Abstract: Compositions and methods for identifying antigen-specific T cells, including determining paired T cell receptor sequences for a specific antigen, are described. Compositions and methods for identifying neoantigen-specific T cells are also described. Microfluidic devices useful for identifying antigen-specific T cells, and methods of using the same, are also described.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to an alignment mount for electrode device used to measure transepithelial/transendothelial electrical resistance (TEER) for cell culture models of endothelial and epithelial monolayers. The TEER electrode alignment mount includes a base having a top wall, a bottom wall and a sidewall shaped to fit within a culture tray chamber. An extension arm projects from a top wall of the base. A pair of through apertures are formed in the base on opposing sides of the arm to receive first and second electrodes therethrough, respectively. An optional adjustable sliding sleeve for changing the height of the arm can be selectively coupled to the extension arm.

Abstract: A water tank configured to store water from a water supply includes an inlet configured to receive water from the water supply, and an outlet configured to dispense water. The water tank includes a reflective coating positioned on an inner surface of the tank, and an end wall including a light emitting diode oriented toward the outlet. The light emitting diode and the reflective coating are operable to disinfect water from the water supply.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention is directed to a method comprising receiving instruction data relating to a sample in a sample container. The method includes generating, by at least one processor using a workflow management layer, a process plan for the sample, and providing the process plan to a process control layer. The process plan comprises a plurality of possible routes. The method also comprises selecting, by the at least one processor using the process control layer, an optimized route within the plurality of possible routes in the process plan, and providing the optimized route to a middleware control layer. The at least one processor and middleware control layer are operable to cause a transport system to proceed along the selected route.

Abstract: An electroporation apparatus has an electroporation probe terminals for linking with electrodes. A foam is injected at the treatment site to displace blood rather than mixing with it, increasing the contact time of a higher concentration of active agent with the tissue and thus resulting in greater efficacy. With foam solutions, a lower concentration of agent can be used to obtain the same therapeutic effect as in their liquid counterpart, reducing the prevalence of side effects associated with higher concentrations. A foam solution compared to an equivalent liquid solution enables more efficient cell electroporation particularly where bipolar pulses have been employed by mitigating an increase in tissue conductivity as would normally be observed with a comparable liquid solution. A more efficient cell permeabilisation would result in better results where electroporation is being delivered alone or as a tool to aid in the uptake of molecules into the cell.

Abstract: A water-lean carbon dioxide absorbent according to the present invention comprises a cyclodiamine and a polyalkylene glycol alkyl ether and further comprises an alkanolamine, wherein the absorbent shows an excellent reaction rate with carbon dioxide, is resistant to degradation due to oxygen and heat, and can greatly reduce energy consumption due to latent heat of water when regenerated, and thus leads to a water-lean carbon dioxide absorbent with improved regeneration efficiency.

Abstract: This disclosure includes microfluidic devices, systems, and methods for investigating three-dimensional (3D) cell structures (e.g., organoids, spheroids, scaffolds, hydrogels, and the like). Some examples of the present microfluidic devices comprise: a body having a first end, a second end, to lateral edges, an upper side, a lower side, a first layer region between a medial plane of the body and the lower side, and a second layer region between the medial plane and the upper side. In some such examples, the first layer region defines one or more rows of wells, with each well open at the medial plane and having a bottom between the medial plane and the lower side.

Abstract: A specimen holding and positioning apparatus operable to substantially non-movably maintain a specimen (e.g., an excised tissue specimen) in a fixed or stable orientation with respect to the apparatus during imaging operations (e.g., x-ray imaging), transport (e.g., from a surgery room to a pathologist's laboratory), and the like for use in facilitating accurate detection and diagnosis of cancers and/or other abnormalities of the specimen.

