Abstract: A packaging system for medical containers having a main opening, comprising: a vessel having a shoulder; a tray provided with cavities that is intended for receiving a medical container and rests on the shoulder; a plurality of caps that close the main opening; and a lid that seals the vessel. A method for packaging medical containers, comprises the following steps: providing a vessel; arranging a tray on the shoulder of the vessel; arranging medical containers in the cavities; arranging a cap on the medical containers so as to close the main opening thereof; sealing a lid on an upper edge of the peripheral wall of the vessel; and placing the vessel in at least one sealed bag.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods and systems for proteome analysis that are at least partially automated and/or performed robotically. In some aspects, the methods and systems described herein can rapidly and efficiently provide protein identification of each of the proteins from a proteome, or a complement of proteins, obtained from extremely small amounts of biological samples. The identified proteins can be imaged quantitatively over a spatial region. Automation and robotics facilitates the throughput of the methods and systems, which enables protein imaging and/or rapid proteome analysis.

Abstract: A split or two-part microplate is formed of a base and a rack. The rack has a top with a plurality of openings capable of holding glass vials. The base has an interior bottom surface and an exterior bottom surface and a plurality of upwardly extending vertical walls and being so dimensioned and sized so as to fit onto the base with at least a portion of the top planar surface resting on the vertical walls. When the rack is assembled onto the base, the top planar surface is spaced from the bottom surface by a first distance. The rack includes downwardly extending legs that are adapted to rest on a flat surface whereby the top planar surface is spaced from the flat surface by a second distance which is greater than the first distance. A plurality of vials is held in the openings and include rims preventing the vials from passing through the openings. The length of the vials from below the rim to the bottom is greater than the first distance but less than the second distance.

Abstract: Microfluidic systems including a housing configured to receive a cartridge, the cartridge including a plurality of wells for receiving one or more biological cells are described herein. The microfluidic systems include a structure with channels for introducing a medium into the housing and through channels the cartridge. Microfluidic systems including a housing configured to receive a cartridge, the housing including channels for loading one or more biological cells within wells of the cartridge are described herein. Three-dimensional scaffolds, devices, and systems comprising such scaffolds that mimic the in vivo structure, physical properties, and protein composition of extracellular matrix surrounding pancreatic islet cells and adipocytes, and the use of such compositions, devices and systems for, e.g., in vitro drug screening and/or toxicity assays, disease modeling, and therapeutic applications are also described herein.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a plate comprising an array of wells for chemical or biological reactions, wherein each of the wells comprises a reaction chamber with at least one opening on a surface of the plate. The array of wells consist of a plurality of adjacent blocks of wells, wherein each block of wells consists of a plurality of adjacent rows of wells, and wherein at least one void is provided in each block of wells in between the rows of wells. Here, the void is particularly part of the surface of the plate and lacks a well opening. Furthermore, a method for multiple imaging of such a plate by means of an imaging system is provided with the present disclosure.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method of fabricating cell, such as stem cell, arrays on a carrier where the surface energy of the carrier has been modified and patterned so that only areas of low contact angle are wetted by a water based cell solution. The patterned cell solution when applied to the carrier surface then self assembles into a 3 dimensional micro pattern on the carrier that mimics the surface topography of mammalian organs.

