Abstract: A method comprises loading a sample portion into a sample chamber which comprises means for minimizing diffusion of the sample portion, subjecting the sample portion to an amplification step, and determining whether the sample portion contains at least one molecule of a target nucleic acid. If the sample portion contains a single molecule of the target nucleic acid, the sample portion would attain a detectable concentration of the target nucleic acid after a single round of amplification. Also, a microfluidic device comprising a sample portion and a sample chamber comprising means for minimizing diffusion of the sample portion. Also, a microfluidic device comprising a sample chamber and an amplification targeting reagent positioned in the first sample chamber.

Abstract: Embodiments are generally related to differentiating and/or separating portions of a sample that are of interest from the remainder of the sample. Embodiments may be directed towards separating cells of interest from a cell sample. In some embodiments, acoustic impedances of the cells of interest may be modified. For example, the acoustic properties of the cells of interest may be modified by attaching bubbles to the cells of interest. The cell sample may then be subjected to an acoustic wave. The cells of interest may be differentiated and/or separated from the remainder of the sample based on relative displacements and/or volumetric changes experienced by the cells of interest in response thereto. The cells of interest may be separated using a standing wave and sorted into separate channels of a flow cell. Optionally, the cells may be interrogated by a light source and differentiated by signals generated in response thereto.

Abstract: The invention relates to a separator for retaining and recirculating cells in a continuous-flow or batch-flow type plastic bag or bottle, which can preferably be operated outside of a bioreactor. Additionally, the invention relates to a method for retaining and recirculating cells within or outside a bioreactor. The invention further relates to a method for producing the separator according to the invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for determining the sequence of a nucleic molecule. Herein a capture oligonucleotide probe is attached to an encoded microcarrier, wherein the code of said microcarrier identifies the sequence of said oligonucleotide probe. The capture oligonucleotide probe is hybridized with a sample comprising nucleic acids molecules, wherein said DNA fragment comprises a sequence which is complementary to the sequence of the capture oligonucleotide probe. The sequence of the DNA molecule is determined, wherein the capture oligonucleotide probe serves as a primer for a DNA polymerase, in the case of single molecule sequencing this is a sequencing primer. After the sequence determination, the nucleotide sequence of the capture oligonucleotide probe is identified by determining the code on the microcarrier, which corresponds with the capture oligonucleotide probe.

Abstract: The invention is directed towards methods and compositions for identifying the amount of ammonium acid in a buffered oxide etching composition. In buffered oxide etching compositions it is very difficult to measure the amount of ammonium acid because it has varying equilibriums and it is toxic so it hard to handle and sample. When used to manufacture microchips however, incorrect amounts of ammonium acid will ruin those chips. The invention utilizes a unique method of spectrographically measuring the ammonium acid when in contact with added chromogenic agents to obtain exact measurements that are accurate, immediate, and safe.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved culture medium and method for the enhanced growth and detection of Mycobacterium growth. The invention further relates to an improved mycobacterial reagent system or kit that can be used for the enhanced growth and detection of Mycobacterium.

Abstract: A detection chip is provided. The detection chip includes a substrate, an active reagent, a hydrophilic droplet and a lipophilic substance. The substrate includes a first containing slot, wherein the first containing slot includes a first space and a second space adjacent to each other. The active reagent is disposed in the first space of the first containing slot. The hydrophilic droplet is disposed in the second space of the first containing slot. The lipophilic substance is disposed in the first containing slot, wherein the lipophilic substance is immiscible to the active reagent and the hydrophilic droplet, and separates the active reagent from the hydrophilic droplet.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions, methods and devices for treatment of degenerative disc disease or the repair of a disc in need of repair. The composition or the formulation includes freshly isolated or culture expanded ELA cells, which can be cyropreserved. The composition or a formulation also includes in various embodiments an ELA cell population that has been differentiated into cell types having at least one characteristic of human intervertebral disc cells, such as fibroblast cells, chondrocyte cells or notochordal cells. The composition or the formulation includes in certain embodiments either a population of ELA cells provided in conjunction with one or more biocompatible molecules, therapeutic agents, or agents that induce ELA stem cell differentiation. The ELA cells are obtained from fluid or tissue from live or cadaveric (cadaverous) donors.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for isolating and purifying nucleic acids from a sample and a device that is suitable therefore.