Abstract: Methods and systems for treating a biological fluid with light are disclosed. The methods and systems include determining the light dose being delivered to a biological fluid and adjusting the duration of a treatment or the intensity of light emitted in the event of a detected light source outage.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring an electrophysiological signal of a three-dimensional (3D) cell and a method of fabricating the apparatus. The apparatus includes a flexible substrate including a plurality of protrusions, and a conductor formed on the plurality of protrusions, and regions other than the plurality of protrusions are partially removed from the flexible substrate.

Abstract: A modular incubator comprising a housing structure divided into cells and having several incubator modules, each of which can be housed, in a removable manner, in a relative cell and is provided with an incubation chamber to incubate microbiological or cellular cultures. Each cell has a first group of connectors and each incubator module has a second group of connectors, each of which can be coupled to a corresponding connector of the first group of connectors of the relative cell when the incubator module is housed in said cell. The first group of connectors has at least one pneumatic connector communicating with at least one source of aeriform substance, and the second group of connectors has a corresponding pneumatic connector communicating with the relative incubation chamber to allow the aeriform substance to be introduced into the incubation chamber.

Abstract: A specimen holding and positioning apparatus operable to substantially non-movably maintain a specimen (e.g., an excised tissue specimen) in a fixed or stable orientation with respect to the apparatus during imaging operations (e.g., x-ray imaging), transport (e.g., from a surgery room to a pathologist's laboratory), and the like for use in facilitating accurate detection and diagnosis of cancers and/or other abnormalities of the specimen.

Abstract: A CO2 extraction process for Cannabis sativa that uses liquid CO2 in combination with co-solvent admixtures to purify cannabis botanicals in high yield and purity. The extraction process allows for multiple extractions, or washes, to be performed with the same solvent CO2, which may be seamlessly recycled and purified between subsequent extraction cycles. A variety of in-line filtration vessels, pumps, vacuums, and controllable valves are used to yield a pure product while allowing a high level of user control over the process.

Abstract: Provided are implantable probes for analyzing biological fluids and related methods of using and making. The probe is formed with an integrated on-chip probe body that provides for collection and storage of analyte from biological fluid and facilitates subsequent analysis, including by a mass spectrometer (MS). The analysis has high spatial accuracy as the probe tip that collects biological fluid sample is small, including less than 100 ?m with an opening less than 10 ?m. Temporal information can be obtained by storing the analyte from the biological fluid as a train of droplets separated by an immiscible fluid. The probe body can be electrically energized to facilitate sample ionization and transfer to a MS analysis device. In this manner, the integrated on-chip probe body facilitates analyte collection, storage and subsequent analysis within a single probe body material, including a doped silicon material.

Abstract: For improving the quality of grated tissue, a method is presented for mechanically disintegrating tissue (2) into micrografts, in which method a blade part (3), which has a planar grater surface (3.1), and the tissue placed in a tissue holder are made to move relative to each other, and where the tissue is guided against the grater surface (3.1), characterised in that the tissue is guided against the grater surface (3.1) together with the tissue feeder piece so that the feeder piece (12) is disintegrated together with the tissue (2). The application also includes independent claims concerning an apparatus for mechanically disintegrating tissue into micrografts, and a feeder piece.

Abstract: Biological activity in holding pens in a micro-fluidic device can be assayed by placing in the holding pens capture objects that bind a particular material of interest produced by the biological activity. The biological material of interest that binds to each capture object can then be assessed, either in the micro-fluidic device or after exporting the capture object from the micro-fluidic device. The assessment can be utilized to characterize the biological activity in each holding pen. The biological activity can be production of the biological material of interest. Thus, the biological activity can correspond to or arise from one or more biological cells. Biological cells within a holding pen can be clonal cell colonies. The biological activity of each clonal cell colony can be assayed while maintaining the clonal status of each colony.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an experimental apparatus for a biochip comprising: an enclosure within which a chamber configured to hold the biochip and a solution is disposed, wherein the enclosure is provided with an observation area, for observing a reaction process of the biochip and the solution in the chamber during an experiment.

