Abstract: Provided is a system and a method for propagating cells, the system comprising a multi well plate and a plate sealing means for sealing at least one well of a multiwell plate, the plate sealing means comprising at least one solid bulge or at least one bulge comprising a solid base, said at least one bulge consisting of a resilient elastomer to securely seal at least one well of the multiwell plate. Also disclosed is the use of such a system for propagating cells and the corresponding method.

Abstract: One or more temperature cycles are applied to the contents of a processing vial closed by an interlocked cap within a thermal cycler. The processing vial and the interlocked cap are transferred from the thermal cycler to a storage compartment within the instrument with a transfer mechanism with a probe engaged with the cap. In the storage compartment, the processing vial and interlocked cap are moved to an access opening in the instrument and are removed from the instrument through the access opening.

Abstract: Magnetic and non-magnetic microparticle binding surfaces for the simple, cost-effective and automatable depletion of sample interferences within the assay blocking threshold and enrichment of biomarkers are provided, as are methods and compositions for their preparation and use. The binding surfaces may comprise non-magnetic, magnetic, paramagnetic, and superparamagnetic microparticles, or combinations thereof. The methods include methods for making microparticulate binding surfaces that consist of binders, binding partners, capture moieties, or combinations thereof for multi-functional sample depletion and enrichment. Specific examples employing antibodies or fragments thereof are provided, as well as strepavidin-coated microparticles and microparticles coupled with capture moieties such as immunoglobulins. Other examples couple ligands, enzymes, and proteins, or other biologicals, polymers and chemicals commonly used in the diagnostic test formulation or design.

Abstract: Fluid collection devices, analysis instruments and methods for making and using same are disclosed. The fluid collection device is provided with a device and an electrochemical cell. The device has first and second walls defining a microfluidic channel, and a sample application port communicating with the microfluidic channel. The first wall and the second wall are spaced a distance less than 150 microns. The electrochemical cell is disposed on the first wall to contact a sample travelling through the microfluidic channel. The electrochemical cell comprising molecule receptors such that a physical property of the first electrochemical cell is effected upon one or more of the molecule receptors binding to an electroactive species within the sample.

Abstract: This instant disclosure provides methods of processing a sample in an automated sample processing device including devices configured for the automated extraction or isolation of nucleic acids. Also provided are plungers for use in such devices and methods of sample processing. Systems for performing the described methods and employing the described plungers are also provided.

Abstract: A method for dosing a liquid using a pipette with adjustable dosing step size and an indicating equipment and a syringe that can be operated using the pipette, wherein the syringe is detachably connected to the pipette, at option, the dosing step size is set, or the dosing step size set before is maintained, the dosing volume adjusted via the dosing step size is indicated by means of the indicating equipment, the maximum number of dosing steps possible without refilling the syringe, with the set dosing step size and completely filled syringe is indicated by means of the indicating equipment, liquid is aspirated into the syringe, a reverse stroke is performed after the syringe is filled with liquid, dosing steps are performed, the performed dosing steps are counted and the number of performed dosing steps and/or the number of dosing steps still possible without refilling the syringe is determined and indicated by means of the indicating equipment, after performing the maximum number of dosing steps possible wi

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for the collection of light scattered from a liquid sample contained within a multiwell plate for which evaporation from the wells is mitigated by the application of a barrier between the liquid sample and the environment. A vertical thermal gradient is applied across the vessel so that condensation is inhibited from forming on the interior surface of the barrier, thus permitting clear illumination of the sample for visual imaging, fluorescence studies and light scattering detection.

Abstract: A structured substrate (100) including a substrate body (102) having an active side (104). The substrate body (102) includes reaction cavities or sites (106) that open along the active side (104) and interstitial regions (118) that separate the reaction cavities (106). The structured substrate (100) includes an ensemble amplifier (120) positioned within each of the reaction cavities (106). The ensemble amplifier (120) includes a plurality of nanostructures (116), such as dimers, trimers, bowtie nanoantenna, nanorods, nanorings, nanoplugs, configured to at least one of amplify electromagnetic energy (108) that propagates into the corresponding reaction cavity (106) or amplify electromagnetic energy (110), such as emitted fluorescence, that is generated within the corresponding reaction cavity (106). Preferably the nanostructures (116) within the cavities (106) are covered with a organic material such as a gel (122).

