Abstract: A reader for mechanical actuation of fluids within a test cartridge. The instrument interface including multiple independently-controlled plungers aligned to respective fluidic pouches on a test cartridge that is inserted into a testing apparatus embodying the instrument interface. The plungers include tips for applying mechanical force to the respective fluidic pouches.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for generating short tandem repeat (STR) profiles on each of a plurality of samples comprising, for each sample: a) isolating DNA from the sample; b) amplifying STR markers in the isolated DNA and c) analyzing the amplification product by electrophoresis.

Abstract: A device for biological purposes such as cell culturing, enzymatic reactions or filtering of fluid has a body with first and second surfaces. The body is delimited by a rim and an aperture in the center of the body. The aperture is covered at the first and second surface by first and second plates. The first and/or second plate has an inlet orifice allowing liquid medium into the aperture. Rotating means are arranged in the aperture between the first and second plate. At least one recessed portion is a cavity in the rim of the body having a first outlet orifice allowing the liquid medium to flow out of the body. At least one outlet channel connects the circular aperture with the recessed portion. Liquid is pumped into the aperture of the device and pumped through at least one outlet channel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system, comprising: a) a sample processing unit, comprising an input port and an output port coupled to a rotating container having at least one sample chamber, the sample processing unit configured provide a first processing step to a sample or to rotate the container so as to apply a centrifugal force to a sample deposited in the chamber and separate at least a first component and a second component of the deposited sample; and b) a sample separation unit coupled to the output port of the sample processing unit, the cell separation unit comprising separation column holder (42), a pump (64) and a plurality of valves (1-11) configured to at least partially control fluid flow through a fluid circuitry and a separation column (40) positioned in the holder, the separation column configured to separate labeled and unlabeled components of sample flowed through the column.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cartridge for the detection of the presence, absence and/or amount of a target nucleotide sequence in a sample comprising one or more nucleic acid sequences. The cartridge comprises a first component and a second component being connectable to each other, the first component comprising at least a first fluid opening and a first sealing surface and the second component comprising at least a second fluid opening and a second sealing surface. Upon connection of the first and second component the first and second fluid opening are placeable in fluid communication and the first and second sealing surfaces are placeable against each other to seal the fluid communication between the first and second fluid opening. The invention is characterized in that the cartridge comprises biasing means for biasing the second sealing surface in the direction of the first sealing surface.

Abstract: A live biological specimen is imaged by generating a plurality of light sheets; directing the plurality of light sheets along an illumination axis through the biological specimen such that the light sheets spatially and temporally overlap within the biological specimen along an image plane, and optically interact with the biological specimen within the image plane; and recording, at each of a plurality of views, images of the fluorescence emitted along a detection axis from the biological specimen due to the optical interaction between the light sheets and the biological specimen. The temporal overlap is within a time shift that is less than a resolution time that corresponds to a spatial resolution limit of the microscope.

Abstract: An apparatus for inoculating and streaking a solid growth culture medium in a plate, the streaking using a streaking applicator having a line of resiliently and flexibly supported spaced apart contact surfaces, the apparatus including: (a) an inoculating and streaking station including: a plate work position having a notional action line fixed in two dimensions (x,y) in a predetermined position; and a plate rotation device for rotating a positioned plate to cause streaking; (b) a sensor capable of locating the surface of the medium in a positioned plate to thereby determine for that plate, prior to inoculation and streaking of that plate, the third dimension (z) of the action line; (c) an inoculating device capable of dispensing inoculum, along the action line, on the surface of the medium in the positioned plate; and (d) a streaking device capable of moving the streaking applicator such that its line of spaced apart contact surfaces contacts, along the action line, the surface of the medium in the positioned

Abstract: An apparatus comprising an assembly and a cover. The assembly comprises a sample block configured to receive a microtiter tray having a plurality of vials, each vial comprising a cap having a surface and a perimeter. The cover comprises a platen, vertically and horizontally displaceable in relationship to the sample block, the platen having a plurality of recesses. Each recess corresponds to a respective vial and is shaped and arranged to clear the surface of its respective cap when the cover is displaced onto the sample block. The cover includes a skirt in contact with and surrounding a perimeter of the platen. The skirt is configured for mating with a perimeter of a microtiter tray when a microtiter tray is received in the sample block, and also configured such that the cover contacts a microtiter tray when a microtiter tray is received in the sample block.

