Abstract: A method and device for periodically perturbing the flow field within a microfluidic device to provide regular droplet formation at high speed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to microfluidic devices and methods for manipulating and analyzing fluid samples. The disclosed microfluidic devices utilize a plurality of microfluidic channels, inlets, valves, filter, pumps, liquid barriers and other elements arranged in various configurations to manipulate the flow of a fluid sample in order to prepare such sample for analysis.

Abstract: A sample solution introduction kit and a sample solution injector capable of introducing sample solution while reducing the rate of occurrence of an air bubble and having a simplified structure are proposed. A sample solution introduction kit includes a plate-like member and a sample solution injector. The plate-like member has a plurality of spaces formed therein and serving as reaction field and a communication space that communicates with the plurality of spaces therein and that has a portion defining an opening formed in a surface of the plate-like member, and the sample solution injector includes a container containing the sample solution, a tube that communicates with the bottom of the container and that is insertable into the opening, a stopper removably fitted into an opening formed at a top end of the tube, and liquid held in the container, and the liquid is insoluble in the sample solution and is lighter than the sample solution.

Abstract: A novel biological material excavator apparatus is described in the current invention. The apparatus is made up of a double walled tubular structure to house either a single tip or multiple tips to pick/excavate the biological material growing in agar plated petri dishes. The unique feature of this apparatus is a local ultra violet light source is present inside the apparatus to perform irradiation on site. This provides double sterilization of the apparatus as well as the tip that is being used for transferring biological material from one source to another source. The apparatus is double walled to prevent the user from being exposed to ultra violet rays while the irradiation step is being performed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to surface assisted fluid loading and droplet dispensing on a droplet micro actuator. A droplet actuator is provided and includes one or more electrodes configured for conducting one or more droplet operations on a droplet operations surface of the substrate. The droplet actuator further includes a wettable surface defining a path from a fluid reservoir into a locus which is sufficiently near to one or more of the electrodes that activation of the one or more electrodes results in a droplet operation. Methods and systems are also provided.

Abstract: Provided herein are systems and methods for reducing the number of input/output connections required to connect a microfluidic substrate to an external controller for controlling the substrate. For example, provided herein is a device with three groups of independently controllable components, where the first group includes a first lead and a first heater configured to heat a valve; where the second group includes a second lead and a second heater configured to heat a reaction chamber; where the third group includes a third lead and the first and second heaters; and where the first heater is independently controllable via a combination of the first lead and the third lead, and the second heater is independently controllable via a combination of the second lead and the third lead.

Abstract: A cap having a core structure dimensioned to receive a pipette therethrough. The cap includes two axially aligned frangible seals that are affixed to the core structure in a spaced-apart relationship. The frangible seals include a foil layer and are constructed so that air passageways are formed between the frangible seals and a pipette tip when the pipette tip penetrates the frangible seals. The cap optionally includes a filter interposed between the first and second frangible seals.

Abstract: A liquid dispenser for a microfluidic assay system is described. The dispenser includes at least one transfer pin for transferring a microfluidic sample of liquid to a target receptacle. A pin tip at one end of the transfer pin is structured to cooperate with an opening in the target receptacle. The tip uses capillary action to transfer the sample from the pin to the receptacle.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for the developing of immuno-stained biological samples. The systems disclosed herein are automated and are configured to control one or more steps of the developing procedure. Reagents may be added using automatic syringe dispensing. Reagent temperature, reagent stirring, and wash procedures are programmable and can be separately controlled for separate immuno-staining procedures that are performed at the same time.

Abstract: Rotatable bomb device includes a housing with a hollow interior for receipt of a rotatable component to a vessel, and support for the component in the interior; and the component for such receipt and support in the housing. The device may be employed as a reactor or in test methods, for example, methods such as oxygen uptake tests analogous or equivalent to the ASTM-D-2272 and ASTM-D-4742 test methods.

Abstract: A single disposable cartridge for performing a process on a particle, such as particle sorting, encapsulates all fluid contact surfaces in the cartridge for use with microfluidic particle processing technology. The cartridge interfaces with an operating system for effecting particle processing. The encapsulation of the fluid contact surfaces insures, improves or promotes operator isolation and/or product isolation. The cartridge may employ any suitable technique for processing particles.

Abstract: A fluid control and processing system for controlling fluid flow among a plurality of chambers comprises a body including a fluid processing region continuously coupled fluidicly with a fluid displacement region. The fluid displacement region is depressurizable to draw fluid into the fluid displacement region and pressurizable to expel fluid from the fluid displacement region. The body includes at least one external port. The fluid processing region is fluidicly coupled with the at least one external port. The fluid displacement region is fluidicly coupled with at least one external port of the body. The body is adjustable with respect to the plurality of chambers to place the at least one external port selectively in fluidic communication with the plurality of chambers.

