Abstract: Described are cell culture solutions and systems for epithelial stem cell and organoid cultures, formation of epithelial constructs and uses of the same in transplantation.

Abstract: A biological sterilization indicator device is provided. The device comprises a body, a plurality of test microorganisms, and an oxygen-modulated first fluorescent sensor. The body comprises a first layer attached to a second layer, forming at least one isolatable microchamber and at least one primary passageway that provides fluidic communication between ambience and the at least one microchamber. The microchamber has an isolated volume of about 0.5 microliters to about 9.5 microliters. The plurality of test microorganisms and the oxygen-modulated first fluorescent sensor are disposed in the microchamber. A method of using the device to determine the effectiveness of a sterilization process is also provided.

Abstract: This invention relates to a preservative solution and a method to preserve whole blood for cellular and molecular analysis.

Abstract: In accordance with some embodiments, a fluid sample collection and retrieval apparatus including a microfluidic chip, a retrieval tube, a first switch, a second switch and a processor is provided. The microfluidic chip includes a first sample channel, a first fluid directing channel assembly, a first confluence chamber, a first collection channel, a first waste channel, and a retrieval hole. The retrieval hole passes through an outer surface of the microfluidic chip. The retrieval tube is connected to the retrieval hole. The first switch is connected to the microfluidic chip. The second switch is attached to the retrieval tube. The processor is configured to activate the first switch to operate the flow adjustment of the first fluid directing channel assembly and activate the second switch to operate a sample collection in the first collection channel within duration of operating the flow adjustment of the first fluid directing channel assembly.

Abstract: This disclosure provides a system for detecting rare cells. The system includes a substrate, an extension coupled to the substrate and extending outwardly from the substrate, and a functionalized graphene oxide disposed on the extension. This disclosure also provides a method for detecting rare cells using the system of this disclosure. The method includes the steps of providing the system and introducing a sample of bodily fluid to the system such that the sample interacts with the functionalized graphene oxide.

Abstract: A microfluidic device uses hydrodynamic shear forces on a sample to improve the speed and efficiency of tissue digestion is disclosed. The microfluidic channels are designed to apply hydrodynamic shear forces at discrete locations on tissue specimens up to 1 cm in length and 1 mm in diameter, thereby accelerating digestion through hydrodynamic shear forces and improved enzyme-tissue contact. Experiments using animal organs show that the digestion device with hydro-mincing capabilities is superior to conventional scalpel mincing and digestion based on recovery of DNA and viable single cells. The microfluidic digestion device can eliminate or reduce the need to mince tissue samples with a scalpel, while reducing sample processing time and preserving cell viability. Another advantage is that downstream microfluidic operations could be integrated to enable advanced cell processing and analysis capabilities.

Abstract: A microfluidic device comprises a substrate transparent for imaging and having a plurality of spatially defined and separated cell channels having a dimension to accommodate cells in monolayer. A respective first end of the cell channels is in fluid connection with a flow input channel having a first end in fluid connection with a first fluid port and a second end in fluid connection with a second fluid port. A respective second end of the cell channels is in fluid connection with a first end of a respective wash channel having a second end in fluid connection with a flow output channel. The flow output channel is in fluid connection with a third fluid port. The wash channels have a dimension too small to accommodate the cells.

Abstract: A method using variable bead-oscillation-based stress parameters, including relative bead dimensionality or other structural features as well as stress duration or intensity or overall magnitude, in inducing different shear stresses in biological samples, for testing the effects of different combinations of various defined stress conditions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to therapeutic cells for immunotherapy to treat patients with cancer. In particular, the inventors develop a method of engineering drug-specific hypersensitive T-cell, which can be depleted in vivo by the administration of said specific drug in case of occurrence of a serious adverse even. The invention opens the way to standard and affordable adoptive immunotherapy strategies for treating cancer.

Abstract: The present invention provides one or more compounds of formula (I) for conjugation to small molecules, polymers, peptides, proteins, antibodies, antibody fragments etc.

Abstract: Provided are methods, for selectively analyzing a cell sample. Viable cells are dyed with a membrane-permeable fluorescent dye, and nonviable cells are dyed with a membrane-impermeable fluorescent quenching dye. The cells are illuminated to cause fluorescent emission from the membrane-permeable fluorescent dye in the viable cells and the membrane-impermeable fluorescent quenching dye in the non-viable cells. The cells are then quenched for at least a portion of fluorescence of the membrane-permeable fluorescent dye in the nonviable cells by the membrane-impermeable fluorescent quenching dye. The cells are then analyzed for viable and nonviable cells.

