Abstract: An apparatus for the thermal treatment of samples within sample containers comprises: a sample block a receiving region for the sample containers; a first temperature-control device thermally coupled to the sample block designed to set a temperature of the sample block; a cover plate arranged in the receiving region of the sample block; a second temperature-control device thermally coupled to the cover plate and designed to set a temperature of the cover plate; and a control unit connected to the first and the second temperature-control devices and designed to control the first and the second temperature-control device as to control the temperature of the sample block and the temperature of the cover plate such that the temperatures are coordinated with one another. A method for the thermal treatment of samples contained in sample containers is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to systems, methods, and devices for ex vivo organ care. More particularly, in various embodiments, the invention relates to caring for a liver ex vivo at physiologic or near-physiologic conditions.

Abstract: A device for aseptically obtaining a physical sample of an adherent cell culture substrate from an adherent cell culture bioreactor. This enables the operator to directly evaluate e.g., cell density/confluence on the substrate without contaminating the cell culture.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention relate to a networked cell culture incubator and to methods for operating such an incubator. In one aspect, the cell culture incubator includes a network interface for communicating with a source of parameter data utilized successfully by other incubators. The incubator receives appropriate parameter data and conducts the incubation process as prescribed by the parameter data so as to provide an improved environment for cell culture growth. The incubator may share its own parameter data with the data source for use by other incubators. The incubator and data source may share other forms of data as well.

Abstract: A reaction device for a detection chip and a reaction system are provided. The reaction device includes a chip carrier and an electrical signal control unit. The chip carrier is configured to place and fix the detection chip; and the electrical signal control unit is configured to apply an electrical signal to the detection chip so as to drive a heating electrode of the detection chip.

Abstract: A process and/or a bioreactor control system for controlling a bioreactor. The bioreactor control system includes a bioreactor, a sensor, an electronic card, and a bioreactor controller. The sensor is proximate to the bioreactor and configured to generate a signal indicative of an operating condition of the bioreactor. The signal is then transmitted to the electronic card. Receiving the signal, the electronic card processes the signal to generate a converted signal. The converted signal is then transmitted to the bioreactor controller. The bioreactor controller, in turn, processes the converted signal and generates a control signal to modify the operating condition of the bioreactor.

Abstract: A microfluidic device may include at least four interconnected microfluidic channels and a set of fluid actuators. The set of fluid actuators may include a fluid actuator asymmetrically located within at least two of the at least four interconnected microfluidic channels. Each of the at least four interconnected microfluidic channels may be activated to a fluid inputting state, a fluid outputting state and a fluid blocking state in response to selective actuation of different combinations of fluid actuators of the set.

Abstract: An electro-optical device for taking flow measurements includes a measurement tank through which a flow of fluid to be characterized flows, at least first and second guns for emitting light having separate spectra, a triggering gun allowing diffraction to be measured at small angles and a receiving gun allowing a measurement of attenuation and at least one fluorescence to be taken. The first emitting gun includes a light source defining a main optical axis perpendicular to the fluid flow, and the second emitting gun includes a second light source defining a secondary optical axis substantially orthogonal to the main optical axis and fluid flow. The first and second emitting guns are placed on one side of the measurement tank, the receiving gun is placed on the other side of the measurement tank along the main optical axis and the triggering gun is placed on the other side of the tank.

Abstract: Systems and methods for performing simultaneous nucleic acid amplification and detection. The systems and methods comprise methods for managing a plurality of protocols in conjunction with directing a sensor array across each of a plurality of reaction chambers. In certain embodiments, the protocols comprise thermocycling profiles and the methods may introduce offsets and duration extensions into the thermocycling profiles to achieve more efficient detection behavior.

Abstract: A data collection hub and method wherein a controller is configured to receive data from a plurality of sensors sensing conditions related to the performance of operations on cells by at least one instrument. A database stores the data from the plurality of sensors and the controller is configured to compare data from the plurality of sensors for a past operation with the data for a more recent operation.

