Abstract: A system (1) for producing a dough starter culture is provided which comprises a plurality of reservoirs (15) pre-loaded with a small amount (“mother level”) of a previously obtained starter culture. Into the reservoirs (15) are inoculated the other ingredients required for the preparation of starter culture and the contents are left to ferment for a specified period of time to produce the required starter culture, which is then discharged as required from each reservoir (15). A “mother level” portion is retained in the reservoirs and is used to produce a next batch of starter culture.

Abstract: A device for the continuous dosage of frozen starter cultures into a liquid fermentation medium is provided. The device comprises a fermentation unit and a container for the thawing of the starter cultures. It further comprises means of retaining the frozen cultures inside the thawing container while allowing the culture in liquid form to feed into a circuit for continuously feeding the fermentation medium to be inoculated. Furthermore, a method of dosing a frozen inoculant into a liquid fermentation medium is also described.

Abstract: An automated slide staining apparatus for staining slide samples is disclosed. The slide staining apparatus includes cuvette chambers that are flooded with solutions to cover a slide fitting within the cuvette chamber. Filling and emptying the chamber accomplishes a dipping function on the slide. The cuvette chamber includes a drainage flute and level detectors therein for proper fluid use and removal. The staining apparatus is useful to perform Gram stains, hematology cytology, dermatology cytology, fecal cytology and the like. Further, the method of using the slide stainer of the present invention along with the process of staining slides using the slide stainer of the present invention is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process and an apparatus for the fermentational production of biologically active materials, wherein a fermenter is located in an insulator which, in turn, is located within a working chamber or is adjacent to it. A pressure gradient in relation to ambient pressure prevails in both the insulator and in the working chamber.

Abstract: The objective of the present invention is to provide a simple microorganism detection apparatus that reduces detection time and that provides improved detection sensitivity, especially for gram-negative bacteria. The microorganism detection apparatus of the present invention includes: a detection target introduction portion, into which a sample and reagents are to be introduced; a detector, for detecting the color tone of the reagent introduced into the detection target introduction portion; a sample holder, for holding the sample to be introduced into the detection target introduction portion; a culture solution holder, for holding a culture solution used for microorganism culturing; and reagent holders, for holding the reagents to be introduced into the detection target introduction portion, wherein the presence/absence of microorganisms in the sample is determined based on the detected color tone.

Abstract: A substrate comprising a microporous microstructure, an interlayer over at least a portion of the microstructure and a functional layer attached to the interlayer, the functional layer having functional sites with a density of at least 50 nanomoles/cm2.

Abstract: A reactor and methods of use are disclosed for amplification of an amplicon. The reactor includes a housing having a fluid path with a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet and one or more reaction chambers suitable for housing the amplicon. The reaction chambers are positioned within the housing in thermal communication with a fluid flowing in the fluid path to heat and/or cool the reaction chambers and the inside of the reaction chambers are coated with or are a plastic material. A variable temperature fluid source is in fluid communication with the fluid inlet and the fluid source is configured to provide fluid at temperatures suitable for amplification, including a denature temperature, an anneal temperature, and an extension temperature. A controller is coupled to the variable temperature fluid source to control a fluid temperature within the fluid path by controlling the variable temperature fluid source.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrofusion microelectrode made of a tube having a first proximal end and a second distal end. The tube has an electrically conductive coating on its exterior surface that extends continually from the first proximal end of the tube toward the second distal end of the tube. Also disclosed is an electrofusion microelectrode unit having an electrofusion microelectrode and a holding tool capable of receiving the electrofusion microelectrode at the second distal end of the tube. The present invention also relates to a system having two or more electrofusion microelectrodes of the present invention and to methods of manipulating cells and/or cellular components using the electrofusion microelectrodes, units, and systems of the present invention.

