Abstract: Disclosed herein are devices, methods and compositions for making and using microfluidic devices comprising making a microfluid device comprising one or more channels; and coating at least a portion of an interior surface of at least one channel, wherein one or more gradients are formed by simultaneously introducing into the device a first cellular culture media composition having a certain concentration of a gas, an active agent or both and a second composition having a concentration of a gas, an active agent or both that is/are different from that of the first composition. Such devices are used to investigate cellular responses to physiological states and active agents.

Abstract: The current invention generally relates to apparatus and method to analyze and separate biological entities, including cells, bacteria and molecules from human blood, body tissue, body fluid and other human related biological samples. The claimed apparatus and method analyze, or detect, biological entities based on optical signals received from said entities by using optical detectors. The claimed apparatus and method further separate biological entities with using micro-actuator activated sorting devices.

Abstract: The invention, provides a method, apparatus and system for separating blood and other types of cellular components, and can be combined with holographic optical trapping manipulation or other forms of optical tweezing. One of the exemplary methods includes providing a first flow having a plurality of blood components; providing a second flow; contacting the first flow with the second flow to provide a first separation region; and differentially sedimenting a first blood cellular component of the plurality of blood components into the second flow while concurrently maintaining a second blood cellular component of the plurality of blood components in the first flow. The second flow having the first blood cellular component is then differentially removed from the first flow having the second blood cellular component. Holographic optical traps may also be utilized in conjunction with the various flows to move selected components from one flow to another, as part of or in addition to a separation stage.

Abstract: Provided is a device including: at least one well in which an amplifiable reagent is contained in a specific copy number of less than 100; and at least one well in which the amplifiable reagent is contained in a specific copy number of 100 or greater, wherein for the at least one well in which the specific copy number of the amplifiable reagent is less than 100, a formula: CV<1/?x is established, where CV represents a coefficient of variation for the specific copy number and x represents average specific copy number of the amplifiable reagent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pillar structure for a biochip and includes a substrate which has a plate-shaped structure, and pillar members, each of which has one side detachably coupled to the substrate and the other side on which a sample is disposed.

Abstract: A pillar unit for a bio chip can include a plate-form substrate having a plurality of holder parts, which are spaced apart from each other, and each of the plurality of holder parts includes a holding space, to which a pillar is inserted and fixed, in which each of the plurality of holder parts further includes a pair transformation slits so that the corresponding holder part may be transformed and restored while the pillar is accommodated in the holding space; and a plurality of pillars corresponding to the plurality of holder parts, each of the plurality of pillars is accommodated in the holding space in one of the plurality of holder parts, one end of each of the plurality of pillars is combined with one holder part among the plurality of holder parts and is detachable, and the other end of each of the pillars includes a sample.

Abstract: A microfluidic product utilizing gradient surface energy coatings for fluid control comprising a plurality of fluid passages wherein at least one fluid passage comprises a coating configured to control liquid flow wherein the coating configured to control liquid flow comprises a gradient surface energy coating from a proximal location to a distal location on a surface of the fluid passage. The product can include uniform regions and surface gradient regions in the same passage. Coating compositions and product dimensions can be selected to provide control over different flow properties including fluid velocity, reduction and acceleration of fluid flow, and starting and stopping fluid flow.

Abstract: Nanofluidic devices and methods of the invention are capable of autonomously isolating individual microbial cells using constrictive channels and growing monocultures of the cells for automated characterization of their biochemical properties and interactions with mammalian cells. Single microbial cells, such as bacterial cells, are isolated directly from environmental sources and cultured using chemical factors from their native environment.

Abstract: A cell culture device comprises a first inner cylinder formed in a tubular shape, a cell culture membrane placed to cover over an entire one end of the first inner cylinder and configured to be folded down toward an outer surface of the first inner cylinder along an outer circumference at the one end of the first inner cylinder, and an outer cylinder formed in a tubular shape, configured to place the first inner cylinder inside thereof such that a height direction of the outer cylinder is identical with a height direction of the first inner cylinder, and provided with a first slit in an area overlapping with at least the one end of the first inner cylinder to be extended in the height direction, wherein the cell culture membrane is held between an inner wall surface of the outer cylinder and the outer surface of the first inner cylinder.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods can be used for the automated production of dendritic cells (DC) from dendritic cell progenitors, such as monocytes obtained from peripheral blood. The invention makes it possible to obtain sufficient quantities of a subject's own DC for use in preparing and characterizing vaccines, for activating and characterizing the activation state of the subject's immune response, and to aid in preventing and/or treating cancer or infectious disease.

