Abstract: A delivery apparatus for selectively delivering one or more liquid reagents into a reaction or test chamber (2), especially of an assay apparatus, the apparatus comprising: one or more respective storage chambers (5,6) for containing the one or more liquid reagents and arranged generally above the reaction or test chamber (2); and a plunger element (4) arranged and operable for insertion into the mouth of a selected storage chamber so as to displace a selected reagent from therewithin into the reaction or test chamber (2) generally therebelow by gravitational liquid overflow from the mouth of the chamber. The apparatus may conveniently be provided as a discrete delivery unit, with the storage chambers (5,6) prefilled with the selected reagents.

Abstract: We describe assay modules (e.g., assay plates, cartridges, multi-well assay plates, reaction vessels, etc.), processes for their preparation, and method of their use for conducting assays. Reagents may be present in free form or supported on solid phases including the surfaces of compartments (e.g., chambers, channels, flow cells, wells, etc.) in the assay modules or the surface of colloids, beads, or other particulate supports. In particular, dry reagents can be incorporated into the compartments of these assay modules and reconstituted prior to their use in accordance with the assay methods. A desiccant material may be used to maintain and stabilize these reagents in a dry state.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to the field of microarray chips and uses thereof. In particular, the invention provides a microarray reaction device that can be used in assaying the interaction between various moieties, e.g., nucleic acids, immunoreactions involving proteins, interactions between a protein and a nucleic acid, a ligand-receptor interaction, and small molecule and protein or nucleic acid interactions, etc. Articles of manufacture and kits comprising the microarray reaction device and assaying methods using the microarray reaction device are also provided.

Abstract: A scanning sensor system, methods of use and kits for detecting a biologically active analyte are provided. The scanning sensor system includes a light source, a detector, a substrate comprising a plurality of waveguides and a plurality of optical sensing sites in optical communication with one or more waveguide of the substrate, and at least one adapter configured to couple with the substrate and provide optical communication between the light source, the waveguides of the substrate, and the detector.

Abstract: An analytical chip and analyzer are disclosed. The analytical chip comprises a substrate and reaction cells that are formed in the substrate for receiving a sample collected from a living body. A reagent storage portion is used to store reagents to be supplied to the reaction cells. Flow paths are provided to connect the reaction cells to the reagent storage portions, thereby allowing the reagents stored in the reagent storage portions to flow into the reaction cells.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods and apparati for performing multiple simultaneous manipulations of biomolecules in a two-dimensional array, such as a gel, membrane, tissue biopsy, etc. Such manipulations particularly include assays and nucleic acid amplification protocols.

Abstract: Carriers or holders for holding microfluidic devices are provided. Some of the carriers that are provided include a hydration control device and/or a source of controlled fluid pressure to facilitate use of the carrier in conducting various types of analyses.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of processing analyte using a portable incubator apparatus. The incubator apparatus 10 has a plurality of cavities 20 each configured to receive analyte to be incubated. The method comprises: receiving analyte in each of the plurality of cavities; incubating the analyte in the plurality of cavities, the incubator apparatus being operable to control temperatures of analyte contained in the plurality of cavities independently of each other; and moving the incubator apparatus from a first location to a second location while the analyte is being incubated, the incubator apparatus being configured to maintain desired incubation conditions independently of a supply of electrical power and apparatus external to the incubator apparatus as the incubator apparatus is being moved.

