Abstract: The present invention provides novel microfluidic substrates and methods that are useful for performing biological, chemical and diagnostic assays. The substrates can include a plurality of electrically addressable, channel bearing fluidic modules integrally arranged such that a continuous channel is provided for flow of immiscible fluids.

Abstract: The invention concerns a cartridge for performing sample analysis in a portable point of care test device (POCT); a point of care assay device, comprising said cartridge and a reader for accommodating said cartridge, for detecting and/or quantifying an analyte in a sample; and a kit of parts comprising the said components of said point of care assay device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a new method of sequencing a double stranded target polynucleotide. The two strands of the double stranded target polynucleotide are linked by a bridging moiety. The two strands of the target polynucleotide are separated using a polynucleotide binding protein and the target polynucleotide is sequenced using a transmembrane pore.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods, compositions, and devices for the identification and quantification of analytes, such as nucleic acids, proteins, cells or other biological samples. The methods, compositions, and devices are suited for accurate, portable analysis of small amounts of analyte.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a method for detecting target nucleic acid includes the following steps. (A) A reaction field is formed by placing a reaction mixture on an electrode, and the reaction mixture contains the sample, a primer set, an amplification enzyme, 4 mM to 30 mM of magnesium ion, and a redox probe. The redox probe has an oxidation reduction potential, which generates an electric signal of which amplitude increases. (B) The reaction field is maintained under an amplification reaction condition. (C) The electric signal is detected with the electrode. (D) Existence or quantity of the target nucleic acid is determined.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the duplication of nucleic acids by means of a polymerase chain reaction, in the case of which a cycle consisting of the steps of denaturing, annealing and elongation is repeatedly performed. In one embodiment, the yield (g) of specimens of a nucleic acid to be duplicated, at the end of at least one passage of the cycle, is less than 80 percent of the specimens of the nucleic acid present at the beginning of said passage and, in the case of at least one passage of the cycle, the reaction time (tA) is less than one second. In addition, in a further embodiment, the number (k) of passages of the cycle of the polymerase chain reaction is greater than 45 and/or in at least one of the passage the cycle time tc is less than 20 seconds.

Abstract: Methods and systems for processing fluids utilizing a digital microfluidic device and transferring droplets from the digital microfluidic device to a downstream analyzer are described herein. Methods and systems in accordance with the present teachings can allow for the withdrawal of fluid from a digital microfluidic device, and can in some aspects enable the integration of a digital microfluidic device as a direct, in-line sample processing platform from which a droplet can be transferred to a downstream analyzer.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a hydrogen peroxide vapor decomposition and detoxification system including a hydrogen peroxide vapor suction unit which sucks hydrogen peroxide vapor in a target space to be sterilized, a hydrogen peroxide vapor decomposition and detoxification unit which decomposes the sucked hydrogen peroxide vapor, a vapor discharge unit which discharges decomposition products of the hydrogen peroxide vapor, and a control unit which controls an amount of vapor suction of the vapor suction unit, decomposition and detoxification of the hydrogen peroxide vapor decomposition and detoxification unit, and the vapor discharge unit.

Abstract: A vaporizer, including a removable panel; and a main body assembly such that the removable panel is removably attached to the main body assembly, wherein the main body assembly is further comprised of; a crucible/pan assembly such that a material to be vaporized is located within the crucible/pan assembly, an induction heater such that the induction heater is located adjacent to the crucible/pan assembly for induction heating of the crucible/pan assembly which in turn vaporizes the material to be vaporized located within the crucible/pan assembly, a removable battery assembly located adjacent to the induction heater, an electronics assembly operatively connected to the battery and the induction heater, and an interchangeable mouthpiece assembly operatively attached to the crucible/pan assembly for allowing vapors from the material to be vaporized to be inhaled by an end user.

