Abstract: A storage vial (100, 200) may include a vial body (110, 210) having a first end (111, 211) and a second end (112, 212) and defining an internal volume (113, 213) configured to contain a biological material (B) therein, a first valve (120, 220) positioned at the first end of the vial body, a second valve (130, 230) positioned at the second end of the vial body, a first conduit connector (160, 260) positioned at the first end of the vial body, and a second conduit connector (170, 270) positioned at the second end of the vial body. The resulting construction may allow for closed system direct transfer of biological material from the storage vial to another vessel using aseptic techniques.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for quantitating one or more biomolecules in a sample using IR based techniques, sample holder devices for use in such methods as well as methods for manufacturing such sample holder devices.

Abstract: The present invention provides synthetic membranes which are suitable as a human skin substitute for the investigation of transdermal diffusion of candidate pharmaceutical and cosmetic compounds. The membranes according to the present invention exhibit human skin-like permeability properties with respect to the diffusion of a wide range of compounds having widely different physico-chemical properties.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for quantitating one or more biomolecules in a sample using IR based techniques, sample holder devices for use in such methods as well as methods for manufacturing such sample holder devices.

Abstract: The present invention provides synthetic membranes which are suitable as a human skin substitute for the investigation of transdermal diffusion of candidate pharmaceutical and cosmetic compounds. The membranes according to the present invention exhibit human skin-like permeability properties with respect to the diffusion of a wide range of compounds having widely different physico-chemical properties.

Abstract: Raman spectra of protein immunoblots or enzyme linked immunosorbant assay procedures are acquired with a scanning Raman spectrometer. The sensitivity of the measurement is increased by conjugating secondary antibodies used in the Western blot and ELISA methods to surface enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS) labels. The resulting blot or well plate is analyzed with a Raman system that has forms a pixel map of the sample. More specifically, the Raman system generates an effectively line-shaped illumination pattern and scans the sample in the direction perpendicular to the line while the signal is accumulating on the detector. Each pixel is therefore a rectangle defined by the length of the illumination and the distance traveled by the sample within the duration of signal accumulation on the detector. The pixels are sequentially acquired to generate a map of the sample.

Abstract: A single- or multi-well sample preparation apparatus and method for desalting, concentrating and depositing samples prior to further analysis such as by MALDI TOF mass spectrometry. The apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of wells each in fluid communication with a respective outlet or drainage opening, optionally containing a three dimensional membrane structure preferably 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. The apparatus is designed to allow for direct spotting onto a MALDI target, thereby eliminating a transfer step. Also disclosed is a method of sample preparation, deposition and analysis using the apparatus of the present invention.

Abstract: A single- or multi-well sample preparation apparatus and method for desalting, concentrating and depositing samples prior to further analysis such as by MALDI TOF mass spectrometry. The apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of wells each in fluid communication with a respective outlet or drainage opening, optionally containing a three dimensional membrane structure preferably 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. The apparatus is designed to allow for direct spotting onto a MALDI target, thereby eliminating a transfer step. Also disclosed is a method of sample preparation, deposition and analysis using the apparatus of the present invention.