Abstract: A nucleic acid extraction device includes a tube that is internally provided with, in the following order, a first plug composed of a first oil, a second plug composed of a first washing liquid, which is phase-separated from an oil and is used for washing a nucleic acid-binding solid-phase carrier having nucleic acids bound thereto, a third plug composed of a second oil, a fourth plug composed of a reverse transcription reaction solution, which is phase-separated from an oil and is used for performing a reverse transcription reaction, a fifth plug composed of a third oil, a sixth plug composed of an eluent, which is phase-separated from an oil and is used for eluting the nucleic acids from the nucleic acid-binding solid-phase carrier having nucleic acids bound thereto, and a seventh plug composed of a fourth oil.

Abstract: A microfluidic device is provided for analyzing or sorting biological materials, such as polynucleotides, polypeptides, proteins, enzymes, viruses and cells. The invention can be used for high throughput or combinatorial screening. The device comprises a main channel and an inlet channel that communicate at a droplet extrusion region so that droplets of solution are deposited into an immiscible solvent in the main channel. Droplets can thereafter be sorted according to biological material detected in each droplet.

Abstract: A microfluidic device is provided for analyzing or sorting biological materials, such as polynucleotides, polypeptides, proteins, enzymes, viruses and cells. The invention can be used for high throughput or combinatorial screening. The device comprises a main channel and an inlet channel that communicate at a droplet extrusion region so that droplets of solution are deposited into an immiscible solvent in the main channel. Droplets can thereafter be sorted according to biological material detected in each droplet.

Abstract: One or more embodiments are described directed to a method and system for concentrating components of a fluid circulated through a cell growth chamber such as a cell growth chamber. Accordingly, embodiments include methods and systems that utilize a tangential flow filter to concentrate components of a fluid that in embodiments includes expanded cells. In embodiments, a concentrated fluid component and a concentrated cell component are generated by flowing the fluid with expanded cells across a tangential flow filter. The concentrated cell component may be recirculated to the tangential flow filter to reach some desired concentration of cells. The concentrated fluid component may be collected to utilize cellular-produced constituents in the concentrated fluid component.

Abstract: Methods and devices for amplifying nucleic acids generally involve exposing the nucleic acid to an electromagnetic field, for example a mini-current magnetic field, while performing the steps of PCR. The PCR methods and devices provide numerous advantages over conventional PCR techniques and systems such as reduced reaction times, no heating requirements, and reduced amounts of reagents (e.g., optional use polymerases and primers). Additionally, the PCR methods and devices require significantly shorter reaction times (e.g., less than one hour) compared to conventional PCR techniques and systems (minimum 2 hours). Finally, as shown in the Examples, the PCR methods and devices amplify significantly more DNA compared to conventional PCR techniques and systems. Accordingly, the PCR methods and devices provide a more efficient and cost-effective way to perform PCR when compared to conventional PCR techniques and systems.

Abstract: An inflatable bioreactor bag for cell cultivation, which comprising a top and a bottom sheet of flexible material, joined together to form two end edges and two side edges, wherein one baffle or a plurality of baffles extend from the bottom sheet in a region where the shortest distance to any one of the two end edges is higher than about one fourth of the shortest distance between the two end edges.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and a method for producing lactic acid, wherein only lactic acid is selectively absorbed and separated from fermentation liquor using a lactic acid absorption resin and wherein a neutralizing agent is not used. The present invention does not include a neutralizing process and a process of converting lactate to lactic acid. The method of the present invention comprises the steps of: adding and mixing a culture medium, microorganism and sugar in a fermenter; passing a fermentation liquor through a microorganism filtration unit to remove microorganism through a cross-flow filtration; and selectively absorbing and separating lactic acid from filtered liquid using a lactic acid absorption resin. Accordingly, the separation and purification process of lactic acid from a fermentation liquor for polymerization is simplified. The manufacturing cost is thus reduced.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of cultivation of algae or cyanobacteria in the presence of a luminous material that converts light of a first wavelength to a second wavelength more suitable for use in photosynthesis by the algae or cyanobacteria, and apparatus for performing the method. In one embodiment the apparatus (50) is of flexible plastic with fluorescent light concentrator or light guide (76) and perforated pipe (56) for bubbling carbon dioxide through the culture. The algae or cyanobacteria may be used to produce biofuels.