Abstract: The present application includes systems and methods for identifying a compound capable of interacting with a G-Protein Coupled Receptor (GPCR) or Receptor Tyrosine Kinase (RTK) including providing a device capable of measuring cell-substrate impedance operably connected to an impedance analyzer, adding test cells expressing a GPCR or a RTK to wells of the device, measuring first impedances of the wells and optionally determining first cell indices from the first impedances, adding a compound to at least one well containing test cells to form at least one compound well and adding a vehicle control to at least another well containing test cells to form at least one control well, measuring second impedances of the compound well and the control well and optionally determining second cell indices from the second impedances, determining the change in the impedance or cell index for the compound well and the one control well, comparing the change in impedance or cell index between the compound well and the control

Abstract: An extracellular potential measuring device includes a plate portion having a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface, and an electrode provided on the second surface of the plate portion. In the plate portion, a pocket having an opening which opens to the first surface is formed, and a through-hole communicating to the second surface from the pocket. The through-hole communicates from a position which is closer to the opening than a deepest point of the first pocket. The electrode is provided around of the opening of the through-hole. In this device, even if a cell to be examined does not reach the deepest point of the pocket, a cell membrane of the cell can tightly attaches onto the through-hole securely without a clearance. Hence, culture solution inside the through-hole is isolated from culture solution over an upper surface of the plate portion, thereby allowing electrochemical changes caused by activities of the cell to be detected efficiently with a detector electrode.

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: A thermal cycling device for thermally cycling samples of biological material contained in a microcard having a top and bottom surface. The thermal cycling device can include a sample block having an upper surface configured for engaging the bottom surface of a microcard, a vacuum device, and a temperature control system operatively connected with the sample block. The upper surface of the sample block may include a plurality of channels, the channels defining spaces between the sample block and the bottom surface of a microcard that may be positioned thereon. The vacuum device may be in fluid communication with the sample block for drawing gas out of the spaces defined by the channels in the sample block. The vacuum device may be configured for substantially maintaining a vacuum between the sample block and microcard so that a retention force is imparted on the microcard to urge the microcard toward the sample block.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method and device for simultaneously testing a sample for the presence, absence, and/or amounts of one or more of a plurality of selected analytes. The invention includes, in one aspect, a device for detecting or quantitating a plurality of different analytes in a liquid sample. Each chamber may include an analyte-specific reagent effective to react with a selected analyte that may be present in the sample, and detection means for detecting the signal. Also disclosed are methods utilizing the device.

Abstract: A thermal cycling instrument for PCR and other reactions performed on multiple samples with temperature changes between sequential stages in the reaction procedure is supplied with a thermal block to provide rapid changes and close control over the temperature in each sample vessel and a pressure plate incorporated into a motorized lid that detects anomalies in the reaction vessels or in their positioning over the thermal block, and automatically adjusts the plate position to achieve an even force distribution over the sample vessels.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to an apparatus for holding cells. The apparatus comprises a mechanism for incubating cells having a dynamically controlled environment in which the cells are grown, which are maintained in a desired condition and in which cells can be examined while the environment is dynamically controlled and maintained in the desired condition. The apparatus also comprises a mechanism for determining the state of the cells. The determining mechanism is in communication with the incubating mechanism. The present invention pertains to a method for holding cells. The method comprises the steps of incubating the cells in a dynamically controlled environment which is maintained in a desired condition and in which the cells can be examined while the environment is dynamically controlled and maintained in the desired condition. Additionally, there is the step of determining the state of the cells.

Abstract: A device for measuring an extracellular potential of a test cell includes a substrate having a well formed in a first surface thereof and a first trap hole formed therein. The well has a bottom. The first trap hole includes a first opening formed in the bottom of the well and extending toward a second face of the substrate, a first hollow section communicating with the first opening via a first connecting portion, and a second opening extending reaching the second surface and communicating with the first hollow section via a second connecting portion. The first connecting portion has a diameter smaller than a maximum diameter of the first hollow section, greater than a diameter of the second connecting portion, and smaller than a diameter of the test cell. The device can retain the test cell securely and accept chemicals and the test cell to be put into the device easily.