Abstract: A micro-vial for handling micro-volume of sample fluids. The interior wall defined in the vial has a cylindrical sample section, a wider cylindrical alignment section, a tapered or conical guide section, and a relatively large cylindrical body section, arranged in sequence in that order along the center axis of the vial. The sample section holds a small volume of a sample fluid and receives the tip end of a capillary tube. The alignment section has a larger diameter than the sample section, receiving a cylindrical support that coaxially supports the relatively fragile capillary tube. The tip of the capillary tube dips into the micro-volume of sample fluid held in the sample section. The conical section guides the capillary tube and the support tube into the alignment section and the tip of the capillary tube into the sample section.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments include illustrative piezoelectric element array assemblies, methods of fabricating a piezoelectric element array assembly, and systems and methods for shearing cellular material. Given by way of non-limiting example, an illustrative piezoelectric element array assembly includes at least one piezoelectric element configured to produce ultrasound energy responsive to amplified driving pulses. A lens layer is bonded to the at least one piezoelectric element. The lens layer has a plurality of lenses formed therein that are configured to focus ultrasound energy created by single ones of the at least one piezoelectric element into a plurality of wells of a microplate disposable in ultrasonic communication with the lens layer, wherein more than one of the plurality of lenses overlie single ones of the at least one piezoelectric element.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for conducting biological assays which employs “virtual wells” in lieu of the physical wells of conventional array plates. Also provided are methods of processing a sample and/or culturing cells using the apparatus and systems described herein. In some embodiments, the apparatus includes a first structure having a sheet layer with a plurality of discrete through holes; and a second structure coupled to the first structure, the second structure including a base layer. At least a portion of a first surface of the sheet layer of the first structure is exposed from the second structure, and a second surface of the sheet layer, opposite to the first surface of the sheet layer, is embedded in the base layer of the second structure adjacent the first surface of the base layer.

Abstract: A tray includes a plurality of rows, each of which includes a plurality of slots. Each row contains a plurality of screws. Different rows may contain screws of different types, e.g., lengths. Each of one or more rows contains a machine-readable object (e.g., peg) containing data representing properties of the objects in the corresponding rows. Removal of an object from a row is performed by reading data from the machine-readable object in the row and using that data to modify (e.g., decrement or increment) a count of the type of object contained in that row.

Abstract: An article for performing a reaction includes a reagent well having a side wall, a bottom wall and an open upper end. A lyophilized reagent is retained within the well by a non-integral retention feature that is inserted into the open upper end of the well and fixed to a side wall above the reagent. An opening in the retention feature is smaller than the diameter of the reagent, but is sized to permit a pipette tip to be inserted into the well. The retention feature may be a collar fixed to the side wall and may include fingers extending axially into the well. The well and the retention feature may be correspondingly tapered. A method for reconstituting a lyophilized reagent includes the steps of drawing into a pipette tip attached to an automated pipettor an amount of a diluent and dispensing the diluent into the reagent well to thereby reconstitute the lyophilized reagent.

Abstract: The invention relates to a reaction container and a method for producing the reaction container, and provides a low-cost reaction container which is capable of consistently, quickly, and efficiently performing a process that includes a reaction such as extraction or amplification of a nucleic acid, while saving user's trouble without increasing the scale of the device. The reaction container is configured to comprise: one or two or more housing parts for reactions comprising: a narrow-mouthed piping part in which a reaction reagent or a portion thereof is housed or is housable; a wide-mouthed piping part that is communicated with the narrow-mouthed piping part and provided on an upper side of the narrow-mouthed piping part, and has an aperture that is wider than an aperture of the narrow-mouthed piping part; and a punchable film provided such that it partitions an interval between the wide-mouthed piping part and the narrow-mouthed piping part.

Abstract: A honeycomb tube with a planar frame defining a fluidic path between a first planar surface and a second planar surface. A fluidic interface is located at one end of the planar frame. The fluidic interface has a fluidic inlet and fluidic outlet. The fluidic path further includes a well chamber having an well-substrate with a plurality of wells. The well chamber is arranged in the planar frame between the first or second surface and the well-substrate.

Abstract: The described invention provides an ex vivo dynamic multiple myeloma (MM) cancer niche contained in a microfluidic device. The dynamic MM cancer niche includes (a) a three-dimensional tissue construct containing a dynamic ex vivo bone marrow (BM) niche, which contains a mineralized bone-like tissue containing viable osteoblasts self-organized into cohesive multiple cell layers and an extracellular matrix secreted by the viable adherent osteoblasts; and a microenvironment dynamically perfused by nutrients and dissolved gas molecules; and (b) human myeloma cells seeded from a biospecimen composition comprising mononuclear cells and the multiple myeloma cells. The human myeloma cells are in contact with osteoblasts of the BM niche, and the viability of the human myeloma cells is maintained by the MM cancer niche.