Abstract: A biochemical processing apparatus for performing biochemical processing in a container having a plurality of wells capable of holding liquid includes an opening/closing mechanism configured to open or close a lid capable of hermetically and selectively sealing the plurality of wells.

Abstract: An electroosmotic (EO) pump is provided that includes a housing having a pump cavity, a porous core medium and electrodes. The porous core medium is positioned within the pump cavity to form an exterior reservoir that extends at least partially about an exterior surface of the porous core medium. The porous core medium has an open inner chamber provided therein. The inner chamber represents an interior reservoir. The electrodes are positioned in the inner chamber and are positioned proximate the exterior surface. The electrodes induce flow of a fluid through the porous core medium between the interior and exterior reservoirs, wherein a gas is generated when the electrodes induce flow of the fluid. The housing has a fluid inlet to convey the fluid to one of the interior reservoir and the exterior reservoir. The housing has a fluid outlet to discharge the fluid from another of the interior reservoir and the exterior reservoir. The housing has a gas removal device to remove the gas from the pump cavity.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for sample processing. A device may be provided, capable of receiving the sample, and performing one or more of a sample preparation, sample assay, and detection step. The device may be capable of performing multiple assays. The device may comprise one or more modules that may be capable of performing one or more of a sample preparation, sample assay, and detection step. The device may be capable of performing the steps using a small volume of sample.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed in which particles sorted by a flow cytometer may be deposited directly into a deposition layer formed on the surface of an optical disc, and information regarding measurements made of the particle, as well as the storage location of the particle, can be written to the recording layer of the optical disc.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for monitoring a reaction and to a reaction system which are inexpensive, compact, easy to implement, and enable the reaction medium to be fully supervised throughout the entire experiment.

Abstract: The present invention concerns an apparatus for staining tissue samples, said apparatus including a reagent section or reagent containers; at least one staining section or tissue samples, a robotic head or robotic element that may move reagent to a predetermined tissue sample, said robotic element being moveable above the reagent and the staining sections, a control element that may manage a staining process, a 2-D optical sensor to detect two-dimensional image data of a relevant property and that can feed the captured image data to the control element. By providing the robotic element with a 2-D optical sensor, a common image processor may be provided having multiple functions. By using a 2-D optical image processing system, the control system of the apparatus may easily be adapted to read various types of data presentations, just as actual images for sections of the apparatus may be identified in order to assess the condition of the apparatus.

Abstract: A reflective diffractometric hydrogel sensor includes an upper layer, including a microfluidic chamber formed from a substantially transparent material and configured to contain a solution, a reflective diffraction grating positioned within the microfluidic chamber, the diffraction grating including a plurality of hydrogel strips configured to change in dimension in response to a stimulus, each hydrogel strip having a top surface coated with a reflective material and a bottom surface in contact with the upper layer substrate, and a reflective surface below the reflective diffraction grating wherein when a coherent light is incident upon and reflected from the upper layer at an angle substantially normal to the upper layer an interference diffraction pattern results, including a first diffraction mode, a light intensity of which indicates the relative distance between the top surfaces of the plurality of hydrogel strips and the reflective surface.

Abstract: Provided herein are microfluidic devices that can be used as a 3D bioassay, e.g., for drug screening, personalized medicine, tissue engineering, wound healing, and other applications. The device has a series of channels {e.g., small fluid channels) in a small polymer block wherein one or more of the channels can be filled with a biologically relevant gel, such as collagen, which is held in place by posts. As shown herein, when the device is plated with cells such as endothelial cells, new blood vessels grow in the gel, which is thick enough for the cells to grow in three dimensions. Other channels, e.g., fluid channels, allow drugs or biological material to be exposed to the 3D cell growth. Cells, such as endothelial cells, can be cultured and observed as they grow on the surface of a 3D gel scaffold, where e.g., rates of angiogenesis can be measured, as well as intervascularization and extravascularization of cancerous cells.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods to concentrate cells onto microparticles, to concentrate the microparticles, and to detect the cells. The present invention also includes unitary sample preparation and detection devices to be used in accordance with the methods.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an automated sample processing system that can receive samples in different first and second formats and process both sample formats. The disclosure also provides a human papillomavirus testing apparatus. The apparatus has a first input to receive first test specimens in the form of pre-processed cervical samples, and a second input to receive unprocessed cervical samples. A first subsystem prepares second test specimens from the unprocessed cervical samples, and a second subsystem selectively processes and tests first specimens, second test specimens, or first and second test specimens to determine the presence of one or more human papillomavirus indicators.

