Abstract: A DNA intercalator detection system can include a filtration unit and control sample conditioner operably coupled with the filtration unit and an analytic unit operably coupled with the filtration unit and control sample conditioner and having an electronic chemical array (ECA) reaction component. A data processing unit is operably coupled with the analytic unit and configured to compare and determine a difference between electronic data of a test sample and a conditioned control sample from the ECA reaction component. The difference provides an indication of whether or not a DNA intercalator is present in the test sample.

Abstract: A device for isoelectric focusing. The device comprises a focusing container configured to contain an electrolyte solution and having a longitudinal axis and at least one electrolysis unit mounted in a close proximity to the longitudinal axis. Each electrolysis unit injects an ion flow into the focusing container so as to create a pH gradient having a plurality of steps in the electrolyte solution, along the longitudinal axis. Each step has a substantially uniform pH level and the pH gradient is defined by at least one pH ramp between every two sequential steps of the plurality of steps.

Abstract: A specimen analyzing method and a specimen analyzing apparatus capable of measuring interference substances before analyzing a specimen. The method comprises a step for sucking the specimen stored in a specimen container (150) and sampling it in a first container (153), a step for optically measuring the specimen in the first container, a step for sampling the specimen in a second container (154) and preparing a specimen for measurement by mixing the specimen with a reagent in the second container, and a step for analyzing the specimen for measurement according to the results of the optical measurement of the specimen.

Abstract: A date-rape drug detector includes an elongated shaft having an upper end and a lower end. The upper end of the shaft is bendable and includes a plurality of notches that grip the upper rim of a beverage container. Proximal the lower end is a chamber having a testing strip therein that is deployable to a perpendicular position relative to the shaft. Along the length of the strip are a plurality of reactive spots that change color in the presence of a date-rape drug. Each successive spot is covered with a progressively thicker layer of water-soluble material than a preceding spot so that each spot requires a different submersion time in order to be exposed. Therefore, a user can test a beverage for the presence of a date-rape drug at progressive intervals.

Abstract: A method may involve forming one or more photoresist layers over a sensor located on a structure, such that the sensor is covered by the one or more photoresist layers. The sensor is configured to detect an analyte. The method may involve forming a first polymer layer. Further, the method may involve positioning the structure on the first polymer layer. Still further, the method may involve forming a second polymer layer over the first polymer layer and the structure, such that the structure is fully enclosed by the first polymer layer, the second polymer layer, and the one or more photoresist layers. The method may also involve removing the one or more photoresist layers to form a channel through the second polymer layer, wherein the sensor is configured to receive the analyte via the channel.

Abstract: Disclosed is a container cleaning device which cleans a container for holding a sample. The device comprises: a container holding section for holding the container which has a substantially spherical inner bottom; a discharge section which is inserted into the container; and a cleaning nozzle which discharges a cleaning liquid into the container. The discharge section comprises an aperture at the bottom, and comprises a discharge flow path which is connected to the aperture and discharges the sample or the cleaning liquid in the container, and the discharge section is insertable to the deepest part of the container, and the bottom part of the discharge section conforms to the shape of the substantially spherical inner bottom of the container.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for providing devices comprised of a substrate and a Layer-By-Layer (LBL) film coated on at least a surface of the substrate, which LBL film comprises binding agents that specifically interact with cells. Such devices are useful, for example, in various cell isolation applications. Among other advantages, such devices permit isolation and release (e.g., via layer degradation) of cells under mild conditions.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a sperm selecting system and the method thereof. The brief concept of the present invention is to generate a flow field by hydraulic pressure difference then utilize the property that the sperm swims against the flow field so as to difference the sperms by vitality thereof. One of the main features of the present invention is that the sperms be selected are initially set at the entrance of the flow field instead of the exit of the system. Furthermore, an activating design can be selectively added to the present invention so as to activate the sperm be affected by the process of freeze storing.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for producing a bioweapon-sensitive fibrous-network product, wherein the subject products exhibit a color change in response to exposure to a biological agent (or portion thereof) as used in a biological weapon. Also disclosed are fibrous-network products that contain units of biopolymeric material that impart a color change to the products in response to exposure to a biological agent (or portion thereof) as used in a biological weapon.

