Abstract: A microarrayer for dispensing reagent onto a substrate, comprising a dispensing print head adapted to load reagent and provided with a plurality of nozzles to dispense said at least reagent on the substrate, wherein the print head is mounted in the microarrayer to allow the print head to move with respect to the substrate in subsequent, essentially, parallel print passes, wherein the print head moves during a first print pass between a first end of the substrate toward a second end of the substrate and during a subsequent printpass in the opposite direction, the microarrayer being characterised in that the microarrayer comprises a first camera adapted to move behind the print head during a print pass and a second camera adapted to move ahead of the print head during said print pass, the first and second camera being adapted to obtain images of the substrate.

Abstract: An aldehyde fixative solution at a first temperature is caused to contact a tissue sample for a first time period, additionally an aldehyde fixative solution is caused to contact the tissue sample at a second temperature higher than the first temperature for a second time period. The first time period typically ranges from about 15 minutes up to about 4 hours, and the first temperature typically is from greater than 0° C. to at least 15° C. The second temperature typically is from greater than about 22° C. to about 55° C., and the second time period ranges from about 1 hour to about 4 hours. Using this process, improved tissue morphology and IHC staining as well as superior preservation of post-translation modification signals have been accomplished in approximately 4 hours compared to 24 hours for room temperature protocols, and more even morphology and antigen preservation are observed.

Abstract: A substrate comprising a coating of a masking material, and a plurality of discrete reaction zones onto which one or more binding agents are intended to be attached, wherein said zones are uncoated areas on the substrate.

Abstract: The present invention addresses the problem of providing a laser microdissection apparatus having good operational efficiency. The laser microdissection apparatus, comprising sample movement means capable of retaining a slide, device movement means on which a device having a thermofusible film for transferring a sample can be mounted, a laser irradiation part for irradiating the sample with a dissection laser light, storage means for correlating and storing positional coordinates of the sample in the location irradiated by the dissection laser light and positional coordinates of the thermofusible film in a location where the collected sample is adhered, and a movement means drive control part for controlling driving of the sample movement means and the device movement means on the basis of the positional coordinates of the sample and the thermofusible film. The dissection laser light is radiated through the device onto the sample from below the device.

Abstract: The present invention provides an automated modular system and method for production of biopolymers including DNA and RNA. The system and method automates the complete production process for biopolymers. Modular equipment is provided for performing production steps with the individual modules arrange in a linear array. Each module includes a control system and can be rack mounted. One side of the array of modules provides connections for power, gas, vacuum and reagents and is accessible to technicians. On the other side of the array of modules a robotic transport system is provided for transporting materials between module interfaces. The elimination of the requirement for human intervention at multiple steps in the production process significantly decreases the costs of biopolymer production and reduces unnecessary complexity and sources of quality variation.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides apparatuses, systems, and methods involving a spotter for depositing a substance on a submerged surface. The spotter comprises an outlet cavity defined at least in part by a spotting orifice, a first opening, and a second opening. The spotter also comprises a first conduit fluidly coupled to the first opening and a second conduit fluidly coupled to the second opening. The spotter is adapted so that fluid flowing through the first conduit and the second conduit is communicated among the first opening, the second opening, and a submerged deposition surface when the sealing orifice is sealed against the submerged deposition surface to form a deposition spot on the submerged deposition surface. The submerged deposition surface is within a liquid such that the liquid covers the deposition spot upon removal of the orifice from the deposition surface.

Abstract: The invention provides a platform technology with rich ability to flexibly perform, create, deploy, maintain, and update a wide range of panels, assay, array, and/or sequence of tests for a wide range of substances and pathogens. The invention provides a unifying framework for widely-ranging miniature sensor implementation, fluidic/gas interfacing, electrical interfaces and optical interfaces, and further by collocating, allowing the integration a large number highly-selective sensors and chemical sensors—together as needed with appropriately selected supplemental sensors (for example temperature, pH, selective ions, etc.), into a common readily-manufacturable framework. The diverse sensor arrays give rise to statistical enhancing through novel statistical processing approaches.

