Abstract: A microfluidic capsule (1) comprises a top lid (100), a middle piece (200) and a bottom piece (300) to be assembled to enclose a microfluidic substrate (400) for analysis of cells and biochemical reactions. The middle piece (200) comprises support structures in the form of support pillars (250) and walls (240) around a central light window (220) to provide mechanical support and prevent tension-induced structural deformations. When fully assembled, light windows (120, 220, 230) in the top lid (100), middle piece (200) and bottom piece (300) allows inspection of biological and/or biochemical samples positioned in the enclosed microfluidic substrate (400).

Abstract: Rapid lateral flow immunoassays have an extensive history of use in both the clinical and home settings. These devices are used to test for a variety of analytes, such as drugs of abuse, hormones, proteins, urine or plasma components and the like. The present invention provides an improved procedural control that indicates to the test user that at least a portion of the applied sample has passed through the test result zone of the test strip, and optionally that the test is complete and the test results may be read.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include sensors comprising high electron mobility transistors (HEMTs) with capture reagents on a gate region of the HEMTs. Example sensors include HEMTs with a thin gold layer on the gate region and bound antibodies; a thin gold layer on the gate region and chelating agents; a non-native gate dielectric on the gate region; and nanorods of a non-native dielectric with an immobilized enzyme on the gate region. Embodiments including antibodies or enzymes can have the antibodies or enzymes bound to the Au-gate via a binding group. Other embodiments of the invention are methods of using the sensors for detecting breast cancer, prostate cancer, kidney injury, glucose, metals or pH where a signal is generated by the HEMT when a solution is contacted with the sensor. The solution can be blood, saliva, urine, breath condensate, or any solution suspected of containing any specific analyte for the sensor.

Abstract: A genetic detection and determination apparatus which detects or determines genetic information, provided with a reaction container having a reaction vessel, including: a container set portion on which the reaction container is set; a moving mechanism which moves the container set portion along a track; a reaction vessel dividing portion which divides the reaction vessel into a plurality of reaction chambers by deforming the reaction vessel; a heating and cooling portion which heats and cools the reaction container; and a measuring portion which is movable above the container set portion in parallel to an upper surface of the reaction container provided on the container set portion and which measures a reaction within each of the reaction chambers.

Abstract: A receptacle having a plurality of interconnected chambers arranged to permit multiple process steps or processes to be performed independently or simultaneously. The receptacles are manufactured to separate liquid from dried reagents and to maintain the stability of the dried reagents. An immiscible liquid, such as an oil, is included to control loading of process materials, facilitate mixing and reconstitution of dried reagents, limit evaporation, control heating of reaction materials, concentrate solid support materials to prevent clogging of fluid connections, provide minimum volumes for fluid transfers, and to prevent process materials from sticking to chamber surfaces. The receptacles can be adapted for use in systems having a processing instrument that includes an actuator system for selectively moving fluid substances between chambers and a detector. The actuator system can be arranged to concentrate an analyte present in a sample.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for measuring thrombin generation in a whole blood sample. The whole blood sample may be applied forthwith, without prior processing. The blood cells and blood plasma in the whole blood sample are separated by (lateral) flow migration. Also disclosed is an assembly of a sample support and a device dedicated to measure thrombin generation in a whole blood sample. Advantageously, the sample support comprises a separator medium allowing separation of whole blood into blood cells and blood plasma by means of (lateral) flow migration.

Abstract: A method for characterizing particle adhesion in microfluidic bifurcations and junctions comprises at least one idealized bifurcation or junction. Multiple bifurcations and/or junctions can be combined on a single microfluidic chip to create microfluidic networks configured for assays specifically to characterize particle interactions at junctions or to screen particles for desired interactions with microfluidic bifurcations and/or junctions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to devices and methods for the detection of analytes. In particular, the invention relates to methods for the qualitative and/or quantitative detection of analytes, comprising a microarray on a substrate, onto which probe molecules are immobilized on array elements, said microarray being disposed on a first surface of the device; and a detection chamber formed between the first surface including the microarray disposed thereon and a second surface, wherein the distance between the microarray and the second surface is variable, and wherein the second surface has a displacement structure.

