Abstract: An air purifier includes a detection apparatus, calculates a relative value of the number of microorganisms detected from airborne particles by the detection apparatus to a prescribed total value, and determines a central angle ? corresponding to the relative value. Further, regarding the number of airborne particles other than microorganisms detected by the detection apparatus as the number of dusts, relative value of dust particles to a prescribed total value is calculated, and the central angle ? corresponding to the relative value is determined. On a display panel, the amount of microorganisms is displayed as a bacteria meter by the area from the start position to the angle ?, and by the following area to the angle ?, the number of dusts is displayed as a dust meter, in a circle graph.

Abstract: A device and method for automating the handling and testing of microbiological specimens are provided. A portable specimen collection vehicle (SCV) is provided which comprises a protective housing, a specimen chamber for receiving a biospecimen sample, a plurality of culturing chambers each for receiving a portion of the biospecimen sample and each containing a different culture medium, a system of fluid ducts connecting the specimen chamber to each of the culturing chambers, and an actuator that facilitates flow of portions of the biospecimen sample from the specimen chamber through the system of fluid ducts and into each of the culturing chambers, wherein biological organisms in the biospecimen begin to grow in one or more of the culturing chambers and cultured portions of the biospecimen sample can be withdrawn selectively from the apparatus.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described for the processing (for example washing, incubation, etc.

Abstract: The invention provides for a proteomic approach for identification of specific bacterial protein profiles that may be used in the development of methods for the diagnosis of bacterial chronic sinusitis. The invention provides for methods for determining the presence of pathogenic bacteria in the upper respiratory tract of a subject using protein profiles of the pathogenic bacteria. The invention also provides for methods of diagnosing a bacterial infection of the upper respiratory tract of a subject using protein profiles of a pathogenic bacteria. In addition, the invention provides for devices, immunoassays and kits for identifying pathogenic bacteria in the upper respiratory tract.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses and methods include evaluation the clotting time or strength of clotting in the presence of various clot-affecting reagents to obtain a profile of clot analysis for determination of bleeding complications. The various reagents may be included in a single cartridge for use in a blood clotting analysis device.

Abstract: A method for enhancing the detection sensitivity of a piezoelectric microcantilever sensor. The method may involve providing a piezoelectric microcantilever and inducing a change in the Young's modulus during detection of a species of interest. The change in the Young's modulus may be induced or enhanced by the application of a DC bias electric field to the piezoelectric layer that enhances non-180° polarization domain switching of the piezoelectric layer. The change in the Young's modulus may also result from binding of the species of interest to the piezelectric microcantilever sensor or a combination of binding and application of a DC bias electric field. Significantly enhanced detection sensitity results from the changed Young's modulus of the piezoelectric layer.

Abstract: Disclosed is a covalently-linked multilayered three-dimensional matrix comprising capture molecules, linkers and spacers (referred to as a Molecular Net) for specific and sensitive analyte capture from a sample. Also disclosed herein is a Molecular Net comprising covalently-linked multilayered three-dimensional matrix comprising more than one type of capture molecule and more than one type of linker and may comprise one or more spacer for specific and sensitive capture of more than one type of analyte from a sample. A Molecular Net may comprise a pseudorandom nature. Use of various capture molecules, linkers and spacers in a Molecular Net may confer unique binding properties to a Molecular Net. Porosity, binding affinity, size exclusion abilities, filtration abilities, concentration abilities and signal amplification abilities of a Molecular Net may be varied and depend on the nature of components used in its fabrication.

Abstract: The present invention provides a photobioreactor comprising at least one translucent flexible sheet shapable by a support assembly forming thereby an elongated channel adapted for biomass production therewithin. Kits for making a photobioreactor and a floatable photobioreactor are also provided.