Abstract: A molecule trapping method includes forming a fluid bridge between a first reservoir and a second reservoir, translocating a molecule from the first reservoir to the second reservoir through the fluid bridge, detecting when a segment of the molecule is in the fluid bridge, breaking the fluid bridge and forming an a gap between the first and the second reservoirs, thereby trapping a segment of the molecule in the gap and making measurements on the segment of the molecule.

Abstract: The automatic analyzer repeatedly performs a first processing operation for creating a pretreated specimen with a pretreatment solution in a first reaction cell. The analyzer also repeatedly performs a second processing operation for creating a reacted specimen by reacting the pretreated specimen with a reagent in a second reaction cell. In a first control operation, a turntable is rotated through a first angle in a first direction and halted. In a second control operation, the turntable is rotated through a second angle in a second direction and halted. The second reaction cell is spaced by a second angle in a first direction from the first reaction cell. The turntable is so rotated that the first and second reaction cells are halted at least in first, second, and third positions.

Abstract: Microplate reader with optical measuring/detection device has housing, a microplate support and a moving unit. The moving unit moves the microplate support out and into the housing and horizontally within the housing. The reader has an integrated lid holding apparatus within the housing for lifting and placing a microplate lid on the microplate. The lid holding apparatus moves the microplate lid and/or the microplate support for moving the microplate in one respective vertical direction. A method for optically measuring a microplate in such a microplate reader places a covered microplate on the microplate support, retracts it into the housing, lifts the lid from the microplate, measures the microplate with the lifted lid, replaces the lid, and extends the support and the covered microplate out of the housing.

Abstract: A system and method for processing samples. The system can include a loading chamber, a detection chamber positioned in fluid communication with the loading chamber, and a fluid path defined at least partially by the loading chamber and the detection chamber. The system can further include a filter positioned such that at least one of its inlet and its outlet is positioned in the fluid path. The method can include positioning a sample in the loading chamber, filtering the sample in the fluid path to form a concentrated sample and a filtrate, removing the filtrate from the fluid path at a location upstream of the detection chamber, moving at least a portion of the concentrated sample in the fluid path to the detection chamber, and analyzing at least a portion of the concentrated sample in the detection chamber for an analyte of interest.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of manufacture and utility of an artificial trabecular meshwork [TM] that utilizes micro- and nanofabricated materials bioengineered to mimic the structure and function of native outflow system of the eye.

Abstract: An automatic analyzer according to the present invention is compact, mounting great number of reagents, having high processing ability. Reagent disks are arranged at inside and outside of a reaction disk. A reagent probe can inject a reagent into the position which is common position of both reagent disks. One of plural reagent probes approaches to one of reagent disks at one cycle. Plural reagent probes alternatively approach to the reagent disk. Therefore, the first reagents and the second reagents can be placed on both reagent disks. The mounting number of reagents can be increased without enlarging an analyzer. The cycle time can be shortened to make an automatic analyzer to have high processing ability.

Abstract: A nucleic acid extraction kit, which enables the nucleic acid extraction operation to be accomplished safely without causing contamination, and in which the complex preparation of reagents and the disposal treatments that are performed before and after the nucleic acid extraction operation can be performed rapidly and simply, with the extraction performed in an automated manner. The nucleic acid extraction kit includes: a container including reagent wells that each store at least a reagent, a sample well into which a biological sample is introduced, a waste liquid well, and a collection well in which an extracted nucleic acid is collected, and an extraction filter cartridge equipped with an extraction filter for separating and extracting a nucleic acid from the biological sample, wherein the extraction filter cartridge is formed in a manner that enables the extraction filter cartridge to be supported on the waste liquid well and the collection well.

