Abstract: A spin column device, which contains a rigid porous filter that retains its shape during centrifugation, chromatography methods using the device to isolate a desired substance, e.g., a biological molecule, from other substances in a mixture, and kits containing the device with one or more reagents for use in the method.

Abstract: A submersible, self-propelled apparatus for analyzing a component contained in a liquid medium. The submersible, self-propelled apparatus uses kinetic energy of the apparatus to drive a liquid under analysis through the apparatus. This is accomplished by use of a conveyance system that is attached to the analytical system of the apparatus. A sensor system is used to analyze the component collected within the confines of an analysis chamber, a part of the analysis system. The invention also includes a method of using the analytical apparatus.

Abstract: Extracting or removing at least a portion of liquid phase from a whole sample using a centrifugal force is disclosed. Centrifugal forces are used to apply pressure to a whole sample and drive a liquid phase through a passage region that can be perforated and/or porous and maintain a drier portion within a separation container. The whole sample can be dried, which includes a remaining sample where excess or a selected amount of liquid is removed. Direct access to the separation container or area can then be made to provide for an efficient withdrawal of the drier material from the separation container.

Abstract: Tissue patches and associated systems and methods are described. Certain embodiments are related to inventive systems and methods in which tissue patches can be made quickly and robustly without the use of complicated fabrication or sterilization equipment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an adapter containing a filter that can be used with pipetting devices, particularly robotic pipetting devices, to efficiently connect the pipetting device to pipette tips with minimal distortion of the pipette tip. The present invention also relates to a process and a system of using an adapter containing a filter that can be used with pipetting devices, particularly robotic pipetting devices, to assemble the adapter together with an unfiltered pipette tip on the site of application. The adapter and pipette tip are each stackable for saving space at the work station.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the automated preparation of treated monolayers of sample material, comprising: a centrifuge having a rotor (12) carrying removable chamber blocks (14); sample and reagent dispensers (26) and control systems (20). First, centrifugal force sediments sample material discretely to form a monolayer onto a receiving surface member (32) on one of the chamber blocks (14), while the same centrifugal force opens a valve (48) in the chamber block (14) to drain sample material. Then, centrifugal force delivers sequentially into discrete chamber blocks (14) discrete treating agents, during which time the sampler material monolayer is held in place on the receiving surface member (32) by centrifugal force. Then, each chamber block (14) is drained centrifugally through its already opened valve (48). Each treated sampler material is confined to an individual chamber block (14). Batch and random access delivery of treating agents can be employed.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an apparatus useful in conducting detection of compounds on blotting membranes. The device is comprised of several layers including a porous support layer below the blotting membrane(s), a flow distributor above the blotting membrane(s) and optionally a well on the flow distributor to contain the liquid to the desired area and to allow for lower starting volumes of such liquid. Preferably, the flow distributor is a non-binding or low binding hydrophilic porous membrane such as a 0.22 micron membrane and the support layer is a grid or sintered porous material. The distributor and support are held together to form an envelope around the membrane(s). The use of a hinge, clips and other such devices is preferred in doing so.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for near real-time in-situ soil solution measurements is presented. An outer sleeve is placed in soil where ionic concentrations of organic or inorganic species are to be measured. A porous section connects with the outer sleeve (the porous section initially loaded with distilled water) equilibrates with the solution present in soil pores to form a solution to be measured. The initial distilled water is displaced within the porous section by a removable plunger. After substantial equilibration of the solution to be measured within the apparatus, the plunger is removed and a removable probe replaced. The probe may be an Ion Selective Electrode, or a transflection dip probe. The probe then may be used under computer control for measurement of solution properties. The Ion Selective Electrode may measure nitrate (NO3?) concentrations. The transflection dip probe may be read with spectrometer with an input deuterium light source.

Abstract: It is disclosed a microsieve comprising two layers, wherein the first layer is a membrane layer having a plurality of micropores contained therein and a thickness of about 10 ?m to about 100 ?m, and the second layer is a membrane support layer having a plurality of openings contained therein and a thickness of about 100 ?m to about 500 ?m, wherein the openings are larger in diameter than the micropores, and wherein at least one of the membrane layer or membrane support layer is formed of a SU-8 photoresist material.

