Abstract: A thin-walled microplate suitable for use in the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) technique comprising a plurality of thin-walled tubes or wells arranged in a fixed array, each well having an upper portion with an open top and a lower, frustoconical portion having a substantially flat bottom.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a flow cell receiver. The flow cell receiver can include at least one platen, having a plurality of ports. The flow cell receiver can include magnets. The flow cell receiver can be configured to automatically align, secure, and retain a flow cell carrier containing a flow cell.

Abstract: The present invention is drawn to the generation of micropatterns of biomolecules and cells on standard laboratory materials through selective ablation of a physisorbed biomolecule with oxygen plasma. In certain embodiments, oxygen plasma is able to ablate selectively physisorbed layers of biomolecules (e.g., type-I collagen, fibronectin, laminin, and Matrigel) along complex non-linear paths which are difficult or impossible to pattern using alternative methods. In addition, certain embodiments of the present invention relate to the micropatterning of multiple cell types on curved surfaces, multiwell plates, and flat bottom flasks. The invention also features kits for use with the subject methods.

Abstract: A biological sample processing apparatus, including: a pipette block with which a plurality of pipettes for sucking or discharging a biological sample in a multi-well plate in which wells are arranged in a matrix shape along row and column directions are detachably coupled; a pipette block forward and backward transfer unit configured to move the pipette block along a forward and backward direction along a process direction; a pipette block top and bottom transfer unit configured to move the pipette block along a vertical direction; a magnetic field applying unit disposed below the multi-well plate for applying a magnetic field to a well of the multi-well plate; and a heating unit disposed below the multi-well plate so as to be spaced apart from the magnetic field applying unit, for heating a well of the multi-well plate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a migration device (100) having a sample chamber (102), a migration matrix (105) arranged in the sample chamber (102), and a fluid outlet (103). The migration device (100) also has a discharge structure (104), which is designed to discharge fluids from the sample chamber (102) to the fluid outlet (103). The invention also relates to methods for operating the migration device and to the use of a migration device for determining the migration ability of ameboidally mobile cells.

Abstract: A method and system of and for handling, preserving, separating, filtering, collecting, manipulating, and/or culturing ex vivo biological material including red blood cells, white blood cells, and blood plasma within a bioreactor having a gas permeable membrane that allows for passive ventilation.

Abstract: Systems for treating a subject's tissue can include a thermally conductive cup with vacuum features configured to facilitate removal of air located between the cup and the subject's skin. The vacuum features can extend along cup to provide airflow paths to a vacuum port. The applicator can cool and/or heat the retained tissue to affect targeted tissue. After the treat period, the vacuum can be reduced or stop and the applicator can be removed from the subject.

Abstract: A microfabricated droplet dispensing structure is described, which may include a MEMS microfluidic fluidic valve, configured to open and close a microfluidic channel. The opening and closing of the valve may separate a target particle and a bead from a sample stream, and direct these two particle into a single droplet formed at the edge of the substrate. The droplet may then be encased in a sheath flow of an immiscible fluid.

Abstract: Bioartificial ultrafiltration devices comprising a scaffold comprising a population of cells enclosed in a matrix and disposed adjacent a plurality of channels are provided. The population of cells provides molecules such as therapeutic molecules to a subject in need thereof and is supported by the nutrients filtered in an ultrafiltrate from the blood of the subject. The plurality of channels in the scaffold facilitate the transportation of the ultrafiltrate and exchange of molecules between the ultrafiltrate and the population of cells.

Abstract: A cell printing apparatus according to the present disclosure comprises: a nozzle through which a liquid cell substance is discharged; a container in which the liquid cell substance discharged through the nozzle is laminated into a three-dimensional structure; and a supply unit for supplying the liquid heated to a predetermined temperature to the container.