Abstract: Various examples of systems and methods are provided for slide processing. In one example, among others, a system for processing microscope slides includes a slide positioner that can adjust a position of a slide and a slide treatment system that can dispense a micro stream of a fluid at a location on the slide when the slide is positioned beneath a jet nozzle of the slide treatment system. The system can include a slide sled that can align a smearing slide with a surface of the slide including a fluid sample is disposed, and support the smearing slide at a predefined angle with respect to the surface of the slide. In another example, a method includes obtaining a slide including a sample disposed on a surface, positioning the slide below to a jet nozzle, and dispensing a micro stream of a fluid onto the sample using the jet nozzle.

Abstract: A test device for use with a liquid solution includes a housing that houses a plurality of sorbent strips. At least one strip has a location for receiving the solution. The housing defines at least an opening in said housing wherein said opening is aligned with the location for receiving the solution. The device includes a sealed reservoir filled with the liquid solution, the sealed reservoir being disposed in alignment with the opening and coupled to the housing. The device includes an opener coupled to the housing. The opener is arranged to rotate from a first position, in which the opener is not in contact with the sealed reservoir, to a second position, in which the opener causes the sealed reservoir to effect a release of the solution from the reservoir and into the opening and onto the sorbent strip housed within the housing.

Abstract: To provide a reagent applying device and a reagent applying method for electrophoresis analysis which make it possible to apply a reagent with a simple configuration at low cost. A reagent supplying device for supplying a reagent to the surface of a gel in electrophoresis analysis includes a reagent applying tool which is a plate-shaped body. The reagent applying tool includes at least one reagent holding section which penetrates the reagent applying tool in a thickness direction and which holds a reagent by capillary action, and a reagent spreading section for spreading, on the surface of the gel, a reagent supplied from a lower-side opening of the reagent holding section when the reagent applying tool is placed on the gel.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for forming an immobilized agent gradient within a 3-dimensional porous scaffold. A 3-dimensional scaffold formed from a biocompatible material is provided. The surface of the scaffold and/or the agent is activated so as to allow binding of the agent to the scaffold. The activated scaffold is contacted with a solution containing the agent. Contact with the solution is maintained for a sufficient period of time to allow diffusion of the solution through a portion of the scaffold, thereby forming a desired gradient of the agent through the 3-dimensional scaffold.

Abstract: A method of removing a floatation liquid from between a microscope slide and a paraffin embedded biological specimen including position the microscope slide with the paraffin embedded biological specimen floated thereon onto a slide support element. The slide support element is rotated to cause the microscope slide and the paraffin embedded biological specimen to turn in a way that causes the floatation liquid disposed between the microscope slide and the paraffin embedded biological specimen to be drawn from between the microscope slide and the paraffin embedded biological specimen.

Abstract: Single-domain antibodies and graphene coated magnetic metal nanoparticles conjugate and methods for using the same. In certain aspects, graphene coated nanoparticles comprise a targeting moiety, such as a nanobody, and may be used for various targeted therapies (e.g., diseased tissues and cancer). Methods for using magnetic nanoparticles for treatment of parasitic infections are also provided.

Abstract: Biosensor components (chips) are described based on direct biocoating processes that result in the tenacious and stable, noncovalent (believed to be chemisorptive) binding of anchor substances such as avidin(s) other proteins having specific binding partners or oligo- or poly-nucleotides onto any piezo-electrically active crystal surface. The resulting platform technology can be developed for a variety of biosensors with specific applications in biological assays. The table mono layers of the anchor substances forms reactive layers, ready to bind a capture reagent such as a biot-inylated antibody for capture and detection of analytes in biologic fluid samples.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a microarray of plural soft materials includes: vapor-depositing a first layer poly(para-xylylene) resin on a substrate, forming a first micro pattern in the poly(para-xylylene) resin; obtaining a substrate including a first microarray formed by pouring a first soft material solution, freeze-drying the first soft material to obtain a micro-arrayed substrate of the freeze-dried first soft material; vapor-depositing a second layer poly(para-xylylene) resin on the micro-arrayed substrate of the freeze-dried first soft material, forming a second micro pattern placed differently from the first micro pattern by penetrating the poly(para-xylylene) resin of the first and second layers, forming a second microarray on the substrate by pouring a second soft material solution; and forming a microarray of the first and second soft materials on the substrate by peeling off the poly(para-xylylene) resin of the first and second layers.

