Abstract: Provided are automated cell culture systems and related in vitro cell culture methods, including for a co-culture of different cell populations having different cell culture conditions. For example, the system may comprise a bioreactor having a plurality of cell culture compartments, the bioreactor having a fluid port fluidly connected to the plurality of cell culture compartments. A pump fluidly connected to the fluid port can provide a cell culture medium to the plurality of culture compartments. A sensor is operably connected to at least one of the plurality of cell culture compartments for measuring at least one cell culture parameter. In this manner, a controller electronically connected the pump and sensor, is configured to automatically adjust a pump flow rate and/or a cell culture gas content to provide a desired steady-state cell culture parameter for facilitating cells interactions and collection of products representative of said interactions.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods and related devices for preprocessing a biological sample during transit. The method may comprise the steps of: storing a biological sample in a storage container having walls that defines a storage volume; transporting the storage container with the stored biological sample to a sample processing facility; controlling one or more storage container parameters during the transporting step to initiate preprocessing of the biological sample; wherein the controlling step improves a processing parameter at the sample processing facility.

Abstract: Provided herein are devices for self-testing for a plurality of biomarkers from a liquid biofluid sample. and related methods of using the devices to test for the biomarkers presence or absence. The devices comprise a specially configured vertical flow biosensor to provide a device platform that is safe and can be used at-home/in the field without need for any specialized equipment or external power sources.

Abstract: Provided herein are stretch devices and related methods for controlled three-dimensional stretching of scaffolds supported on a stretchable substrate. A stretchable substrate is capable of receiving the three-dimensional scaffold, and a stretchable substrate holder is configured to connect to the stretchable substrate. An actuator is connected to the stretchable substrate holder to exert a cyclic stretch on the stretchable substrate and periodically stretch the three-dimensional scaffold connected to the stretchable substrate. A sample holder is configured to immerse the three-dimensional scaffold in a tissue culture media.

Abstract: Provided herein are portable biocontainment devices for safe and reliable collection of biological samples, including liquid and gas samples. A sample inlet for collecting fluids and/or gases, including oral fluids and expired breath samples, is connected to a container having a climate-controlled container reservoir. One or more sample containers are connected to the sample inlet for collection of samples. The devices are configured for safe transport and handling of samples, while maintaining sample viability, including for relatively long transport periods. Safety components integrated within the device facilitates safe and effective decontamination of contagious samples. In this manner, aborting the sample preservation by decontamination prior to a hazardous release is achieved within the same apparatus.

Abstract: Provided herein are self-collection devices for collecting and/or processing biofluids. The biofluid, such as saliva, is collected in a collection tube. A tube insert in the collection tube is configured to work with a cap having an integrated reservoir volume holding a reagent. Upon connecting the cap to the collection tube, the material in the reservoir volume is effectively introduced to or mixed with the sample in the collection tube. In this manner, there is no risk of user exposure to the reagent and no adverse impact on the ability to reliably mix reagent with sample. The device can then be shipped to a testing facility. Alternatively, a biomarker detection membrane may be used to detect more immediately, without shipping, presence or absence of a material in the sample. This provides for an almost instantaneous read-out that is incorporated into the self-collection device.

Abstract: Provided are vertical flow detection devices and related methods. The devices may comprise a membrane having a first surface and a second surface with a plurality of porous structures extending between the first and second surfaces to form fluid conduits from a first fluid chamber formed by the first surface and a second fluid chamber formed by the second fluid surface. A capture agent is immobilized on and/or in the membrane. A rigid porous membrane support mechanically supports the membrane and to provide a relatively uniform flow across the membrane. Various gaskets or holder elements are positioned around an outer edge of the membrane to prevent fluid leakage around the membrane. A fluid pump is configured to force a fluid sample flow in a direction from the first fluid chamber to the second fluid chamber.

Abstract: Provided herein are portable biocontainment devices for safe and reliable collection of biological samples, including liquid and gas samples. A sample inlet for collecting fluids and/or gases, including oral fluids and expired breath samples, is connected to a container having a climate-controlled container reservoir. One or more sample containers are connected to the sample inlet for collection of samples. The devices are configured for safe transport and handling of samples, while maintaining sample viability, including for relatively long transport periods. Safety components integrated within the device facilitates safe and effective decontamination of contagious samples. In this manner, aborting the sample preservation by decontamination prior to a hazardous release is achieved within the same apparatus.

Abstract: A modular microfluidic device for simulating in vivo conditions of a biological system may include a first perfusion chamber having an inlet and an outlet, a second perfusion chamber having an inlet and an outlet, a well configured to hold one or more 3D structures of cultured biological cells. The well may be in fluid communication with the first and second perfusion chambers. A first porous membrane may be disposed between the first perfusion chamber and the well. A second porous membrane may be disposed between the second perfusion chamber and the well. The well may be configured to facilitate growth of cultured biological cells along all three dimensional axes, thereby providing or ensuring a more representative 3D structure of biological cells compared to conventional monolayer cultures.

Abstract: A method of simulating a biological response of a cellular system may include removing at least some DNA-containing material from a vascular plant tissue to produce a vascularized cellulose scaffold, seeding the vascularized cellulose scaffold with cultured biological cells, growing cultured biological cells on the vascularized cellulose scaffold to produce the vascularized biological system, subjecting the vascularized biological system to an external stimulus, and measuring a response of the vascularized biological system. In some embodiments, the removing step comprises submerging the plant tissue in a fluid comprising supercritical CO2, peracetic acid and ethanol.

