Abstract: An integrated proteomics sample preparation device and method for in-gel digestion of proteins and for desalting and concentrating samples prior to further analysis such as by MALDI TOF and/or electro-spray ionization (ESI) mass spectrometry. The device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of wells in fluid communication with a an outlet or drainage opening containing a three dimensional structure comprising a plurality of sorptive particles entrapped in a porous polymer matrix so as to form a device capable of carrying out solid phase extraction. In a preferred embodiment, the wells are configured so as to prevent a sample carrier present in the wells from clogging the outlet when subjected to a driving force such as vacuum. The device also reduces or eliminates overflowing of a well in the event a drain becomes clogged during automated operation.

Abstract: An integrated proteomics sample preparation device and method for in-gel digestion of proteins and for desalting and concentrating samples prior to further analysis such as by MALDI TOF and/or electro-spray ionization (ESI) mass spectrometry. The device and method of the present invention allow for digestion, desalting and concentration of sample prior to analysis. More specifically, the device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of wells in fluid communication with a an outlet or drainage opening containing a three dimensional structure comprising a plurality of sorptive particles entrapped in a porous polymer matrix so as to form a device capable of carrying out solid phase extraction. In a preferred embodiment, the wells are configured so as to prevent a sample carrier present in the wells from clogging the outlet when subjected to a driving force such as vacuum.

Abstract: An integrated proteomics sample preparation device and method for in-gel digestion of proteins and for desalting and concentrating samples prior to further analysis such as by MALDI TOF and/or electro-spray ionization (ESI) mass spectrometry. The device and method of the present invention allow for digestion, desalting and concentration of sample prior to analysis. More specifically, the device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of wells in fluid communication with a an outlet or drainage opening containing a three dimensional structure comprising a plurality of sorptive particles entrapped in a porous polymer matrix so as to form a device capable of carrying out solid phase extraction. In a preferred embodiment, the wells are configured so as to prevent a sample carrier present in the wells from clogging the outlet when subjected to a driving force such as vacuum.

Abstract: A multiwell test apparatus formed of a multiwell filter plate having a plurality of wells and a first feeding plate and a second receiver plate is provided. The wells of the multiwell filter plate each have an open bottom surface to which a membrane is attached, at least one first access hole providing access to the feeding/receiver plate below, a pair of alignment pins designed to fit alignment holes in the feeding/receiver plates in a particular arrangement. The first feeding plate is a single well plate or a multiwell plate used solely for feeding. The second receiver plate is a multiwell plate having the same number of wells as the filter plate and aligned so as to receive the wells of the filter plate therein used as the assaying plate. The use of alignment holes in the feeding/receiver plates and alignment posts in the filter plate ensure precise alignment of the plates when together.

Abstract: A multiwell test apparatus formed of a multiwell filter plate having a plurality of wells and a first feeding plate and a second receiver plate is provided. The wells of the multiwell filter plate each have an open bottom surface to which a membrane is attached, at least one first access hole providing access to the feeding/receiver plate below, a pair of alignment pins designed to fit alignment holes in the feeding/receiver plates in a particular arrangement. The first feeding plate is a single well plate or a multiwell plate used solely for feeding. The second receiver plate is a multiwell plate having the same number of wells as the filter plate and aligned so as to receive the wells of the filter plate therein used as the assaying plate. The use of alignment holes in the feeding/receiver plates and alignment posts in the filter plate ensure precise alignment of the plates when together.

Abstract: This invention relates to a filtration apparatus and method for the separation of microscopic entities from a fluid (liquid or gas) and subsequent visual or imaging microscopic analysis of the entities separated thereon either directly or after treatment of the entities whilst on the apparatus in order to enhance their subsequent visualization and/or imaging. Such treatment can comprise reaction with reagents contained in other solutions that can be made to imbibe and/or pass through the filtration apparatus and which can be washed with solutions that can be made to imbibe and/or pass through the filtration apparatus. An example of a specific area of application is in the microbiological testing of fluids in order to detect, identify and/or enumerate microorganisms contained in a fluid test sample.

Abstract: An integrated proteomics sample preparation device and method for in-gel digestion of proteins and for desalting and concentrating samples prior to further analysis such as by MALDI TOF and/or electro-spray ionization (ESI) mass spectrometry. The device and method of the present invention allow for digestion, desalting and concentration of sample prior to analysis. More specifically, the device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of wells in fluid communication with a an outlet or drainage opening containing a three dimensional structure comprising a plurality of sorptive particles entrapped in a porous polymer matrix so as to form a device capable of carrying out solid phase extraction. In a preferred embodiment, the wells are configured so as to prevent a sample carrier present in the wells from clogging the outlet when subjected to a driving force such as vacuum.

