Abstract: Provided are a medical analysis device and a cell analysis method which can capture many cancer cells, including cancer cells not expressing EpCAM. The medical analysis device includes a flow channel zone, and also includes a chamber zone. The inner surface of the flow channel zone is at least partially provided with a layer of a hydrophilic polymer having a thickness of 2 to 200 nm.

Abstract: Emulsion breaking and phase separation is achieved by droplet adhesion. An emulsion breaking device includes a channel having distinct adjacent zones with distinctly different surface wettability characteristics, namely, solvophilic and solvophobic surfaces. The device is positioned such that the upstream portion of the device is configured to be wetted by the continuous phase of the emulsion, and the downstream portion of the device is configured to be wetted by the dispersed phase of the emulsion. As the emulsion flows from the upstream zone to the downstream zone, the change in surface wettability characteristics promotes adhesion of the dispersed phase as the dispersed phase wets the surface of the downstream portion of the channel, which results in breaking of the emulsion. Subsequent collection of the broken emulsion in a collection vessel results in separation of the disparate phases to facilitate their recapture and recycling.

Abstract: Biomarkers, methods, assays, and kits are provided for predicting the progression of Barrett esophagus in a subject to esophageal cancer. The method can therefore also be used to select the appropriate treatment for a subject diagnosed with Barrett esophagus. Disclosed are methods for predicting the progression of Barrett esophagus in a subject to esophageal cancer. The method can therefore also be used to select the appropriate treatment for a subject diagnosed with Barrett esophagus. For example, the disclosed biomarkers, methods, assays, and kits can be used to predict the benefit of surgery, laser treatment, radiofrequency ablation, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or any combination thereof for a subject diagnosed with Barrett esophagus based on whether they are predicted to progress to esophageal cancer.

Abstract: A portable and mobile bioprocessing system and method for protein manufacturing that is compact, integrated and suited for on-demand production of any type of proteins and for delivery of the produced proteins to patients or for assay purposes. The portable system and method can also be used for efficient on-demand production of any type of protein with point-of-care delivery.

Abstract: A fluidic testing system and method for use are presented. The fluidic testing system includes a microfluidic channel, a first chamber and second chamber. The microfluidic channel has only one port for the introduction and/or extraction of fluid through the microfluidic channel. The first chamber is disposed at a terminal end of the microfluidic channel. The second chamber is coupled to the fluidic channel and is aligned such that each opening to the second chamber is configured to be aligned substantially parallel to a gravity vector during operation.

Abstract: Methods are provided for manufacturing well-controlled, solid-state nanopores and arrays thereof. In one aspect, methods for manufacturing nanopores and arrays thereof exploit a physical seam. One or more etch pits are formed in a topside of a substrate and one or more trenches, which align with the one or more etch pits, are formed in a backside of the substrate. An opening is formed between the one or more etch pits and the one or more trenches. A dielectric material is then formed over the substrate to fill the opening. Contacts are then disposed on the topside and the backside of the substrate and a voltage is applied from the topside to the backside, or vice versa, through the dielectric material to form a nanopore. In another aspect, the nanopore is formed at or near the center of the opening at a seam, which is formed in the dielectric material.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for identifying cells that express antigen-specific antibodies with a high binding affinity for a monomeric antigen. Using fluorescence activated cell sorting, cells expressing high affinity antigen-specific antibodies are selected from a population of immune cells isolated from a mammal that has been immunized with or otherwise exposed to the antigen. Nucleic acids encoding the high affinity antibodies can then be cloned into other lymphoid and non-lymphoid cells where the antibody can be expressed and from which the antibodies can be secreted.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (100) and a corresponding method for thermoacoustic sensing, in particular thermoacoustic imaging, the device (100) comprising: a) an irradiation unit (10) configured to generate electromagnetic and/or particle energy exhibiting a first modulation, the first modulation comprising at least one frequency and to continuously emit the energy towards a target (1), whereby acoustic waves are continuously generated in the target, the acoustic waves exhibiting a second modulation, the second modulation comprising the at least one frequency and/or a harmonic frequency of the at least one frequency; b) a detection unit (20) configured to simultaneously detect the acoustic waves exhibiting the second modulation while the energy exhibiting the first modulation is being continuously emitted towards the target (1); and c) a processing unit (30) configured to determine at least one thermoacoustic value of an amplitude and/or a phase of the second modulation of the acoustic waves at the at l

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a device useable in DNA or genome sequencing comprises disposing pairs of electrodes on a substrate, the electrodes within each pair separated by a nanogap; depositing a resist layer over the electrodes; patterning the resist layer to create an exposed region on each electrode at or near each nanogap; roughening the electrode surface within each exposed region using various methods; and exposing the exposed regions to biomolecules, wherein one biomolecule bridges each nanogap of each electrode pair, with each end of each biomolecule bound to the electrodes at each exposed region.

