Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for injecting biological material into a micro-object such as a cell are provided. In one aspect, for example, a cellular injection device can include a housing, an injection lance coupled to the housing and having a working tip extending outward from the housing, and a biological material delivery device coupled to the housing and having an effluent tip extending outward from the housing. The effluent tip can be positioned sufficiently proximal to the working tip such that biological material expelled from the effluent tip substantially contacts the working tip. In one aspect, the injection lance is removably coupled to the housing. In another aspect, the biological material delivery device is removably coupled to the housing.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for controlling the diameter of a mammalian hybrid coronary bypass graft. The system includes a controller having at least one input for receiving information and feedback information and an output for outputting control signals, including at least one steady flow system control signal; and a pressure/flow loop subsystem coupled to the controller. The pressure/flow loop subsystem includes a specimen holder, an external flow loop system coupled to the specimen holder, a steady flow system, and an output for outputting the feedback information. The pressure/flow loop subsystem receives the control signals and is capable of adjusting a diameter of a specimen in accordance with the control signals, when the specimen holder contains the specimen.

Abstract: Developing heart valves are exposed to dynamic strains by applying a dynamic pressure difference over the leaflets. The flow is kept to a minimum, serving only as a perfusion system, supplying the developing tissue with fresh nutrients. Standard heart valves were engineered based on B trileaflet scaffolds seeded with cells isolated from the human saphenous vein. Tissue compaction is constrained by the stent, inducing increasing pre-strain in the tissue. The dynamic strains the tissues are exposed to via the dynamic pressure difference, are estimated using finite element methods based on the mechanical properties of the neo-tissue, in order to get inside into the strain distribution over the leaflet.

Abstract: A manipulator system and a manipulation method of a micromanipulation target object, which are capable of automatically executing a variety of operations about a micromanipulation target object such as an ovum that have hitherto required a skilled technique, are disclosed.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention provides a-method for performing a lateral flow assay. The method includes depositing a sample on a test strip at an application region, detecting a first detection signal arising from the test strip in the first detection zone, and generating a baseline for the first measurement zone by interpolating between values of the detection signal outside of the first measurement zone and inside of the first detection zone. The method may include locating a beginning boundary and an ending boundary for the first measurement zone on the test strip. Additional detection zones having measurement zones may also be incorporated with the embodiment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to automated methods of introducing multiple nucleic acid sequences into one or more target cells.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for delivering a biological material into an organelle of a cell are provided. In one aspect, for example, a method for introducing biological material into an organelle of a cell includes bringing into proximity a lance and a preselected biological material outside of a cell and charging the lance with a polarity and a charge sufficient to electrically associate the preselected biological material with a tip portion of the lance. The method also includes penetrating an outer portion of the cell with the lance and directing and inserting the lance into an organelle, discharging the lance to release at least a portion of the biological material into the organelle, and withdrawing the lance from the cell.

Abstract: A gene injection apparatus for injecting a gene into a cell held on a substrate, includes a needle unit. The needle unit includes a fine needle to be inserted into the cell immersed in a culture medium in which the gene is dispersed, and a flexible support part configured to hold the fine needle, the flexible support part being flexing when the fine needle is pressed onto the substrate. The gene injection apparatus further includes a drive unit configured to push down the flexible support part toward the substrate, further from a position where a tip of the fine needle contacts the substrate.

Abstract: In a cell electrophysiological sensor having a thin plate with a through hole, a support plate with a through hole and a container plate with a through hole stuck to an upper portion of this support plate, the support plate and the container plate are stuck to each other through fusion with a portion of the outer shape of a first electrode in a ring shape intervening in a portion of the interface. In this configuration, a cell electrophysiological sensor which allows for measurement with high precision can be attained, and a manufacturing method which is excellent in terms of mass production can be provided.