Abstract: A bioreactor that combines the steps of recombinant expression and separation of a biological product by binding the secreted biological product with a resin, discarding the nutrient medium and eluting the biological product as a concentrated solution, eliminating the steps of sterile filtration and volume reduction. The method also allows loading of resin for column-purification, eliminating all steps of perfusion process and maintaining a sink condition of a toxic product in nutrient medium to optimize productivity of host cells. The instant invention also allows harvesting of solubilized inclusion bodies after the cells have been lysed and refolding of proteins inside the bioreactor.

Abstract: Systems and methods for isolating samples are provided. The system comprises a first membrane and a second membrane disposed within an enclosure. First and second reservoirs can also be disposed within the enclosure and adapted to contain one or more reagents therein. A first valve can be disposed within the enclosure and in fluid communication with the first reservoir, the second reservoir, or both. The first valve can also be in fluid communication with the first or second membranes or both. The first valve can be adapted to selectively regulate the flow of the reagents from the first reservoir, through at least one of the first and second membranes, and into the second reservoir.

Abstract: There is described a sample holder and associated fluid container assembly for optical analysis of a fluid sample within a translucent container of the fluid container assembly. The sample holder includes clamping members rotatably mounted to a frame for rotation, about parallel axes spaced apart from each other, between a container accepting position in which the clamping members are spaced apart from the translucent container, and an analysis position in the clamping members abut the translucent container. The clamping members each define an optical waveguide slot extending therethrough that is substantially aligned with the translucent container when the clamping members are disposed in the analysis position, to thereby provide optical access to the translucent container for optical analysis of the fluid sample therein.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device for analyzing a body fluid. The device includes a test tape having a carrier tape and test fields for the detection of an analyte in the body fluid, the test fields being distributed along the carrier tape and raised above the carrier tape and a container for the test tape. The container has a seal for passage of the test tape, wherein the test fields have a leading edge which runs against a sealing edge of the seal when the test field passes through the seal. The leading edge of the test fields or/and the sealing edge of the seal at least in parts are angled or curved relative to the transverse direction of the tape.

Abstract: A chemical pre-concentrator is provided having a support structure, an airflow conduit, and a layer of a reactive chemical compound on a surface of the support structure is used for collecting and pre-concentrating at least one chemical analyte from a dilute sample. A method of concentrating a gaseous sample is provide that includes exposing the chemical pre-concentrator with a dilute gaseous sample that contains at least one chemical analyte; and forming a conjugate of the at least one chemical analyte. A method of diagnosing a disease state in a mammalian patient is provided using the chemical pre-concentrator.

Abstract: Described herein are automated, integrated microfluidic device comprising a chemical reaction chip comprising for performing chemical reaction, a microscale column integrated with the chip and configured for liquid flow from the column to at least one flow channel, and wherein the fluid flow into the column is controlled by on-chip valves; and comprising at least two on-chip valves for controlling fluid flow in the microfluidic device.

Abstract: Provided are a thin film valve device and a thin film valve control apparatus in which a hole or a channel in the body of the thin film valve device is opened and closed using the heat generated from a heat generating apparatus and the centrifugal force. The thin film valve device and the thin film valve control apparatus are applicable to, for example, a diagnostic lab-on-a-chip that can detect a trace amount of a material in a fluid, a rotatable bio-disc in which a bio chip, such as a protein chip and a DNA chip, is integrated, and the like.

Abstract: A limited-use blood glucose meter includes a printed circuit board assembly that includes a power source, a strip port, a strip reading device, a controller device, a bi-stable display, and a display controller. The strip reading measures a reaction between a blood sample present on the blood glucose test strip and the blood glucose reagent, generates a blood glucose signal, and calculates a blood glucose level. The controller device receives the blood glucose level from the strip reading device. The controller device provides display instructions to the display controller and the display controller provides drive voltages to the bi-stable segments such that the bi-stable segments persistently display the most-recent blood glucose level. The strip reading device performs a predetermined number of blood glucose tests and calculates a blood glucose level only for blood glucose strips associated with the disposable blood glucose meter.