Abstract: A microfluidic cartridge for isolating biological molecules having a capture chamber containing functionalized solid supports maintained in a fluidized state provides reduced pressure drops and bubble formation during microfluidic extraction. The cartridge may include an electric field lysis chamber and/or a chemical lysis chamber. The electric-field lysis chamber may comprise an electrically insulating structure arranged between two opposing planar electrodes.

Abstract: A reaction vessel with a bottom drain opening supporting a selected unpressured head of fluid by the surface tension of the fluid. A device processing zone includes a support for spaced rows of reaction vessels, passages communicating with their drain openings of supported vessels, and a pressure source for selectively draining fluid through the drain openings. Generally horizontal bar magnets are supported for selected vertical movement between the vessel rows. A dispensing head has X discharge openings selectively positionable over X selected reaction vessels. A metering pump mechanism selectively meters X a selected quantity of fluid a bulk supply (where X is at least four), and selectively pumps the metered selected quantities through the drain openings to the selected reaction vessels. Methods of drawing fluid from the vessels using the pressure source, and moving the magnets to form a pellet of analyte are also included.

Abstract: A filtration container (1) includes a container body (2) including a porous filter (4) exhibiting both hydrophilic and oleophobic properties. The container also has a lid (3) which provides a secondary filter for the container (1). The filter is slidable within the container body and is rotatable into a vertical position. The filtration container may be used for testing a fat content of an item placed within the container. A method for testing the fat content of an item is also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides pipette tip extraction columns for the purification of a DNA vector from un-clarified cell lysate containing cell debris as well as methods for making and using such columns. The columns typically include a bed of extraction media positioned in the pipette tip column, above a bottom frit and with an optional top frit.

Abstract: According to various embodiments, a microfluidic system for detecting a biological entity in a sample volume is provided. The microfluidic system may include: a chamber configured to receive the sample volume, wherein the chamber includes a detection region for detecting the biological entity; a first port in fluid communication with the chamber; and a second port including a filter in fluid communication with the chamber; and wherein a fluid provided to the first port or the second port flows between the first port and the second port through the chamber.

Abstract: A new type of asymmetric flow field flow fractionator, A4F, is described permitting improved sample fractionation means by providing a range of available channel lengths within the same A4F unit. With such an apparatus, samples may be optimally separated by performing such fractionations as a function of channel length. The ability to vary channel length within the same A4F unit has heretofore been unavailable.

Abstract: A device includes a reception chamber (5) for a cell suspension having an open bottom (6) extending opposite a cell deposition area (7) of the analysis plate (1), the bottom (6) of the chamber (5) being in fluid communication with an absorption material (14) for cell preservation liquid for absorbing the latter and enabling a homogeneous decantation deposition on the deposition area (7), the absorption material (14) being provided about the cell deposition area (7). The absorption material (14) includes a compressed area (16) extending between the bottom (6) of the reception chamber (5) and the analysis plate (1) about the cell deposition area (7), and a non-compressed area (17) extending about the compressed area (16).

Abstract: A materials analysis device (2) comprises an inner receptacle (4), incorporating a filter (5) at its lower end, within an outer receptacle (6). Gas inlet/outlet ports (8, 10) are arranged to provide a means whereby solvent can be caused to pass between the receptacles (4, 6) via filter (5). Solvent in the receptacles (4, 6) is arranged to be heated and its temperature assessed. In use in one embodiment, a solute material to be analyzed is introduced into outer receptacle (6) and a solvent is introduced into inner receptacle (4). The solvent is caused to pass back and (15) forth between the receptacles (4, 6) via the filter (5) until a saturated solution of the solute is present in inner receptacle (4). This may be removed for analysis. By undertaking the process described at a range of temperatures, a solubility profile for the solute can be determined.

