Abstract: Provided is a method for monitoring a change of ion strength in a sample solution by a closed-loop device that provides continuous cycling of electrochemical pH modulation between pre-defined pH values. In particular, the change of ion strength may be induced by a chemical reaction and may ultimately alter the electrical control parameters of the closed-loop device. By measuring such electrical control parameters, the degree and progress of the underlying chemical reaction may be monitored.

Abstract: Provided is a glycated hemoglobin measuring apparatus. The apparatus for measuring glycated hemoglobin includes a cartridge for receiving blood and a plurality of chemicals, a rotating tray for rotating the cartridge, wherein the cartridge is disposed inside the rotating tray, a driver having a nozzle disposed above the cartridge and movable in a vertical direction, and a measurement unit located above the cartridge and measuring glycated hemoglobin of the blood, wherein the driver sucks at least one of the blood, the plurality of chemicals, and mixed solution of the blood and the plurality of chemicals into the nozzle or discharges the sucked at least one into the cartridge such that the blood is chemically treated through the plurality of chemicals.

Abstract: Disclosed are devices, components and methods associated with a body fluid analysis system, which, according to some embodiments, can be employed in at-home, clinical, medical office and outpatient settings and applications. The system can be configured to provide results within a short period of time after a body fluid sample has been acquired from a patient such as by a finger or skin prick. In some embodiments, a body fluid sample cartridge is configured for use in conjunction with a corresponding spectroscopic body fluid analysis device, where the cartridge comprises one or more body fluid dispersing sheets, layers or membranes. In some embodiments, the cartridge is configured to deliver and disperse a predetermined amount or volume of a body fluid sample taken from a human or animal onto, into, through or across the body fluid dispersing sheet, layer or membrane disposed within the cartridge for subsequent analysis of the body fluid sample by a corresponding spectroscopic device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multiple-use device (1), wherein a fluid sample, in particular a blood sample, may enter a measuring chamber (3) of the device (1) via an inlet (16), flow through the measuring chamber (3) and leave the measuring chamber (3) via an outlet (17). The device (1) comprises an inner wall surface (9) defining an outer limit of the measuring chamber (3) The inner wall surface (9) comprises a surface structure (13) which is adapted to control a propagation of a flow front (6) of the fluid sample (4) in a direction (x) while the fluid sample (4) enters into the measuring chamber (3) via the inlet (16), while the fluid sample (4) flows through the measuring chamber (3), and while the fluid sample (4) leaves the measuring chamber (3) via the outlet (17).

Abstract: A glucose sensor includes an insulating metal oxide layer and at least one pair of metallic electrodes arranged on the insulating metal oxide layer and separated by a gap containing the metal oxide layer. In operation, a probe including a voltage supply and current sensor can provide a voltage difference across the first and second metallic electrodes while a sample is present across the gap between the electrodes. A measured current between the first and second metallic electrodes when the voltage difference is provided can be correlated to a glucose level of the sample.

Abstract: The disclosure relates generally to molecular diagnostic devices configured to amplifying a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) locus and discriminate between two or more allelic variants of the SNP, indicating presence or absence of a target allele. In some embodiments, the molecular diagnostic devices are capable of detecting, at point-of-care, SNPs associated with resistance or susceptibility to antibiotic treatment of bacterial infections. In other aspects, the disclosure provides methods of treatment for disease or disorders (e.g. bacterial infections) where treatment is guided by presence or absence of an allele at a SNP locus as determined by such molecular diagnostic devices.

Abstract: Example automated diagnostic analyzers and methods for using the same are disclosed herein. An example apparatus described herein includes a first carousel rotatably coupled to a base and having a first axis of rotation. The example apparatus includes a second carousel rotatably coupled to the base and vertically spaced over the first carousel such that at least a portion of the second carousel is disposed over the first carousel. In the example apparatus, the second carousel has a second axis of rotation and a plurality of vessels. The example apparatus also includes a pipetting mechanism offset from the second axis of rotation. The example pipetting mechanism is to access the first carousel and the second carousel.