Abstract: The present technology provides for an apparatus for detecting polynucleotides in samples, particularly from biological samples. The technology more particularly relates to microfluidic systems that carry out PCR on nucleotides of interest within microfluidic channels, and detect those nucleotides. The apparatus includes a microfluidic cartridge that is configured to accept a plurality of samples, and which can carry out PCR on each sample individually, or a group of, or all of the plurality of samples simultaneously.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a measuring apparatus for analyzing a measuring medium. The measuring apparatus includes a probe housing, a radiation source, and coupling and decoupling optics. The optics have a measurement window in the probe housing to direct radiation of the radiation source into a measuring region outside the probe housing and including the measuring medium, and to block measuring radiation from the measuring region. Via the optics, a receiving device detects measuring radiation and generates output data. An additional physical or chemical sensor is integrated into the probe housing and is designed to detect a measurand of the measuring medium and output measurement signals. An electronic measurement unit is configured to collect and process the output data of the receiving device and the measurement signals of the additional physical or chemical sensor.

Abstract: A method for moving a processing vial between locations of an instrument. The method includes the steps of dispensing a fluid into a processing vial with a disposable pipette tip frictionally fitted onto a probe of a pipettor, stripping the disposable pipette tip from the probe of the pipettor, and then engaging a cap in a frictional fit with the probe of the pipettor. While the cap is engaged in a frictional fit with the probe of the pipettor, coupling the cap to the processing vial to form a cap/vial assembly, where the cap seals the processing vial. The pipettor moves the cap/vial assembly from a first location of an instrument to a second location of the instrument. At the second location of the instrument, the cap/vial assembly is ejected from the probe of the pipettor, thereby depositing the cap/vial assembly at the second location.

Abstract: A heating device for heating a thermally fixable sealing cover disposed over the microplate adjacent the wells, a cooling device for actively cooling the microplate and a controller set up to control activity of the heating and cooling devices in a manner to heat the sealing cover so as to thermally fix it to the microplate and to actively cool the microplate so as to keep a temperature of the samples below a predefined temperature when heating the sealing cover. It further relates to a method for automatically sealing a microplate in which the thermally fusible sealing cover is disposed over the microplate, the sealing cover is heated to thermally fix it to the microplate and the microplate is actively cooled in a manner that a temperature of the liquid reaction mixtures is kept below a predefined temperature when heating the sealing cover.

Abstract: The present invention relates to solid supports that are used for the storage and further processing of biological materials. The invention is particularly concerned with solid supports which have at least one surface coated with a chemical that enhances the recovery of the biological material from the support. Methods of preparing and using the solid supports are also described.

Abstract: A sample container of patient sample material includes a sample container barcode containing patient-identifying information. The sample container barcode on the sample container is read, and a tubular reaction vessel is provided to a printer module configured to print a barcode directly onto a surface of the tubular reaction vessel. The printer module prints a barcode on the surface of the reaction vessel by a thermal printing method, and the barcode printed onto the reaction vessel is associated with the sample container barcode.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a method of detecting rare cells in which, upon spreading a cell suspension in a flow path formed on a microchamber chip, the loss of rare cells is reduced by improving the cell recovery rate. The present invention provides a method of detecting rare cells from a cell suspension by using a cell-spreading device 10 comprising a microchamber chip 1, a flow path-forming frame 2, an inlet port 3, and an outlet port 4; and a method of recovering rare cells comprising: the step (X) of introducing a cell suspension to a flow path 5 via the inlet port 3 so as to spread cells in the flow path 5 on the microchamber chip 1; and the step (Y) of storing the cells spread in the flow path 5 on the microchamber chip 1 in microchamber 6s by intermittent liquid feeding.

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 substantially pure solution comprising the desired molecule.