Abstract: A device for manipulating liquid droplets comprises a structured surface including an array of larger pillars and a number of smaller pillars distributed among the larger pillars, where each of the larger pillars comprises a shape memory polymer having a glass transition temperature Tg. The structured surface has an undeformed initial configuration, and, upon compression of the larger pillars, the structured surface comprises a deformed configuration. The undeformed initial configuration is recoverable from the deformed configuration by heating the shape memory polymer at or above the Tg. When exposed to a liquid droplet, the structured surface comprises a first wettability in the deformed configuration and a second wettability in the undeformed initial configuration. Thus, the structured surface exhibits a dynamic wettability for manipulating liquid droplets.

Abstract: A device including an applicator capable of dispensing a suspension of microorganisms on a culture medium and to the use of the device for dispensing the suspension of microorganisms.

Abstract: A device which automatically performs a step in which expanded and cultured cells are diluted to a desired cell concentration and re-inoculated using a cell-concentration adjustment device having an inlet for taking in a cell suspension; an outlet for discharging a diluted cell suspension; and a flow path which is provided between the inlet and the outlet and is capable of holding a cell suspension, the flow path being provided with: a liquid delivery pump for causing a cell suspension inside to flow; a cell-concentration measurement instrument for collecting data related to a cell concentration per unit amount of the cell suspension; and a dilution-liquid container for holding a dilution liquid which is supplied to the flow path to dilute the cell suspension.

Abstract: An object-holding device includes a container, a plate, and a dispersing mechanism. The container is configured to store a liquid, and includes an upper opening for charging an object into the stored liquid, and a bottom wall. The plate has an upper surface and a lower surface and is immersed into the liquid in a state in which the lower surface is spaced away from the bottom wall of the container, with this plate including: one or a plurality of holding portions arranged on the upper surface side and configured to carry the object; and a through hole passing through the holding portion from the upper surface to the lower surface. The dispersing mechanism is configured to form, in the through hole, a liquid flow which flows from the lower surface side toward the upper surface side to raise the object carried on the holding portion.

Abstract: Microfluidic devices and methods for perfusing a cell with perfusion fluid are provided herein, wherein the gravitational forces acting on the cell to keep the cell at or near a retainer or a retaining position exceed the hydrodynamic forces acting on the cell to move it toward an outlet.

Abstract: A system for processing samples by a robotic platform has a tray that defines a well defining a drain. The well has a bottom surface, an access port in fluid communication with the drain, and an insert adapted to be received in the well. The insert has a bottom wall and a side wall. At least one of the bottom wall and the side wall define a plurality of openings, such that an interior of the insert is in fluid communication with the well when the insert is inserted into the well.

Abstract: Three-dimensional cellular arrays, methods of making three-dimensional cellular arrays, and methods of identifying agents using the arrays are disclosed.

Abstract: Methods, systems, devices and materials for producing biofuels under nanoscale control (“nanobiofuels”) are provided. In one aspect, the invention provides method for producing a biofuel, including providing a hydrocarbon producing organism; exposing the biological hydrocarbon producing organism to conditions effective to cause substantial release of the hydrocarbon from the biological hydrocarbon producing organism; and isolating at least a portion of the hydrocarbon. At least one of the actions of providing, exposing, and isolating is performed using a corresponding nanoscale control.

Abstract: A platform for biological assays includes a base substrate providing structural support to the platform, at least one surface of the base substrate coated with position markers, a first deformable layer positioned on top of the base substrate, and a second deformable layer positioned on top of the first deformable layer, the second deformable layer embedded with deformation markers.

Abstract: A bioreactor system for growing and conditioning tissue for research and implantation in a human or animal body is disclosed which includes one or more tissue growth chambers for growing and conditioning tissue, each chamber being defined by a housing and providing a fluid culture media cavity which can act as a reservoir. A construct for growing three-dimensional tissues is housed in each tissue growth chamber. Each chamber is connected to a source of pressurized air for applying a controlled pressure to the chamber media cavity. The tissue growth chambers can be mounted on an agitation device such as a shaker system which enhances mass transport within the chamber media cavity. A control system is provided to control the pressure and temperature of the pressurized gas delivered to the chamber media cavity and subsequently to the tissue construct.