Abstract: A data collection hub and method wherein a controller is configured to receive data from a plurality of sensors sensing conditions related to the performance of operations on cells by at least one instrument. A database stores the data from the plurality of sensors and the controller is configured to compare data from the plurality of sensors for a past operation with the data for a more recent operation.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method for screening, isolating and purifying analytes.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a bioreactor system that allows active perfusive flow through a porous support medium enabling 3D growth of biological samples. In some embodiments, the system comprises a sample well filled with a three-dimensional (3D) cell growth medium. The system can further comprise a liquid medium reservoir fluidly connected to the sample well by a first filter material. The system can further comprises a medium collection chamber fluidly connected to the sample well by a second filter material. In some embodiments, application of negative gage pressure to the medium collection chamber or positive pressure to the liquid medium reservoir draws fluid from the liquid medium reservoir, through the first filter material, into the sample well where it permeates the three-dimensional cell growth medium, through the second filter material, and finally into the medium collection chamber.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention relate to a networked cell culture incubator and to methods for operating such an incubator. In one aspect, the cell culture incubator includes a network interface for communicating with a source of parameter data utilized successfully by other incubators. The incubator receives appropriate parameter data and conducts the incubation process as prescribed by the parameter data so as to provide an improved environment for cell culture growth. The incubator may share its own parameter data with the data source for use by other incubators. The incubator and data source may share other forms of data as well.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a radio-frequency identification system for a cryogenic straw comprising: at least one integrated circuit configured to store information and generate a radio-frequency signal in a frequency range of between 30 MHz and 3 GHz; and at least one antenna comprising a conductive thread configured to be integrated, such as molded, into a sidewall of the cryogenic straw. The disclosure further relates to a cryogenic straw comprising at least one antenna, the antenna comprising a conductive thread or rod, wherein the at least one antenna is integrated, such as molded, into a sidewall of the cryogenic straw.

Abstract: Improved cell culture devices and related methods that overcome the limitations of prior devices and methods, by creating devices that can integrate a variety of novel attributes. These various attributes include the use of gas permeable material and medium volumes that exceed conventional devices as well as compartments that can facilitate the long term study of high density cultures with reduced disruption of the culture environment, the ability to study the migration of items of interest including substances such as chemokine, track the movement of cells, and monitor cell to cell interactions.

Abstract: Provided are systems and methods for line volume calibration, and measurement of fluid samples delivered to an interrogation point. In various embodiments, a known fluid volume comprising a sample line fluid and a secondary fluid is delivered to a fluid boundary sensor. The fluid boundary sensor assists in determining the position of the boundaries between the various fluids, and the positions of these boundaries are used to determine the sample line fluid volume.

Abstract: An image sensor with noise-reduction circuitry includes a pixel array, many analog-to-digital converters, and many correlated dual sampling units. The pixel array includes rows and columns of pixel cells. Each of the pixel cells converts light into analog electrical signal. Analog-to-digital converters convert the electric signals output from the pixel cells into digital signals. The correlated dual sampling units convert the digital signals and/or the electric signals into correlated dual sampling signals to denoise the output of the image sensor by subtraction from the analog content. An electronic device is also provided.

Abstract: There is provided an automatic analysis device that can appropriately sort and discard expendable items. The automatic analysis device includes a common transport mechanism that transports a plurality of types of expendable items by common mechanism, a plurality of transport paths that is provided separately from the common transport mechanism, a type determination portion that determines the type of expendable item being transported by the common transport mechanism. The automatic analysis device controls to select one of a plurality of transport paths according to a determination result of the type determination portion and to transport the expendable items transported from the common transport mechanism via the selected transport path.

