Abstract: A cartridge for use with chemical or biological analysis systems, as well as methods of using the same, is provided. The cartridge may include a floating microfluidic plate that is held in the cartridge using one or more floating support brackets that incorporate gaskets that may seal against fluidic ports on the microfluidic plate. The floating support brackets may include indexing features that may align the microfluidic plate with the seals.

Abstract: A fluidic network for carrying out, in parallel, a plurality of analyses of biological samples is disclosed. The network has a flow cell array with a plurality of reaction chambers. The reaction chambers each have a first channel connection and a second channel connection. The first channel connections are connected to a first supply channel and the second channel connections are connected to a second supply channel. The first supply channel and the second channel connection are interconnected by a circulation line. At least one component is connected to the circulation line so that component test reagents can be introduced into the reaction chambers of the flow cell array.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for conducting binding assays in an assay device that includes one or more storage and use zone. The storage zones of the assay device are configured to house one or more reagents used in an assay conducted in the use zone of the device.

Abstract: A time-resolved fluorescence immunochromatographic kit for simultaneous detection of mixed contamination of five mycotoxins such as aflatoxin B1 and an application thereof are disclosed. The kit comprises a time-resolved fluorescent immunochromatographic test strip and sample reaction vials each containing a europium-labeled monoclonal antibody lyophilized product; wherein the fluorescent test strip comprises a PVC substrate, and a surface of the PVC substrate is adhered with a water absorbing pad (1), a detection pad (2) and a sample pad (3) from top to bottom, adjacent pads being connected and overlapping at connections. The detection pad (2) adopts a nitrocellulose membrane as the base thereof and is arranged with a lateral quality control line (5) and five detection lines (5, 6, 7, 8, 9) from top to bottom each covered by a bovine serum albumin conjugate of each toxin.

Abstract: A fluid delivery device includes at least one area onto which at least one support element having at least one well may be placed in a defined position. The fluid delivery device further includes at least one pipetting device having a connector configured to releasably connect the at least one pipetting device with a disposable tip and with a fluid displacement element which enables aspiration and ejection of a defined volume of liquid to or from the disposable tip. The at least one pipetting element is movable in a vertical and preferably in at least one horizontal direction. The fluid delivery device also includes a blowing element that has at least one aperture coupled to a source of pressurized gas and is movable in a vertical and preferably at least one horizontal direction. A system includes such a fluid delivery device and the at least one support element.

Abstract: Methods for identifying patients diagnosed with treatment resistant or refractory depression, pain or other clinical indications who are eligible to receive N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonist, glycine receptor beta (GLRB) modulator, or ?-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptor (AMPAR)-based therapies to include determining the appropriate medication, an optimal dose for each patient, and determining which patients are not eligible to receive the therapy. The pharmacogenomic clinical decision support assays include targeted single nucleotide polymorphisms and clinical values or a combination of targeted single nucleotide polymorphisms, targeted ketamine-specific expansion and contraction of topologically associated domains, and clinical values. The methods described herein allow for a more effective determination of which patients will experience drug efficacy and which patients will experience adverse drug events.

Abstract: An exemplary portable automated device is developed for in vitro testing of blood vascular occlusion as a result of sickle cell disease. The portable automated device may be controlled by a computer (e.g., smartphone) application. Calibration of the portable device may be performed using a component of known impedance value. With the developed portable automated device, analysis may be performed on sickle cell samples on a microfluidic platform that mimics the structure of human capillaries. Significant differences in cell impedance signals may be observed between sickle cells and normal cells, as well as between sickle cells under hypoxia and normoxia conditions.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for loading a sample into an analytical instrument using acoustic droplet ejection (“ADE”) in combination with a continuous flow sampling probe. An acoustic droplet ejector is used to eject small droplets of a fluid sample containing an analyte into the sampling tip of a continuous flow sampling probe, where the acoustically ejected droplet combines with a continuous, circulating flow stream of solvent within the flow probe. Fluid circulation within the probe transports the sample through a sample transport capillary to an outlet that directs the analyte away from the probe to an analytical instrument, e.g., a device that detects the presence, concentration quantity, and/or identity of the analyte. When the analytical instrument is a mass spectrometer or other type of device requiring the analyte to be in ionized form, the exiting droplets pass through an ionization region, e.g.

Abstract: A system and method for isolating and analyzing single cells, including: a substrate having a broad surface; a set of wells defined at the broad surface of the substrate, and a set of channels, defined by the wall, that fluidly couple each well to at least one adjacent well in the set of wells; and fluid delivery module defining an inlet and comprising a plate, removably coupled to the substrate, the plate defining a recessed region fluidly connected to the inlet and facing the broad surface of the substrate, the fluid delivery module comprising a cell capture mode.