Abstract: Inventive concepts relate generally to the field of cell culture, and more particularly to formation of three-dimensional aggregate(s) of eukaryotic cells. Cell culture vessels including a conical device having an inner surface being hydrophobic; and a frustum defining an open viewing aperture and a narrow end of the conical device are described. Ceil culture vessel arrays, assemblies and kits are described, as well as methods of making and using the devices.

Abstract: A honeycomb tube with a planar frame defining a fluidic path between a first planar surface and a second planar surface. A fluidic interface is located at one end of the planar frame. The fluidic interface has a fluidic inlet and fluidic outlet. The fluidic path further includes a well chamber having an well-substrate with a plurality of wells. The well chamber is arranged in the planar frame between the first or second surface and the well-substrate. The well chamber is in fluidic communication between the pre-amplification chamber and the fluidic outlet.

Abstract: A device for washing an array plate having an array of liquid droplets adhered thereto is described. The array of liquid droplets is covered with a hydrophobic medium immiscible with the array of liquid droplets. The device includes a mechanism for draining the hydrophobic medium from the array plate; a mechanism for providing an aqueous wash liquid over the array plate; a mechanism for shaking the array plate in a presence of the aqueous wash liquid; and a mechanism for removing the aqueous wash liquid from the array plate. A method for washing an array plate is also described.

Abstract: Devices and methods for manual and high-throughput protein crystal growth and growth of other biological and organic crystals. A microplate includes a plurality of cells and a frame that defines the cells in the microplate. In each cell there is at least one well open at top. Each well in a cell may be enclosed at bottom, or it may be open at bottom, in which case the well bottom may be sealed by a separate part, which may be, e.g., a separate film or plate (e.g., of plastic, glass or metal) or a molded part.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a deepwell plate system, comprising a deepwell plate and a lid system which can be detachably fitted to the deepwell plate by snap- or clamp-fastening means so as to tightly seal the deepwell plate and to a method for the cultivation of cells within the deepwell plate system according to the present invention.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a detection device includes dispensing a plurality of reagent droplets of a detection reagent to a fiber substrate by a dispensing unit, and absorbing the plurality of reagent droplets by the fiber substrate to form the detection device having at least one detection pore. The dispensing unit includes two plastic sheets and a water retention substrate, the water retention substrate contains the detection reagent, and one of the two plastic sheets has at least one opening.

Abstract: Examples of integrated sensors are disclosed herein. An example of an integrated sensor includes a flexible substrate, and an array of spaced apart sensing members formed on a surface of the flexible substrate. Each of the spaced apart sensing members includes a plurality of polygon assemblies. The polygon assemblies are arranged in a controlled pattern on the surface of the flexible substrate such that each of the plurality of polygon assemblies is a predetermined distance from each other of the plurality of polygon assemblies, and each of the plurality of polygon assemblies including collapsible signal amplifying structures controllably positioned in a predetermined geometric shape.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a reactor array for producing and/or analyzing products, comprising a plurality of vessels in which products can be produced on a preparative or analytical scale.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for detecting elution of a sample from a sample substrate to incubation buffer contained in a sample well while the sample substrate is still within the well. The method comprises measuring light absorption of the contents of the sample well at a predefined wavelength or wavelength range, and determining, based on the absorption measurement, the degree of elution of the sample. According to the invention, a wavelength or wavelength range is used which is absorbed by at least one elutable component of the sample but transmitted by the sample substrate. The invention provides a reliable way of determining the degree of elution of blood samples in neonatal screening, for example.