Abstract: The present invention discloses apparatus and methods to enhance magnetic field gradient for magnetic cell separation. One preferred embodiment in accordance with the invention comprises an electromagnet with an open gap formed between two pole tips and two driving coils with independently controlled electrical current magnitude and direction. In the specific case when two magnetic pole tips emanate magnetic fields with different magnitude and in opposite direction, the field gradient, and therefore the magnetic force exerted on MNPs, is advantageously enhanced. Spatial uniformity of the magnetic field gradient is also enhanced. Preferred embodiments are capable of magnetic cell separation for both positive and negative cell selection, as well as in-vitro capture and separation in miniaturized form of embodiments.

Abstract: Methods of treating a plant exposed to a phytotoxicant are provided. Embodiments of the subject methods include identifying a plant exposed to a phytotoxicant and applying an assimilable carbon-skeleton energy component-comprising composition to the identified plant. Embodiments of the subject compositions may include one or more of a macronutrient component, micronutrient component, vitamin/cofactor component, complexing agent and microbe. Kits for use in practicing the subject invention are also provided. The subject methods find use in a variety of different applications in which a plant is phytotoxic or at least in danger of becoming phytotoxic due to exposure or potential exposure to a phytotoxicant.

Abstract: A unitary apparatus for isolating cells from adipose tissue including a lipid separation processor with a dispersing head equipped with a plurality of ports and a digestion chamber for dissociation of the constituent cells disposed in adipose tissue. The lipid separating apparatus is useful for the separation of lipids and adipocytes from a mixed cell population. A cell seeding chamber may be attached to the cell isolation apparatus. The components of the apparatus may be packaged in modular kit form.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device and a method for concentrating pathogenic germs potentially present in blood products or derivatives and for detecting said germs comprising the following steps: (a) subjecting a sample of said blood product to a blood cell aggregating treatment, (b) eliminating the aggregates formed at step (a) by passing the treated sample over a first filter allowing through the contaminating germs but not the cell aggregates, (c) selectively lyzing the residual cells of the filtrate obtained at step (b), (d) recuperating the contaminating germs by passing the lysate of step (c) over a second filter to detect the contaminating germs possibly trapped.

Abstract: A device for amplifying target nucleic acid in a sample can include a planar fluidic assembly including a transparent substrate, a porous material layer on a surface of the transparent substrate, and a cover over the porous material layer and sealingly affixed to the substrate. The cover may be spaced from the porous material layer and a flow channel defined between the porous material layer and the cover. The flow channel may have a uniform cross-section from a first end to a second end.

Abstract: A liquid-feeding chip for feeding a liquid utilizing the action of centrifugal force and gravity by rotating the chip around an axis of rotation, includes a first storage tank (1-1) into which the liquid can be introduced when rotation of the chip is stopped, and two or more liquid-feeding units arranged in a plurality of levels adjacent to each other, each liquid-feeding unit (U-1, U-2, U-3) being composed of a first holding tank (10-1, 20-1, 30-1), a second holding tank (10-2, 20-2, 30-2) positioned in the direction of gravity with respect to the first holding tank, and a channel B (B-1, B-2, B-3) which extends from the first holding tank in the direction of gravity and which connects the first holding tank and the second holding tank, the first holding tank at a first level being connected with a channel A (A-1) which extends from the first storage tank toward an outer circumferential side.

Abstract: The invention, in various embodiments, provides systems, methods and solutions for perfusing an organ ex vivo.