Abstract: A sample collection device that includes a body having a proximal end and a distal end, the body defining a channel extending from the distal end to the proximal end. The sample collection device includes an opening at the proximal end of the body that extends into the channel of the body. The body includes an adhering portion having a depressed surface relative to an adjacent exterior surface of the body, the adhering portion configured to receive a sample in response to the sample contacting the depressed surface of the adhering portion. The body is manually maneuverable in response to the channel receiving a finger of a user through the opening of the body.

Abstract: Microfluidic chips and cartridges and systems that include such chips are disclosed. In some embodiments, the chips include a microfluidic channel disposed in a substrate with the channel comprising at least one expansion region. The channel is configured to generate a vortex within the at least one expansion region in response to fluid through the microfluidic channel to trap cells or particles. The substrate in which the channel is formed may be relatively rigid to resist deformation.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a pad formed on a surface of a substrate, a bonding wire for connecting the pad to an external circuit, and a resin layer covering at least a connection portion between the pad and the bonding wire and exposing at least a part of the substrate outside the pad.

Abstract: Embodiments generally relate to a device for housing chemical vapour sampling material. The device comprises a housing comprising a barrel, the barrel being configured to hold at least one fibre of chemical vapour sampling material, the barrel having a first opening at a first end configured to deploy at least a portion of the at least one fibre of chemical vapour sampling material; an extension mechanism arranged to cause extension and retraction of the at least one fibre of chemical vapour sampling material from the housing via the first opening; the extension mechanism being operable by actuation of at least one actuator. Actuating the at least one actuator causes extension or retraction of the at least one fibre of the chemical vapour sampling material from the housing via the first opening.

Abstract: An integrated reagent cartridge can be configured to hold and deliver reagents during sequencing. The integrated reagent cartridge can include a large-volume reagent region, a small-volume reagent region, a top cover, a bottom shell assembly, and a manifold assembly.

Abstract: A system and method for isolating and analyzing single cells, including: a substrate having a broad surface; a set of wells defined at the broad surface of the substrate, and a set of channels, defined by the wall, that fluidly couple each well to at least one adjacent well in the set of wells; and fluid delivery module defining an inlet and comprising a plate, removably coupled to the substrate, the plate defining a recessed region fluidly connected to the inlet and facing the broad surface of the substrate, the fluid delivery module comprising a cell capture mode.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus relating to FET arrays including large FET arrays for monitoring chemical and/or biological reactions such as nucleic acid sequencing-by-synthesis reactions. Some methods provided herein relate to improving signal (and also signal to noise ratio) from released hydrogen ions during nucleic acid sequencing reactions.

Abstract: A system and method for isolating and analyzing single cells, including: a substrate having a broad surface; a set of wells defined at the broad surface of the substrate, and a set of channels, defined by the wall, that fluidly couple each well to at least one adjacent well in the set of wells; and fluid delivery module defining an inlet and comprising a plate, removably coupled to the substrate, the plate defining a recessed region fluidly connected to the inlet and facing the broad surface of the substrate, the fluid delivery module comprising a cell capture mode.

Abstract: A pregnancy progression test system that includes multiple tests, each with decreasing sensitivity to provide the user of indication of a progressing pregnancy when taken over the course of a time period.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a microfluidic substrate, a microfluidic chip and a detection method. The microfluidic substrate according to the present disclosure includes a first substrate, and a plurality of droplet detecting elements on the first substrate and in an array. Each of the plurality of droplet detecting elements includes an ultrasonic conversion device and a voltage detecting element, the ultrasonic conversion device is configured to generate ultrasonic wave according to a first electric signal, receive a reflected ultrasonic wave, and convert the reflected ultrasonic wave into a second electric signal; and the voltage detecting element is configured to detect the second electric signal and determine whether a droplet exists at a position where the droplet detecting element is located based on the second electric signal.

Abstract: A sample holder includes a first member featuring a first retaining mechanism configured to retain a first substrate that includes a sample, a second member featuring a second retaining mechanism configured to retain a second substrate that includes a reagent medium, and an alignment mechanism connected to at least one of the first and second members, and configured to align the first and second members such that the sample contacts at least a portion of the reagent medium when the first and second members are aligned.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sample tube for polymerase chain reaction. The sample tube includes a sample tube body having an annular side wall and a bottom wall connected to annular side wall, wherein the annular side wall and the bottom wall form an accommodating space for accommodating a reaction mixture; and a first extension member extending from the bottom wall to the accommodating space, wherein, to carry out PCR, the reaction mixture immerses the first extension member, such that the light from the light source enters into the reaction mixture via the bottom and the bottom wall of the sample tube and the first extension member sequentially.