Abstract: Devices having nanochannels suitable for confinement and alignment of DNA molecules, as well as methods of fabricating the same and methods of using the same for DNA analysis, are provided. A device can include a dynamically-controlled, unified microchannel-nanochannel platform suitable for confinement and alignment of DNA molecules. The nanochannels can be reversibly formed within nanoslits formed in a deformable substrate or base layer.

Abstract: Methods and devices for concentrating target cells using dielectrophoresis (DEP) are disclosed. The method allows relatively high throughput of sample through a microfluidic device in order to allow rapid capture of target cells even when they are present in low concentrations within the sample. The method utilizes multiple chambers through which samples will flow, the chambers arranged such that the first capture area has a larger area and faster flow rate than a second chamber, the second chamber being positioned downstream of the first capture area and being smaller with a slower flow rate to further concentrate the material captured in the first capture area.

Abstract: Methods of amplification, purification and detection of nucleic acid sequences especially RNA are described. One aspect of the method involves the hybridisation and subsequent ligation of a nucleic acid structure to the nucleic acid sequence desired to be manipulated. The methods require that the nucleic acid structure comprises a double stranded region and a single stranded region. The single stranded region is complementary to the RNA sequence of interest. The double stranded region may also contain additional functionalities which are then used subsequently in the method.

Abstract: There is provided a test method for analysing a body fluid in which a test tape is used in a test device to successively provide analytical test fields stored on the test tape, wherein body fluid is applied by a user to the test field provided at a time and the said test field is photometrically scanned using a measuring unit of the device to record measurement signals. To increase the measurement reliability, it is proposed that a control value is determined from a time-dependent and/or wavelength-dependent change in the measurement signals and that the measurement signals are processed as valid or discarded as erroneous depending on the control value.

Abstract: (1) Plural reaction chambers each including at least one cell capturing unit and at least one nucleic acid capturing unit connected via a flow channel, (2) a first liquid flow channel commonly connected to the plural reaction chambers on a first surface side, (3) plural second liquid flow channels connected to the plural reaction chambers in a one-on-one relationship on the first surface side, and (4) a third liquid flow channel commonly connected to the plural reaction chambers on a second surface side opposite to the first surface, are provided in a flow cell device for single cell analysis.

Abstract: A controller is connected to controlled devices on a microfluidic chip with a multiplexer. Signal transmission band width is differently allocated amongst the plurality of controlled devices on the microfluidic chip.

Abstract: An optical measurement device with a transparent cylindrical measurement cuvette, which defines an axial symmetrical axis and contains the fluid sample, an optical measurement arrangement which quantitatively determines the optical property of the fluid sample in the measurement cuvette, and a mechanical cleaning arrangement is described. The cleaning arrangement comprises an external magnetic working platform, which is arranged coaxially to the symmetrical axis, is slidable in a translatory manner parallel to the symmetrical axis, is rotatable about the symmetrical axis, encloses the cylindrical measurement cuvette externally in an annular manner, and has at least one translatory magnet element and at least one rotary magnet element, and an internal magnetic cleaning unit, which is arranged within the measurement cuvette and is slidable in a translatory manner, has a cleaning body, has at least one translatory magnet element, and has at least one rotary magnet element.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides compositions and methods for nucleic acid amplification and analysis. In some embodiments, a nucleic acid amplification reaction mixture is formulated to minimize or eliminate the inclusion of a species that can affect activity of one or more inhibitory species in the nucleic acid amplification reaction mixture. Such reaction mixtures can permit suitable analysis of nucleic acid sample prior to their use in one or more downstream assays, including nucleic acid sequencing assays.