Abstract: Fluidic devices and methods involving incubation and/or mixing of assay components are provided. In some embodiments, a biological and/or chemical assay may be performed in a fluidic device. The fluidic device may be designed to allow for controlled incubation and/or mixing of two or more assay components. In some such embodiments, the fluidic device may comprise an incubation channel having a relatively large cross-sectional dimension in fluid communication with a detection channel. The incubation channel may allow for adequate mixing and/or incubation of two or more assay components prior to analysis of the assay. In some embodiments, fluidic devices for performing a vitamin D assay are provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a dispensing system comprising a self-gassing liquid to be dispensed and a dispenser for dispensing the self-gassing liquid, the dispenser including: a valve housing having an inlet for receiving the liquid and an outlet through which the liquid is to be dispensed; a valve chamber and/or passage extending between the inlet and the outlet, and a valve arranged to open and close the valve chamber and/or passage; pressure maintaining means arranged to maintain the pressure of liquid at the inlet to the valve housing at a constant pressure during successive dispensing operations; and control means for controlling the opening and closing of the valve, the control means being arranged to open and close the valve to commence and terminate each successive dispensing operation, wherein the period for which the valve is open determines the quantity of liquid dispensed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a vitrification stick for use in the cryopreservation of biological materials, and may include a body having a first portion and a second portion, and a specimen end extending from the second portion of the body, and having a basket end tip formed thereon. The basket end tip may include a peripheral wall enclosing an interior region of the basket end tip, and the interior region may be further enclosed on a first side by a shell connected to the peripheral wall, and the interior region may be open on a second side in a direction towards the specimen end. The shell may include at least one slot formed therein.

Abstract: Natural and/or synthetic antibodies for specific proteins are adhered to nanoparticles. The nanoparticles are adhered to a substrate and the substrate is exposed to a sample that may contain the specific proteins. The substrates are then tested with surface enhanced Raman scattering techniques and/or localized surface plasmon resonance techniques to quantify the amount of the specific protein in the sample.

Abstract: A method for determination of the amount of a specific analyte in a sample which may show a prozone effect by photometric assays, wherein the specific analyte is quantified from the change in the optical signal of the reaction mixture after the interaction of the analyte with analyte specific assay reagents. The optical signal is measured simultaneously for the specific analyte in the sample to be determined at the wavelength used for the determination of the analyte and at least at an additional specific wavelength used for the detection of the prozone effect over the complete reaction time. The reaction rate ratio R is calculated by using the signals obtained at the wavelength used for the detection of the prozone effect. By comparison of the calculated ratio value R with predetermined limit values it is judged if a prozone effect is present in the sample.

Abstract: A sensor unit support structure for supporting a sensor unit in a manhole. The support structure comprises an elongate beam adjustable along its length to span a width of the manhole and support the sensor unit within the manhole. The support structure further comprises first and second mounting brackets associated with respective first and second ends of the beam, each mounting bracket being configured to fasten the beam to an inner surface of the manhole. The support structure further comprises first and second temporary brackets associated with respective first and second mounting brackets. The first and second mounting brackets are configured to be removably coupled to the respective first and second temporary brackets, each temporary bracket being configured to engage a rim of the manhole to allow the first and second mounting brackets to be positioned in the manhole and temporarily supported in position until the mounting brackets are fastened to the inner surface of the manhole.

Abstract: Methods, kits and devices for detecting antineoplastic drug contamination of a surface are provided according to aspects of the present invention. According to aspects of the invention, methods for detecting antineoplastic drug contamination of a surface include providing a wetting solution compatible with the antineoplastic drug and formulated to promote release of the drug from the surface to be assayed; providing a solid matrix for reversible absorption of the antineoplastic drug; contacting the solid matrix with the wetting solution, generating an assay matrix; contacting the assay matrix and the surface, generating a surface sample; contacting the surface sample with a volume of wetting solution, generating a fluid test sample; and quantifying the antineoplastic drug in the fluid test sample by lateral flow assay to produce an assay result, thereby detecting antineoplastic drug contamination of the surface.

Abstract: A method for dissecting and collecting one or more cells from a tissue sample fixed to an inner surface of a microfluidic device is described. The tissue sample is in fluid communication with a channel having an inlet end and an outlet end defined by the microfluidic device. The method comprises flowing a first fluid through the channel with a fluid flow from the inlet end to the outlet end; powering a laser to direct laser energy into the channel to impinge upon the first fluid proximate a first region of the tissue sample and cause fluid cavitation to thereby ablate a first set of one or more cells from the tissue sample; and collecting the first set of one or more cells within a first sample container coupled to the outlet end.