Abstract: A multi-well plate (1) has an upper part (2) with a multiplicity of wells (3), a lower part (4) with a multiplicity of wells (5) that communicate with the wells (3) of the upper part (2), and at least one filter medium (6) that can be fixed between the upper and lower parts (2, 4). Sides (8, 9) of the upper and lower parts (2, 4), facing toward the filter medium (6), have seals (7a, 7b) extending around the wells. The filter medium (6) can be fixed along the upper and lower sides in each case by pairs of the seals (7b) of the upper part (2) and the seals (7a) of the lower part (4). The multi-well plate prevents cross-contamination between adjacent wells due to radial cross-diffusion of analytes. A method for characterization of filter media using the multi-well plate (1) also is provided.

Abstract: Systems and methods for treating a fluid with a body are disclosed. Various aspects involve treating a fluid with a porous body. In select embodiments, a body comprises ash particles, and the ash particles used to form the body may be selected based on their providing one or more desired properties for a given treatment. Various bodies provide for the reaction and/or removal of a substance in a fluid, often using a porous body comprised of ash particles. Computer-operable methods for matching a source material to an application are disclosed. Certain aspects feature a porous body comprised of ash particles, the ash particles have a particle size distribution and interparticle connectivity that creates a plurality of pores having a pore size distribution and pore connectivity, and the pore size distribution and pore connectivity are such that a first fluid may substantially penetrate the pores.

Abstract: A system and method for preparing samples for analyte testing. The sample preparation system can include a freestanding receptacle. The method can include providing a liquid composition comprising a source and a diluent, and positioning the liquid composition in a reservoir defined by the freestanding receptacle. The method can further include filtering the liquid composition to form a filtrate comprising an analyte of interest, removing at least a portion of the filtrate from the sample preparation system to form a sample, and analyzing the sample for the analyte of interest.

Abstract: A method comprising obtaining a preparation unit comprising a filter module and a collection for each liquid coming from the filter module, with the filter module comprising an inlet compartment as well as an evacuation compartment for the liquids, the filter and collection modules being rotatably mounted relative to each other; disposing the filter and collection modules in a first position; passing a liquid from the filter module to attain the collection module; disposing the filter and collection modules relative to each other in a second position, and passing another liquid from the filter module to attain the collection module.

Abstract: Methods and devices for isolating nucleic acids from a mixture containing such nucleic acids and extraneous matter are provided. In one embodiment, the method of the invention comprises passing the mixture through a glass frit under conditions effective to separate the nucleic acids from the extraneous matter. In a more specific embodiment, the glass frit is a sintered glass fit.

Abstract: A separation module and method are disclosed for processing a liquid sample and providing high conversion by operating a single-pass tangential-flow process without a recirculation loop. In one embodiment, the separation module includes three reservoirs and has at least one long, thin channel with a large ratio of channel membrane area to: channel void volume; volume of a sample feed reservoir; and volume of the feed sample. In another embodiment, the separation module includes two reservoirs and a hydrophobic vent. The single-pass process provides high conversion while operating with relatively low pressure sources.

Abstract: Methods, devices and systems for capturing biomarkers are provided. In particular, methods, compositions, and systems that utilize affinity capture devices comprising a processing chamber, affinity capture agent and porous membrane are provided.

Abstract: The invention consists of a method for determining Total Dietary Fiber (TDF) and its sub-fractions, Insoluble Dietary Fiber (IDF) and Soluble Dietary Fiber (SDF) in food and feed samples which utilizes flexible reaction/filtration containers that can be divided into one or more sections for capturing the IDF and SDF fractions separately or for capturing TDF in its entirety. Each container is fashioned as a bag that can be temporarily sealed in multiple locations to create multiple sections and is made of non-porous and porous material. Use of these containers eliminates the need for problematic transfers of mixtures from beaker to filter, and vastly improves the filtration process.

Abstract: A molecule is separated from a liquid sample containing said molecule and at least one additional molecule having a larger hydrodynamic diameter than the hydrodynamic diameter of the molecule to be separated, by means of a separation device comprising a substrate, at least one circulation channel arranged in said substrate, and at least one nanotube associated with said molecule to be separated and formed on a free surface of the substrate. Separation is achieved by means of the internal channel of a nanotube, such as a carbon nanotube, presenting an effective diameter chosen in predetermined and controlled manner. The effective diameter of the internal channel is chosen such as to be larger than the hydrodynamic diameter of the molecule to be separated and smaller than the hydrodynamic diameter of the additional molecules of larger hydrodynamic diameters.

