Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a process that allows dry sorbents to remove a target constituent, such as carbon dioxide (CO2), from a gas stream. A staged fluidized bed separator enables gas and sorbent to move in opposite directions. The sorbent is loaded with target constituent in the separator. It is then transferred to a regenerator where the target constituent is stripped. The temperature of the separator and regenerator are controlled. After it is removed from the regenerator, the sorbent is then transferred back to the separator.

Abstract: A container for forming a cell aggregate is provided in which a group represented by a general formula of: (in the formula, each of R1, R2, and R3 is independently a an alkyl group with a carbon number of 1 or more and 6 or less and m is an integer of 2 or more and 6 or less.) and at least one of an amino group, a carboxyl group, and a hydroxyl group are present near a surface thereof.

Abstract: A device including a pressure generating assembly and a chamber for generating hydrostatic pressure in the said chamber. In particular, the device is useful for cell mechanical stimulation and tissue regeneration by generating hydrostatic pressure in a chamber receiving samples such as cell cultures, biological tissues, and cell seeded biomaterial constructs for the purpose of treatment with hydrostatic pressure. The pressure generating assembly of the device comprises a piston and a cylinder generating and relieving pressure by moving the piston in the cylinder using an actuating system for quick placement and removal of the piston in and out of the cylinder. The device is portable and autoclavable and can be hand operated without any tool to generate pressures at high physiological levels up to at least 10 MPa. The device has a venting system allowing vital gasses to reach the samples under treatment when the device is placed in an incubator.

Abstract: An odor sensing system including a plurality of odor sensors, each odor sensor being configured to output a detection signal in response to at least one odor molecule; at least one chromatographic membrane disposed at the plurality of odor sensors through which the odor molecule diffuses to reach the odor sensor; and a pattern analyzer configured to analyze the detection signals over time to identify the odor molecule is described.

Abstract: Provided herein is technology relating to isolating nucleic acids. In particular, the technology relates to methods and kits for extracting nucleic acids from problematic samples such as stool.

Abstract: A thermal cycler (1) includes a holder (11) that holds a biotip (100) 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 (100) including a channel (110) in which the reaction mixture moves, a heating unit (12) that heats a first portion (111) of the channel when the biotip (100) is in the holder (11), and a driving unit (20) that disposes the holder (11) and the heating unit (12) by making a switch between a first disposition and a second disposition, the first disposition being such that the first portion (111) is in a lowest part of the channel (110) with respect to a gravitational force direction when the biotip (100) is in the holder (11), the second disposition being such that a second portion (112) that is a different portion from the first portion (111) relative to a moving direction of the reaction mixture is in the lowest part of the channel (110) with respect to the gravitational force direc

Abstract: A microfluidic chip interface for providing fluid communication with external fluid sources and external fluid waste containers, and for providing electrical contact with voltage sources and voltage and current measuring devices, is described. The microchip is first placed into electrical communication with at least one electrical source and at least one electronic measurement device, and reversibly secured in place. Chosen fluids are provided into the microchip and directed through the chip using a fluid manifold having dispensing tubes and fluid aspiration tubes, which is brought into the vicinity of the secured microchip. The distance between the fluid manifold and the microchip is chosen such that the injection tubes are located within wells in the microchip connected to microfluidic channels, and the aspiration tubes are located near the surface of the microchip in the vicinity of the wells such that fluid spillage onto the surface of the microchip during fluid transfer is avoided.

Abstract: The present invention discloses method and apparatus for regulating optimum flow of semen and separating motile sperms.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of warmers, or autonomous heat packs, for heating and maintaining a solution on at a suitable temperature, for the period of time required to accomplish a chemical, biochemical or biological reaction, in particular in molecular biology or cell biology applications. Biology kits containing warmers are also part of this invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system for using eye-safe infrared energy from a Class I laser to manipulate cells in culture. The laser energy produces one or more phase boundary propulsion events, which generate hydrodynamic forces sufficient to manipulate cells at the focal point.

Abstract: Systems and methods of sample processing and temperature control are disclosed. The invention may especially relate to temperature control, and may in some embodiments be methods of temperature control of an automated sample processing system and methods of automated sample processing. Specifically, the present invention provides temperature control in relation to sample processing systems and methods of processing samples, and in some embodiments provides temperature control in relation to sample carriers and processing materials such as reagents. Corresponding systems and devices are disclosed, including sample processing systems (1), sample carrier temperature regulation systems (60), reagent temperature regulation systems, sample processing control systems, and temperature regulation devices, among other embodiments.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide devices methods for sequencing DNA using arrays of reaction cavities containing sensors to monitor changes in solutions contained in the reaction cavities. Additional embodiments provide devices and methods for sequencing DNA using arrays of reaction cavities that allow for optical monitoring of solutions in the reaction cavities. Test and fill reaction schemes are disclosed that allow DNA to be sequenced. By sequencing DNA using parallel reactions contained in large arrays, DNA can be rapidly sequenced.