Abstract: A method captures cellular components from a single cell and performs mass spectrometry on the components. The method includes inserting a nanospray ionization capillary tip into a specific region of the cell under observation with a microscope. The nanospray ionization capillary tip can include a filament in the interior. The method further includes capturing the cellular components of the specific region of the cell into the opening of the nanospray ionization capillary tip and keeping the components at the nanospray ionization capillary tip, supplying an ionization supporting solvent from a back-end of the nanospray ionization capillary tip, applying an electric field between a sample inlet of a mass spectrometer and the nanospray ionization capillary tip, whereby nanospray ionization to the cellular components is implemented, and performing the mass spectrometry on the cellular components captured at the nanospray ionization capillary tip.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a miniature device for detecting, identifying and/or quantifying microorganisms in a sample. The device comprises a surface for contact with a sample to be analysed, said surface defining a pore and said pore comprising means for reporting the presence of a microorganism. The reporting means may comprise a solid or semi-solid substrate, a metabolic indicator; and a media and/or nutrients that support or encourage microbial growth.

Abstract: A method of separating a mixture of a plurality of molecular analytes having different isoelectric points (pIs). The method comprises placing a solution containing a mixture of a plurality of molecular analytes in a separation volume, generating a pH profile having a plurality of pH zones across an axis of the separation volume, and adjusting a profile of the pH profile to induce a migration of a first molecular analyte along the axis apart from a second molecular analyte. The first and second molecular analytes having different pIs.

Abstract: The present invention reagents and methods for setting up an instruments having a multiplicity of detector channels for analyzing a multiplicity of fluorescent dyes. The present invention is particularly applicable in the field of flow cytometry.

Abstract: According to one aspect, the disclosure is directed to an example embodiment in which a circuit-based arrangement includes a circuit-based substrate securing a channel, with an effective width that is not limited by the Debye screening length, along a surface of the substrate. A pair of reservoirs are included in or on the substrate and configured for containing and presenting a sample having bio-molecules for delivery in the channel. A pair of electrodes electrically couple a charge in the sample to enhance ionic current flow therein (e.g., to overcome the electrolyte screening), and a sense electrode is located along the channel for sensing a characteristic of the biological sample by using the electrostatic interaction between the enhanced ionic current flow of the sample and the sense electrode. Actual detection occurs by using a charge-signal processing circuit to process the sensed charge signal and, therefrom, provide an output indicative of a signature for the bio-molecules delivered in the channel.

Abstract: The present invention comprises methods and systems that use acoustic radiation pressure.

Abstract: A multiple flow-based microfluidic cell culture system that emulates mammalian physiology is provided. Tissue-mimicking cell cultures are connected by flow within a physiologically meaningful arrangement so that the pharmacokinetics of various agents to be tested in the system emulate in vivo conditions. The system includes at least two organ tissue modules, each organ tissue module including a first chamber containing an organ tissue cell, the first chamber including an inlet and an outlet for flow of an organ tissue cell-specific culture medium; a second chamber including an inlet and an outlet for flow of a blood material; and a semi-permeable membrane separating the first and second chambers. The flow of blood material through each organ tissue module is interconnected and the flow of tissue-cell specific culture medium is directed to a single organ tissue module.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of electrophoresis and more specifically to a gel or strip for separating peptide components by isoelectric focusing by producing IPG (immobilized pH gradient) gels or strips in a novel way before focusing. More closely, the peptides are focused in a novel IPG gel including an uneven or non-linear pH gradient having at least three separate stepwise arranged pH-intervals. After focusing the peptide resolution is high and the peptides are evenly distributed along the gel.

Abstract: A phantom device for in-vitro validation of radiation procedures under motion influence in consideration of an effective biological dose includes a phantom having a first biological detector with a first biological sample. The first biological sample includes a plurality of culturing and irradiation elements. Each of the culturing and irradiation elements are provided with a respective biological sub-sample so that the first biological detector is configured as a spatially resolving biological detector. A first motion device is configured to move the first biological detector so as to simulate a motion of a target volume.