Abstract: A tag (1) for a laboratory sample cassette has a first layer (3). A chip (8) is mounted on a surface (7) of the first layer (3), and an antenna (6) is printed on the surface of the first layer (3). The antenna (6) is arranged to establish communication between the chip (8) and an electric or electronic read/write device. A second layer (4) is positioned and bonded against the surface (7) and has a hole (9) which passes through the second layer (4). The hole (9) contains the chip (8) and a third layer (5) covers the hole (9) from the opposite side to the first layer (3), the third layer (5) being bonded to the second layer (4). Thus, the antenna (6) and chip (8) are sealed within the tag (1). A plurality of perforations (10) are provided which pass through all the layers (3,4,5) of the tag (1) from one side of the tag (1) to an opposite side thereof to enable liquid to pass through the tag (1).

Abstract: A micro bead having a digitally coded structure that is partially transmissive and opaque to light. The pattern of transmitted light is determined by to decode the bead. The coded bead may be structured a series of alternating light transmissive and opaque sections, with relative positions, widths and spacing resembling a 1D or 2D bar code image. To decode the image, the alternating transmissive and opaque sections of the body are scanned in analogous fashion to bar code scanning. The coded bead may be coated or immobilized with a capture or probe to effect a desired bioassay. The coded bead may include a paramagnetic material. A bioanalysis system conducts high throughput bioanalysis using the coded bead, including a reaction detection zone and a decoding zone. Alternative method for barcode determination is based on barcode pattern image processes. Microbeads can also be settled down to the bottom of the well in a microplate, so the barcode can be decoded by image processed directly.

Abstract: An immunodiagnostic test card includes a plurality of transparent chambers wherein each chamber includes a quantity of testing material that combines with a patient sample, when mixed, to produce an agglutination reaction. A plurality of indicia are disposed to aid in the manufacture and determining the usability of the cards prior to test and also in objectively grading the agglutination reactions that are formed or lack of agglutination.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems, devices, and methods for performing biological reactions. In particular, the present invention relates to the use of lipophilic, water immiscible, or hydrophobic barriers in sample separation, purification, modification, and analysis processes.

Abstract: A method and a microfluidic device are provided to regulate fluid flow by equalization of channel pressures. The fluid flow is regulated by way of valve-actuated channel pressures.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems, devices, and methods for performing biological reactions. In particular, the present invention relates to the use of lipophilic, water immiscible, or hydrophobic barriers in sample separation, purification, modification, and analysis processes.

Abstract: An electrophoresis apparatus is generally disclosed for sequentially analyzing a single sample or multiple samples having one or more analytes in high or low concentrations. The apparatus comprises a relatively large-bore transport capillary which intersects with a plurality of small-bore separation capillaries and includes a valve system. Analyte concentrators, having antibody-specific (or related affinity) chemistries, are stationed at the respective intersections of the transport capillary and separation capillaries to bind one or more analytes of interest. The apparatus allows the performance of two or more dimensions for the optimal separation of analytes. The apparatus may also include a plurality of valves surrounding each of the analyte concentrators to localize each of the concentrators to improve the binding of one or more analytes of interest.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for preparing and performing quantitative PCR analyses, a new sealing device and a new use. According to the invention, a sample vessel containing the samples to be analyzed is sealed by placing a planar sealing device on the vessel to cover the samples and applying pressure on the sealing device in order to deform the sealing device so as to form a light-refracting geometry individually for the samples to be analyzed. The invention offers a convenient way of sealing the vessel and forming analysis-improving optical lenses over the samples simultaneously.

Abstract: The disclosure features methods that include: providing a substrate that includes (i) a nucleic acid (e.g., DNA or RNA) encoding a hybrid amino acid sequence including a test amino acid sequence and an affinity tag, and (ii) a binding agent that recognizes the affinity tag; contacting the substrate with a translation effector to thereby translate the hybrid amino acid sequence; maintaining the substrate under conditions permissive for the hybrid amino acid sequence to bind the binding agent; and removing the nucleic acid from the substrate. In one embodiment, the substrate includes a plurality of positionally-distinguishable addresses, for example, each include a different nucleic acid. The addresses can be located a regularly or irregularly spaced locations.