Abstract: An assay device comprising a compartment adapted to receive a sealed removable cartridge, wherein said cartridge is adapted to contain a biologic sample and internally comprises two or more assay locations, wherein said cartridge is adapted to facilitate two or more assays of said biologic sample; and an actuator adapted to interface with said cartridge to transport said biologic sample towards at least one of said assay locations.

Abstract: The invention provides a culture plate made from a polymer incorporating a culture component releasable into culture media in the well, methods of culturing a microorganisms in the culture plate, and a methods of making the culture plate.

Abstract: Provided are a culture vessel with which an embryonic body can be formed efficiently from human embryonic stem cells, and a method for culturing human embryonic stem cells using the vessel. There is provided a vessel for culturing human embryonic stem cells, the culture vessel having two or more wells (1), wherein each of the wells (1) has a tubular body (2) and a funnel-shaped bottom (3) provided at one end of the body (2), the bottom (3) being a concave curved surface at the center (4) of the bottom (3) and the bottom (3) having an opening angle (?) in range of 60 to 100°. There is provided a method for culturing human embryonic stem cells by using said vessel for culturing human embryonic stem cells.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of microalgae culture and specifically relates to a trap-type carbon supplement device and carbon supplement method for cultivating microalgae in an open pond. The trap-type carbon supplement device for cultivating microalgae in an open pond, comprises a trap-type container, a partition plate and a gas distributor, wherein the gas distributor is positioned at the culture solution inlet of the trap-type carbon supplement device; the thickness of the trap-type carbon supplement device on the side of the culture solution inlet is 0.5-2 times of the depth of the culture solution in the open pond; the gap between the lower end of the partition plate and the bottom of the trap-type container is 0.5-2 times of the thickness of the trap- type carbon supplement device on the side of the culture solution inlet; the upper end of the partition plate is higher than the wall of the trap-type container; and the width of the partition plate is matched with the trap-type container.

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

Abstract: An improved monocyte activation test is described that is better able to detect non-endotoxin pyrogens in medical products, in which a sample is incubated with a monocyte-containing reagent in an assay system comprising at least one surface comprising polypropylene. The invention also concerns assay systems for use in these tests that include at least one microtiter well having at least one interior surface comprising polypropylene and having a shape such that monocyte-containing reagent is concentrated in the well to provide greater cell to cell contact. The invention also relates to a diagnostic kit that can be used to test for the presence of non-endotoxin pyrogens in a sample.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for culturing cells which may comprise two or more culture compartments and a pooling compartment, wherein each of said two or more culture compartments may be separated from the other culture compartments; each of said two or more culture compartments which may comprise a port for the addition or removal of medium; and the pooling compartment communicates with said two or more culture compartments. The present invention also relates to a stand for apparatus for culturing cells.

Abstract: [PROBLEMS] Relating to a bioassay method with the use of cultured cells and cell culture for a therapeutic purpose in the case of determining the efficacy of a drug or the like or examining the toxicity thereof, it is intended to provide a method of culturing cells under regulation in the extension direction and a cell culture plate. [MEANS FOR SOLVING PROBLEMS] A cell culture plate having a plural number of side walls (1) and a plural number of space structures (3) for providing cultured cells which are formed by the side walls (1), wherein the side walls (1) are provided with openings (2) so that the space structures (3) are linked together. By using this cell culture plate, a method of culturing cells under regulation in the extension direction can be provided.

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

Abstract: An invention proposes a photobioreactor with a cultivation chamber in the form of a shallow closed trough that is irradiated by the sun light. The bottom section of the shallow closed trough comprises an elongated polymer flexible film, which is arranged with small inclination to the horizontal plane; the middle longitudinal section of the elongated polymer flexible film plays a role of the bottom cover of the shallow closed trough. A bank of translucent or transparent flat rigid members, which are abutted in-line with a small inclination to the horizontal plane, provides required rigidity to the entire photobioreactor. The translucent or transparent flat rigid members are provided with longitudinal bottom spacers and joined with the lateral longitudinal sections of the elongated polymer flexible film. In addition, the translucent flat rigid members serve for closing the shallow trough from above.