Abstract: A cell culture dish, comprising: a dish with a bottom wall and a circumferential side wall standing upward from the same, a lid, which sits sealingly on the side wall in an aeration position, and means for holding the lid on the dish above the sealing position in an aeration position in which there is an aeration gap between side wall and lid, wherein these means are adapted to be overcome by pressing the lid and the dish together in order to bring the lid from the aeration position into the sealing position.

Abstract: A detector device comprises a substrate (50), a source region (S) and a drain region (D), and a channel region (65) between the source and drain regions. A nanopore (54) passes through the channel region, and connects fluid chambers (56,58) on opposite sides of the substrate. A voltage bias is provided between the fluid chambers, the source and drain regions and a charge flow between the source and drain regions is sensed. The device uses a nanopore for the confinement of a sample under test (for example nucleotides) close to a sensor. The size of the sensor can be made similar to the spacing of adjacent nucleotides in a DNA strand. In this way, the disadvantages of PCR based techniques for DNA sequencing are avoided, and single nucleotide resolution can be attained.

Abstract: The present application provides apparatus and methods for determining the density of a fluid sample. In particular, it provides a sensor device which can be loaded with a fluid sample such as blood, and which further comprises at least one oscillating beam member or resonator. Exposure of the blood sample to clotting agents allows a clotting reaction to commence. The device allows the density of the sample fluid to be monitored with reference to the oscillation of the vibrating beam member, thus allowing the monitoring of the clotting of the fluid sample.

Abstract: A device is provided for use with a tissue penetrating system and/or a metering device for measuring analyte levels. The device comprises a cartridge and a plurality of analyte detecting members mounted on the cartridge. The cartridge may have a radial disc shape. The cartridge may also be sized to fit within the metering device. The analyte detecting members may be optical system using fluorescence lifetime to determine analyte levels. In one embodiment, the device may also include a fluid spreader positioned over at least a portion of the analyte detecting member to urge fluid toward one of the detecting members. A plurality of analyte detecting members may be used. Each analyte detecting member may be a low volume device.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the invention is to a sample metering device, comprising a sample holding chamber oriented between a sample entry port and a sample isolation unit and having a diluent introduction port disposed therebetween for introduction of a diluent into the sample holding chamber. The volume within the sample holding chamber between the diluent introduction port and the sample isolation unit defines a metered volume of a sample for analysis. In another embodiment, the invention is to an apparatus and method for rapid determination of analytes in liquid samples by various assays including immunoassays incorporating a sample dilution feature, preferably suitable for low range sample dilution, and preferably capable of being used in the point-of-care diagnostic field.

Abstract: In one aspect, a microfluidic device for multiple reactions is provided, which comprises a reaction channel comprising multiple reaction chambers connected to a closed chamber or an elastic balloon outside of the microfluidic device, wherein a wall of the closed chamber is an elastic membrane; and a control channel comprising an elastic side wall, wherein the intersections between the side wall of the control channel with the reaction channel form multiple pneumatic microvalves. In another aspect, a method for conducting multiple reactions using the microfluidic device is provided, which comprises: a) filling the reaction chambers with a sample; and b) applying pressure to the control channel to expand the elastic side wall of the control channel, wherein the expanded elastic side wall forms a pneumatic microvalve that separates the reaction chambers.

Abstract: Microfluidic devices fabricated from paper that has been covalently modified to increase its hydrophobicity, as well as methods of making and using thereof are provided herein. The devices are typically small, portable, flexible, and both easy and inexpensive to fabricate. Microfluidic devices contain a network of microfluidic components, including microfluidic channels, microfluidic chambers, microwells, or combinations thereof, designed to carry, store, mix, react, and/or analyze liquid samples. The microfluidic channels may be open channels, closed channels, or combinations thereof. The microfluidic devices may be used to detect and/or quantify an analyte, such as a small molecules, proteins, lipids polysaccharides, nucleic acids, prokaryotic cells, eukaryotic cells, particles, viruses, metal ions, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: A DNA intercalator detection system can include a filtration unit and control sample conditioner operably coupled with the filtration unit and an analytic unit operably coupled with the filtration unit and control sample conditioner and having an electronic chemical array (ECA) reaction component. A data processing unit is operably coupled with the analytic unit and configured to compare and determine a difference between electronic data of a test sample and a conditioned control sample from the ECA reaction component. The difference provides an indication of whether or not a DNA intercalator is present in the test sample.

