Abstract: An exemplary mobile impedance-based flow cytometer is developed for the diagnosis of sickle cell disease. The mobile cytometer may be controlled by a computer (e.g., smartphone) application. Calibration of the portable device may be performed using a component of known impedance value. With the developed portable flow cytometer, analysis may be performed on two sickle cell samples and a healthy cell sample. The acquired results may subsequently be analyzed to extract single-cell level impedance information as well as statistics of different cell conditions. Significant differences in cell impedance signals may be observed between sickle cells and normal cells, as well as between sickle cells under hypoxia and normoxia conditions.

Abstract: An exemplary mobile impedance-based flow cytometer is developed for the diagnosis of sickle cell disease. The mobile cytometer may be controlled by a computer (e.g., smartphone) application. Calibration of the portable device may be performed using a component of known impedance value. With the developed portable flow cytometer, analysis may be performed on two sickle cell samples and a healthy cell sample. The acquired results may subsequently be analyzed to extract single-cell level impedance information as well as statistics of different cell conditions. Significant differences in cell impedance signals may be observed between sickle cells and normal cells, as well as between sickle cells under hypoxia and normoxia conditions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a microfluidic assay system and associated reading device, as well as the individual components themselves. The present invention also relates to methods of conducting assays, using a disposable system and associated reading device, as well as kits for conducting assays.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and devices which are capable of detecting moisture and remotely indicating when the presence of moisture is detected. The systems utilize multilayer sensors that consist of two conductive layers surrounding an insulating, spacer layer. Nonwoven materials with conductive additives have shown particular advantages for use in constructing the conductive sensor layers. The system includes transmitter and receiver devices configured to provide indicators when moisture is detected through audible signals, vibration, visible signals or through notifications displayed on a software application. The conductive layers can also be placed in signal communication with a human body to draw electrical current to ground. Removing current results in the reduction of pain, improved sleep, and other physiological changes of clinical significance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an acceptor chamber for a Franz diffusion cell, comprising an upper opening closable by a membrane and, on the side wall of the acceptor chamber, an upper and a lower outlet opening designed to remove or add liquid medium from the acceptor chamber, the upper outlet opening being located within the upper two thirds of the side wall and the lower outlet opening is located in the lower quarter of the side wall, the upper and lower outlet openings being substantially opposite each other, to a Franz diffusion cell comprising a donor compartment and such an acceptor chamber, the donor compartment and the acceptor chamber being separated from each other by a membrane, and to a method for determining the diffusion of a substance through a membrane with such a Franz diffusion cell.

Abstract: A system and method with increased sensitivity to microorganism growth. The system includes signal processing electronic circuit connected to a consumable or vessel through two or more electrodes that fully penetrate the vessel and are in contact with the fluid contents. The electronic circuit is configured to detect a component of the total impedance of the sample, specifically the “out-of-phase” or imaginary reactance component, which has a sensitive response to organism growth in a frequency-dependent manner. The system detects changes in both the composition of charged molecules in the liquid matrix and the number of microorganisms based on monitoring the sample for change in this parameter. This results in a 5-70% reduction in time-to-detection (TTD). The system and method detect organisms in a plurality of vessel shapes, volumes, and matrix (or media) formats. The electrodes are fully immersed in a continuous body of liquid sample.

Abstract: Systems and methods for sorting T cells are disclosed. Autofluorescence data is acquired from individual cells. An activation value is computed using one or more autofluorescence endpoints as an input. The one or more autofluorescence endpoints includes NAD(P)H shortest fluorescence lifetime amplitude component (?1).

Abstract: Provided is a technique for easily trapping microbiota in a sample. A microbiota trapping device of the present disclosure includes a first solution tank having a first filter adapted to trap residue in a sample, and a second solution tank having a second filter adapted to trap bacteria in the sample. The second solution tank has a vent above the second filter.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods and systems for detecting the presence of absence of a target-nucleic acid sequence, including SARS-COV2.