Abstract: Plastic electrophoresis separation chips are provided comprising a plurality of microfluidic channels and a detection window, where the detection window comprises a thin plastic; and the detection window comprises a detection region of each microfluidic channel. Such chips can be bonded to a support provided an aperture is provided in the support to allow detection of samples in the electrophoresis chip at the thin plastic detection window. Further, methods for electrophoretically separating and detecting a plurality of samples on the plastic electrophoresis separation chip are described.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, device, and method provide the ability to measure forces a cell exerts on its surroundings. A platform is suspended across an opening using support legs. The platform is able to move horizontally in a plane of the opening. A piezoresistive strain sensor is integrated into the platform and measures strain induced in the support legs when the platform moves horizontally thereby measuring displacement of the platform.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a pixel-type biological analysis device comprising a photosensitive layer, a capture mixture for the capture of targeted proteins, the capture mixture being placed on an external surface of the photosensitive layer and comprising a protein probe grafted to a hydrogel, collection means for collecting photoelectrons in the photosensitive layer, and reading and treatment means of an electrical quantity supplied by the collection means, for the supply of a characteristic value of a luminous intensity detected by the photosensitive layer.

Abstract: A urine sample testing apparatus comprises: a urine qualitative measuring section configured to acquire a measurement result for each of a plurality of urine qualitative measurement items; a urine sediment measuring section configured to acquire a measurement result for each of a plurality of urine sediment measurement items; an operation part that is operable by a user to specify a combination of one of the plurality of urine qualitative measurement items and one of the plurality of urine sediment measurement items; an information processing unit configured to determine whether or not a first measurement result of the urine sample obtained by the urine qualitative measuring section and a second measurement result of the urine sample obtained by the urine sediment measuring section have a predetermined relationship with respect to the urine qualitative measurement item and the urine sediment measurement item included in the specified combination.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cell culture assay. The present invention comprises: a substrate; a scaffold channel which is formed along the centre inside the substrate, and of which at least one is disposed continuously, and inside which a scaffold flows; and a microfluidic channel or channels which is/are respectively formed on one side or on both sides of the scaffold channel, and inside which cells flow, and, here, a leak-preventing part for preventing the scaffold from leaking into the microfluidic channel(s) is formed in at least one of the ceiling surface and the floor surface of a boundary part of the scaffold channel and the microfluidic channel(s).

Abstract: A self-contained organ-on-a-chip device includes at least one organ growth section comprising at least two organ cavities and a degradable matrix or a micro-channel arranged between the at least two organ cavities. The degradable matrix or the micro-channel is configured to allow for a formation of a capillary network between the at least two organ cavities within the at least one organ growth section.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an exemplary in vitro diagnostic (IVD) device used to detect the presence of and/or severity of neural injuries or neuronal disorders in a subject. The IVD device relies on an immunoassay which identifies biomarkers that are diagnostic of neural injury and/or neuronal disorders in a biological sample, such as whole blood, plasma, serum, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). The inventive IVD device may measure one or more of several neural specific markers in a biological sample and output the results to a machine readable format wither to a display device or to a storage device internal or external to the IVD.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a micro-chamber plate and a manufacturing method of the same, more precisely a micro-chamber plate facilitating real-time measurement and analysis of fluorescence obtained from the reaction of multiple reaction solutions containing primers or probes selectively binding to each corresponding gene without cross-contamination in order to analyze biological samples containing numbers of genes and a manufacturing method of the same.

Abstract: Assay modules, preferably assay cartridges, are described as are reader apparatuses which may be used to control aspects of module operation. The modules preferably comprise a detection chamber with integrated electrodes that may be used for carrying out electrode induced luminescence measurements. Methods are described for immobilizing assay reagents in a controlled fashion on these electrodes and other surfaces. Assay modules and cartridges are also described that have a detection chamber, preferably having integrated electrodes, and other fluidic components which may include sample chambers, waste chambers, conduits, vents, bubble traps, reagent chambers, dry reagent pill zones and the like. In certain preferred embodiments, these modules are adapted to receive and analyze a sample collected on an applicator stick.

