Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for extracting lipids from algal cells. In the method, lipids are extracted from algal cells by exposing the algal cells in an aqueous medium to an electric field sufficient to cause release of lipids from said cells. In the system, an electric field is formed between two electrodes connected with an electrical power supply and configured such that during use an aqueous medium containing the algal cells passes between the electrodes to extract lipids therefrom.

Abstract: A single-use, single or multiple tissue, organ, and graft bioreactor and environmental control system is designed to replicate the necessary conditions for growth of tissues, organs, or grafts, while addressing problems in scaling up the tissue growth; adaptation to a single-use or disposable format; and operation as a stand-alone unit that provides full environmental control of cell culture conditions.

Abstract: There is provided a sample processing apparatus capable of detecting the push-up type sample container including a recess on the outer side of the bottom portion of the container and performing an appropriate sample processing while alleviating the load of the user with a simple configuration.

Abstract: The present invention provides microfluidic devices and methods using the same in various types of thermal cycling reactions. Certain devices include a rotary microfluidic channel and a plurality of temperature regions at different locations along the rotary microfluidic channel at which temperature is regulated. Solution can be repeatedly passed through the temperature regions such that the solution is exposed to different temperatures. Other microfluidic devices include an array of reaction chambers formed by intersecting vertical and horizontal flow channels, with the ability to regulate temperature at the reaction chambers. The microfluidic devices can be used to conduct a number of different analyses, including various primer extension reactions and nucleic acid amplification reactions.

Abstract: An automated system for identifying in a biological sample microorganisms and their antimicrobial susceptibility (AST). The system provided an automated platform for preparing, from a single biological sample, inoculates for both ID and AST. The system loads a plate for ID testing as samples are being prepared for AST testing. The system tracks the sample and the inoculates from the samples to link the test results to the sample and the patients from whom the sample was obtained.

Abstract: A cell cultivating platform includes a substrate having a surface, at least one actuator moveable relative to the substrate, and a deformable material layer positioned above at least a portion of the supporting surface and the at least one actuator. The deformable material layer positioned opposite the substrate surface includes a biocompatible supportive surface suitable for supporting cultivated cells. The supportive surface deforms or otherwise deflects in response to activation of the at least one actuator, effectively releasing at least a portion of the cultured cells from the supportive surface. Suitable actuators include piezoelectric actuators that can be selectively energized according to one or more patterns to facilitate separation of cells from the supportive surface. Such activation cycles can be repeated.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel techniques for controlling batch reaction processes. In particular, a parametric hybrid model may be used to parameterize inputs and outputs of batch reaction processes. The parametric hybrid model may include an empirical model, a parameter model, and a dynamic model. Critical quality parameters, which are correlated with, but not the same as, end-of-batch quality values for the batch reaction processes may be monitored during cycles of the batch reaction processes. The quality parameters may be used to generate desired batch trajectories, which may be used to control the batch reaction processes during the cycles of the batch reaction processes.

Abstract: Biochemical assay apparatus uses a container with a sleeve of electrically-conductive material (300) to heat it. The heating is done inside a chamber and a contactless heat sensor (110) such as a thermopile or a bolometer, also inside the chamber, is used to monitor the temperature of the electrically conductive material (300). There are many factors that distort the output of the heat sensor (110), particularly as the temperature rises and properties such as emissivity change, or as time goes by and tarnishing and dust affect the heat sensor output. Because the sleeve has low thermal mass and heat transfer only has to happen over short distances, it is relatively easy to calculate a change in actual temperature of the electrically conductive material (300) when subjected to a known pulse of drive current and this property can be used to calibrate the performance of the heat sensor (110) in situ in the chamber.

Abstract: Device for processing effluents includes: a container for cultivating algae and/or microorganisms in an aqueous medium; supply elements for the algae and/or microorganism culture; elements for injecting an effluent into the algae and/or microorganisms, the effluent coming from a building; elements for adjusting the temperature of the algae and/or microorganism culture; effluent recovery elements for recovering the effluent from a building and for injecting the same into the algae and/or microorganism culture; and optionally a lighting system for promoting the growth of the algae and/or microorganism culture. The device can be used for producing biofuel, organic molecules, chemical compounds and proteins. The biofuel thus obtained may consist of oleaginous biomass, for example, which can directly be used in a thermal power plant or be converted by pyrolysis into coal or biopetroleum.