Abstract: Disclosed are a sample pretreatment module and a sample pretreatment method using the same. The sample pretreatment module including: a body having a chamber for accommodating a sample therein; a cap coupled to one end of the body; a dotting substrate provided to have at least some portion of it dotted with the reagent and be inserted into the chamber; a discharge tip movably coupled to the other end of the body for discharging a sample accommodated in the chamber; a permanent magnet provided to be inserted in the chamber and mix the sample by rotating owing to a magnetic force acting in accordance with a change in a magnetic field externally applied; and a moving unit movably provided in the cap and pressing the sample in the chamber according to the movement to discharge the sample to the outside.

Abstract: A detection device for detecting a marker in a liquid, comprising a reaction chamber, provided with a thermosensitive sensor, wherein said reaction chamber comprises an photopolymer capable of releasing or generating a chemical species that is capable of undergoing or initiating an exothermic or endothermic chemical reaction with a marker present in the liquid.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatuses, systems, and methods for performing electroporation.

Abstract: A kit for in vitro or ex vivo measurement of sCD127 expression in a biological sample, the kit including: specific tools or reagents allowing measurement of sCD127 expression in said biological sample; and a positive standard sample which is a sample calibrated to contain an amount of sCD127 which corresponds to the mean amount measured in a pool of samples from patients who are known to have developed a nosocomial infection, and/or a negative standard sample which is a sample calibrated to contain the amount of sCD127 which corresponds to the mean amount measured in a pool of samples from patients who are known not to have developed a nosocomial infection.

Abstract: Multiple staged filters are provided herein. A filter may include a plurality of panels that each include a filtering front surface and a flat back surface, the filtering front surface having a first row of vertically extending protrusions spaced apart from one another to form vertical channels, a second row of vertically extending protrusions spaced apart from one another to form vertical channels, and one or more rows of filtering protrusions, where the one or more rows are vertically spaced apart from one another and extending between the first and second rows of vertically extending protrusions. Further, each row of filtering protrusions may include filtering protrusions that are spaced from one another to form filter channels having a size that is configured to receive and retain objects of a given size.

Abstract: Devices and methods for the detection of analytes are disclosed. Devices and methods for detecting food-borne pathogens are disclosed.

Abstract: A rapid flow-through, highly sensitive microfluidic photoionization detector (PID) which is micro-fabricated directly onto a substrate, such as a conductive silicon wafer, is provided. The microfluidic PID has an ionization chamber volume of less than 9 ?L. The microfluidic PID may have a flow through design with a microfluidic channel defines a serpentine pattern on the substrate. The flow through design of the microfluidic PID results in negligible dead volume, thus allowing a shortened response time over existing commercially available designs. Such microfluidic PIDs are particularly useful with gas chromatography (GC), including microGC and multi-dimensional microGC systems. Methods for calibrating PIDs are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a production-line-type high-throughput screening system, which relates to the field of biotechnology and testing equipment. The system comprises of four manipulators, three parallel conveyor belts with fixed slots, 2-DOF slipway and fixed fixtures, 96-channel pipetting system, coloring device, oscillating mixing device, microplate reader, well plates loading platform and well plates recycling platform. Manual operation takes five minutes to detect one 96-well plate, while this system can handle 20 96-well plates per minute. It expands the number of screening targets, making the screening process more clearly and concisely and liberating manual labor. The system makes effective contributions to the development of microbial breeding technology.

Abstract: A cassette for use in parallel electrophoretic assays and methods of manufacture and use of same are provided. The cassette comprises assay channels suitable for carrying out electrophoresis and sample ports for introducing samples into the assay channels. Each sample port comprises one or more tip registration features for guiding a pipette tip to a desired location, which corresponds to the position of a well for receiving the sample. The cassette is particularly suited for use with automated liquid handling systems.