Abstract: A portable, self-contained incubation apparatus has a cell container in which a cell culture can grow. The cell container resides on a base along with other components that maintain the environmental conditions inside of the container within a desired range. The self-contained incubation apparatus is portable allowing the conditions within the cell container to be precisely controlled even as it is being moved from one location to another. Further, at least one transparent surface of the cell container enables observation of the cell culture. Thus, the culture can be observed while the environmental conditions within the container are being controlled by components of the incubation apparatus. Since the cells can be observed without breaking the air-tight seal of the container, observation of the cells can be performed as often as is desired without introducing contaminants to the culture or otherwise significantly affecting the growth environment within the container.

Abstract: The present invention is apllied in fields like biological medicine and tissue engineering. A fluid control system in a cell isolation and culture system is used to automatically process sample preparation, circulating tumor cell (CTC) isolation, plate changing and cell culturing. By using the present invention, time and labor are saved; moreover, the present invention has a small size and is easily carried.

Abstract: A culture chamber which cultivates a culture object by using a culture liquid has a culture space part which houses the culture object together with the culture liquid, an introducing part (an introducing port) which introduces the culture liquid into the culture space part, a discharging part (a discharging port) which discharges the culture liquid from the culture space part, and a flow arrangement part (a vertical wall, a small space part). The flow arrangement part is formed in a side of the introducing part of the culture space part, and causes a liquid flow, which reaches to the discharging part, to the culture liquid introduced into the culture space part from the introducing part by diffusing from inner wall surfaces of the culture space part toward a direction which intersects a virtual line connecting the introducing part and the discharging part.

Abstract: The present invention can solve such a problem that a conventional tissue piece treating apparatus has difficulty of reduction in size and restriction on installation and stopping subsequent treatment operations when the amount of chemical supplied to a processing chamber is insufficient.

Abstract: A method and device for controlling a fermenting process, wherein the method comprises collecting samples of biological cells from a fermenting tank, obtaining the state information of the current biological cells based on the collected samples, comparing the state information of the current biological cells with preset target status information to obtain the difference between the state information of the current biological cells and preset target state information, and controlling the feed rate of nutritional solution into the fermenting tank. Real time control of biological fermenting process is thus accomplished based on the state information of the biological cells during fermentation, and the consistency during fermentation is improved. Complicated mathematical modeling and man-made data analysis are not required for the method and device.

Abstract: To present an automatic cell cultivation apparatus capable of sterilizing completely including a cold storage unit and a normal temperature storage unit, without causing cross contamination, in used of cell cultivation of plural subjects.

Abstract: A perifusion device includes at least one sample container for cells, the sample container having an inlet and an outlet. The container receives test liquid through the inlet and discharges the liquid through the outlet. A manifold having a plurality of liquid inlets, control valves, and liquid outlets can be provided so that the flow of liquids from source containers to the sample containers can be varied and controlled. A receptacle housing has a plurality of receptacles for receiving fluid from the outlet of the sample container. A drive is connected to the receptacle housing for moving the receptacle housing such that liquid samples are collected sequentially from the outlet of the sample containers. A programmable controller can be provided to control movement of the receptacle housing at predetermined times, and to record data identifying liquid samples in the receptacles.

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: A simple and reproducible preparative method for the fabrication of surface-chemical gradients is described herein. Surface-chemical gradient films are prepared by using a liquid front in relative motion to the substrate (e.g. immersion by a linear-motion drive or the use of a spreading droplet) to gradually expose substrate samples to very dilute solutions of adsorbates. As demonstrated by XPS, the self-assembled monolayer gradients produced in this way display a high packing density. This method can be used in the preparation of other gradients of various chemical or biochemical functionalities in one or two dimensions. Such gradients can be used in a wide variety of applications in such diverse areas as cell motility studies, nanotribology research, and high-throughput screening.

Abstract: Elongated molecules are stretched across a substrate by controlled fluid flow.