Abstract: Optical systems and apparatuses configured for enabling substantially simultaneous observation of a plurality of points in an array from a common reference point. Without the optical systems and apparatuses disclosed herein, less than all of the plurality of points can be observed substantially simultaneously from the common reference point.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bioreactor comprising a tank (100) capable of being operated for a working period, said tank (100) being intended to receive a culture medium comprising a cellular culture of photosynthetic microorganisms, a light source (200) arranged to emit incident light having a chosen incoming light intensity (Iin) in the direction of the tank, a temperature probe (400) for measuring the temperature of said culture medium in the tank, and a temperature regulator (500) capable of raising and lowering the temperature of said culture medium in the tank, and further comprising a control (700) of the temperature regulator arranged to adjust the temperature of the culture medium to a low setpoint value (VCB) during a first period, and to adjust the temperature of the culture medium to a high setpoint value (VCH) during a second period, the succession of said first and second periods making it possible to induce a cellular stress in at least some of said photosynthetic microorganisms during the worki

Abstract: A bioreactor configured to contain a volume of liquid is provided. The bioreactor includes a collapsible bag able to contain the volume of liquid, a support structure surrounding and containing the collapsible bag, a first sparger connected to the collapsible bag, the first sparger having a first aperture size, and a second sparger connected to the collapsible bag, the second sparger having a second aperture size that is different from the first aperture size.

Abstract: A method and system for performing operations on cells on an instrument comprises providing a peer to peer network of instruments for performing operations on cells, maintaining a distributed database in at least a plurality of the instruments in the peer to peer network, storing at least one protocol in the database for use by at least one instrument in the peer to peer network for performing operations on cells and storing results from the performance of the operations on cells by the at least one instrument in the distributed database. The results stored in the distributed database is then usable to later authenticate the results from the at least one instrument.

Abstract: The invention discloses a bioreactor apparatus (1;101;201;301) for cultivation of cells comprising: a) a disposable bioreactor vessel (2) with one or more walls (3,4,5) defining an inner volume (6), at least one port (10) in a wall, wherein the disposable bioreactor vessel is positioned in a rigid support structure (8;108); and b) a heater (9;109;209;309), capable of heating an amount of culture medium to a target temperature in the range of 55-95° C., while the amount of culture medium is being confined in or conveyed to the inner volume.

Abstract: A microfluidic device may include a first fluid chamber, a second fluid chamber, a first microfluidic passage extending between the first fluid chamber and the second fluid chamber, a second microfluidic passage extending from the second fluid chamber, a first fluid actuator adjacent the first microfluidic passage and proximate the first fluid chamber to inertially pump fluid away from the first fluid chamber and a second fluid actuator adjacent the first microfluidic passage and proximate the second fluid chamber to menially pump fluid towards the first fluid chamber.

Abstract: A data collection hub and method wherein a controller is configured to receive data from a plurality of sensors sensing conditions related to the performance of operations on cells by at least one instrument. A database stores the data from the plurality of sensors and the controller is configured to compare data from the plurality of sensors for a past operation with the data for a more recent operation.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention relate to a networked cell culture incubator and to methods for operating such an incubator. In one aspect, the cell culture incubator includes a network interface for communicating with a source of parameter data utilized successfully by other incubators. The incubator receives appropriate parameter data and conducts the incubation process as prescribed by the parameter data so as to provide an improved environment for cell culture growth. The incubator may share its own parameter data with the data source for use by other incubators. The incubator and data source may share other forms of data as well.

Abstract: A sterile packaging unit includes a disposable bioprocessing component (20) and a packaging (30). The disposable bioprocessing component (20) has a component wall that encloses a processing space and on which is secured a sensor system (40) with at least one sensor head (T, P, I, L, D) and with attached sensor electronics (42) that include a memory unit (44). The packaging (30) hermetically encloses the disposable bioprocessing component (20) and has a flexible packaging wall. The disposable bioprocessing component (20) and the packaging (30) are sterilized by being jointly irradiated with ionizing radiation. The sensor electronics (42) are connected electrically to a contact unit (34) extending through the packaging wall.