Abstract: The present invention provides biomarkers useful for evaluating the risk that a subject will develop diabetes, monitoring such risk, identifying members of a population at risk of developing diabetes, calculating risk of a subject developing diabetes, advising subjects of risk for developing diabetes, providing diagnostic tests for identifying subjects at risk for developing diabetes or kits there for, and providing diagnostic tests for determining risk of a subject developing diabetes and kits there for. The present invention also provides compounds and methods for treating subjects.

Abstract: The invention provides a metallopolymer coordination network comprising one or more coinage or similar metals and a glyme or glyme-equivalent. The composition has an amorphous polymer network that is significantly stronger than previously reported supramolecular hydrogels synthesized without glyme. Glyme chain length and water content strongly influence the mechanical, electronic, and optical behavior of the network.

Abstract: A fluidic device includes a plurality of reaction wells, typically in a dense array, with at least one bead retention segment in fluid communication with and spatially separated from at least one signal detection segment. A respective bead retention segment can be configured to hold a single bead, which can have a reagent attached thereto.

Abstract: A process for preparing an algal powder containing a reduced content of proteins, a bioplastic composition formed from such a powder, a process for manufacturing a plastic product obtained from such an algal powder and also the plastic product obtained in this way. Process for preparing an algal powder, especially intended for the manufacture of a plastic product, including the successive steps of: culturing and/or harvesting an algal biomass; reducing by at least 10% the intrinsic amount of proteins of the algae, by weight relative to the weight of proteins of the harvested biomass; drying; and reducing to give powder or granules.

Abstract: The present invention is in the field of recombinant biotechnology, in particular in the field of protein expression. The invention generally relates to a method of expressing a protein of interest (POI) from a host cell. The invention relates particularly to improving a host cell's capacity to express and/or secrete a protein of interest and use of the host cell for protein expression. The invention also relates to cell culture technology, and more specifically to culturing cells to produce desired molecules for medical purposes or food products.

Abstract: A light emitting diode, a manufacturing method thereof and a display device are provided. The light emitting diode includes a first electrode, an active layer and a second electrode. The active layer is on the first electrode; the second electrode is on a side of the active layer away from the first electrode, and includes a first conductive layer and a second conductive layer sequentially arranged along a direction away from the active layer; the first conductive layer includes a plurality of micropores; and the second conductive layer includes a plurality of conductive nanoparticles.

Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter is directed to an assay that detects and quantitatively determines the activity of a lytic peptide that exhibits antimicrobial activity, such as LL-37. Particularly, the assay comprises inducing and/or transfecting bacteria to produce high levels of an enzyme, such as ?-galactosidase. The bacteria are then preserved by lyophilization. After a desired amount of time, the bacteria are hydrated with a target sample from a subject suspected of having a specific disease or disorder characterized by an increase in levels of lytic peptide. In the presence of lytic peptide, the enzyme is released from the interior of the bacteria, which can then be detected by alteration of the enzyme substrate. In the absence of lytic peptide, the enzyme remains within the bacteria and no detection of the enzyme occurs.

Abstract: The invention provides a silk fibroin-based anti-counterfeiting mark comprising a silk fibroin film layer and a gold film layer located on the silk fibroin film layer, and the area of the gold film layer is less than that of the silk fibroin film layer. The inventive also provides a method for preparing the silk fibroin-based optical anti-counterfeiting mark, the method comprises preparing an aqueous silk fibroin solution, coating the aqueous silk fibroin solution onto a substrate to obtain a silk fibroin film, and sputtering a layer of gold film on the silk fibroin film with a mask to obtain the silk fibroin-based optical anti-counterfeiting mark. In the invention a thin layer of Au film is sputtered on a silk fibroin film such that an anti-counterfeiting mark pattern appears at a high humidity, the method is simple and can significantly the production cost of optical anti-counterfeiting mark.

Abstract: A method for visualization of conjunctival cells using fluoroquinolone antibiotics and a method for diagnosis of ocular lesions using the same. The method for visualization of conjunctival cells using fluoroquinolone antibiotics includes staining goblet cells of ocular conjunctiva with moxifloxacin, which is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic, and exciting the stained goblet cells with single photons in the near-UV region or in the visible region, followed by fluorescence photographing of the goblet cells, thereby enabling acquisition of morphological information on living tissue without damage to or destruction of the ocular conjunctiva.

