Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for quantifying one or more analytes in a sample by an analysis system comprising a separation unit (LC column), a means of adding a solution post-column (Connector), and a detection unit comprising a mass spectrometer coupled through an ionization source, the method comprising: ? (i) inducing matrix effect on the analytes in the sample and on the post-column infused internal standards (PCI-ISs); ? (ii) matching one or more post-column infused internal standard (PCI-IS) to each analyte that best matches the analyte's response to the matrix effect, and ? (iii) storing the analyte-matched PCI-IS identification and, optionally, associated response data in a library; and ? (iv) applying the analyte-matched PCI-IS to the analyte in other samples to correct the analyte peak responses for the matrix effect during ionization and to obtain (absolute) quantitation of the analyte using the response data.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for non-destructively identifying a characteristic of a Gallus Gallus domesticus embryo in ovo, the method comprising: (a) obtaining a sample of material associated with an egg comprising the embryo, and (b) measuring a score value for the presence of, and concentration of at least a first biomarker in the sample indicative of the characteristic of the embryo, and (c) applying a threshold to the score value and concentration obtained in (b) to identify the characteristic for the embryo associated with the presence and concentration of the biomarker, wherein an at least first biomarker comprises an amino compound having a molecular weight in the range of from 140 to 190 g/mole, wherein step (c) further comprises: (i) correlating each relevant biomarker signal with a reference biomarker by matching the spectrum of each correlating signal with the expected spectrum of the correlating reference biomarker using a similarity measure, to define at least one positively correl

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the electro extraction of molecules from a moving fluid donor phase into an acceptor phase, comprising the steps of: providing an electrically conductive donor phase moving at a first flow velocity and in electrically conductive contact with a first electrode, providing an electrically conductive acceptor phase in direct contact and immiscible with the donor phase, in electrically conductive contact with a second electrode; and providing a supporting or confining phase guide pattern to keep a defined interface between donor phase and acceptor phase, and (d) applying an electrical field between the first and the second electrode.

Abstract: Apparatus for processing life-based organic particles, including particles selected from the list comprising cells, cellular spheroids, tissues, eukaryotes, micro-organisms, organs or embryos, comprises a hollow volume (10) that (a) is internally divided into at least first (14), second (16) and third (17) sub-volumes by at least two phaseguides (12, 13) formed inside the volume and (b) includes parts that are relatively upstream and relatively downstream when judged with reference to the movement of a meniscus or a bulk liquid in the volume (10). The apparatus includes at least first, second and third fluid conduits (19, 21, 22) connected to permit fluid communication between the upstream exterior of the volume (10) and a respective said sub-volume (14, 16, 17); and at least one further conduit (24) connected to permit fluid communication between the downstream exterior of the volume (10) and a said sub-volume.

Abstract: Apparatus for processing life-based organic particles, including particles selected from the list comprising cells, cellular spheroids, tissues, eukaryotes, micro-organisms, organs or embryos, comprises a hollow volume (10) that (a) is internally divided into at least first (14), second (16) and third (17) sub-volumes by at least two phaseguides (12, 13) formed inside the volume and (b) includes parts that are relatively upstream and relatively downstream when judged with reference to the movement of a meniscus or a bulk liquid in the volume (10). The apparatus includes at least first, second and third fluid conduits (19, 21, 22) connected to permit fluid communication between the upstream exterior of the volume (10) and a respective said sub-volume (14, 16, 17); and at least one further conduit (24) connected to permit fluid communication between the downstream exterior of the volume (10) and a said sub-volume.