Abstract: An environmental control system for use in a clinical analyzer module includes an upper deck environmental subsystem comprising a far field sensor, one or more heaters, one or more spine cooling fans, and one or more in-line fluid heat exchangers. The far field sensor is configured to acquire measurements of ambient temperature in the upper deck environmental subsystem. The heaters are configured to generate hot airflow based on the measurements of ambient temperature from the far field sensor. The spine cooling fans are configured to operate in a manner that mixes the hot airflow from the heaters with cool airflow based on the measurements of ambient temperature from the far field sensor. The in-line fluid heat exchangers are configured to heat fluids used in reactions performed on the clinical analyzer module to a constant temperature.

Abstract: A device for treating at least one biological cell includes at least one treatment support comprising a receiving surface enabling the adhesion of the at least one biological cell, at least one actuator capable of deforming said support in order to apply a stress to said at least one cell, and means of controlling said at least one actuator such that the actuator deforms the treatment support according to a given amplitude of deformation and for a given duration so as to generate at least one transitory pore in a membrane of the biological cell.

Abstract: The present set of embodiments relate to an environmental condition monitoring and control system employing a software based virtual transmitter for a bioreactor or mixer. The system includes a probe for measuring a condition in a bioreactor that can generate a signal. Measured conditions may include pH, DO, temperature, and pressure. The signal can travel to an electronic card capable of converting the signal from analog to digital and the card can then send the converted signal to a digital controller. The condition monitoring and control system eliminates hardware redundancies and increases versatility by then displaying the converted signal in a software-based virtual transmitter on a non-dedicated human machine interface.

Abstract: A chemical and/or biochemical apparatus (10) for receiving a plurality of reaction vessels in which chemical and/or biochemical reactions may take place includes a thermal mount (14) having a plurality of wells (26) for receiving the reaction vessels (12), a thermal module (16) having a first side thermally coupled to the thermal mount (14), a first heat sink (18) thermally coupled to a second side of the thermal module, the heat sink (18) having a body and a plurality of thermally conductive fins (32) extending outwards from the body of the first heat sink (18), and a printed circuit board (54) having electronic components for controlling at least the thermal module (16), an excitation light source (62), and a light sensor (52). A first set of light waveguides (60) is provided for delivering excitation light to a reaction vessel, and a second set of light waveguides (38) is provided for receiving light from a reaction vessel and for delivering the light to the light sensor (52).

Abstract: Presented are methods and compositions for obtaining sequence information from one or more individual cells. The methods are useful for obtaining sequence information for a single nucleotide sequence, and for multiplex generation of sequence information from one or more individual cells.

Abstract: A cooler includes a housing having a bottom surface, a front wall, a rear wall, two opposing sidewalls and an open top in communication with an interior storage chamber. A pivotal lid encloses the open top to provide selective access to the interior storage chamber. The lower surface of the lid includes a sensor that measures temperature, pressure and humidity within the interior chamber, and transmits the measured data to a portable electronic device to allow a remote user to monitor the condition of stored ice without opening the lid.

Abstract: An incubator includes: an insulated box including an incubation space surrounded by multiple inner faces; a humidifying unit that humidifies an incubation space; a first heating unit that heats a first inner face among the multiple inner faces, with electric power supplied; a second heating unit that heats a second inner face, different from the first inner face, with electric power supplied; and a control unit that controls the magnitude of electric power supplied to each of the first heating unit and the second heating unit. The control unit repeatedly changes the magnitude of electric power supplied to the first heating unit at first timing, and also repeatedly changes the magnitude of electric power supplied to the second heating unit at second timing different from the first timing.

Abstract: Optical systems and apparatuses configured for enabling substantially simultaneous observation of a plurality of points in an array from a common reference point. Without the optical systems and apparatuses disclosed herein, less than all of the plurality of points can be observed substantially simultaneously from the common reference point.