Abstract: A system for hemodynamic simulation comprises a vessel having properties of a blood vessel, a reservoir containing a quantity of fluid, tubing connecting the vessel and reservoir, and at least one pump for circulating the fluid within the system. Fluid can be tissue culture medium or blood analog fluid, and the vessel may include mammalian cells attached to its inside. A drive system, comprising two reciprocating drive shafts that are coupled by a cam, enables the uncoupling of pulsatile flow and pulsatile pressure to provide independent control over wall shear stress and circumferential strain. The shaft drives two pumps that are 180 degrees out-of-phase and are connected upstream and downstream of the vessel, and effect this uncoupling.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of processing analyte using a portable incubator apparatus. The incubator apparatus 10 has a plurality of cavities 20 each configured to receive analyte to be incubated. The method comprises: receiving analyte in each of the plurality of cavities; incubating the analyte in the plurality of cavities, the incubator apparatus being operable to control temperatures of analyte contained in the plurality of cavities independently of each other; and moving the incubator apparatus from a first location to a second location while the analyte is being incubated, the incubator apparatus being configured to maintain desired incubation conditions independently of a supply of electrical power and apparatus external to the incubator apparatus as the incubator apparatus is being moved.

Abstract: A vibration type microinjection device capable of ensuring smooth piercing of membranes having different properties such as a zona pellucida, a cell membrane and a nuclear membrane included in a fertilized egg with high accuracy and efficiency is provided. A vibration type microinjection device comprises a vibrator (28) which is connected in series with a micropipette (8) and which has a piezoelectric actuator (29) installed in a housing, and a signal control device (21) for controlling an electric signal applied to the piezoelectric actuator (29), wherein vibration is applied in the longitudinal direction of the micropipette (8) via the vibrator (28) by inputting an electric signal to the piezoelectric actuator (29). By such configuration, smooth piercing of membranes having different properties such as a zona pellucida, a cell membrane and nuclear membrane included in a fertilized egg is realized with high accuracy and efficiency.

Abstract: A microinjection device for injecting a target cell with a reagent. The microinjection device includes a flexible substrate; a target supply channel formed in the flexible substrate for receiving the target cell; a reagent supply channel formed in the flexible substrate for receiving the reagent; a suction capillary mounted within a suction channel formed in the flexible substrate, the suction capillary providing suction to the target supply channel for immobilizing the target cell within the target supply channel; an injection needle mounted within a needle channel formed in the flexible substrate, the injection needle being movable between injected and un-injected positions by deforming at least a part of the flexible substrate; and a plurality of electrodes embedded in the flexible substrate, the plurality of electrodes creating a voltage potential across the injection needle to move the reagent into the target when the injection needle is in the injected position.

Abstract: A device for preparing an undifferentiated cell, the device comprises means for contacting a more committed cell with an agent that causes the more committed cell to retrodifferentiate into an undifferentiated cell.

Abstract: Hybrid synthetic grafts and embodiments of systems and methods for producing hybrid vascular grafts that can yield implantable grafts that combine synthetic grafts with living cells. Embodiments of systems can include a pressure/flow loop subsystem having an external flow loop system coupled to a specimen holder, where the pressure/flow loop subsystem is capable of adjusting at least two dynamic conditions in the specimen holder or a diameter of a specimen in the specimen holder. Embodiments of methods can coat a hybrid graft with a confluent monolayer of endothelial cells by immobilizing stem cells on a hybrid hemodialysis access graft or a hybrid femoral artery bypass graft, and placing the hybrid graft in a system embodiment according to the invention under conditions effective to promote the stem cells to form a confluent monolayer on the hybrid graft and in an environment to promote the stem cells to differentiate into endothelial cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to automated methods of introducing multiple nucleic acid sequences into one or more target cells.

Abstract: A ready-to-use electroporation cuvette is provided that includes a cuvette, first and second electrodes positioned within the cuvette and electroporation competent cells frozen in a suspension solution within the cuvette, wherein the electroporation cuvette is configured to permit electroporation of the cells when the cells are thawed. The electroporation cuvette may be sealed with a cap that may be color coded to aid the user.

Abstract: A method for the transient transformation of a living biological cell having an intact cell membrane defining an intracellular domain, and an apparatus for the transient transformation of biological cells. The method and apparatus include introducing a compartmentalized extracellular component fixedly attached to a cellular penetrant structure to the intracellular domain of the cell, wherein the cell is fixed in a predetermined location and wherein the component is expressed within in the cell while being retained within the compartment and wherein the compartment restricts the mobility and interactions of the component within the cell and prevents transference of the component to the cell.

