Abstract: An apparatus for performing a biological or biochemical reaction that, in certain embodiments, has the ability to generate flow in a reaction site container by applying a force to a liquid medium that is outside of the reaction site container. In some embodiments, a flow generating component such as a gas bubble moves within a container and forces an agitating fluid to move through a reaction site container. In some embodiments, the movement of the agitating fluid applies shear stress to cells that are maintained within the reaction site container.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a test device including a support member; a top member mounted to the support member, wherein in the support member and the top member are configured such that they together define a discrete chamber. The discrete chamber includes a first well region including at least one first well; a second well region including at least one second well; and a channel region including at least one channel connecting the first well region and the second well region with one another. The second region is preferably horizontally offset with respect to the first well region in a test orientation of the device.

Abstract: Fluid transfer devices described herein can include a body portion and a tip portion. A fluid pathway extends through the body and tip portions through which fluid may be transferred, for example, from a fluid-dispensing apparatus to a fluidic chamber of a microreactor. In some embodiments, the fluid transfer device is connected to the fluid-dispensing apparatus with an engaging element. The engaging element may be part of the body, and can enable the dispensing apparatus to repeatedly engage the body at one predetermined position. The body is capable of storing the fluid received from the dispensing apparatus. The tip portion may be formed of a rigid material (e.g., a metal), and/or may be configured to repeatedly pierce a septum without damaging either the tip or the body. Advantageously, in certain embodiments, the fluid transfer device can controllably transfer small volumes of fluid (e.g., 1 ?L) with a high degree of accuracy.

Abstract: An apparatus for performing a biological or biochemical reaction that, in certain embodiments, has the ability to apply shear stress to a component of a liquid sample and includes a biological or biochemical reactor comprising a container having a volume of less than about 2 mL and containing a liquid sample, and a shear-generating element, the shear-generating element being contained within the apparatus and constructed and arranged so that the entire shear-generating element moves along a selected path of motion intersecting a first location within the apparatus and a second location within the apparatus, with or without rotational movement is described. A method of applying shear stress to a component of a liquid sample that includes moving a liquid or gaseous shear-generating element within an apparatus along a selected path of motion to create a reproducible and controllable level of shear stress at a selected location within the liquid sample is also disclosed.