Abstract: A system for imaging captured cells comprising: an illumination module configured to illuminate a target object; a platform configured to position the target object in relation to the illumination module; a filter module configured to filter light transmitted to the target object and/or to filter light received from the target object, an optical sensor configured to receive light from the target object and to generate image data; and a focusing and optics module configured to manipulate light transmitted to the optical sensor. The system can further comprise one or more of: a control system configured to control at least one of the illumination module, the platform, the focusing and optics module, the filter module, and the optical sensor; a tag identifying system configured to identify and communicate tag information from system elements; a thermal control module configured to adjust temperature parameters of the system; and an image stabilization module.

Abstract: The present invention describes an integrated apparatus that enables identification of migratory cells directly from a specimen. The apparatus only requires a small number of cells to perform an assay and includes novel topographic features which can reliably differentiate between migratory and non-migratory cell populations in a sample. Both the spontaneous and chemotactic migration of cancer cells may be measured to distinguish between subpopulations within a tumor sample. The migratory cells identified using the apparatus and methods of the present invention may be separated and further analyzed to distinguish factors promoting metastasis within the population. Cells in the apparatus can be treated with chemotherapeutic or other agents to determine drug strategies to most strongly inhibit migration. The use of optically transparent materials in some embodiments allows a wide range of imaging techniques to be used for in situ imaging of migratory and non migratory cells in the apparatus.

Abstract: A portable, self-contained drug test kit for testing for the presence or absence of a drug has a housing having a hollow portion with a liquid solvent accessible from outside to enable introduction of a test solute therein. A lateral flow test strip is in user-selective fluid communication with the liquid solvent in the hollow portion. The lateral flow test strip is selectively moveable from a first position in which the lateral flow test strip is not in fluid communication with the liquid solvent in the hollow portion to a second position in which it is in fluid communication with the liquid solvent. When the lateral flow test strip is moved into the second position and the test solute is introduced into the hollow portion, the liquid solvent mixes with the test solute to form a test solution and thereby activate the lateral flow test strip.

Abstract: A system and method to detect the presence of bed bugs are disclosed. A system detecting the presence of bed bugs comprises an aptamer solution that includes a base ligand, a fluorophore ligand that includes at least one fluorophore, and a quencher ligand that includes at least one quencher, a liquid application tool, and a fluorescent light source. A method of detecting the presence of bed bugs, comprising providing a liquid application tool that carries an aptamer solution, applying the aptamer solution to a target area, shining fluorescent light on the target area, and observing the target area under the fluorescent light. If there are light spots under the fluorescent light, bed bugs have been present.

Abstract: A method for determining pattern of inheritance in an embryo for a region of interest is provided, comprising receiving embryo, maternal and paternal sequence data; aligning the received sequence data to a reference genome; identifying a region of interest in the aligned embryo sequence data; identifying single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the maternal sequence data, paternal sequence data, and the identified region of interest in the embryo sequence data; imputing missing gaps in the maternal sequence data and the paternal sequence data using an imputation reference; counting the number of SNPs that are common between the embryo and the mother/father in the identified region of interest for the embryo sequence data and a corresponding region on the maternal/paternal sequence data to determine a maternal/paternal contribution value; and classifying a pattern of inheritance for the embryo as maternal or paternal based on the relative contribution values between mother and father.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods, compositions, and devices for making and using three-dimensional biological tissues that accurately mimic native physiology, architecture, and other properties of native tissues for use in, among other applications, drug testing, tissue repair and/or treatment, and regenerative medicine.

Abstract: Microscopic analysis of a sample includes a fluorescent dye disposed within the sample. A mid-IR optical source generates a mid-infrared beam, which is directed onto the sample to induce a temperature change by absorption of the mid-infrared beam. An optical source generates a probe beam directed to impinge on the sample. A detector detects fluorescent emissions from the sample when the probe beam impinges on the sample. A data acquisition and processing system acquires and processes the detected fluorescent emissions from the sample to: (i) generate a signal indicative of infrared absorption by the sample, (ii) generate a signal indicative of temperature in the sample based on the signal indicative of infrared absorption by the sample, (iii) generate an image of the sample using the signal indicative of temperature in the sample.