Abstract: A biological sorting apparatus is disclosed, which includes a light-induced dielectrophoretic chip, a supporting platform, an injecting unit and a projection module. The light-induced dielectrophoretic chip is configured to generate an internal electric field to perform sorting on a fluid including first microparticles and second microparticles. The supporting platform is utilized to support the light-induced dielectrophoretic chip thereon and has an opening. The injecting unit is configured to inject the fluid into the light-induced dielectrophoretic chip. The projection module is disposed below the supporting platform and is configured to project a light pattern onto a projection area of the light-induced dielectrophoretic chip through the opening of the supporting platform, such that the light-induced dielectrophoretic chip produces a light-induced effect to change the internal electric field, thereby sorting out the first microparticles and the second microparticles.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a method includes receiving light on a photoconductive layer of an electrophoretic deposition (EPD) device, the EPD device having a chamber defined by a first sheet, a second sheet and a spacer between the first and second sheets, where the first sheet is nonopaque and includes the photoconductive layer, where the second sheet is nonopaque and spaced from the first sheet, where a fluidic solution having a plurality of particles is in the chamber. The particles in the solution are attracted from suspension to illuminated portions of the photoconductive layer in the absence of an external voltage applied to the first and second sheets. The particles become deposited on the illuminated portions of the photoconductive layer.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatuses of controlling fluid flow are disclosed. An apparatus includes a first microplate having a first open portion and defining one or more first wells therein, a second microplate having a second open portion and defining one or more second wells therein, and a pneumatic lid constructed of styrene ethylene butylene styrene (SEBS). The pneumatic lid extends over the first open portion and the second open portion and includes one or more microfluidic channels that fluidly couple the one or more first wells to the one or more second wells. The pneumatic lid provides an airtight seal over the first microplate and the second microplate.

Abstract: A cell survival rate determining device includes a distribution acquisition unit acquiring a particle size distribution in a solution containing particles including cultured cells; a classification unit classifying the particles into a small particle group and a large particle group using a predetermined threshold in the distribution; a ratio calculation unit calculating the value of a ratio between the number of particles belonging to the small particle group and the number of particles belonging to the large particle group; and a survival rate determination unit determining the survival rate of the cultured cells from the value of the ratio using a pre-acquired relationship between the ratio and cell survival rate.

Abstract: An optofluidic photoreactor including an optical waveguide having an input, characterized by an evanescent optical field confined along an outer surface of the optical waveguide produced by radiation propagating in the optical waveguide, means for inputting light to the input of the optical waveguide, and a photoactive material disposed substantially only within the evanescent field. A method for optically activating a photoactive material in an optofluidic photoreactor to convert carbon dioxide and water into other molecules that may be useful as a fuel or a chemical feedstock.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, systems and articles of manufacture are disclosed herein to implement flexible bioreactor control systems. An example apparatus disclosed herein includes a processor coupled to a memory, the processor programmed to determine whether the map value included in the process task object is a valid map value, the process task object to correspond to a task executed by a bioreactor, a control device or a measurement device of the bioreactor control system configuration, in response to determining the map value is a valid map value, decode the map value to identify the source location of a first input of the process task object, pull a value from the source location to update the input value of the process task object, and facilitate execution of the process task with the input value.

Abstract: Aspects of the present teachings describe a method and apparatus for automatically controlling a block temperature to reduce undershooting and overshooting of the temperatures of a sample contained in the block and participating in a polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The adaptive thermal block temperature control begins when a sample temperature enters a sample window region between a preliminary setpoint temperature and a target setpoint temperature for the sample. Based on thermodynamic behavior of the sample and the predetermined phase of PCR, predicting a time period measured subsequent to the preliminary setpoint temperature when the sample will reach the target setpoint suitable for the predetermined phase of PCR. During this time period, varying the block temperature ramp rate with a series of cooling and heating changes to ensure the block temperature reaches the target setpoint temperature at approximately the same time as the sample reaches the same.

