Abstract: Methods and systems for monitoring microbial activity and microbial communication in an environment are disclosed. Exemplary methods include measuring a high impedance voltage between a reference electrode and one or more measurement electrodes to monitor microbial activity. Microorganisms form a biofilm that attaches to at least one of the one or more inert measurement electrodes and that allows for measuring the microbial activity, characterizing the environment, and/or monitoring microbial communication in the environment.

Abstract: A well plate includes a frame section that defines a plane, and a plurality of well structures. Each well structure extends in a direction away from the plane defined by the frame section, and each well structure defines a well for holding a fluid. The well plate further includes an artifact connected to at least one well structure. The artifact uniquely identifies a type of the well plate among other types of well plates. Along these lines, a result of a well plate type identification operation, which indicates whether the well plate includes the artifact, may determine whether a predefined pressure is applied to the well plate to facilitate fluid sampling in response to the result, whether fluid level sensing can be performed to gauge amounts of fluids drawn from the wells and/or identify how much fluid is left in the wells, etc.

Abstract: An autosampler for a chromatograph includes a first injection port through which a sample is injected into a first analysis flow path of the chromatograph, a second injection port through which a sample is injected into a second analysis flow path of the chromatograph, a needle that is movable to both of the first injection port and the second injection port, and injects a sample into the first injection port and the second injection port, a first sample loop that stores a sample to be injected into the first analysis flow path, a second sample loop that stores a sample to be injected into the second analysis flow path, and a metering pump that loads a sample in the first sample loop and the second sample loop.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a nucleic acid collection column that collects a nucleic acid from a liquid sample containing the nucleic acid. The nucleic acid collection column includes a sample injection portion having an opening into which the liquid sample containing the nucleic acid is injected, a support adsorption portion that houses a support for adsorbing the nucleic acid and in which the nucleic acid is adsorbed on the support, and a discharge portion that discharges a liquid passed through the support adsorption portion. The support includes aluminum oxide having a surface where a water-soluble neutral polymer is adsorbed. A space that houses the support in the support adsorption portion has a cylindrical shape, and has a volume of 0.13 ?L or more and 13.5 ?L or less. An aspect ratio (d1/d2) of the space satisfies 1.0?d1/d2<15.0.

Abstract: As a standard solution for evaluating a scattered light measuring optical system mounted on an automated analyzer, a standard solution containing an insoluble carrier at a concentration, at which transmittance is in a range of 10% to 50%, is used, and a light quantity of a light source is adjusted such that a scattered light detector outputs a predetermined value.

Abstract: A system, methods, and apparatus are described to collect and prepare single cells, nuclei, subcellular components, and biomolecules from specimens including tissues and in some embodiments use the single cells to form organoids or microtissues. The system can perform enzymatic and/or physical disruption of the tissue to dissociate it into single-cells and then use a hanging droplet method to form organoids or microtissues.

Abstract: A component extraction apparatus includes a rack placement part, a heater, an extraction medium supply part, a needle assembly, and a temperature sensor. When the container rack is mounted on the rack placement part, a heater is configured to heat the sample containers in direct or indirect contact with sample containers held by the container rack. The needle assembly holds a needle with a tip thereof pointing downward, and the needle being configured to connect a flow channel by inserting the tip thereof into a needle port provided on an upper surface of each of the sample containers. The temperature sensor is included in the needle assembly and is configured to detect a temperature of the upper surface of any one of the sample containers when the tip of the needle is inserted into the needle port of the one of the sample containers.

Abstract: Various embodiments directed to a work stand for holding a microscopic collection device for collecting a microscopic sample from a target surface, are provided. The work stand includes a first slit formed on a top surface of the work stand and capable of holding a first microscopic collection device comprising a first holding element and a first collection platform, wherein the first collection platform of the first microscopic collection device is perpendicular to the top surface. A second slit formed on the top surface of the work stand and capable of holding a second microscopic collection device comprising a second collection platform and a second holding element at an angle to the second collection platform perpendicular to the top surface of the work stand.