Abstract: Provided herein are porous polymer monolith materials and processes that enable integration of blood fractionation, specific nucleic acid amplification and/or detection of nucleic acids from whole blood.

Abstract: An image capture system and method for imaging biological samples disposed in culture media supported by a plate. The system has a calibration module, an image acquisition module and an image presentation module. When the system receives a culture plate for imaging, default values for the culture plate and media are used to begin image acquisition at a given time. The captured image is then used to create a pixel by pixel map of the image. The system inspects the pixel-by-pixel map for saturated pixels and for signal to noise ratio and acquires a new image if the number of saturated pixels is at or above a predetermined threshold or the signal to noise ratio for the pixel is below a predetermined threshold. From this inspection a new value of photon flux and/or exposure time is determined and a new image is captured using the new value and the steps are repeated.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to in vitro methods for mimicking in vivo pathological or physiologic conditions. The methods comprise applying shear forces to a cell type or cell type plated on a surface within a cell culture container. Methods for testing drugs or compounds in such systems are also described.

Abstract: Polymers having pendant polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) groups covalently bound to the polymer backbone via thioester bonds are provided. The PAH groups are covalently bound to the backbone of the polymer by a molecular linker that includes a thioester bond. Also provided are dispersions of polymer-coated carbon nanotubes and carbon nanotube films formed from the dispersions.

Abstract: A well management system provides Internet-enabled monitoring, configuration, and control of a well system that may include a pump and a pressure tank. A controller is operatively coupled to the pump. The controller controls the pump based on pressure readings from a pressure sensor to maintain a configured pressure range within the system. The controller can communicate with a management system via a communications network. The management system is further in communication with one or more client devices, which may be associated with a homeowner, a service provider, a manufacturer, or the like. Via the management system, the client devices can receive information from the controller and send commands to the controller.

Abstract: Described are methods and uses employing metabolomic data to diagnose an asthma disease state or a Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) state. Further described are methods of uses of employing metabolomic data to distinguish between asthma and COPD. In particular, urinary metabolomic profiles are employed to enable differential diagnosis of asthma and COPD.

Abstract: Aspects of the subject technology relate to particulate matter sensors for electronic devices. A particulate matter sensor may include three lasers, three total-internal-reflection lenses, and three detectors for detecting changes in the operation of the three lasers due to the principles of self-mixing interferometry. The three total-internal-reflection lenses may use internally reflective surfaces to tilt the three beams into three corresponding directions that form an orthogonal basis in the three dimensional space, so that a gas flow speed can be determined while maintaining a small, modular form factor for implementation of the sensor in portable electronic devices.

Abstract: A construct for detecting cellular membrane potential includes a nanoparticle operable as an electron donor; a modular peptide attached to the nanoparticle, the peptide comprising a nanoparticle association domain, a motif configured to mediate peptide insertion into the plasma membrane, and at least one attachment point for an electron acceptor positioned at a controlled distance from the nanoparticle; and an electron acceptor. The nanoparticle can be a quantum dot and the electron acceptor can be C60 fullerene. Photoacoustic emission from the construct correlates with cellular membrane potential.

Abstract: A multi-channel microfluidic device for multi-parallel analyte detection includes a substrate and a multi-channel microfluidic assembly formed in the substrate. The multi-channel microfluidic assembly comprises a synchronized port; a plurality of separate ports; a plurality of channels arranged in parallel, where each of the plurality of channels includes a first end and a second end opposite to the first end; a first branch channel assembly; and a plurality of second branch assemblies. The synchronized port is connected with all the first ends of the plurality of the channels via the first branch channel assembly. Each of the plurality of the separate ports is in connection with the second end of each of the plurality of the channels via each of the plurality of the second branch channel assemblies.

Abstract: The invention relates to a counting chamber for a microscope, adjustable in height. The method measures a cell count at two different chamber heights and deduces the concentration of particles without an exact calibration of the absolute height, as the height difference gives a measurement of the “missing” volume and therefore an estimate of the particle concentration.