Abstract: A method and microfluidic device are provided for containing a droplet having an outer surface at a predetermined location. The microfluidic device includes a plate having an upper surface and a central region communicating with the upper surface. The central region is adapted for receiving a droplet of fluid thereon. The central region includes an outer periphery that defines a first fluid constraint configured for discouraging fluid on the central region from flowing therepast. A second fluid constraint extends about the first fluid constraint. The second fluid constraint is configured for discouraging fluid flowing therepast. A third fluid constraint extends about the second fluid constraint. The third fluid constraint configured for discouraging fluid flowing therepast.

Abstract: The present invention relates to nucleic acids and methods for detecting pathogens and beneficial microorganisms.

Abstract: A subtractive corrective assay device and methodology, whereby ail required binding and label detection reagents are initially located within the detection zone. Application of a magnetic field is used to selectively remove bound label from the detection zone by means of paramagnetic particles. The relationship between measured label concentration before and after the application of a magnetic field within the detection zone is used to accurately measure analyte concentration within the sample.

Abstract: A group of micro-objects in a holding pen in a micro-fluidic device can be selected and moved to a staging area, from which the micro-objects can be exported from the micro-fluidic device. The micro-fluidic device can have a plurality of holding pens, and each holding pen can isolate micro-objects located in the holding pen from micro-objects located in the other holding pens or elsewhere in the micro-fluidic device. The selected group of micro-objects can comprise one or more biological cells, such as a clonal population of cells. Embodiments of the invention can thus select a particular group of clonal cells in a micro-fluidic device, move the clonal cells to a staging area, and export the clonal cells from the micro-fluidic device while maintaining the clonal nature of the exported group.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with PCR-based detection methods and kits for the identification, differentiation, and quantification of different bacterial strains (e.g., Gram-negative bacterial strains), and also association of two or more PCR-positive genes to a single genome. The methods generally comprise carrying out PCR reactions using at least a first PCR primer set and/or probe for at least one target nucleic acid; and a second PCR primer set and/or probe for at least a second target nucleic acid. Positive PCR reaction products are then detected to determine test samples containing positive PCR reaction products for both the first and second target nucleic acids. This information can be used to calculate the gene association rate to determine whether the sample contains, for example, Shiga toxin-producing E. coli of the O-type serogroup.

Abstract: A microfluidic device comprises an inlet port for liquid, and a capillary channel in fluid connection to the inlet port for receiving liquid from the inlet port, the channel having a defined volume. At least one dissolvable valve is provided comprising a dissolvable membrane having a first side oriented towards the capillary channel, and a capillary connected to the second side of the dissolvable membrane such that when the membrane is dissolved by the liquid, liquid is transported through the valve to the second side of the membrane by capillary action. A method of controlling a flow of liquid uses such a microfluidic device.

Abstract: The invention relates to medicine and to veterinary medicine, and specifically to means for determining the sensitivity of various microorganisms, including bacteria and fungi, to antimicrobial substances. The method for determining the sensitivity of microorganisms to antimicrobial substances comprises taking biological material, incubating microorganisms contained therein on a nutrient medium, introducing an antimicrobial substance to be investigated into the nutrient medium and subsequently assessing the result. A dense, rich nutrient medium is used for cultivating the microorganisms. The antimicrobial substance being investigated is introduced into the nutrient medium prior to cultivation of the microorganisms in a concentration close to the maximum concentration achievable at the location at which the biological material is taken. The sensitivity of the microorganisms to the antimicrobial substance is assessed after the appearance of visible growth of microorganisms in a control culture.

Abstract: A fabricating device of a three-dimensional (3-D) scaffold comprises a bubble generator, a bubble mixing channel, a coagulating solution channel and a bubble collector. The bubble generator includes a gas channel and a gel solution channel crossing the gas channel. The bubble mixing channel is connected with a first outlet of the bubble generator. The coagulating solution channel is connected with the bubble mixing channel. The bubble collector is connected with a second outlet of the bubble mixing channel.

Abstract: Among others, the present invention provides apparatus for detecting a disease, comprising a system delivery biological subject and a probing and detecting device, wherein the probing and detecting device includes a first micro-device and a first substrate supporting the first micro-device, the first micro-device contacts a biologic material to be detected and is capable of measuring at the microscopic level an electric, magnetic, electromagnetic, thermal, optical, acoustical, biological, chemical, physical, or mechanical property of the biologic material.