Abstract: The present invention is directed, at least in part, to methods for imagewise patterning of a surface. Such patterned surfaces can be used, e.g., in microfluidic devices. Accordingly, the present invention is also directed, at least in part, to nanopatterned devices which include a microchannel structure and methods for forming such devices.

Abstract: A bottom wall of a Petri dish used for capturing a cell is provided with a first through hole and a second through hole. A grove that connects the first through hole and the second through hole is formed on an outer surface of bottom wall. The first through hole, the second through hole, and the grove is covered with a transparent plate member. A plate used for capturing the cell is arranged in the Petri dish above the first through hole. An aspiration tube is connected to the second through hole from inside the Petri dish.

Abstract: A microinjection apparatus is designed to introduce the transfecting material into the transductant by inserting a minute injection needle (11) into the transductant and includes a container position adjuster (1), an imaging device (2), a position determiner (3) and a plurality of transporters (4). The container position adjuster adjusts the position of a container (12) accommodating therein the transductant. The imaging device captures through a lens (2a), an image of an inside of the container, which has been adjusted in position by the container position adjuster. The position determiner determines the position of the transductant from the image obtained by the imaging device. The plurality of the transporters are operable to transport the plural injection needles, individually for each of those injection needles, in dependence on the position information obtained by the position determiner.

Abstract: Hybrid synthetic grafts and embodiments of systems and methods for producing hybrid vascular grafts that can yield implantable grafts that combine synthetic grafts with living cells. Embodiments of systems can include a pressure/flow loop subsystem having an external flow loop system coupled to a specimen holder, where the pressure/flow loop subsystem is capable of adjusting at least two dynamic conditions in the specimen holder or a diameter of a specimen in the specimen holder. Embodiments of methods can promote endothelialization of a hybrid hemodialysis access graft or a hybrid femoral artery bypass graft by placing the hybrid hemodialysis access graft or the hybrid femoral artery bypass graft in a system embodiment according to the invention under conditions effective to promote endothelial cells to form a confluent monolayer on the surface of the hybrid graft.

Abstract: Hybrid synthetic grafts and embodiments of systems and methods for producing hybrid vascular grafts that can yield implantable grafts that combine synthetic grafts with living cells. Embodiments of systems can include a pressure/flow loop subsystem having an external flow loop system coupled to a specimen holder, where the pressure/flow loop subsystem is capable of adjusting at least two dynamic conditions in the specimen holder or a diameter of a specimen in the specimen holder. Embodiments of methods can promote endothelialization of a hybrid hemodialysis access graft or a hybrid femoral artery bypass graft by placing the hybrid hemodialysis access graft or the hybrid femoral artery bypass graft in a system embodiment according to the invention under conditions effective to promote stem cells to form a confluent monolayer on the hybrid graft.

Abstract: Systems, methods, compositions and apparatus relating to genome selection are disclosed.

Abstract: Systems, methods, compositions and apparatus relating to genome selection are disclosed.

Abstract: A micro-organ structure comprising at least two micro-organ portions formed from a tissue, in which said at lest two micro-organs are linked one to the other by means of a junction formed from said tissue of which the micro-organs were formed therefrom.

Abstract: Systems, methods, compositions and apparatus relating to genome selection are disclosed.

Abstract: Systems, methods, compositions and apparatus relating to genome selection are disclosed.

Abstract: As the results of mass sequencing of cDNA clones originating in barley varieties “H. spontaneum”, “Haruna Nijo” and “Akashinriki”, a large number of sites showing single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) among the varieties are found out. Because of involving nonsynonymous substitutions and likely relating to phenotypes inherent in respective varieties, these SNPs are usable for various purposes, for example, genetically distinguishing a variety, isolating a gene, producing/selecting a novel transformant and so on.

Abstract: There is provided a transfection device having a mixture (1) immobilized on a solid-phase support (3), the mixture including: a gene sample; a gene delivery material; and at least one compound selected from the group consisting of sericin, a hydrolysate thereof and a chemically modified product of sericin or a hydrolysate thereof.