Abstract: A method for the analysis of at least two analytes in a liquid sample, in which a substrate is provided wherein at least two different types of capturing molecules are immobilized on the substrate and wherein each type of capturing molecule has specific affinity for an analyte. The sample is contacted with capturing molecules, wherein for at least one analyte to be analyzed contact is induced between the capturing molecules and a labelled detection molecule with specific affinity for the analyte, and for at least one another analyte to be contact is induced between the capturing molecules and a labelled version of the analyte. A detectable signal is measured from the labelled detection molecule and the labelled analyte on the substrate, wherein the concentration of the labelled analyte is adapted to the concentration of the analyte in the sample.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus relating to FET arrays for monitoring chemical and/or biological reactions such as nucleic acid sequencing-by-synthesis reactions. Some methods provided herein relate to improving signal (and also signal to noise ratio) from released hydrogen ions during nucleic acid sequencing reactions.

Abstract: Culture media and methods for expanding and differentiating populations of stem cells and for obtaining organoids. Expanded cell populations and organoids obtainable by methods of the invention and their use in drug screening, toxicity assays and regenerative medicine.

Abstract: Described herein are methods and systems for harvesting, collecting, separating and/or dewatering algae using iron based salts combined with a magnetic field gradient to separate algae from an aqueous solution.

Abstract: Systems and methods analyzing body fluids such as blood and bone marrow are disclosed. The systems and methods may utilize an improved technique for applying a monolayer of cells to a slide to generate a substantially uniform distribution of cells on the slide. Additionally aspects of the invention also relate to systems and methods for utilizing multi color microscopy for improving the quality of images captured by a light receiving device.

Abstract: The present invention provides a baglike container for centrifugation that is mounted in a centrifuge to thereby allow centrifugation of a dispersion liquid accommodated therein. The baglike container for centrifugation is less likely to tear or break as a result of centrifugation by disposing a container wall surface of the baglike container so as to apply centrifugal force perpendicular to the container wall surface.

Abstract: Improved systems, system components, and methods for performing assays involving biological membranes and/or components thereof. Preferred luminescence test measurements are conducted using an assay module with integrated electrodes having biological membranes and/or components thereof immobilized thereon with a reader apparatus adapted to receive assay modules, induce luminescence, preferably electrode induced luminescence, in the wells or assay regions of the assay modules and measure the induced luminescence.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a disk diffusion assay for determining susceptibility of bacteria to a glycopeptide antibiotic. The assay includes improvements over conventional assays due to the inclusion of polysorbate 80 and Span 80 in the antibacterial solution used to impregnate paper disks used in the assay.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cell culture medium formulation that supports the in vitro cultivation, particularly in suspension, of mammalian cells, particularly epithelial cells and fibroblast cells, and methods for cultivating mammalian cells in suspension in vitro using these media. The present invention also provides chemically defined, protein-free eukaryotic cell culture media comprising an iron chelate and zinc, which is capable of supporting the growth (and particularly the high-density growth of mammalian cells) in suspension culture, increasing the level of expression of recombinant protein in cultured cells, and/or increasing virus production in cultured cells. The invention also provides kits for use in the cultivation of a mammalian epithelial cell that comprise one or more containers, wherein a first container contains the culture medium of the invention. These kits may further comprise one or more additional containers containing one or more supplements.

Abstract: A culture apparatus includes a heat insulating box main body having an inner box; a culture vessel; a duct and a circulation blower forcing convection of a gas in the culture vessel; a humidifying pan disposed on the bottom of the culture vessel and positioned inside the duct; a heat pipe having a heat insulating section, a heat input section disposed at one end of the heat insulating section and a heat dissipation section disposed at the other end of the heat insulating section. The heat pipe is attached to the culture apparatus with the heat dissipation section being disposed outside the culture apparatus, the heat insulating section passing through the heat insulating box main body and the inner box, and the heat input section being disposed in a gas passage in the duct.