Abstract: A first time/temperature data set includes temperatures and time stamps recorded at time intervals during a first thermal cycling process and a time stamp for each time interval, and a second time/temperature data set includes temperatures and time stamps recorded at time intervals during a second thermal cycling process. Signal emissions at different signal detecting positions are sequentially measured at different time intervals to generate first and second time/signal emission data sets for receptacles subject to the first and second thermal cycling processes, respectively. Signal emissions of receptacles subject to the first thermal cycling process are synchronized with specific temperatures of the first thermal cycling process by comparing time stamps of the first time/signal emission data set for each receptacle with the time stamps of the first time/temperature data set that correspond with the specific temperature.

Abstract: A method of aligning a plurality of targets is provided. The method includes generating a plurality of targets. A third phase includes the plurality of targets. The method further includes combining a first phase, a second phase, and the third phase in a volume. The first phase, the second phase, and the third phase are substantially immiscible, and the third phase is in fluid communication with the first phase and the second phase, and the first phase, the second phase, and the third phase are operable to be in a configuration of the third phase between the first phase and the second phase in the volume.

Abstract: A biodegradable light wand is provided, the light wand including: a light transmitting tube comprising a natural hydrocolloid, the tube having a sidewall, a second port and a first port, to define a bore; a first bioluminescence tablet which comprises a light producing enzyme and a second bioluminescence tablet which comprises a bioluminescence-generating molecule, both housed in the bore; a bio-plug in the first port, the bio-plug sized to seal the first port, the bio-plug comprising a beeswax, charcoal, sometimes fungal spores, and a substrate; and a cap, the cap sized to seal the second port, the cap is configured in the second port. Together these components form a biodegradable, non-toxic alternative to plastic chemiluminescent glow sticks.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods, compositions, and devices for making and using three-dimensional biological tissues that accurately mimic native physiology, architecture, and other properties of native tissues for use in, among other applications, drug testing, tissue repair and/or treatment, and regenerative medicine.

Abstract: An electroporation apparatus has an electroporation probe terminals for linking with electrodes. A foam is injected at the treatment site to displace blood rather than mixing with it, increasing the contact time of a higher concentration of active agent with the tissue and thus resulting in greater efficacy. With foam solutions, a lower concentration of agent can be used to obtain the same therapeutic effect as in their liquid counterpart, reducing the prevalence of side effects associated with higher concentrations. A foam solution compared to an equivalent liquid solution enables more efficient cell electroporation particularly where bipolar pulses have been employed by mitigating an increase in tissue conductivity as would normally be observed with a comparable liquid solution. A more efficient cell permeabilization would result in better results where electroporation is being delivered alone or as a tool to aid in the uptake of molecules into the cell.

Abstract: An imaging system and method provides automated microbial growth detection for antibiotic sensitivity testing. A processing system having an image sensor for capturing images of an inoculated culture plate having antibiotic disks disposed on the culture media captures images of the plate at separate times (e.g., first and second images). The system generates pixel characteristic data for pixels of the second image from a comparison of the first image and second image. The pixel characteristic data may be indicative of plate growth. The system may access growth modeling data concerning the antibiotic disk(s) and generate simulated image data with a growth model function. The growth model function uses the growth modeling data. The simulated image data simulates growth on the plate relative to the disk(s). The system compares the simulated image and the pixel characteristic data to identify pixel region(s) of the second image that differ from the simulated image.

Abstract: Methods are provided for performing antibiotic susceptibility testing based on the detection of RNA, such as tmRNA, from microbial cells after exposure to antibiotics. In some embodiments, aliquots are obtained from a sample, one of which contains a selected antibiotic. The aliquots, which include growth media, are incubated under conditions suitable for microbial growth, and the microbial cells in each aliquot are removed and lysed, and the lysate is subjected to reverse transcription and amplification in infer the effect of the selected antibiotic on the microbial cells. In one embodiment, a sample containing microbial cells is incubated in the presence of a selected antibiotic and a stimulus is provided to induce the production of m RNA within the microbial cells. The microbial cells are subsequently lysed without substantial degradation of the m RNA within the lysate, and the m RNA is detected to determine the effect of the antibiotic on the microbial cells.