Abstract: An apparatus for introducing a specimen into a flow cytometer comprises: a syringe having a hollow barrel containing the specimen, a plunger partially within the barrel and a needle that extends into a volume of a nozzle of the flow cytometer; a one-way port in the nozzle forming a seal against the needle; a mounting platform coupled to both the syringe and to the flow cytometer; and a syringe pump coupled to the plunger, the syringe pump comprising a motor, a drive mechanism coupled to the motor; and a clamping mechanism coupled to the drive mechanism, wherein the motor operates the drive mechanism so as to cause the clamping mechanism to depress the plunger into the barrel.

Abstract: Microfluidic devices, assemblies, and systems are provided, as are methods of manipulating micro-sized samples of fluids. Microfluidic devices having a plurality of specialized processing features are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pretreatment apparatus that performs concentration and separation of a sample, and in particular, in order to provide a sample pretreatment apparatus using a solid-phase extraction column, and a mass spectrometer using the same, which is particularly suitable for clinical analysis in which qualitative/quantitative analysis of a biological sample such as blood is performed, according to each operational step for a solid-phase extraction treatment, for example, a collection device serving as flow passages or containers for collection of waste liquid or extracted matter is installed on a bottom face of the solid-phase extraction column, and the extracted matter is separately collected without being mixed with waste liquid by switching the positions of the collection device.

Abstract: A urine analyzer includes a controller configured to perform, when a qualitative measurement result of a sample is obtained and a sediment measurement result of the sample has been stored in a storage section, a cross-check of the obtained qualitative measurement result and the stored sediment measurement result, and to perform, when a sediment measurement result of a sample is obtained and a qualitative measurement result of the sample has been stored in the storage section, a cross-check of the obtained sediment measurement result and the stored qualitative measurement result.

Abstract: The present invention discloses the integration of programmable microfluidic circuits to achieve practical applications to process biochemical and chemical reactions and to integrate these reactions. In some embodiments workflows for biochemical reactions or chemical workflows are combined. Microvalves such as programmable microfluidic circuit with Y valves and flow through valves are disclosed. In some embodiments microvalves of the present invention are used for mixing fluids, which may be part of an integrated process. These processes include mixing samples and moving reactions to an edge or reservoir for modular microfluidics, use of capture regions, and injection into analytical devices on separate devices. In some embodiments star and nested star designs, or bead capture by change of cross sectional area of a channel in a microvalve are used. Movement of samples between temperature zones are further disclosed using fixed temperature and movement of the samples by micropumps.

Abstract: Disclosed is a sample analyzer comprising: a sample measuring section including a detecting section for detecting a component contained in a sample and a flow path for feeding the sample to the detecting section; and a control section. The control section is programmed to automatically control the sample measuring section to flow a sample blank free of particles to the detecting section and detect a component contained in the sample blank to check a background of the detection after the sample measuring section performs washing of the flow path.

Abstract: Methods for detecting the concentration of one or more target organisms in a water sample. The methods involve adding a tagged reagent to a water sample, wherein the tagged reagent is water soluble; and determining a concentration of at least one bacteria in the water sample based on an intensity of an emission emitted from the water sample in response to exposure to light having a known wavelength. An apparatus including a reaction chamber; a reversible pump, a reagent source comprising a fluorophore-tagged reagent, a light source, an optical detector disposed to detect fluorescence emitted from the reaction chamber in response to light emitted from the light source; a processor configured to communicate with the reversible pump, the reagent source, the light source, and the optical detector, the processor being configured to determine the concentration of one or more target organisms in a water sample, and optionally transmit the resulting data to a remote location.