Abstract: A device and a method for synthesizing a microarray are provided. The device includes a reduction optics assembly and a target assembly. The reduction optics assembly is configured to receive a light array of selectable regions of light and dark areas, to reduce a size of the light array in two-dimensions, and to project a pattern of the light array on a target surface. The target assembly includes a first stage and a second stage. The first stage is configured to move the target surface in at least two directions in plane with the projected pattern with a first precision. The second stage is mounted to the first stage and is configured to move the target surface in the at least two directions in plane with the projected pattern with a second precision that is smaller than the first precision.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a nucleic acid extracting apparatus, and the nucleic acid extracting apparatus can include a pipe-shaped tube having an open outlet at one side thereof, and a hydrogel supporting member that is provided inside the tube and filters impurities excluding an extraction target material.

Abstract: A system for fast DNA sequencing by amplification of genetic material within microreactors, denaturing, demulsifying, and then sequencing the material, while retaining it in a PCR/sequencing zone by a magnetic field. One embodiment includes sequencing nucleic acids on a microchip that includes a microchannel flow channel in the microchip. The nucleic acids are isolated and hybridized to magnetic nanoparticles or to magnetic polystyrene-coated beads. Microreactor droplets are formed in the microchannel flow channel. The microreactor droplets containing the nucleic acids and the magnetic nanoparticles are retained in a magnetic trap in the microchannel flow channel and sequenced.

Abstract: A device for processing a sample in a liquid droplet containing a hydrophilic liquid is described. The device includes: a circumferential wall and a base including an immobilisation member. The circumferential wall and the base define a reservoir adapted to accommodate a hydrophobic medium immiscible with the liquid droplet. The medium is of a lower surface energy than a liquid of the liquid droplet. The immobilisation member includes a surface with a plurality of hydrophilic immobilisation areas and a hydrophobic area. The plurality of hydrophilic immobilisation areas is: (a) of a higher surface energy than the medium, (b) of a higher surface energy than the hydrophobic area, and (c) of a sufficient surface energy and a sufficient width to allow, in the medium, immobilisation of liquid droplets on the hydrophilic immobilisation areas via interfacial interactions. Methods of using and rinsing the device are also described.

Abstract: Systems and methods for the activation of species and/or the delivery of species to a target environment using harmonic generation materials are generally described.

Abstract: A molecular motor in which multiple concentric cylinders (or nested cones) rotate around a common longitudinal axis. Opposing complementary surfaces of the cylinders or cones are coated with complementary motor protein pairs (such as actin and myosin). The actin and myosin interact with one another in the presence of ATP to rotate the cylinders or cones relative to one another, and this rotational energy is harnessed to produce work. The concentration of ATP and the number of nested cylinders or cones can be used to control the rotational speed of the motor. The length of the cylinders can also be used to control the power generated by the motor. In another embodiment, the molecular motor includes at least two annular substrates wherein one annular substrate is coated with a first motor protein and the other annular substrate is coated with a second motor protein. The first and second motor proteins interact with each other to move the second annular relative to the first annular substrate.

Abstract: Described are embodiments that include methods and devices for separating composite liquids into components. Embodiments involve the use of a flexible membrane for separating a composite liquid into components. The composite liquid may include, in embodiments, a cellular containing liquid, such as whole blood or components of whole blood. In one specific embodiment, the composite liquid is a buffy coat.

Abstract: An electrochemical immunosensor system with reduced interference, comprising: a first immunosensor that generates an electrochemical signal based on the formation of a sandwich between an immobilized antibody, a target analyte and a labeled antibody, wherein a portion of the signal arises from non-specific binding of the labeled antibody in the region of the first immunosensor, and a second immunosensor that acts as an immuno-reference sensor and generates a signal that is the same as or predictably related to the degree of non-specific binding which occurs in the region of the first immunosensor, and has an immunocomplex between an immobilized antibody and an endogenous or exogenous protein that is in the sample and that is not the target analyte.