Abstract: Provided is a cell concentration and purification device, having: a function of continuously concentrating cells; a function of then subsequently disposing the cells continuously in a specific region of a channel; a function of simultaneously recognizing, based on an image, the shape and fluorescence emission of each single cell; and a function of recognizing the cells and then separating and purifying the same based on the data relating to the shape and fluorescence emission thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an leucocyte antigen mediated microfluidic assay and a microfluidic device for analyzing a subjects' body fluids containing leucocytes to determine if the subject has been previously exposed to a predetermined antigen.

Abstract: A microfluidic valve system is disclosed that includes a matrix, a hydrophilic acceptor region a hydrophilic transfer region, and a hydrophobic gap between the acceptor region and the transfer region.

Abstract: A biological sample processing apparatus having an enclosure. A plurality of sample processing modules are held by the enclosure. Each sample processing module is configured to hold a removable sample cartridge and to only perform sample processing on a sample within the corresponding removable sample cartridge. Each sample processing module is configured to perform at least one of a plurality of testing processes on the sample within the removable sample cartridge. At least one module in the apparatus is configured to perform nucleic acid amplification and detection.

Abstract: There is provided a cell culture device including: a drug storing chamber; a cell culture chamber connected to the drug storing chamber and disposed in a position higher than that of the drug storing chamber; a pump unit circulating a drug from the drug storing chamber to the cell culture chamber; and an opening and closing unit closing an opened part of the drug storing chamber so that the drug storing chamber is isolated from ambient atmosphere.

Abstract: A high-throughput corrosion testing mechanism was developed for metals in a variety of environments in controlled, multiplexed microenvironments. Many parallel experiments can be conducted with microbial and environmental variables independently manipulated to identify the key determinants of corrosion progression. The synthetic assay design enables subsequent surface characterization of select samples within the array. In as little as one day, diverse corrosive environments can be compared quantitatively.

Abstract: A bacteria analyzer comprising: a sample preparing section for preparing a measurement sample from a specimen; a detector for detecting bacteria contained in the measurement sample prepared by the sample preparing section; and a controller including a memory under control of a processor, the memory storing instructions enabling the processor to carry out operations, comprising: obtaining the distribution state of bacteria detected by the detector; setting a bacteria count region according to the obtained bacteria distribution state; and counting the number of bacteria contained in the set bacteria count region is disclosed. Method for analyzing bacteria, and a computer program product for bacteria analyzer are also disclosed.

Abstract: An automated on-touch template bead preparation system is provided and includes a membrane-based emulsion generation subsystems, an emulsion PCR (ePCR) thermocycling plate and subsystem, and a continuous centrifugation emulsion breaking and templated bead collection subsystem. The emulsion generation subsystem provides uniformity in the preparation of an inverse emulsion and may be used to create large or small volume inverse emulsions rapidly and reproducibly. An emulsion-generating device is provided that can supply a continuous stream of an inverse emulsion to a thermocycling subsystem, in automated fashion. The ePCR subsystem can continuously thermocycle an inverse emulsion passed therethrough and includes static temperature zones and a consumable thermocycling plate. The continuous centrifugation subsystem can continuously break a thermally cycled inverse emulsion and collect template beads formed in the aqueous microreactor droplets of the inverse emulsion.

Abstract: A portable, hand-held glucose testing device includes a housing configured to accommodate a plurality of test sensors in a stacked arrangement and having a wall with an opening defined therein. A plurality of packaged test sensors is stacked in alignment with one another within the housing. Each of the test sensors is packaged within a blister package. The blister package includes a blister package housing and a cover foil overlying a surface of the blister package housing and the test sensor. A drive slide is configured to displace one of the plurality of packaged test sensors out of alignment with other packaged test sensors. A knife mechanism is configured to pierce through the cover foil, and to engage and urge the test sensor to extend through the opening for receiving a sample. A meter contact is configured to engage the test sensor when the test sensor extends through the opening.

Abstract: The invention is a device for testing an individual for the presence of a entity. The entity can be a pathogen, toxin or drug. The device is adapted to collect from the individual the biological sample to be tested. The test device comprises noble metal nanoparticles (i.e. gold, silver or copper) to detect the entity. Test results are read from a window in the device. The current visual limit using aggregated noble metal nanoparticles is a clump having a diameter in a range of about 50 nm to about 75 nm. One or more ligands specific for the entity are attached to two or more metal nanoparticles. Each individual nanoparticle has a diameter in a range of about 15 nm to about 35 nm. Ligands attached to the nanoparticles and specific for the entity can be for example antibodies, antibody fragments, oligonucleotides, and aptamers. Different ligands specific for different sites on the entity may be used in order to increase the aggregation potential of the nanoparticles in the presence of the target.