Abstract: Embodiments of a fluid delivery system are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides a filtering and centrifugation device, comprising a barrel, a volume in the barrel for receiving a fluid sample to be processed, a filter medium, at least one piston movable in the barrel to force fluid in the volume through the filter medium to produce a filtrate, and a space for pelleting particulate material. The device is centrifugeable, and said space is located in or communicates with the volume and is located preferably away from the filter medium such that the particulate material does not or at least not completely clog the filter medium during such centrifugation of the device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for the cross-referencing of identification (1) of tissue slice supports (2), for microtomised analytical samples still to be mounted thereon, with identification information (3) of a tissue sample holder (4) of a tissue sample (5) which is not yet microtomised. The conventional problem of cross-referencing is improved in a simple manner, whereby the identification information (3) for the tissue sample holder (4) is automatically detected when positioned in the microtome (6) and an identification (1) corresponding thereto is automatically transferred to at least one tissue slice support (2) and that tissue slice support (2), provided with the identification (1), is dispensed for application of the tissue sample slice at the moment when a tissue sample slice must be applied to a tissue slice support (2).

Abstract: The present invention performs cleaning on the inner and outer surfaces of a dispensing nozzle without reducing the processing speed of a device. To achieve the object, a feature of the invention is that a dispensing nozzle rinse tank includes a rinse liquid supply port. More specifically, by suctioning rinse liquid from the rinse liquid supply port provided on the dispensing nozzle rinse tank and discharging the rinse liquid into the rinse tank, the inner and outer surfaces of the dispensing nozzle can be rinsed in a short amount of time. According to the invention, it is only required that a rinse liquid supply port be provided on the dispensing nozzle rinse tank, the structure is simple. Moreover, because the inner and outer surfaces of the dispensing nozzle can be rinsed in a short amount of time by shortening the movement distance of the dispensing nozzle, analyses can be performed without reducing the processing speed of the device.

Abstract: A laboratory system for handling sample tube racks, an alignment element for sample tube racks and a rack tray receiver assembly are disclosed. The laboratory system to handle laboratory sample tube racks comprises a robotic arm (220) with a gripper (222) for gripping primary racks (PR), wherein the primary racks (PR) to be handled comprise a first end surface (76) and a second end surface (78), the first end surface (76) having a first surface geometry and the second end surface (78) having a second surface geometry, and wherein the gripper (222) comprises a first gripping arm (226) and a second gripping arm (228), with the first gripping arm (226) having a gripping surface being complementary to the first surface geometry, and the second gripping arm (228) having a gripping surface being complementary to the second surface geometry.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to methods of constructing liquid bridges and methods of forming predetermined combinations of samples using liquid bridges.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method for determining the osmolarity of a fluid. The apparatus includes at least one micro-fluidic circuit and at least one electrical circuit disposed in communication with the micro-fluidic circuit for determining a property of a fluid contained within the at least one micro-fluidic circuit.

Abstract: Provided is a blood separating agent that can form an excellent partition wall in an intermediate layer between clot and serum or between blood cell components and plasma even under low-temperature centrifugation conditions, is less likely to form crevices in the partition wall, is less likely to have any effect on test values, and offers stable performance even after long-term storage. The blood separating agent contains: a polymer for the blood separating agent which is composed of a (meth)acrylic acid ester-based polymer and has a viscosity of 10 to 200 Pa·s at 25° C. and a ratio of viscosity at 15° C. to viscosity at 25° C. of below 4.6; an inorganic powder; and a polyalkylene glycol having a number average molecular weight of 700 or more, wherein the polyalkylene glycol is mixed at a concentration of 5% by weight or less of the total weight of the blood separating agent.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for determining at least one evaluation parameter of a blood sample, comprising the following steps: providing (S4) at least one blood gas parameter; providing (S5) at least one hemostasis parameter; and determining (S6 . . . S10?) the at least one evaluation parameter as a function of the blood gas parameter and/or the hemostasis parameter.

Abstract: The invention relates to operating apparatus for the control of a movement apparatus, in particular the movement apparatus of a micromanipulator for the manipulation of biological cells, and a method for the control of the movement apparatus. The operating apparatus comprises an electrical control device and an input device with different input zones, by means of which the movement apparatus can be controlled according to different control rules.

Abstract: In one aspect, a diagnostic test system includes a receptacle, optical detectors, and a logic circuit. Each of the optical detectors has a corresponding view in the receptacle and produces an electrical signal at a respective detector output in response to light from the corresponding view. The logic circuit includes logic inputs that are respectively coupled to the detector outputs and that produce an output logic signal corresponding to a logical combination of signals received at the logic inputs. In another aspect, respective detection signals are produced in response to light received from respective ones of multiple views of the test strip, and at least one output logic signal corresponding to a respective logical combination of the detection signals is generated.