Abstract: There is provided a biochemical reaction cartridge comprising at least one chemical reaction chamber that accommodates a solution for biochemically treating a sample, a reaction chamber for performing detection reaction of a target substance in the biochemically treated sample, and a detection reaction information fetching section for fetching information on whether or not the detection reaction is performed, wherein the biochemical reaction cartridge is provided with a covering unit that can cover and expose at least the reaction information fetching section.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel circuit arrangement for electrotransfection or electrofusion, which enables the transportation of DNA and/or other biologically active molecules to the nucleus of higher eukaryotic cells or the fusion of cells, independent of cell division and with reduced cell mortality.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for reducing undesirable light emission from a sample using at least one photon producing agent and at least one photon reducing agent (e.g. dye-based photon reducing agents). The present invention further provides a method for reducing undesirable light emission from a sample (e.g., a biochemical or cellular sample) with at least one photon producing agent and at least one collisional quencher. The present invention also provides a method for reducing undesirable light emission from a sample (e.g., a biochemical or cellular sample) with at least one photon producing agent and at least one quencher, such as an electronic quencher. The present invention also provides a system and method of screening test chemicals in fluorescent assays using photon reducing agents. The present invention also provides compositions, pharmaceutical compositions, and kits for practicing these methods.

Abstract: A nested permeable support device is described herein that can be used to perform various experiments to test new therapeutic compounds (new chemical entities). In one application, the nested permeable support device is used to perform a first pass assay to determine the bioavailability of a new chemical entity following absorption through the digestive tract and metabolism by the liver.

Abstract: A cell culture apparatus is provided in which a plurality of culture vessels can be mounted and removed in a set, which has a regulation mechanism that can fix each culture vessel in the correct position, and which enables suppression of production costs. The cell culture apparatus has one or a plurality of concave portions, and can arrange and accommodate one or a plurality of culture vessels in the concave portions. Spring-type fixing devices are provided in the depth direction and the width direction, respectively, in each concave portion. The two spring-type fixing devices press against side surfaces of the culture vessel to fix the culture vessel in the culture vessel set. At this time, by pressing against the culture vessel at two points, the position of the culture vessel at the time of fixing can be maintained with good accuracy.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method and device for simultaneously testing a sample for the presence, absence, and/or amounts of one or more a plurality of selected analytes. The invention includes, in one aspect, a device for detecting or quantitating a plurality of different analytes in a liquid sample. The device includes a substrate which defines a sample-distribution network having (i) a sample inlet, (ii) one or more detection chambers, and (iii) channel means providing a dead-end fluid connection between each of the chambers and the inlet. Each chamber may include an analyte-specific reagent effective to react with a selected analyte that may be present in the sample, and detection means for detecting the signal. Also disclosed are methods utilizing the device.

Abstract: Assay methods are disclosed involving specific binding reactions which are simplified compared to known methods. A compound capable of producing chemiluminescence is immobilized on a solid support as is a member of a specific binding pair for capturing an analyte from a sample. An activator compound that activates the chemiluminescent compound and is conjugated to a specific binding pair member is added in excess along with the sample to the solid support. Addition of a trigger solution causes a chemiluminescent reaction at the sites where the activator conjugate has been specifically bound. The assay methods are termed non-separation assays because they do not require removal or separation of excess detection label (activator conjugate) prior to the detection step. The methods are applicable to various types of assays including immunoassays, receptor-ligand assays and nucleic acid hybridization assays.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention relates to a device for detecting an analyte in a sample. The device comprises a fluidic network and an integrated circuitry component. The fluidic network comprises a sample zone, a cleaning zone and a detection zone. The fluidic network contains a magnetic particle and/or a signal particle. A sample containing an analyte is introduced, and the analyte interacts with the magnetic particle and/or the signal particle through affinity agents. A microcoil array or a mechanically movable permanent magnet is functionally coupled to the fluidic network, which are activatable to generate a magnetic field within a portion of the fluidic network, and move the magnetic particle from the sample zone to the detection zone. A detection element is present which detects optical or electrical signals from the signal particle, thus indicating the presence of the analyte.