Abstract: A method of yielding a functional human hybrid coronary bypass graft is provided. The method includes conditioning a hybrid synthetic tubular structure having stem cells and/or endothelial cells on at least one surface to yield the functional human hybrid coronary bypass graft. Specifically, the method includes placing the hybrid synthetic tubular structure in a system capable of producing three dimensional dynamic conditions for a sufficient time to yield said functional human hybrid coronary bypass graft.

Abstract: A method of yielding a functional human hybrid hemodialysis access graft is provided. The method includes conditioning a hybrid synthetic tubular structure having stem cells and/or endothelial cells on at least one surface to yield the functional human hybrid hemodialysis access graft. Specifically, the method includes placing the hybrid synthetic tubular structure in a system capable of producing three dimensional dynamic conditions for a sufficient time to yield said functional human hybrid hemodialysis access graft.

Abstract: Systems, methods, compositions and apparatus relating to genome selection are disclosed.

Abstract: A conductive substrate for introducing a nucleic acid into a cell, which comprises a carbon nanotube with a carboxyl group, and a nucleic acid, the carbon nanotube and the nucleic acid being loaded on an electrode substrate with a cationic surface.

Abstract: A microinjection apparatus has a trap plate which traps at least one cell, so as to fix a position thereof, a capillary needle which injects a substance into the cell trapped by the trap plate, a movement mechanism portion which thrusts a distal end of the capillary needle onto a in a lengthwise direction of the needle, and which withdraws the capillary needle in the lengthwise direction thereof, and a discharge control portion which discharges the substance from the distal end of the capillary needle, when the capillary needle has been withdrawn to a predetermined position by the movement mechanism portion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method, a chip, a device, and a system for detection of biological particles. The method of the invention typically comprises collecting the biological particles from a gaseous sample, contacting the biological particles with a first liquid reagent, extracting biological material from the collected biological particles, and analyzing the biological material for the presence of a target nucleic acid sequence.

Abstract: The invention relates to an optical method for targeted transfer of molecules, preferably of DNA, RNA, peptides, amino acids and proteins, into vital cells by means of laser radiation and to an arrangement for implementing the method. The object of the invention, to find a novel possibility for targeted molecule transfer into the interior of vital cells, particularly the transfer of DNA, RNA, peptides, amino acids and proteins, which achieves a high transfer efficiency while extensively excluding destructive side effects such as a lethal effect on a treated cell, is met according to the invention in that cellular membranes are opened transiently for the molecule transfer by multiple laser pulses in the microjoule range or less and a pulsed, near-infrared laser beam with a pulse width in the femtosecond range is directed in each instance to a submicrometer spot of a membrane of the vital cell for an irradiation period of less than one second.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a cell culture vessel which is simple in structure and easy to handle, and is capable of preventing damage to the cells when separated, promoting transport of nutrients and excretion of effete matter, and elevating the culturing efficiency improving effect by the structural features. In order to attain the above object, there is provided a cell culture vessel including a culture section provided with a plurality of projections having an equivalent diameter smaller than the cells to be cultured and the culture section side walls enclosing the culture section, wherein the distance between an arbitrary position on the culture section/side wall boundary line and the nearest projection is smaller than the diameter of the cells to be cultured. The effect of the projections in the vessel given to the cultured cells is enhanced.

Abstract: A microinjection apparatus of the present invention includes a needle-position polarity detecting unit that detects a position of the needle in the vertical direction at which a value of a differential aggregate distribution becomes the maximum in the situation in which a shape of the leading edge of the needle at a focal position narrows at the right. Moreover, a differential-average determining unit, based on a differential average of an image near the position detected by the needle-position polarity detecting unit, determines the lowest allowable position of the needle, which is a position at which a differential average exceeds a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: Provided is a reaction treatment apparatus in which, in a case of mixing a plurality of solutions in a microchip used in a biochemical reaction system, an electric field generation area for changing solute concentration distribution in the solutions is provided in a solution upstream fluid path. Diffusion between the solutions is accelerated by bringing an area with a high solute concentration into contact with another solution. This may shorten a time required for mixing the solutions.

