Abstract: The inventions provided herein relate to detection reagents, compositions, methods, and kits comprising the detection reagents for use in detection, identification, and/or quantification of analytes in a sample. Such detection reagents and methods described herein allow multiplexing of many more labeled species in the same procedure than conventional methods, in which multiplexing is limited by the number of available and practically usable colors.

Abstract: Methods of analyzing nucleic acids of a cell are provided.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described for analyzing a bodily sample. A sample carrier (22), which houses the bodily sample, includes at least one fluidic channel (120), at least one analysis chamber (68), and a receptacle (92) that houses a diluent. A pump system (150) pumps the diluent from the receptacle (92) into the fluidic channel (120) in a first fluid flow direction, and subsequently, pumps the diluent and the bodily sample in a second fluid flow direction, which is a reverse of the first fluid flow direction, to thereby mix the diluent and the bodily sample within the receptacle (92). Other applications are also described.

Abstract: Methods of analyzing nucleic acids of a cell are provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to culturing brain endothelial cells, and optionally astrocytes and neurons in a fluidic device under conditions whereby the cells mimic the structure and function of the blood brain barrier. Culture of such cells in a microfluidic device, whether alone or in combination with other cells, drives maturation and/or differentiation further than existing systems.

Abstract: A device for simulating a function of a tissue includes a first structure, a second structure, and a membrane. The first structure defines a first chamber. The first chamber includes a matrix disposed therein and an opened region. The second structure defines a second chamber. The membrane is located at an interface region between the first chamber and the second chamber. The membrane includes a first side facing toward the first chamber and a second side facing toward the second chamber. The membrane separates the first chamber from the second chamber.

Abstract: The invention provides integrated Organ-on-Chip microphysiological systems representations of living Organs and support structures for such microphysiological systems.

Abstract: The invention provides integrated Organ-on-Chip microphysiological systems representations of living Organs and support structures for such microphysiological systems.

Abstract: An organomimetic device includes a microfluidic device that can be used to culture cells in its microfluidic channels. The organomimetic device can be part of dynamic system that can apply mechanical forces to the cells by modulating the microfluidic device and the flow of fluid through the microfluidic channels. The membrane in the organomimetic device can be modulated mechanically via pneumatic means and/or mechanical means. The organomimetic device can be manufactured by the fabrication of individual components separately, for example, as individual layers that can be subsequently laminated together.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to a microfluidic platforms or “chips” for testing and understanding cancer, and, more specifically, for understanding the factors that contribute to cancer invading tissues and causing metastases. Tumor cells are grown on microfluidic devices with other non-cancerous tissues under conditions that simulate tumor invasion. The interaction with immune cells can be tested to inhibit this activity by linking a cancer chip to a lymph chip.

Abstract: The invention relates to culturing brain endothelial cells, and optionally astrocytes and neurons in a fluidic device under conditions whereby the cells mimic the structure and function of the blood brain barrier. Culture of such cells in a microfluidic device, whether alone or in combination with other cells, drives maturation and/or differentiation further than existing systems.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described including a digital camera, and a computer processor configured to drive the digital camera to acquire, for each of a plurality of imaging fields of a stained bodily sample, three or more digital images. At least one of the images is a brightfield image and at least two of the images are fluorescent images, each of the fluorescent images being acquired using respective first and second filters, which are different from each other. The computer processor performs image processing on the digital images, by extracting visual classification features from each of the three or more digital images, and identifies one or more entities that are contained within the bodily sample, based upon the image processing. Other applications are also described.

Abstract: Systems and methods interconnect cell culture devices and/or fluidic devices by transferring discrete volumes of fluid between devices. A liquid-handling system collects a volume of fluid from at least one source device and deposits the fluid into at least one destination device. In some embodiments, a liquid-handling robot actuates the movement and operation of a fluid collection device in an automated manner to transfer the fluid between the at least one source device and the at least one destination device. In some cases, the at least one source device and the at least one destination device are cell culture devices. The at least one source device and the at least one destination device may be microfluidic or non-microfluidic devices. In some cases, the cell culture devices may be microfluidic cell culture devices. In further cases, the microfluidic cell culture devices may include organ-chips.

Abstract: Organs-on-chips are microfluidic devices for culturing living cells in micrometer sized chambers in order to model physiological functions of tissues and organs. Engineered patterning and continuous fluid flow in these devices has allowed culturing of intestinal cells bearing physiologically relevant features and sustained exposure to bacteria while maintaining cellular viability, thereby allowing study of inflammatory bowl diseases. However, existing intestinal cells do not possess all physiologically relevant subtypes, do not possess the repertoire of genetic variations, or allow for study of other important cellular actors such as immune cells. Use of iPSC-derived epithelium, including IBD patient-specific cells, allows for superior disease modeling by capturing the multi-faceted nature of the disease.

Abstract: Methods of analyzing nucleic acids of a cell are provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to culturing brain endothelial cells, and optionally astrocytes and neurons in a fluidic device under conditions whereby the cells mimic the structure and function of the blood brain barrier. Culture of such cells in a microfluidic device, whether alone or in combination with other cells, drives maturation and/or differentiation further than existing systems.

Abstract: A device for simulating a function of a tissue includes a first structure, a second structure, and a membrane. The first structure defines a first chamber. The first chamber includes a matrix disposed therein and an opened region. The second structure defines a second chamber. The membrane is located at an interface region between the first chamber and the second chamber. The membrane includes a first side facing toward the first chamber and a second side facing toward the second chamber. The membrane separates the first chamber from the second chamber.

Abstract: The present invention is related to the field of microfluidics and compound distribution within microfluidic devices and their associated systems. In one embodiment, present invention aims to solve the problem of molecule and compound absorbency into the materials making up laboratory equipment, microfluidic devices and their related infrastructure, without unduly restricting gas transport within microfluidic devices.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described including successively acquiring a plurality of microscopic images of a portion of a blood sample, and tracking motion of pixels within the successively acquired microscopic images. Trypomastigote parasite candidates within the blood sample are identified, by identifying pixel motion that is typical of trypomastigote parasites. It is determined that the blood sample is infected with trypomastigote parasites, at least partially in response thereto. An output is generated indicating that that the blood sample is infected with trypomastigote parasites. Other applications are also described.

Abstract: Methods of analyzing nucleic acids of a cell are provided.