Abstract: The purpose of the invention is to provide rapid non contact detection of diseases, viruses, and other biological infections. A method of detecting diseases, viruses, and other biological infections is disclosed. The method comprises a gas analyzer detecting the chemical release emitted from a living body. The gas analyzer is an optical sensor and is located near the target. The gas analyzer then processes the readings using internal software to give an instant value of the concentration of the target gas. The gas analyzer would then output a signal indicating the presence of the gas. The gas analyzer can also incorporate a video camera for aiming purposes and recording images.

Abstract: Biosensors capable of detecting certain biomarkers (e.g., platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB)), as well as methods of fabricating the same and methods of using the same, are provided. The biosensors can be disposable and/or label-free. Electrochemical bipolar exfoliation can be used to exfoliate, reduce, and deposit (in a single step) graphene nanosheets on a desired substrate (e.g., an electrode). Affinity aptamers can be immobilized on the graphene nanosheets disposed on the substrate.

Abstract: The apparatus disclosed herein features a substrate arm and gripper, a platform having a top surface located opposite the substrate when the substrate arm is in a specimen processing position and featuring at least one fluid port located on a surface of the platform facing the substrate and at least one vacuum port located on the surface of the platform facing the substrate, and during operation, the apparatus is configured to (a) dispense a first quantity of fluid from the at least one fluid port to fill a separation between the substrate and the platform, (b) dispense an additional quantity of fluid from the at least one fluid port into the separation to displace a portion of the first quantity of fluid, and (c) remove the portion of the first quantity of fluid from the separation through the at least one vacuum port.

Abstract: Described herein are methods, systems and devices for rapidly detecting biomarkers in a biological sample.

Abstract: The invention provides a novel additive for improved analysis by mass spectrometry. More specifically, ascorbic acid has been found to reduce or eliminate the presence of adducts commonly present in mass spectra. The improved processes and compositions of the invention allow for increased accuracy, sensitivity and throughput for samples analyzed by mass spectrometry.

Abstract: A nucleic acid amplifier may include a sample preparation zone, a fluid ejector, an amplification zone and a capillary break between the amplification zone and the fluid ejector.

Abstract: A quantum circuit generation method includes determining a reference state of a target molecule and N excitations states corresponding to the reference state, where N is a positive integer greater than or equal to 1; determining M excitations states from the N excitations states based on an attribute of the reference state and attributes of the N excitations states, where M is a positive integer greater than or equal to 1 and less than or equal to N; and generating a first quantum circuit based on the M excitations states such as to improve computation efficiency and to reduce resource consumption.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for detecting molecules of interest within a collected sample are described herein. In certain embodiments, self-contained sample analysis systems are disclosed, which include a reusable reader component, a disposable cartridge component, and a disposable sample collection component. The reader component may communicate with a remote computing device for the digital transmission of test protocols and test results. In various disclosed embodiments, the systems, components, and methods are configured to identify the presence, absence, and/or quantity of particular nucleic acids, proteins, or other analytes of interest, for example, in order to test for the presence of one or more pathogens or contaminants in a sample.

Abstract: An electrode apparatus comprising: a substrate, the substrate comprising: a first microfluidic channel; a second microfluidic channel; and at least one conduit extending between the first microfluidic channel and the second microfluidic channel; wherein the first microfluidic channel and the at least one conduit comprise electrically conductive material, and wherein the second microfluidic channel is exposed to the external environment and configured to absorb liquid by capillary action.