Abstract: A method for washing platelets includes introducing anticoagulant into a platelet product container, drawing re-anticoagulated platelet product from the platelet product container, and introducing it into a centrifuge bowl. The centrifuge bowl separates the platelets from the supernatant in which they are suspended. The method then washes the platelets by introducing wash solution into the centrifuge bowl. As the wash solution is introduced into the bowl, it displaces the supernatant from the bowl and into a waste container. The method then introduces platelet additive solution into the centrifuge bowl, which displaces the wash solution from the centrifuge bowl and into the waste container and further wash the platelets. The method then repeatedly accelerates and decelerates the centrifuge bowl to resuspend the platelets in the platelet additive solution.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for illuminating the viruses in a circulatory blood, comprising the following steps of: 1) Adding an anticoagulant into a whole blood source and establishing a circulation system for the whole blood source; 2) Withdrawing the whole blood with the anticoagulant into a plasma-separating device for a separation, when finished, directly pumping the red-blood cells back into the whole blood source and transporting the plasma into a mixing transport pump after the separation; 3) Meanwhile, pumping a photosensitizer methylene blue into the mixing transport pump so that the methylene blue is mixed with the plasma and pumped together into a plasma container; 4) Using an illumination device to illuminate the plasma in the plasma container for virus illumination, and pumping the virus-illuminated plasma into a removing device for removing off the photosensitizer; 5) The methylene blue being absorbed by the removing device and the plasma illuminated being transfused back into the

Abstract: Methods and devices for preparing a solid-fibrin web are provided. One method may include drawing blood from a patient, separating plasma from the blood, contacting the plasma with a calcium-coagulation activator and concurrently coagulating and axially centrifuging the plasma to form the solid-fibrin web. The solid-fibrin web may be suitable for regenerating body tissue in a living organism. Devices used in the methods may also be provided.

Abstract: An objective of the present invention is to provide immunoassay microchips in which microstructures of beads having a sufficient reaction area were constructed within microchannels while suppressing flow path resistance, and to provide simple and highly-sensitive immunoassay methods for microsamples. The objective was achieved by immunoassay microchips comprising microchannels with microstructures arranged in at least a portion of the microchannels, the microstructures retaining microbeads uniformly dispersed in photo-cured hydrophilic resins, and the microbeads having a primary antibody immobilized on their surfaces, and by immunoassay methods using the microchips.

Abstract: A device for assay can evenly develop solution, and performs highly accurate and sensitive measurement. A first device part (10) maintains a second insoluble carrier (12) and a third insoluble carrier (13) in such a manner that they overlap with each other at a detection portion (14) of a first insoluble carrier (11). These three carriers (11), (12) and (13) are housed not in contact with each other. A pressing unit (18) having a pressing surface (18a) that is parallel to the detection portion (14) is provided on an inner surface of the second device part (20) facing the detection portion (14). The pressing surface (18a) is displaced by being pressed toward the detection portion (14), and presses, from the upper side of the first insoluble carrier (11), the second insoluble carrier (12) and the third insoluble carrier (13) onto the first insoluble carrier (11). The first device part (10) and the second device part (20) are joined together.

Abstract: Methods, systems and their components for monitoring fluorescent signals and particularly transient fluorescent signals from reaction mixtures of interest, which methods and systems employ modulated excitation light sources to reduce impacts of excessive illumination on the reaction components or the data obtained therefrom.

Abstract: It is possible to determine the presence of bacteria in a sample solution in a shorter period of time without changing a conventional incubating method. Bacteria in a sample solution are incubated in, for example, a sterilized agar medium 10 having a layer thickness of 0.1 ?m to 1 ?m formed on an electrode of a crystal resonator 2, and an oscillation frequency is measured. When the bacteria proliferate, the mass of the entire crystal resonator 2 increases, and the oscillation frequency decreases. Therefore, by monitoring presence of such a change over time, presence of bacteria in the sample solution can be determined quickly.