Abstract: The present patent application describes a stirrer comprising a combination of at least one axially-conveying element and at least one radially-conveying element relative to the rotary shaft of the stirrer wherein the largest diameter of the at least one axially-conveying element is equal to or less than the inner diameter di of the radially-conveying element. In one embodiment the stirrer according to the invention is a combination of one anchor stirrer with at least one inclined-blade stirrer. Furthermore the use of the stirrer according to the invention for the culture of cells in a dialysis method is described.

Abstract: A hand-held molecular diagnostic test device includes a housing, an amplification (or PCR) module, and a detection module. The amplification module is configured to receive an input sample, and defines a reaction volume. The amplification module includes a heater such that the amplification module can perform a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) on the input sample. The detection module is configured to receive an output from the amplification module and a reagent formulated to produce a signal that indicates a presence of a target amplicon within the input sample. The amplification module and the detection module are integrated within the housing.

Abstract: A cell culture assay device can include: a substrate having a plurality of discrete microfluidic networks and a plurality of wells over the discrete microfluidic networks, each discrete microfluidic network having one or more wells fluidly coupled thereto, the wells extending upward from the discrete microfluidic networks; and a manifold body coupled with the substrate and having at least one fluid conduit pair for each microfluidic network and/or each well, each fluid conduit pair including a fluid inlet conduit and a fluid outlet conduit fluidly coupled to a corresponding microfluidic network and/or well. The substrate can be formed from a substrate base having the microfluidic networks coupled to a well plate having the wells associated with the microfluidic networks.

Abstract: The invention relates to bioengineering and medical modular systems for the realization of self-contained equipment for influencing biological media, cells, tissue and tissue-like structures as objects. These modular systems distinguish themselves, in particular, by the fact that the user-specific equipment for influencing the objects can be realized in a simple and economically effective way. A tub-shaped main body for placement of elements that can be combined with one another is provided for this. Furthermore, at least one container for a liquid medium, a pumping system for a liquid medium, connection elements, filters for the inlet and outlet of gas, at least one filter with a connecting element for a medium, elements for a connection to at least one bioreactor, at least one gas inlet unit or a combination of at least one bioreactor and at least one gas inlet unit are components of the modular system.

Abstract: A raw-material supply device for supplying a biomass raw material under pressure, wherein the device is provided with: a screw body, provided inside a screw feeder and adapted for compressing, rotating, and transporting the powdered biomass raw material using a motor from a normal-pressure feed section for the fed biomass raw material to a high-pressure discharge section; and a pressing plug provided on the tip section side of the screw body, the pressing plug having a plug tip for maintaining a high-temperature/high-pressure field against the discharge force of compressed consolidated biomass.

Abstract: A bioreactor monitoring and/or control system utilizing only non-dedicated user input and information display devices, a digital controller and software, which system comprises: i) at least one diagnostic probe for measuring operating conditions in a bioreactor; ii) signal conditioning and communication electronics which supply operating current and/or voltage to the probe and which convert the diagnostic signal into a format accessible by a digital controller which directly receives the format converted signal and transmits it to software which enables the display device to show the converted signal, and also instruct the controller to implement changes in the operating conditions in the reactor, and iii) a software-based virtual transmitter which substantially replicates the keyboard, display, menu-tree and response of a physical sensor transmitter.

Abstract: Single-sided optoelectrowetting (SSOEW)-configured substrates are provided, as well as microfluidic devices that include such substrates. The substrates can include a planar electrode, a photoconductive (or photosensitive) layer, a dielectric layer (single-layer or composite), a mesh electrode, and a hydrophobic coating. Fluid droplets can be moved across the hydrophobic coating of such substrates in a light-actuated manner, upon the application of a suitable AC voltage potential across the substrate and the focusing of light into the photoconductive layer of the substrate in a location proximal to the droplets. Walls can be disposed upon the substrates to form the microfluidic devices. Together the walls and substrate can form a microfluidic circuit, through which droplets can be moved.