Abstract: Embodiments generally relate to a system for reading fluorescent-labelled diagnostic assays for in-vitro diagnostic applications. The system comprises a receiving member adapted to receive a fluorescent-labelled diagnostic assay cartridge carrying a fluorescent-labelled diagnostic assay; at least one excitation module configured to illuminate the diagnostic assay, when the diagnostic assay cartridge is placed in the receiving member; a camera module for capturing an image of the illuminated diagnostic assay placed in the receiving member; a processor for receiving the captured image from the camera module and determining whether or not a target analyte was present in the diagnostic assay captured by the camera module; and memory storing firmware, the firmware including a brightness compensation module configured to adjust the intensity of an image of a diagnostic cartridge captured by the camera module, in order to emulate a uniform field of illumination over the diagnostic cartridge.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method to detect the interaction between a target ligand and a moiety of interest using an adenylate cyclase enzyme (AC) and calmodulin (CaM) as interacting partners, said method comprising: i) expressing in a suitable host cell: (a) a low number of molecules of a first chimeric polypeptide containing AC, and (b) a low number of molecules of a second chimeric polypeptide containing CaM, wherein said AC in said first chimeric polypeptide and/or said CaM in said second chimeric polypeptide has decreased affinity for its interacting partner, wherein said AC in said first chimeric polypeptide is fused to a moiety of interest and said CaM in said second chimeric polypeptide is fused to a target ligand, or conversely, and wherein, when said moiety of interest and said target ligand interact, said AC is activated, and ii) detecting the activation of said AC.

Abstract: The present invention relates provides methods of predicting cell sensitivity to a test agent. In some embodiments, the cells are cultured in a culture medium having serum.

Abstract: The present invention provides a culture method for culturing, in recesses (10), a population including two or more cells including a cell derived from a stem cell and a mesenchymal cell. The cell derived from a stem cell is a cell obtained by differentiating a stem cell in vitro. The cell is a cell of one or more types selected from the group consisting of an endodermal cell, an ectodermal cell, and a mesodermal cell. The population is cultured in the recesses (10) together with a vascular cell or a secretor factor. Each recess (10) includes a space in which cells are movable. When a volume of the space is represented by V mm3 and the number of mesenchymal cells seeded in the space is represented by N, V is 400 or less and N/V is in a range from 35 to 3000.

Abstract: Disclosed a chemiluminescence enhancer and a chemiluminescence immunodetection kit. The chemiluminescence enhancer is specifically a betaine and can be used for enhancing the luminance of a luminescent acridine substance. The chemiluminescence immunodetection kit comprising the chemiluminescence enhancer and a luminescent acridine substance features greatly enhanced luminescence signals and high detection sensibility, and can be widely applied to fields such as clinical diagnoses, scientific research, and sanitation analysis.

Abstract: A microfluidic device for in vitro 3D cell culture experimentation comprises a body in which is provided a cell culture chamber that is at least partly filled with a scaffolding substance for maintaining a cell culture. In the body a fluid path is provided that communicates with the cell culture chamber for directing a fluid stream along the scaffolding substance. The culture chamber above the scaffolding substance opens into an access port which is provided at an outer top surface of the body to provide direct access to the scaffolding substance. The scaffolding substance forms a fluid flow barrier which separates the fluid path from the access port.

Abstract: Methods and systems for determining quality of an oocyte to reach various reproductive milestones, including fertilizing, developing into a viable embryo (blastocyst), implanting into the uterus, and reaching a clinical pregnancy, through visual assessment (non-invasive) from a single image using artificial intelligence software.

Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment, a microfluidic chip including a first cells enrichment system and a second cells enrichment system is provided. Channel layouts of the first and the second cells enrichment systems are symmetric with respect to a reflection plane vertical to the microfluidic chip. Each of the first the second cells enrichment systems includes a first fluid channel, a second fluid channel, a sample channel, an inlet channel, and a filtration chamber. The sample channel of the first cells enrichment system has a first inner wall and a first outer wall. The sample channel of the second cells enrichment system has a second inner wall and a second outer wall. The first outer wall and the second outer wall are both far from the reflection plane. A distance between the first outer wall and the second outer wall is in the range from about 10 ?m to about 1 cm.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for transfecting immune competent cells with RNA at high efficiency and viability.

Abstract: Mitochondria are central to the intrinsic apoptotic pathway of programmed cell death. Commitment to cell death occurs upon mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization, and dysregulation of this vital apoptotic control point is implicated in various pathologies. Provided herein are novel sensors which can detect, in real time and with great sensitivity, the release of protons from intact mitochondria caused by mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization. Embodiments include graphene based ion-sensitive field effect transistors.