Abstract: A capture device for capturing a biological substance can include: a substrate; a graphene-oxide layer on the substrate; at least one polydopamine polymer coupled with the graphene-oxide; and at least one targeting receptor coupled to the polydopamine(s), wherein the targeting receptor is capable of targeting/binding with a target biological substance. The graphene-oxide may be covalently coupled with the substrate and polydopamine, and the polydopamine may be covalently coupled with the targeting receptor. The targeting receptor can be an antibody or fragment thereof. The target biological substance can be an exosome. The substrate can be a particle (e.g., magnetic, such as magnetically responsive) or a surface in a microfluidic channel. The surface can be a top surface of a post, the post having a Y-shaped cross-sectional profile. In one aspect, the substrate is a particle. The capture device can include the target biological substance bound to the targeting receptor.

Abstract: In one aspect the present invention relates to a system 100 for automated extraction of multi-cellular physiological parameters. The system 100 comprises a morphogenesis module 160 for growing a plurality of cells, a monitoring unit 110 for monitoring the plurality of cells, a controller 140 for controlling the morphogenesis module 160 and the monitoring unit 110 to grow the plurality of cells and analyse the growth of the plurality of cells in order to determine the multi-cellular physiological parameters, the controller (140) further comprising a process modelling unit (146) for determining inter-cellular interactions in response to various process conditions. The multi-cellular physiological parameters may provide an optimised protocol for growing various tissue types. A further aspect of the present invention provides a method 200 for automated extraction of multi-cellular physiological parameters.

Abstract: A bottom surface of a container (1) formed of a flexible material is partially raised to be partitioned it into plural compartments (10), and cells are cultured in each compartment (10). In due time, the compartments (10) are removed to expand a culture area in the container. As a result, the cell density at the time of culture can be maintained at an appropriate level, and an operation of transferring cells from one culture container to another culture container at the time of proliferating cells in a large amount can be eliminated, whereby damage on cells and risk of contamination can be reduced.

Abstract: A portable microscope apparatus operated with an image capture device includes a sample carrying module, a lens module, a first polarizer and a second polarizer. The sample carrying module includes a transparent carrier and a sample adhesive element including a substrate and a glue layer. The substrate has a concave portion and an extending portion. The concave portion is adjacently connected to the extending portion to form a first surface. The glue layer is at least partially disposed on the first surface and in an integrated form with the substrate. The lens module is detachably connected to the image capture device, and disposed between the sample carrying module and the image capture device. The first polarizer is disposed on an optical path on one side of the sample carrying module. The second polarizer is disposed on the optical path on the other side of the sample carrying module.

Abstract: The invention relates to arrays with a plurality of capillaries being arranged in a plane and mechanically attached to the array, wherein the distance of adjacent capillaries is approximately 2.25 mm or an integer multiple thereof. At least one free end of each capillary projects from the array in such a way that the free ends of the capillaries may be simultaneously inserted into wells of a microwell plate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a covering device (10), in particular a lid, for covering reaction vessels (50), in particular PCR plates, microtiter plates, and the like, comprising: a substantially flat main body (14) having an inside (34) and an outside (12), at least one planar sealing element (36) arranged on the main body (14) and connected to the main body, wherein the at least one sealing element (36) is arranged on the inside (34) of the main body (14), an edge segment (16), which runs along the periphery of the main body and extends from the outside (12) in the direction of the inside (34) and beyond the inside, and at least one spring element (22, 24) arranged on the main body (14) or on the sealing element (36), which at least one spring element is designed in such a way that the at least one spring element supports the covering device (10) on a surface (54) of a reaction vessel (50) to be covered facing the covering device (10) in the relaxed state of the at least one spring element and that an intermed

Abstract: Provided are devices comprising multivolume analysis regions, the devices being capable of supporting amplification, detection, and other processes. Also provided are related methods of detecting or estimating the presence nucleic acids, viral levels, and other biological markers of interest.

Abstract: This invention provides an apparatus and method for culturing cells to probe the influence that the properties of a surface onto which the cells are bonded has on the properties of the cell.

Abstract: The present invention provides miniaturized instruments for conducting chemical reactions where control of the reaction temperature is desired or required. Specifically, this invention provides chips and optical systems for performing and monitoring temperature-dependent chemical reactions. The apparatus and methods embodied in the present invention are particularly useful for high-throughput and low-cost amplification of nucleic acids.