Abstract: A single junction sorter for a microfluidic particle sorter, the single-junction sorter comprising: an input channel, configured to receive a fluid containing particles; an output sort channel and an output waste channel, each connected to the input channel for receiving the fluid therefrom; a bubble generator, operable to selectively displace the fluid around a particle to be sorted and thereby to create a transient flow of the fluid in the input channel; and a vortex element, configured to cause a vortex in the transient flow in order to direct the particle to be sorted into the output sort channel.

Abstract: A sample analysis substrate in which transfer of a liquid is effected through rotational motions, including: a substrate having a rotation axis; a first retention chamber being located in the substrate and retaining a diluent; a measurement chamber being located in the substrate; at least one reagent; a reagent chamber being located in the substrate and having the at least one reagent disposed therein, the reagent chamber being connected to the measurement chamber; and a first diluent path being located in the substrate, and connecting the first retention chamber and the measurement chamber or reagent chamber.

Abstract: A method including one or more steps of a procedure for preparing a microscopic sample for a high-pressure freezing process is provided, wherein the sample is provided using an arrangement comprising a middle plate of a high-pressure freezing cartridge and an incubation chamber, wherein the middle plate is attached to a lower surface of a bottom of the incubation chamber by an adhesive and detachable from the incubation chamber by effecting a relative movement between the middle plate and the incubation chamber, wherein the sample is provided on an enclosing element which is fitted into an opening of the middle plate, and wherein, when the sample is to be subjected to the high-pressure freezing process, the relative movement between the middle plate and the incubation chamber is effected, thereby detaching the middle plate with the sample from the incubation chamber. Means to implement the method are also part of the present disclosure.

Abstract: Provided is a genome extraction device to which a dual chamber structure of an outer chamber and a bead chamber is applied, more particularly a genome extraction device to which the above-described dual chamber structure is applied so that the performance of dry beads vulnerable to moisture can be maintained for a long time.

Abstract: An optical imaging system for cell culture monitoring is provided. The system includes an illumination segment having an illumination source and a collimating lens positioned between a first surface of a cell culture vessel and the illumination source. The illumination source and the collimating lens are arranged to transmit light through the first surface at an angle oblique to the first surface of the cell culture vessel. The system also includes a detection segment having a detector and a lens positioned between the first surface of the cell culture vessel and the detector. The lens focuses light to the detector through an aperture stop, and the detector receives light that exits the first surface of the cell culture vessel at an angle oblique to the first surface.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to verifying the operation of cell analyzers, including microscope-based cell imaging and counting analyzers. In one general aspect, a mixture of micro-beads having known characteristics is introduced into the analyzer. One or more images of the mixture are acquired with the analyzer's microscope, the images are analyzed, and a determination is made about whether results meet one or more predetermined quality control thresholds. Also disclosed is a hematology control material that can be used to perform the verification and includes a solvent, a dye dissolved in the solvent, and micro-beads suspended in the solvent. In another general aspect, a quality control method for the analyzers includes capturing images of samples that include patient cells using at least a microscope, extracting sample-specific information about properties of the patient samples from the images, and testing information from the samples against predetermined standards to verify the operation of the analyzer.

Abstract: Techniques for processing multiplexed immunofluorescence (MxIF) images. The techniques include obtaining at least one MxIF image of a same tissue sample, obtaining information indicative of locations of cells in the at least one MxIF image, identifying multiple groups of cells in the at least one MxIF image at least in part by determining feature values for at least some of the cells using the at least one MxIF image and the information indicative of locations of the at least some cells in the at least one MxIF image and grouping the at least some of the cells into the multiple groups using the determined feature values, and determining at least one characteristic of the tissue sample using the multiple cell groups.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting an array of layers of amphiphilic molecules, the apparatus comprising: a body, formed in a surface of the body, an array of sensor wells capable of supporting a layer of amphiphilic molecules across the sensor wells, the sensor wells each containing an electrode for connection to an electrical circuit, and formed in the surface of the body between the sensor wells, flow control wells capable of smoothing the flow of a fluid across the surface.