Abstract: A non-electrolytic method and apparatus for treating an aqueous sample stream including analyte ions and matrix ions of opposite charge, for pretreatment or suppression. The apparatus includes an ion exchange membrane capable of passing only ions of opposite charge to the analyte ions, a sample stream flow channel, a first aqueous stream ion receiving flow channel adjacent one side of the sample stream flow channel and separated therefrom by the first ion exchange membrane, and stationary flow-through ion exchange packing disposed in the sample stream flow channel. The ion receiving channel has an ion exchange capacity for the matrix ions less than about 25% of the ion exchange capacity for the matrix ions.

Abstract: Filter pipette tip with a small tube with a relatively large aperture at one end for attaching to a pipette, a relatively small aperture at the other end for the passage of liquid and a through-channel between the large aperture and the small aperture and a porous filter arranged in the through-channel, filling up a portion of the through-channel and comprising at least two layers arranged in series in the direction of the through-channel of which a fine-pore layer has a pore size of a maximum of approximately 20 ?m and a coarse-pore layer a pore size of approximately 20 to 50 ?m, the two layers having different pore sizes.

Abstract: In the present invention, dialysis tubing is placed in a chamber, where an ultrasonic or a other mist producer is present. The ultrasonic mist producer will produce mist and small water droplets will be attached to the surface of dialysis membrane (sheet or tubing) and will condense and the water drops will fall back in the solution tank, where the ultrasonic probe produces the mist. When the droplet is attached to the membrane surface, the dialysis will take place.

Abstract: A test paper includes a porous membrane capable of separating an object that should be filtered out of a sample by filtration, the porous membrane carrying a reagent capable of reacting with a specified component of the sample to result in coloring. The porous membrane includes a first layer having a surface on which the sample is supplied and a second layer having a surface at which sample percolation and measuring are effected, the first layer composed of large pore portions, the surface of the first layer consisting of a smooth surface having open pore portions, the second layer composed of minute pore portions the surface of the second layer consisting of a surface having open pore portions. The porous membrane has a thickness of 50 to 200 ?m and a porosity of 60 to 95%.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for separating radioisotope thallium-201. The device includes an evaporation unit for a solution vial, a first glass vial connected to a first valve and a second valve, an ion exchange column connected to a third valve, a second glass vial connected to a fourth valve and a fifth valve, a collection vial for receiving solution from the fifth valve, a product vial with a membrane filter and a vacuum unit connected to the first valve, the fourth valve and a sixth valve. This device can separate out high-concentration thallium-201 solution from which radioisotope thallium-201 can be obtained.

Abstract: The invention provides extraction columns for the purification of an analyte (e.g., a biological macromolecule, such as a peptide, protein or nucleic acid) from a sample solution, as well as methods for making and using such columns. The columns typically include a bed of extraction media positioned in the column, often between two frits. In some embodiments, the extraction columns employ modified pipette tips as column bodies. In some embodiments, the extraction columns are comprised of frits having a low pore. In some embodiments, the frits of the extraction columns have a pore volume of less than one microliter or less than 10% of the interstitial volume of the bed of extraction media.

Abstract: The unit comprises a filter membrane filter module and a collection module for liquid coming from the filter module, with the filter module comprising an inlet compartment as well as an evacuation compartment for the liquids, the filter and collection modules being rotatably mounted relative to each other. The method comprises the step of obtaining such a unit, of disposing the filter and collection modules in a first position, of passing a liquid from the filter module to attain the collection module, of disposing the filter and collection modules relative to each other in a second position, and the step of passing another liquid from the filter module to attain the collection module.