Abstract: The use of nanostructures to monitor or modulate changes in cellular membrane potentials is disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of performing a sizing analysis. In the methods, a sizing ladder used in performing the sizing analysis is corrected. In one method, the sizing ladder is corrected for batch-to-batch variations in a sieving gel. In another method, the sizing ladder is corrected for a sample concentration that is different from the archival sizing ladder concentration. Methods are also provided in which the sizing ladder is corrected using a standard marker in a sample and/or using a real-time standard sizing ladder. The methods may be used individually or in combination.

Abstract: A self-contained apparatus for isolating nucleic acid, cell lysates and cell suspensions from unprocessed samples apparatus, to be used with an instrument, includes at least one input, and: (i) a macrofluidic component, including a chamber for receiving an unprocessed sample from a collection device and at least one filled liquid purification reagent storage reservoir; and (ii) a microfluidic component in communication with the macrofluidic component through at least one microfluidic element, the microfluidic component further comprising at least one nucleic acid purification matrix; and (iii) at least one interface port to a drive mechanism on the instrument for driving said liquid purification reagent, through the microfluidic element and the nucleic acid purification matrix, wherein the only inputs to the apparatus are through the chamber and the interface port to the drive mechanism.

Abstract: A cell culture device and system can be used for high throughput biological assays to study the biological effect of a test substance. The device and system can include a revolving cartridge having a body including a center aperture and two or more evenly spaced sample wells that are spaced apart from each adjacent sample well by at least the diameter of each sample well. Each sample well can be positioned radially equidistant from the center aperture. Each sample well can have a fluid permeable membrane base configured to fluidly couple a top surface and a bottom surface of the body.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and kits for evaluating the severity of a burn injury, which are based on the detection in a clinical fluid sample of skin metabolism products, such as collagen peptides which are released upon collagen degradation or synthesis.

Abstract: Provided are a barcode nano-wire for decoding a hard magnetic segment by using highly sensitive magnetic sensors and a bio-sensing system using the barcode nano-wire. Integration of hard magnetic and non-magnetic segments produces the barcode nanowire and magnetic segments are detected using highly sensitive magnetoresistance sensors. The non-magnetic segment uses a non-magnetic material and a specific biomolecule for bioanalysis is immobilized at a specific portion of the barcode nano-wire. The hard magnetic material has an advantage of higher coercivity and high remanence magnetization, which is considered as an important parameter in selecting the material. The hard magnetic segments produce distinguishable strong stray fields for individually detecting segments using conventional magnetic sensors for multiplexed bioanalysis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a device for creating digital copies of the ionic-electric dynamics of cells or cell compartments, such as organisms, or an at least partly identifying dataset that allows sorting decisions in vitro and in vivo. Sorting of cells and cell compartments based on electrical cell behavior can be applied, for instance, to transgenic compartments, in order to, e.g., detect the successful expression of certain channel proteins in an industrial process, to screen for (side) effects of certain agents or substances on the ionic-electrical cell behavior and involved proteins. In that context, the invention can be used as an alternative to complex and/or time consuming patch-clamp screenings as well as for general quality control reasons.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods of diagnosing the presence or absence of a bacterial infection in a patient, in particular, a tuberculosis infection, by measuring exhaled, isotopically labeled nitrogen gas after administration of isotopic ally labeled isoniazid.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to a method comprising obtaining a radio frequency response of a lab-on-chip based resonator with virus deposited within a recess of the resonator, determining at least one parameter of the radio frequency response and identifying a type of the virus or a group to which the virus belongs based on the at least one parameter.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an electrode strip, a sensor strip, a system thereof and a manufacturing method thereof. The sensor strip includes a first reactive film, a second reactive film and a vent hole. The first reactive film includes a substrate, a first electrode layer and a first insulation layer. The first end of the first insulation layer is concaved to a first depth to form a first reactive area. The second reactive film includes a second electrode layer and a second insulation layer. The first end of the second insulation layer is concaved to a second depth to form a second reactive area. The vent hole penetrates the second insulation layer, the second electrode layer and the first insulation layer so as to connect the first reactive area and the second reactive area.