Abstract: A field portable diagnostic apparatus uses a rotatable disk in which a microfluidic circuit is defined. The microfluidic circuit includes a centrifugal separation chamber receiving a sample to stratify the sample. A magnetic bead holding chamber is communicated to a mixing chamber, where mass amplifying functionalized magnetic-nanoparticles, held in a buffer solution and contained in the magnetic bead holding reservoir communicated to mixing chamber, are mixed with the separated fluid delivered to mixing chamber from the separation chamber. The functionalized magnetic nanoparticles conjugate with a target analyte in the sample. A magnet in proximity to a SAW chamber including a SAW detector draws the functionalized magnetic nanoparticles toward antibodies immobilized on the SAW sensor surface A wash reservoir is communicated to the SAW sensor chamber, and a cleanup/waste reservoir is communicated to the SAW chamber for receive fluid after it has passed through the SAW chamber.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions, kits, and methods for treating a disorder of genomic imprinting in a subject. The method may include modifying a zinc-finger protein 274 (ZNF274) binding site on maternal chromosome 15 at position 15q11-q13 of the subject, such that the binding of a ZNF274 protein to the ZNF274 binding site is reduced relative to a control. The ZNF274 binding site comprises a polynucleotide having at least 90% sequence identify to SEQ ID NO: 1 or SEQ ID NO: 42. Further provided are DNA targeting systems that bind to a ZNF274 binding site or to a gene encoding a ZNF274 protein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an artificially manipulated immune system having an improved immune effect. More particularly, the present invention relates to an immune system having functions artificially altered which comprises artificially manipulated immunoregulatory elements and cells containing the same. Contemplated according to a particular embodiment is an immune system comprising artificially manipulated immunoregulatory genes such as PD-1, CTLA-4, A20, DGK?, DGK?, FAS, EGR2, PPP2R2D, PSGL-1, KDM6A, and TET2, and/or expression products thereof.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an immunochromatographic test piece which prevents a non-specific reaction by efficiently and continuously contacting and neutralizing a developing solution containing nitrous acid with a neutralizing reagent in an immunochromatography method of extracting and measuring a sugar chain antigen by nitrous acid extraction on the immunochromatographic test piece. The present disclosure also provides an immunochromatographic test piece for extracting and measuring a sugar chain antigen in a specimen, which comprises: a sample pad; a label region; a detection region on which the antibody against the sugar chain antigen is immobilized; a region impregnated with a neutralizing reagent upstream of the label region, and a region impregnated with a solid acid reagent or a region impregnated with nitrite, upstream of the region impregnated with the neutralizing reagent.

Abstract: Systems and methods for imaging and image-based analysis of test devices can include a background device for a lateral flow assay test strip. In one aspect, the background device can include a test strip portion sized and shaped to guide placement, on the background device, of the lateral flow assay test strip; a background portion at least partially surrounding the test strip portion; and one or more features of the background portion. The one or more features can include line detection fiducials, position fiducials, modulation transfer function fiducials, motion blur detection fiducials, and/or RGB balanced areas for evaluation of lighting conditions.

Abstract: A method of operating an integrated circuit includes using a first switching device to couple a bio-sensing device to a first signal path, generating, using the bio-sensing device, a bio-sensing signal on the first signal path in response to an electrical characteristic of a sensing film, using a second switching device to couple a temperature-sensing device to a second signal path, and generating, using the temperature-sensing device, a temperature-sensing signal on the second signal path in response to a temperature of the sensing film. The first and second switching devices, the bio-sensing device, the temperature-sensing device, and the sensing film are components of a sensing pixel of a plurality of sensing pixels of the integrated circuit.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fluidic device in which solutions of different concentrations can be easily obtained.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a method for recovering two or more genes, or gene products, or cDNAs, encoding for an immunoreceptor having two or more subunits, which two or more genes, or gene products, are comprised in a given source cell. The invention is further related to a method of creating a library of expressor cells, in which library each cell is capable of expressing two or more genes, or gene products, encoding for the subunits of the immunoreceptor. The invention is further related to a method of screening a library of expressor cells as created according to the above method, for one cell that expresses an immunoreceptor that has specificity for a given target molecule.

Abstract: Various aspects described herein relate to electrochemical devices, e.g., for separation of one or more target organic or inorganic molecules (e.g., charged or neutral molecules) from solution, and methods of using the same. In particular embodiments, the electrochemical devices and methods described herein involve at least one redox-functionalized electrode, wherein the electrode comprises an immobilized redox-species that is selective toward a target molecule (e.g., charged molecule such as ion or netural molecule). The selectivity is based on a Faradaic/redox-activated chemical interaction (e.g., directional hydrogen binding) between the oxidized state of the redox species and a moiety of the target molecule (e.g., charged molecule such as ion or netural molecule).

Abstract: In example implementations, an apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a dielectrophoresis (DEP) separator, an electrical field generator, a tracking system, and a controller. The DEP separator is to separate a plurality of different particles. The electrical field generator is coupled to the DEP separator to apply a frequency to the DEP separator. The tracking system is to track a movement of a type of particles in the DEP separator. The controller is in communication with the electrical field generator to control the frequency and the tracking system to track the separation. The controller is to calculate a cross-over frequency from a cross-over frequency distribution for the type of particles based on a frequency sweep performed on the type of particles and the movement of the type of particles that is tracked.