Abstract: A composition is provided. The composition comprises an enzyme and a ruthenium- or osmium-based electron transfer agent, wherein the ruthenium- or osmium-based electron transfer agent is a complex [M(A)x(B)y](X)n wherein M is ruthenium or osmium; A is an amine ligand; each B is a ligand different to A; x is an integer selected from 1 to 5; y is an integer selected from 1 to 5; x+y is 6 or 8; n is an integer selected from 1 to 6; and X is any suitable counterion.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods for the synthesis of oligomeric compounds wherein removal of the 5?-terminal trityl group is performed at reduced temperature and lower pH relative to standard methods. In certain embodiments, the present methods provide detritylated oligomeric compounds having a reduced percentage of depurination relative to the same detritylated oligomeric compounds prepared using standard methods. In certain embodiments, the present methods provide detritylated oligomeric compounds with increased purity relative to the same detritylated oligomeric compounds prepared using standard methods. In certain embodiments, the present methods provide an increased rate of detritylation compared to standard methods.

Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems for performing digital assays are provided. In certain aspects, the methods, devices, and systems can be used for the amplification and detection of nucleic acids. In certain aspects, the methods, devices, and systems can be used for the recognition, detection, and sizing of droplets in a volume. Also provided are compositions and kits suitable for use with the methods and devices of the present disclosure.

Abstract: A sample analyzer with an optical detection device and a sample analysis method of the sample analyzer are disclosed. The optical detection device includes a fluid chamber, a light source and a light detector. The fluid chamber includes an illumination zone. An analyte flows through the illumination zone so as to form a sample stream. The light source illuminates the illumination zone to excite cell articles, reacted with a reagent, of the sample stream to emit a light signal. The light detector detects the fluorescent lights and transforms it into an electric signal. The light detector can include a silicon photomultiplier.

Abstract: A device (100) and a method optically control a chemical reaction in a reaction chamber (149) holding a reagent fluid (114). The chemical reaction includes a nucleic acid sequencing on a wiregrid. Based on strong optical confinement of excitation light (110) and of cleavage light (112), the sequencing reaction can be read-out. Stepwise sequencing is achieved by using nucleotides with optically cleavable blocking moieties. After read-out the built in nucleotide is deblocked by cleavage light through the same substrate. This ensures that only bound nucleotides will be unblocked. In order to avoid overheating by cleavage light, the reagent fluid is circulated along the surface of the substrate (101).

Abstract: An automated microscope apparatus, comprises an outer housing having an external wall; optionally but preferably an internal wall in said housing, and configured to form a first compartment and a separate second compartment in said outer housing; a microscope assembly in said housing, preferably in said first compartment; and a microprocessor in said housing, preferably in said second compartment; and optionally but preferably a heat sink mounted on said housing external wall, preferably adjacent said second compartment, with said microprocessor thermally coupled to said heat sink and operatively associated with said microscope assembly.

Abstract: A biometric device includes an illuminating unit and an imaging module. The imaging module includes an optical angular selective structure and a sensing layer. The light selecting structure includes a micro lens array, a refractive layer and a light shielding layer. The refractive layer is disposed between the micro lens array and the light shielding layer. The micro lens array includes a plurality of lens unit units, and the light shielding layer has a plurality of light passing portions. The sensing layer defines multiple sensing regions which are spaced apart from each other. The light shielding layer is disposed between the refractive layer and the sensing layer. The sensing regions correspond to the light passing portions, respectively. An optical angular selective distance is defined between the light shielding layer and the sensing layer.

Abstract: An additive manufacturing temperature controller/temperature sensor uses one or more spectrophotometric sensors to monitor temperature of successive layers and preferably localized sections of successive layers of a melt pool, and transients thereof, of an object being generated for the purpose of dynamic control of the additive manufacturing device and/or quality control of the generated object manufactured with the additive manufacturing device. Generally, the additive manufacturing temperature controller/sensor apparatus monitors temperature of a section of the object during manufacture as a function of wavelength, time, position, and/or angle to determine melt extent in terms of radius and/or depth.

Abstract: The present teachings are directed to compositions, methods, and kits for amplifying target nucleic acids while reducing non-specific fluorescence and undesired amplification products, sometimes referred to as secondary amplification products or spurious side-products. The enzyme inhibitors disclosed herein comprise a nucleotide sequence and at least one quencher. Complexes comprising an enzyme inhibitor associated with an enzyme, wherein at least one enzymatic activity of the enzyme is inhibited, are also provided. Methods for amplifying a target nucleic acid while reducing undesired amplification products are disclosed, as are methods for reducing non-specific fluorescence. Kits for expediting the performance of certain disclosed methods are also provided.

Abstract: Test devices are provided for determining the presence of a first ligand in a sample. In some embodiments depletion conjugates are used to deplete the ligands different from but related to the first ligands from the sample. In some embodiments, interim binding agents are used to enhance the test signal.