Abstract: A method of handling a fluidic sample in a sample separation device includes at least partly immobilizing the fluidic sample by an immobilizing agent inhibiting spatial broadening of the fluidic sample, and subsequently at least partly releasing the fluidic sample from the immobilizing agent.

Abstract: A sampling device for plants having a lower section with a plurality of sample containers, an upper section with a plurality of cultivation containers, a cutter and a cutting tip, wherein a base opening is formed in each cultivation container and corresponds to a sample container opening of one of the sample containers, and wherein the cutter and cutting tip are arranged, when the sampling device is in a usage position, between the upper section and the lower section such that a part of a plant protruding out through the base opening of the cultivation container and in through the sample container opening into the sample container can be severed by the cutter and cutting tip.

Abstract: A sample processing method may include: removing a liquid component in a container housing a suspension containing a magnetic particle bound with an analyte, while causing magnetic adhesion of the magnetic particle in the container; discharging an elution liquid for releasing the analyte from the magnetic particle from a pipette into the container from which the liquid component has been removed so as to mix the magnetic particle and the elution liquid; moving, after discharging the elution liquid into the container, the pipette relative to and close to an inner wall of the container so as to collect a droplet attached to the inner wall onto an outer surface of the pipette; and moving a tip of the pipette to an accumulation area in which the elution liquid accumulates in the container so as to move the droplet collected on the outer surface of the pipette to the accumulation area.

Abstract: Target analyte detection devices include a housing having a potentiostat and a microcontroller coupled to the potentiostat. The device also includes a substrate having a plurality of electrodes on a first surface of the substrate. A first set of electrodes of the plurality of electrodes defines a first sample detection region. The substrate is removably attachable to the housing such that the first set of electrodes is coupled to the potentiostat upon attaching the substrate to the housing. The device also includes a magnet assembly couplable to a second surface of the substrate. The magnet assembly includes a magnet positioned in the magnet assembly such that a magnetic field from the magnet extends through the substrate and the first set of electrodes into an area above the first sample detection region upon coupling the magnet assembly to the substrate.

Abstract: The present disclosure is, in one aspect, directed to a locking assembly for securing a sample tube assembly to a sample manifold of a measurement system. The locking assembly includes a ramp block having one or more slots defined therein and configured to at least partially receive a portion of the sample tube assembly. The ramp block also includes a plurality of surface features defined therealong and configured to engage and move the sample tube assembly toward and into engagement with the sample manifold. The ramp block further is movable between a plurality of positions including an open position for allowing the sample tube assembly to be received through the one or more slots or openings, and a closed position substantially sealing the sample tube assembly against or within the sample manifold. Other aspects also are described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel lateral flow devices using two dimensional features, preferably, uniform two dimensional test and control features, and the methods for detecting an analyte using the lateral flow devices, and processes for making the lateral flow devices.

Abstract: A sample introduction device includes a tube holding unit 10, a tube heating unit 20, and a movement mechanism 30. The tube holding unit 10 holds a sample tube 1. The tube heating unit 20 comes into contact with the sample tube 1 held in the tube holding unit 10 and heats the sample tube 1 to desorb sample components in the sample tube 1. The tube holding unit 10 and the tube heating unit 20 are attached to the movement mechanism 30 so as to be able to move separately. The movement mechanism 30 includes a nut 32 which can be attached to and detached from the tube holding unit 10 and the tube heating unit 20, and a support shaft 31 which supports the nut 32 such that the nut 32 can move.

Abstract: A microreactor array platform and method for sealing a reagent in microreactors of an array of microreactors are provided. The microreactor array platform includes an array of microreactors, and a sealing film having a first surface and an opposite second surface, the sealing film configured to movably seal the array of microreactors. The microreactor array platform also includes an injector for delivering a reagent into the array of microreactors via a fluid path between the array and the second surface of the sealing film, and an applicator for directing a sealing liquid against the first surface of the sealing film. The microreactor array platform further includes a system for creating a pressure differential between the reagent in the injector and a space between the array of microreactors and the second surface of the sealing film.