Abstract: A system and method of manufacture for the system, comprising a set of heater-sensor dies, each heater-sensor die comprising an assembly including a first insulating layer, a heating region comprising an adhesion material layer coupled to the first insulating layer and a noble material layer, and a second insulating layer coupled to the heating region and to the first insulating layer through a pattern of voids in the heating region, wherein the pattern of voids in heating region defines a coarse pattern associated with a heating element of the heating region and a fine pattern, integrated into the coarse pattern and associated with a sensing element of the heating region; an electronics substrate configured to couple heating elements and sensing elements of the set of heater-sensor dies to a controller; and a set of elastic elements configured to bias each of the set of heater-sensor dies against a detection chamber.

Abstract: A monitoring apparatus for the eye has a soft contact lens formed of a transparent substrate having an inner surface that faces the eye and an outer surface. A first arcuate pattern of resistive traces is formed onto the outer surface of the lens substrate and centered about the center of the lens. A second arcuate pattern of resistive traces is formed onto the inner surface of the lens substrate and centered about the center of the lens. One or more conductive traces connects the first pattern to the second pattern. A signal monitor is in signal communication with the first and second arcuate patterns of resistive traces and provides a signal indicative of the lens shape according to electrical current through the first and second arcuate patterns of resistive traces.

Abstract: A tissue tester for providing an indication of the presence of disease including a first paper tissue sheet; and a filter patch treated with a color changing indicator affixed to the first paper tissue sheet. The tester may also consist of a single sheet of filter paper treated with a solution of turmeric and alcohol. The color indicator changes from yellow to brown when disease is indicated in respiratory secretions.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an end effector for a surgical instrument includes providing a substrate wherein at least an outer periphery of the substrate is formed from an electrically-insulative material. The method further includes forming at least one ridge on the outer periphery of the substrate and depositing an electrically-conductive material onto the at least one ridge to form at least one electrode.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a manifold pad that is, at least in part, radiopaque includes providing a manifold member having a plurality of flow channels; providing a radioopacifier; and heating the manifold member and the radioopacifier in a heating vessel at an elevated temperature to form the manifold pad. The manifold pad may distribute reduced pressure at a tissue site and allow for detection using radiography. Systems, manifold pads, and other methods are also presented.

Abstract: A microfluidic device includes a support body having a first surface and a second surface opposite to one another. The first surface is hydrophilic. A surface modification layer extends over the first surface of the support body. At least one opening is formed to extend through the surface modification layer and expose a portion of the first surface. The surface modification layer is hydrophobic. In particular, the surface modification layer is made of a photodefinible material chosen from among: an epoxy resin, a polyamide, and a photocurable siloxane-based polymer. The openings are functionalized using probe molecules designed to bind with specific target molecules to be detected.

Abstract: A method for coating a laboratory print media with a photo-sensitive material may include generating, at a printer, a request to label a laboratory media. The laboratory media includes applying multiple coating layers to a laboratory print media to produce a human-readable and machine-readable label within a dedicated area of the print media. The multiple coating layers include at least a material based on photo-sensitive ink that is thermally-activated, and protected by a chemical and physical protective barrier/layer. The method may further include generating, using a printing mechanism, an image within the dedicated area of the print media. The image includes a laser-based image reflecting off of the photo-sensitive ink.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed toward devices, systems, and method for conducting sandwich assays using sedimentation. In one example, a method includes generating complexes on a plurality of beads in a fluid sample, individual ones of the complexes comprising a capture agent, a target analyte, and a labeling agent. The plurality of beads including the complexes may be transported through a density media, wherein the density media has a density lower than a density of the beads and higher than a density of the fluid sample, and wherein the transporting occurs, at least in part, by sedimentation. Signal may be detected from the labeling agents of the complexes.

