Abstract: The present invention is related to the field of bio/chemical sampling, sensing, assays and applications. Particularly, the present invention is related to how to make the sampling/sensing/assay become simple to use, fast to results, highly sensitive, easy to use, using tiny sample volume (e.g. 0.5 uL or less), operated by a person without any professionals, reading by mobile-phone, or low cost, or a combination of them.

Abstract: Among other things, the present invention is related to bio/chemical sampling, sensing, assays and applications.

Abstract: A homogeneous assay method that employs a device is provided. In some embodiments, the device contains a pair of plates that can be opened and closed. The sample is placed between two plates. In some embodiments, the thickness of the sample in a closed configuration, the concentration of labels, and amplification factor of the amplification surface are configured to make the label(s) bound on the amplification surface visible without washing away of the unbound labels.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the invention provide methods that can create large area complex patterns for nanoimprint molds without or with very litter of the use of the charged beam or photon beam direct-writing of nanostructures. Some embodiments of the invention use (i) Fourier nanoimprint patterning (FNP), (ii) edge-guided nanopatterning (EGN), and (iii) nanostructure self-perfection, and their combinations.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to devices, apparatus and methods of improving the accuracy of an image-based assay. One aspect of the present invention is to sandwich a sample between two plates and add reference marks in the sample areas of the plates, with at least one of the geometric and/optical properties of the reference marks being predetermined and known, and taking images of the sample with the reference marks, and applying a machine learning model in the analysis of the image-based assay.

Abstract: Among other things, the present invention is related to devices and methods for improving optical analysis of a thin layer of a sample sandwiched between containing between two plates.

Abstract: The present invention provides, among other things, QMAX card based assays in different forms for various analytes, offering simpler, fast, more sensitive assaying.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a device and method for rapidly changing temperatures of a sample. An example of the device include: a first plate; a second plate; and a heating/cooling layer disposed on either the first or second plate. The first plate and the second plate face each other and are configured to receive a fluid sample sandwiched therebetween. The method includes depositing the fluid sample on one or both of the two plates, pressing the plates to form a thin layer of the sample, and changing and/or maintaining the temperature of the sample. The device or method can be used in, for example, PCR.

Abstract: The present invention, among other things, provides the devices and methods in manipulate a sample for the purpose of assaying.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a device and a method to press a QMAX-Card to form a liquid layer. A device comprises a first arm including a pressing block and a second arm including a compartment for accommodating the QMAX-Card. Each of the first arm and the second arm comprises a first end and a second end opposing the first end, and the first arm and the second arm are joined by a hinge at the first end. The first arm is capable of rotating around the hinge toward the second arm 500 from an open position to a close position. The pressing block and the compartment face each other and are disposed at the second end. The pressing block press the QMAX-Card so that the QMAX-Card changes a closed configuration to compress a liquid sample in the QMAX-Card into a substantially uniform thin layer.

Abstract: The present invention is related to the field of bio/chemical sampling, sensing, assays and applications. Particularly, the present invention is related to how to make the sampling/sensing/assay become simple to use, fast to results, highly sensitive, easy to use, using tiny sample volume (e.g. 0.5 uL or less), operated by a person without any professionals, reading by mobile-phone, or low cost, or a combination of them.

Abstract: Described are methods and devices that can accelerate the process and quantify the parameters for bio/chemical material samples. In some embodiments, a QMAX (Q: quantification; M: magnifying; A: adding reagents; X: acceleration) device having two or more electrodes capable of accelerating the electrical measurement process of the samples. In addition, the electrical measurement technology of the QMAX device enables for extraction, separation, and purification of sample components, such as but not limited to nucleic acids. In some embodiments, the QMAX device includes a plate for hosting a small sensing chip to facilitate a bio/chemical sensing of the sensing chip.

Abstract: A multi-mode illumination system, including: a first illumination module; a second illumination module; and a third illumination module, as disclosed herein.

Abstract: The present invention is related to, among other things, the devices and methods that improve the accuracy and reliability of an assay, even when the assay device and/or the operation of the assay device has certain errors, and in some embodiments the errors are random.

Abstract: The present invention provides, among other things, devices, methods and applications of collecting, preserving, transporting, and analyzing tiny body fluids which have targeted biomarkers.

Abstract: Among other things, the present invention is related to devices and methods for improving optical analysis of a thin layer of a sample sandwiched between containing between two plates.

Abstract: A method of assaying an analyte in a sample is disclosed. The method includes having a sample holder with a sample contact area for contacting a sample with an analyte, having a plurality of calibration structures on the sample contact area of the sample holder, imaging a part of the sample contact area that has the calibration structures, and using an algorithm that includes an image, calibration structures in the image, and artificial intelligence and/or machine learning to identify the analyte and/or determine the analyte concentration.

Abstract: The disclosure provides an apparatus for high throughput analysis of samples and a method of making an assay card and performing an assay using the apparatus. The apparatus can include a transporter to position and advance a first plate of the QMAX card, a first dispenser to deposit a sample on the first plate, a second dispenser to dispense a reagent to contact the sample, a press to compress the sample between the first and second plates of the QMAX card into a uniformly thick layer, and an imager to image the uniformly thick layer.

Abstract: The present invention provides, among other things, devices, kits, apparatus, and methods for rapid homogenous cell staining and imaging. Particularly, in some embodiments, the present invention can immunochemically stain a cell or a tissue in less than 60 seconds without washing. In some embodiments, the present invention stains and observes analyte (protein or nucleic acid) inside a cell in 60 seconds without washing.

Abstract: A homogeneous assay method that employs a device is provided. In some embodiments, the device contains a pair of plates that can be opened and closed. The sample is placed between two plates. In some embodiments, the thickness of the sample in a closed configuration, the concentration of labels, and amplification factor of the amplification surface are configured to make the label(s) bound on the amplification surface visible without washing away of the unbound labels.