Abstract: An extraction device (110) for extracting at least one ingredient from a biological sample (112) is disclosed, specifically for extracting metabolites from a plant specimen. The extraction device (110) has at least one liquid charger (116) which is adapted to be brought in contact with a first side (122) of the sample (112). The liquid charger (116) is adapted to apply an extraction liquid (128), specifically at least one solvent, to the first side (122) of the sample (112). The extraction device (110) further has at least one sampling device (118) which is adapted to be brought in contact with a second side (124) of the sample (112). The sampling device (118) is adapted to collect sample fluid (126) comprising the extraction liquid (128) and the ingredient.

Abstract: A piezoelectric microcantilever for sensing compounds or molecules. The piezoelectric microcantilever, may include at least one electrode, an insulation layer, a receptor, an immobilization layer, a non-piezoelectric layer and a piezoelectric layer. The sensor is capable of self actuation and detection. The piezoelectric layer may be constructed from a highly piezoelectric thin lead magnesium niobate-lead titanate film, a highly piezoelectric thin zirconate titanate film, a highly piezoelectric lead-free film. Methods of using the sensors and flow cells and arrays including the sensors are also described.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed herein to improve on and expand the range of electrical and electromagnetic frequencies used in therapeutic electro medical devices. The present invention uses electrical and electromagnetic frequency generators and detectors integrated with a live cell imaging system that provides feedback to the frequency generators using data derived from said imaging system.

Abstract: There is disclosed apparatus and a system for effecting testing on a sample, such as for medical testing. The apparatus includes a sample chip (30) provided with at least two chambers (48, 50) within which analyte and a sample to be tested can be located, one chamber being a mixing chamber (48) and the other a detection chamber (50), the latter being provided with a sensor or means to enable sensing of one or more parameters pertaining to the sample. A detector unit (70, 170) includes a slot (76) for holding a sample carrier (30), drive means (94) for moving parts of a sample from the mixing chamber (48) to the detection chamber (50), such as by electromagnetic force, sensing means (60) for sensing the one or more parameters, a diagnostic unit (84) for analyzing the sensed parameters and a display unit (72) for displaying the results of the test to a user. The test unit (70, 170) is preferably handheld, which the sample carrier (30) is preferably in the form of a disposable chip.

Abstract: The present application is directed to a technological platform with integrated microfluidic and optical modules for bio-detection. The platform enables in-situ detection by integrating fluidics with optical source and detection capabilities within a fabricated microchip. The platform is a polymer-based microfluidic chip having integrated excitation source and detection elements in a vicinity of a microfluidic reaction chamber configured to contain a micro-volume of a test sample. The principle of detection is based on an excitation source induced fluorescence of the test sample within the microfluidic reaction chamber.

Abstract: A method for the direct molecular analysis of nucleic acid or antibodies from a natural or synthetic solid matrix for storing, preserving, and transporting nucleic acid or antibodies samples and simultaneously inactivating potential pathogens in the sample. A solid medium provides dry preservation of nucleic acid or antibodies, for example a filter paper treated with a novel chemical compound. This eliminates the tedious wash steps of conventional methods and allows for immediate processing of a clinical sample once it is received in the laboratory. This method is simple, rapid, and can be used to detect sensitive levels of pathogens in a complex matrix.

Abstract: A microchip is provided and configured to contain a sample solution for analysis. The microchip including a channel that is maintained at a pressure level less than atmospheric pressure so as to allow flow of the sample solution thru the channel; and a pressure indication section configured to detect a change in the pressure level. A microchip apparatus and a method of manufacturing a microchip are also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides pipette tip columns and automated methods for the purification of nucleic acids such as plasmids from unclarified cell lysates containing cell debris as well as methods for making and using such columns. The columns typically include a bed of medium positioned in the pipette tip column, above a bottom frit and with an optional top frit.