Abstract: A cartridge (110) and a method process target components (T1, T2) of a sample fluid, for example the detection of cardiac markers in blood. The cartridge (110) includes a reaction chamber (114) with a hydrophilic reaction surface (115). A physical barrier (116,118) on the reaction surface (115), for example a protrusion, at least partially borders an investigation region (117,117?) which includes capture probes (CP1, CP2) that specifically bind to target components (T1, T2) of the sample fluid.

Abstract: Provided is a process for creating a 3D metabolically active microtissue perfused with living microvessels which have a direct fluidic connection with neighboring microfluidic channels. The process comprises preparing a template comprising a plurality of channels, and creating a network within said channels, said network comprising microfluidic channels, metabolically active living microvessels, and microtissues. The microvessels can sprout from said microvessels and/or form within the microtissue in response to a stimulus applied from said microfluidic channels or stimulus derived from the said tissues. In another embodiment, a device is provided comprising a supportive structure, one or more microfluidic channels, one or more microtissue compartments, and one or more microvessels, whereby the microvessels connect said microfludic channels and microtissue and perfuse the microtissue to deliver fluid from the microfluidic channels to the microtissues.

Abstract: A substrate unit for cryopreservation of a biological sample includes: a substrate platform having on a front side thereof a cultivation surface for receiving the biological sample; a first chamber including the cultivation surface of the substrate platform, wherein the first chamber is configured for receiving a cultivation liquid; a second chamber configured for receiving a temperature control medium; and a chamber bracket for receiving the substrate unit in a cryopreservation device in a pivotable manner, wherein the first and second chambers are connected to each other in an adjacent manner, and the substrate platform forms a separating wall between the first chamber and the second chamber, and wherein the back side of the substrate platform faces the second chamber. The invention further relates to a cryopreservation device, wherein the substrate unit is arranged in a rotatable manner, and a method for the cryopreservation of a biological sample.

Abstract: A culture apparatus and method for growing cells and tissue in a three-dimensional configuration harnesses magnetic, paramagnetic, ferromagnetic and diamagnetic forces. The cells or tissue are grown with magnetized core particles and are suspended via magnetic forces in a native, non-restricted, three-dimensional configuration while being maintained in a normal gravity (1 g) growth environment in the absence of rotational alteration of the gravity vector.

Abstract: A cell culture device comprising a microscale chamber dimensioned to maintain a cell under conditions that give rise to a value for at least one pharmacokinetic parameter in vitro that is comparable to a value for the same at least one pharmacokinetic parameter obtained with respect to the same type of cell in vivo, wherein the microscale chamber is configured for flow of culture medium, and wherein the at least one pharmacokinetic parameter is selected from tissue size ratio, tissue to blood volume ratio, drug residence time, flow rate, circulatory transit time, liquid residence time, and liquid to cell ratio.

Abstract: An anatomically-shaped, human bone graft may be cultivated ex vivo using a bioreactor capable of perfusing large complex porous scaffolds. Scaffolds derived from image-based modeling of a target are seeded with human mesenchymal stem cells and cultivated. A bioreactor configured to house complex three-dimensional scaffold geometries provides controlled flow for perfusion of the cells. Dense uniform cellular growth can be attained throughout the entire scaffold as a result of the medium perfusion. In an embodiment, the bioreactor has a mold into which perfusion medium is pumped under pressure and multiple ports through which the medium exits the mold.

Abstract: The invention provides a surface, wherein said surface comprises (i) a polymer substrate and (ii) sugar groups and peptide groups coupled to said substrate suitable for culturing hepatocytes.

Abstract: Described are compositions and methods relating to variant filamentous fungi having altered growth characteristics. Such variants are well-suited for growth in submerged cultures, e.g., for the large-scale production of enzymes and other proteins for commercial applications.