Abstract: The invention is a reverse-flow method and system for the loading, proliferation and differentiation of cells into and throughout an implantable biocompatible three-dimensional scaffold.

Abstract: A method for forming peristaltic pump cassettes includes cutting tubing segments to different lengths based on the physical properties of the individual tubing segments. The size variations compensate for the physical parameters of the tube and improve accuracy in a peristaltic pump using the cassettes.

Abstract: Developing heart valves are exposed to dynamic strains by applying a dynamic pressure difference over the leaflets. The flow is kept to a minimum, serving only as a perfusion system, supplying the developing tissue with fresh nutrients. Standard heart valves were engineered based on B trileaflet scaffolds seeded with cells isolated from the human saphenous vein. Tissue compaction is constrained by the stent, inducing increasing pre-strain in the tissue. The dynamic strains the tissues are exposed to via the dynamic pressure difference, are estimated using finite element methods based on the mechanical properties of the neo-tissue, in order to get inside into the strain distribution over the leaflet.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a diffusion-limiting reactor having a first element and a closure element, said reactor having at least two interconnected reservoirs said interconnection being by non-impinging microchannel, and at least one said reservoir and said microchannel being magnetic accessible. Further disclosed is a method of sample separation.

Abstract: The invention provides systems, devices, and methods for heating and cooling chemical or biological samples, such as genetic materials during Polymerase Chain Reaction (“PCR”). The systems, devices, and methods comprise use of a fluid that performs repeated heating and cooling cycles, e.g., ‘thermal cycling’, on sample reactants with a phase changing fluid during evaporation and condensation. The systems, devices, and methods eliminate the need for a heating block as a means to obtain fast and uniform thermal cycling. The disclosure also describes the use of an optical system in conjunction with the thermodynamic cycler for real-time detection. Ultimately, uniformity and speed of the thermodynamic cycler provides for higher sensitivity and throughput of gene replication and detection.

Abstract: A device 1 with at least one electrode 8 for generating an electrical field in a chamber 7 is disclosed. The device 1 comprises at least one input channel 6 for introducing a fluid into the chamber 7, and at least one output channel 11 for discharging the fluid from the chamber 7. Also disclosed is a method for stabilizing the flow of a fluid through a chamber 7 in which an electrical field is generated and which has at least one input channel 6 for introducing the fluid into the chamber and at least one output channel 11 for discharging the fluid from the chamber 8. To avoid undesirable backflow of the fluid due to gas formation, the average inside diameter of the input channel 6 of device 1 is smaller than the average inside diameter of the output channel 11.

Abstract: Cell expansion systems and methods of use are provided. The cell expansion systems generally include a hollow fiber cell growth chamber, and first and second circulation loops (intracapillary loops and extracapillary loops) associated with the interior of the hollow fibers and exterior of the hollow fibers, respectively. Detachable flow circuits and methods of expanding cells are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a unit (1) comprising a microsystem (150) and at least one set of interface connections (16) for the microsystem (150); the microsystem (150) comprising a bottom plate (152) bearing the impression of at least one microstructured dynamic cell culture chamber (15), and a top plate (151), characterized in that the at least one microstructured chamber (15) is fluidically connected at inlet and/or at outlet by a set of connections (16) inserted removably into a hole in the upper plate (151). The present invention also relates to a dynamic cell culture system to this effect.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for controlling the diameter of a mammalian hybrid coronary bypass graft. The system includes a controller having at least one input for receiving information and feedback information and an output for outputting control signals, including at least one steady flow system control signal; and a pressure/flow loop subsystem coupled to the controller. The pressure/flow loop subsystem includes a specimen holder, an external flow loop system coupled to the specimen holder, a steady flow system, and an output for outputting the feedback information. The pressure/flow loop subsystem receives the control signals and is capable of adjusting a diameter of a specimen in accordance with the control signals, when the specimen holder contains the specimen.

Abstract: Developing heart valves are exposed to dynamic strains by applying a dynamic pressure difference over the leaflets. The flow is kept to a minimum, serving only as a perfusion system, supplying the developing tissue with fresh nutrients. Standard heart valves were engineered based on B trileaflet scaffolds seeded with cells isolated from the human saphenous vein. Tissue compaction is constrained by the stent, inducing increasing pre-strain in the tissue. The dynamic strains the tissues are exposed to via the dynamic pressure difference, are estimated using finite element methods based on the mechanical properties of the neo-tissue, in order to get inside into the strain distribution over the leaflet.