Abstract: A sample support structure comprising a sample support manufactured from a semiconductor material and having one or more openings therein. Methods of making and using the sample support structure.

Abstract: A microchip capable of sending liquid in a micro flow channel to a predetermined place irrespective of the pressure difference and sending a mixture of two or more liquid masses to a predetermined place even if the channel structure is simple. The microchip comprises an intermediate reservoir portion provided in a micro flow channel and adapted for temporarily holding liquid sent through the micro flow channel. The microchip is characterized in that the intermediate reservoir portion has a side channel, the volume of the intermediate reservoir portion is smaller than the total volume of the liquid sent into the intermediate reservoir portion, the side channel is provided for communication of a micro flow channel on the upstream side of the intermediate reservoir portion with a micro flow channel on the downstream side thereof, and the cross-section area of the side channel is smaller than that of the micro flow channel.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cell analyzer which comprises: a cell dispersion unit which causes aggregated cells in a biological specimen to be dispersed, through a shearing force applying process of applying a shearing force to the aggregated cells and an ultrasonic dispersion process of dispersing the aggregated cells, by using ultrasonic waves; a detection unit which detects characteristics information reflecting properties of the cells in the biological specimen on which the shearing force applying process and the ultrasonic dispersion process have been performed; and an analysis unit which analyzes the cells in the biological specimen, based on a detection result from the detection unit.

Abstract: An object is to provide a highly effective segmented process apparatus for a microplate using a standard microplate without increasing the scale of the apparatus, as well as a method for processing a microplate. The apparatus includes: a predetermined microplate provided with a number of wells are set in array; one or more nozzle heads provided with a number of nozzles set in array; a suction and ejection mechanism for sucking and ejecting a gas via the nozzles; and a moving means which allows relative movement between the microplate and the nozzle heads, wherein tips of all of the nozzles provided on each nozzle head are provided in such a manner that the tips can be inserted into the wells in a portion of the microplate all together, and the row intervals and column intervals of the nozzles in array are respectively same as the row intervals and column intervals of the wells in array.

Abstract: A sensor for sensing at least one biological target or chemical target is provided. The sensor includes a membrane includes a membrane material that supports generation and propagation of at least one waveguide mode, where the membrane material includes a plurality of voids having an average size <2 microns. The sensor also includes at least one receptor having structure for binding to the target within the plurality of voids, and an optical coupler for coupling light to the membrane sufficient to generate the waveguide mode in the membrane from photons incident on the optical coupler.

Abstract: A microfluidic apparatus, method, and associated applications utilize and apply to a formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue sample and performing a liquid-liquid extraction to remove the paraffin from the tissue sample prior to a nucleic acid purification step. A microfluidic device includes a dedicated liquid-liquid extraction process vessel, a nucleic acid purification process component, and a nucleic acid amplification reactor. A liquid-liquid extraction and nucleic acid purification kit includes a microfluidic device capable of performing both a liquid-liquid extraction process and a nucleic acid purification process, including a dedicated liquid-liquid extraction process vessel, an immiscible liquid or a precursor phase thereof disposed in the vessel, a nucleic acid purification process component, a nucleic acid amplification reactor fluidically, and a supply of reagents suitable to enable the liquid-liquid extraction process and the nucleic acid purification process.

Abstract: A device isolates a substance from blood. The substance includes particles with an effective diameter that is within a range defined by effective diameters of constituents of blood. The device comprises a first sheet of graphene including a first plurality of apertures. The first plurality of apertures are configured to pass objects with an effective diameter less than or equal to the effective diameter of the particles of the substance. The device comprises a second sheet of graphene including a second plurality of apertures. The second plurality of apertures are configured to pass objects with an effective diameter less than the effective diameter of the particles of the substance. The device may be configured to include a conduit system. The device may be configured to operate according to a reversible cycle.

