Abstract: An automated analyzer for performing multiple diagnostic assays simultaneously includes multiple stations, or modules, in which discrete aspects of the assay are performed on fluid samples contained in reaction receptacles. The analyzer includes stations for automatically preparing a specimen sample, incubating the sample at prescribed temperatures for prescribed periods, performing an analyte isolation procedure, and ascertaining the presence of a target analyte. An automated receptacle transporting system moves the reaction receptacles from one station to the next.

Abstract: Sample processing units useful for mixing and purifying materials, such as fluidic materials are provided. A sample processing unit typically includes a container configured to contain a sample comprising magnetically responsive particles, and one or more magnets that are in substantially fixed positions relative to the container. A sample processing unit also generally includes a conveyance mechanism configured to convey the container to and from a position that is within magnetic communication with the magnet, e.g., such that magnetically responsive particles with captured analytes can be retained within the container when other materials are added to and/or removed from the container. Further, a sample processing unit also typically includes a rotational mechanism that is configured to rotate the container, e.g., to effect mixing of sample materials disposed within the container. Related carrier mechanisms, sample processing stations, systems, and methods are also provided.

Abstract: A drug discovery screening apparatus improves a testing operation efficiency. The drug discovery screening apparatus comprises an image measurement unit, an incubator unit integrally connected to the image measurement unit, a fixed stage disposed at the incubator unit, first conveyance for taking out one of plates stored in a carousel of the incubator unit and conveying the plate onto the fixed stage, second conveyance for taking out the plate conveyed onto the fixed stage and conveying the plate onto an XY stage disposed at the image measurement unit, and a control unit. The second conveyance comprises first and second conveyance arms, respectively supported horizontally by a conveyance unit support section, which convey the plates onto the fixed stage and XY stage so as to allow the respective plates to cross each other.

Abstract: A polymerase chain reaction (“PCR”) apparatus includes a PCR chip holder which accommodates and supports a PCR chip, a housing which supports ends of the PCR chip holder, a temperature control element which moves perpendicularly with respect to the PCR chip holder in a space between the housing and the PCR chip holder in the housing, and an elastic unit which elastically biases the temperature control element toward the PCR chip holder, between the temperature control element and the housing. The temperature control element includes a top surface which is selectively contacted to a bottom surface of the PCR chip.

Abstract: Multi-layer devices suitable for thermal cycling processes. The devices are particularly suitable for performing polymerase chain reactions (PCR). One embodiment includes a first conducting layer, a second conducting layer adjacent to the first layer, and a third conducting layer adjacent to the second layer opposite the first layer. Insulating layers are positioned between said three conducting layers. Continuous channels are formed within the layers. The channels can be formed in either the conducting layer or the insulating layers, or both. Other embodiments include two conducting layers. At least one integral or separate temperature source may be provided to maintain the conducting layers at various desired temperatures.

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: 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: A culture microscope apparatus has an illumination unit to apply excitation light to the specimen, a specimen observing portion to observe light generated from the specimen due to the excitation light, and a dimmer unit to dim the excitation light that has penetrated the specimen.

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: An organ perfusion apparatus and method monitor, sustain and/or restore viability of organs and preserve organs for storage and/or transport. Other apparatus include an organ transporter, an organ cassette and an organ diagnostic device. The apparatus and methods include the cassette and transporter with heat transfer surfaces arranged to transfer heat between a cooling source in said transporter and the heat transfer surfaces of the cassette.

Abstract: A microfluidic device for nucleic acid analysis includes a monolithic semiconductor body (13), a microfluidic circuit (10), at least partially accommodated in the monolithic semiconductor body (13), and a micropump (11). The microfluidic circuit (10) includes a sample preparation channel (18) formed on the monolithic semiconductor body (13) and at least one microfluidic channel (20, 22) buried in the monolithic semiconductor body (13). The micropump (11), includes a plurality of sealed chambers (40) provided with respective openable sealing elements (41) and having a first pressure therein that is different from a second pressure in the microfluidic circuit (10). In addition, the micropump (11) and the microfluidic circuit (10) are configured so that opening the openable sealing elements (41) provides fluidic coupling between the respective chambers (40) and the microfluidic circuit (10). The openable sealing elements (41) are integrated in the monolithic semiconductor body (13).