Abstract: A digital microfluidics (DMF) device can be used to extract plasma from whole blood and manipulate the extracted plasma. The device can have a plasma separation membrane disposed between a sample inlet and sample outlet that leads into the DMF device. Once the plasma contacts the actuation electrodes of the DMF device, the plasma can be actively extracted from the whole blood sample by actuating the actuation electrodes to pull the plasma through plasma separation membrane.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include instruments and methods useful in preparing and delivering graft material to a surgical site. Some embodiments may particularly be directed to forming a graft from a blood clot and accurately and effectively handling and delivering the graft to a surgical site. Graft material may include blood components such as clotted fibrin derived from a patient's or a donor's blood.

Abstract: A method for checking a dissection process in a laser microdissection system includes carrying out the dissection process for cutting out a dissectate from an object in a first region of the object by a laser beam. First image data is acquired of at least the first region of the object after the dissection process. It is examined whether the first image data has sharp structures within a region to be separated by the dissection process in order to determine whether the dissection process was successful.

Abstract: The present embodiments of the invention generally relate to methods for sorting and imaging insects, including egg and larval life stages, useful for automated high throughput bioassays.

Abstract: The reactor is for manufacturing biogas from organic raw material using anaerobic digestion. The reactor includes a tubular reaction chamber with a substantially rectangular cross-section composed of a bottom, walls and a ceiling for processing raw material into end products. Agitation and transfer equipment are arranged in the reaction chamber and an external support frame structure is arranged on the outer surface included in the reaction chamber for stiffening and supporting the reaction chamber externally against forces generated by the raw material.

Abstract: A sample holder (10) comprises a sample chamber (33), a gas reservoir (32) and an upper layer (20) covering over the sample chamber (33) and gas reservoir (32), wherein a bottom surface of the upper layer (20) comprises a microstructure array (23) which overlies at least a portion of a top periphery of the sample chamber (33), and wherein the microstructure array (23) is in communication with a gas path which extends to the gas reservoir (32), to allow gas exchange between the sample chamber (33) and the gas reservoir (32).

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, chips, and methods of performing a large number of simultaneous chemical reactions are provided herein. The chips of the invention comprise addressable units that can be addressed according to the temperature of the reaction to be run. The subject apparatus, systems, and chips are particularly suited for performing polymerase chain reactions on thousands of nucleic acid sequences, up to and including sequences of an entire genuine of an organism of interest.

Abstract: System for performing a flow-based assay. The system may comprise a droplet generator to produce an emulsion including droplets in a carrier fluid. The system also may comprise a thermocycler including two or more temperature-controlled zones and also including a channel connected to the droplet generator for receiving the emulsion. The channel may form a single-pass continuous fluid route traversing the temperature-controlled zones multiple times, such that droplets passing through the channel are thermally cycled. The system further may comprise a detection station downstream from the thermocycler and configured to detect a signal from the droplets after such droplets have been thermally cycled by passing through the channel.

Abstract: A method of vascularising a cell aggregate on a microfluidic device, microfluidic cell culture devices comprising perfusable vascular networks and kits and assays using the microfluidic cell culture devices are described. The microfluidic devices comprise one or more capillary pressure barriers allowing for formation of an extracellular matrix gel within a confined area of the network, in which cells can be cultured for different uses.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the generation of an activated platelet product in which one or more of the presence or absence of clots, the timing of clot formation (if present), and/or the mechanical strength of clots (if present) is controlled by the presence or concentration of calcium ions during the activation process. In certain embodiments, the calcium ion concentration is controlled in the presence of pulsed electric fields or a chemical activator (e.g., thrombin) as part of the activation process.