Abstract: The present disclosure is drawn to microfluidic devices. A microfluidic device can include a substrate, a lid mounted to the substrate, and a microchip mounted to the substrate. The lid mounted to the substrate can form a discrete microfluidic chamber between structures including an interior surface of the lid and a portion of the substrate. The lid can include an inlet and a vent positioned relative to one another to facilitate loading of fluid to the discrete microfluidic chamber via capillary action. A portion of the microchip can be positioned within the discrete microfluidic chamber.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fluidic chip for cell culture use which can prevent a decrease in the activity of cultured cells in a preparation stage, and which makes it possible to observe a cultured cell tissue while detaching the cultured cell tissue from the fluidic chip.

Abstract: In some aspects, the invention relates to automated cell culture incubators and their methods of use. In one aspect, the disclosure provides cell culture incubators having an airlock chamber, a storage chamber and/or an internal chamber. In some aspects, the disclosure provides methods for producing autologous mammalian cell cultures.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally pertains to a biomimetic array device and methods of using the device to expose biological samples to an array of fluids. The device includes a cassette and an inlet region, where the cassette comprises at least one microchamber array and at least one microchannel. Each microchamber within a microchamber array has a top interface that is open to the external environment, so that a biological sample placed at the top interface is positioned to draw fluid from the microchambers. The inlet region comprises at least one well and at least one inlet channel, each well in fluid communication with one inlet channel. Fluid deposited into wells flows through each inlet channel and microchannel in fluid communication with each well containing fluid, so that each microchamber within one microchamber array provides an approximately equal volume of fluid to the biological sample.

Abstract: A method of determining the presence of bacteria expressing cytochrome c oxidase (‘the bacteria’), the method comprising: —providing a sample suspected of containing the bacteria; —providing a compound that has two redox states: a reduced state and an oxidised state, wherein cytochrome c oxidase can convert the compound from its reduced state to its oxidised state; —contacting an electrode either with (i) the compound in its oxidised state in the presence of the sample, then applying a reductive potential and measuring the current at the electrode; or (ii) the compound in its reduced state in the presence of the sample, then applying an oxidative potential and measuring the current at the electrode; and—comparing the magnitude of the current produced by the reductive potential or oxidative potential in the presence of the sample suspected of containing the bacteria with the magnitude of the current produced under the same conditions, but in the absence of the sample suspected of containing the bacteria, where

Abstract: In some aspects, automated rapid antimicrobial susceptibility testing systems for performing a multi-assay testing sequence can include an automated incubation assembly having a nest assembly adapted to house at least one test panel having a plurality of wells for receiving a sample comprising microorganisms originating from a clinical sample, the incubation assembly facilitating incubation of one or more test panels in order to undergo the multi-assay testing sequence; a robotic handling assembly configured to accept one or more incoming test panels and move them to and from the incubation assembly for incubation between each assay of the multi-assay testing sequence; an automated liquid handling assembly configured to exchange one or more fluids in the plurality of wells of the test panels; and an optical assembly for interrogation and readout of each assay of the multi-assay testing sequence being performed in the plurality of wells.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for detecting a dengue infection in a patient blood sample, comprising the steps: a) Performing an analysis of prespecified parameters of blood platelets and prespecified types of blood cells in the sample and determining parameter values for the prespecified parameters of the platelets and the prespecified types of cells; b) Obtaining sample parameters from the values determined in step a); and c) Evaluating the sample parameters in relation to a prespecified criterion, wherein, if the criterion is fulfilled, a dengue infection is present.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for operating a physiological monitoring system that comprises a distributed algorithm. The physiological monitoring system may comprise a sensor and a physiological monitor that may be communicatively coupled with the sensor. The sensor may store algorithm configuration data; and the physiological monitor may store an executable code segment configured to execute a first algorithm. The physiological monitor may be configured to receive the algorithm configuration data and to configure or modify at least part of the first algorithm based upon the algorithm configuration data to determine at least one physiological parameter of a subject based on physiological signal provided by the sensor.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a device for patterning extracellular matrix (ECM) hydrogel comprising a first layer surface patterned to define a microchannel, a second layer comprising a loading channel in fluid communication with loading ports to receive an ECM hydrogel, wherein the first layer is attached over the second layer such that the patterned surface faces the loading channel to define an open chamber with regions of reduced cross-sectional area, and wherein the ECM hydrogel is confined to fill said regions, thereby forming a perfusable channel in the open chamber. The present disclosure also provides the same device wherein the second layer is a substrate without a loading channel and is optically pervious; and additionally provides a method of patterning ECM hydrogel comprising use of the aforementioned device. Importantly, ECM patterning is achieved by surface tension between the ECM hydrogel and the first layer at the boundaries of the microchannel.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system are provided for the printing and maturation of living tissue in an Earth-referenced reduced gravity environment such as that found on a spacecraft or on other celestial bodies. The printing may be three-dimensional structures. The printed structures may be manufactured from low viscosity biomaterials.