Abstract: A microfluidically-controlled transmission mode nanoscal surface plasmonics sensor device comprises one or more arrays of aligned nanochannels in fluid communication with inflowing and outflowing fluid handling manifolds that control the flow of fluid through the array(s). Fluid comprising a sample for analysis is moved from an inlet manifold, through the nanochannel array, and out through an exit manifold. The fluid may also contain a reagent used to modify the interior surfaces of the nanochannels, and/or a reagent required for the detection of an analyte.

Abstract: An apparatus for analyzing bacteria is described that includes an analytic sample preparation section for preparing an analytic sample by treating a specimen so as to generate a morphological difference between Gram-negative bacteria and Gram-positive bacteria, a detector for detecting optical information from each particle contained in the analytic sample and an analyzing section for detecting Gram-positive bacteria contained on the basis of the detected optical information. A method for analyzing bacteria is also described.

Abstract: A bioreactor (200) for cultivating living cells in a liquid medium. In one embodiment, the bioreactor (200) has a substrate (230) having a first surface and an opposite second surface, defining a channel (202) therein, and a plurality of chambers (204) formed in the substrate, wherein each of the plurality of chambers (204) is adapted for receiving cells in a liquid medium and formed with an open end (262), an opposite closed end (264) and side walls, the open end (262) and the closed end (264) defining a depth, d, therebetween for the corresponding chamber (206), the sidewalls defining a width, w, therebetween for the corresponding chamber (206). As such formed, each chamber (206) is in fluid communication with the channel (202) through the open end of the chamber (206), and at least two of the plurality of chambers (206) have depths or widths the same or different form each other.

Abstract: A substrate plate or device adapted for use with biological or chemical assays is disclosed. The device may take the form of a multi-well plate having a three-dimensional, porous layer as part of a support surface within each well for immobilizing probe species. The porous layer is characterized as having a plurality of interconnected voids defined by a matrix of contiguous solid material. A method and its variants are also described.

Abstract: Methods are provided for detecting and optionally quantitating multiple analytes, including nucleic acid and/or polypeptide analytes, in particle-based assays that can be highly multiplexed. Compositions, systems, and kits related to the methods are also featured.

Abstract: A high-throughput, anchorage-independent assay is described, which screens compounds for inhibition of cancer cell growth. The assay utilizes a three-dimensional matrix or semi-solid media transfected with the subject compound, and enables live colony growth determination and imaging.

Abstract: The invention relates to a thermocycler module for heating and/or cooling of a thermocycling device comprising a thermal switch, a heating block and a heat sink. The thermal switch comprises a thermoconducting liquid, e.g. a magnetic fluid or a liquid metal, and a stimulating unit, e.g. a magnetic unit or a Lorentz-force unit, for moving the thermoconducting liquid. The movement of the thermoconducting liquid provides, in an on-state of the thermal switch, a thermal connection between the heating block and the heat sink.

Abstract: Described herein is an analyte detection device and method related to a portable instrument suitable for point-of-care analyses. In some embodiments, a portable instrument may include a disposable cartridge, an optical detector, a sample collection device and/or sample reservoir, reagent delivery systems, fluid delivery systems, one or more channels, and/or waste reservoirs. Use of a portable instrument may reduce the hazard to an operator by reducing an operator's contact with a sample for analysis. The device is capable of obtaining diagnostic information using cellular- and/or particle-based analyses and may be used in conjunction with membrane- and/or particle-based analysis cartridges. Analytes, including proteins and cells and/or microbes may be detected using the membrane and/or particle based analysis system.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for conducting a reaction at a selected temperature or range of temperatures over time. An array device is provided. The array device contains separate reaction chambers and is formed as an elastomeric block from multiple layers. At least one layer has at least one recess that recess has at least one deflectable membrane integral to the layer with the recess. The array device has a thermal transfer device proximal to at least one of the reaction chambers. The thermal transfer device is formed to contact a thermal control source. Reagents for carrying out a desired reaction are introduced into the array device. The array device is contacted with a thermal control device such that the thermal control device is in thermal communication with the thermal control source so that a temperature of the reaction in at least one of the reaction chamber is changed as a result of a change in temperature of the thermal control source.