Abstract: A syringe, defined by a cylinder and by a piston slidingly engaged in the cylinder itself, is actuated after having inserted the cylinder within a gripper and having axially fed the syringe through the gripper so as to move an outer flange of the cylinder into contact with the gripper and/or the piston in a stop position within the cylinder.

Abstract: A microreaction device or system (4) includes at least one thermal control fluidic passage (C,E) and a principal working fluidic passage (A) with average cross-sectional area in the range of 0.25 to 100 mm2, and having a primary entrance (92) and multiple secondary entrances (94) with the spacing between secondary entrances (94) having a length along the passage (A) of at least two times the root of the average cross-sectional area of the passage (A). The device or system (4) also includes at least one secondary working fluidic passage (B) having an entrance (102) and multiple exits (106) including a final exit (106), each exit (106) being in fluid communication with a corresponding one of the multiple secondary entrances (94) of the principal fluidic passage (A).

Abstract: Collection devices and kits for biological sample collection include a biologic sample collection device having a hydrophilic swab matrix that includes a modified polycaprolactone (PCL). Methods of production and use thereof are also described herein. The biologic sample collection devices, kits and methods described herein are used to collect a biologic sample (e.g., blood, buccal cells, etc.) and to enable extraction of nucleic acids (e.g., DNA) from that biologic sample so that the nucleic acids can be analyzed (e.g., sequencing and subsequent analyses of DNA).

Abstract: Disclosed herein are analytical aids having a surface coated at least partially with a hydrophilic coating, where the hydrophilic coating includes nanoparticles with silica structure and an average particle size in a range from about 1 nm to about 500 nm. Also disclosed are methods of producing the analytical aids, as well as using the analytical aids in, for example, a sampling device containing the at least partially coated analytical aid.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a system for manipulation of a micro component includes a gripper subsystem for lifting, holding, and releasing a micro component. The gripper subsystem includes a base substrate having a work side and an opposing side, a positive electrode secured to the work side of the base substrate, a negative electrode suitably spaced from the positive electrode and secured to the work side of the base substrate, a dielectric layer formed over the work side of the base substrate and the positive and negative electrodes, and a hydrophobic layer comprising a hydrophobic material with predictable electrowetting behavior formed over the dielectric layer such that the dielectric layer is between the work side of the base substrate and the hydrophobic layer. A method for manipulation of a micro component is also provided as well as a method of manufacturing the system for manipulation of a micro component.

Abstract: An apparatus for microdroplet generation via liquid bridge breakup, which can efficiently generate microdroplets using liquid bridge breakup without using a complicated mechanical device. The apparatus includes: two substrate plates having respective hydrophilic surfaces; a protrusion provided on a side surface of either of the two substrate plates so as to maintain a predetermined space between the two substrate plates; and a spacer provided on ends of the two substrate plates and spacing the two substrate plates from each other, thereby inducing liquid bridge breakup.

Abstract: A sealer for a sample testing instrument is disclosed that cuts and seals a fluid conduit that connects a test sample device with a fluid receptacle containing a fluid sample. The sealer includes an enclosure and a protective shield to protect a user or technician from contact with the cutting element assembly in the sealer. The cutting element assembly includes a spring-loaded element that engages the test sample device and holds it in a fixed position while a cutting element (e.g., hot wire) cuts the fluid conduit. A motor driving the cutting element assembly is positioned at an angle having both vertical and horizontal components, whereby adjustment of the motor firmware allows for adjustment of the position of the cutting element relative to the instrument in both horizontal and vertical directions.

Abstract: An assembly for testing platelet aggregation including an electrode subassembly that is mounted in a cuvette subassembly for use with relatively small samples containing platelets.

Abstract: Embodiments of apparatuses, systems, and methods for label-free detection of biomolecules. In one embodiment, a system includes a light source configured to emit broadband Gaussian light. The system may also include an optical fiber coupled to the light source. Additionally, the system may include an optical sensor. The optical sensor may include a fiber-interface surface configured to be coupled to the optical fiber and to receive broadband Gaussian light from the optical fiber. The optical sensor may also include a sensor body coupled to the fiber-interface surface, the sensor body having a refractive index different from a refractive index of the optical fiber, such that at least a portion of light received by the fiber-interface surface is reflected back to the optical fiber during use; and a binder-interface surface coupled to the sensor body, the binder-interface surface configurable to receive a chemical binder layer.