Abstract: An apparatus (40) for a PCR reaction includes an array (41) of reaction vessels (42) is mounted on a thermal mount (43). The thermal mount (43) is positioned on a on a heater/cooler (45), such as a Peltier module. The array (41) is covered by a sealing film (44), which is sealed to the upper rims (49) of the vessels (42) to keep the reagents and reaction products within each vessel (42). A heated lid (50) is used to heat the underside of the sealing film to reduce condensation thereon of reagents vaporized during the reaction. The reaction vessels (42) are formed of an upper, thermally insulating part (25) and a lower, thermally conducting part (21) so as to facilitate accurate temperature control within the vessels but so as to reduce the amount of thermal energy conducted from the heated lid to the vessels, which would reduce the accuracy of the temperature control.

Abstract: A micro-patterned plate composed of an array of releasable elements surrounded by a gel or solid wall and methods of manufacture of the micropatterned plate. The surface properties of walls can be tailored if needed to be repellent or attracting to proteins. The walls can also inhibit cell attachment. The walls enable cells or other materials to be localized to the tops of the releasable elements. The individual element in the array of releasable elements can be released from the array by a mechanical force.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides flow cells and methods of fabricating flow cells. The method includes combining three portions: a first substrate, a second substrate, and microfluidic channels between the first substrate and the second substrate having walls of a photoresist dry film. Through-holes for inlet and outlet are formed in the first substrate or the second substrate. Patterned capture sites are stamped on the first substrate and the second substrate by a nanoimprint lithography process. In other embodiments, parts of the patterned capture sites are selectively attached to a surface chemistry pattern formed of silicon oxide islands each disposed on an outcrop of a soft bottom layer.

Abstract: A closed system suitable for the aseptic culturing therapeutic cells comprises a vessel comprising: a gas permeable portion suitable for supporting cell growth and allowing delivery of gases to the cells during culturing, a vent comprising a conduit having an exterior orifice and an interior orifice spaced apart therefrom, the vent extending from the exterior of the system into the internal volume of the vessel and terminating therein with the interior orifice, wherein the interior orifice is arranged such that during filling and emptying of liquid medium it is not susceptible to blockage by liquid, the exterior orifice is adapted to connect to an aseptic filter thereby allowing passage of gases through the filter into the vessel or out of the vessel, as required to achieve the entry and exit of fluids and cells into the vessel, a port or ports adapted to allow introduction of fluids and cells aseptically into the vessel, and a port or ports adapted to allow fluids to exit the system without exposing the syst

Abstract: Disclosed is a detection method for detecting a specific cell in a sample containing multiple cells including the specific cell. Specifically disclosed is a detection method for detecting a specific cell in a sample containing multiple cells including the specific cell, which comprises the following steps (1) and (2): (1) retaining cells contained in the sample on a microarray chip which comprises multiple microchambers, wherein each of the microchambers can contain multiple cells; and (2) confirming the presence or absence of the specific cell in the cells retained on the microarray chip.

Abstract: A luminescence detection system may include an excitation light source, a single element achromat, and a detector. The single element achromat may be configured to regulate the excitation light from the light source and direct the regulated light to a target, and the detector may be configured to detect luminescence generated by the target. The single element achromat may be configured to regulate the emission light from the target and direct the regulated light to a detector, and the excitation light source may be configured to direct the excitation light to the target. The single element achromat may be configured to regulate both the excitation light from the light source and the emission light from the target and direct the regulated light to, respectively, the target and a detector.

Abstract: A hanging drop plate and a method of cultivating cells or of producing molecular aggregates in at least one liquid volume that adheres to a drop contact area of such a hanging drop plate. The hanging drop plate has a body with a first surface and a second surface that is essentially coplanar to the first surface. The second surface has a drop contact area for adherently receiving a liquid volume. The drop contact area is distinguished from a surrounding area by a relief structure that prevents spreading of the liquid volume on the second surface of the body. The body has at least one conduit that mouths into the drop contact area from the direction of the first surface of the body. A liquid volume is applied to the drop contact area through a communicating conduit. Cells and/or molecules can be introduced into this liquid volume.

Abstract: Provided is a cell culture instrument which has excellent operability while including a plurality of wells capable of holding cells. The cell culture instrument according to the present invention includes a base portion in which a well group including a plurality of first wells capable of holding cells is formed, and a frame portion vertically arranged around the well group of the base portion to form a second well being capable of holding a solution.

