Abstract: Systems for filling sample array by droplet dragging are provided. One aspect of the invention provides an array filling system for filling a platen having a platen surface and an array of receptacles, the receptacles having an internal surface and the receptacles separated by the platen surface, the system comprising: a liquid transfer device capable of holding liquid; and a controller configured to position the liquid transfer device in proximity to the platen surface and to move the liquid transfer device across the surface and over the receptacles to be filled so as to cause sequential communication of liquid in the liquid transfer device with the interior surface of each receptacle.

Abstract: A new method and system for transporting and sorting multiple reagent packs used in conjunction with an immunodiagnostic instrument is provided. The new system includes a multiplicity of reagent packs; a gantry movably mounted on a rack structure for carrying a gripper mechanism, wherein the gripper mechanism has gripping jaws for engagement with the reagent pack; a power assembly for actuating the respective movement of the gantry, the gripper mechanism and the gripping jaws; a storage nest having a multiplicity of compartments, each adapted for storing a one of the respective reagent packs; and a pipetting nest having a multiplicity of compartment, each adapted for retaining a respective one of the reagent packs for simultaneous pipetting. Methods of using the system and a novel reagent pack used in connection with the new system are also provided.

Abstract: An integrated proteomics sample preparation device and method for in-gel digestion of proteins and for desalting and concentrating samples prior to further analysis such as by MALDI TOF and/or electro-spray ionization (ESI) mass spectrometry. The device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of wells in fluid communication with a an outlet or drainage opening containing a three dimensional structure comprising a plurality of sorptive particles entrapped in a porous polymer matrix so as to form a device capable of carrying out solid phase extraction. In a preferred embodiment, the wells are configured so as to prevent a sample carrier present in the wells from clogging the outlet when subjected to a driving force such as vacuum. The device also reduces or eliminates overflowing of a well in the event a drain becomes clogged during automated operation.

Abstract: An M.times.N matrix microfluidic device for performing a matrix of reactions, the device having a plurality of reaction cells in communication with one of either a sample inlet or a reagent inlet through a via formed within an elastomeric block of the device. Methods provided include a method for forming vias in parallel in an elastomeric layer of an elastomeric block of a microfluidic device, the method comprising using patterned photoresist masks and etching reagents to etch away regions or portions of an elastomeric layer of the elastomeric block.

Abstract: An integrated proteomics sample preparation device and method for in-gel digestion of proteins and for desalting and concentrating samples prior to further analysis such as by MALDI TOF and/or electro-spray ionization (ESI) mass spectrometry. The device and method of the present invention allow for digestion, desalting and concentration of sample prior to analysis. More specifically, the device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of wells in fluid communication with a an outlet or drainage opening containing a three dimensional structure comprising a plurality of sorptive particles entrapped in a porous polymer matrix so as to form a device capable of carrying out solid phase extraction. In a preferred embodiment, the wells are configured so as to prevent a sample carrier present in the wells from clogging the outlet when subjected to a driving force such as vacuum.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sample container for analyses suitable for medical diagnostics comprising a platform plate having at least one reaction chamber. The reaction chamber has a bottom and a sidewall which form a three-dimensional chamber which is open in the upward direction. The ratio of the numerical value of the surface area of the bottom is relatively large relative to the height of the sidewall. The ratio may be greater than or equal to 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 60, 70, 80, or 90. The reaction chamber further comprises a binding area on an internal surface of the reaction chamber which may be functionalized for binding at least one chemical entity for use in an assay.

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 sample chamber of plastics has at least one receiving area for receiving a liquid, and includes an oleophobic layer in a predetermined surface area. The sample chamber includes a base plate and a cover plate firmly connected thereto. The oleophobic layer is disposed on a side of the base plate and the cover plate facing away from the receiving areas, and/or the sample chamber consists of a plastic body and the oleophobic layer is disposed on a side of the plastic body facing away from the receiving areas.