Abstract: The method and apparatus according to the present invention concentrate the formation of the biotechnical product to active site in the reactor, where the production is accelerated to extreme speeds by altering the conditions. To achieve this, anabolic, catabolic or overflow metabolic reactions can be utilised. The aim is to implement production so that carbon dioxide emissions in particular are minimised The products are e.g. 2,3-butanediol, butanol, ethanol, acetone, organic acids, methane or hydrogen gas and other fuels or compounds necessary for chemical or material production.

Abstract: An enzymatic process and bioreactor use elongated structures to enhance CO2 capture treatments. The enzymatic process and bioreactor treat a fluid by catalyzing reaction (I) with carbonic anhydrase, CO2+H2OHCO?3+H+ (|) by feeding the fluid into a reaction zone wherein a plurality of elongated structures extend through the reaction zone. Each elongated structure supports a flowing liquid layer comprising droplets. Reaction (I) occurs within the flowing liquid layer in the presence of the carbonic anhydrase, to produce a gas stream and a liquid stream which are released. The process and bioreactor can be used in an absorption, desorption or combined treatment context.

Abstract: A thermal cycle system and method suitable for mass production of DNA comprising a temperature control body having at least two sectors. Each sector has at least one heater, cooler, or other means for changing temperature. A path traverses the sectors in a cyclical fashion. In use, a piece of tubing or other means for conveying is placed along the path and a reaction mixture is pumped or otherwise moved along the path such that the reaction mixture is repetitively heated or cooled to varying temperatures as the reaction mixture cyclically traverses the sectors. The reaction mixture thereby reacts to form a product. In particular, polymerase chain reaction reactants may continuously be pumped through the tubing to amplify DNA. The temperature control body is preferably a single aluminum cylinder with a grooved channel circling around its exterior surface, and preferably has wedge-shaped or pie-shaped sectors separated by a thermal barrier.

Abstract: A system has been constructed that recapitulate the features of a capillary bed through normal human tissue. The system facilitates perfusion of three-dimensional (3D) cell monocultures and heterotypic cell co-cultures at the length scale of the capillary bed. A major feature is that the system can be utilized within a “multiwell plate” format amenable to high-throughput assays compatible with the type of robotics commonly used in pharmaceutical development. The system provides a means to conduct assays for toxicology and metabolism and as a model for human diseases such as hepatic diseases, including hepatitis, exposure-related pathologies, and cancer. Cancer applications include primary liver cancer as well as metastases. The system can also be used as a means of testing gene therapy approaches for treating disease and inborn genetic defects.

Abstract: A system for hemodynamic simulation comprises a vessel having properties of a blood vessel, a reservoir containing a quantity of fluid, tubing connecting the vessel and reservoir, and at least one pump for circulating the fluid within the system. Fluid can be tissue culture medium or blood analog fluid, and the vessel may include mammalian cells attached to its inside. A drive system, comprising two reciprocating drive shafts that are coupled by a cam, enables the uncoupling of pulsatile flow and pulsatile pressure to provide independent control over wall shear stress and circumferential strain. The shaft drives two pumps that are 180 degrees out-of-phase and are connected upstream and downstream of the vessel, and effect this uncoupling.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for growing microalgae in cold climate areas. The system includes an expanding Plug Flow Reactor with a plurality of ponds used to grow algae by mixing a culture fluid with a nutrient. To minimize the loss of heat due to environmental factors, the expanding Plug Flow Reactor is covered with a translucent, light-transmitting cover and is lined with an insulation liner. In addition, an underground sump and pump are provided and connected to the expanding Plug Flow Reactor. The sump is provided to store the algae at night when ambient air temperature is at its coldest. An adjacent power plant provides: (1) heat byproducts to warm the culture and (2) CO2 for use as a source of carbon in photosynthesis.

Abstract: Microfluidic devices having active features such as valves, peristaltic pumps, and mixing portions are fabricated to have a thin elastomeric membrane over the active features. The active features are activated by a tactile actuator external to the membrane, for example, a commercial Braille display. The display may be computer controlled, for example by simple text editor software, to activate individual Braille protrusions or a plurality of protrusions to actuate the active portions of the microfluidic device. Integral devices can incorporate the tactile actuators in a single device, but still external to the membrane.