Abstract: Methods, compositions, and systems are provided for characterization of modified nucleic acids. In certain preferred embodiments, single molecule sequencing methods are provided for identification of modified nucleotides within nucleic acid sequences. Modifications detectable by the methods provided herein include chemically modified bases, enzymatically modified bases, abasic sites, non-natural bases, secondary structures, and agents bound to a template nucleic acid.

Abstract: The present invention is intended to provide an immunoassay method that enables an immunoassay with high sensitivity at a high development rate without causing aggregation of insoluble carriers or non-specific reaction while improving test efficiency and reducing labor. The present invention relates to an immunoassay method that uses a test device, and the method includes: extracting an antigen of a detection target in an analyte with an extraction agent; and detecting the detection target with a detection reagent capable of binding the antigen. The extraction agent is a nitrous acid generated on the test device by a contact reaction between a nitrite salt and a heterocyclic compound having at least one skeleton selected from the group consisting of a cyclic ester, a cyclic amide, and a cyclic imide.

Abstract: We describe a method comprising: providing a droplet comprising a plurality of constituents, splitting said droplet into a first droplet and a second droplet, wherein said first droplet comprises a first fraction of said plurality of constituents and said second droplet comprises a second fraction of said plurality of constituents, analysing said constituents of said first fraction of said plurality of constituents in said first droplet, and sorting said second droplet dependent on an outcome of said analysis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for prognosis and monitoring of a cancer, preferably bladder cancer, by measuring the proportion of CD8+ T Lymphocytes expressing ILT-2 and the plasma level of soluble HLA-G. The invention also relates to anti HLA-G antibodies for use for treating a cancer in which tumor cells express HLA-G, preferably bladder cancer.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions, probes, devices, and processes useful for detecting specific reactions and binding interactions with biological molecules. In certain embodiments, methods of binding one or more biomolecules to a solid support are disclosed. Methods of generating site-specific sequences for one or more biomolecules from a solid support are also disclosed. Biological complexes generated by these methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A spectrometer includes a support having a bottom wall part in which a depression including a concave curved inner surface and a peripheral part adjacent to the depression are provided, and a side wall part disposed on a side on which the depression is open with respect to the bottom wall part, a light detection element supported by the side wall part while opposing the depression, and a dispersive part disposed on the inner surface of the depression. A length of the depression in a second direction in which a plurality of grating grooves included in the dispersive part is aligned is larger than a length of the depression in a third direction orthogonal to the second direction when viewed in a first direction in which the depression and the light detection element oppose each other. An area of the peripheral part adjacent to the depression in the second direction is larger than an area of the peripheral part adjacent to the depression in the third direction when viewed in the first direction.

Abstract: Provided herein are therapeutic agents having specificity for having inhibitory activity against cancer cells that overexpress human epidermal growth factor receptor (HER) genes, including therapeutic agents comprising one or more HER-targeting peptides, pharmaceutical compositions comprising such therapeutic agents, and methods of using such compositions to treat or prevent a cancer or other disease condition associated with HER overexpression.

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: In one aspect, coated optical elements are described herein. In some implementations, a coated optical element comprises an optical element and a graphene coating layer disposed on a surface of the optical element. The graphene coating layer, in some implementations, has a thickness of about 100 nm or less.

Abstract: The present invention provides an oligodeoxy nucleotide for preparing drugs for inhibiting tumor growth and an application thereof. The core sequence of the oligodeoxy nucleotide is TTYSGGAAWT, wherein Y is C or T; S is C or G; and W is A or T. The oligodeoxy nucleotide above further comprises an antisense strand and a modified type thereof. The oligodeoxy nucleotide according to the present invention plays a role of inhibiting the tumor growth in vitro and vivo, and is expected to be used for preparing drugs for inhibiting tumor growth, with high specificity and high inhibition ratio.

Abstract: An ultrasonic device includes a base, a plurality of ultrasonic transducer elements, and a reinforcing body. The base defines a plurality of openings arranged in an array form. The ultrasonic transducer elements are arranged respectively corresponding to the openings with a plurality of vibration films being respectively provided for the ultrasonic transducer elements. The reinforcing body is fixed to the base in an area between adjacent ones of the vibration films when viewed in a plan view along a thickness direction of the base. The reinforcing body has Young's modulus greater than Young's modulus of the base.