Abstract: A reaction plate includes a welded plastics planar laminate consisting of an aperture plate and a film, the aperture plate having at least one planar surface and a plurality of apertures in the planar surface of the apertured plate and the film being attached to the planar surface of the apertured plate around the or each aperture by welding. The welding is preferably laser or transmission welding. A method of forming such reaction plates using diode laser welding. An apparatus for handling such reaction plates including performing polymerase chain reactions (PCRs) or primer extensions therewith.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for efficiently providing accurate temperature control of a microtiter cold plate and precise alignment of the microtiter cold plate with a microtiter plate.

Abstract: A microwell device is provided. The device includes a plate having a upper surface. The upper surface has first and second recesses formed therein. Each recess has an outer periphery. First and second portions of microwells are formed in upper surface of the plate. The first portion of microwells are spaced about the outer periphery of the first recess and the second portion of microwells spaced about the outer periphery of the first recess. A first barrier is about a first portions of the microwells for fluidicly isolating the first portion of the microwells and a second barrier about a second portions of microwells for fluidicly isolating the second portion of the microwells.

Abstract: A device includes a first structure with a sheet layer with a plurality of discrete through-holes and a second structure coupled to the first structure. At least a portion of a first surface of the sheet layer of the first structure is exposed from the second structure. A top portion of the sheet layer, including the exposed portion of the first surface of the sheet layer, includes fluorocarbon. The second structure includes a material of a higher surface tension than the top of the sheet layer. A second surface of the sheet layer, opposite to the first surface of the sheet layer, is embedded in the second structure. The second structure extends at least partially into the plurality of discrete through-holes of the first structure.

Abstract: A machine for treatment and/or analysis of biological samples is provided. The machine includes a hinged arm to which a clamp for gripping a first biological sample holder is fixed. The clamp includes first and second arms able to move relative to each other along a gripping position between a first position of gripping the first biological sample holder, and a first position of releasing the biological sample holder. Each arm of the clamp includes a groove. When the first and second arms are in the first position of release, the first and second grooves are spaced away from each other along the gripping direction, and when the first and second arms are in the first gripping position, the first and second grooves are brought closer to each other along the gripping direction, so as to be able to receive lateral edges of and grip the first biological sample holder.

Abstract: A microtitration plate, having a frame made of a plastic which has a plate with a multiplicity of holes, and a multiplicity of receptacles made of the same plastic which are fixedly connected to the plate at the holes by directly molding them thereto, have a receiving portion protruding from the underside of the plate, and are accessible from the upper surface of the plate through apertures.

Abstract: Devices for the in vitro aggregation of cells. The devices are characterized by containing special ground cavities allowing cluster formation to take place when a cell suspension is seeded onto the device. Further, the present invention relates to a method for aggregating cells and the use of the devices of the present invention for the aggregation of cells.

Abstract: A microfluidic chip includes microfluidic channels, elements for thermally and optically isolating the microfluidic channels, and elements for enhancing the detection of optical signal emitted from the microfluidic channels. The thermal and optical isolation elements may comprise barrier channels interposed between adjacently-arranged pairs of microfluidic channels for preventing thermal and optical cross-talk between the adjacent microfluidic channels. The isolation element may alternatively comprise reflective film embedded in the microfluidic chip between the adjacent microfluidic channels. The signal enhancement elements comprise structures disposed adjacent to the microfluidic channels that reflect light passing through or emitted from the microfluidic channel in a direction toward a detector. The structures may comprise channels or a faceted surface that redirects the light by total internal reflection or reflective film material embedded in the microfluidic chip.

Abstract: A microreactor with at least one cavity, which comprises a bottom, a side wall and an opening disposed opposite the bottom, has a cross-section intersecting the side wall parallel to the bottom, the cross-section having a shape diverging from a round, square or rectangular shape.

Abstract: Provided herein are substrates for matrix-assisted laser-desorption ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometric analysis. Each spot includes 3-hydroxypicolinic acid matrix and no analyte.