Abstract: Systems and methods for capturing cells of interest from a larger group of cells are provided. In some embodiments, the cells are held within cell culture media inside a chamber during laser dissection.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a microfluidic chip and valve, production process and uses thereof according to the independent claims.

Abstract: An analysis unit formed by an analysis body housing an analysis chamber and having a sample inlet and a supply channel configured to fluidically connect the sample inlet to the analysis chamber. Dried assay reagents are arranged in the analysis chamber and are contained in an alveolar mass. For instance, the alveolar mass is a lyophilized mass formed by excipients and by assay-specific reagents.

Abstract: A method for attaching a prepared sample to a carrier in a focused ion beam chamber. The method includes reducing a temperature within the chamber to substantially below room temperature followed by moving the prepared sample adjacent to a substrate carrier surface. The temperature can be lowered sufficiently to establish a cryogenic condition in the chamber. Attachment of the prepared sample to the substrate carrier is done by controlling the focused ion beam to raster a target area of the surface in the absence of a gas deposition precursor, to sputter material onto the base of the sample and the substrate carrier surface, thereby binding the prepared sample to the substrate carrier.

Abstract: A microfluidic device for processing cells for the intracellular delivery of molecules or other cargo includes a plurality of microchannels disposed in a substrate or chip and fluidically coupled to an inlet configured to receive a solution containing the cells and the molecules or other cargo to be delivered intracellularly to the cells. Each of the plurality of microchannels has one or more constriction regions therein, wherein the constriction regions comprise an omniphobic, superhydrophilic, or superhydrophobic surface. In some embodiments, multiple microfluidic devices operating in parallel are used to process large numbers of cells. The device and method has particularly applicability to delivering gene-editing molecules intracellularly to cells.

Abstract: An immunochromatographic detection device adapted for detecting an analyte in a specimen includes a surface-modified cellulose membrane, a detection unit, and a substrate. The surface-modified cellulose membrane includes opposite top and bottom surfaces, cellulose fibers, and an anti-biofouling acrylic copolymer that is bonded to the cellulose fibers. The detection unit is disposed on the top surface of the cellulose membrane, is configured to interact with the specimen, and includes a diffusion layer, a capturing layer, a detection layer, a control line layer, and an absorbent layer. The substrate is disposed on the bottom surface of the surface-modified cellulose membrane.

Abstract: A metering head for a metering machine having a carrier having parallel attachments for picking up pipette tips wherein each attachment has a tube having a supporting protrusion at the bottom end at least one sleeve which surrounds the tube and can be axially shifted on the tube, and at least one elastomer O-ring which surrounds the tube a pressure plate above the sleeves having a plurality of first holes through which the tubes extend, wherein the pressure plate can be shifted along the tubes from a release position into a clamping position where the sleeves are pressed, at the bottom ends, against the adjacent O-rings, and the O-rings are expanded to clamp pipette tips; and a first shifting apparatus connected to the pressure plate moving the pressure plate between the release position and clamping position.

Abstract: Trains that pass through an inspection portal must be analyzed for structural integrity through the capture of high-resolution images of the train, the train cars and the associated parts of the train car (hoses, knuckles and wheels for example). A directed source of light using the correct camera placement and lighting for the cameras is provided to ensure that the images are the highest resolution possible with the environmental factors that are present. With the clear images that are provided the images are formed to provide an analysis of the integrity of the train.

Abstract: A molecular filtration device and method of use capable of filtering and purifying molecules of a particular characteristic, wherein the amount of molecule to be filtered may be in the nanogram range and may be dispersed in a relatively large volume of solution. The resultant elution may include a relatively high concentration of desired molecule, due to a relatively small volume.

Abstract: Methods and kits to assess an absorbed dose of ionizing radiation and/or the severity of tissue injury from radiation in a patient. Also, algorithms used to calculate an absorbed dose of radiation based on biomarker measurements of a plurality of biomarkers that are altered relative to a normal control in the event of radiation exposure.

Abstract: A nanopore-based sequencing system includes a plurality of nanopore-based sequencing chips. Each of the nanopore-based sequencing chips comprises a plurality of nanopore sensors. The system comprises at least one flow cell coupled to at least one of the plurality of nanopore-based sequencing chips, wherein the flow cell coupled to the at least one of the plurality of nanopore-based sequencing chips comprises one or more fluidic flow channels that allow a fluid external to the system to flow on top of the nanopore-based sequencing chip and out of the system. The system further comprises a printed circuit board electrically connected to the plurality of nanopore-based sequencing chips.