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods for permeabilizing insect embryos by removing the waxy layer of the shell using a solution containing a non-toxic cyclic terpene and a non-toxic surfactant, preferably a non-ionic surfactant. The invention further provides kits to practice the method of the invention. The invention also provides methods for toxicology and other high throughput screening method including the compositions and methods of embryo permeabilization provided herein.

Abstract: The present invention provides a continuous process for saccharification of cellulose by enzymatic degration without any loss of enzymes and also discloses a bioreactor for performing said process.

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: An end portion of a head has a recess having an inner shape corresponding to a dome shape of a well when the well is in an expanded state. The radius of curvature of the recess is larger than the radius of curvature of the dome shape of the well. Moreover, the depth of the recess is smaller than the height of the dome shape of the well. Therefore, the head first contacts the apex of the well, and the contact area gradually expands toward the outer periphery. At this time, a gap is generated between the head and the cartridge around the well. Thus, the air between the head and the well is expelled from around the well as the head is pressed against the well.

Abstract: A system is provided for moderating the temperature of a medium for growing microalgae and for distilling fresh water. In the system, the medium flows through a conduit having two ends and a bottom. As the sunlight passes into the medium, the algae grows and the medium is heated. For the system, an impermeable first liner is extended across the conduit to cover the bottom of the conduit. Further, a gas permeable/liquid impermeable second liner is extended across the conduit to cover the bottom of the conduit. With the second liner positioned on top of the first liner, vapor medium is only able to pass through the second liner. Also, a condensing mechanism is positioned between the first and second liners. Any vapor medium that passes through the second liner is condensed into fresh water. As a result, fresh water is distilled and the medium is cooled through condensation.

Abstract: Disclosed are mutant DNA polymerases having increased 3?-mismatch discrimination relative to a corresponding, unmodified polymerase. The mutant polymerases are useful in a variety of disclosed primer extension methods. Also disclosed are related compositions, including recombinant nucleic acids, vectors, and host cells, which are useful, e.g., for production of the mutant DNA polymerases.

Abstract: A microfluidic device having a supporting substrate, a sample inlet for receiving a sample of biological material having nucleic acid sequences, a microsystems technology (MST) layer having a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) section for amplifying the nucleic acid sequences, the PCR section having at least one heater for thermally cycling the nucleic acid sequences through a denaturing phase, an annealing phase and a primer extension phase, and, CMOS circuitry between the MST layer and the supporting substrate, the CMOS circuitry configured to energize the at least one heater with a pulse width modulated (PWM) signal during the thermal cycling.

Abstract: A lab-on-a-chip (LOC) device for pathogen detection, genetic analysis and proteomic analysis of a biological sample, the LOC device having an inlet for receiving the sample, a supporting substrate, a leukocyte dialysis section for dividing the sample into a leukocyte stream, and a pathogen and erythrocyte stream containing cells and sample constituents smaller than a first size threshold, a pathogen dialysis section for dividing the pathogen and erythrocyte stream into an erythrocyte stream and a pathogen stream containing cells and sample constituents smaller than a second size threshold, a leukocyte lysis section downstream of the leukocyte dialysis section for lysing the leukocytes with a lysis reagent to release genetic material and proteins therein, a leukocyte incubation section downstream of the leukocyte lysis section for enzymatic reaction of the genetic material with enzymes, a pathogen lysis section downstream of the pathogen dialysis section for lysing the pathogens with a lysis reagent to release

Abstract: A microfluidic device for processing a fluid, the microfluidic device having an inlet for receiving the fluid, functional sections for processing the fluid, a flow-path extending from the inlet into at least some of the functional sections, circuitry for operative control of the functional sections, and, a capillary meniscus marching velocity sensor having a plurality of liquid sensors spaced along the flow-path, each of the liquid sensors having electrodes positioned for contact with the fluid flowing along the flow-path, wherein, the circuitry is configured to provide a voltage across the electrodes such that current above a predetermined threshold is indicative of liquid at the electrodes and used to derive a velocity of the liquid flow front.