Abstract: A device and a process are proposed for separating constituents of a sample fluid, wherein the sample fluid is supplied by capillary force to a receiving region (7) for metering, stopping or delaying the sample fluid and the sample fluid is pre-treated with a soluble chemical (13) in the receiving region (7) before the sample fluid is supplied to a separating device (5) for separating off constituents of the sample fluid.

Abstract: The subject invention concerns materials and methods for detecting nucleic acid sequences. One aspect of the invention concerns a silicon-based “biochip” comprising nucleic acid immobilized thereon. In one embodiment, the silicon comprises microcavities. The nucleic acid to be assayed for the presence of one or more target nucleic acid sequences is immobilized on the silicon. A nucleic acid, such as an oligonucleotide probe, having a sequence substantially complementary to the target nucleic acid sequence can be used to detect the immobilized nucleic acid on the silicon. If the nucleic acid used for detection hybridizes with a target nucleic acid sequence, the hybridized sequences can be detected directly or indirectly. In an exemplified embodiment, the oligonucleotide probe can be labeled with a detectable label, for example, a fluorescent molecule. The subject invention also concerns methods for detecting a target nucleic acid using a silicon-based biochip of the invention.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system, comprising: a) a sample processing unit, comprising an input port and an output port coupled to a rotating container having at least one sample chamber, the sample processing unit configured provide a first processing step to a sample or to rotate the container so as to apply a centrifugal force to a sample deposited in the chamber and separate at least a first component and a second component of the deposited sample; and b) a sample separation unit coupled to the output port of the sample processing unit, the cell separation unit comprising separation column holder (42), a pump (64) and a plurality of valves (1-11) configured to at least partially control fluid flow through a fluid circuitry and a separation column (40) positioned in the holder, the separation column configured to separate labeled and unlabeled components of sample flowed through the column.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods, kits and compositions for expansion of hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells and providing hematopoietic function to human patients in need thereof. In one aspect, it relates to kits and compositions comprising a Notch agonist and an aryl hydrocarbon receptor antagonist. Also provided herein are methods for expanding the hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells using kits and compositions comprising a Notch agonist and an aryl hydrocarbon receptor antagonist. The hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells expanded using the disclosed kits, compositions and methods include human umbilical cord blood stem/progenitor cells, placental cord blood stem/progenitor cells and peripheral blood stem cells. The present invention also relates to administering hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells expanded using a combination of a Notch agonist and an aryl hydrocarbon receptor antagonist to a patient for short-term and/or long-term in vivo repopulation benefits.

Abstract: A microvalve for controlling fluid flows, and a sealing device for sealing cavities in a microfluidic system, particularly in a lab-on-a-chip system, and a method for the production thereof. A sealing surface of a valve body, or a sealing element, respectively, rests on a sealing surface of a substrate and is pressed against the sealing surface of the substrate in a fluid-tight manner by means of a clamping element. The clamping element and/or the valve body, or the sealing element, respectively, are at least partially elastic.

Abstract: A wetness indicator material may be used on a substrate to form a wetness sensor. The sensor may show either the presence or absence of an aqueous-based fluid or water-containing medium, such as vaginal fluid or urine in a personal hygiene article. The wetness sensor may be incorporated into the article. The wetness indicator material includes a standard colorant that does not change color when wetted. The standard colorant increases the range of hues exhibited by the wetness indicator material.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure relate to platelet activation and/or aggregation using electric pulses. In one embodiment, a platelet-containing sample is exposed to electric pulses. At least one of the electric pulses has a duration greater than 1 microsecond and a field strength below 50 kV/cm. In another embodiment, the electric pulses may be designed with particular field strengths and durations.

Abstract: A biosensor is provided including a detection device and a flow cell mounted to the detection device. The detection device has a detector surface with a plurality of reaction sites. The detection device also includes a filter layer that is configured to at least one of (a) filter unwanted excitation light signals; (b) direct emission signals from a designated reaction site toward one or more associated light detectors that are configured to detect the emission signals from the designated reaction site; or (c) block or prevent detection of crosstalk emission signals from adjacent reaction sites.