Abstract: A device to host a crystallization medium, such as a solution, for crystal growth and a system for X-ray diffraction experiments to determine the atomic structure of crystals. A plurality of cells have a well, a sample holder placed in the well. The solution is hosted in the sample holder between thin-plates or one thin-plate. A cap seals an opening to the cell and each sample holder can be extracted independently from each well. A system for automated X-ray diffraction experiments for small crystals in the sample holder extracted from the wells utilizes an ultrasonic acoustic levitator to determine the crystal structure at atomic resolution. X-ray diffraction images are generated by scanning the X-ray beam over the levitated sample holder along a spiral trajectory by rotating the sample holder and moving in the direction perpendicular to the X-ray beam and the rotation axis at the same time.

Abstract: Devices and methods for analyzing a sample are disclosed. In various embodiments, the present disclosure provides devices and methods for preparing a serial dilution of a sample. In various embodiments, the present disclosure provides devices and methods for preparing a serial dilution of a sample and conducting sample analysis. In various embodiments, the present disclosure provides a cartridge device and a reader instrument device. The reader instrument device receives, operates, and/or actuates the cartridge device to prepare a serial dilution of a sample and conduct sample analysis.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to microfluidic devices. In some aspects, various entities, such as droplets or particles, may be contained within a microfluidic device, e.g., within collection chambers or other locations within the device. In some cases, the entities may be released from such locations, e.g., in a sequential pattern, or an arbitrary pattern. In some cases, the entities may be imaged, reacted, analyzed, etc. while contained within the collection chambers. Other aspects are generally directed to methods of making or using such devices, kits involving such devices, or the like.

Abstract: A body cube for culturing tissue that includes: an organ chip holder; and a body barrier chip and a first body organ chip disposed in the organ chip holder, the first body organ chip including a first cell culture chamber that receives cell culture medium and produces a first tissue in the first cell culture chamber, such that the organ chip holder receives cell culture medium and communicates the cell culture medium to the first cell culture chamber of the first body organ chip in response to rotation of the organ chip holder.

Abstract: The invention encompasses methods and test strips for detecting the presence of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in a biological sample with a lateral flow device which uses lectin conjugates, anti-antigen conjugates, an immobilized serum line, and an immobilized anti-antigen line.

Abstract: A system and method for treating water containing at least one contaminant. The system and method include a water treatment module such as a reverse osmosis unit. An electrochemical contaminant detection system is positioned in the waste water stream of the water treatment module. The contaminant detection system includes a contaminant sensor and a water quality sensor module. The contaminant sensor measures the concentration of the contaminant in the waste water stream and the water quality sensor module measures one or more water quality parameters of the waste water stream. A processor uses an algorithm to determine the concentration of the contaminant in the feed water based on the measurements of the contaminant sensor and water quality sensor module.

Abstract: A system and method, wherein the system includes: an array of wells defined at a substrate, each well including an open surface and a well cavity and a fluid delivery module including a fluid pathway through which fluid flow is controlled along a fluid path in a direction parallel to the broad face of the substrate; and wherein the method includes: generating a set of genetic complexes within individual wells of the array of wells.

Abstract: A method for sizing a DNA molecule is disclosed, which comprises the following steps of: providing a DNA sizing device, comprising: a cover substrate; a substrate disposed on the cover substrate and comprising a first hole and a second hole; and a first slit-like channel disposed between the cover substrate and the substrate, wherein two ends of the first slit-like channel respectively connects to the first hole and the second hole; loading a sample comprising a DNA molecule to the first slit-like channel through the first hole, wherein the DNA molecule moves in a direction from the first hole to the second hole; detecting and recording an intensity and an area of a distribution of the DNA molecule; and analyzing the intensity and the area to obtain the size of a DNA molecule.

Abstract: A system for ejecting tips of sampling pipettes, the system comprising: —a button for ejecting a tip which is intended to be moved in translation by an operator's thumb; —a tip ejection device; and —return spring for returning the tip ejection device to a raised position. According to the invention, the system also comprises a lever for controlling the ejection device, the control lever comprising: —a first end which is intended to be fitted onto a part of the pipette; —a second end cooperating with the eject button so as to be acted upon by the latter; and —an intermediate portion for actuating the ejection device.