Abstract: A system and method for measuring at least one bioprocess parameter utilizes a barrier that separates an external sensor from a culture medium. The barrier allows analytes to diffuse in and out of the culture vessel, thereby allowing the bioprocess parameter to be measured non-invasively by the external sensor.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods and systems for detecting biomolecular binding events using gigahertz or terahertz radiation. The methods and systems use low-energy spectroscopy to detect biomolecular binding events between molecules in an aqueous solution. The detected biomolecular binding events include, for example, nucleic acid hybridizations, antibody/antigen binding, and receptor/ligand binding.

Abstract: A device for characterizing the biological properties of cells can include a plurality of dual-compartment assay chambers wherein the compartments of each chamber are separated by a cell layer across which ions can flow. The biological properties of the cell layer in the presence or absence of experimental compounds can be determined by measuring an electrical gradient across the layer. A individual dual-compartment chamber of this type may be referred to as an “Ussing chamber.

Abstract: A biosensor, comprising an insulating base plate, an electrode system containing at least a working electrode and a counter electrode and formed on the insulating base plate, and a sample-supplying section formed on the electrode system, wherein the sample-supplying section has a reaction layer comprising: a first reaction layer formed on the electrode system and containing at least a redox enzyme into which pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ), flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD), or flavin mononucleotide (FMN) is incorporated as a prosthetic group; and a second reaction layer formed by applying, onto the first reaction layer, a solution including a lipid decomposing enzyme.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of reduction of CO2 emission, more in particular to CO2 capture and conversion. The invention further relates to the culturing of algae. One object of the present invention is to provide an alternative method for capturing and conversion of CO2 from a gaseous stream.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a simple, rapid, and cost-effective test kit for detecting bacterial endotoxin in aqueous solutions, such as water for dialysis or dialysate, using an endotoxin-activatable clotting agent-based gel clot assay which can be applied at ambient temperature. The present invention also relates to a method of detecting endotoxin in aqueous solution with use of the test kit.

Abstract: The present application provides apparatus (300, 400) and methods for determining the density of a fluid sample. In particular, it provides a sensor device which can be loaded with a fluid sample such as blood, and which further comprises at least one oscillating beam member or resonator (108, 109, 110). Exposure of the blood sample to clotting agents allows a clotting reaction to commence. The device allows the density of the sample fluid to be monitored with reference to the oscillation of the vibrating beam member, thus allowing the monitoring of the clotting of the fluid sample.

Abstract: Methods of preparing assays and of assaying, using substantially self-contained, portable, user-initiated fluidic assay systems. Example assays include diagnostic assays and chemical detection assays. Diagnostic assays may include, without limitation, enzyme-linked immuno-sorbent assays (ELISA), and may include one or more sexually transmitted disease (STD) diagnostic assays. An assay system may include one or more fluid chambers, one or more fluid paths amongst the fluid chambers and/or between the fluid chambers, a sample portion, and/or an assay portion. The assay system may include a fluid controller system to dispense fluid from the one or more fluid chambers, and a user-initiated actuator to control the fluid controller system. The fluid controller system may be configured to dispense fluids serially, and may be configured to mix a plurality of fluids. The user-initiated actuator system may include an external user-operated trigger mechanism.

Abstract: A reaction cassette for a glycated hemoglobin meter and a measuring method thereof are provided. The reaction cassette for the glycated hemoglobin meter includes: a first zone receiving a first reagent and a blood sample; a second zone receiving a second reagent; a reaction zone in which the blood sample reacts with the first reagent, or through which the second reagent passes to react with a first blood sample mixture obtained by reacting the blood sample with the first reagent; and a measurement zone measuring an amount of total hemoglobin in the first blood sample mixture, or measuring an amount of glycated hemoglobin in a second blood sample mixture obtained by reacting the first blood sample mixture with the second reagent, wherein the blood sample, the first reagent, and the second reagent move between the reaction zone and the measurement zone according to a rotation angle of the reaction cassette when the reaction cassette is rotated.

Abstract: The present invention discloses analyte detection devices for detecting one or more analytes present in test samples, especially biological samples. In particular, the devices of the invention are lateral flow assay devices comprising immobilized metal nanoparticle conjugates as the detection means. Methods of using the devices and kits comprising the devices are also described.