Abstract: Systems, methods and multi-well plates comprising an array of wells for thermal treatment of chemical or biological samples are disclosed. Each of the wells comprises a bottom opening, an upper opening, inner side walls extending from the bottom opening to the upper opening, a protrusion extending from the inner side walls into the well with a first cross-sectional area and located at a height from the bottom opening which is smaller than the height from the upper opening. A sample chamber with a second cross-sectional area is formed between the bottom opening and the protrusion. An upper chamber with a third cross-sectional area is formed between the protrusion and the upper opening, and in which the first cross-sectional area is smaller than the third cross-sectional area and smaller than or equal to the second cross-sectional area.

Abstract: A system for analyzing, manipulating, and recording data associated with a microtiter plate is provided. The system provides a touch screen element provided proximal to the microtiter plate such that data pertaining to events and conditions observed within one or more wells of the microtiter plate may be easily and accurately recorded. Data display, storage, and manipulation features are also provided.

Abstract: Multiplex binding assay assemblies are disclosed. The assemblies generally include at least one assay bar that includes a top side, a bottom side, and at least one well accessible from the top side of the assay bar. Each well includes a side surface, a bottom surface, an open top end, and at least one secondary container, with each secondary container including a capillary tube that (i) begins at a location within an interior volume of the well and (ii) ends at a location beneath the bottom surface of the assay bar. The assemblies further include a dispenser bar that is adapted to be positioned adjacent to the top side of the assay bar, which includes one or more reservoirs that are configured to provide one or more reagents to the at least one secondary container located in each well of the assay bar.

Abstract: A fluidic device for conveying liquid to a well of a microplate. The device includes a support structure configured to be mounted along the microplate. The device also includes a microfluidic tube coupled to the support structure. The tube has an inlet, an outlet, and an open-sided channel that extends longitudinally therebetween. The tube has a cross-section that includes an interior contour with a gap therein. The gap extends at least partially along a length of the tube. The tube is configured to convey liquid to the well of the microplate when the tube is held in a dispensing orientation.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus that is used for detecting liquids or substances from liquids and includes a plunger that has a porous plunger layer which is pressed onto a sensor array. Each sensor of the sensor array is surrounded by elevations which spatially separate the sensors from each other like walls. In at least one embodiment, when the plunger layer is pressed onto the sensor array, the walls are pressed into the pores of the plunger layer. Liquid-tight connections are created between the walls and the plunger layer while liquid remains over the sensors. The liquid can be measured. In at least one embodiment, when there is direct mechanical contact between the plunger layer and the sensors, the liquid over the sensors is located in open pores on the surface of the plunger layer. No liquid flows between the pores and across the walls when pressure is applied to the plunger layer such that closed reaction chambers are created.

Abstract: A reader for mechanical actuation of fluids within a test cartridge. The instrument interface including multiple independently-controlled plungers aligned to respective fluidic pouches on a test cartridge that is inserted into a testing apparatus embodying the instrument interface. The plungers include tips for applying mechanical force to the respective fluidic pouches.

Abstract: Magnetic handling structure comprising a retractable magnet and a probe for the manipulation of magnetic particles in biological samples and methods of handling magnetic particles in biological samples.

Abstract: A microtitration plate for use for automated polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is provided. The microtitration plate includes a frame which has a plate with a multiplicity of holes molded of a polypropylene or a polycarbonate. The microtitration plate further includes a multiplicity of receptacles made of the same polypropylene or polycarbonate. The receptacles are fixedly connected to the plate at the holes by fusing the same polypropylene or polycarbonate thereby directly molding the receptacles to the plate Each receptacle has a receiving portion protruding from the underside of the plate, and is accessible from the upper surface of the plate through apertures.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for efficiently providing accurate temperature control of a microtiter cold plate and precise alignment of the microtiter cold plate with a microtiter plate.

Abstract: Described are devices for retaining a nonporous substrate, as well as methods for their use, the devices comprising a housing for receiving the nonporous substrate, a removable well insert attached to the housing and adjacently coplanar to the substrate, the well insert having at least one opening that, together with the substrate, defines a well, and means for exerting a force against the substrate such that the substrate engages the well insert with sufficient force to attain a fluid-tight seal in the well.