Abstract: The invention describes a method for isolating one or more genetic elements encoding a gene product having a desired activity, comprising the steps of: (a) compartmentalising genetic elements into microcapsules; and (b) sorting the genetic elements which express the gene product having the desired activity; wherein at least one step is under microfluidic control. The invention enables the in vitro evolution of nucleic acids and proteins by repeated mutagenesis and iterative applications of the method of the invention.

Abstract: A specimen analyzing method and a specimen analyzing apparatus capable of measuring interference substances before analyzing a specimen. The method comprises a step for sucking the specimen stored in a specimen container (150) and sampling it in a first container (153), a step for optically measuring the specimen in the first container, a step for sampling the specimen in a second container (154) and preparing a specimen for measurement by mixing the specimen with a reagent in the second container, and a step for analyzing the specimen for measurement according to the results of the optical measurement of the specimen.

Abstract: A contacting-type conductivity sensor includes an electrically-insulative plastic body and a plurality of electrodes. The plurality of conductive electrodes is disposed in the plastic body. Each electrode is constructed of plastic and fused with the electrically-insulative plastic body. A method of manufacturing the conductivity sensor is provided along with a single-use bioreactor employing the sensor.

Abstract: A method may involve forming one or more photoresist layers over a sensor located on a structure, such that the sensor is covered by the one or more photoresist layers. The sensor is configured to detect an analyte. The method may involve forming a first polymer layer. Further, the method may involve positioning the structure on the first polymer layer. Still further, the method may involve forming a second polymer layer over the first polymer layer and the structure, such that the structure is fully enclosed by the first polymer layer, the second polymer layer, and the one or more photoresist layers. The method may also involve removing the one or more photoresist layers to form a channel through the second polymer layer, wherein the sensor is configured to receive the analyte via the channel.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the use of isotopically labeled citrulline for diagnosing the presence or absence of a bacterial infection in the lungs of a patient.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for preparing enzyme-immobilized beads used for preparation of tagatose, and a method for preparing enzyme-immobilized beads using the same. More specifically, the present invention relates to an apparatus for preparing enzyme-immobilized beads, comprising a nozzle with an inside diameter of 0.1-1 mm having a cylindrical lower end and comprising a cut-type liquid outlet (cut perpendicularly to the vertical axis of the nozzle) formed at the lower end, and a method for preparing enzyme-immobilized beads using the same.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for producing a bioweapon-sensitive fibrous-network product, wherein the subject products exhibit a color change in response to exposure to a biological agent (or portion thereof) as used in a biological weapon. Also disclosed are fibrous-network products that contain units of biopolymeric material that impart a color change to the products in response to exposure to a biological agent (or portion thereof) as used in a biological weapon.

Abstract: A plurality of isolated microvessels including a plurality of encoded microvessels each having a microbody and a reservoir core. The microbody is configured to separate a biological or chemical substance in the reservoir core from an ambient environment surrounding the microbody. The microbody includes a transparent material that at least partially surrounds the reservoir core and facilitates detection of an optical characteristic of the substance within the reservoir core. The microbody of each microvessel includes an identifiable code that distinguishes individual microvessels of the plurality of encoded microvessels from each other. The plurality of isolated microvessels also includes a plurality of compartments each configured to separate individual microvessels of the plurality of encoded microvessels from each other.

Abstract: A method for detecting bacteria and determining the concentration thereof in a liquid sample includes the steps of taking an optical section through a container holding a volume of the liquid sample at a predetermined field of view and at a predetermined focal plane depth or angle and after a period of time has elapsed to allow non-bacteria in the sample to settle to the bottom of the container. Since bacteria auto arranges in the liquid sample, forming a lattice-like grid pattern, an optical section through the volume of auto-arranged bacteria may be used to measure the quantity of bacteria residing in that section. A container for holding the liquid sample has particular structure which aids in separating the non-bacteria from the bacteria.

Abstract: An automated on-touch template bead preparation system is provided and includes a membrane-based emulsion generation subsystems, an emulsion PCR (ePCR) thermocycling plate and subsystem, and a continuous centrifugation emulsion breaking and templated bead collection subsystem. The emulsion generation subsystem provides uniformity in the preparation of an inverse emulsion and may be used to create large or small volume inverse emulsions rapidly and reproducibly. An emulsion-generating device is provided that can supply a continuous stream of an inverse emulsion to a thermocycling subsystem, in automated fashion. The ePCR subsystem can continuously thermocycle an inverse emulsion passed therethrough and includes static temperature zones and a consumable thermocycling plate. The continuous centrifugation subsystem can continuously break a thermally cycled inverse emulsion and collect template beads formed in the aqueous microreactor droplets of the inverse emulsion.