Abstract: Techniques are described for reducing the number of angles needed in structured illumination imaging of biological samples through the use of patterned flowcells, where nanowells of the patterned flowcells are arranged in, e.g., a square array, or an asymmetrical array. Accordingly, the number of images needed to resolve details of the biological samples is reduced. Techniques are also described for combining structured illumination imaging with line scanning using the patterned flowcells.

Abstract: Provided is an implantable biosensor including an intermediate layer; a first electrode layer provided on one surface of the intermediate layer and including a first electrode configured to react with a bio material and an auxiliary electrode electrically connected to the first electrode; and a second electrode layer provided on another surface of the intermediate layer to face the first electrode layer and including a second electrode operating as a reference electrode.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a method or an immunochromatographic test piece, which controls a speed or a direction of development of a specimen on the immunochromatographic test piece, so that a treatment with an acid reagent, nitrite, and a neutralizing reagent is properly controlled. The present invention provides an immunochromatographic test piece for extracting and measuring a sugar chain antigen in a specimen, the immunochromatographic test piece having a neutralizing region impregnated with a neutralizing reagent upstream of a label region, and further having a solid acid reagent or nitrite region impregnated with a solid acid reagent, or with nitrite, upstream of the neutralizing region, wherein a resin-made sheet is sandwiched between the solid acid reagent or nitrite region the neutralizing region so as to suppress the movement of a reagent or the movement of a specimen solution between the regions.

Abstract: Miniaturized DNA microarrays are described to be used in conjunction with microfluidic channels or microcentrifuge tubes and microcentrifuge filters to reduce sample size, incubation time and to increase overall binding efficiency.

Abstract: The embodiments disclose an apparatus including a test cartridge configured for inserting into a reader, a sample insertion component coupled to the test cartridge a test sample, a heater device coupled to the test cartridge configured to heat to a predetermined temperature the test sample, a sensor array coupled to the test cartridge consisting of at least one electrochemical sensor for sensing analytes in a sample, a reader configured to gather test related data from the sensor array coupled to the test cartridge, an analyzer coupled to the reader configured for determining test results of each sensor in the sensor array and comparing all the test results for confirmation of a valid test and coherent results, a MCU (Microcontroller Unit) to perform main control and processing functions, and orchestrates all the functionality for the Reader, and a BLE Radio RF link between the MCU and an external processing system.

Abstract: Disclosure relates to a device and a method of using the device for conducting biological and chemical assays on a sample. The device includes two plates. The first plate includes at least a first and a second sample contact areas on its inner surface. Each sample contact area includes spacers having a bottom end fixed on the inner surface and a top end that is distal to the inner surface. The spacers in the first sample contact area differ in height from those in the second sample contact area. The first and second sample contact areas are disposed at different depths along the inner surface of the first plate, so that the top ends of the spacers are aligned on the same flat plane. The method includes depositing the sample onto the sample contact areas, compressing the sample into a thin layer, and analyzing the sample.

Abstract: An analytical toilet comprising a bowl adapted to receive excreta; a channel in fluid communication with the bowl for extracting a sample of excreta from the bowl; an imaging section in the channel, comprising a transparent window; and a movable wall capable of moving between a first and a second position; wherein the channel is open when the movable wall is in a first position; and wherein the channel is nearly closed when the movable wall is in a second position; a first actuator adapted to move the movable wall between its first and second position; an imaging sensor positioned to image the contents of the channel at the point of the movable wall through the transparent window is disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides devices and methods for moving charged molecules into and out of tissue samples. This invention is particularly useful for removing endogenous heterogenous particles from tissue samples and for introducing exogenous charged molecules (e.g., antibodies, dyes) into tissue samples.

Abstract: A microfluidic device for detection of an analyte in a fluid is described. The microfluidic device comprises a substrate having a first surface defining entrances to one or more chambers defined in the substrate, surfaces of the chambers defining a second surface of the substrate, the first surface being modified for selective targeting and capture of at least one analyte to operably effect a blocking of the entrance to at least one of the chambers, and wherein a response characteristic of the microfluidic device is operably varied by the blocking of the entrance to the at least one of the chambers, thereby providing an indication of the presence of the analyte within the fluid.