Abstract: A plastic scintillator includes an anti-fog additive or comonomer. The plastic scintillator is formulated to resist the development of hydrothermally-induced aging defects (e.g. discoloration and “fogging”) while maintaining scintillation light output and other desirable physical properties.

Abstract: Provided are nucleic acid extraction apparatuses and operation methods thereof. The apparatus may include at least one cyclically moveable annular structure, at least one pipetting mechanism, at least one injection mechanism and a driving mechanism. The annular structure may be provided with a plurality of cuvette positions and a plurality of operation positions. The pipetting mechanism and the injection operation may be arranged along the annular structure. The driving mechanism may drive the annular structure to move cyclically.

Abstract: Disclosed is a separation column for micro gas chromatography, having superior separation performance and including a microchannel formed on a substrate and having a serpentine shape, and bumps formed on the surface of the microchannel, wherein the bumps are alternately disposed to face each other on the surface of the microchannel. In the separation column for micro gas chromatography, a sufficient pressure drop occurs, and thus an interaction between a gas mixture to be analyzed and a stationary phase in the column sufficiently takes place, whereby individual gas components are efficiently separated from the gas mixture, discharged from the column, and detected.

Abstract: Provided is a method for the simple and highly accurate assay of PSA by a one-step reaction that does not use carriers having different average grain sizes. Also provided is a reagent therefor. The PSA assay method comprises sensitizing insoluble carriers having the same average grain size within a range of greater than 0.20 ?m but 0.40 ?m or less using two types of anti-PSA monoclonal antibodies having different epitopes that are anti-PSA monoclonal antibodies that will react with both free PSA and PSA-ACT, which is a complex of free PSA and ?1-antichymotrypsin, and bringing the carriers into contact with a sample in the presence of an aggregation promoter.

Abstract: A mechanical separator for separating a fluid sample into first and second phases is disclosed. The mechanical separator includes a float having a first portion and a second portion, a ballast circumferentially disposed about a section of the float, and a deformable bellows defining an open passageway extending between a first end and a second end. The ballast is longitudinally moveable with respect to the float and engaged with the deformable bellows between the first end and the second end. At least a portion of the float is transitionable from a restraint position to a sealed position through the first end of the bellows. The first portion of the float can be positioned within the interior of the deformable bellows in the restraint position, and the first portion of the float can be positioned at an exterior location longitudinally displaced from the deformable bellows in the sealed position.

Abstract: This invention relates to a fecal microbiome transplant material preparation method and apparatus for the preparation of fecal material for a fecal transplant. A healthy patient's stool is collected and deposited in a first container which has its open end attached to a second container to form a fecal processing device. Blender blades are positioned in the second container and a filter is mounted therein. Liquid is injected into the second container through a syringe port having a valve therein to block the escape of liquid from the connected containers. Intake and exhaust ports allow air to enter and escape from the connected containers while blocking the escape of liquid. The liquid and fecal matter in the connected containers is blended and the blended liquid is strained through the filter in the second container and removed through the syringe port for use in a fecal transplant.

Abstract: A dispensing method which dispenses a first liquid contained in a first vessel which stores the first liquid and a second liquid to introduce the first liquid into a second vessel by using a tube.

Abstract: A device for fractionation of a fluid containing particles and extraction of a particle-lean volume and a particle-rich volume, including: a cylindrical reservoir including an inlet orifice to supply the reservoir with fluid in a pumping direction from first to second ends of the reservoir; a fractionation body extending along a central axis of the reservoir, an upstream end positioned in vertical alignment above the inlet orifice, a cross section of the fractionation body reducing sharply at its downstream end; the fractionation body defining, with the reservoir, a first passage opening at the downstream end onto a recirculation zone with a geometric singularity; and an extraction mechanism downstream of the fractionation body to separate and extract the lean and rich volumes, including a partition delimiting an extraction volume configured, as fluid circulates in the pumping direction, to receive the particle-lean phase formed in the recirculation zone.