Abstract: The invention provides a device for growing cells—referred to as a cassette. The cell culturing device includes a housing that contains a lid having an optically clear window; a fluid distribution channel; a sample injection port fluidically connected to the fluid distribution channel; a base housing a porous media pad; and a media injection port fluidically connected to the media pad. The lid mates to the base to form a sterile seal; the fluid distribution channel is disposed over the media pad, which is viewable through the optical window; and sample fluid introduced into the fluid distribution channel is distributed evenly to the media pad, e.g., via a plurality of channels. The invention also provides kits that include cassettes of the invention and a tube set.

Abstract: A system and method for sorting sperm is provided. The system includes a housing and a microfluidic system supported by the housing. The system also includes an inlet providing access to the microfluidic system to deliver sperm to the microfluidic system and an outlet providing access to the microfluidic system to harvest sorted sperm from the microfluidic system. The microfluidic system provides a flow path for sperm from the inlet to the outlet and includes at least one channel extending from the inlet to the outlet to allow sperm delivered to the microfluidic system through the inlet to progress along the flow path toward the outlet. The microfluidic system also includes a filter including a first plurality of micropores arranged in the flow path between the inlet and the outlet to cause sperm traveling along the flow path to move against through the filter and gravity to reach the outlet.

Abstract: A control method of an intelligent sterility test pump, a sterilization method and its application. The control method includes monitoring the real-time current of a DC drive motor through a current detection module, to adjust the rotating linear velocity of a peristaltic pump head in real time; when the peristaltic pump head is in a state of pushing a liquid to be tested, reducing the rotating linear velocity of the peristaltic pump head; and when the peristaltic pump head is in an idling state, increasing the rotating linear velocity of the peristaltic pump head. A sterilization method includes the control method of the intelligent sterility test pump. Application of the sterilization method in preparation or detection of foods and medicines.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and systems for receiving an encoded data packet, one or more activation commands, and a communication identifier, decoding the received data packet, validating the decoded received data packet, and executing one or more routines associated with the respective one or more activation commands.

Abstract: An open microfluidic system is provided. The open microfluidic system including the extreme wettability of exclusive liquid repellency (ELR), open microchannels with high lateral resolution and low profile, various valve arrangements, capable of a broad range flow rates, and capable of spatially and temporally trapping particles in open fluid.