Abstract: A device for quantitatively determining an analyte is provided to conspicuously improve the performance of the quantitative determination. This device is equipped with a flow channel, an analyte detecting unit for capturing and detecting the analyte, and a quantitative measurement unit for quantitatively determining the analyte, wherein a signal generated when the analyte detecting unit has detected the analyte is divided into a plurality of parts in the direction of the flow in the flow channel at the quantitative measurement unit for processing. Also provided are technologies including one for controlling the density of molecules attached to the surface of a solid. In these technologies, when molecules are attached to a substrate, the density of attached molecules is controlled, by having an electrolyte also present in a solution containing the molecules to adjust the screening effect by the electrolyte, and by taking into consideration the effective size of a molecule.

Abstract: A slide stainer and a method for operating the slide carrier is disclosed. The slide stainer includes a slide carrier that carries one or more laboratory slides; a vessel that is capable of carrying fluid for staining the laboratory slides and that is sized to accommodate the laboratory slides; a slide transporter that moves the slide carrier into and out of the vessel; and a spring loaded pin that engages with a surface of the slide stainer to limit free-fall translation of the slide carrier in an event of a power loss. Additionally, during an agitation phase of a slide staining process, the slide transporter is configured to translate the slide carrier in an upward direction to a pre-determined height that is set by a user of the slide stainer, and the slide transporter translates the slide carrier in a downward direction back into the vessel.

Abstract: A dyeing device of a smear machine may include a dyeing tank, a transmission mechanism and a work position set in an enclosed delivery channel of the transmission mechanism. The work position may include a blocking and separating mechanism, a reagent supplying and discharging mechanism, and a driving mechanism for driving the blocking and separating mechanism. The blocking and separating mechanism can operate for blocking a dyeing tank to be treated in a current work position, separating a treated dyeing tank and transmitting a separated dyeing tank to a next work position along the enclosed delivery channel. The reagent supplying and discharging mechanism can inject and/or discharge reagent into/from the dyeing tank. Various embodiments of this disclosure can transmit the dyeing tank within the enclosed transmission channel, block and separate the dyeing tank in the work position, and inject/discharge the dyeing solution into/from the dyeing tank as needed.

Abstract: A device for passing a biopolymer molecule includes a nanochannel formed between a surface relief structure, a patterned layer forming sidewalls of the nanochannel and a sealing layer formed over the patterned layer to encapsulate the nanochannel. The surface relief structure includes a three-dimensionally rounded surface that reduces a channel dimension of the nanochannel at a portion of nanochannel and gradually increases the dimension along the nanochannel toward an opening position, which is configured to receive a biopolymer.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for coating surfaces of expandable medical devices with composite coatings. Coatings are composed of various materials including, e.g., polymers and drugs. Transfer of the coatings within a patient or other host forms a drug-eluting coating that delivers time-released drugs over time for treatment of a medical condition.

Abstract: The invention discloses an aqueous method of making polymer coated superparamagnetic nanoparticles. Nanoparticles made by the method are included in the invention.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting an array of layers of amphiphilic molecules, the apparatus comprising: a body (11), formed in a surface of the body, an array of sensor wells (10) capable of supporting a layer of amphiphilic molecules (30) across the sensor wells, the sensor wells each containing an electrode (12) for connection to an electrical circuit, and formed in the surface of the body between the sensor wells, flow control wells capable of smoothing the flow of a fluid across the surface.

Abstract: A polyurethane porous membrane is produced by a simple method to be used for at least one of applications of cell culture and cancer cell growth inhibition. The production method of the polyurethane porous membrane to be used for at least one of the applications of cell culture and cancer cell growth inhibition comprises: a first step of forming a layer of a polyurethane material which is uncured, on a substrate; and a second step of supplying water vapor to an exposed surface of the layer of the polyurethane material formed on the substrate, which is away from the substrate, so as to cure the polyurethane material and provide the layer of the polyurethane material with a porous structure having a plurality of irregularities on the exposed surface.