Abstract: An example method includes providing a working stack having a first substrate layer, a second substrate layer, and a radiation-absorbing material disposed between the first and second substrate layers. The working stack includes a cavity therein having a designated liquid. A bonding interface is defined between the radiation-absorbing material and at least one of the first substrate layer or the second substrate layer. The bonding interface has a film of the designated liquid. The method also includes directing radiation onto the bonding interface to form a perimeter seal. The perimeter seal separates the cavity from an outer area of the bonding interface. The method also includes directing the radiation onto the outer area of the bonding interface to secure the first and second substrate layers together. The perimeter seal impedes an ingress of bubbles from the outer area into the cavity as the radiation is directed onto the outer area.

Abstract: The invention relates to a container system for transport of biological material comprising a container casing and an insulating device, wherein the container casing defines a container interior space for accommodation of the insulating device and for accommodation of biological material to be transported, and wherein the insulating device is constituted of at least two insulating portions, which are formed so as to surround the biological material inside the container interior space. The invention further relates to uses of such a container system for packaging and transport of biological material, as well as methods of packaging biological material for transport.

Abstract: A method for efficiently manufacturing and fabricating microfluidic chips, where a base mold is formed to have positive-relief features used to cast an intermediary template chip with negative-relief features having dimensions of a scale in the micron range. The intermediary template chip is used to case a production mold, which is formed of a reinforced epoxy resin that, once hardened into a solid epoxy member, can withstand the structural pressures of a CNC machining system. The production mold can be refined by a CNC machining, where the refined production mold is then used to cast production chips to be used as microfluidic chips.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for cryopreserving a plurality of cellular samples are disclosed. The apparatus may include a cooling chamber and a cooling device that may include a mechanism to cool an interior of the cooling chamber. The cooling device may further include cooling tubes that are separate from the mechanism to cool the interior of the cooling chamber and that are arranged within the cooling chamber. The cooling device may provide a flow of refrigerant through the cooling tubes and a support for supporting a plurality of vials for storing cellular samples. The support may be movable relative to the cooling tubes such that the plurality of vials may be engageable with the cooling tubes.

Abstract: Methods and systems for distinguishing an astrocytic human brain rumor from a non-astrocytic human brain tumor (FIG. 4). In one embodiment a method includes the steps of staining tumor tissue from a subject suspected of having a brain tumor with SR101 and visualizing the tissue stained with SR101 with a fluorescence imaging device to confirm an astrocytic or non-astrocytic tumor type. Advantageously, rumor tissue from a subject is stained ex vivo, and the staining and visualizing steps are performed intraoperatively so as to guide the surgeon and thereby minimize or eliminate the need for a subsequent surgery.

Abstract: Disclosed is a test instrument for measuring an analyte in a liquid sample by a noble metal colloid aggregation measurement method. The test instrument involves a reaction chamber in which at least the liquid sample is to be reacted with a reagent, wherein the reagent is adhered on at least a part of a surface constituting the reaction chamber in a dried state, and the reagent enables the measurement of the analyte by a noble metal colloid aggregation measurement method.

Abstract: A device includes an input chamber, an attractant chamber, a migration channel arranged in fluid communication between an outlet of the input chamber and inlet of the attractant chamber, a baffle arranged in fluid communication between the outlet of the input chamber and the migration channel or within the migration channel, and an exit channel in fluid communication with the migration channel at a point beyond the baffle and before the migration channel enters the inlet of the attractant chamber. The baffle is configured to inhibit movement of a first type of cell through the baffle to a greater extent than the baffle inhibits movement of a second type of cell through the baffle.

Abstract: Interchangeable inserts are provided for a storage container configured to receive a plurality of vertically oriented items, where the inserts include a body having a base, an upper surface having an upper opening, and an upstanding tubular sidewall extending between the base and the upper surface. The base and the tubular sidewall together define an interior space of the insert. The tubular sidewall has an inner surface and an outer surface, where a pair of resilient securing tabs extend laterally from the outer surface of the tubular sidewall. The securing tabs frictionally engage the storage container for releasably coupling the insert to the storage container. Further, the insert has a first vent opening extending through the tubular sidewall through which air can enter the interior space of the body.