Abstract: A system and method for sorting sperm is provided. The system includes a housing and a microfluidic system supported by the housing. The system also includes an inlet providing access to the microfluidic system to deliver sperm to the microfluidic system and an outlet providing access to the microfluidic system to harvest sorted sperm from the microfluidic system. The microfluidic system provides a flow path for sperm from the inlet to the outlet and includes at least one channel extending from the inlet to the outlet to allow sperm delivered to the microfluidic system through the inlet to progress along the flow path toward the outlet. The microfluidic system also includes a filter including a first plurality of micropores arranged in the flow path between the inlet and the outlet to cause sperm traveling along the flow path to move against through the filter and gravity to reach the outlet.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides automated modules and instruments for improved detection of nuclease genome editing of live cells. The disclosure provides improved modules—including high throughput modules—for screening cells that have been subjected to editing and identifying and selecting cells that have been properly edited.

Abstract: A microbiological testing device for testing a liquid to be analysed that is liable to contain at least one microorganism, includes a closed inner space, a microbiological filtration member and an inlet port. The device has a nutritive layer in contact with the filtration member, and in that, in a configuration for providing the device an open/close member of the inlet port is in a closed state; the absolute gas pressure inside the closed inner space is strictly less than the standard atmospheric pressure, such that the device is able to create suction through the inlet port during a first opening of the open/close member.

Abstract: An exemplary mobile impedance-based flow cytometer is developed for the diagnosis of sickle cell disease. The mobile cytometer may be controlled by a computer (e.g., smartphone) application. Calibration of the portable device may be performed using a component of known impedance value. With the developed portable flow cytometer, analysis may be performed on two sickle cell samples and a healthy cell sample. The acquired results may subsequently be analyzed to extract single-cell level impedance information as well as statistics of different cell conditions. Significant differences in cell impedance signals may be observed between sickle cells and normal cells, as well as between sickle cells under hypoxia and normoxia conditions.

Abstract: A gas detecting module is disclosed. A gas-inlet concave and a gas-outlet concave are formed on a sidewall of a base. A gas-inlet-groove region and a gas-outlet-groove region are formed on a surface of the base. The gas-inlet concave is in communication with a gas-inlet groove of the gas-inlet-groove region, and the gas-outlet concave is in communication a gas-outlet groove of the gas-outlet-groove region. The gas-inlet-groove region and the gas-outlet-groove region are covered by a thin film to achieve the effectiveness of laterally inhaling and discharging out gas relative to the gas detecting module.

Abstract: A reaction processing vessel includes: a substrate; a channel for a sample to move that is formed on the substrate; a first air communication port and a second air communication port provided at respective ends of the channel; and a thermal cycle region for applying a thermal cycle to the sample that is formed between the first air communication port and the second air communication port in the channel. The channel includes a first branch channel and a second branch channel between the thermal cycle region and the first air communication port.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to providing personalized prediction and prevention of various types of medical events (e.g., emergency department visits, hospital admissions, complications) using machine-learning algorithms. An exemplary method comprises: obtaining a plurality of feature values of the patient; providing the plurality of feature values to a set of one or more trained machine-learning models to obtain: a first probabilistic value indicating a likelihood of a future medical event, a second probabilistic value indicating a likelihood of a reason for the future medical event, a third probabilistic value indicating a likelihood that the future medical event can be prevented, displaying, on the display, a risk value of the future medical event based on the first probabilistic value, a reason of the future medical event based on the second probabilistic value, an interceptability value of the future medical event based on the third probabilistic value.

Abstract: A single junction sorter for a microfluidic particle sorter, the single-junction sorter comprising: an input channel, configured to receive a fluid containing particles; an output sort channel and an output waste channel, each connected to the input channel for receiving the fluid therefrom; a bubble generator, operable to selectively displace the fluid around a particle to be sorted and thereby to create a transient flow of the fluid in the input channel; and a vortex element, configured to cause a vortex in the transient flow in order to direct the particle to be sorted into the output sort channel.