Abstract: A multiwell test apparatus formed of a multiwell filter plate having a plurality of wells and a first feeding plate and a second receiver plate is provided. The wells of the multiwell filter plate each have an open bottom surface to which a membrane is attached, at least one first access hole providing access to the feeding/receiver plate below, a pair of alignment pins designed to fit alignment holes in the feeding/receiver plates in a particular arrangement. The first feeding plate is a single well plate or a multiwell plate used solely for feeding. The second receiver plate is a multiwell plate having the same number of wells as the filter plate and aligned so as to receive the wells of the filter plate therein used as the assaying plate. The use of alignment holes in the feeding/receiver plates and alignment posts in the filter plate ensure precise alignment of the plates when together.

Abstract: Disclosed is a vacuum filtration device including; (a)filter body including a filter membrane; (b) a passageway extending through the body and communicating with the upstream side of the filter for receiving a fluid to be filtered; (c) a junction mounted on the body on the downstream side of the filter and adapted to receive a closed container for receiving the filtered fluid and including sealing for creating a fluid tight seal between the container and the body; (d) a vacuum port communicating with said junction and adapted to be connected to a vacuum source for drawing the fluid through the filter and comprising a sealable vacuum vent which, when open, provides fluid communication between the vacuum port and a gas source. The device also includes a vacuum vent cap and a filter body vent and vent cap.

Abstract: A device for conducting biological analysis, such as cell culture, is disclosed having improved contamination prevention features. In a preferred embodiment, a microwell membrane plate for cell analysis is adapted to be inserted into a shallow rectangular tray with elevated side walls which form a single large reservoir for holding an appropriate liquid used in cell growth and analysis. The side surfaces of the tray include a raised ridge extending about the entire periphery of the tray. A series of uniform-height steps formed on the ridge serve as support for the microwell membrane plate when inserted into the tray and also create a narrow capillary gap between the plate and the tray. A ledge extending laterally from the base of the ridge forms a second, wider gap when the microwell membrane plate is inserted into the tray.

Abstract: A filter punch construction is provided for use in conjunction with a multiwell filtration device wherein each well includes a filtration membrane. The punch has a leading surface to which is secured an elongated piercing member having a sharp point and a periphery comprising holding or cutting edges and a following surface which has a guide member. The piercing member and cutting edges pierce the filtration membrane in each well and push the entire filter and retentate thereon into a receptacle vial.

Abstract: A filter punch construction is provided for use in conjunction with a multiwell filtration device wherein each well includes a filtration membrane. The punch has a leading flat surface to which is secured an elongated piercing member having a sharp point and a following surface to which is secured a guide member. The piercing member pierces the filtration membrane in each well and the flat leading surface pushes the entire membrane and retentate thereon into a receptacle vial.

Abstract: A filter punch construction is provided for use in conjunction with a multiwell filtration device wherein each well includes a filtration membrane. The punch has a leading flat surface to which is secured an elongated piercing member having a sharp point and a following surface to which is secured a guide member. The piercing member pierces the filtration membrane in each well and the flat leading surface pushes the entire membrane and retentate thereon into a receptacle vial.

Abstract: An apparatus and process are provided for transferring a gel shaped as a cylinder containing a treated sample from a first step to a second electrophoresis step without distorting the position of the treated sample within the shaped gel. A shaped gel useful in electrophoresis is formed in a tube with a multifilament thread extending the entire length of and within the central portion of the shaped gel. The shaped gel then is employed in a first treatment step to form a treated sample that may be a separated sample. After extrusion of the gel from the tube, the portion of the thread extending from each end of the shaped gel is grasped and the shaped gel containing the treated sample is transferred to contact a slab gel along the entire length of the shaped gel to effect an electrophoresis step in the second treatment step.

Abstract: A multi-well filtration apparatus for the assay of microliter quantities is provided wherein a filter is positioned in each well on a plate having an open spout positioned in the plate. The spout has a collar on its outer surface extending in a direction perpendicular to the vertical axis of the spout. The collar prevents a liquid droplet from climbing the outer surface of the spout from its open end.

Abstract: A filter system particularly useful with small sample volumes includes first and second housing sections with a flow channel extending therebetween. A membrane filter forms one boundary of the flow channel. A pair of reservoirs, one for feed and the other for permeate collection, are integrally formed with the first housing section. A fluid communication path is established from the first section to the second section and then through means of a deformable chamber to the flow channel. The deformable chamber is adjacent to a rigid surface that is integral with one of the housing sections and in this manner is adapted to pump fluid through the system when interfacing with a pump.

Abstract: A filter apparatus is provided which is adapted for filtration of intravenous liquids and separates gas in the incoming intravenous liquid prior to delivering the filtered liquid to a patient. Incoming liquid is passed into a space within a filter holder, which space has a smaller portion that excludes gas due to surface tension forces and a larger portion where gas accumulates. A hydrophobic filter membrane is positioned adjacent the large portion of the space to permit passage of gas from the space. A hydrophilic filter membrane is positioned within the space to filter the liquid prior to administration to the patient.