Abstract: A microfluidic device having an inlet for receiving a liquid flowing through the microfluidic device, an outlet downstream of the inlet, and, a fault-tolerant multiple valve assembly having a plurality of flow-paths extending from the inlet to the outlet and a plurality of valves positioned along each of the flow-paths respectively.

Abstract: A test module for lysing cells in a fluid, the test module having an outer casing with receptacle for receiving a fluid containing cells, a lysis reagent reservoir containing a lysis reagent and having an outlet valve, and, a lysis section in fluid communication with the receptacle for holding the fluid during lysis of the cells, wherein, the outlet valve is upstream of the lysis section and configured to open as the fluid flows into the lysis section thereby adding the lysis reagent to the fluid.

Abstract: A lab-on-a-chip (LOC) device for genetic analysis of a sample containing target nucleic acid sequences, the LOC device having a sample inlet for receiving the sample, a plurality of reagent reservoirs containing buffer solution, dNTPs, primers, and polymerase for addition to the sample to form an amplification mixture, and, a nucleic acid amplification section for maintaining the amplification mixture at a predetermined temperature during isothermal amplification of the target nucleic acid sequences.

Abstract: A microfluidic device having a supporting substrate, a sample inlet for receiving a sample of biological material having nucleic acid sequences, a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) section for amplifying the nucleic acid sequences, the PCR section having a PCR chamber, and, a heater element for heating the nucleic acid sequences within the PCR chamber, wherein during use, the PCR section generates sufficient amplicon for hybridization with an array of probes in less than 10 minutes.

Abstract: A lab-on-a-chip (LOC) device for genetic analysis of a biological sample, the LOC device having an inlet for receiving the sample, a supporting substrate, a plurality of reagent reservoirs, a dialysis section for separating cells larger than a predetermined threshold in the sample from smaller constituents, whereby the cells larger than a predetermined threshold include target cells containing genetic material for analysis, an incubation section downstream of the dialysis section, the incubation section being in fluid communication with one of the reagent reservoirs containing enzymes for enzymatic reaction with the genetic material, and, a nucleic acid amplification section downstream of the incubation section for amplifying nucleic acid sequences from the genetic material, wherein, the dialysis section, the incubation section and the nucleic acid amplification section are all supported on the supporting substrate.

Abstract: A microfluidic device having a sample inlet for receiving a sample of biological material having nucleic acid sequences, a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) section for amplifying the nucleic acid sequences, the PCR section having at least one elongate PCR chamber having a longitudinal extent much greater than its lateral dimensions, and, at least one elongate heater element for heating the nucleic acid sequences within the elongate PCR chamber, wherein, the elongate heater element extends parallel with the longitudinal extent of the PCR chamber.

Abstract: A lab-on-a-chip (LOC) device for genetic analysis of a sample containing target nucleic acid sequences, the LOC device having a sample inlet for receiving the sample, a plurality of reagent reservoirs containing buffer, dNTPs, primers, and polymerase derived from a thermophilic bacterium for addition to the sample to form an amplification mixture, and, a nucleic acid amplification section for controlling the temperature of the amplification mixture during amplification of the target nucleic acid sequences.

Abstract: A lab-on-a-chip (LOC) device for genetic analysis of a sample containing target nucleic acid sequences, the LOC device having a sample inlet for receiving the sample, a plurality of reagent reservoirs containing dNTPs, primers, recombinase, DNA polymerase and buffer solution for addition to the sample to form an amplification mixture, and, a nucleic acid amplification section for maintaining the amplification mixture at a predetermined temperature during recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) of the target nucleic acid sequences.

Abstract: A lab-on-a-chip (LOC) device having a supporting substrate, a sample inlet for receiving a fluid sample, an incubation section in fluid communication with the sample inlet, the incubation section having at least one heater, and, CMOS circuitry between the supporting substrate and the incubation section, wherein, the CMOS circuitry is connected to the at least one heater for maintaining the fluid sample at an incubation temperature for an incubation period.