Abstract: Fluidic circuits and methods of using same are provided herein. In some embodiments, the circuit can direct different fluids to a common volume, such as a reaction chamber or flow cell, without intermixing or cross contamination. The direction and rate of flow through junctions, nodes and passages of the fluidics circuit can be controlled, for example, by the states of upstream valves, differential fluid pressures at circuit inlets or upstream reservoirs, or flow path resistances. Free diffusion or leakage of fluids from unselected inlets into the common outlet or other inlets at junctions or nodes can be prevented by the flow of the selected inlet fluid, a portion of which can sweep by the inlets of unselected fluids and exit the fluidics circuit by waste ports.

Abstract: The present invention provides for the detection of cardiac markers on a droplet actuator. An aspect provides a method of assaying a cardiac marker in a biological sample from a subject, the method including providing a droplet actuator, loading the biological sample and assay reagents on the droplet actuator, executing droplet operations to create sample droplets from the sample and reagent droplets from the reagents on the droplet actuator, and executing droplet operations using the sample droplets and reagent droplets to produce a detectable signal indicative of the quantity of the cardiac marker in the biological sample. Still other aspects are provided.

Abstract: A device for volumetric metering a liquid biologic sample is provided. The device includes an initial chamber, a second chamber, a third chamber, a first valve, a second valve and a third valve. The chambers are each configured so that liquid sample disposed in the respective chamber is subject to capillary forces. Each chamber has a volume, and the volume of the initial chamber is greater than the volume of either the second or the third chambers. The valves each have a burst pressure. The burst pressure of the first valve is greater than the third burst pressure. The first valve is in fluid communication with the second chamber. The second valve is disposed between, and is in fluid communication with, the initial chamber and the third chamber. The third valve is in fluid communication with the third chamber.

Abstract: A method for monitoring the metabolic state of an organelle in the presence of a potential organelle modulating agent is disclosed. A first organelle-modified bioelectrode is provided that is electrically coupled to a second electrode of opposite polarity in a circuit. The first bioelectrode is contacted with an aqueous carrier containing a biologically acceptable electrolyte and an effective amount of a potential organelle modulating agent and an effective amount of an organelle substrate. The substrate is reacted at the bioelectrode to form an ionic product that is released into the aqueous carrier-containing electrolyte to thereby provide a current at the second electrode when the circuit is closed. A metabolic flux data set is obtained during the reaction and is compared to a control metabolic flux data set obtained under the same conditions in the absence of the organelle modulating agent, thereby determining the metabolic state of the organelle.

Abstract: When injecting a sample into carrier-liquid channels (3A and 3B), injection shock is prevented. Septa 13 and 14 constitute the upper wall and the lower wall of a sample injection part (11) of the carrier-liquid channels (3A and 3B). A needle (27) can vertically penetrate the septum (13) on the upper wall side and also penetrate the septum (14) on the lower wall side. A needle moving unit (28) induces the needle (27) to penetrate the septum (14) on the lower wall side and induces the tip of the needle to face the inside of a sample vessel (26). A measurement pump (29) is operated for drawing and as a result a sample is drawn into the needle (27). Next, the needle (27) is extracted from the septum (14) on the lower wall side, the tip of the needle is induced to face the inside of the sample injection part (11), the measurement pump (29) is caused to discharge and as a result the sample within the needle (27) is injected.

Abstract: A method for estimation of hematocrit of a sample having an analyte includes: bringing the sample into contact with a sensor strip including a reference electrode coated with a reference layer nonreactive to the analyte, and a working electrode coated with a working layer including a biorecognition element reactive to the analyte; applying a voltage between the reference and working electrodes, and recording information of a reaction current flowing through the sample within a time period of not greater than 5 seconds from beginning of application of the voltage; and estimating the hematocrit of the sample by analyzing the recorded information using a predetermined current-hematocrit function.