Abstract: A marking apparatus for marking histology embedding cassettes includes a marking device for marking plastic surfaces, a gripping means to grip and release a cassette, and a movement organ to rotate the gripping means with respect to a first rotation axis perpendicular to a second rotation axis. The first axis is arranged such that it is situated in an ideal plane that is parallel to and interposed between the ideal planes in which the perpendicular surfaces of a cassette, gripped by the gripping means, are located, so that, upon rotation with respect to the first axis the first and the second perpendicular surfaces can alternately be located in front of the marking device. The second axis being arranged with respect to the gripping means such that, upon rotation with respect to the second axis, the oblique surface of the cassette can be in front of the marking device.

Abstract: A substrate surface on which either a substance to detect analyte or an analyte per se is immobilized, which surface is formed by a treatment of substrate surface with a liquid which contains uncrosslinked polymer based on polyethylene glycol chain segment, said treatment conducted either simultaneously with the immobilization of said substance or analyte or after said substance or analyte has been immobilized on said surface. The non-specific adsorption of impurity protein or the like which is co-existent in sample for assay is significantly restrained.

Abstract: The present invention discloses biocompatible, stable curcumin or its derivatives coated ultra-small super paramagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (USPION) for biomedical applications. Disclosed herein is also a simple one-pot process for the synthesis of biocompatible, stable curcumin or its derivatives coated ultra-small superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles in absence of a linker or binder. The curcumin or its derivatives coated ultra-small super paramagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles of the present invention retains the medicinal, radical scavenging and fluorescence properties of curcumin.

Abstract: An apparatus can be used to apply and remove fluid substances for processing biological samples. The fluid substances can be delivered between a first substrate and a second substrate. One substrate carries a specimen. A layer of the fluid substance is retained in a gap defined by the first and second substrates. One substrate is moved with respect to the second substrate to disperse the fluid substance in the gap.

Abstract: The present invention includes nanotubes or rods, methods and arrays using plasmonic-magnetic bifunctional nanotubes or rods comprising: one or more silica nanotubes or rods; one or more nanomagnets embedded in a portion of the silica nanotubes or rods; and plasmonic metal nanoparticles uniformly coating in or on at least a portion of the surface of the nanomagnets and the silica nanotubes surface-coated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to DTPA derivatives capable of forming complexes by combining with metals and the like, metal complexes formed by combining with the DTPA derivatives, MR and CT contrast agents including gold (Au) nano-particles of which surfaces are coated with the metal complexes, and a method for manufacturing the same. The MR and CT contrast agents according to the present invention have a high magnetic relaxation rate, thereby providing an excellent contrast enforcement effect and a long image acquisition time. Furthermore, the MR and CT contrast agents are not toxic to the human body, and are image contrast agents of dual molecules capable of being applied to both MR and CT.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and devices for preserving a sample for histological analysis, in particular embodiments, the disclosed methods and devices allow for contacting a surface with the sample at a contact velocity of between 0.05 cm/s to 10 cm/s.

Abstract: The invention provides an implantable membrane for regulating the transport of analytes therethrough that includes a matrix including a first polymer; and a second polymer dispersed throughout the matrix, wherein the second polymer forms a network of microdomains which when hydrated are not observable using photomicroscopy at 400× magnification or less. In one aspect, the homogeneous membrane of the present invention has hydrophilic domains dispersed substantially throughout a hydrophobic matrix to provide an optimum balance between oxygen and glucose transport to an electrochemical glucose sensor.

Abstract: It is provided a phantom for optical measurement of a living body, with excellent reproducibility at a high precision and capable of simulating various kinds of living tissues such as skin, maculae on skin, blood vessels, red blood cells in blood vessels, blood clots, tumors, fat or the like. A phantom for optical measurement of a living body includes a substrate composed of a thermoplastic resin or a mixture of a thermoplastic resin and an oil, a film provided on at least one main face of the substrate and composed of a hydrophilic resin, and an ink printed pattern fixed on the film and simulating the tissue of a living body.

Abstract: A method of producing a delivery device for delivering a chemical compound includes i) providing an interpenetrating polymer substrate (IP substrate) having a first continuous polymer comprising rubber and a second polymer having hydrogel or a hydrogelable precursor, where the second polymer is interpenetrating in the first polymer; ii) providing the chemical compound and a loading solvent for the chemical compound; and iii) loading the IP substrate with the chemical compound by subjecting the IP substrate to the loading solvent having the chemical compound under conditions where the loading solvent at least partially swells the second polymer. The chemical compound, the second polymer and the loading solvent are selected such that the work of adhesion (Whc) between the second polymer and the chemical compound during at least a part of the loading is at least about 0 J/m2.