Abstract: Cell culture apparatus for emulating gastrointestinal tract conditions and comprising at least two adjacent, microfluidic, cell cultivation channels separated by a permeable or semipermeable membrane, a first channel carrying gastrointestinal tract epithelial cells or tissues and a second channel carrying luminal and preferably mucosal microbiota, and wherein said second channel comprises one or more dwell chambers capable of providing a location for unattached luminal flora to reside away from any direct flow in said second channel, permits modelling of multiple sections of the gastrointestinal tract and control of retention times.

Abstract: Provided herein is a microphysiological system that may be used in various cell culture applications and biological system studies, that facilitates co-culture, monitoring, and study of functional interactions among different types of cellular and biological materials under various environmental conditions. The system is configured for fast assembly and disassembly, thereby minimizing damage or contamination of the biological materials and environmental conditions inside the system. The system comprises a base, a lid, and a plurality of clamps that are connected to the base and the lid. The base has a recess surface for receiving cell culture support layers. The lid has a stepped surface configured to exert a contact force to a top layer of one or more cell culture support layers during use. The clamp involves an engagement mechanism that generates a contact force allowing for sealing of the cell culture support layers in a manner that minimizes leakage of fluids.

Abstract: Provided herein are biological information pattern (BIP) arrays and related methods for reading out information stored in a biological medium. In this manner, encoded digital information in biomolecular medium can be used as a high data density storage medium that may be read-out and accessed in a label-free manner.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods and related devices for preprocessing a biological sample during transit. The method may comprise the steps of: storing a biological sample in a storage container having walls that defines a storage volume; transporting the storage container with the stored biological sample to a sample processing facility; controlling one or more storage container parameters during the transporting step to initiate preprocessing of the biological sample; wherein the controlling step improves a processing parameter at the sample processing facility.

Abstract: Provided are vertical flow detection devices and related methods. The devices may comprise a membrane having a first surface and a second surface with a plurality of porous structures extending between the first and second surfaces to form fluid conduits from a first fluid chamber formed by the first surface and a second fluid chamber formed by the second fluid surface. A capture agent is immobilized on and/or in the membrane. A rigid porous membrane support mechanically supports the membrane and to provide a relatively uniform flow across the membrane. Various gaskets or holder elements are positioned around an outer edge of the membrane to prevent fluid leakage around the membrane. A fluid pump is configured to force a fluid sample flow in a direction from the first fluid chamber to the second fluid chamber.

Abstract: Provided are automated cell culture systems and related in vitro cell culture methods, including for a co-culture of different cell populations having different cell culture conditions. For example, the system may comprise a bioreactor having a plurality of cell culture compartments, the bioreactor having a fluid port fluidly connected to the plurality of cell culture compartments. A pump fluidly connected to the fluid port can provide a cell culture medium to the plurality of culture compartments. A sensor is operably connected to at least one of the plurality of cell culture compartments for measuring at least one cell culture parameter. In this manner, a controller electronically connected the pump and sensor, is configured to automatically adjust a pump flow rate and/or a cell culture gas content to provide a desired steady-state cell culture parameter for facilitating cells interactions and collection of products representative of said interactions.

Abstract: Provided is an integrated sample collection device for self-collection and analytical pre-processing of a fluid sample, such as a blood sample from a user. A housing is configured to be held by a user, such as a single hand of a user. A contact-activated penetrating member is disposed at least partially in the housing and configured to penetrate skin. A capillary tube is disposed at least partially in the housing and configured to collect blood released by the penetrating member that penetrates the skin. A vacuum-assisted blood collection container can be fluidically connected to the capillary tube for receiving at least a portion of the collected blood. One or more stabilizing/pre-processing agents are provided for stabilizing/pre-processing collected blood in the capillary tube, the vacuum-assisted blood storage container, or both.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods and devices for controlled metering of a volume of fluid into a bioreactor chamber by use of a thermally-activated actuator that provides simultaneous temperature control and fluidic valve capability. The device may be an elastomeric valve assembly comprising: a thermally-activated actuator, a microfluidic cartridge and an elastomeric membrane operably connected to the thermally-activated actuator. Upon thermal activation of the thermally-activated actuator the elastomeric contact surface is forced into a lumen of the conduit of the microfluidic cartridge to fluidically seal the conduit, while the thermally-activated actuator is in thermal contact with a bioreactor chamber.

Abstract: Collection devices and kits for biological sample collection include a biologic sample collection device having a hydrophilic swab matrix that includes a modified polycaprolactone (PCL). Methods of production and use thereof are also described herein. The biologic sample collection devices, kits and methods described herein are used to collect a biologic sample (e.g., blood, buccal cells, etc.) and to enable extraction of nucleic acids (e.g., DNA) from that biologic sample so that the nucleic acids can be analyzed (e.g., sequencing and subsequent analyses of DNA).

Abstract: Collection devices and kits for biological sample collection include a biologic sample collection device having a hydrophilic swab matrix that includes a modified polycaprolactone (PCL). Methods of production and use thereof are also described herein. The biologic sample collection devices, kits and methods described herein are used to collect a biologic sample (e.g., blood, buccal cells, etc.) and to enable extraction of nucleic acids (e.g., DNA) from that biologic sample so that the nucleic acids can be analyzed (e.g., sequencing and subsequent analyses of DNA).