Abstract: A sequential flow analysis tool comprising a microfluidic device having a fluid path defined within a substrate between an input and an output is described. The device includes a capture chamber provided within but offset from the fluid path, the capture chamber extending into the substrate in a direction substantially perpendicular to the fluid path such that operably particles provided within a fluid flowing within the fluid path will preferentially collect within the capture chamber.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to devices and methods for immobilizing nucleic acids on a substrate. In certain embodiments, devices of the invention include a voltage source, and a substrate coupled to the voltage source, in which hydrophobicity of the substrate changes in response to an applied electric field and a surface of the substrate is coated with a substance that retains nucleic acids.

Abstract: The present invention provides for the detection of biochemical analytes by measuring variations in ionic conductance resulting from the hybridization of a biological analyte (e.g. oligonucleotides) with a capturing element immobilized on a membrane substrate having nano-sized pores.

Abstract: A chilled reagent container comprises a reagent vessel containing part for containing therein a plurality of reagent vessels, a container lid including a container lid hole through which the reagent vessels contained by the reagent vessel containing part are accessible, and a cooling block for cooling the reagent vessels contained by the reagent vessel containing part, wherein the container lid slides to be changeable between an opened situation wherein the reagent is accessible from an outside and a closed situation wherein the reagent is prevented from being accessed from the outside, wherein the chilled reagent container further comprises a reagent container packing including another hole through which the reagent vessels are accessible and arranged between the container lid and the reagent vessel containing part to be pressed against the container lid.

Abstract: Livestock with sperm labeled to indicate an X and/or Y chromosome. Male livestock that produce progeny of only one gender. Sperm that have a marker.

Abstract: A cartridge configured for use in a blood analyzer is provided. The cartridge may include a substantially rigid frame, a flow path within the rigid frame, at least one opening in the substantially rigid frame configured to align and stabilize a capillary tube, and a seal within the flow path. The seal may be configured to temporarily obstruct flow through at least a portion of the flow path. The seal may also be configured to open in response to a force exerted via a capillary tube inserted into the at least one opening.

Abstract: The present invention provides a liquid reflux reaction control device comprising: a reaction vessel having one or a plurality of wells configured to accommodate a sample; a heat exchange vessel provided in contact with the reaction vessel so as to conduct heat to the reaction vessel, and comprising an inlet and an outlet respectively for introducing and draining a liquid of a predetermined temperature; a plurality of liquid reservoir tanks provided with a temperature-controllable heat source for maintaining liquids of predetermined temperatures; a tubular flow channel that connects the inlet and the outlet of the heat exchange vessel with the liquid reservoir tanks; a pump disposed on the tubular flow channel, and configured to circulate the liquid between the heat exchange vessel and the liquid reservoir tank; and a switching valve disposed on the tubular flow channel, and configured to control the flow of the circulating liquid, which controls the temperature of the reaction vessel to keep a desired tem

Abstract: A parallel processing system for processing samples is described. In one embodiment, the parallel processing system includes an instrument interface parallel controller to control a tray motor driving system, a close-loop heater control and detection system, a magnetic particle transfer system, a reagent release system, a reagent pre-mix pumping system and a wash buffer pumping system.

Abstract: A pH sensing bioreaction system is provided. The system includes a bioreaction container having a plastic wall and a pH sensor attached to the plastic wall. The pH sensor includes a sensor body having a flange that is sealingly attached to the plastic wall. The sensor body has a reference electrolyte therein and a first sensing element disposed in the reference electrolyte. The first sensing element is configured to contact both the reference electrolyte and a sample solution inside the bioreaction container. A second sensing element is positionable into an interior of the bioreaction container. The pH sensor has a plurality of configurations that include a booted configuration in which at least one sensing element is isolated from the interior of the bioreaction container, and a service configuration in which the at least one sensing element is fluidically coupled to the interior of the bioreaction container.