Abstract: A system for controlling blood pressure includes a wearable interface having an internal contact surface, the wearable interface configured to at least partially encircle a first portion of a first limb of a subject, a sensing module carried by the wearable interface and configured to determine at least a change in blood pressure of the first limb of the subject, and an energy application module carried by the wearable interface and configured to apply energy of two or more types to the first limb of the subject.

Abstract: A method for separating and enriching sperm from a tissue sample comprises: obtaining a microfluidic separating system having an inlet end and an outlet end, and a membrane filter (e.g., hollow fiber membrane filter) fluidly connected to the outlet end; separating the tissue sample via the microfluidic separating system into a debris fluid volume and a sperm fluid volume; and enriching the sperm fluid volume by removing excess media via the membrane filter. A two-stage tissue sample separation system comprising: a microchannel structure defining a separation fluid channel to form a separation stage; an inlet end of the microchannel structure; an outlet end of the microchannel structure; and a membrane filter fluidly connected to the outlet end for removal of at least a portion of excess media in the tissue sample.

Abstract: A portable module for a container forming and filling system. The portable module includes a control module, an operator interface, a pump, connectors, and a transport member. The pump is configured to pump liquid for forming the container and filling the container into a container forming and filling machine. The connectors are for connecting the portable module to the container forming and filling machine. The transport member is for moving the portable module.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sperm sorting chip and a method for sorting sperm using the same. Said sperm sorting chip includes: a flow channel structure sequentially configured with a gradually diverging flow field region, a main flow channel, and a gradually converging main flow channel intercommunicated with each other from a first side end to a second side end; a fluid injection port, a semen injection port, and a semen extraction port separately located at the first side end and communicated with a main input channel of the gradual diverging flow field region; and a waste fluid outlet located at the second side end and communicated with the gradually converging main flow channel. The gradually diverging flow field region further includes a plurality of sub-input channels derived from the main input channel and converged into the main flow channel, and the plurality of sub-input channels have a gradually widening channel width at the junction with the main flow channel.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a biomolecule measuring device that can decrease the influence of crosstalk between chambers. A biomolecule measuring device according to the present invention supplies, to electrodes equipped on chambers, voltages modulated differently to each other.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for monitoring, diagnosis, prognosis, and determination of treatment regimens in subjects suffering from or suspected of having a renal injury. In particular, the invention relates to using a one or more assays configured to detect a kidney injury marker selected from the group consisting of Coagulation factor VII, CA19-9, Insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 7, C—X—C motif chemokine 6, and C—C motif chemokine 13 as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in renal injuries.

Abstract: A method of circulating tumor cells isolation, using an isolating cultural system of circulating tumor cells, comprises the following steps: (1) providing a sample; (2) adding a cell culture medium to the isolating cultural system of circulating tumor cells; (3) adding the sample to the isolating cultural system of circulating tumor cells to cultivate; and (4) collecting the suspended circulating tumor cells in the cell culture medium; wherein the isolating cultural system of circulating tumor cells comprises a container including a cell adhesion portion, and cellulose coated on the cell adhesion portion.

Abstract: A culture container linkage device according to the present disclosure includes a first actuator configured to advance or retract needles 32, an actuator holder rotatably provided on a frame and configured to hold the first actuator, a second actuator, and a washer configured to wash the needles. The second actuator rotates the needles via the actuator holder. The needles are configured to be positioned, by the second actuator, at a container-facing position at which the needles face a culture container and a washing-facing position at which the needles face the washer.

Abstract: An analysis system 1 includes analysis apparatuses 2A to 2E which are dispersively installed in a plurality of installation places and are connected through a network 3 so as to be communicable with each other.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for mechanically opening a heat-bonded connection site between two hollow, flexible, thermoplastic segments of a medical fluid flow path, the heat-bonded connection site having an axis. The connection site is compressed between two facing surfaces, and the facing surfaces are relatively moved to rotate the connection site about the connection site axis and to apply force to the connection site substantially perpendicular to the connection site axis.

