: A microtiter plate comprising a first array of M×N wells and a microfluidic probe insert is provided. The microfluidic probe insert includes a second array of M×N microfluidic probe conduits, forming N columns of M conduits. The M conduits include respective orifices in a bounding plane and extend, each, perpendicularly to the bounding plane on one side. The microfluidic probe insert also includes N vacuum circuits, each comprising at least one vacuum port and M openings in the bounding plane, where 2?M, 2?N. The microfluidic probe insert is positioned on the microtiter plate and the microfluidic probe conduits are inserted in respective wells. A processing liquid is ejected from M conduits via the M orifices of the M conduits by applying a negative pressure to a corresponding set of N vacuum circuits via the respective one or more vacuum ports.

Abstract: A hand-portable test apparatus includes an in-the-field test processing assembly, and a lab-on-a-chip test cartridge having a neutralising zone, a specific reagent mixing zone, and a testing chamber. It has a convective heating loop for thermal cycling. There are two passive self-actuating valves that allow the test chamber volume to fill with solution, but then close to meter and trap the solution. The apparatus has external illumination ports, and an optical sensing port. Each cartridge is uniquely identified. It has smooth surfaces that allow adhesive membranes to be used to permit the pre-loading of reagents, prevent evaporation, and permit preservation of results. The test apparatus includes a holder for the cartridge with a heater, illumination, and optical sensor units closely positioned relative to the holder. There is a wiring circuit board, a processor, and a power supply. All of the items are contained within a unitary housing.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for the sensor-based examination of biological cells, comprising at least one well, wherein the at least one well has (a) an opening; (b) a planar base; (c) at least one sensor for the examination of biological cells, wherein the at least one sensor is arranged on the base of the at least one well; and (d) a medium for cryopreservation, with the medium for cryopreservation comprising biological cells and contacting a surface of the at least one sensor, wherein the medium for cryopreservation, which comprises the biological cells, is present in a frozen state.