Abstract: Multiplex binding assay assemblies are disclosed. The assemblies include at least one assay bar that has a top side, a bottom side, and at least one well accessible from the top side of the assay bar, with each well including a side surface, a bottom surface, an open top end. Each well also includes at least one secondary container, with each secondary container including a capillary tube that (i) begins at a location within an interior volume of the well and (ii) ends at a location beneath the bottom side of the assay bar. The assemblies further include a guiding track, which includes a set of two rails, with each rail having its own separate groove. Such grooves are configured to run parallel to each other with a distance between such grooves, with a first groove configured to receive a protruding element (or an end) of a first side of the assay bar, and a second groove configured to receive a protruding element (or an end) of a second side of the assay bar.

Abstract: A microplate apparatus having a bottom plate defining a plurality of very small microwells (for example, each having a volume of 0.02 or less) for containing sample material and a top plate defining a plurality of domes, each of which housing a sensors for measuring biological parameters, such as cellular oxygen consumption, pH changes, calcium uptake, and metabolic reduction of fluorescent dyes. The top and bottom plates may be composed of quartz. The microplate assembly may be fabricated using a method involving applying an etching solution to each of the top and bottom plates to create the domes and microwells. Additionally, etching solution may be applied to the bottom plate to create a raised lip region around each of the microwells. The etched-away areas surrounding the lip regions facilitate the changing of microwell solution without disrupting the samples.

Abstract: A plate handling system for a sampling device with a drawtube that includes a vertical actuation system that adjusts the vertical distance between the drawtube and a sample tray, a horizontal linkage system that positions a sample tray in a horizontal plane, and a drive system that drives the rotational motion of the horizontal linkage system. The horizontal linkage system includes a base arm that rotates about a base joint, and a sample arm that rotates about a sample arm joint on the base arm.

Abstract: Magnetic microplate assemblies are disclosed for assaying of biological activated magnetic particles from a supernatant. The assemblies include a magnetic microplate holder and a microplate including a plurality of wells for retaining the magnetic particles. The microplate holder includes a plurality of magnets for attracting the magnetic particles to the wells and a plurality of detents for securing the microplate in the holder. The detents allow the microplate to be tightly retained in the holder when the assembly is turned over to discard supernatant and wash buffer applied to rinse supernatant from the magnetic particles.

Abstract: A microtitration plate, comprising: a frame which is made of at least one laser-inscribable plastic completely or in at least one area, and a multiplicity of receptacles arranged in the frame and having an opening on one side of the frame which are made of a plastic other than the laser-inscribable plastic.

Abstract: A method of processing a liquid sample containing an initial quantity of nucleic acids that involves providing a plastic, disposable laboratory implement having at least one transparent wall segment made of a polypropylene mixed with an amount of a clarifier additive that is at least twice as high as is necessary to obtain transparency in the polypropylene, wherein the transparent wall segment exhibits a surface gloss greater than 160 as measured per DIN 67530 at an angle of 60°, bringing the liquid sample into contact with the at least one transparent wall segment and removing the liquid sample from the at least transparent wall segment, wherein the nucleic acid adsorption ratio for the transparent wall segment is less than 3 (wt/wt) relative to relative to the initial quantity of nucleic acids in the liquid sample.

Abstract: Assemblies for and methods of coupling a microtiter plate and receptacle for centrifugation of liquid from the microtiter plate to the receptacle are provided. In some embodiments, a coupling frame can be used. In other embodiments, the microtiter plate couples directly to the receptacle. In some embodiments, relative motion between the receptacle and the microtiter plate is limited in the x-y plane. In some embodiments, relative motion between the receptacle and the microtiter plate is limited in the x-z plane. In some embodiments, relative motion between the receptacle and the microtiter plate is limited in the y-z plane.