Abstract: Disclosed is an integrated device for faeces sampling and occult blood detection, which has functions of quantitative collection, dissolution, filtration, detection with immune test strips of the faecal sample, and is convenient to carry and operate, and the device does not leak any liquid during storage, transportation and detection. The device can accurately collect a constant sample with no pollution and leakage, and can quickly determine results of occult blood without the aid of other items. The device can detect faecal occult blood at any time and at any place, can help to overcome the problem of low rate of inspection due to the inconvenience of faeces submission and inspection, further promote the detection of faecal occult blood, and can improve the early diagnosis and screening rate of colorectal cancer of the population.

Abstract: A separation recovery system for separating and recovering an object to be separated includes a metal porous membrane which has a first principal surface and a second principal surface facing the first principal surface and has a plurality of through-holes extending between the first principal surface and the second principal surface, a supply device which supplies a first fluid containing the object to be separated from the first principal surface of the metal porous membrane toward the second principal surface, and a backwash device which supplies a second fluid containing a plurality of particles larger than a size of the plurality of through-holes of the metal porous membrane in a direction from the second principal surface of the metal porous membrane toward the first principal surface.

Abstract: One object of the present invention is to provide a method or apparatus for purifying target particles from high-concentration particles in a short time. The above problem can be solved by a method for purifying target particles, characterized in that the method comprises a step of sorting the target particles from a high concentration of non-target particles, wherein the sorting step is repeated for three times or more.

Abstract: In various embodiments methods and devices are provided for the detection and/or quantification of an analyte. In certain embodiments a device is provided comprising an aqueous two-phase system (ATPS) comprising a mixed phase solution that separates into a first phase solution and a second phase where, in use, said first phase solution becomes a leading phase and said second phase solution becomes a lagging phase; a lateral-flow assay (LFA); and a probe and/or a development reagent, where in use, said probe associates with said first phase solution in said leading phase of said ATPS and/or said development reagent associates with said second phase solution in said lagging phase of said ATPS. In certain embodiments a “one-pot” system of purifying and amplifying a nucleic acid is provided utilizing, e.g., an ATPS and isothermal amplification reagents.

Abstract: A time-resolved fluorescence kit for synchronously detecting 4,15-diacetoxyscirpenol, deoxynivalenol and T-2 toxin. The kit includes an immunochromatography time-resolved fluorescence test strip and a sample reaction bottle containing freeze-dried products of europium-labeled monoclonal antibodies of toxins, where the immunochromatography time-resolved fluorescence test strip includes a liner, where a water absorption pad, a detection pad and a sample pad are sequentially attached to one side of the liner from top to bottom, adjacent pads are connected in an overlapping manner at a joint, the detection pad uses a nitrocellulose membrane as a base pad, a transverse quality control line and detection lines are arranged on the nitrocellulose membrane from top to bottom, the quality control line is coated with a rabbit antimouse polyclonal antibody, the three detection lines are located below the quality control line, and the detection lines each are coated with a toxin-protein conjugate.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described including placing a sample into a sample carrier that comprises a plurality of regions having upper and lower surfaces, having respective heights that are different from each other, and being configured such that cells form a monolayer, the monolayer within respective regions of the sample carrier having respective, different densities from each other, due to the respective regions of the sample carrier having respective heights that are different from each other. Microscopic images are acquired of each of the plurality of regions. Measurements are performed upon cell types that have a relatively high density upon microscopic images of a region of the sample chamber having a relatively low height, and measurements are performed upon cell types that have a relatively low density upon microscopic images of a region of the sample chamber having a relatively great height. Other applications are also described.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a colorimetric humidity sensor and a method of preparing the same, and in the colorimetric humidity sensor that is an ultrafast colorimetric humidity sensor including a colorimetric member including humidity-responsive particles configured in a disordered monolayer arrangement on a substrate, the humidity-responsive particles are amorphous, porous, and polydispersed microspheres, and the colorimetric humidity sensor indicates a color change according to humidity upon light irradiation.

Abstract: Some embodiments presented here relate to chemical sensors with enhanced sensitivity and selectivity. In an embodiment, the sensor is a composite thin film that comprises (e.g., is made of) chemically-modified carbon black and a chemically-sensitive polymer base. By grafting gold nanoparticles on carbon black, the number of binding sites on the sensor thin film is increased, thereby increasing the sensitivity. Furthermore, ligand attached gold nanoparticles are grafted on carbon black to increase the binding sites on the sensor thin film in some embodiments, which results in increased sensitivity as well as improved selectivity in some cases.

Abstract: According to an example aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for mounting a device on a manipulator, wherein a second unit is adjustably attached to a first unit so that it is movable in at least one direction with respect to the base plate and wherein the first unit has at least a locked position and an open position, the mounting rail being movable with respect to the first unit when the first unit is in the open position and wherein the mounting rail is fixed with respect to the first unit when the first unit is in the closed position.