Abstract: Described herein are methods for quantitative target detection in a sample through use of microbeads and related devices and systems.

Abstract: A mechanism is provided for manipulating a molecule. The molecule is driven into a nanochannel filed with electrically conductive fluid. A first vertical electric field is created inside the nanochannel to slow down the molecule and/or immobilize the molecule. The molecule is stretched into non-folded linear chains by the first vertical electric field and a horizontal electric field. Monomers of the molecule are sequentially read.

Abstract: An auto-calibration system for diagnostic test strips is described for presenting data individually carried on each test strip readable by a diagnostic meter. The test strip meter may provide a predetermined varying resistance on one strip or a plurality of varying resistances from strip lot to strip lot.

Abstract: A detection device that is used to detect a sample includes: a base component having on its surface a sample supply position to which the sample is supplied; an electrode system formed at a distance from the sample supply position on the surface of the base component; a sliding component having a slide body that performs a sliding movement over the surface of the base component, a sample receptacle portion provided in a portion of the slide body; and a supporting portion that is fixed to the base component and supports the sliding component such that it can perform the sliding movement relative to the base component. The base and the sliding components can perform the sliding movement within a range that includes an overlap position, where the sample receptacle portion overlaps with the electrode system, and the sample supply position.

Abstract: Methods and systems for controlling fluid flow through a cartridge for use in an assay of a fluid sample for detection of a target analyte. In one aspect, the cartridge includes a microfluidic device having a network of microfluidic channels, one or more reservoirs and one or more actuatable valves for controlling fluid flow from the reservoirs through the microfluidic channels. In some embodiments, the valve includes a deformable membrane movable between a closed configuration in which the membrane seals against the microfluidic device inhibiting fluid flow and an open configuration moved away from the microfluidic device to allow fluid flow through the microfluidic channels. Other valve embodiments utilize frangible membranes or user-removable membrane.

Abstract: An analyte sensing and monitoring system and method is provided that is particularly applicable to monitoring of analytes in cell cultures. The system and method relies on the initial diffusion rates of the analytes from the medium that contains the analytes being measured (e.g., cell culture) into a diffusion chamber that is inserted into the medium, and remote sensing of the analytes using an analyte sensing system that is coupled to the diffusion chamber.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a device for analyzing a fluid sample. In one aspect, the device includes a fluidic substrate that comprises a micro-fluidic component embedded in the fluidic substrate configured to propagate a fluid sample via capillary force through the device and a means for providing a fluid sample connected to the micro-fluidic component. The device also includes a lid attached to the fluidic substrate at least partly covering the fluidic substrate and at least partly closing the micro-fluidic component. The fluidic substrate may be a silicon fluidic substrate and the lid may be a CMOS chip. In another aspect, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a method for fabricating such a device, and the method may include providing a fluidic substrate, providing a lid, and attaching, through a CMOS compatible bonding process, the fluidic substrate to the lid to close the fluidic substrate at least partly.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system adapted to obtain an information related to eosinophilic airway inflammation. The system comprises a processor and a memory which is under control of said processor. The memory comprises software instructions adapted to enable the computer system to perform operations comprising: receiving an information related to an amount of at least one marker selected from the group consisting of CXCL9 and CCL27 in a blood sample of a subject; and obtaining an information related to eosinophilic airway inflammation in the subject based on the measured amount.

Abstract: A cartridge for measuring a concentration of a glycated protein in a wide measurement range, a system for measuring a glycated protein, and a method of measuring a glycated protein using same.

Abstract: There is provided a renewable sensor for sensing or selectively capturing a targeted bacteria in a fluid. The renewable sensor includes a surface, the surface includes a substrate, a biologically or bacterially non-adhesive feature disposed on or in functional proximity to at least a portion of the substrate; and an adhesive elements disposed on or in functional proximity to the non-adhesive feature, a flow channel in operative contact with the surface; and a detector configured to detect the targeted cell type captured on the surface. Also provided are method for using the sensor and the surface.

Abstract: The invention lies in the area of platelet function diagnostics and relates to a method for the determination of platelet function under flow conditions as well as a device for the implementation of this method. The method is particularly suitable for the determination of the effect of clopidogrel and of other P2Y(12) antagonists with antithrombotic activity as well as the determination of P2Y(1) antagonists with antithrombotic activity.