Abstract: A cell culture plate has a plurality of flow channels, uneven pattern areas and through holes. The flow channels are formed between the uneven pattern areas, and culture solution flows from the flow channels into the uneven pattern areas or from the uneven pattern areas into the flow channels. The uneven pattern area has uneven patterns that create a cell culture space.

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

Abstract: The present invention relates to a structure comprising a biological membrane and a porous or perforated substrate, a biological membrane, a substrate, a high throughput screen, methods for production of the structure membrane and substrate, and a method for screening a large number of test compounds in a short period. More particularly it relates to a structure comprising a biological membrane adhered to a porous or perforated substrate, a biological membrane capable of adhering with high resistance seals to a substrate such as perforated glass and the ability to form sheets having predominantly an ion channel or transporter of interest, a high throughput screen for determining the effect of test compounds on ion channel or transporter activity, methods for manufacture of the structure, membrane and substrate, and a method for monitoring ion channel or transporter activity in a membrane.

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

Abstract: An apparatus for biological reactions is provided. The apparatus includes a substrate and a plurality of reaction sites within the substrate. A surface of the substrate is configured to have a first hydrophilicity and each surface of the plurality of reaction sites is configured to have a second hydrophilicity to load a substantial number of reaction sites with a sample volume. The sample volume of each loaded reaction site is substantially confined to its respective reaction site. The sample volume is configured to undergo a biological reaction within the reaction site.

Abstract: Well plates for use in various laboratory experiments may include a plurality of wells each having an interior wall that includes a ledge positioned at a fixed depth within the well.

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

Abstract: Candidate cells, such as circulating tumor cells (CTCs), present with blood are captured using a multiple stage device, having successive stages configured to deviate candidate cells out of the blood while slowing down the flow rates of the deviated resultant for easier capture of CTCs through progressive stages. The devices can include separation channel and deviation channels formed of micro-post patterns dimensioned to deviate different desired candidate cells for analysis.

Abstract: A bioreactor assembly, including: a housing internally defining a plurality of reaction chambers; a medium flow supply line associated with each of the plurality of reaction chambers, wherein the medium flow supply line associated with each of the plurality of reaction chambers is operable for delivering a medium flow to each of the plurality of reaction chambers; and one or more framed membrane cartridges selectively disposed within each of the plurality of reaction chambers, wherein each of the one or more framed membrane cartridges disposed within each of the plurality of reaction chambers is operable for holding a biochemically active material that is reacted when exposed to the medium flow.

Abstract: Provided is a strip-assembled immunochromatographic disc, containing: a base, a lid engaged with the base and a draining piece disposed between the strips on the base and the lid, wherein a sampling opening is disposed on the lid directly facing to the draining piece, and the said sampling opening intercommunicates to a draining groove provided on the inner side of the lid which is formed by a plurality of draining channels; several strip stages are provided on the base with their location and number corresponding to those of the draining channels provided on the lid, and the edge of the draining piece laps to the sample pads of the strips carried on the stage adjacent to one end of the sampling opening. Also provided is a method of performing multiplexed immnochromatographic detection using the strip disc to accomplish the detection of multiple target analytes in one sample in an assay.

Abstract: Devices for the in vitro aggregation of cells. The devices are characterized by containing special ground cavities allowing cluster formation to take place when a cell suspension is seeded onto the device. Further, the present invention relates to a method for aggregating cells and the use of the devices of the present invention for the aggregation of cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing a perforated breakable multi well plate comprising providing a multi well plate, and generating one or more perforated section lines along the width and/or length of the multi well plate by puncturing the multi well plate with a slotted blade for each section line to be generated, wherein the slotted blade is rigid and sharpened along one edge and a series of slots extends from the sharpened edge into the blade, thereby forming a series of sharp and rigid teeth alternating with slots. The invention further relates to a press tool usable in the above method as well as a perforated breakable multi well plate.

Abstract: A testing device uses a selectively deformable substrate to capture and retain spherical beads for genetic experimentation. A method of fabricating the device is described in which a silicon substrate can be coated with a photosensitive, bio-compatible polymer for photolithographic patterning using a single mask exposure. The polymer is patterned with a matrix of wells, each well capable of expansion to accept placement of a bead in the well, and contraction to secure the bead in the well. The polymer can exhibit piezoelectric properties that cause it to respond mechanically to a selected electrical excitation.