Abstract: System for gas treatment of cellular implants. The system enhances the viability and function of cellular implants, particularly those with high cellular density, for use in human or veterinary medicine. The system utilizes a miniaturized electrochemical gas generator subsystem that continuously supplies oxygen and/or hydrogen to cells within an implantable and immunoisolated cell containment subsystem to facilitate cell viability and function at high cellular density while minimizing overall implant size. The cell containment subsystem is equipped with features to allow gas delivery through porous tubing or gas-only permeable internal gas compartments within the implantable cell containment subsystem. Furthermore, the gas generator subsystem includes components that allow access to water for electrolysis while implanted, thereby promoting long-term implantability of the gas generator subsystem.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide for arrays, systems, and methods for the analyzing cells, methods of making arrays, and the like.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and kits for evaluating the severity of a burn injury, which are based on the detection in a clinical fluid sample of skin metabolism products, such as collagen peptides which are released upon collagen degradation or synthesis.

Abstract: A harvested sample preparation system includes an operation isolator 3 in which aseptic manipulation is executed, a harvested sample preparation personal box 4 which can be connected with the operation isolator 3 and a storage 5 that stores a plurality of harvested sample preparation personal boxes 4. The harvested sample preparation personal box 4 includes a first housing chamber 4Aa and a second housing chamber 4Ab, and a fluid appropriate for cell culturing is supplied to the first housing chamber 4Aa from a fluid supply pipe 16 included by the storage 5 while cooling fluid is supplied to the second housing chamber 4Ab from a cooling fluid supply pipe 18. The harvested sample preparation system that prevents mix-up and cross-contamination with a simple configuration can be provided.

Abstract: An acoustic manipulation process and acoustic manipulation device are disclosed. The acoustic manipulation process includes providing a device having a pathway positioned to receive a flow of a particle-containing fluid, transporting the particle-containing fluid into the pathway, and applying standing surface acoustic waves to the particle-containing fluid while the particle-containing fluid is flowing through the pathway. The applying of the standing surface acoustic waves to the particle-containing fluid includes nodes and anti-nodes of the standing surface acoustic waves extending through the particle-containing fluid. The acoustic manipulation device includes a pathway positioned to receive a flow of a particle-containing fluid, and a mechanism for generating and applying standing surface acoustic waves to the particle-containing fluid while the particle-containing fluid is flowing through the pathway.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for preserving and extracting nucleic acids from saliva. The compositions include a chelating agent, a denaturing agent, buffers to maintain the pH of the composition within ranges desirable for DNA and/or RNA. The compositions may also include a reducing agent and/or antimicrobial agent. The invention extends to methods of using the compositions of the invention to preserve and isolate nucleic acids from saliva as well as to containers for the compositions of the invention.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an algae bioreactor and process. The algae bioreactor includes a container with an inlet and an outlet. An algae suspension present in the container interior moves from an inlet to an outlet along a flowpath. A light assembly, a liftwall, and a gas conduit are located in the container interior. The gas conduit extends along a length of the container and emits gas bubbles into the algae suspension. A diffuser is located on a bottom wall of the container, The flowpath, the liftwall, the gas conduit, and the diffuser produce an active flow of the algae from the container inlet to the container outlet. The container may be a deep-vessel container.

Abstract: A method for studying a biological sample in a biochip (“lab-on-a-chip”) is disclosed. In at least one embodiment of the method, a biological sample is introduced into the biochip, the sample is subjected to at least one preparation step and, at the end of a measurement cycle, the concentration of a particular analyte is measured. The concentration of a marker substance, which for example is a reaction substance involved in a preparation step, is furthermore measured. A corresponding biochip is further disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods and devices that improve the process of culturing cells and/or shipping cells from one location to another. They have the capacity to reduce the risk of contamination, regulate pressure in the medium surrounding cells, and maintain cells in a uniform distribution throughout transit. This leads to an improved level of process control relative to current methods.

Abstract: A chamber in which an agent, like genomic DNA, may be harvested and optionally manipulated rapidly (e.g., on the order of a few hours), without shearing or fragmentation.

Abstract: This document describes methods and an apparatus for recovery of a cell-enriched matrix and cells (e.g., regenerative cells) from a tissue sample. In some embodiments, at least two rounds of acceleration and deceleration are performed.