Abstract: A membrane-based assay device for detecting the presence or quantity of an analyte residing in a test sample is provided. The device utilizes conjugated probes that contain a specific binding member for the analyte of interest. The specific binding member preferentially complexes with the analyte within a test sample when contacted therewith. Excess analyte that remains uncomplexed with the specific binding member undergoes non-specific binding, such as to a hydrophobic domain. As a result, the ability of the uncomplexed analyte to compete with the complexed analyte at the detection zone of the device is restricted. Thus, the incidence of “false negatives” is limited in a simple, efficient, and relatively inexpensive manner.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a microchip whereby, when chemical analysis is conducted, a specimen liquid can be directly collected and weighed without using any collecting and weighing devices. The present invention provides a microchip for analyzing liquid samples, which has a measuring structure for weighing and collecting a given amount of a specimen liquid within a range of 0.05 to 10 ?l from an excessive amount of the specimen liquid which was introduced in the chip, wherein the measuring structure is located at the upstream side of an analysis element for analyzing a target substance in the specimen liquid inside the microchip.

Abstract: The present invention, provides a flow cytometry apparatus for the detection of particles from a plurality of samples comprising: means for moving a plurality of samples comprising particles from a plurality of respective source wells into a fluid flow stream; means for introducing a separation gas between each of the plurality of samples in the fluid flow stream; and means for selectively analyzing each of the plurality of samples for the particles. The present invention also provides a flow cytometry method employing such an apparatus.

Abstract: Hollow particles for use in various types of assay devices are provided. Due to their hollow or voided structure, the particles may exhibit a variety of beneficial properties. For instance, hollow particles are generally lightweight, and thus, relatively inexpensive in comparison to other types of particles. Hollow particles may also form a stable system without requiring refrigeration or rotation. In addition, hollow particles may possess enhanced light diffraction capabilities, which may be particularly beneficial in certain types of assay devices, e.g., diffraction-based assay devices.

Abstract: A drug testing system using any number of bio-artificial organs, for example liver-slices based in a culture apparatus. The apparatus has a chamber with plasma and gas valves, animal organ slices being positioned securely in the chamber so as to maximize the surface area of organ slices exposed to the culture medium. Plasma is supplied to the chamber so that it rises to contact the organ slices, and is alternately removed from contacting the organ slices. Gas is supplied to the top of the chamber. The system also includes a reservoir for containing media entering and exiting the chamber. Methods are provided for assessing the toxicity of a drug or drug candidate.

Abstract: An organ perfusion apparatus and method monitor, sustain and/or restore viability of organs and preserve organs for storage and/or transport. Other apparatus include an organ transporter, an organ cassette and an organ diagnostic device. The method includes perfusing the organ at hypothermic and/or normothermic temperatures, preferably after hypothermic organ flushing for organ transport and/or storage. The method can be practiced with prior or subsequent static or perfusion hypothermic exposure of the organ. Organ viability is restored by restoring high energy nucleotide (e.g., ATP) levels by perfusing the organ with a medical fluid, such as an oxygenated cross-linked hemoglobin-based bicarbonate medical fluid, at normothermic temperatures.

Abstract: Analytes using an active assay may be detected by introducing an analyte solution containing a plurality of analytes to a lacquered membrane. The lacquered membrane may be a membrane having at least one surface treated with a layer of polymers. The lacquered membrane may be semi-permeable to nonanalytes. The layer of polymers may include cross-linked polymers. A plurality of probe molecules may be arrayed and immobilized on the lacquered membrane. An external force may be applied to the analyte solution to move the analytes towards the lacquered membrane. Movement may cause some or all of the analytes to bind to the lacquered membrane. In cases where probe molecules are presented, some or all of the analytes may bind to probe molecules. The direction of the external force may be reversed to remove unbound or weakly bound analytes. Bound analytes may be detected using known detection types.

Abstract: A variety of elastomeric-based microfluidic devices and methods for using and manufacturing such devices are provided. Certain of the devices have arrays of reaction sites to facilitate high throughput analyses. Some devices also include reaction sites located at the end of blind channels at which reagents have been previously deposited during manufacture. The reagents become suspended once sample is introduced into the reaction site. The devices can be utilized with a variety of heating devices and thus can be used in a variety of analyses requiring temperature control, including thermocycling applications such as nucleic acid amplification reactions, genotyping and gene expression analyses.