Abstract: A system and method for isolating cells, comprising: a substrate having a broad surface; an array comprising a set of wells defined at the broad surface of the substrate, each well including: a base surface, an open surface directly opposing the base surface, defined at the broad surface of the substrate, and configured to receive one of a single cell and a single cluster of cells from a direction perpendicular to the broad surface of the substrate, and a set of channels that fluidly couple each well to at least one adjacent well; wherein the set of wells includes an interior subset and an exterior subset fluidly coupled to and surrounding the interior subset by way of the set of channels; and a fluid delivery module surrounding the array and fluidly coupled to each well in the set of wells.

Abstract: A thermocycling device includes a sample holder, a thermal reference and a heating and cooling device which is arranged between the sample holder and thermal reference. The heating and cooling device is in thermally conductive contact with the sample holder and with the thermal reference. The thermocycling device further includes a reference heating and cooling device for maintaining the temperature of the thermal reference at a predetermined temperature level during cycling, and a heat sink which is in thermally conductive contact with the reference heating and/or cooling device.

Abstract: The present invention provides a liquid reflux reaction control device comprising: a reaction vessel having one or a plurality of wells configured to accommodate a sample; a heat exchange vessel provided in contact with the reaction vessel so as to conduct heat to the reaction vessel, and comprising an inlet and an outlet respectively for introducing and draining a liquid of a predetermined temperature; a plurality of liquid reservoir tanks provided with a temperature-controllable heat source for maintaining liquids of predetermined temperatures; a tubular flow channel that connects the inlet and the outlet of the heat exchange vessel with the liquid reservoir tanks; a pump disposed on the tubular flow channel, and configured to circulate the liquid between the heat exchange vessel and the liquid reservoir tank; and a switching valve disposed on the tubular flow channel, and configured to control the flow of the circulating liquid, which controls the temperature of the reaction vessel to keep a desired tem

Abstract: The present invention relates to the diagnosis and treatment of cancer, and in particular breast cancer. Specifically, in some embodiments the invention relates to methods of diagnosing cancer, and in particular breast cancer, using an antibody specific for a gene product that localizes selectively to the endoplasmic reticulum of the cancer cell(s). In some embodiments, the invention relates to methods of treating cancer, and in particular breast cancer, by administering a composition comprising an RNA interference sequence (e.g., shRNA, RNAi and/or siRNA molecule) characterized by an ability to inhibit an mRNA molecule, which mRNA molecule is encoded by the C43 gene (SEQ ID NO: 1). The invention additionally relates to methods for detecting cancer cells by detecting reduced methylation of the C43 promoter, and methods for reducing cancer metastasis by using demethylation inhibitors that result in increased methylation of the C43 promoter.

Abstract: A MEMS-based system and a method are described for separating a target particle from the remainder of a fluid stream. The system makes use of a unique, microfabricated movable structure formed on a substrate, which moves in a rotary fashion about one or more fixed points, which are all located on one side of the axis of motion. The movable structure is actuated by a separate force-generating apparatus, which is entirely separate from the movable structure formed on its substrate. This allows the movable structure to be entirely submerged in the sample fluid.

Abstract: A multi-well plate can be loaded with a range of compliant substrates. Commerically-available assays can be used to test cellular responses across a plate with shear modulus from 50 to 51200 Pascals. Cells can be grown in the plates, and can be manipulated and analyzed. Hydrogels can be attached to the bottom of a well. The plates can support the attachment and growth of different cell types and can be compatible with standard 96-well and 384-well plate assays. The mechanical properties of the hydrogels can be reproducible and stable to increase the shelf life of the substrate. The hydrogel can be compatible with growth of a variety of cell types, various attachment ligands such as collagen I, collagen IV, fibronectin, vitronectin, laminin, or RGD peptides and can be coupled to the gel surface.

Abstract: Disclosed are multi-chambered cell co-culture systems. The systems can be utilized to encourage the growth and development of isolated cells in a dynamic three-dimensional in vitro environment. The cell chambers (10) of the system can be in biochemical communication with adjacent chambers containing cells of different types, but the different cell types are maintained physically separated from one another. In addition, the local environment of each cell chamber can be independently controlled. For example, fluid flow characteristics through a single cell chamber can be independently controlled and maintained for each separate chamber of the system.