Abstract: The present invention is applied in fields like biological medicine and tissue engineering. A fluid control system in a cell isolation and culture system is used to automatically process sample preparation, circulating tumor cell (CTC) isolation, plate changing and cell culturing. By using the present invention, time and labor are saved; moreover, the present invention has a small size and is easily carried.

Abstract: A system and method for producing biofuel from pollutant-fed algae are disclosed. Specifically, the system includes a scrubber with a chamber for receiving a pollutant-contaminated fluid stream. Further, a scrubber solution is received in the chamber for scrubbing the pollutant-contaminated fluid stream. Also, the system includes a bioreactor that is provided with an input port to receive the scrubber solution with pollutants for use as nutrients to support algae cell growth. Further, the system includes an algae separator that removes the algae from the bioreactor and a device for processing the algae into biofuel. In order to recycle the scrubber solution, the algae separator is in fluid communication with the scrubber. With this arrangement, the effluence from the bioreactor may be recycled for use as the scrubber solution.

Abstract: A perifusion device includes at least one sample container for cells, the sample container having an inlet and an outlet. The container receives test liquid through the inlet and discharges the liquid through the outlet. A manifold having a plurality of liquid inlets, control valves, and liquid outlets can be provided so that the flow of liquids from source containers to the sample containers can be varied and controlled. A receptacle housing has a plurality of receptacles for receiving fluid from the outlet of the sample container. A drive is connected to the receptacle housing for moving the receptacle housing such that liquid samples are collected sequentially from the outlet of the sample containers. A programmable controller can be provided to control movement of the receptacle housing at predetermined times, and to record data identifying liquid samples in the receptacles.

Abstract: A microfluidic device for analyzing and/or sorting biological materials (e.g., molecules such as polynucleotides and polypeptides, including proteins and enzymes; viruses and cells) and methods for its use are provided. The device and methods of the invention are useful for sorting particles, e.g. virions. The invention is also useful for high throughput screening, e.g. combinatorial screening. The microfluidic device comprises a main channel and an inlet region in communication with the main channel at a droplet extrusion region. Droplets of solution containing the biological material are deposited into the main channel through the droplet extrusion region. A fluid different from and incompatible with the solution containing the biological material flows through the main channel so that the droplets containing the biological material do not diffuse or mix.

Abstract: Devices, in vitro cell cultures, systems, and methods are provided for microscale cell culture analogous (CCA) device.

Abstract: A sensing element for measuring extracellular potential including a substrate, a well provided in a substrate, a guide section provided on the wall of the well, and a detective electrode formed at a lower surface of the substrate. The guide section is for guiding drug. The well is provided at the bottom with a depression, and a first throughhole penetrating through the depression and the lower surface of the substrate. The well is for mixing a subject cell, a culture solution and the drug together. The above-configured sensing element accurately measures a change generated by a subject cell.

Abstract: A diffusion controlling bioreactor that selectively controls the molecular diffusion between fluids through at least one microchannel in fluid communication with a reaction reservoir. Length and cross-sectional area of the microchannel may be selected to obtain a predetermined rate of molecular diffusion between fluids. When the fluids are liquids, flow through the microchannel is laminar and the capillary action of the microchannel and fluid is such that the fluid flow is regulated, and may have a structure configured to minimize the chances of fluid leakage from the bioreactor, even if the bioreactor is turned in various directions. In certain embodiments, one or more diffusion control chambers regulate fluid flow and diffusion between a reaction reservoir and an outside atmosphere.

Abstract: A membrane supported bioreactor arrangement and method for anaerobic conversion of gas into liquid products including membrane modules having hollow fibers packed across a cross sectional area of the membrane module, each of the hollow fibers formed from an asymmetric membrane wall having a porous outer layer defining biopores for retaining a porous biolayer about the outer surface of the membrane wall and a less permeable hydration layer around the hollow fiber lumen; a membrane vessel for surrounding the outside of the hollow fibers with a process gas from a gas supply conduit; and a liquid supply conduit operably connected to the hollow fibers for supplying a process liquid to the hollow fiber lumens. The gas supply conduit enables the formation of a biolayer on the outer surface of the hollow fiber wall by interaction of microorganisms with the process gas and the production of a liquid product.