Abstract: A method for amplification in a microfluidic assay, includes binding an analyte to a transport element, wherein the transport element includes a particle and a first antibody element and the analyte is bound to the first antibody element; moving the transport element with the analyte towards a tracer storage site including tracer elements which includes a first binder element, a label element and a second antibody element; binding the analyte to the second antibody element; moving the transport element with the analyte and the tracer element towards a tracer transport site including second binder elements; binding the first binder element with a second binder element; moving the transport element with the analyte towards the tracer storage site so that the analyte is detached from the second antibody element of the tracer element while the first binder element remains bound to the second binder element.

Abstract: An imaging system and method provides automated microbial growth detection for antibiotic sensitivity testing. A processing system having an image sensor for capturing images of an inoculated culture plate having antibiotic disks disposed on the culture media captures images of the plate at separate times (e.g., first and second images). The system generates pixel characteristic data for pixels of the second image from a comparison of the first image and second image. The pixel characteristic data may be indicative of plate growth. The system may access growth modeling data concerning the antibiotic disk(s) and generate simulated image data with a growth model function. The growth model function uses the growth modeling data. The simulated image data simulates growth on the plate relative to the disk(s). The system compares the simulated image and the pixel characteristic data to identify pixel region(s) of the second image that differ from the simulated image.

Abstract: Disclosed is a multi-channel peptide synthesizer, including a gas-bath thermotank, a plurality of reactor tubes, a motor, a rotating rack, a liquid-feeding tube, a feeding device, a vacuum tube and a nitrogen tube. The gas-bath thermotank body provides a desired constant temperature for reaction. The reactor tube provides a place for peptide synthesis and resin washing. The motor and the rotating rack are used to fully mix the reaction and cleaning solutions. Various liquid reagents required are fed to the reactor tube through the liquid-adding tube. Various materials required are prepared in advance in the feeding device and directly fed to the reactor tube. The reaction or washing solution in the reactor tube is pumped to a waste liquid tank through the vacuum tube. Nitrogen is introduced into each reactor tube through the nitrogen tube. This device can be applied in batch-wise peptide synthesis using solid-phase methods.

Abstract: Biological activity in holding pens in a micro-fluidic device can be assayed by placing in the holding pens capture objects that bind a particular material of interest produced by the biological activity. The biological material of interest that binds to each capture object can then be assessed, either in the micro-fluidic device or after exporting the capture object from the micro-fluidic device. The assessment can be utilized to characterize the biological activity in each holding pen. The biological activity can be production of the biological material of interest. Thus, the biological activity can correspond to or arise from one or more biological cells. Biological cells within a holding pen can be clonal cell colonies. The biological activity of each clonal cell colony can be assayed while maintaining the clonal status of each colony.

Abstract: A coverslip for cell culture, capable of achieving seamless adhesion between the coverslip for cell culture and a target culture device, so as to solve the technical problem that cell suspension flows into gaps between the coverslip and a culture dish. Moreover, the coverslip for cell culture has exquisite structure, and is easy to carry out batch experiment and comparison. The coverslip is flake-like with upper and lower surfaces being parallel to each other, and comprises: a coverslip substrate (1) and sub-coverslips (2); the coverslip substrate (1) is provided with at least N hollowed-out parts (11); the sub-coverslips (2) are fixedly connected in the hollowed-out parts (11) by means of M fragile connecting pieces (3), wherein both N and M are natural numbers which are not related to each other.

Abstract: Provided is a culture bag accommodating a culture fluid, the culture bag is capable of suppressing foaming in the culture fluid when oscillating the culture fluid to perform a culture, and performing a culture with high efficiency. The culture bag includes a culture space accommodating a culture fluid, the culture space being an endless space to allow the culture fluid to circulate therein, in which the culture bag has an inner surface that comes into contact with the culture fluid to be accommodated therein, the inner surface including, at least in part thereof, a first surface formed of a fine structure and a second surface formed of a structure different from that of the first structure.