Abstract: Disclosed is a nozzle assembly that is compact in size and that uses plastic tubing as an injection needle. Standard plastic fittings are utilized, which are inexpensive and widely available. The nozzle assembly has a simple construction and can be easily assembled and disassembled in a few minutes by a user. Cleaning and/or replacement of parts is inexpensive. Plastic tubing can be used as an injection needle that has superior qualities over commonly used stainless steel injection needles. Flexure of the injection needle tubing is prevented because of the compact size of the nozzle cavity.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a sealing fluidic component based on a capillary enclosing a fluid conduit and having an exterior surface being at least partially coated with a coating of a meltable material, wherein the method comprises melting the meltable material of the coating at least at an end portion of the capillary, and resolidifying the melted material to thereby form, at the end portion, a sealing integral with the coating and constituted at least partially by the meltable material.

Abstract: A disposable cartridge adapted to be used with a sensor-dispensing instrument comprises a housing, test sensors, a mechanical mechanism and moveable seals. The housing forms at least one opening therethrough. The test sensors are stacked in the housing. The test sensors are adapted to assist in testing at least one analyte. The mechanical mechanism is adapted to urge the test sensors in a first direction. One of the test sensors is positioned for ejection from the cartridge. The moveable seals is adapted to be in a closed position that seals the at least one opening so as to provide a substantially moisture-proof and a substantially air-tight cartridge, and one of the moveable seals is adapted to be in an open position that allows one of the test sensors to be moved therethrough.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a container, made of an inorganic additive containing plastic material, for reducing physical/chemical interaction between the container and an oil, fat and/or wax containing formulation contained therein.

Abstract: A micro vial assembly for performing microwave-assisted chemical reactions on small reaction mixture volumes is disclosed, wherein a reaction vessel (10) is sealed through a diaphragm (30) that is capped over an open end of the reaction vessel. The reaction vessel mouths in an end plane of a sleeve (20) surrounding the reaction vessel, the diaphragm being clamped for sealing the open end of the vessel by means of a cap (40) which is secured to the sleeve. The sleeve provides a radial extension of the reaction vessel in order to bridge the radial distance between a wall of the reaction vessel and other components in a system for performing microwave-assisted chemical reactions.

Abstract: The systems and methods disclosed herein include a microfluidic system, comprising a pneumatic manifold having a plurality of apertures, and a chip manifold having channels disposed therein for routing pneumatic signals from respective ones of the apertures to a plurality of valves in a microfluidic chip, wherein the channels route the pneumatic signals in accordance with a configuration of the plurality of valves in the microfluidic chip.

Abstract: A seal is formed of a material including a crosslinked fluoropolymer. The seal substantially prevents leaks in a high pressure pump.

Abstract: A method of actuating a valve, comprises operatively coupling the valve with an electroosmotic pump; flowing a fluid through the electroosmotic pump; and generating a fluidic pressure of at least 0.75 PSI to actuate the valve, wherein the electroosmotic pump comprises one or more thin, porous, positive electroosmotic membranes and one or more thin porous, negative electroosmotic membranes; a plurality of electrodes comprising cathodes and anodes, and a power source; wherein each of the positive and negative electroosmotic membranes are disposed alternatively and wherein at least one of the cathodes is disposed on one side of one of the membranes and at least one of the anodes is disposed on the other side of the membrane and wherein at least one of the cathodes or anodes is disposed between a positive and a negative electroosmotic membrane.

Abstract: A plunger for mixing a biological sample with a reagent in a tube is moved up and down reciprocally to agitate the biological sample and the reagent for subsequent extraction of the material from the mixture to be analyzed. The plunger's agitation facilitates the concentration of the extracted material to reach an extent where a correct analysis is possible. The plunger of the present invention has a shape of a hollow cylinder with an aperture at the bottom, a plurality of slots formed on the cylindrical surface, and an opening formed at the top. The plunger allows a pipette to draw the extracted material in the test tube out from the opening at the top of the plunger without removing the plunger, and prevents drawing out the fragments of the sample after the biological sample and the reagent have been sufficiently mixed.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods for the precise, repeatable dispensing of small, sample fluid volumes, especially as related to the printing of microarrays for biological and/or chemical testing. A pressure tuning module meters fluid volumes for aspiration and dispensation and builds pressure for fluid dispensation, in conjunction with a microvalve that precisely controls the volume of the fluid dispensed under the built pressure. A pressure source can be switched in line to efficiently purge the apparatus of residual sample fluid. A working fluid can be optionally aspirated into the system, prior to aspirating the sample fluid, in order to maximize sample fluid recovery.