Abstract: Systems and methods for processing films on the surface of a substrate are described. The systems possess aerosol generators which form droplets from a condensed matter (liquid or solid) of one or more precursors. A carrier gas is flowed through the condensed matter and push the droplets toward a substrate placed in a substrate processing region. An inline pump connected with the aerosol generator can also be used to push the droplets towards the substrate. A direct current (DC) electric field is applied between two conducting plates configured to pass the droplets in-between. The size of the droplets is desirably reduced by application of the DC electric field. After passing through the DC electric field, the droplets pass into the substrate processing region and chemically react with the substrate to deposit or etch films.

Abstract: Cell tubes that can be used both for pathology collection and subsequent cell processing include a tube with a cell bed at a lower portion of the tube. The tube can include a base member that can be detachable from the tube body. The tubes can be used to form cell (cytology) blocks that incorporate the cell bed. The cell bed can be an inert cell bed of paraffin.

Abstract: A test management system is presented. The system comprises an analyzer to perform tests a sample according to a first set of instructions, a manager module connected to the analyzer, and a first order interface connected to the manager module. The manager module directs activity of the analyzer according to a second set of instructions. The first order interface receives an order for a first analytical test and a second analytical test and transmits the order to the manager module. If the order is for the first analytical test, the test manager module forwards the order directly to the analyzer and the sample is analyzed by the analyzer according to the first set of instructions. If the order is for the second analytical test, the manager module handles the order according to the second set of instructions and generates and transmits secondary test requests to the analyzer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of mammalian cell culture, and provides methods and compositions for cell attachment to, cultivation on and detachment from a solid substrate surface containing from at least about 0.5% N, a sum of O and N of greater than or equal to 17.2% and a contact angle of at least about 13.9 degrees, lacking a feeder cell layer and lacking an adlayer. In one embodiment of the present invention, the cells are treated with a compound capable of inhibiting Rho kinase activity. In another embodiment, the cells are treated with a compound capable of inhibiting Rho activity.

Abstract: Embodiments of business systems and data processing systems and related methods, apparatus, compositions, systems, and articles of manufacture useful for providing mass spectrographic analysis services are disclosed. In embodiments, MS analysis services may be provided to customers without exposing proprietary information of the customer to the service provider or others.

Abstract: A reaction container 10 of the PCR device 1 has a tubular ring channel 20 formed by a substrate 11, a channel forming plate 12, and a cover plate 13. The ring channel 20 comprises an electrode pair 21 disposed, in a diametrical direction of an inner surface of one side wall of the ring channel 20, to face each other with a horizontal gap interposed therebetween, and is vertically erected. The gap length of the electrode pair 21 is across the entire width within a cross-section of the ring channel 20.

Abstract: A DNA aptamer was obtained which has an affinity for His-tag, and contains a nucleotide sequence selected from SEQ ID No. 1 and SEQ ID No. 2, which has clear applications.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and systems for the isolation of DNA on a microfluidic device and the subsequent analysis of the DNA on the microfluidic device. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention relate to methods and systems for the isolation of DNA from patient samples on a microfluidic device and use of the DNA for performing amplification reactions, such as PCR, and detection, such as thermal melt analysis, on the microfluidic.

Abstract: Methods are provided for fast nucleic acid amplification in which concentrations of primers and polymerase are increased.

Abstract: A testing method is disclosed. The testing method includes: providing a mixture solution of a gelling agent and a microbe to a gelling device; solidifying the mixture solution to form a solid thin film in which the microbe is immobilized; supplying a bioactive agent to the solid thin film and allowing the bioactive agent to diffuse into the solid thin film; and imaging the individual responses of the single microbial cells to the bioactive agent, and determining the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the bioactive agent based on the analysis of the images to obtain AST results.