Abstract: A test module for lysing cells in a fluid, the test module having an outer casing with receptacle for receiving a fluid containing cells, a lysis reagent reservoir containing a lysis reagent and having an outlet valve, and, a lysis section in fluid communication with the receptacle for holding the fluid during lysis of the cells, wherein, the outlet valve is upstream of the lysis section and configured to open as the fluid flows into the lysis section thereby adding the lysis reagent to the fluid.

Abstract: A lab-on-a-chip (LOC) device for detecting a target nucleic acid sequence in a sample, the LOC device having probes with a nucleic acid sequence complementary to the target nucleic acid sequence for forming probe-target hybrids, an electrochemiluminescent (ECL) luminophore, and a functional moiety for quenching photon emission from the ECL luminophore by resonant energy transfer, and, electrodes for generating an excited state in the ECL luminophore in which the ECL luminophore emits photons of light, wherein during use, the functional moiety changes proximity to the luminophore upon formation of a probe-target hybrid.

Abstract: A lab-on-a-chip (LOC) device for analyzing a sample fluid, the LOC device having a supporting substrate, a sample inlet for receiving the sample, a microsystems technology (MST) layer with functional sections for processing and analyzing the sample, and, CMOS circuitry between the supporting substrate and the MST layer, the CMOS circuitry having digital memory for storing data and operational information to operatively control the functional sections during processing and analysis of the sample.

Abstract: A lab-on-a-chip (LOC) device for genetic analysis of a biological sample, the LOC device having an inlet for receiving the sample, a supporting substrate, a dialysis section for separating cells larger than a predetermined threshold in the sample from smaller constituents, whereby the cells larger than a predetermined threshold include target cells containing genetic material for analysis, a plurality of reagent reservoirs, a lysis section downstream of the dialysis section for lysing cells to release the genetic material therein, the lysis section being in fluid communication with one of the reagent reservoirs containing a lysis reagent for lysing the target cells in the lysis section, a first nucleic acid amplification section downstream of the lysis section for amplifying nucleic acid sequences in the genetic material, and, a second nucleic acid amplification section downstream of the lysis section for amplifying nucleic acid sequences in the genetic material in parallel with the first nucleic acid amplifi

Abstract: A lab-on-a-chip (LOC) device for installation in a test module for analyzing a sample fluid and communicating test results to an external device, the LOC device having a supporting substrate, a sample inlet for receiving the sample, a microsystems technology (MST) layer with functional sections for processing and analyzing the sample, and, CMOS circuitry on the supporting substrate, the CMOS circuitry having a universal serial bus (USB) device driver for operative control of a USB plug in the test module for communication with the external device.

Abstract: A microfluidic device having a sample inlet for receiving a sample of biological material having nucleic acid sequences, a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) section for amplifying the nucleic acid sequences, the PCR section having at least one heater, and, at least one temperature sensor, wherein, the at least one temperature sensor is configured to provide output for feedback control of the at least one heater.

Abstract: A lab-on-a-chip (LOC) device for analyzing a sample fluid, the LOC device having a supporting substrate, a sample inlet for receiving the sample, a microsystems technology (MST) layer with functional sections for processing and analyzing the sample, and, CMOS circuitry between the supporting substrate and the MST layer, the CMOS circuitry having flash memory for storing program data to operate the functional sections during processing and analysis of the sample.

Abstract: A lab-on-a-chip (LOC) device for amplifying nucleic acid sequences, the LOC device having an inlet for receiving a sample containing genetic material, a supporting substrate, a plurality of reagent reservoirs, and, a nucleic acid amplification section for amplifying nucleic acid sequences in the genetic material, wherein, the nucleic acid amplification section is supported on the supporting substrate.