Abstract: A particle manipulation system uses a MEMS-based, microfabricated particle manipulation device, which has an inlet channel, output channels, and a movable member formed on a substrate. The movable member moves parallel to the fabrication plane, as does fluid flowing in the inlet channel. The movable member separates a target particle from the rest of the particles, diverting it into an output channel. However, at least one output channel is not parallel to the fabrication plane. The device may be used to separate a target particle from non-target material in a sample stream. The target particle may be, for example, a stern cell, zygote, a cancer cell, a component of blood, bacteria or DNA sample, for example. The particle manipulation system may also include a microfluidic structure which focuses the target particles in a particular portion of the inlet channel.

Abstract: A mixing device for an application in a container including a rotatable shaft; a drive device through which the rotatable shaft is drivable; and at least one mixing element arranged at the shaft, wherein the mixing element is rotatable together with the shaft, wherein the shaft includes a support device connected with the shaft, wherein the support device is arranged in an end portion of the shaft that is oriented away from the drive device, wherein the shaft is rotatable about its longitudinal axis relative to the support device, wherein the mixing device is supportable through the support device in a receiving device connected with the container, wherein the support device is moveable by a straight bearing or a rolling element bearing along a guide device into the receiving device, wherein the straight bearing includes at least one sliding surface that is moveable on a corresponding sliding surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for minimizing or eliminating diffusion effects. Diffused regions of a segmented flow of multiple, miscible fluid species may be vented off to a waste channel, and non-diffused regions of fluid may be preferentially pulled off the channel that contains the segmented flow. Multiple fluid samples that are not contaminated via diffusion may be collected for analysis and measurement in a single channel. The systems and methods for minimizing or eliminating diffusion effects may be used to minimize or eliminate diffusion effects in a microfluidic system for monitoring the amplification of DNA molecules and the dissociation behavior of the DNA molecules.

Abstract: Provided are an analytical instrument and an analytical method that allow for the direct analysis of a target substance in an undiluted specimen by a transmission photometry in a tightly closed cell container space. An analytical instrument is an analytical instrument for analyzing a target substance contained in a specimen flown in the tightly closed cell container by utilizing an oxidative color-developing agent and an oxidative enzyme reaction, in which an upper substrate and a lower substrate are arranged facing each other and at least a part of the upper substrate and/or at least a part of the lower substrate are/is made of a material transmitting light used for the analysis and having oxygen transmission properties.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems and methods for use in analyzing discrete reactions at ultra high multiplex with reduced optical noise, and increased system flexibility. Apparatus include substrates having integrated optical components that increase multiplex capability by one or more of increasing density of reaction regions, improving transmission of light to or collection of light from discrete reactions regions. Integrated optical components include reflective optical elements which re-direct illumination light and light emitted from the discrete regions to more efficiently collect emitted light. Particularly preferred applications include single molecule reaction analysis, such as polymerase mediated template dependent nucleic acid synthesis and sequence determination.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are provided for selectively altering the viability characteristics of a live cell. In some embodiments, an electrical signal acquisition array, electrically coupled to a high gain amplifier, is used in conjunction with an analog to digital converter and a computer to record natural electrical signals that a cell type may use to communicate with its neighbors, the immune system, and the organism in which it is operating, as well as the signals and waveforms that define its particular natural operational electrical signature. Specific parts of the recorded electrical signals that are determined to be relevant to specific behavior patterns are extracted from the recordings as discreet waveforms, loaded into an arbitrary waveform generator, and played back through either an electromagnetic radiating transducer or an electrical signal output array to apply electromagnetic energy to the cells to alter the electrical characteristics of a live cell.

Abstract: Methods, compositions and kits for determining the developmental potential of one or more embryos or pluripotent cells and/or the presence of chromosomal abnormalities in one or more embryos or pluripotent cells are provided. These methods, compositions and kits find use in identifying embryos and oocytes in vitro that are most useful in treating infertility in humans.

Abstract: The invention features methods for separating cells from a sample (e.g., separating fetal red blood cells from maternal blood). The method begins with the introduction of a sample including cells into one or more microfluidic channels. In one embodiment, the device includes at least two processing steps. For example, a mixture of cells is introduced into a microfluidic channel that selectively allows the passage of a desired type of cell, and the population of cells enriched in the desired type is then introduced into a second microfluidic channel that allows the passage of the desired cell to produce a population of cells further enriched in the desired type. The selection of cells is based on a property of the cells in the mixture, for example, size, shape, deformability, surface characteristics (e.g., cell surface receptors or antigens and membrane permeability), or intracellular properties (e.g., expression of a particular enzyme).

Abstract: The present invention relates to immobilized biologically active entities that retain significant biological activity following mechanical manipulation of a substrate material to which the entities are immobilized.