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 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 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: Instruments, devices and methods of analysis are provided which fully integrate a significant number of process steps in a continuous operation. Accurate positioning and full contact between components is also provided by the relative movement the designs allow. An effect interface between a low cost disposable cartridge or device and the instrument to process it is also detailed.

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: 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 analyzes of DNA).

Abstract: A method and device structure are provided which enable an archive sample to be collected and detached relative to a device within which a series of processes, such as PCR are being provided. A chamber structure and method of use are provided in which a controlled and precise volume is obtained by control of the relative resistance to flow through various channels.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods and related systems for controlling droplet spreading on a surface, including droplets in which a biological component is suspended. A biological solution is provided as a droplet to a surface. Interference fringes generated by the droplet on the surface are imaged, wherein the imaging is over a time course during which the droplet spreads on the surface. A droplet parameter is determined from the imaging step and a process parameter controlled to obtain an interference fringe pattern corresponding to a desired droplet parameter. In this manner, well-controlled droplet spreading is achieved, which is important in a range of applications, including assays that rely on good metaphase spreading.

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: An apparatus for processing a sample, circuit board suited to use in such an apparatus and a method of processing in which the apparatus has alignment features to assist in aligning the circuit board and a sample cartridge in the correct position relative to one another. In this way, the plurality of sections for processing a sample in the cartridge are positioned against a plurality of elements, such as a heater for heating the sample cartridge or an electrical contact (EP1-EP4) for powering features on the sample cartridge, correctly and can operate independently of one another.

Abstract: Provided herein are devices and methods for generating microfluidic gradients, including an array of unique microfluidic gradients within an array of microchannels. Fluids within conduits are mixed in an intersection region to generate a mixed flow stream in a source reservoir channel that provides a gradient that varies with axial distance from the intersection region. Microchannels having an inlet connected to the source reservoir channel are configured to provide a microfluidic gradient in the microchannel. An outlet end of the microchannel is connected to a sink reservoir channel. By varying the ratio of fluid flow rates from the fluid conduits, the microchannel gradients are tuned. In this manner, a large number of unique gradients or array of microfluidic gradients is provided, wherein the gradient can be any number of physical or chemical parameters, including concentrations and physical fluid properties.

Abstract: An electrophoresis device where the end of the electrophoresis channel has a part that extends vertically. The electrophoresis channel includes a first access port at one end of the channel and a second port at the other end of the channel, which are in the same horizontal plane. In this way, there is a less than 0.1% hydrostatic pressure differential between two ports and the performance of the device is improved.

Abstract: A method of analysing a sample includes providing a first part of the sample and a second part of the sample. A first analysis is conducted on the first part of the sample and the results of the first analysis are considered. A second analysis is conducted on the second part of the sample, the second analysis being conducted according to a procedure using a value for each of one or more characteristics of the procedure. The consideration of the results of the first analysis is used to determine whether the value for one or more of the characteristics of the procedure is changed to a different value. The second analysis is started before the results of the first analysis are obtained.

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: Exposure to ionizing radiation can produce a well-defined dose dependent signature in terms of changes in gene expression. In approaches and devices described herein, such a signature can be used to generate and use a self-contained radiation biodosimeter device, based on, for example, a blood finger stick. Various aspects of the invention are directed to biodosimetry with a fully integrated biochip using gene expression signatures.

Abstract: An apparatus (11) for processing a sample, circuit board (8008) suited to use in such an apparatus and a method of processing are provided in which the apparatus (11) is provided with alignment features to assist in provided the circuit board and a sample cartridge (9) in the correct position relative to one another. In this way, the plurality of sections for processing a sample in the cartridge (9) are positioned against a plurality of elements, such as a heater (4) for heating the sample cartridge (9) or an electrical contact (EP1-EP4) for powering features on the sample cartridge (9), correctly and can operate independently of one another.

Abstract: The present invention provides a microfluidic device for preparing or extracting a biological sample from a solid material and methods for using the same. The microfluidic device of the invention automates the biological sample extraction from a solid material, thereby significantly reducing the possibility of contamination, human error and a potential variability of the sample that is obtained by different technicians.

Abstract: A method and apparatus platform for portraying a first individual relating to engaging in social activities, such as networking and/or playing, with at least a second individual, through using artifacts, preferably an image and/or an art work, that can be displayed at a physical or virtual exhibit, whose elements of said artwork can be extracted or described by the individuals for identifying or defining some personal and/or psychological attributes that can translate, pattern or portrait unique characters of the individuals, for example with the purpose of interacting, communicating, playing, gaming, entertaining, initiating courtship or intimate relationship, networking or trading.

Abstract: A matching of a traveler's gear and vehicle when engaging into an electronic transaction of on demand services, preferably for transportation. In a preferred embodiment, the present method and apparatus is suitable for assessing remotely from a digital image, the physical properties of a travel gear, for example its shape, size and weight dimensions or texture, in order to match the geometric parameters of the container storage of a vehicle, for example the trunk of an automobile, listed in a database of an electronic transportation service, in order to optimize the conditions of transportation, such as cost reduction and energy fuel efficiency, for improving the quality of the traveler's experience.