Abstract: Described herein is an analyte detection device and method related to a portable instrument suitable for point-of-care analyses. In some embodiments, a portable instrument may include a disposable cartridge, an optical detector, a sample collection device and/or sample reservoir, reagent delivery systems, fluid delivery systems, one or more channels, and/or waste reservoirs. Use of a portable instrument may reduce the hazard to an operator by reducing an operator's contact with a sample for analysis. The device is capable of obtaining diagnostic information using cellular- and/or particle-based analyses and may be used in conjunction with membrane- and/or particle-based analysis cartridges. Analytes, including proteins and cells and/or microbes may be detected using the membrane and/or particle based analysis system.

Abstract: The invention concerns a container 1 with chambers 2 which each comprise at least one pair of electrodes including a first 4 and a second electrode 5 for the application of electric voltage for generating an electric field within one chamber 2. At least two first electrodes 4 of different chambers 3 are conductively coupled and at least one second electrode 5 of said chamber 2 is separately conductively connectable. The invention further concerns a method for manufacturing said container 1 as well as a device for electrically contacting at least one of said containers 1.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for carrying out biochemical processes directly on a substrate are provided. A substrate assembly includes a cartridge that removably supports a substrate in a fixed position, and a reaction containment member that is removably located on top of the substrate. The reaction containment member includes one or more cavities that form chambers directly above one or more target locations on the surface of the substrate. The chambers can be used to conduct biochemical processes directly over the substrate, as well as to perform thermal cycling of material contained inside the chamber using a heating element disposed directly on the substrate. The substrate assembly is preferably used in combination with a processing machine that dispenses materials into the chambers and that conducts biochemical reactions of materials contained within the chambers, without requiring the substrate assembly to be moved from one location to another location during the processes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for performing binding assays. In particular, the invention relates to a centrifugal device for performing such assays. The invention also relates to a method of performing binding assays involving antigen-antibody binding, nucleic acid hybridization, or receptor-ligand interaction.

Abstract: Disposable units in current use for performing PCR are limited by their heat block ramping rates and by the thermal diffusion delay time through the plastic wall as well as by the sample itself. This limitation has been overcome by forming a disposable plastic chip using a simple deformation process wherein one or more plastic sheets are caused, through hydrostatic pressure, to conform to the surface of a suitable mold. After a given disposable chip has been filled with liquid samples, it is brought into close contact with an array of heating blocks that seals each sample within its own chamber, allowing each sample to then be heat treated as desired.

Abstract: An integrated device for diagnostic analyses used to verify the presence of bacteria in at least a biological sample mixed with a eugonic culture medium in liquid form, to classify at least the type of bacteria, and to test a series of antibiotics, selected from a group of characteristic antibiotics at least for the type of bacteria identified, identifying those effective to determine the antibiotic therapy. The device comprises, inside an integrated structure, first containing means provided with containing elements in which the biological samples to be analyzed are distributed, second containing means comprising recipients or micro-plates thermostated with wells containing a eugonic culture medium in liquid form in which a first fraction of the biological samples to be analyzed is dispensed, and a first recipient and second recipients or plates with a relative first well and second wells in which a further fraction of the biological samples which resulted positive to the analysis is dispensed.

Abstract: Drug candidate screening methods are applied to discover compounds with activity against ion channel targets. The method may include modulating the transmembrane potential of host cells in a plurality of sample wells with a repetitive application of electric fields so as to set the transmembrane potential to a level corresponding to a pre-selected voltage dependent state of a target ion channel.

Abstract: Methods and systems such as those described herein include accepting input, identifying CYP450-family enzymes, identifying at least one modulator of an enzyme, and communicating one or more treatments to a system user.