Abstract: Methods for processing a vessel, for example to provide a gas barrier or lubricity, are disclosed. First and second PECVD or other vessel processing stations or devices and a vessel holder comprising a vessel port are provided. An opening of the vessel can be seated on the vessel port. The interior surface of the seated vessel can be processed via the vessel port by the first and second processing stations or devices. Vessel barrier, lubricity and hydrophobic coatings and coated vessels, for example syringes and medical sample collection tubes are disclosed.

Abstract: Methods of preparing assays and of assaying, using substantially self-contained, portable, user-initiated fluidic assay systems. Example assays include diagnostic assays and chemical detection assays. Diagnostic assays may include, without limitation, enzyme-linked immuno-sorbent assays (ELISA), and may include one or more sexually transmitted disease (STD) diagnostic assays. An assay system may include one or more fluid chambers, one or more fluid paths amongst the fluid chambers and/or between the fluid chambers, a sample portion, and/or an assay portion. The assay system may include a fluid controller system to dispense fluid from the one or more fluid chambers, and a user-initiated actuator to control the fluid controller system. The fluid controller system may be configured to dispense fluids serially, and may be configured to mix a plurality of fluids. The user-initiated actuator system may include an external user-operated trigger mechanism.

Abstract: A method of forming of biological sensing structures including a portion of a substrate is recessed to form a plurality of mesas in the substrate. Each of the plurality of mesas has a top surface and a sidewall surface. A first light reflecting layer is deposited over the top surface and the sidewall surface of each mesa. A filling material is formed over a first portion of the first light reflecting layer. A stop layer is deposited over the filling material and a second portion of the first light reflecting layer. A sacrificial layer is formed over the stop layer and is planarized exposing the stop layer. A first opening is formed in the stop layer and the first light reflecting layer. A second light reflecting layer is deposited over the first opening. A second opening is formed in the second light reflecting layer.

Abstract: The invention concerns in particular a method for depositing a nanometric multilayer thin film on a substrate from a liquid solution containing at least one surfactant. The method includes the following steps: forming a film from the solution; contacting the substrate; and depositing the film on the substrate. The invention is particularly formed to enable depositing black films on different types of surfaces, in particular for obtaining highly organized films. The films obtained by the method are particularly useful in electronics and optics.

Abstract: Systems and methods for the detection of one or more target molecules emitted from microbial sources are described. The systems and methods may include a molecularly imprinted polymer film; a strain sensitive surface, wherein the molecularly imprinted polymer film comprises a polymer host with one or more binding sites for one or more target molecules. The molecularly imprinted polymer film may be coated upon the strain sensitive surface.

Abstract: A sensor for detecting an analyte can include a photoluminescent nanostructure embedded in a sensor hydrogel. The sensor hydrogel can be supported by a substrate hydrogel.

Abstract: A sensor for detecting and/or quantifying the amount of analyte in a sample, the sensor including: a sensing region; and a barrier layer including a reactive oxygen species (ROS)-quenching, analyte-permeable membrane having an ROS-quenching agent adsorbed to the membrane; wherein the sensor is adapted so that the sample enters the sensing region of the sensor through the barrier layer.

Abstract: An automatic analyzer for analyzing samples, such as urine and blood, is adapted so that analysis measured values are not affected by carry over by a repeatedly used dispensing nozzle. Coating the surface of the dispensing nozzle with a chemisorbed polyethylene glycol derivative forms a molecular layer that inhibits the adsorption of biopolymers, to reduce carry over by the dispensing nozzle.

Abstract: The system of the present invention includes a conductive element, an electronic component, and a partial power source in the form of dissimilar materials. Upon contact with a conducting fluid, a voltage potential is created and the power source is completed, which activates the system. The electronic component controls the conductance between the dissimilar materials to produce a unique current signature. The system can also measure the conditions of the environment surrounding the system.