Abstract: A lab-on-a-chip (LOC) device for genetic analysis of a biological sample, the LOC device having an inlet for receiving the sample, a supporting substrate, a dialysis section for separating cells larger than a predetermined threshold in the sample from smaller constituents, whereby the cells larger than a predetermined threshold include target cells containing genetic material for analysis, a plurality of reagent reservoirs, a lysis section downstream of the dialysis section for lysing the target cells to release the genetic material therein, the lysis section being in fluid communication with one of the reagent reservoirs containing a lysis reagent for lysing the target cells in the lysis section, an incubation section downstream of the lysis section, the incubation section being in fluid communication with one of the reagent reservoirs containing enzymes for enzymatic reaction with the genetic material, a first nucleic acid amplification section downstream of the incubation section for amplifying nucleic aci

Abstract: A microfluidic device for analyzing a sample fluid, the microfluidic device having a sample inlet for receiving the sample, a microsystems technology (MST) layer with functional sections for processing and analyzing the sample, and, CMOS circuitry with digital memory for storing data and operational information to operatively control the functional sections during processing and analysis of the sample.

Abstract: A test module for analyzing a sample fluid and communicating location data to an epidemiological database, the test module having a receptacle for receiving the sample, functional sections for processing and analyzing the sample, a communication interface for communication with the epidemiological database, and, a controller for operative control of the communication interface, wherein, the controller is configured to associate location data with epidemiological data sent to the communication interface for communication with the epidemiological database.

Abstract: A lab-on-a-chip (LOC) device for detecting a target nucleic acid sequence in a sample, the LOC device having probes with a nucleic acid sequence complementary to the target nucleic acid sequence for forming probe-target hybrids, and an electrochemiluminescent (ECL) luminophore, electrodes for generating an excited state in the ECL luminophore in which the ECL luminophore emits photons of light, and, a photosensor for sensing the photons emitted from the ECL luminophore, wherein, the electrodes have at least one working electrode which causes oxidation or reduction of the luminophore to generate an excited species that emits the photons, the working electrode being positioned immediately adjacent the photosensor.

Abstract: A microfluidic device having a sample inlet for receiving a sample of biological material having nucleic acid sequences, a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) section with a PCR microchannel for thermally cycling the sample to amplify the nucleic acid sequences, the PCR microchannel defining a flow-path for the sample such that flow of the sample along the PCR microchannel is driven by capillary action, and, the PCR microchannel has a cross sectional area transverse to the flow less than 100,000 square microns.

Abstract: A test module for amplifying nucleic acid sequences, the test module having an outer casing with receptacle for receiving a sample containing genetic material, a plurality of reagent reservoirs containing reagents for addition to the sample, a first nucleic acid amplification section for amplifying nucleic acid sequences in the genetic material, and, a second nucleic acid amplification section for amplifying nucleic acid sequences in the genetic material in parallel with the first nucleic acid amplification section.

Abstract: A lab-on-a-chip (LOC) device for genetic analysis of a sample containing target nucleic acid sequences, the LOC device having a sample inlet for receiving the sample, a plurality of reagent reservoirs containing buffer, dNTPs, primers, and polymerase derived from a thermophilic bacterium for addition to the sample to form an amplification mixture, and, a nucleic acid amplification section for controlling the temperature of the amplification mixture during amplification of the target nucleic acid sequences.

Abstract: A microfluidic device having a supporting substrate, a sample inlet for receiving a fluid sample, an incubation section having an incubation chamber, and at least one heater for maintaining the fluid sample at an incubation temperature for a period, wherein, the incubation chamber is between the at least one heater element and the supporting substrate.

Abstract: A lab-on-a-chip (LOC) device for genetic analysis of nucleic acid sequences in a sample, the LOC device having a sample inlet for receiving the sample, a first polymerase chain reaction (PCR) section for thermal cycling a first PCR mixture of dNTP's, primers, and buffer solution together with the sample and polymerase, to amplify the nucleic acid sequences, and, a second PCR section downstream of the first PCR section for thermally cycling a second PCR mixture of dNTPs, primers, and buffer solution together with polymerase, and at least some of the amplicon from the first PCR section.