Abstract: A sample analyzing system comprising: a first sample analyzer including a first measurement unit for measuring a sample and a first control unit for controlling the first measurement unit; and a second sample analyzer including a second measurement unit for measuring the sample and a second control unit for controlling the second measurement unit; wherein the first control unit is configured to transmit an activation signal for activating the second sample analyzer when a predetermined condition is met for the first sample analyzer; and the second control unit is configured to activate the second sample analyzer when the activation signal is received.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for separating immunomagnetic bead labeled particulates. A carrier board is formed with at least one flow channel structure, which includes an inner reservoir, an outer reservoir, and at least one micro flow channel in communication with the inner reservoir and the outer reservoir. The method includes labeling target particulates with immunomagnetic bead, introducing a sample fluid into the inner reservoir, and applying a magnetic force and a driving force, wherein the driving force drives the particulates not labeled with immunomagnetic bead to flow through the micro flow channel to the outer reservoir, while the magnetic force attracts the particulates labeled with the immunomagnetic bead to retain in the inner reservoir. The driving force may be centrifugal force, pressure, or surface tension.

Abstract: Provided herein is a portable thermocycler, comprising: (i) a case; (ii) a rotary plate in the case; (iii) a plurality of heating blocks arranged in a geometric pattern disposed on the rotary plate; and (iv) at least one vessel adapted to move and contact at least two of the plurality of heating blocks; wherein each of the heating blocks comprises a heating plate maintained at a set temperature over a thermally insulating material; wherein the geometric pattern comprises a number of center heating blocks arranged in a shape defining a polygon and a number of outside heating blocks disposed around the periphery of the rotary plate; and wherein the rotary plate includes a plurality of rotating wheels adapted to rotate at least one of the vessels into contact with each of the heating blocks.

Abstract: A device for continuously, periodically monitoring water for microbial germs, comprising a reactor and at least one reagent feed line into the reactor and at least one metering device for reagents as well as at least one measuring device for detecting the presence of microorganisms, wherein the reactor comprises a reactor chamber and a filtrate chamber, which is separated from said reactor chamber by means of a filter, a water feed line as well as a reagent feed line empty into the reactor chamber and at least one water discharge line leads out of the filtrate chamber, and a controller is set up to use pump/valve means to lead a predefinable quantity of water into the reactor chamber and through the filter as well as to introduce a predefinable quantity of reagent into the reactor chamber.

Abstract: Sensors based on single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNT) are integrated into a microfluidic system outfitted with data processing and wireless transmission capability. The sensors combine the sensitivity, specificity, and miniature size of SWNT-based nanosensors with the flexible fluid handling power of microfluidic “lab on a chip” analytical systems. Methods of integrating the SWNT-based sensor into a microfluidic system are compatible with the delicate nature of the SWNT sensor elements. The sensor devices are capable of continuously and autonomously monitoring and analyzing liquid samples in remote locations, and are applicable to real time water quality monitoring and monitoring of fluids in living systems and environments. The sensor devices and fabrication methods of the invention constitute a platform technology, because the devices can be designed to specifically detect a large number of distinct chemical agents based on the functionalization of the SWNT.

Abstract: The present invention provides simple and an accurate apparatuses for forming bilayer membranes by the contact of amphipathic monolayers. In one apparatus, amphipathic monolayers are brought into contact and fused by controlling the pressure of liquids introduced from microchannels forming an intersection containing a chamber. In another apparatus, the chamber includes a number of compartments and at least one construction portion. In this apparatus, a droplet is formed within each compartment and contact of amphipatic monolayers is accomplished by adjusting the size of the droplets.

Abstract: Disclosed is a lateral flow capillary device and uses thereof comprising a unipath bibulous capillary flow matrix and at least two reservoirs each in fluid communication with the capillary flow matrix wherein a reservoir contacts the capillary flow matrix through a passage having a rim pressing the matrix. The pressure that the rim applies on the matrix prevents leakage of liquids out of the capillary flow matrix at the reservoir/ matrix interface, allowing accurate sequential draining of liquid from the reservoirs.

Abstract: An automated analyzer for performing multiple diagnostic assays simultaneously includes multiple stations in which discrete aspects of the assay are performed on fluid samples contained in sample vessels. The analyzer includes stations for automatically preparing a sample, incubating the sample, preforming an analyte isolation procedure, ascertaining the presence of a target analyte, and analyzing the amount of a target analyte. An automated receptacle transporting system moves the sample vessels from one station to the next. A method for performing an automated diagnostic assay includes an automated process for isolating and amplifying a target analyte, and, in one embodiment, a method for real-time monitoring of the amplification process.