Abstract: Apparatus for processing life-based organic particles, including particles selected from the list comprising cells, cellular spheroids, tissues, eukaryotes, micro-organisms, organs or embryos, comprises a hollow volume (10) that (a) is internally divided into at least first (14), second (16) and third (17) sub-volumes by at least two phaseguides (12, 13) formed inside the volume and (b) includes parts that are relatively upstream and relatively downstream when judged with reference to the movement of a meniscus or a bulk liquid in the volume (10). The apparatus includes at least first, second and third fluid conduits (19, 21, 22) connected to permit fluid communication between the upstream exterior of the volume (10) and a respective said sub-volume (14, 16, 17); and at least one further conduit (24) connected to permit fluid communication between the downstream exterior of the volume (10) and a said sub-volume.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a droplet receiver, comprising a receptacle for receiving a droplet, a fluid conduit connected at a first end thereof to the droplet receptacle thereby providing a course within which the droplet received in the droplet receptacle moves, the conduit at its distal end in communication with a reservoir, and a fluid layer wetting the internal walls of the receptacle and conduit in such a way as permit reception of the droplet without loss of the received droplet due to wetting of the internal receptacle and conduit walls.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the extraction of analyte compounds from a sample comprising one or more analytes in a donor phase into an acceptor phase, comprising the steps of: a) providing an electrically conductive donor phase comprising the compounds in a first electrically conductive solvent or solvent blend, and an electrode arranged in electrically conductive contact with the donor phase, b) providing an electrically conductive acceptor phase in electrically conductive contact with a second electrode; and c) providing an insulator phase in fluid communication with at least one of the donor phase and the acceptor phase, wherein the insulator phase is immiscible with the donor phase and/or the acceptor phase, and d) (d) applying an electrical field between the first and the second electrode.

Abstract: Apparatus for processing liquids or liquid-based substances includes a plurality of volumes at least two of which are defined at least in part by one or more phaseguides inside the volume and/or in a conduit connected thereto for controlling aliquoting of one or more liquids or liquid-based substances inside the volume. Each volume has an upstream and downstream side with respect to meniscus advancement direction via which it may be filled with or emptied of one or more liquids or liquid-based substances. The apparatus also includes at least one common upstream-side conduit connected to supply a liquid or liquid-based substance via a plurality of the inlet or extraction conduits, a plurality of the phaseguides exhibiting a predetermined level of stability and one or more of the phaseguides exhibiting a predetermined different stability compared with the stability of at least one of the other phaseguides whereby to control the preference order in which the volumes fill and/or empty.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and an arrangement for selective solvent evaporation from a liquid feed, the feed comprising one or more components diluted in at least a first solvent or a solvent blend, comprising: a) a first tubular vessel having a distal end or a channel suitable for the formation of a droplet of a first volume, at an inflow rate n, at the tip or in the lumen of the tubular vessel, and b) means for subjecting the droplet to a solvent removal step at an evaporation rate r2 to evaporate at least part of the first solvent or solvent blend, to accumulate the components in the feed in the droplet during the evaporation process at an accumulation rate r3, to obtain a concentrated feed volume in a concentrated droplet, wherein the evaporation and/or inflow rates are continuously adjusted to achieve a desired accumulation rate. The invention further relates to a method for selective solvent removal from an analyte mixture obtained in a chromatographic separation process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for concentrating, detecting and/or isolating a plurality of charged analytes contained in a sample by depletion zone isotachophoresis.

Abstract: A Raman spectrometer includes a light source (12), a sensor element (14) and a detector (10), where the sensor element (14) includes an active surface (24), which active surface (24) is coated with a layer (26) of inert material to be placed in contact with the sample (4). A sensor element (14) includes an active surface (24) which is coated with a layer (26) of inert material. A method for obtaining a Raman spectrum using such a sensor element (14) includes the following steps: a) providing a sensor element (14), comprising an active surface (24) which is coated with a layer (26) of inert material and placing the layer (26) of inert material in contact with a sample to be analysed; b) illuminating the sensor element (14) with monochromatic light; and c) detecting surface enhanced Raman scattering by the sensor element (14).