Abstract: A lab-on-a-chip (LOC) device for pathogen detection, genetic analysis and proteomic analysis of a biological sample, using a leukocyte dialysis section for separating out a leukocyte stream, a pathogen dialysis section for separating out a pathogen stream. A leukocyte lysis section lyses the leukocytes and a leukocyte incubation section allows enzymatic reaction of the genetic material with enzymes. A pathogen lysis section lyses the pathogens and, a pathogen incubation section allows enzymatic reaction of the genetic material with enzymes. An erythrocyte lysis section lyses the erythrocytes. First and second leukocyte nucleic acid amplification sections amplify nucleic acid sequences in parallel. First and second pathogen nucleic acid amplification sections amplify nucleic acid sequences in parallel.

Abstract: A microfluidic device having a sample inlet for receiving a sample of biological material having nucleic acid sequences, a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) section for amplifying the nucleic acid sequences, the PCR section having at least one elongate PCR chamber having a longitudinal extent much greater than its lateral dimensions, and, at least one elongate heater element for heating the nucleic acid sequences within the elongate PCR chamber, wherein, the elongate heater element extends parallel with the longitudinal extent of the PCR chamber.

Abstract: A microfluidic device for amplifying DNA and RNA, the microfluidic device having an inlet for receiving a sample containing genetic material including DNA and RNA, a plurality of reagent reservoirs containing reagents for addition to the sample, a first nucleic acid amplification section for amplifying at least some of the genetic material, and, a second nucleic acid amplification section for amplifying at least some of the genetic material in parallel with the first nucleic acid amplification section.

Abstract: A lab-on-a-chip (LOC) device for genetic analysis of a biological sample, the LOC device having an inlet for receiving the sample, a supporting substrate, a plurality of reagent reservoirs, a nucleic acid amplification section downstream of the incubation section for amplifying nucleic acid sequences in the sample, and, a dialysis section downstream of the nucleic acid amplification section for prehybridization filtration of amplicon produced by the nucleic acid amplification section, the dialysis section being configured to remove cell debris from the amplicon, wherein, the nucleic acid amplification section and the dialysis section are both supported on the supporting substrate.

Abstract: A lab-on-a-chip (LOC) device for detecting pathogens in a biological sample, the LOC device having an inlet for receiving the sample, a supporting substrate, a dialysis section for separating pathogens from larger constituents in the sample, a lysis section downstream of the dialysis section for lysing the pathogens to release genetic material therein, the lysis section having a lysis chamber and a heater for lysing the pathogens while the sample is in the lysis chamber, a first nucleic acid amplification section downstream of the lysis section for amplifying first nucleic acid sequences in the genetic material, and, a second nucleic acid amplification section downstream of the first nucleic acid amplification section for amplifying second nucleic acid sequences in the amplicon from the first nucleic acid amplification section, wherein, the dialysis section, the lysis section, the first nucleic acid amplification section and the second nucleic acid amplification section are all supported on the supporting sub

Abstract: A lab-on-a-chip (LOC) device for detecting pathogens in a biological sample, the LOC device having an inlet for receiving the sample, a supporting substrate, a dialysis section for separating pathogens from larger constituents in the sample, a lysis section downstream of the dialysis section for lysing the pathogens to release genetic material therein, a first nucleic acid amplification section downstream of the lysis section for amplifying nucleic acid sequences in the genetic material in a first portion of the sample flow from the lysis section, and, a second nucleic acid amplification section downstream of the lysis section for amplifying nucleic acid sequences in the genetic material in a second portion of the sample flow from the lysis section, wherein, the dialysis section, the lysis section, the first nucleic acid amplification section and the second nucleic acid amplification section are all supported on the supporting substrate.

Abstract: A microfluidic device having a sample inlet for receiving a sample of biological material having nucleic acid sequences, a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) section for amplifying the nucleic acid sequences, a reagent reservoir containing a reagent, and, a mixing section for mixing the nucleic acid sequences with the reagent, wherein during use, the sample flows from the sample inlet to the PCR section via the mixing section.