Abstract: This invention is in the field of fluorescence imaging and relates to a new near infrared (NIR) reactive oxygen species (ROS) sensor designed with controlled fluorescence on-off switching mechanism.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of identifying if a subject is sufficiently prepared to permit successful colonoscopic examination, the method comprising the steps of: (a) obtaining a stool sample from a subject having undergone preparation for a colonoscopic examination; (b) analysing the sample to detect the presence and/or amount of faecal matter, if any, in the stool sample; and (c) from the analysis in step (b), identifying whether the subject has been sufficiently prepared.

Abstract: A construct for detecting cellular membrane potential includes a nanoparticle operable as an electron donor; a modular peptide attached to the nanoparticle, the peptide comprising a nanoparticle association domain, a motif configured to mediate peptide insertion into the plasma membrane, and at least one attachment point for an electron acceptor positioned at a controlled distance from the nanoparticle; and an electron acceptor. The nanoparticle can be a quantum dot and the electron acceptor can be C60 fullerene. Emission correlates with cellular membrane potential.

Abstract: A fluidic testing platform and methods of its operation are described. The fluidic cartridge includes a first fluidic channel and a wheel assembly coupled to the first fluidic channel. The wheel assembly includes a center portion coupled to the first fluidic channel and designed to deliver fluid through one or more second fluidic channels that radiate outward from the center portion. The wheel assembly also includes a third fluidic channel arranged in a closed loop and one or more capillaries coupled to an outer surface of the third fluidic channel and arranged to radiate outward from the center portion. The wheel assembly is designed to rotate such that fluid is forced outward from the center portion through the one or more capillaries.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to propiconazole resistant mutants of Chlorella species having Accession No. CCAP 211/134. The propiconazole resistant mutants of Chlorella species has increased tolerance to propiconazole and has increased tolerance to abiotic stress. The present disclosure further provides a method for preparing the propiconazole resistant mutants of Chlorella species. The propiconazole resistant mutants of Chlorella species can selectively grow in the presence of propiconazole, has increased tolerance to temperature stress, and hence can be used for large scale production of algal biomass.

Abstract: An apparatus for in-line holographic imaging is disclosed. In one aspect, the apparatus includes at least a first light source and a second light source arranged for illuminating an object arranged in the apparatus with a light beam. The apparatus also includes an image sensor arranged to detect at least a first and a second interference pattern, wherein the first interference pattern is formed when the object is illuminated by the first light source and the second interference pattern is formed when the object is illuminated by the second light source. The first and second interference patterns are formed by diffracted light, being scattered by the object, and undiffracted light of the light beam. The at least first and second light sources are arranged at different angles in relation to the object, and possibly illuminate the object using different wavelengths.

Abstract: A device for processing and cataloging of a sample, in a container having a label with identifying data, has a frame; a plurality of cameras mounted to the frame; and a controller system coupled to the cameras, the controller system including a controller and a non-transitory memory storing instructions, which, when executed by the controller, cause carrying out of computer processes that produce a catalog record output characterizing the sample, such record also including the identifying data.

Abstract: Microfluidic structures and methods for manipulating fluids, fluid components, and reactions are provided. In one aspect, such structures and methods can allow production of droplets of a precise volume, which can be stored/maintained at precise regions of the device. In another aspect, microfluidic structures and methods described herein are designed for containing and positioning components in an arrangement such that the components can be manipulated and then tracked even after manipulation. For example, cells may be constrained in an arrangement in microfluidic structures described herein to facilitate tracking during their growth and/or after they multiply.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods, compositions and devices for stabilizing the extracellular nucleic acid population in a cell-containing biological sample using an apoptosis inhibitor, preferably a caspase inhibitor, a hypertonic agent and/or a compound according to formula (1) as defined in the claims.

Abstract: The invention provides a system (1) for performing sperm analysis and selection based on sperm cell morphology of sperm cells (6) in a fluid (5), the system (1) comprising: (i) a fluid flow channel (2) for transport of said fluid (5), the fluid flow channel (2) comprising an inlet (10) an analyzing zone (40) configured downstream from said inlet (10) and comprising a first pair of electrodes (41) comprising a first intra-electrode distance (dl), a sorting zone (50) configured downstream from said analyzing zone (40) and comprising a sorting device (51), and outlets (80, 90, . . .