Abstract: This invention is related to systems and methods for nucleic acid/protein extraction/isolation from biological samples. In particular, automated barrier-based systems for samples from plant tissues/cells are disclosed. The automated systems and methods disclosed provide reliability and high throughput specifically suitable for nucleic acid/protein extraction/isolation from plant tissues/cells. In some embodiments, the automated systems disclosed can further enhance high throughput capacity for nucleic acid/protein extraction/isolation directly from plant tissue samples.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a solid sample from a sample solution and then analyzing the solid sample to determine the solid form of the sample is provided. The apparatus may optionally comprise a masking block with an array of openings, a film on which the solid sample can be deposited, and a sheet. The apparatus may optionally comprise a masking block with an array of openings and a sheet on which the sample can be deposited. The apparatus may comprise the formation unit of a system for forming a solid sample and analyzing the solid sample. The system may further comprise an analysis unit comprising the film and/or sheet with the solid samples and a spacer unit attached to the film after it has been removed from the formation unit. Methods for using the apparatus and/or system of the present invention are also provided.

Abstract: Microplates having a body defining a plurality of wells, wherein the wells have at least one bottom portion configured to allow the sample to be analyzed by various methods in situ with minimized background interference in the data obtained, and methods of using the same, are disclosed. The improved microplate may also have wells having certain shapes and/or sizes to allow the sample to be analyzed with minimized background interference in the data obtained. A system for obtaining high-quality XRPD or Raman data is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a solid sample from a sample solution and then analyzing the solid sample to determine the solid form of the sample is provided. The apparatus may optionally comprise a masking block with an array of openings, a film on which the solid sample can be deposited, and a sheet. The apparatus may optionally comprise a masking block with an array of openings and a sheet on which the sample can be deposited. The apparatus may comprise the formation unit of a system for forming a solid sample and analyzing the solid sample. The system may further comprise an analysis unit comprising the film and/or sheet with the solid samples and a spacer unit attached to the film after it has been removed from the formation unit. Methods for using the apparatus and/or system of the present invention are also provided.