Abstract: A method for determining performance characteristics of a fermenter batch in a biofuel production plant based on stoichiometry of fermentation reactions, comprising determining a cell mass of a sample of the fermenter batch; a glucose equivalent total (GET) based at least on the cell mass of the sample of the fermenter batch, and a starch to glucose conversion factor (SGCF) based at least on the GET; a total amount of glucose based at least on the SGCF, a volume of ethanol based at least on the total amount of glucose and the GET; at least one of a fermenter yield based at least on the volume of ethanol, and a fermenter efficiency based on the fermenter yield or the volume of ethanol; and generating an output based on the fermenter yield and/or the fermenter efficiency.

Abstract: A test module for analyzing genetic material in a biological sample, the test module having an outer casing with a receptacle for receiving the biological sample, functional sections for processing and analyzing the biological sample, a controller for operating the functional sections, and, a flow-path from the receptacle to the functional sections, wherein, the flow-path is configured to draw the sample to be analyzed from the receptacle to the functional sections by capillary action regardless of module orientation.

Abstract: A lab-on-a-chip (LOC) device for detecting pathogens in a biological sample, the LOC device having an inlet for receiving the sample, a supporting substrate, a dialysis section for separating pathogens from larger constituents in the sample, a plurality of reagent reservoirs, a lysis section downstream of the dialysis section for lysing the pathogens to release genetic material therein, the lysis section being in fluid communication with one of the reagent reservoirs containing a lysis reagent for lysing the cells in the lysis section, a first nucleic acid amplification section downstream of the lysis section for amplifying first nucleic acid sequences in the genetic material, and, a second nucleic acid amplification section downstream of the first nucleic acid amplification section for amplifying second nucleic acid sequences in the amplicon from the first nucleic acid amplification section, wherein, the dialysis section, the lysis section, the first nucleic acid amplification section and the second nucleic

Abstract: A microfluidic device having a sample inlet for receiving a fluid sample, an incubation section having an elongate incubation chamber with a longitudinal extent much greater than the lateral dimensions, and at least one heater for maintaining the fluid sample at an incubation temperature for an incubation period, wherein, the at least one heater is also elongated with a lateral extent parallel to that of the elongate incubation chamber.

Abstract: A lab-on-a-chip (LOC) device for genetic analysis of a sample containing target nucleic acid sequences, the LOC device having a sample inlet for receiving the sample, a plurality of reagent reservoirs containing buffer, dNTPs, primers, and polymerase for addition to the sample, and, a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) section for thermal cycling the sample, buffer, dNTPs, primers, and polymerase to amplify the target nucleic acid sequences.

Abstract: A microfluidic device for analysis of mitochondrial DNA in a sample, the microfluidic device having an inlet for receiving a sample of biological material having cells with mitochondria containing mitochondrial DNA, a lysis section for lysing the mitochondria to release the mitochondrial DNA, fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) probes for hybridization with target nucleic acid sequences in the mitochondrial DNA to form probe-target hybrids, and, a photosensor for detecting the probe-target hybrids.

Abstract: A test module for processing genetic material in a biological sample, the test module having a casing, a microfluidic device housed in the casing, the microfluidic device having reagents for processing the genetic material, a humidifier for increasing the humidity within the casing, a humidity sensor for sensing the humidity within the casing, wherein, the humidity sensor generates an output used for control of the humidifier.

Abstract: A lab-on-a-chip (LOC) device for pathogen detection, genetic analysis and proteomic analysis of a biological sample, the LOC device having an inlet for receiving the sample, a supporting substrate, a leukocyte dialysis section for dividing the sample into a leukocyte stream, and a pathogen and erythrocyte stream containing cells and sample constituents smaller than a first size threshold, a pathogen dialysis section for dividing the pathogen and erythrocyte stream into an erythrocyte stream and a pathogen stream containing cells and sample constituents smaller than a second size threshold, a leukocyte lysis section downstream of the leukocyte dialysis section for lysing the leukocytes with a lysis reagent to release genetic material and proteins therein, a leukocyte incubation section downstream of the leukocyte lysis section for enzymatic reaction of the genetic material with enzymes, a pathogen lysis section downstream of the pathogen dialysis section for lysing the pathogens with a lysis reagent to release