Abstract: A cell area extraction unit (241) extracts a cell area in a phase image that is created based on a hologram obtained by in-line holographic microscope (IHM). A background value acquisition unit (242) obtains a background value from phase values at a plurality of positions outside the cell area. An intracellular phase value acquisition unit (243) averages a plurality of phase values on a sampling line set at a position close to the periphery of a cell, while avoiding a central portion in which the phase value may be lowered in the cell area, to obtain an intracellular phase value. A phase change amount calculation unit (244) obtains the difference between the intracellular phase value and the background value. A phase change amount determination unit (245) compares the value of the difference with thresholds in two levels to determine whether the cell is in an undifferentiated state or an undifferentiation deviant state.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of biotechnology and pharmaceutics. Proposed is a method for ultra-high performance screening of biological objects which is based on microfluidic generation of droplets of a biocompatible water-in-oil-in-water double emulsion, and also a method for producing a monodisperse biocompatible water-in-oil-in-water double emulsion. The invention can be used in diagnosing conditions and diseases in mammals, as well as for investigating biological objects.

Abstract: This disclosure provides methods and systems for classifying biological particles, e.g., blood cells, microbes, circulating tumor cells (CTCs). Using impedance flow cytometry, such as multi-frequency impedance cytometry, in conjunction with supervised machine learning, the disclosed methods and systems demonstrated improved accuracy in classifying biological particles.

Abstract: In an illustrative embodiment, automated multi-module cell editing instruments are provided to automate multiple edits into nucleic acid sequences inside one or more cells.

Abstract: A microfabricated device having at least one gas-entrapping feature formed therein in a configuration that entraps air bubbles upon wetting the feature with a solvent or solution is described. The device includes a sacrificial residue in contact with the gas-entrapping feature, the dissolution of which guides the wetting of the gas-entrapping feature.

Abstract: One type of tissue-based assay, the companion diagnostic (“CDx”) allows for the identification of individuals within a larger patient population who are more likely to respond to a therapy. The CDx paradigm typically applies to drugs that target a specific gene product or biologic pathway involving a gene product of interest. It is possible, especially for popular therapeutic targets, for multiple drugs and multiple associated CDx to be developed for a single gene product or biologic pathway involving the gene product. Currently, each of these similar CDx must be applied to identify the best therapy. The present invention can determine the outcome of one CDx using an image of a tissue section used for another CDx. Using a single tissue section and a single CDx, it becomes possible to obtain the outcome of multiple, related CDx.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for sampling/isolating material from cells. An exemplary system may comprise a chip including an electrode array of sampling electrodes arranged along a surface of the chip. A cell-receiving area may be located adjacent the surface of the chip. The system also may comprise a tag array of tags supported by the chip and aligned with the electrode array. Each tag of the tag array may include an identifier that is unique to the tag within the tag array. Each tag may be configured to bind nucleic acids, or a capturing agent distinct from the tag may be aligned with each sampling electrode of the electrode array to capture a protein or other analyte of interest. The system further may comprise a control circuit configured to apply an individually controllable voltage to each sampling electrode of the electrode array and measure an electrical property of the sampling electrode.

Abstract: Provided are compositions and methods for differentiating and diagnosing ischemic stroke and subgroups thereof (e.g., cardioembolic stroke, large vessel stroke, atherothrombotic stroke, lacunar stroke) from intracerebral hemorrhage.

Abstract: Described herein are methods, systems, and non-transitory computer-readable media to non-destructively acquire three-dimensional profiles of cellular microbiological samples growing on the surface of a solid growth medium. Acquisitions can be performed by an optical microscope that includes a vertical scanning interferometer. The three-dimensional profiles can enable measurement of sample parameters of microcolonies, which can be made of microbial colony forming units. The methods and systems enable early and rapid detection and quantification of microbes.

Abstract: Process for producing biomethane from a biogas stream including methane, carbon dioxide and at least one impurity chosen from ammonia, volatile organic compounds, water, sulfur-based impurities (H2S) and siloxanes. A biogas stream is dried, the at least one impurity is at least partially removed by solidification and removal of the impurity. The methane and the carbon dioxide contained in the biogas obtained from the second step are separated so as to produce a biomethane stream and a CO2 stream.