Abstract: Described herein is an apparatus comprising an electrochemical cell that employs a capacitive counter electrode and a faradaic working electrode. The capacitive counter electrode reduces the amount of redox products generated at the counter electrode while enabling the working electrode to generate redox products. The electrochemical cell is useful for controlling the redox products generated and/or the timing of the redox product generation. The electrochemical cell is useful in assay methods, including those using electrochemiluminescence. The electrochemical cell can be combined with additional hardware to form instrumentation for assay methods.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for determining one or more cellularly bound analytes in a liquid sample, said method being carried out using a device comprising: at least one feeding zone (5) for applying the liquid sample; a porous membrane (2) that is suitable for letting cellular components penetrate therethrough and includes at least one indicator zone on the membrane, said indicator zone being able to interact with the cellularly bound analyte and containing at least one binding element against the cellularly bound analyte; and at least one absorption area (3) on the membrane, which absorbs the liquid after the liquid has passed the indicator zones. The at least one indicator zone lies between the feeding zone (5) and the absorption area (3).

Abstract: A biological sterilization indicator (BI) and method of using same. The BI can include a housing, and a container positioned in the housing. The container can contain a liquid and at least a portion of the container can be frangible. The BI can further include a first chamber and a second chamber. The second chamber can include at least one source of biological activity. The BI can further include a first fluid path positioned to fluidly couple the first chamber and the second chamber, and a second fluid path positioned to allow displaced gas to move out of the second chamber. The method can include moving displaced gas out of the second chamber via the second fluid path as a sterilant is moved into the second chamber via the first fluid path and/or as the liquid is moved into the second chamber via the first fluid path.

Abstract: A hematological analyzer for measuring blood, sets a body fluid measurement mode; receives a measurement start instruction; irradiates a measurement sample with light and obtains optical information from cells contained in the measurement sample; and classifies at least white blood cells and nucleated cells other than white blood cells contained in the measurement sample, and counts the white blood cells and nucleated cells other than white blood cells based on the optical information obtained from the cells in the measurement sample prepared from a body fluid sample and white blood cell measuring reagent when the body fluid measurement mode has been set and the measurement start instruction has been selected, is disclosed. A method for analyzing body fluid and a computer program product are also disclosed.

Abstract: A detection instrument determines whether a specimen container (e.g., blood culture bottle) is positive for presence of microbial agent growth therein. When the container is deemed positive it is made available (e.g, transferred or exposed to) to an automated instrument performing identification and/or characterization of the microbial agent. The identification and/or characterization instrument removes a portion of the sample from the specimen container and places it into a disposable separation and concentration device. The microbial agent is concentrated via optional selective lysis of non-microbial agent cellular material which may be present and centrifugation. A reading module reads the concentrated microbial agent using spectroscopic methods, e.g., measurements of intrinsic fluorescence. Such interrogation may occur while the microbial agent remains concentrated in the disposable device.

Abstract: This invention is in the field of medical devices. Specifically, the present invention provides portable medical devices that allow real-time detection of analytes from a biological fluid. The methods and devices are particularly useful for providing point-of-care testing for a variety of medical applications.

Abstract: Provided herein is a method comprising one or more of the following steps: (a) lysing cells of a biological sample and contacting the biological sample with an amount of ionic liquid sufficient to denature intracellular metabolic enzymes in the biological sample to produce a contacted cellular sample; (b) mixing the contacted cellular sample with an organic solvent to produce an ionic liquid-organic solvent composition; (c) mixing the contacted cellular sample with the organic solvent to produce a dispersed microdroplet ionic liquid-organic solvent composition; (d) contacting the ionic liquid-organic solvent composition with an ion exchange composition to produce a second ionic liquid-organic solvent composition; (d) separating the ionic liquid from the organic solvent; and (e) extracting metabolites from the ionic liquid. Kits and systems for practicing the subject methods are also provided.

Abstract: There is provided a substrate detection device including a sensor unit configured to extract electrons by oxidizing a substrate, the substrate being a test target, a capacitor connected in series to the sensor unit, and a circuit configured to measure a voltage across terminals of the capacitor. The substrate detection device determines a concentration of the substrate based on the voltage across the terminals of the capacitor.