Abstract: Described herein are reagent compositions for detecting and/or measuring analytes in a test sample. In one embodiment, reagent compositions are described for detecting and/or measuring glucose in a sample.

Abstract: A method for collecting a fine particle stored in a structure by suctioning the fine particle using a nozzle, in which, as the structure, a structure in which at least one communication portion that communicates a space storing the fine particle with one surface side and the other surface side of the structure is formed is used.

Abstract: A biosensor may provide a magnetoresistive (MR) film comprising a nonmagnetic layer may be sandwiched between the two ferromagnetic layers. The MR film may be positioned on a substrate, where the edges of the MR film are in contact with leads. Additionally, the leads may be in contact with pads. The sensors may provide quasi-digital readout that enable greatly enhanced sensitivity. In some embodiments, biosensors may be arranged as array of sensors. The array of sensors may be arranged as a symmetric or asymmetric N1×N2 array, where N1 and N2 are integers, N1 represents the number of sensors linked together in series, and N2 represents the number of sensor sets in parallel, where each sensor set may comprise one or more sensors. Further, the array of sensors may be coupled to a voltmeter, which may be a single voltmeter in some cases that allows the sensors to all be probed simultaneously.

Abstract: The embodiments disclose a method including making electrodes using an electrically conductive material for impedimetric detection of analytical targets in an electrochemical sensing platform device, collecting patient samples in a solution compartment of the electrochemical sensing platform device, binding primers and aptamers to electrodes for functionalizing electrodes for detecting and binding targeted viruses and bacterial pathogens, incubating oral fluid samples in the solution compartment using a heater, measuring electrode impedance changes, recording measured electrode impedance changes in a memory device, and integrating wireless technologies into the electrochemical sensing platform device configured for transmitting recorded measured data.

Abstract: An apparatus for in-vivo measuring H2O2 oxidation within a living tissue. The apparatus includes an electrochemical probe and an electrochemical stimulator-analyzer. The electrochemical probe includes a sensing part and a handle. The sensing part includes a working electrode, a counter electrode, and a reference electrode. The working electrode includes a first biocompatible conductive needle coated with a layer of vertically aligned multi-walled carbon nanotubes. The counter electrode includes a second biocompatible conductive needle. The reference electrode includes a third biocompatible conductive needle. The electrochemical stimulator-analyzer is configured to generate a set of electrical currents in a portion of the living tissue.

Abstract: Various fluidic structures are described that may be implemented between two portions of material, at least one of which may be made of a flexible but inelastic material, such as Mylar. Such fluidic circuits may be configured such that applying a clamping pressure zone to such fluidic circuits and then moving the clamping pressure zone along the fluidic circuit and along a particular axis may cause the fluidic circuit to operate in a particular manner, thereby driving fluids contained within the fluidic circuit around the fluidic circuit according to a desired flow sequence.

Abstract: The invention relates to an immunochromatographic device which contains a nitrous acid compound and an organic acid or an organic acid derivative and which is for detecting a detection target in an analyte wherein a sample droplet-receiving member, a labeling substance-holding member, a chromatography medium member and an absorption member are arranged in a manner that a sample develops in this order and wherein a part containing the nitrous acid compound and a part containing the organic acid or the like are at upstream positions from the labeling substance-containing part, and the part containing the nitrous acid compound and the part containing the organic acid or the like are not substantially in contact with each other in the thickness direction.

Abstract: Systems for detecting fluorescence from a molecule comprising an ion-impermeable film comprising at least one ion-conducting nanopore; a first and second liquid reservoir separated by the film; a means to induce movement of the molecule from the first reservoir to the second reservoir via the nanopore; a light source capable of exciting the molecule to emit fluorescence, wherein the light source shines into the second reservoir; a metallic layer adhered to the film by an adhesion layer and comprising a nanowell structure located adjacent to the nanopore; and a detector configured to detect the fluorescence emitted by the molecule are provided. Methods of use of the systems are also provided.