Abstract: The invention provides systems and methods for processing samples. In a method, a reaction card is provided that has a channel network, a valve, and a micropump, all disposed within the card. The reaction card also has a collection well disposed on a surface of the card and a tubular member extending out from the card. A reaction vessel is provided and affixed to the reaction card such that the tubular member is inserted into the reaction vessel. Amplification reaction reagents and a sample are delivered into the reaction vessel, and an amplification reaction is initiated within the reaction vessel, resulting in an amplification product being disposed within the reaction vessel. The valve is opened to atmosphere, and the first micropump is activated to pump an aliquot of reaction product from the reaction vessel into the tubular member, through the channel network, and into the collection well.

Abstract: A microfluidic processing device includes a substrate defining a microfluidic network. The substrate is in thermal communication with a plurality of N independently controllable components and a plurality of input output contacts for connecting the substrate to an external controller. Each component has at least two terminals. Each terminal is in electrical communication with at least one contact. The number of contacts required to independently control the N components is substantially less than the total number of terminals. Upon actuation, the components typically heat a portion of the microfluidic network and/or sense a temperature thereof.

Abstract: A transport device for a laboratory sample distribution system is presented. The transport device comprises a plurality of electro-magnetic actuators and a driving surface arranged above the actuators, in which the driving surface is configured to carry sample container carriers. The driving surface is tiled and comprises a plurality of driving surface modules with driving surface elements. Support elements arranged in a grid pattern are provided. Each driving surface module is detachably mounted to a subset of the support elements. A laboratory sample distribution system and to a laboratory automation system comprising a laboratory sample distribution system are also presented.

Abstract: An examination container includes a main body, a cover and a carrier stage. The main body has an accommodating trough for holding a sample. The cover is detachably connected to the main body to close the accommodating trough. The cover has a first through-hole penetrating through an outer surface and an inner surface of the cover, and includes a membrane arranging on the inner surface of the cover. The membrane has a second through-hole opposite to the first through-hole for passing an electron beam through the first through hole and the second through hole. The carrier stage is installed in a position corresponding to the second through-hole. The carrier stage is detachably arranged in the accommodating trough for a variety of examination purposes. An electron microscope using the abovementioned examination container is also disclosed.

Abstract: This disclosure provides methods and compositions for sample processing, particularly for sequencing applications. Included within this disclosure are bead compositions, such as diverse beads provides herein are degradable. For libraries of beads attached to large numbers of oligonucleotides containing barcodes. Often, the example, they may contain disulfide bonds that are susceptible to reducing agents. The methods provided herein include methods of making libraries of barcoded beads as well as methods of combining the beads with a sample, such as by using a microfluidic device.

Abstract: A multi-function cooling and thermo-sensitive rack includes horizontal bars, a base, positioning holes, connectors, a lateral frame, connecting holes, a temperature-displaying prompter, and N temperature sensors. The lateral frame and the base are connected through the connectors. The lateral frame and the base have their surfaces facing each other symmetrically provided with plural connecting holes thereon. The horizontal bars have two ends thereof received in the corresponding symmetrical connecting holes. The positioning holes are distributed over the surface of the base. The N temperature sensors have output ends thereof for outputting sensing signals connected with input ends of the temperature-displaying prompter for inputting the N temperature-sensing signals. The present invention is applied to apparatuses used in microbiology experiment.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sensing device for a portable apparatus, in particular a portable telecommunication device or a wearable device, the sensing device comprising an acoustic wave sensing mechanism, like a microphone; and a gas sensing mechanism, wherein the acoustic wave sensing mechanism and the gas sensing mechanism are integrally formed. The invention furthermore relates to an electronic device comprising such a sensing device. In addition, a method is provided that allows calibrating a gas volume based on an output signal of an acoustic wave sensing mechanism.

Abstract: Provided is a current sensing resistor made of electrically conductive metal, the resistor including a code display portion obtained by encoding characteristic information specific to the current sensing resistor and displaying the encoded characteristic information in a readable manner.

Abstract: Methods, compositions and arrays for non-random loading of single analyte molecules into array structures are provided. Arrays of confined regions are produced wherein each confined region comprises a single island within the confined region. The island can be selectively functionalized with a coupling agent to couple a single molecule of interest within the confined region.