Abstract: A method and device structure are provided which enable an archive sample to be collected and detached relative to a device within which a series of processes, such as PCR are being provided. A chamber structure and method of use are provided in which a controlled and precise volume is obtained by control of the relative resistance to flow through various channels.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions, apparatuses and methods for detecting one or more nucleic acid targets present in a sample. Methods of the invention include utilizing two or more oligonucleotide probes that reversibly bind a target nucleic acid in close proximity to each other and possess complementary reactive ligation moieties. When such probes have bound to the target in the proper orientation, they are able to undergo a spontaneous chemical ligation reaction that yields a ligated oligonucleotide product. In one aspect, the ligation product is of variable length that correlates with a particular target. Following chemical ligation, the probes may be amplified and detected by capillary electrophoresis or microarray analysis.

Abstract: A droplet actuation system is provided including a droplet actuation device including a substrate that includes electrodes for conducting droplet operations; temperature control means for heating and/or cooling a region of the droplet actuation device and arranged such that a droplet can be transported on the electrodes to a region for heating; and a means for effecting a magnetic field in proximity to one or more of the electrodes sufficient to immobilize magnetically responsive beads in a droplet on the substrate during droplet operations. The system further includes a processor for controlling the electrodes and temperature control means, wherein the processor is programmed, and electrodes and magnetic field are arranged, to cause the electrodes to split a droplet including the magnetically responsive beads yielding a first daughter droplet which includes the magnetically responsive beads and a second daughter droplet without a substantial amount of the magnetically responsive beads.

Abstract: A temperature controller for controlling temperature of a first structure having a first flat face comprises a second structure having a second flat face for planar contact with the first flat face, a pressure-applying means for pressing the first structure, a second supporting means for supporting the second structure to be capable of changing inclination of the second flat face, a first supporting means for supporting the first structure by contact with a portion of the first structure other than the first flat face, and a temperature-controlling means, wherein the first structure is supported by pressing the first structure by the pressure-applying means, and the second structure is brought into contact with the temperature-controlling means with interposition of the second supporting means.

Abstract: Bioreactors suitable for housing a predetermined volume of culture medium comprising a plurality of containers of approximately equal internal volume in which the culture medium resides, wherein the predetermined volume of culture medium is retained in approximately equal amounts within each of the plurality of containers during operation of the bioreactor, and wherein the internal volume of each container is selected so that the amount of culture medium in each container exceeds 50 vol. % of the container internal volume during operation of the bioreactor, and related methods of use.

Abstract: The invention relates to self-contained assay cassette for detecting a ligand in a sample. The assay cassette provides for turbulent flow and mixing of the sample with assay components, including receptors that bind to a ligand, optional microspheres capable of binding the receptors or to which other secondary receptors are attached, and liquid crystalline materials. The assay cassette also provides for laminar flow of the mixed sample into a detection chamber where complexes between a receptor, ligand, and optional microspheres, is detected as transmission of polarized light through the detection chambers. The invention also relates to methods for detecting a ligand in a sample using turbulent flow to mix the sample with assay components, including liquid crystalline materials, and laminar flow of the mixed sample such that the liquid crystalline material assumes an ordered conformation in absence of a ligand.

Abstract: An instrument for conducting nucleic acid amplification reactions in a disposable test device. The test device includes a first reaction chamber containing a first nucleic acid amplification reagent (e.g., primers and nucleotides) and a second reaction chamber either containing, or in fluid communication, with a second nucleic acid amplification reagent (e.g., an amplification enzyme such as RT). The instrument includes a support structure receiving the test device. A temperature control system maintains the first reaction chamber at a first elevated temperature but simultaneously maintains the second nucleic acid amplification reagent at a second temperature lower than the first temperature so as to preserve the second nucleic acid amplification reagent. An actuator operates on a fluid conduit in the test device to place the first and second reaction chambers in fluid communication with each other after a reaction has occurred in the first reaction chamber at the first temperature.