Abstract: A lab-on-a-chip (LOC) device for detecting pathogens in a biological sample, the LOC device having an inlet for receiving the sample, a supporting substrate, a dialysis section for separating pathogens from larger constituents in the sample, a lysis section downstream of the dialysis section for lysing the pathogens to release genetic material therein, the lysis section having a lysis chamber and a heater for lysing the pathogens while the sample is in the lysis chamber, a first nucleic acid amplification section downstream of the lysis section for amplifying nucleic acid sequences in the genetic material in a first portion of the sample flow from the lysis section, and, a second nucleic acid amplification section downstream of the lysis section for amplifying nucleic acid sequences in the genetic material in a second portion of the sample flow from the lysis section, wherein, the dialysis section, the lysis section, the first nucleic acid amplification section and the second nucleic acid amplification sectio

Abstract: A microfluidic device having a supporting substrate, a sample inlet for receiving a sample of biological material having nucleic acid sequences, a microsystems technology (MST) layer having a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) section for amplifying the nucleic acid sequences, the PCR section having at least one heater for thermally cycling the nucleic acid sequences through a denaturing phase, an annealing phase and a primer extension phase, and, CMOS circuitry between the MST layer and the supporting substrate, the CMOS circuitry configured to energize the at least one heater with a pulse width modulated (PWM) signal during the thermal cycling.

Abstract: A microfluidic device for detecting a target nucleic acid sequence in a sample, the microfluidic device having a sample inlet for receiving the sample, probes with a nucleic acid sequence complementary to the target nucleic acid sequence for forming probe-target hybrids, and an electrochemiluminescent (ECL) luminophore, and, electrodes for generating an excited state in the ECL luminophore in which the ECL luminophore emits photons of light, wherein, the sample inlet draws the sample along a fluid flow-path leading to the probes by capillary action.

Abstract: A microfluidic device having a supporting substrate, a microsystems technologies (MST) layer on the supporting substrate, the MST layer being configured to combine at least two liquids to form a flow of combined liquids, the MST layer having a diffusion mixing section for diffusive mixing of the at least two liquids, the mixing section having a microchannel defining a flow-path for the combined liquids, wherein, the channel cross section transverse to the flow direction is less than 100,000 square microns.

Abstract: A microfluidic device having an inlet for receiving a liquid flowing through the microfluidic device, an outlet downstream of the inlet, and, a fault-tolerant multiple valve assembly having a plurality of flow-paths extending from the inlet to the outlet and a plurality of valves positioned along each of the flow-paths respectively.

Abstract: A lab-on-a-chip (LOC) device for genetic analysis of a sample containing target nucleic acid sequences, the LOC device having a sample inlet for receiving the sample, a plurality of reagent reservoirs containing buffer solution, dNTPs, primers, and polymerase for addition to the sample to form an amplification mixture, and, a nucleic acid amplification section for maintaining the amplification mixture at a predetermined temperature during isothermal amplification of the target nucleic acid sequences.

Abstract: A test module for analyzing a sample fluid, the test module having a receptacle for receiving the sample, functional sections for processing and analyzing the sample, a supporting substrate, and, CMOS circuitry on the supporting substrate for operative control of the functional sections during processing and analysis of the sample.

Abstract: A lab-on-a-chip (LOC) device for genetic analysis of a sample containing target nucleic acid sequences, the LOC device having a sample inlet for receiving the sample, a plurality of reagent reservoirs containing dNTPs, primers, recombinase, DNA polymerase and buffer solution for addition to the sample to form an amplification mixture, and, a nucleic acid amplification section for maintaining the amplification mixture at a predetermined temperature during recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) of the target nucleic acid sequences.

Abstract: A test module having an outer casing dimensioned for hand-held portability, the outer casing having an inlet for receiving a biological sample containing a target nucleic acid sequence, probes in the outer casing for hybridization with a target nucleic acid sequence to form probe-target hybrids, the probe-target hybrids being configured to generate a fluorescence signal in response to an excitation light, a laser positioned in the outer casing for generating the excitation light.