Abstract: A sensing device including an inlet port for receiving a fluid, a measurement chamber for sensing the fluid, a fluid channel coupling the inlet port and the measurement chamber for transporting the fluid from the inlet port to the measurement chamber, and a fluid stop unit for stopping and controllably releasing the flow of fluid between the inlet port and the measurement chamber.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method, a use and a kit for establishing the viability (ability to live) of biological samples using ageladine A. The invention is advantageously suitable for establishing the viability of biological samples which can otherwise be dyed in an intra-cellular manner by fluorescence dyes other than ageladine A not at all or only with difficulty. The invention is found to be very particularly advantageous for establishing the viability of eggs (ovaries) of the pig whipworm which are intended to be used for the treatment or prophylaxis of specific (gastroenterological) autoimmune diseases.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for facilitating placement of cells and materials in culture plates configured for high-throughput applications are provided. A culture system is provided with a culture plate having a lid for guiding placement of cells and materials in each individual culture well of a culture plate. The lid may provide for coupling to an electrophysiology culture plate comprising a biosensor plate and a biologic culture plate, where the biosensor plate underlies and is coupled to the culture well plate such that each biosensor is operatively coupled to one culture well of the plurality of culture wells. A containment device that physically influences the positioning of fluid received in the culture plate is also provided herein.

Abstract: A portable system for real time detection of the presence of an infectious agent in a biological sample employs a reagent which detects the presence of a specific infectious agent in the sample, and emits a detectable signal when the reagent reacts with the sample and detects the presence of the infectious agent. A test cartridge has a reaction chamber for receiving the sample and the reagent. The reaction chamber has a predetermined internal geometry and at least one inner surface. Introducing the sample and the reagent into the test cartridge mixes the sample and the reagent. A testing unit receives the test cartridge, and includes a sensor for detecting an emitted detectable signal. The detection of the emitted detectable signal is indicative of the presence of the infectious agent in the sample.

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

Abstract: The present invention relates to compounds and their use in competitive protein binding assays, for example for use with glycosyl transferase and/or glycoprocessing proteins. The present application also provides kits and apparatuses for use in the assays. In particular, the present invention provides a compound of the formula (I): wherein n is 1, 2 or 3; R1 is selected from —OH, —OPO3H, —OR4, —NHR4, R6; R2 and R3 are each independently selected from —H, —OH, optionally substituted —O-alkyl and —O-alkanoyl; R4 is selected from an optionally substituted mono or polysaccharide, -alkyl, -alkenyl, -alkynyl, and L-Z, where L is a linking agent and Z is a binding agent; R6 is an optionally substituted hydrocarbon group; A is either (i) a substituted heteroaryl group, the substituent on the heteroaryl group having a double bond conjugated to the heteroaryl group, or (ii) a substituted aryl group, the substituent on the aryl group having a double bond conjugated to the aryl group.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for patterning biological and non-biological material at specific sites on a plate, as well as growing three dimensional structures. Preferred embodiments comprise a plate with regions that will trap gas, usually in the form of bubbles, when the plate is submerged in liquid. Other embodiment of the present invention include a method for placing materials on the plate at pre-determined locations through the use of trapped gas to prevent materials from collecting at unwanted regions. The plate has great utility for plating cells and tissues at specific sites, such as on an array. The disclosed method can also be used to coat the surface of a plate with coatings at specific locations for patterned coating applications and to build up materials to produce three dimensional structures, including micromechanical structures—where the structures may be formed from living or non-living material, tissue or non-tissue, organic or inorganic, and the like.

Abstract: Devices and methods for testing a biological sample for an analyte of interest are provided that make use of a reaction chamber for receiving a reaction mixture, a housing positioned below the reaction chamber for receiving a test cassette, and a door that is positioned in the top portion of the housing. The door includes a ramp that extends downwardly into the housing such that biasing the ramp upwards opens the door into the cavity of the reaction chamber and places the reaction chamber in fluid communication with the insertion area to thereby allow the reaction mixture to flow onto a test cassette and allow for the determination of an amount of an analyte of interest.