Abstract: A method of sequencing nucleic acids is provided using sequencing by ligation and/or sequencing by hybridization.

Abstract: This invention provides biochip cartridges and instrument devices for the detection and/or analysis of target analytes from patient samples.

Abstract: The present invention provides an in vitro method for concentrating infectious pathogens found in a biological sample obtained from an individual who is suspected of being infected with the pathogens. Provided herein is also an in vitro method for reducing or eliminating blood cells from a sample obtained from an individual suspected to being infected with an infectious pathogen. The present invention also provides a method for diagnosing malaria and a method for determining if an individual is infected with a pathogen. Provided herein is also a concentrator and a kit for use with the methods.

Abstract: A cell capture system including an array, an inlet manifold, and an outlet manifold. The array includes a plurality of parallel pores, each pore including a chamber and a pore channel, an inlet channel fluidly connected to the chambers of the pores; an outlet channel fluidly connected to the pore channels of the pores. The inlet manifold is fluidly connected to the inlet channel, and the outlet channel is fluidly connected to the outlet channel. A cell removal tool is also disclosed, wherein the cell removal tool is configured to remove a captured cell from a pore chamber.

Abstract: One embodiment is a biochip having an array of biosensors for quantitative determination of protein-protein and/or antibody-antigen interactions. The array comprises at least two biosensors formed on a substrate. The biosensors can be used to detect either the same or different analytes. The biosensors may be acoustical transducers operated in the thickness shear mode of vibration, wherein the density, viscosity, and elasticity at the sensor interface can be ascertained. Additionally, a series of fluidic channels are etched to the same depth as the biosensors. The fluidic channels serve to efficiently deliver the sample to the biosensors. One or more biochips can be housed within an enclosure.

Abstract: The present invention provides an in vitro method for concentrating infectious pathogens found in a biological sample obtained from an individual who is suspected of being infected with the pathogens. Provided herein is also an in vitro method for reducing or eliminating blood cells from a sample obtained from an individual suspected to being infected with an infectious pathogen. The present invention also provides a method for diagnosing malaria and a method for determining if an individual is infected with a pathogen. Provided herein is also a concentrator and a kit for use with the methods.

Abstract: A method for tracking an item that includes the steps of (a) providing an item having a solid polymer material; (b) irradiating the item to create a spatial pattern of optical modifications in the polymer material, wherein the spatial pattern of optical modifications includes a code that indicates information; and (c) detecting the pattern of optical modifications, thereby determining the information.

Abstract: Provided herein is a method and a system for separating suspended particles that have differing sedimentation velocities, comprising placing the particles inside a hollow device which upon rotation, spins the suspension into a thick film within which sedimentation of the particles occurs, rotating the hollow device at a speed and for a time that allows fast-sedimenting particles to sediment into a layer of more densely packed particles while some of the slow-sedimenting particles remain outside of the dense-particle-pack, and slowing the rotation of the hollow device in a manner to prevent remixing of the layer of dense-particle-pack with a layer containing some of the slow-sedimenting particles. This method may have application in many technologies including the rapid separation of bacteria from blood components.

Abstract: For analyzing a sample containing particles of at least two categories, such as a sample containing blood cells, a particle counter subject to a detection limit is coupled with an analyzer capable of discerning particle number ratios, such as a visual analyzer, and a processor. A first category of particles can be present beyond detection range limits while a second category of particles is present within respective detection range limits. The concentration of the second category of particles is determined by the particle counter. A ratio of counts of the first category to the second category is determined on the analyzer. The concentration of particles in the first category is calculated on the processor based on the ratio and the count or concentration of particles in the second category.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to methods and apparatuses for the discretization and manipulation of sample volumes that is simple, robust, and versatile. It is a fluidic device that partitions a sample by exploiting the interplay between fluidic forces, interfacial tension, channel geometry, and the final stability of the formed droplet and/or discretized volume. These compartmentalized volumes allow for isolation of samples and partitioning into a localized array that can subsequently be manipulated and analyzed.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods and compositions for the fabrication of patterned arrays, such as nucleotide arrays. The methods and compositions are suited for the transfer and reorientation of array components.

Abstract: The present invention, in some embodiments, generally relates to methods of determining a treatment protocol for and/or a prognosis of a patient's recovery from a brain injury. In some embodiments, the brain injury results from a hypoxic event. In some embodiments, methods are provided for determining a measure of the concentration of tau protein in a patient sample containing or suspected of containing tau protein.