Abstract: An analytic magazine is proposed, which comprises at least one chamber with at least one analytic aid. The analytic aid comprises at least one test element for detecting at least one analyte in a sample of a bodily fluid. The test element has at least one test field with at least one test chemical. The test field is at least partly arranged within the chamber, wherein at least one wall of the chamber at least partly covers the test field and at least partly delimits a test-field surface that is accessible from the chamber.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for purification of RNA from a sample. The RNA can be total RNA or mRNA. The method involves preparing the sample in a solution of lysis buffer and depositing into a first end of a lysis straw such that the sample solution flows through the matrix of the lysis straw and is eluted from the opposite end of the lysis straw, and depositing the eluted material into a first end of a solid phase extraction (SPE) straw, such that the deposited solution flows through the matrix of the SPE straw towards the opposite end of the SPE straw, and eluting the RNA from the SPE straw by depositing a solution of elution buffer, into the first end of the SPE straw, such that the deposited solution flows through the matrix of the SPE straw and is eluted from the opposite end of the SPE straw, wherein purified RNA from the sample is present in the eluate of the SPE straw.

Abstract: Provided herein is a clarification/binding device for the isolation of at least one target molecule from a sample. The clarification/binding device can comprise an clarification column and a binding column. The clarification column can be configured to receive the sample. Further, the clarification column can comprise a filter configured to filter at least one non-target molecule from the sample. The binding column can be configured to receive the filtered sample from the clarification column. The binding column can comprise a binding material for binding at least one target molecule. The clarification/binding device can be configured to filter the sample and bind at least one target molecule under negative pressure. Further provided herein is an apparatus for the isolation of a target molecule from a sample. The apparatus can comprise a top plate and a vacuum manifold comprising a first chamber and a second chamber.

Abstract: The invention concerns test elements, in particular diagnostic test elements, for determining the presence or concentration of biological, medical or biologically or medically effective substances including nucleic acids, proteins, viruses, microorganisms and cells, characterized in that these test elements contain nanofibers.

Abstract: The invention provides extraction columns for the purification of an analyte (e.g., a biological macromolecule, such as a peptide, protein or nucleic acid) from a sample solution, as well as methods for making and using such columns. The invention is characterized by the use of low dead volume columns, which is achieved in part by the use of low pore volume frits (e.g., membrane screens) to contain a bed of extraction media in the column. Low dead volume facilitates the elution of the captured analyte into a very small volume of desorption solution, allowing for the preparation of low volume samples containing relatively high concentrations of analyte.

Abstract: An apparatus for preparing a nucleic acid component of a sample for amplification includes a porous support having an agent that deactivates a nucleic acid amplification inhibitor component of the sample. The apparatus further includes a housing with an opening and defining an interior. The interior of the housing is in fluid communication with the porous support, and at least a portion of a fluid directed through the opening is directed through at least a portion of the porous support. The apparatus also includes a magnetic substrate for separating nucleic acid from a sample.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for reducing matrix effects in protein precipitated bioanalytical samples comprising: a support, and a sorbent associated with the support capable of binding matrix interfering agents present in the bioanalytical sample, wherein the device further comprises filtering means for removing precipitated protein particles. The filtering means is a size exclusion filter or a polymeric or inorganic monolith having a maximum pore size less than or equal to the diameter of the particles to be removed from the sample, and can be integral with the sorbent or associated with the sorbent. The sorbent is characterized by sufficient selectivity between the matrix interfering agents and analytes of interest to provide retention of the matrix interfering agents while providing elution of the analytes of interest (e.g., a reversed phase or a polar modified reversed phase).

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for preparing and separating biological analytes. In one embodiment, one or more filtration devices or filter plate wells can be formed by clamping a filter sheet between first and second plates having at least one connecting cavity. First and second moveable core pins positioned on opposed sides of the sheet can be moved to remove portions of the sheet. A molten plastic can be injected to fill the volume between the cores and cavities and to form a liquid-impermeable sleeve wall or walls, each being separately sealed at the bottom to the perimeter of the sheet portion, each having liquid permeable regions of said removed and sealed sheet portion, and each remaining open at the top. Various exemplary configurations for filtration devices or filter plate wells are also disclosed.