Abstract: A nucleic acid extraction device includes: a tube section in which are disposed in this order a first plug formed of oil, a second plug formed of a washing liquid immiscible with oil and for washing a substance adsorbing a nucleic acid, a third plug formed of oil, a fourth plug formed of an elution liquid immiscible with oil and for eluting the nucleic acid from the substance, and a fifth plug formed of oil; and a cover section disposed around the tube section.

Abstract: A vessel holder assembly is provided. A vessel holder, for receiving one or more vessels, includes a first set of attachment features. A cap assembly, for covering the vessel(s) includes a second set of attachment features. Respective attachment features of the vessel holder and the cap assembly may be complementary, such that engagement between complementary attachment members results in an attachment between the cap assembly and the vessel holder. Such an attachment may be manually removable, or may be locked so as to require a tool, or other suitable method, for detaching the cap assembly from the vessel holder.

Abstract: Provided are cartridges and systems for effecting automated extraction, isolation, and purification of cellular components—such as nucleic acids—from a cellular sample in assay-ready form. Also provided are related methods of effecting such sample processing.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for providing devices comprised of a substrate and a Layer-By-Layer (LBL) film coated on at least a surface of the substrate, which LBL film comprises binding agents that specifically interact with cells. Such devices are useful, for example, in various cell isolation applications. Among other advantages, such devices permit isolation and release (e.g., via layer degradation) of cells under mild conditions.

Abstract: A light-oil separator device includes a collector funnel having a downwardly directed stem portion having an outside diameter. The stem portion adapts to insert in an upward extending neck portion of a collection vessel. The neck portion includes an inner diameter that is greater than the outer diameter of the funnel stem. The neck also includes an oil port at a first height. The vessel includes a body having a hydrosol port at a lower portion of a body sidewall. This port connects to an evacuation tube having a proximal end and an S-shape. This conduit includes an air vent at a top portion at a second height lower than the first height, the air vent extends upward to a height higher than the first height. The S-shape conduit terminates with a downward facing end portion at its distal end.

Abstract: A device (10) is provided for separating magnetic or magnetizable particles from a liquid by using a magnetic field. The device includes a head piece (3) with one or more magnetizable bars (4) which is/are permanently or detachably connected with the head piece (3), as well as one or more permanent magnets (1) whose relative position with respect to the head piece can be changed by a predeterminable movement of the magnet(s) or/and by a predeterminable movement of the head piece.

Abstract: Electrokinetic devices and methods are described with the purpose of collecting assayable agents from a dielectric fluid medium. Electrokinetic flow may be induced by the use of plasma generation at high voltage electrodes and consequent transport of charged particles in an electric voltage gradient. In one embodiment, an ionic propulsion device for providing a sample for a bio-specific assay of aerosol particles comprises a housing receiving a sample of aerosol particles and enclosing a high voltage electrode to generate a plasma of electrically charged particles. A carrier assembly is removably receivable in the housing, the carrier assembly comprising a non-conductive carrier and an electrode removably secured to the carrier.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for washing a selected component and removing the selected component from a wash material. The selected component may include red blood cells that are washed to remove a rejuvenating solution. The red blood cells may then be removed with various systems, such as a standing acoustic wave system from the wash solution. Pumps and flow restrictors that provide steady flow from pumps that generate pulsed flow are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for washing a selected component and removing the selected component from a wash material. The selected component may include red blood cells that are washed to remove a rejuvenating solution. The red blood cells may then be removed with various systems, such as a standing acoustic wave system from the wash solution. Pumps and flow restrictors that provide steady flow from pumps that generate pulsed flow are also disclosed.