Abstract: The invention provides reagents and methods for lateral flow assays and quantitative capture or determination of components, including cells, in a sample. In one aspect, reagents and methods for diagnostic assay are provided. In one embodiment an assay for determining T cell numbers, particularly a CD2+ CD4+ T cell assay is provided. A manufacturing method for producing rapid diagnostic assays in a decentralized manner is also described. The method generates net economic advantages over conventional diagnostic manufacturing practices.

Abstract: A system for collecting and/or harvesting biomass comprises a first module adapted to accept a fluid stream. The first module includes a gate that is adapted to regulate the flow of the fluid stream. The system includes a second module downstream of the first module. The second module accepts a fluid from the first module and directs at least a portion of the fluid to the first module. A third module downstream of the second module includes one or more surfaces for retaining one or more microorganisms upon the flow of at least a portion of the fluid stream through the third module.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein generally relate to methods and systems for using an air removal chamber as a control for a process in a cell expansion system. The air removal chamber may be mounted on a fluid conveyance assembly for use with the system. Fluid is pumped into a fluid containment chamber of the air removal chamber, in which the level of fluid in the fluid containment chamber may be monitored through the use of one or more sensors. The sensors are capable of detecting air, a lack of fluid, fluid, and/or a gas/fluid interface, e.g., an air/fluid interface, at measuring positions within the air removal chamber. Protocols for use with the system may include one or more stop conditions. In an embodiment, the stopping of a process is automated based on the detection of air, a lack of fluid, and/or a gas/fluid interface in the air removal chamber.

Abstract: Device and method for detecting the presence of known or unknown toxic agents in a fluid sample. Targets in the sample are bound to releasable receptors immobilized in a reaction region of a micro- or nano-fluidic device. The receptors are selected based on their affinity for classes of known toxic agents. The receptors are freed and the bound and unbound receptors separated based on differential electrokinetic mobilities while they travel to a detection device.

Abstract: Apparatus for treating biological samples disposed on substrates, including: an input buffer for receiving one or more substrate holders each being adapted to support a plurality of the substrates; a treatment zone including a plurality of treatment stations each being adapted to receive one of the substrates; a reagent dispenser configured by a controller to dispense reagents to the substrates at the treatment stations; a substrate transport device configured by the controller to transport individual substrates between the substrate holders in the input buffer and the treatment stations.

Abstract: Disclosed are mutant DNA polymerases having increased 3?-mismatch discrimination relative to a corresponding, unmodified polymerase. The mutant polymerases are useful in a variety of disclosed primer extension methods. Also disclosed are related compositions, including recombinant nucleic acids, vectors, and host cells, which are useful, e.g., for production of the mutant DNA polymerases.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for rapid detection of a target nucleic acid amplification product while preventing cross-contamination between target nucleic acid amplification products and avoiding false positives, comprising the steps of: a) leaving the reaction tube unopened after the amplification reaction is finished, so as to prevent the target nucleic acid amplification product from leaking out and resulting in contamination; b) placing the unopened reaction tube inside an enclosed unit, making the target nucleic acid amplification product be transferred to a test strip from the reaction tube in a physically enclosed environment; c) performing detection in a visual read-out manner, and determining the result; d) discarding the enclosed unit in a safety place as a whole without opening it after the detection.

Abstract: The invention relates to improved electrochemiluminescence assay methods for phosphorylated peptides or proteins employing phospho-specific antibodies and buffer compositions that are substantially free of inorganic phosphate.

Abstract: Apparatus for performing an assay to detect the presence of an analyte in a test sample. A housing defines a slot for receiving a sample collector, and a capsule contains a buffer liquid, the capsule being sealed by an openable lid, and being connected to the housing such that insertion of a sample collector into the slot causes the lid to open releasing the buffer liquid into the slot. The housing further defines an incubation chamber containing or configured to receive a reagent, and an aperture permitting liquid communication between said slot and the incubation chamber. The apparatus comprises one or more test elements, a substantially liquid tight sealing member separating the incubation chamber and the test element(s), and an activation mechanism operable to open said liquid tight sealing member thereby bringing at least a portion of the or each test element into liquid communication with said incubation chamber.