Abstract: A system for harvesting totipotent plant tissue culture can include a sterile enclosure, a plurality of bioreactors in the sterile enclosure, at least one agitator in the sterile enclosure, and a culture harvest system. The at least one agitator can be configured to agitate culture within the plurality of bioreactors. The culture harvest system can include tubing configured to connect to a port of one of the plurality of bioreactors in the sterile enclosure, a culture harvest container, and a pump configured to pump culture from the one of the plurality of bioreactors into the culture harvest container via the tubing.

Abstract: A totipotent plant tissue multiplication system can include a sterile enclosure and a bioreactor in the sterile enclosure. The bioreactor can include a number of ports. A sensor can be inserted into a first port. A matter insertion system can input matter into the bioreactor via tubing configured to be connected to a second port. The sensor can be removed from the first port during operation of the matter insertion system. The tubing can be disconnected from the second port during operating of the sensor and the culture transfer system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for minimizing or eliminating diffusion effects. Diffused regions of a segmented flow of multiple, miscible fluid species may be vented off to a waste channel, and non-diffused regions of fluid may be preferentially pulled off the channel that contains the segmented flow. Multiple fluid samples that are not contaminated via diffusion may be collected for analysis and measurement in a single channel. The systems and methods for minimizing or eliminating diffusion effects may be used to minimize or eliminate diffusion effects in a microfluidic system for monitoring the amplification of DNA molecules and the dissociation behavior of the DNA molecules.

Abstract: Provided are an analytical instrument and an analytical method that allow for the direct analysis of a target substance in an undiluted specimen by a transmission photometry in a tightly closed cell container space. An analytical instrument is an analytical instrument for analyzing a target substance contained in a specimen flown in the tightly closed cell container by utilizing an oxidative color-developing agent and an oxidative enzyme reaction, in which an upper substrate and a lower substrate are arranged facing each other and at least a part of the upper substrate and/or at least a part of the lower substrate are/is made of a material transmitting light used for the analysis and having oxygen transmission properties.

Abstract: Provided is a device and a method whereby plural kinds of reaction operations and washing operations can be conducted in parallel without washing or replacing an instrument used in transferring a solution in each operation. A reaction device having a plurality of projecting barriers provided in a line on one surface of a substrate. The projecting barrier has a cutoff portion and an inner space capable of holding a droplet and having a contact angle to pure water of from 90 to 150 degrees. A reaction method using the reaction device wherein a substance immobilized on magnetic beads is sequentially transferred in and between droplets of a solution containing a surface tension reducing agent that are held in the spaces for holding a droplet by means of a magnet located on the opposite surface of the substrate to thereby conduct reactions and washings.

Abstract: An epidermal sample is placed into a sample holder formed as a sandwich assembly. The sample holder is placed in an upper well within a lower well to be exposed to media in both wells. Properties of the sample can be studied, such as paracellular flux, transepidermal electric resistance, reaction to compounds, and epidermal barrier recovery.

Abstract: The present invention provides exchangeable, reagent pre-loaded carriers (10), preferably in the form of plastic sheets, which can be temporarily applied to an electrode array (16) on a digital microfluidic (DMF) device (14). The carrier (10) facilitates virtually un-limited re-use of the DMF devices (14) avoiding cross-contamination on the electrode array (16) itself, as well as enabling rapid exchange of pre-loaded reagents (12) while bridging the world-to-chip interface of DMF devices (14). The present invention allows for the transformation of DMF into a versatile platform for lab-on-a-chip applications.

Abstract: A method for monitoring a reaction and a reaction system are provided. The reaction system includes at least one vessel for the reaction medium, which is in fluid communication with an injection tube; at least one vessel for a carrier fluid that is immiscible with the reaction medium, which is in fluid communication with a reaction tube; the injection tube being mounted so as to lead into the reaction tube such that individual drops of the reaction medium can be injected into the reaction tube and into the immiscible carrier fluid, so as to form a train of reaction chambers; at least one detector for monitoring a reaction; a means for classifying the reaction chambers; and at least one means for recirculating reaction chambers in front of at least one detector for monitoring a reaction.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods for detecting, screening and sampling of cells are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to systems and methods for studying patient cancer samples in cis-co-culture. For example, the invention provide systems and methods for testing therapeutic agents in vitro in an environment that simulates an in vivo environment to identify agents that are therapeutically effective for the patient.