Abstract: Techniques, systems, and devices are disclosed for non-thermal cycling of polymerase chain reaction (PCR). In one aspect, a method for cycling PCR includes receiving an electrolytic fluid including ions, primers, polymerase enzymes, nucleotides, and a double-stranded nucleic acid in a fluid chamber having a first electrode and a second electrode, applying an electric field across the first and the second electrodes to generate a first pH level of the electrolytic fluid to denature the double-stranded nucleic acid to at least partial single strands, and applying a second electric field across the first and second electrodes to produce a second pH level of the electrolytic fluid, in which the second pH level enables binding of a polymerase enzyme and a primer with a corresponding segment of the single strands.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for determining a concentration of a glycopeptide antibiotic containing a phenol moiety such as Vancomycin in a complex sample matrix by extracting the glycopeptide antibiotic from a metered portion of the complex sample matrix by exposing said metered portion to an extraction material having an affinity with the glycopeptide antibiotic; and exposing the extraction material to a metered portion of an eluent for releasing the glycopeptide antibiotic from the extraction material; and by determining a concentration of the glycopeptide antibiotic by adding a Gibbs reagent (2,6 dichloroquinone-4chloroimide) to the metered portion of the complex sample matrix or the eluent; activating the Gibbs reagent and, after the reaction between the activated Gibbs reagent and the antibiotic has stabilized; detecting the reaction product of the activated Gibbs reagent and the antibiotic in said eluent; and determining the concentration of the antibiotic in the complex sample matrix from the

Abstract: The present invention provides a substrate collecting device that includes a first stage on which a sheet is placed with a plurality of substrates facing downward, an sampler which carries out a predetermined operation on some of the substrates, which are disposed at predetermined positions, from above the first stage thereby to cause the substrates to come off from the sheet and fall, an optical system and a collector disposed below the first stage, and a second stage, which integrally moves the optical system and the collector in a horizontal direction. The second stage is capable of positioning the optical system and the collector at two positions at which the optical system or the collector is disposed substantially vertically below a predetermined position.

Abstract: Acceleration and automation of immunohistochemical staining are achieved as follows: an automatic electric field immunohistochemical staining apparatus is configured to provided with a sample mounting unit, a solution supply unit, an electric field stifling unit, and a washing unit; the sample mounting unit on which a glass substrate with a tissue specimen fixed thereto is mounted and the electric field stirring unit that includes an upper electrode are operated in coordination to activate an antigen in the tissue specimen; the sample mounting unit and the solution supply unit containing various solutions are operated in coordination to supply a primary-antibody-containing solution to the tissue specimen; the sample mounting unit and the electric field stirring unit are operated in coordination to perform an antigen-antibody reaction of the antigen in the tissue specimen and a primary antibody; and the electric field stirring unit and the washing unit are operated in coordination.

Abstract: Disclosed is a urine sample analyzer for analyzing particles contained in a urine sample and outputting analytical results. The analyzer includes a flow cell that accepts a measurement specimen, the measurement specimen comprising a urine sample mixed with a reagent, a light irradiation unit positioned to irradiate the flowing measurement specimen with light, a light detector that detects light from individual particles in the flowing measurement specimen, and a data processor that receives signal from the light detector, processes the signal to obtain parameter information corresponding to a length of a cell cluster, and classifies fungi in the measurement specimen into groups by using the parameter information.

Abstract: Collection devices and kits for biological sample collection include a biologic sample collection device having a hydrophilic swab matrix that includes a modified polycaprolactone (PCL). Methods of production and use thereof are also described herein. The biologic sample collection devices, kits and methods described herein are used to collect a biologic sample (e.g., blood, buccal cells, etc.) and to enable extraction of nucleic acids (e.g., DNA) from that biologic sample so that the nucleic acids can be analyzed (e.g., sequencing and subsequent analyzes of DNA).

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for cross flow process reactors are disclosed. A disclosed example includes a process chamber having an inlet and an outlet to allow a flow of fluid to flow therethrough and a plurality of trays disposed within the process chamber, and containing bulk material to treat the fluid. The example apparatus also includes a flow director to divide the flow into a plurality of partial flow streams, where each partial flow stream is to be directed towards at least one tray of the plurality of trays.