Abstract: A disposable cartridge is described which is equipped with a plurality of microfabricated particle sorting structures. The disposable cartridge may include passageways which connect fluid reservoirs in the cartridge with corresponding microfluidic passageways on the particle sorting structure. A flexible gasket may prevent leakages and allow the fluid to cross the gasket barrier through a plurality of holes in the gasket, allowing fluid to be transferred from the reservoirs to the microfabricated particle sorting structures. The plurality of particle sorting structures may be arranged in the disposable cartridge in order to perform multiple separation operations, such as a sequential or parallel sorting operation.

Abstract: A luminescence detecting apparatus and method for analyzing luminescent samples is disclosed. Luminescent samples are placed in a plurality of sample wells in a tray, and the tray is placed in a visible-light impervious chamber containing a charge coupled device camera. The samples may be injected in the wells, and the samples may be injected with buffers and reagents, by an injector. In the chamber, light from the luminescent samples pass through a collimator, a Fresnel field lens, a filter, and a camera lens, whereupon a focused image is created by the optics on the charge-coupled device (CCD) camera. The use of a Fresnel field lens, in combination with a collimator and filter, reduces crosstalk between samples below the level attainable by the prior art. Preferred embodiments of the luminescence detecting apparatus and method disclosed include central processing control of all operations, multiple wavelength filter wheel, and robot handling of samples and reagents.

Abstract: A well plate is formed with a well for holding a subject to be sucked by a suction nozzle on an inner bottom part and storing liquid and, a clearance forming member for forming a clearance to allow the liquid to flow in a state where a tip part of the suction nozzle is inserted into and held in contact with the well is provided in the well. According to the present invention, the clearance enabling the liquid to flow is formed even in the state where the tip part of the suction nozzle is inserted into and held in contact with the well in sucking the subject held in the well by the suction nozzle. The suction nozzle can suck the liquid around through the clearance and the subject held in the well is efficiently sucked through the suction port along the flow of the sucked liquid.

Abstract: The invention describes an appliance and a method, with the help of which specific bio-particles, but also dissolved bio-molecules can be recognized in and separated from fluids making use of suitable carriers and known immobilization methods. The appliance can be used both discontinuously and also for direct and continuous treatment of fluids. Fields of application of the invention are animals, bio-technology (including biological research) and medicinal diagnostics. Areas of application of the invention comprise, among others, therapy of humans, in particular direct treatment of blood.

Abstract: Provided are a multiple immunoassay apparatus on a chip in which a structure comprising multiple microfluidic channels is associated with a tissue sample, which allows immunohistochemical reactions to be conducted therein, to examine various markers specific for certain diseases, and a method for performing multiple immunoassays using the same. The multiple immunoassay apparatus comprises: at least one antibody-introducing unit through which at least one antibody is introduced into the apparatus; at least one reaction unit in which the antibody reacts with a sample in an immunohistochemical pattern; and at least one fluid outlet through which a fluid including the antibody is discharged outside the apparatus.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention include cell culture systems that include a cell culture plate operatively coupled to a plenum device. The plenum device includes a base component, one or more wall components configured to define a bounded volume, and one or more strain platens that are configured to support the cell culture plate when the cell culture plate is operatively coupled to the plenum device. In some instances, the plenum device includes a pressure modulator configured to provide a substantially uniform pressure in the bounded volume upon application of an external pressure source via an internal side opening in a wall component. Aspects of the invention further include system components and kits thereof, as well as methods of using the systems, e.g., in cell culture applications, which may include, e.g., candidate agent screening applications.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are devices for detecting the presence of a target analyte in a fluid sample. The biosensor device can comprise at least a reaction chamber and a detection chamber. The device can comprise a amplifying mechanism such that one target analyte molecule present in the fluid sample can lead to generation/activation of multiple detection agent molecules, and therefore, an amplified signal. Also disclosed are the methods of manufacturing and using such a biosensor device.