Abstract: An instrument for biological analysis includes a base, an excitation source, an optical sensor, an excitation optical system, and an emission optical system. The base is configured to receive a sample holder comprising a plurality of biological samples. The optical sensor is configured to receive emissions from the biological samples in response to the excitation source. The instrument may additionally include a sensor lens enclosed by a lens case and a focusing mechanism including a gear that engages the lens case, the focusing mechanism being accessible outside the enclosure for adjusting a focus. The may instrument further include a sensor aperture dispose along an emission optical path and a blocking structure disposed to cooperate with the sensor aperture such that none of the reflected radiation from an illuminated surface near the sample holder is received by the optical sensor that does not also reflect off another surface of the instrument.

Abstract: An instrument for biological analysis includes a base, an excitation source, an optical sensor, an excitation optical system, and an emission optical system. The base is configured to receive a sample holder comprising a plurality of biological samples. The optical sensor is configured to receive emissions from the biological samples in response to the excitation source. The instrument may additionally include a sensor lens enclosed by a lens case and a focusing mechanism including a gear that engages the lens case, the focusing mechanism being accessible outside the enclosure for adjusting a focus. The may instrument further include a sensor aperture dispose along an emission optical path and a blocking structure disposed to cooperate with the sensor aperture such that none of the reflected radiation from an illuminated surface near the sample holder is received by the optical sensor that does not also reflect off another surface of the instrument.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides electroporation cartridges for single use electroporation as well as electroporation cartridges for automated batch processing, electroporation instruments and systems and methods of electroporation using these devices and systems. In some embodiments, electroporation cartridges comprise an electroporation chamber defined by an elongate body, a first electrode at a proximal end and a second electrode at a distal end of a chamber. Electroporation systems of the disclosure include one or more components including a pulse generator, compartments for placing either flow-through or single use electroporation cartridges, components for storage of cells, cooling and pre-cooling mechanisms, removably insertable modular casings having compartments for holding and arranging electroporation system and reagent components, one or more pumps for moving sample through the system, and processors and controllers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a thermal cycler for the carrying out of chemical or biological reactions, such as PCR or other nucleic acid amplification reactions, that is segmented with a plurality of reaction vessel receiving elements. The reaction vessel receiving elements are thermally isolated from each other and provide an airtight seal to prevent liquids or moisture from penetrating below the reaction vessel receiving elements. The reaction vessel receiving elements have several recesses arranged in a pattern to receive the reaction vessels of a single standard microtiter plate and the segmented thermal cycler has a system for independently heating and cooling each of the reaction vessel receiving elements.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a thermal cycler for the carrying out of chemical or biological reactions, such as PCR or other nucleic acid amplification reactions, that is segmented with a plurality of reaction vessel receiving elements. The reaction vessel receiving elements are thermally isolated from each other and provide an airtight seal to prevent liquids or moisture from penetrating below the reaction vessel receiving elements. The reaction vessel receiving elements have several recesses arranged in a pattern to receive the reaction vessels of a single standard microtiter plate and the segmented thermal cycler has a system for independently heating and cooling each of the reaction vessel receiving elements.

Abstract: A thermal cycler is provided. The thermal cycler comprises a tray assembly. The tray assembly comprises a main body made of a first material having a first thermal conductivity. The tray assembly further comprises an adaptor made of a second material having a thermal conductivity that is greater than the thermal conductivity of the first material. The thermal cycler also includes a control block configured to control the temperature of the one or more nucleotide samples. The thermal cycler further includes a thermal cover sized and positioned to at least partially cover the plurality of vessels. The thermal cycler further includes a sample block including one or more depressions configured to receive a plurality of vessels containing one or more nucleotide samples.

Abstract: A biological analysis system is provided. The system comprises a sample block assembly. The sample block assembly comprises a sample block configured to accommodate a sample holder, the sample holder configured to receive a plurality of samples. The system also comprises a control system configured to cycle the plurality of samples through a series of temperatures. The system further comprises an automated tray comprising a slide assembly, the tray configured to reversibly slide the sample block assembly from a closed to an open position to allow user access to the plurality of sample holders.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a thermal cycler for the carrying out of chemical or biological reactions, such as PCR or other nucleic acid amplification reactions, that is segmented with a plurality of reaction vessel receiving elements. The reaction vessel receiving elements are thermally isolated from each other and provide an airtight seal to prevent liquids or moisture from penetrating below the reaction vessel receiving elements. The reaction vessel receiving elements have several recesses arranged in a pattern to receive the reaction vessels of a single standard microtiter plate and the segmented thermal cycler has a system for independently heating and cooling each of the reaction vessel receiving elements.

Abstract: A thermal cycler is provided. The thermal cycler comprises a tray assembly. The tray assembly comprises a main body made of a first material having a first thermal conductivity. The tray assembly further comprises an adaptor made of a second material having a thermal conductivity that is greater than the thermal conductivity of the first material. The thermal cycler also includes a control block configured to control the temperature of the one or more nucleotide samples. The thermal cycler further includes a thermal cover sized and positioned to at least partially cover the plurality of vessels. The thermal cycler further includes a sample block including one or more depressions configured to receive a plurality of vessels containing one or more nucleotide samples.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a thermal cycler for the carrying out of chemical or biological reactions, such as PCR or other nucleic acid amplification reactions, that is segmented with a plurality of reaction vessel receiving elements. The reaction vessel receiving elements are thermally isolated from each other and provide an airtight seal to prevent liquids or moisture from penetrating below the reaction vessel receiving elements. The reaction vessel receiving elements have several recesses arranged in a pattern to receive the reaction vessels of a single standard microtiter plate and the segmented thermal cycler has a system for independently heating and cooling each of the reaction vessel receiving elements.