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 present invention relates to an apparatus for mixing cells and exogenous material for delivery of the exogenous material into cells using electroporation in a manner that preserves cell viability and integrity of the exogenous material. The exogenous material can be polynucleotides, peptides, proteins or other pharmaceutical molecules. It further provides a chamber that can be used to electroporate the contents of the chamber after mixing. In accordance with the invention, cell suspensions that may be contaminated with degrading enzymes are stored separately from water-based liquids that contain the exogenous material. Contact of the two water-based liquids (cell suspension and exogenous material) first occurs within the chamber. The chamber of the present invention has two or more inlet ports to allow separate entrance of water-based liquids. Two other ports are vent and exit ports.

Abstract: A molecular motor in which multiple concentric cylinders (or nested cones) rotate around a common longitudinal axis. Opposing complementary surfaces of the cylinders or cones are coated with complementary motor protein pairs (such as actin and myosin). The actin and myosin interact with one another in the presence of ATP to rotate the cylinders or cones relative to one another, and this rotational energy is harnessed to produce work. The length of the cylinders can also be used to control the power generated by the motor. In another embodiment, the molecular motor includes at least two annular substrates wherein one annular substrate is coated with a first motor protein and the other annular substrate is coated with a second motor protein. The first and second motor proteins interact with each other to move the second annular relative to the first annular substrate.

Abstract: The invention relates to compositions and methods for multiplex decoding of microsphere array sensors.

Abstract: The present invention provides a blood collection container capable of allowing blood to coagulate in a short time and preventing blood from coagulating with bubbles contained therein and thus preventing formation of bubbly clots when used to collect blood therein. A blood collection container 1 stores a blood coagulation promoting agent 4 for promoting blood coagulation and an antifoaming agent 5, which is a polyoxyalkylene or a derivative thereof. The amount of the antifoaming agent 5 is 2.0×10?3 to 0.2 mg per mL of blood to be collected in the blood collection container 1.

Abstract: A system and method for processing biological sensors. The system includes a support component configured to support a fluidic component. The fluidic component includes at least a first container and a second container. The first container is capable of holding a first volume of a first fluid, and the second container is capable of holding a second volume of a second fluid. Additionally, the system includes a hybridization component configured to perform a hybridization process on a first sensor and a second sensor. Moreover, the system includes a transport component configured to move the first sensor, directly or indirectly, from the hybridization component into the first container and in contact with the first volume of the first fluid.

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 novel artificial antigen presenting cells (aAPCs). The aAPC comprises at least one stimulatory ligand and at least one co-stimulatory ligand where the ligands each specifically bind with a cognate molecule on a T cell of interest, thereby mediating expansion of the T cell. The aAPC of the invention can further comprise additional molecules useful for expanding a T cell of interest. The aAPC of the invention can be used as an “off the shelf” APC that can be readily designed to expand a T cell of interest. Also, the aAPC of the invention can be used identify the stimulatory, co-stimulatory, and any other factors that mediate growth and expansion of a T cell of interest. Thus, the present invention provides powerful tools for development of novel therapeutics where activation and expansion of a T cell can provide a benefit.

Abstract: A marking apparatus (1) for marking an item (12). The apparatus comprises: means to receive the item; a nucleic acid marker; means to release a marking fluid (8); and a distribution mechanism (11) coupled to the nucleic acid marker and the means to release the marking fluid. The means to release the marking fluid can be activated to release the marking fluid such that the distribution mechanism disperses a mixture of the nucleic acid marker and the marking fluid onto the item.

Abstract: This invention provides a digital microfluidic manipulation device and a manipulation method thereof. This device comprises a PDMS membrane having a surface comprising a plurality of hydrophobic microstructures; a plurality of air chambers arranged in an array and placed under the PDMS membrane; and a plurality of air channels, each of which connects to a corresponding one of the plurality of air chambers. When a suction force is transmitted via one of the plurality of air channels to the corresponding air chamber, a portion of the PDMS membrane above the air chamber deforms toward the air chamber, so that the surface morphology and the contact angle of the liquid/solid interface of the surface comprising the plurality of hydrophobic microstructures are altered and thereby to drive droplets.