Abstract: The present invention relates to amethod and an apparatus for concentrating, detecting and/or isolating a plurality of charged analytes contained in a sampleby depletion zone isotachophoresis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the extraction of analyte compounds from a sample comprising one or more analytes in a donor phase into an acceptor phase, comprising the steps of: a) providing an electrically conductive donor phase comprising the compounds in a first electrically conductive solvent or solvent blend, and an electrode arranged in electrically conductive contact with the donor phase, b) providing an electrically conductive acceptor phase in electrically conductive contact with a second electrode; and c) providing an insulator phase in fluid communication with at least one of the donor phase and the acceptor phase, wherein the insulator phase is immiscible with the donor phase and/or the acceptor phase, and d) (d) applying an electrical field between the first and the second electrode.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and an arrangement for selective solvent evaporation from a liquid feed, the feed comprising one or more components diluted in at least a first solvent or a solvent blend, comprising: a) a first tubular vessel having a distal end or a channel suitable for the formation of a droplet of a first volume, at an inflow rate n, at the tip or in the lumen of the tubular vessel, and b) means for subjecting the droplet to a solvent removal step at an evaporation rate r2 to evaporate at least part of the first solvent or solvent blend, to accumulate the components in the feed in the droplet during the evaporation process at an accumulation rate r3, to obtain a concentrated feed volume in a concentrated droplet, wherein the evaporation and/or inflow rates are continuously adjusted to achieve a desired accumulation rate. The invention further relates to a method for selective solvent removal from an analyte mixture obtained in a chromatographic separation process.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to method of typing a sample from an individual as a sample from an individual with an increased life expectancy, an average life expectancy or a reduced life expectancy. The typing is based on a comparison of a level of lipid species in a sample of the individual to a level of lipid species in a reference. The disclosure further relates to a composition comprising lipid species for use in increasing life expectancy of an individual.

Abstract: Apparatus for processing life-based organic particles, including particles selected from the list comprising cells, cellular spheroids, tissues, eukaryotes, micro-organisms, organs or embryos, comprises a hollow volume (10) that (a) is internally divided into at least first (14), second (16) and third (17) sub-volumes by at least two phaseguides (12, 13) formed inside the volume and (b) includes parts that are relatively upstream and relatively downstream when judged with reference to the movement of a meniscus or a bulk liquid in the volume (10). The apparatus includes at least first, second and third fluid conduits (19, 21, 22) connected to permit fluid communication between the upstream exterior of the volume (10) and a respective said sub-volume (14, 16, 17); and at least one further conduit (24) connected to permit fluid communication between the downstream exterior of the volume (10) and a said sub-volume.

Abstract: Apparatus for processing liquids or liquid-based substances includes a plurality of volumes at least two of which are defined at least in part by one or more phaseguides inside the volume and/or in a conduit connected thereto for controlling aliquoting of one or more liquids or liquid-based substances inside the volume. Each volume has an upstream and downstream side with respect to meniscus advancement direction via which it may be filled with or emptied of one or more liquids or liquid-based substances. The apparatus also includes at least one common upstream-side conduit connected to supply a liquid or liquid-based substance via a plurality of the inlet or extraction conduits, a plurality of the phaseguides exhibiting a predetermined level of stability and one or more of the phaseguides exhibiting a predetermined different stability compared with the stability of at least one of the other phaseguides whereby to control the preference order in which the volumes fill and/or empty.

Abstract: A Raman spectrometer includes a light source (12), a sensor element (14) and a detector (10), where the sensor element (14) includes an active surface (24), which active surface (24) is coated with a layer (26) of inert material to be placed in contact with the sample (4). A sensor element (14) includes an active surface (24) which is coated with a layer (26) of inert material. A method for obtaining a Raman spectrum using such a sensor element (14) includes the following steps: a) providing a sensor element (14), comprising an active surface (24) which is coated with a layer (26) of inert material and placing the layer (26) of inert material in contact with a sample to be analysed; b) illuminating the sensor element (14) with monochromatic light; and c) detecting surface enhanced Raman scattering by the sensor element (14).