Abstract: A method for performing micro-operations on a vesicular object comprising securing the vesicular object by applying negative pressure in a radial vacuum passage; advancing a pipette into the vesicular object through an axial vacuum passage; ensuring that the axial vacuum passage and the radial vacuum passage are not in fluid contact with each other; controlling the negative pressure in both axial and radial vacuum passages, and the pressure or vacuum in the pipette separately; whereby allowing the simultaneous holding of the vesicular object by applying negative pressure in the radial vacuum passage; injection into or aspiration from the vesicular object via the pipette; and aspiration from the vesicular object by applying negative pressure in the axial vacuum passage.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cover for covering one or more sample(s) that are suitable to avoid or minimize evaporation and/or condensation of any vaporizable substance that may be present in the sample(s) or reaction mixture(s), in particular evaporation of substance at the fringes of a vessel or an array of vessels or condensation of a substance on the lid of a reaction vessel or a plate/block containing the sample(s) and/or a cover. This is achieved by providing a device comprising, among others, a force distribution unit that comprises at least one medium or material that is unable to withstand a static shear stress and deforms continuously under the action of a shear force.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for determining whether a fluid has been introduced into an assay measurement apparatus involving delivering a fluid to a surface of a resonant device. The methods also involve monitoring an electrical signal output by the resonant device, wherein properties of the electrical signal vary based on physical properties of the fluid in contact with the surface of the resonant device and determining if the electrical signal output by the resonant device satisfies a predetermined condition indicative of the presence of the fluid.

Abstract: A microfluidic device and a method for measurement of biomaterials using the same. The microfluidic device includes a microfluidic structure including: a sample chamber which receives and accommodates blood; a reagent chamber which contains a luminescent reactant; a first detection chamber which contains a first material that is positively charged; a second detection chamber which is connected to the first detection chamber, and contains a second material having a boronate moiety; and at least one channel which connects the sample chamber, the reagent chamber and the first and second detection chambers.

Abstract: A carrier device may include a loading board, a moving mechanism to move the loading board horizontally for a storage member storing a plurality of containers for storing liquid to be loaded on the loading board; a base material having set thereon the loading board and moving mechanism, and a first mounting member mounted to the base material.

Abstract: The present invention provides microfluidic devices and methods using the same in various types of thermal cycling reactions. Certain devices include a rotary microfluidic channel and a plurality of temperature regions at different locations along the rotary microfluidic channel at which temperature is regulated. Solution can be repeatedly passed through the temperature regions such that the solution is exposed to different temperatures. Other microfluidic devices include an array of reaction chambers formed by intersecting vertical and horizontal flow channels, with the ability to regulate temperature at the reaction chambers. The microfluidic devices can be used to conduct a number of different analyses, including various primer extension reactions and nucleic acid amplification reactions.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions for simultaneously detecting the activation state of a plurality of proteins in single cells using flow cytometry. The invention further provides methods and compositions of screening for bioactive agents capable of coordinately modulating the activity of a plurality of proteins in single cells. The methods and compositions can be used to determine the protein activation profile of a cell for predicting or diagnosing a disease state, and for monitoring treatment of a disease state.

Abstract: A microfluidic device and method for measuring a level of cholesterol therewith are provided. The cholesterol measurement apparatus includes a microfluidic device including a plurality of chambers and at least one channel through which the plurality of chambers are interconnected. The plurality of chambers include a reaction chamber which contains a capture binder, a buffer chamber which contains an elution buffer and is connected to the reaction chamber, and at least one detection chamber which contains a cholesterol measurement reagent and is connected to the reaction chamber.

Abstract: A neural network is disclosed. The neural network comprises a plurality of optogenetically modified neural cells being three-dimensionally distributed in a hydrogel medium and being disconnected from any solid support having a shear modulus above 1 GPa.

Abstract: An aspect of the disclosure is a method and device for the detection of antibiotics in a sample. Embodiments include a microbial culture with growth indicators and sensitivity adjustment reagents. Adjustment reagents include a variety of antibiotic binders that can be added to microbial culture to reduce sensitivity to certain antibiotics. Some embodiments include multiple buffers with a variety of pKa ranges. Some embodiments also include a complete self-contained apparatus for sampling and testing.