Abstract: A lab-on-a-chip (LOC) device for genetic analysis of a whole blood sample containing target nucleic acid sequences, the LOC device having a sample inlet for receiving the whole blood sample, a plurality of reagent reservoirs containing buffer, dNTPs, primers, and polymerase for addition to the whole blood sample, and, a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) section for thermal cycling the whole blood sample, buffer, dNTPs, primers, and polymerase to amplify the target nucleic acid sequences.

Abstract: A microfluidic device having an inlet for receiving a fluid, an incubation section having a microchannel configured to have a plurality of mutually parallel, adjacent channel sections, and a plurality of elongate heaters positioned end to end along each of the channel sections, wherein, each of the heaters are independently operable for two-dimensional control of heat flux density to the incubation section.

Abstract: A microfluidic device having a sample inlet for receiving a sample of biological material having nucleic acid sequences, a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) section for amplifying the nucleic acid sequences, the PCR section having a microchannel configured to have a plurality of mutually parallel, adjacent channel sections, and a plurality of elongate heaters positioned end to end along each of the channel sections, wherein, each of the heaters are independently operable for two-dimensional control of heat flux density to the PCR section.

Abstract: A microfluidic device having a sample inlet for receiving a sample of biological material having nucleic acid sequences, a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) section with a PCR microchannel for thermally cycling a PCR mixture of the sample, polymerase, dNTP's and buffer solution to amplify the nucleic acid sequences, the PCR microchannel defining a flow-path for the sample such that flow of the sample along the PCR microchannel is driven by capillary action, wherein, the PCR mixture has a volume less than 400 nanoliters.

Abstract: A microfluidic device having a supporting substrate, a sample inlet for receiving a sample of biological material having nucleic acid sequences, a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) section for amplifying the nucleic acid sequences, the PCR section having a PCR chamber, and, a heater element for heating the nucleic acid sequences within the PCR chamber, wherein during use, the heater element heats the nucleic acid sequences at a rate more than 80 K per second.

Abstract: A microfluidic device having a supporting substrate, a sample inlet for receiving a sample of biological material having nucleic acid sequences, a microsystems technology (MST) layer having a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) section for amplifying the nucleic acid sequences, the PCR section having at least one heater for thermally cycling the nucleic acid sequences through a denaturation phase, an annealing phase and a primer extension phase, and, CMOS circuitry between the MST layer and the supporting substrate, the CMOS circuitry being connected to the at least one heater for operative control of the at least one heater during the thermal cycling.

Abstract: A microfluidic device having a supporting substrate, an inlet for receiving a fluid, a microsystems technology (MST) layer for processing the fluid, the MST layer incorporating an incubation section, the incubation section having at least one heater for maintaining the fluid at a predetermined incubation temperature, and, CMOS circuitry between the MST layer and the supporting substrate, the CMOS circuitry being connected to the at least one heater for operative control of the at least one heater.

Abstract: A lab-on-a-chip (LOC) device for detecting pathogens in a biological sample, the LOC device having an inlet for receiving the sample, a supporting substrate, a plurality of reagent reservoirs, a pathogen dialysis section for separating pathogens from constituents smaller than a predetermined threshold, a pathogen lysis section downstream of the pathogen dialysis section for lysing the pathogens with a lysis reagent to release genetic material therein, an incubation section downstream of the pathogen dialysis section, the incubation section being in fluid communication with one of the reagent reservoirs containing enzymes for enzymatic reaction with the genetic material, and, a nucleic acid amplification section downstream of the incubation section for amplifying nucleic acid sequences from the genetic material, wherein, the pathogen dialysis section, the pathogen lysis section, the incubation section and the nucleic acid amplification section are all supported on the supporting substrate.

Abstract: A microfluidic device having a supporting substrate, a sample inlet for receiving a sample of biological material having nucleic acid sequences, a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) section for amplifying the nucleic acid sequences, the PCR section having a PCR chamber, and, a heater element for heating the nucleic acid sequences within the PCR chamber, wherein, the PCR chamber is between the heater element and the supporting substrate.

Abstract: A microfluidic device having a sample inlet for receiving a sample of biological material having nucleic acid sequences, and, a nucleic acid amplification section for amplifying the nucleic acid sequences, the nucleic acid amplification section having an amplification chamber and a heater element, wherein, the heater element is bonded to an interior surface of the amplification chamber.