Abstract: A laboratory device design particularly for a multiplate format that includes a manifold wherein the position of the plate is not a function of gasket compression or vacuum rate applied. In one embodiment, the device has a modular design, wherein one or more removable inserts, preferably with different functionalities can be positioned between a base component and a collar component. The particular insert(s) chosen depend on the desired sample preparation or assay to be carried out. The insert(s) are stacked and are positioned between the base and collar as a unit, so that the stack within the manifold does not move during evacuation of the vacuum chamber. The consistent position of the insert(s) facilitates using vacuum sample processing with automated liquid handlers.

Abstract: A handheld and portable extraction device is directed to a microfluidic-based system to be used in the field to extract and purify an analyte, preferably a nucleic acid, from a fluid-based sample. Preferably, the fluid-based sample is water-based. The fluid-based sample can also be a biological fluid sample. The handheld and portable extraction device includes a syringe-like device coupled to a purification chip. The purification chip is preferably included within a chip block which is removable from the remaining portion of the handheld and portable extraction device. The analyte collected within the purification chip can be later removed and collected for analysis.

Abstract: Provided is a filtration method for the step of removing viruses in a process of producing a protein preparation during which an intermediate protein preparation with a high protein concentration flows at high pressure to a virus removal filter. The filtration method employs a virus removal filter which has a close fitting nozzle of which the inlet at least has a pressure resistance of 600 kPa or more, and an effective area of the virus removal membrane of at least 0.0001 m2 and no more than 0.03 m2. An intermediate protein preparation with the protein concentration raised to at least 20 mg/ml and no more than 100 mg/ml by means of a purification process flows down to said virus removal filter under conditions in which the inlet pressure of the intermediate protein preparation is at least 150 kPa and no more than 600 kPa, the average protein filtration speed is at least 1.

Abstract: Methods and systems to related to sample collection, assays, and fluid control and management, including methods and systems to implement hand-held portable assays, to activate an assay system, to collect and prepare samples, to capture antibodies, and to trap or capture gas bubbles. Methods and systems disclosed herein, and portions thereof, may be implemented alone and/or in various combinations with one another.

Abstract: A microfluidic device comprising a set of one or more, preferably more than 5, covered microchannel structures manufactured in the surface of a planar substrate. The device is characterized in that a part surface of at least one of the microchannel structures has a coat exposing a non-ionic hydrophilic polymer. The non-ionic hydrophilic polymer is preferably attached covalently directly to the part surface or to a polymer skeleton that is attached to the surface.

Abstract: A card or insert having a plurality of recesses for a sample preparation device, the card containing cast-in-place composite and/or non-filled structures which are useful as sorptive or reactive media or for size-based separations. Any particular card size or configuration can be used, and the inclusion of a large amount of adsorptive particles in polymer is achieved while still maintaining the membrane three dimensional structure. In a first preferred embodiment, the composite structures comprise particles entrapped within a porous polymeric substrate, and are cast in-place into a plurality of recesses in an insert for a multi-well sample preparation device, thereby providing an effective platform for high throughput micromass handling.

Abstract: A dust monitor is disclosed that is suitably deployed in dusty environments and capable of providing near real-time indications of exposure to airborne particulates. The monitor includes a filter and filter assembly made of materials that do not interfere with subsequent instrumental (such as spectrometric) analysis for detecting and/or quantitating an analyte. In some disclosed embodiments, the filter is made of nylon or other material that is readily subjected to thermal destruction prior to spectrometric analysis. The dust monitor also includes a humidity correction feature that permits the filter to be made of ashable organic materials even if those materials are not highly hydrophobic. Transport devices are provided for shipment of the filter and/or filter assembly to an analytical laboratory which prevent loss of particulate matter and which facilitate an accurate analysis procedure.

Abstract: Methods and devices for preparing a solid-fibrin web are provided. One method may include drawing blood from a patient, separating plasma from the blood, contacting the plasma with a calcium-coagulation activator and concurrently coagulating and axially centrifuging the plasma to form the solid-fibrin web. The solid-fibrin web may be suitable for regenerating body tissue in a living organism. Devices used in the methods may also be provided.