Abstract: A fluidic cartridge for processing a liquid sample comprises a main channel for passing the liquid sample therethrough from an upstream end to a downstream end; and one or more branch channels that join the main channel for introducing liquid and gas into the main channel after the liquid sample has passed downstream of the one or more branch channels. The one or more branch channels including a first branch channel, wherein the first branch channel comprises: a gas inlet for introducing a gas into the first branch channel; a liquid inlet for introducing a liquid into the first branch channel; and a valve configured to move between a closed position in which it prevents liquid and gas in the first branch channel from passing into the main channel and an open position in which it permits liquid and gas in the first branch channel to pass into the main channel.

Abstract: Optical analytical devices and their methods of use are provided. The devices are useful in the analysis of highly multiplexed optical reactions in large numbers at high densities, including biochemical reactions, such as nucleic acid sequencing reactions. The devices include integrated illumination elements and optical waveguides for illumination of the optical reactions. The devices further provide for the efficient coupling of optical excitation energy from the waveguides to the optical reactions. Optical signals emitted from the reactions can thus be measured with high sensitivity and discrimination using features such as spectra, amplitude, and time resolution, or combinations thereof. The devices of the invention are well suited for miniaturization and high throughput.

Abstract: A group of micro-objects in a holding pen in a micro-fluidic device can be selected and moved to a staging area, from which the micro-objects can be exported from the micro-fluidic device. The micro-fluidic device can have a plurality of holding pens, and each holding pen can isolate micro-objects located in the holding pen from micro-objects located in the other holding pens or elsewhere in the micro-fluidic device. The selected group of micro-objects can comprise one or more biological cells, such as a clonal population of cells. Embodiments of the invention can thus select a particular group of clonal cells in a micro-fluidic device, move the clonal cells to a staging area, and export the clonal cells from the micro-fluidic device while maintaining the clonal nature of the exported group.

Abstract: Analytical nanostrips for clinical analysis are improved by using multifunctional coding (“multicoding”) to allow simultaneous identification of the particular assay, the value of the assayed analyte, and a calibration of the analyte. The multicoding layout on the nanostrip minimizes the number of zones that are required for a given assay. Moreover, the nanostrip can be scanned in real time during flow of the nanostrip through a detection beam. This both simplifies the assay and allows for alternative means of coding.

Abstract: Cell tubes that can be used both for pathology collection and subsequent cell processing include a tube with a cell bed at a lower portion of the tube. The tube can include a base member that can be detachable from the tube body. The tubes can be used to form cell (cytology) blocks that incorporate the cell bed. The cell bed can be an inert cell bed of paraffin.

Abstract: A detection device includes a PCR processor for conducting a PCR process on a first drop to a fourth drop flowing in a flow channel, a boundary detector for detecting intensities of fluorescence outputted from the first drop to the fourth drop after the PCR process and acquiring boundaries between the first drop to the fourth drop flowing in a flow channel based on the intensities of fluorescence, and a detector for acquiring a number of the second drop and the fourth drop having an intensity of fluorescence greater than or equal to a first threshold based on the intensity of fluorescence and boundaries between the first drop to the fourth drop, and detecting whether or not the objective nucleic acid target includes at least one selected from the group consisting of a first nucleic acid target and a second nucleic acid target based on the number of the second drop and the fourth drop.

Abstract: Disclosed is a DNA detection device that detects a target DNA by detecting fluorescence output from sample droplets flowing through a flow path in a surface of a sensor chip, and that includes a fluorescence detector that detects fluorescence output from sample droplets flowing through the flow path, and a DNA detector that determines a type of fluorescent probe solution contained in each of the sample droplets based on a duration of the detected fluorescence and determines whether or not the sample droplet contains the target DNA based on whether intensity of the fluorescence is higher or lower than a threshold value.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a multiplex fluid processing cartridge includes a sample well, a deformable fluid chamber, a mixing well with a mixer disposed therein, a lysis chamber including a lysis mixer, an electrowetting grid for microdroplet manipulation, and electrosensor arrays configured to detect analytes of interest. An instrument for processing the cartridge is configured to receive the cartridge and to selectively apply thermal energy, magnetic force, and electrical connections to one or more discrete locations on the cartridge and is further configured to compress the deformable chamber(s) in a specified sequence.