Abstract: Systems and methods for manipulating molecular material are provided. In one aspect, for example, a method for manipulating molecular material may include positioning an uncharged needle structure in electrical proximity with a charged molecular material at a first locus in a liquid environment, charging the needle structure such that at least a portion of the charged molecular material becomes associated with the needle structure, moving the needle structure and the first locus relative to one another, and discharging the needle structure to disassociate the charged molecular material at a second locus.

Abstract: To provide a microinjection equipment capable of fitting a micro needle to a manipulator etc. manipulating the micro needle in short time on the occasion of an injection operation. Included are a micro needle transporting device 12 detachably grasping a micro needle 10 filled with an introduction substance and disposed in a predetermined standby position and transporting the micro needle 10 to a predetermined ready-for-introducing position, a manipulator 14 grasping in the attachable/detachable manner the micro needle 10 disposed in the predetermined ready-for-introducing position and inserting and removing the tip of the micro needle 10 into and from an introduction target micro body 13, and an introduction substance discharging device 15 discharging the introduction substance in the micro needle 10 by applying a predetermined pressure to an interior of the micro needle 10 grasped by the manipulator 14.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improvement in an apparatus for detecting chemotaxis of cells. It aims at providing a structure for detecting chemotaxis of cells at an elevated accuracy with the use of a microquantity of cells. That is to say, an object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for detecting chemotaxis of cells by which cell injection and position control can be easily carried out while ensuring the prevention of unexpected migration of the cells definitely positioned in a well or the injected sample so that a stable concentration gradient due to the diffusion of the specimen can be maintained and which ensures further automated operation and controlling.

Abstract: A tip drive apparatus is capable to moving a tip unit toward an object, while holding the tip unit at a prescribed angle. The tip unit is formed on a support unit having flexibility and directed to the object at the prescribed angle. The tip unit includes a contact side in a cross section including the distal end of the support unit and extending in the direction the support unit extends, the contact side configured to contact, at one part at least, the object, and to apply a prescribed pressure to the object. The tip unit further includes a first region including the contact side, and a second region continuous to the support unit.

Abstract: A needle designed to be manipulated on a single cell includes a cantilever tip including a support unit and a tip unit formed at a prescribed angle to the support unit, and a shaft connected to the cantilever tip. The needle is attachable, via at least the shaft, to a tip drive apparatus capable of moving the tip unit in a prescribed direction.

Abstract: A tip, drive apparatus is capable to moving a tip unit toward an object, while holding the tip unit at a prescribed angle. The tip unit is formed on a support unit having flexibility and directed to the object at the prescribed angle. The tip drive apparatus includes a needle having a shaft to which the support unit on which the tip unit is formed, and an adaptor configured to hold the needle, enabling the needle to be replaced by another. The adaptor is configured to be able to change a positional relation with respect to the main unit of the tip drive apparatus, while the needle is being attached.

Abstract: A tip drive apparatus includes a shaft to which a support unit on which a tip unit is formed, and a main unit configured to move the shaft, thereby to move the tip unit toward an object while remaining held at a prescribed angle. The shaft is arranged to meet four requirements including a first requirement of being prevented from contacting a condenser lens of an inverted microscope to which the main unit is attached, a second requirement of providing a region in which a distal end of the support unit is recognized, a third requirement of being prevented from contacting a sidewall of a dish for holding the object, and a fourth requirement of providing a region in which the dish moves relative to the tip unit.

Abstract: Systems for differentiating the lengths of nucleic acids of interest in a sample are provided. The system includes a microfluidic device, a detector, and a software system. The microfluidic device includes an amplification microchannel or microchamber containing a reaction mixture under conditions that provide one or more amplicons of the nucleic acid of interest. The detector is integral with or proximal to the microfluidic device and is configured to detect the amplicons as one or more signals from a homogenous mixture. The software system interprets one or more coincidentally detected signals to indicate lengths of one or more individual nucleic acid molecules of interest, thereby differentiating the lengths of the nucleic acids of interest.

Abstract: Systems, methods, compositions and apparatus relating to genome selection are disclosed.

Abstract: Systems, methods, compositions and apparatus relating to genome selection are disclosed.