Abstract: A multi-channel apparatus for classifying particles according to one or more particle characteristics. The apparatus comprises a plurality of flow cytometry units, each of which is operable to classify particles in a mixture of particles by interrogating a stream of fluid containing the particles with a beam of electromagnetic radiation. The flow cytometry units share an integrated platform comprising at least one of the following: (1) a common supply of particles; (2) a common housing; (3) a common processor for controlling operation of the units; (4) a common processor for receiving and processing information from the units; and (5) a common fluid delivery system. The integrated platform can include a common source of electromagnetic radiation. A method of the invention comprises using a plurality of flow cytometry units sharing the integrated platform to perform a flow kilometric operation, such as analyzing or sorting particles.

Abstract: The present invention is about a microfluidic chip for rapid detection of different target proteins and a method for using the same. The microfluidic chip utilizes antibody-conjugated magnetic beads to bind to the target proteins to form a magnetic complex, and then use the signal labeled-antibodies that can recognize said magnetic complex. Purifying said magnetic complex by the micro-magnetic field on biochip, and introducing said purified magnetic complex into the fluorescent detection area on the chip to detect the amount of the target protein in said purified complex immediately.

Abstract: Cellular physiology workstations for automated data acquisition and perfusion control are described. The cellular physiology workstation may be used for physiological and electrophysiological experiments. Methods for employing such cellular physiology workstations in physiological and electrophysiological experiments are also disclosed. The cellular physiology workstations comprise one or more recording chambers each for holding one or more cells to be measured. One or more cells are place in each recording chamber. Perfusions means, such as an automatic perfusion system is connected to the recording chamber to perfuse the cells with a plurality of solutions containing different concentration of one or more agents to be tested. Biosensors, such as patch clamps, electrodes, or microscopes are positioned to detect a response from the cell. The cellular physiology workstation may optionally comprise injecting means for introducing an injection solution into the cell before and during analysis.

Abstract: A device for processing a biological sample includes a processing unit having at least one opening to receive a sample vessel and a plurality of processing stations positioned along the opening. The processing stations each have a compression member adapted to compress the sample vessel within the opening and thereby move a substance within the sample vessel among the processing stations. An energy transfer element can be coupled to one or more of the processing stations for transferring thermal energy to the content at a processing station.

Abstract: A bio sample processing apparatus and method using vacuum chambers in which a bio sample is injected into a first vacuum chamber connected with one end of a bio processor and, after processing, is ejected into a second vacuum chamber connected with the other end of the bio processor. The vacuum chambers and bio processor are connected with each other to form an environment with a pressure lower than atmospheric pressure, and the bio sample moves toward the second vacuum chamber due to the pressure difference created by the injection of the bio sample into the first vacuum chamber.

Abstract: A diagnostic method and associated test kit for detecting an analyte residing in a test sample is provided. A sample membrane is utilized having a collection region and a detection region, the collection region having a known saturation volume for the intended test sample. A barrier is defined between the collection region and the detection region. The collection region is saturated with the test sample having a volume of less than about 100 microliters so that a known volume of the test sample is contained in the collection region. The barrier is removed from between the collection region and detection region of the membrane and a diluent is supplied to the collection region of the membrane to facilitate flow of the test sample from the collection region to the detection region of the membrane.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting an analyte includes a sensor chamber for detecting an analyte, an analyte feed chamber, a distributor, and a controller for controlling the transport medium flow. The distributor includes an annular channel with four connections with a switchable isolating device between two connections. The controller controls the distributor for flushing the transport medium fed from the distributor to the sensor chamber without passing through the analyte feed chamber and for measuring the transport medium fed from the distributor to the sensor chamber while passing through the analyte feed chamber.

Abstract: A reagent preparing device capable of supplying a mixed solution, including a first liquid and a second liquid, to a measurement section for measuring a specimen using the mixed solution as a reagent, the reagent preparing device comprising: a first mixed solution container for accommodating the mixed solution; a second mixed solution container for accommodating the mixed solution; and a controller for controlling supply of the first liquid and the second liquid to supply the first liquid and the second liquid to the first mixed solution container, and to supply the first liquid and the second liquid to the second mixed solution container, is disclosed. A specimen processing system, and a reagent preparing method are also disclosed.