Abstract: The present invention provides an anaerobic digestion reaction system. This system includes a continuously stirred reaction tank having an agitator contained therein and one or more outlet pipes. A blend tank for receiving organic waste feedstock is in communication with the continuously stirred reaction tank. Organic waste feedstock is transferred from the blend tank into the continuously stirred reaction tank. A plug flow reactor is in communication with the continuously stirred reaction tank. The organic waste feedstock is transferred from the continuously stirred reaction tank into the plug flow reactor to conduct stages of biomass reaction of the organic waste feedstock into biogas and creating organic waste material. The organic waste material and biogas is discharged from an outlet pipe and into an outlet gas separation vessel tank. In this tank, the biogas is separated from liquids and solid slurried waste.

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: A waste material processing system includes a closed container for holding waste material having a first passage in which the waste material flows in a first direction, the first passage having first and second ends, the first end including an inlet for waste material, a second passage in which the waste material flows in a direction opposite the first direction, the second passage having first and second ends, the second end including an outlet. The first passage is separated from the second passage by a divider, the second end of the first passage being adjacent the first end of the second passage, and the first end of the first passage being adjacent the second end of the second passage. A heating device is positioned in the first passage and/or the second passage to heat the waste material with a gas and to induce the waste material to move in a corkscrew-like fashion.

Abstract: In one aspect the invention provides a bioreactor system for the production of tissue prostheses. The system includes a bioreactor, a culture medium reservoir coupled to the bioreactor by a first conduit and a second conduit, a pump operable to pump fluid into and draw fluid out of a pumping chamber defined in the bioreactor to generate a pulsatile flow of culture medium through the reservoir and bioreactor via said first and second conduits, one or more flow meters operable to generate flow rate signals representative of the rate of culture medium flow through one or both of said first and second conduits, and a controller arranged to receive said flow rate signals from said one or more flow meters and to control the pump means in response to said received flow rate signals to provide a desired rate of culture medium flow.

Abstract: A method of preparing a stromal cell conditioned medium useful in expanding undifferentiated hemopoietic stem cells to increase the number of the hemopoietic stem cells is provided. The method comprising: (a) establishing a stromal cell culture in a stationary phase plug-flow bioreactor under continuous flow on a substrate in the form of a sheet, the substrate including a non-woven fibrous matrix forming a physiologically acceptable three-dimensional network of fibers, thereby expanding undifferentiated hemopoietic stem cells ; and (b) when a desired stromal cell density has been achieved, collecting medium from the stationary phase plug-flow bioreactor, thereby obtaining the stromal cell conditioned medium useful in expanding the undifferentiated hemopoietic stem cells.

Abstract: A cyanobacterial cell comprising a PSI complex which accepts electrons from at least one respiratory cytochrome is disclosed. Methods of generating same and use of same for the production of hydrogen gas are also disclosed.

Abstract: A disposable apparatus for cell expansion, having at least one bioreactor. The bioreactor has a cellular growth area and a supply area, the cellular growth area being separated from said supply area by a membrane. A fluid recirculation path in fluid communication with the cellular growth area allows for hermetically removing a sample containing cellular matter. This may comprise an elongated tube, or a plurality of parallel tube segments. The parallel tube segments have inflow ends and outflow ends, and the inflow ends are joined at a first common juncture and the outflow ends are joined at a second common juncture. The common junctures may comprise valves.

Abstract: Hybrid synthetic grafts and embodiments of systems and methods for producing hybrid vascular grafts that can yield implantable grafts that combine synthetic grafts with living cells. Embodiments of systems can include a pressure/flow loop subsystem having an external flow loop system coupled to a specimen holder, where the pressure/flow loop subsystem is capable of adjusting at least two dynamic conditions in the specimen holder or a diameter of a specimen in the specimen holder. Embodiments of methods can coat a hybrid graft with a confluent monolayer of endothelial cells by immobilizing stem cells on a hybrid hemodialysis access graft or a hybrid femoral artery bypass graft, and placing the hybrid graft in a system embodiment according to the invention under conditions effective to promote the stem cells to form a confluent monolayer on the hybrid graft and in an environment to promote the stem cells to differentiate into endothelial cells.

Abstract: Provided is a process for the enzymatic hydrolysis of cellulose to produce glucose from a pretreated cellulosic feedstock. The process comprises providing an aqueous slurry of the pretreated cellulosic feedstock that has a water content that is less than about 140% of the maximum water holding capacity of the pretreated cellulosic feedstock. The aqueous slurry of the pretreated cellulosic feedstock is fed to one or more unmixed hydrolysis reactors and hydrolyzed with cellulase enzymes therein. In the unmixed hydrolysis reactor(s), the cellulase enzymes hydrolyze a portion of the cellulose to produce soluble sugars, thereby producing a mixture of partially hydrolyzed cellulose containing soluble sugars. The hydrolysis of the cellulose to glucose is continued by feeding the mixture of partially hydrolyzed cellulose to one or more mixed hydrolysis reactors. Also provided are systems for carrying out the foregoing enzymatic hydrolysis.