Abstract: A nucleic acid extraction device has a tube in which a first plug formed of an oil, a second plug formed of a washing liquid which does not mix with an oil, a third plug formed of an oil, a fourth plug formed of an eluate which does not mix with an oil, and a fifth plug formed of an oil are arranged in this order, and the tube is subjected to an antistatic treatment.

Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems for integrating extraction and purification of bio-sample regions and materials with patient analysis, diagnosis, follow up, and treatment. The invention provides a means to insert disclosed substrates, cartridges, and cartridge-processing instrument or instruments into a standard clinic or pathology laboratory workflow. Specifically, we disclose methods, devices, and systems for inserting standard pathology slides into disclosed cartridges and cartridge-processing instruments, either manually, semi-automatically, automatically, or by robotic means.

Abstract: Provided are a simple, quick, and low-processing cost method capable of reliably separating part of an accommodated substance accommodated in a vessel only by simple mechanical operation while maintaining a hermetically-sealed state without any contact with an outside atmosphere, as well as a vessel with which the method may be used. A separable vessel comprises a first vessel portion, a second vessel portion which is contiguous with the first vessel portion, a fracture-inducing portion formed between the first vessel portion and the second vessel portion, and a self-fusing material provided on an outer surface so as to cover the fracture-inducing portion; and may contain an accommodated substance therein.

Abstract: A chamber in which an agent, like genomic DNA, may be harvested and optionally manipulated rapidly (e.g., on the order of a few hours), without shearing or fragmentation.

Abstract: A device for conducting an agglutination assay comprising several reaction vessels, each reaction vessel comprising an upper chamber having an opening for accepting reactants and/or a sample; and a lower chamber comprising an end in communication with the upper chamber for receiving fluids from the upper chamber, a closed end opposite to the end, and a matrix for separating agglutinates from non-agglutinates; wherein the device further comprises a rotating support able to rotate around an axis and holding pivotally the reaction vessels in a way to allow the reaction vessels to pivot about an axis essentially perpendicular to the rotation axis of the support when the latter is rotated, such that the fluids remain in the upper chamber when the support is not rotated, and can flow from the upper chamber to the lower chamber and into the matrix when the support is rotated.

Abstract: The invention relates to a processing device (100) and a method for processing a medium in a processing chamber (121). The processing comprises the addition of magnetic particles (M) to the medium and the mixing of the medium by manipulating said magnetic particles with a time-variable magnetic field (B), particularly a partially oscillating or rotating field. The magnetic field (B) may be generated with a multipole magnetic field generator (110) comprising four subunits (111A,111B), each having a core (113A,113B) with a surrounding coil (112A,112B) and with a top surface (114A,114B), wherein all top surfaces of said subunits are preferably arranged in the same plane and wherein all cores are substantially parallel to each other.

Abstract: The integrated modular and interchangeable unit of the present invention comprises an analyte concentrator-microreactor (ACM) device having four entrance-exit ports identified as connection areas to a transport capillary for sample and buffer introduction, and to a separation capillary of a cartridge-cassette filled with an appropriate separation fluid for optimal separation of the analytes of interest. Affinity ligand groups are immobilized to microstructures contained within the main inner cavity or channel of the device or directly to the wall of the main inner channel for capturing one or more analytes. The inlet and outlet ends of the transport capillary are connected through a parallel design option to the analyte concentrator-microreactor (ACM) device to facilitate the path of sample and buffers through the inner cavity or channel of the analyte concentrator-microreactor (ACM) device.

Abstract: A separation device including a first buoy, a second buoy, a first valve, and a second valve. The first buoy is mounted to a buoy guide post and slidably mounted within a separation chamber. The second buoy is slidably mounted to the guide post and movable between a first position and a second position. The second buoy closes the first valve and opens the second valve when in the first position. The second buoy opens the first valve and closes the second valve when in the second position. The second buoy has a density such that after spinning the device for a suitable period of time a first component of the composition is isolated between the first buoy and the second buoy and a second component of the composition is isolated between the second buoy and the end of the separation chamber that is opposite to a port.