Abstract: A microreactor includes a shell structure (2, 3), having a bottom wall (2) and a peripheral wall (3); a layer (5), accommodated in the shell structure (2, 3) and having cavities (9, 10) formed therein, the cavities being accessible form outside the shell structure (2, 3); reagents (17), arranged between the bottom wall (2) and the layer (5), at locations corresponding to the cavities (9, 10). The layer (5) is made of a meltable material that is solid at room temperature, has a melting point (TMP) lower than a maximum operative temperature (TMAX) required by reactions performable through the microreactor (1) and is not miscible with water. The melting point (TMP) may be between 50° C. and 70° C. In one embodiment, the melting point (TMP) is lower than a minimum operative temperature (TMIN) required by reactions performable through the microreactor (1).

Abstract: Provided is a method of manufacturing a biochip using a droplet discharging device including a droplet discharging head having a cavity and a nozzle hole provided in communication with the cavity, and a liquid housing unit connected to the cavity via a passage, having the steps of filling a retention liquid which separates without getting mixed with the sample liquid into the liquid housing unit, the passage, and the cavity; injecting the sample liquid into the liquid housing unit; moving the sample liquid from the liquid housing unit to the cavity by discharging the retention liquid from the nozzle hole; stopping the discharge of the retention liquid at the moving step upon detecting with a sensor that the sample liquid reached a position adjacent to the nozzle hole; and delivering the sample liquid as droplets onto the object by discharging the sample liquid from the nozzle hole.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and devices for adhering cells in a specific and predetermined position with an adhesive control of internal cell organization, methods for preparing such devices, methods for studying modifications of cell shape and global internal cell organization such as the distribution of cellular compartments, centrosome centering, spindle orientation, internal compartmentalization and internal transports, methods for screening compounds of interest which enhance or inhibit specific cell functions.

Abstract: A microplate (10) includes a carrier (12) having a plate (20) and an annular perimeter wall (30) to define a recess (34). An array of holes (26) extends through the plate (20). A tape piece (16), die cut from a flexible tape (60) includes an array of wells (54) each extending through and having an opening (56) extending into the well (54). The array of wells (54) has a number and locations corresponding to the array of holes (26). The openings (56) have sizes corresponding to the holes (26). An upper surface (50) of the tape piece (16) is abutted with and bonded to the bottom face (24) of the plate (20) with the openings (56) corresponding to the array of holes (26). The slideable receipt of an annular outer periphery (58) of the tape piece (16) insures that the array of wells (54) are aligned to correspond to the array of holes (26) as die cutting of tape piece (16) insures that the array of wells (54) are at consistent positions relative to the annular outer periphery (58).

Abstract: A thin walled multi-well plate for PCR use comprising: (i) a deck and skirt portion said deck and skirt portion having an outer surface and an inner surface; (ii) a plurality of wells for holding chemical reactants, each well comprising a well wall having an inner surface and an outer surface; wherein the deck and skirt portion and the plurality of wells are of integral construction and formed from the same plastics material, and wherein the deck and skirt portion has a mean thickness from 1.5 mm±10% to 3 mm±10%.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical sample storage system in which the accommodation volume of a case is increased is disclosed and claimed. The molding of the storage rack is easy. The cases in the storage rack are locked in place and will not fall out even if the storage rack is turned upside down. Placing and removing cases from the storage rack is highly accurate. The sample storage system is sealed and the storage rack vertically accommodates a plurality of cases in a matrix. The cases are rectangular in cross-section and are hollow. The cases are tapered toward the bottom portion of the case and the outer surfaces of the cases are chamfered. The storage rack has a lower grate-shaped bottom portion which is partitioned by cross members. The bottom portion of the case being fitted into one partitioned portion of the grate-shaped bottom portion and has case supporting pins vertically provided upward from each intersection of gratings or cross members of the grated bottom portion.

Abstract: A sample plate comprising a sample well is disclosed. The sample well can comprise one or more bead retaining chambers. Also provided herein is a method of using the sample plate and kits comprising the sample plate.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a method of manufacturing a micro patterned device. The method can comprise or consist of applying a light curable epoxy resin to a mold to obtain a curable resin filled mold. In a further step a polymeric film or an epoxy resin-coated glass is applied over the curable resin filled mold. Subsequently, the curable resin filled mold to which the polymeric film or the epoxy resin-coated glass is applied is irradiated to cure the resin. In another aspect the present invention refers to a micro patterned device obtained by a method described herein.