Abstract: An immiscible mixture of wax and silicone oil is provided for application to the inner surface of a thermocycle reactor tube. The mixture is a solid at typical room temperatures and under typical product storage conditions, but at temperatures above the melting point of the mixture (e.g., >46° C. and therefore, at or above 90° C. (which is typical of the first stage of a PCR thermocycle)) the mixture melts and covers the exposed surface of the solution undergoing the thermocycle, thereby sealing the reaction against evaporation and/or condensation over the duration of the multiple thermocycles typical of a PCR reaction. Upon cooling of the reaction tube, the resulting amplicons can then extracted from below the sealing layer.

Abstract: A flexible wall bioreactor is described that uses a small droplet size mist unit, a lower rate ambient air flow rate, and a flexible wall culture chamber to provide an environment that allows for the growth of dense root matrix, shoot cultures, and 2 and 3 dimensional animal tissues.

Abstract: Certain embodiments and aspects of the present invention relate to a photobioreactor including covered photobioreactor units through which a liquid medium stream and a gas stream flow. The liquid medium comprises at least one species of phototrophic organism therein. Certain methods of using the photobioreactor system as part of fuel generation system and/or a gas-treatment process or system at least partially remove certain undesirable pollutants from a gas stream. In certain embodiments, a portion of the liquid medium is diverted from a photobioreactor unit and reintroduced upstream of the diversion position.

Abstract: Hybrid synthetic grafts and embodiments of systems and methods for producing hybrid vascular grafts that can yield implantable grafts that combine synthetic grafts with living cells. Embodiments of systems can include a pressure/flow loop subsystem having an external flow loop system coupled to a specimen holder, where the pressure/flow loop subsystem is capable of adjusting at least two dynamic conditions in the specimen holder or a diameter of a specimen in the specimen holder. Embodiments of methods can promote endothelialization of a hybrid hemodialysis access graft or a hybrid femoral artery bypass graft by placing the hybrid hemodialysis access graft or the hybrid femoral artery bypass graft in a system embodiment according to the invention under conditions effective to promote endothelial cells to form a confluent monolayer on the surface of the hybrid graft.

Abstract: Hybrid synthetic grafts and embodiments of systems and methods for producing hybrid vascular grafts that can yield implantable grafts that combine synthetic grafts with living cells. Embodiments of systems can include a pressure/flow loop subsystem having an external flow loop system coupled to a specimen holder, where the pressure/flow loop subsystem is capable of adjusting at least two dynamic conditions in the specimen holder or a diameter of a specimen in the specimen holder. Embodiments of methods can promote endothelialization of a hybrid hemodialysis access graft or a hybrid femoral artery bypass graft by placing the hybrid hemodialysis access graft or the hybrid femoral artery bypass graft in a system embodiment according to the invention under conditions effective to promote stem cells to form a confluent monolayer on the hybrid graft.

Abstract: Devices, in vitro cell cultures, systems, and methods are provided for microscale cell culture analogous (CCA) device.

Abstract: A sensing element for measuring extracellular potential including a substrate, a well provided in a substrate, a guide section provided on the wall of the well, and a detective electrode formed at a lower surface of the substrate. The guide section is for guiding drug. The well is provided at the bottom with a depression, and a first throughhole penetrating through the depression and the lower surface of the substrate. The well is for mixing a subject cell, a culture solution and the drug together. The above-configured sensing element accurately measures a change generated by a subject cell.

Abstract: During the light illumination period of a monomer addition cycle in synthesizing an DNA microarray, undesirable reflections of illumination light from various interfaces that the illumination light passes through near the synthesis surface of the substrate may reduce the light-dark contrast, and negatively affect the precision and resolution of the microarray synthesis. The present invention provides an flow cell that reduces the undesired reflections by constructing certain flow cell structures with materials that have similar refractive indexes as that of the solution that is in the oligomer synthesis chamber during the illumination period and/or constructing certain flow cell structures or covering the structures with a layer of a material that has a high extinction coefficient.