Abstract: A device for capturing suspended bioparticles in a liquid medium, includes: a tube (101) including first and second ends, the first end of the tube being closed by the surface of a filter membrane (102) rendered stationary by adhesion onto the cross-section of the walls of the tube, a piston (104) including a rod (107) connected to a bearing element (108), the rod sliding along an axis parallel to the wall of the tube (101), and a block (103) of hydrophilic absorbent material placed inside the tube (101), inserted between (i) the inner surface of the filter membrane (102) and (ii) the piston (104) bearing element (108).

Abstract: A sample collection device is provided, which includes a laminate structure which includes at least a first layer and a second layer and a channel sandwiched between the two layers. The channel has an opening at a first end of the laminate structure. The first layer includes a depressible bulb pump disposed distal to the opening of the channel. Depressing and releasing the bulb pump draws a fluid or liquid sample into the channel. The sample collection device can further includes a pad attached to the laminate structure for providing structural support and easy handling. The layers of the sample collection device can be IR neutral so that the device can be used in association with a portable IR or near-IR spectroscopy unit for analyzing the collected sample.

Abstract: The present invention is in the field of sample preparation. In particular, it relates to methods for preparing samples prior to performing nucleic acid amplification.

Abstract: A system for separating motile and non-motile sperm comprises a microvolume into which a fluid containing sperm is delivered, at least partly defined by a wall which includes a termination or a change in angle away from the microvolume, defining an exit from the microvolume. Sperm delivered into the microvolume in a fluid that are motile move entrained along the wall and leave the wall at the termination with an outward turn to or towards a collection reservoir or passage from the microvolume. Typically the system is implemented on a microfluidic chip.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and devices for the rapid isolation of monocot plant embryos suitable for transformation or tissue culture. The invention includes mechanical devices for substantially isolating plant embryos for use as transformable explants. Media suitable for isolating plant embryos and methods for their preparation are also provided.

Abstract: Sample liquid is collected in a chamber downstream of a separating device. Adjoining the chamber are a plurality of channels which guide the sample liquid to one or more investigating regions.

Abstract: A device for transporting, trapping and escaping a single biomaterial using a magnetic structure, and a method of transporting, trapping and escaping of the single biomaterial using the same are provided, and a method is provided for controlling movement and direction of the single biomaterial including soft magnetic micro structure and magnetic structure in a linear, square storage, apartment type, radial soft magnetic micro structure. Accordingly, the device for transporting, trapping and escaping a single biomaterial and the method for transporting, trapping and escaping single biomaterial using the same can control movement on the lap-on-a-chip with increased precision and ease, by using magnetic force, and thus can be advantageously used in the field of magneto-resistive sensor, or categorization of single cells or biomolecules.

Abstract: An apparatus for passive sorting of microdroplets including a main flow channel, a flow stream of microdroplets in the main flow channel wherein the microdroplets have substantially the same diameter and wherein the flow stream of microdroplets includes first microdroplets having a first degree of stiffness and second microdroplets having a second degree of stiffness wherein the second degree of stiffness is different than the first degree of stiffness. A second flow channel is connected to the main flow channel for the second microdroplets having a second degree of stiffness. A separator separates the second microdroplets having a second degree of stiffness from the first microdroplets and directs the second microdroplets having a second degree of stiffness into the second flow channel.

Abstract: A device comprising a housing and a cell block material, wherein the housing has a first end which is adapted to engage with sampling means via a gas tight fit, at least part of the cell block material is positioned within the housing such that, in use, the cell block material is in fluid connection with the sampling means, and the cell block material protrudes from the first end of the housing such that, in use, the cell block material extends into the sampling means.