Abstract: A microfluidic device for lysing cells in a fluid, the microfluidic device having an inlet for receiving a fluid containing cells, a lysis reagent reservoir containing a lysis reagent and having an outlet valve, and, a lysis section in fluid communication with the inlet for holding the fluid during lysis of the cells, wherein, the outlet valve is upstream of the lysis section and configured to open as the fluid flows into the lysis section thereby adding the lysis reagent to the fluid.

Abstract: A microfluidic device having a sample inlet for receiving a fluid sample, an incubation section in fluid communication with the sample inlet, the incubation section having at least one heater for maintaining the fluid sample at an incubation temperature for an incubation period, and, CMOS circuitry to energize the at least one heater with a pulse width modulated (PWM) signal.

Abstract: A microfluidic device having a sample inlet for receiving a sample of biological material having nucleic acid sequences, a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) section for amplifying the nucleic acid sequences, the PCR section having at least one heater for thermally cycling the nucleic acid sequences through a denaturation phase, an annealing phase and a primer extension phase, wherein during use, the PCR section has a thermal cycle time of less than 30 seconds.

Abstract: A continuous temperature-gradient incubation apparatus designed to solve the problem of moving of liquid vapor generated on the high-temperature side toward the low-temperature side to thereby cause condensation.

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: The invention relates to a microfluidic device including a chamber having a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet and a sealable port. In some embodiments, the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet may be positioned to direct fluid flowing from the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet through the chamber. Various embodiments may include a sealable port which may be aligned with the chamber to allow material to be placed directly into, or removed from, the chamber from the exterior of the device when the sealable port is open, and to inhibit and/or prevent fluid escaping through the sealable port when the port is sealed.

Abstract: A system for mixing a bioprocessing fluid includes a container receiving the bioprocessing fluid and a support member supporting the container in an interior of a housing. A first channel is bounded by a first stationary arm and a second stationary arm with the first channel receiving the container. A first mixing arm and a second mixing arm are located in the interior. The first mixing arm is connected to the second mixing arm by a connecting member. The first mixing arm is located in the first channel and the second mixing arm is located in a second channel. The connecting member is movable to cause the first mixing arm to contact a first outer surface of the container to cause mixing of the bioprocessing fluid.

Abstract: A microplate is provided herein having a plate body with at least one well formed therein, the well having a first open end, a second end, an aperture being formed in the second end, and a side wall extending between the first end and the second end. The microplate further has a permeable membrane extending at least partially across the aperture formed in the second end. A microplate is provided with a permeable membrane which allows not only for removal of certain solutes from a solution (high or low molecular weight solutes), but also allows for separation of macromolecular mixtures and degradation of the membrane. The microplate is also provided with an integrated top assembly or integrated inserts. Also provided herein are methods of culturing systems in the microplates described.

Abstract: Methods for producing stabilized solid dosage form pharmaceutical compositions are provided. In particular, methods for preparing protected granules containing morphinans, and solid dosage form pharmaceutical compositions produced using the morphinan-protected granules are provided.

Abstract: A thermal cycler includes a bearing element, a heating element, a first cooling element, and a temperature controller. The bearing element carries at least one reaction mixture. The heating element raises the temperature of the reaction mixture. The heating element includes a housing, at least one carbon nanotube structure and a pair of electrodes. The carbon nanotube structure and the pair of electrodes are accommodated in the housing. The pair of electrodes is electrically connected to the carbon nanotube structure. The first cooling element cools the temperature of the reaction mixture. The temperature controller is electrically connected to the heating element and the first cooling element.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a cell culture realtime observation system comprising a plate, a culture well, an image capture device, at least one container, an evaporation device, a first micro channel, a second micro channel and a transmission unit. The culture well is disposed on the plate, and the image capture device is disposed between the plate and the culture well. The container is disposed on the plate and at a side of the culture well, and the evaporation device is disposed at the other side of the culture well. The container and the culture well are connected by the first micro channel, and the culture well and the evaporation device are connected by the second micro channel. The transmission unit is electrically connected to the image capture device.