Abstract: A reagent preparing device for preparing a reagent to be supplied to a measurement device for measuring a specimen, comprising: a first liquid storage unit for storing a first liquid; a reagent storage unit for storing a prepared reagent, including the first liquid and a second liquid different from the first liquid; a first liquid discarding unit for discarding the first liquid stored in the first liquid storage unit; and a controller configured for measuring an accumulated time of the first liquid in the first liquid storage unit; and controlling the first liquid discarding unit to discard the first liquid stored in the first liquid storage unit when the accumulated time reaches a predetermined time is disclosed. A specimen measuring device and a reagent preparing method are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for conducting assays of samples, such as whole blood, that may contain cells or other particulate matter. Also disclosed are systems, devices, equipment, kits and reagents for use in such methods. One advantage of certain disclosed methods and systems is the ability to rapidly measure the concentration of an analyte of interest in blood plasma from a whole blood sample without blood separation and hematocrit correction.

Abstract: A method of making an electret article, from a polymeric article that has a zeta potential of greater than or less than ?7.5 millivolts. The article is charged by contacting it with an aqueous liquid that has a pH and conductivity as follows: (i) if the article has a zeta potential of ?7.5 mV or less, then the contacting liquid has pH greater than 7 and a conductivity of 5 to 9,000 microSiemens per centimeter; and (ii) if the article has a zeta potential of greater than ?7.5 mV, then the contacting liquid has a pH of 7 or less and a conductivity of 5 to 5,500 microSiemens per centimeter. An electret article made in this manner can provide improved electret performance, particularly in electret filtration articles.

Abstract: A method and system for performing biochemical detection or analysis on micro- and nano-scale subcellular component within a single biological cell is provided. An integrated platform device and method to perform the biochemical analysis is also provided.

Abstract: A well plate and its supporting devices provide capabilities found in larger fermenters, such as controlling the oxygen level, the pH level, and temperature of the contents of the well. The well plate includes a plurality of wells, each of which can be independently controlled. Apertures in the wells, for example, provide access for a gas supply and sensors within each well provide data relating to, e.g., oxygen and/or pH level in the well. A control system controls the gas supply for each well based on the information provided by the sensor within the well. Similarly, temperature control elements, such as a heater or cooler, is placed in thermal contact with the interior of the well, as is a temperature measurement element. A control system can independently control the temperature of the contents of the well based on information provided by the temperature measurement element for that well.

Abstract: A Plasma or serum separation membrane that enables omitting centrifugal separation, is free from hemolysis attributed to destruction of red blood cells and realizes easy and rapid separation of plasma or serum from blood; and a filter apparatus including the plasma or serum separation membrane. In particular, a plasma or serum separation membrane being a membrane for separation of plasma or serum from blood and having a void ratio of 30% or below; and a filter apparatus comprising a filter member capable of attaining movement of plasma swifter than movement of blood cells and a plasma or serum separation membrane connected in series with a rear side of the filter member.

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: A flow cytometry system and related method, among other things, are disclosed. In at least one embodiment, the system includes first, second, and intermediate slab formations, the last of which has formed therewithin a microfluidic channel, a lens structure arranged proximate the microfluidic channel, and a light conveying structure arranged proximate to the lens structure. The lens structure is configured to direct a portion of light to proceed between the channel and the conveying structure. The intermediate slab formation is sandwiched between the other two slab formations. In at least another embodiment, the system includes a microfluidic prism arranged proximate to the second end of a light conveying structure. Light emanating from a microfluidic channel is provided to the conveying structure at the first end, conveyed to the second end, and provided to the prism, which outputs a plurality of portions of the light at different frequencies in different directions.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems for performing in vivo flow cytometry. In one embodiments, selected circulating cells of interest of a subject are labeled with fluorescent probe molecules. The labeled cells are irradiated in-vivo so as to excite the fluorescent probes, and the radiation emitted by the excited probes is detected, preferably confocally. The detected radiation is then analyzed to derive desired information, such as relative cell count, of the cells of interest. In some embodiments, the circulating cells comprise apoptotic cells whose detection can allow, e.g., non-invasive monitoring of the efficacy of a cancer treatment, such as an anti-tumor or an anti-angiogenic therapy.