Abstract: According to embodiments of the present invention, a passive counter flow free microfluidic device for sorting a sample of flagellated cells is provided.

Abstract: A thermal cycler includes a holder that holds a biotip filled with a reaction mixture and liquid having a smaller specific gravity than the reaction mixture and being immiscible with the reaction mixture, the biotip including a channel in which the reaction mixture moves, a heating unit that heats a first portion of the channel when the biotip is in the holder, and a driving unit that disposes the holder and the heating unit by making a switch between a first disposition and a second disposition, the first disposition being such that the first portion is in a lowest part of the channel with respect to a gravitational force direction when the biotip is in the holder, the second disposition being such that a second portion that is a different portion from the first portion relative to a moving direction of the reaction mixture is in the lowest part of the channel with respect to the gravitational force direction when the biotip is in the holder.

Abstract: Gassing or fumigation apparatus comprising a one-piece specimen receptacle block including at least two specimen receptacles formed therein and a fluid supply device formed therein for the at least two specimen receptacles, and a gassing or fumigation head for supplying gassing or fumigation medium, which gassing or fumigation head is connected to the specimen receptacle block, comprises a gassing or fumigation medium outlet for each of the at least two specimen receptacles and a device formed therein for conducting gassing medium to the gassing or fumigation medium outlets, and gassing or fumigation system including such a gassing or fumigation apparatus.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, compositions, systems, and articles of manufacture useful in connection with performing offsite mass spectrometric (MS) analysis of samples are disclosed. In embodiments, library samples are arrayed on MS substrates in a blinded fashion and stability-packaged for transport to an off-site location where the MS substrate is de-packaged and MS analysis is performed, enabling off-site MS analysis without requiring transport of the sample library and without compromising the confidentiality of the library contents. Also disclosed are embodiments relating to substrates for desorbing and ionizing analytes, including kits and methods of use thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides materials and methods that can serve as a prosthetic and/or, for tissue engineer applications, as a supporting matrix in the stabilization of the myocardium. For example, the present invention provides methods of stabilizing an injured or defective myocardial wall in a patient including forming a prosthetic in situ by injecting, at a pre-selected site in the myocardial wall of the patient, a polymer network including: a cross-linked polymer, the cross-linked polymer being a hydrogel; and a linear polymer, the polymer chains of which are entangled within the cross-linked polymer, wherein the linear polymer is not covalently bonded to the cross-linked polymer.

Abstract: Among others, the present invention provides apparatus for detecting circulating tumor cells, comprising a system delivery biological subject and a probing and detecting device, wherein the probing and detecting device includes a first micro-device and a first substrate supporting the first micro-device, the first micro-device contacts a biologic material to be detected and is capable of measuring at the microscopic level an electrical, magnetic, electromagnetic, thermal, optical, acoustical, biological, chemical, electro-mechanical, electro-chemical, electro-optical, electro-thermal, electro-chemical-mechanical, bio-chemical, bio-mechanical, bio-optical, bio-thermal, bio-physical, bio-electro-mechanical, bio-electro-chemical, bio-electro-optical, bio-electro-thermal, bio-mechanical-optical, bio-mechanical thermal, bio-thermal-optical, bio-electro-chemical-optical, bio-electro-mechanical-optical, bio-electro-thermal-optical, bio-electro-chemical-mechanical, physical or mechanical property, or a combination th

Abstract: A number of novel improved microfluidic configurations and systems and methods of manufacture and operation. In one embodiment, three wells are used for independent cell culture systems in a cell culture array. In a second aspect, artificial sinusoids with artificial epithelial barriers are provided with just one (optionally shared or multiplexed) fluidic inlet and one (optionally shared or multiplexed) fluidic output, where the medium output also functions as a cellular input. A pneumatic cell loader combined with other components provides a fully automated cell culture system. Magnetic alignment of plate molds provides advantages and ease of molded manufacture.