Abstract: A multiple cuvette strip comprises a plurality of wells and a reversible interlocking device. The well strips can be reversibly interlocked to other well strips to form a sample holder system. One embodiment of a well strip comprises a flange and a slot to form a reversible interlocking device.

Abstract: The current invention is directed towards a device that useful for studying cell migration. It is preferred that the device is configured to study stem cell, particularly hematopoetic stem/precursor cell homing. The device allows for detailed analysis of the various phases of the multiphase homing process. There are also provided herein, novel methods of using the device, including, but not limited to, dissection of the homing process under microenvironmental conditions mimicking healthy conditions, diseased conditions, inflammatory conditions, drug treatment conditions and experimental conditions.

Abstract: The present application provides methods and devices for the production and recovery of cell aggregates. In one embodiment, the device is a microwell device with a high density of microwells. The application also provides a device for extracting cell aggregates such as stem cells or embryoid bodies from well plates. Such cell aggregates are used for the differentiation of pluripotent stem cells such as embryonic stem cells, in the fields of developmental biology and regenerative medicine/tissue engineering.

Abstract: A device and method for providing portable biological testing capabilities free from biological contamination from an environment outside the device are provided. The device includes a portable housing. The device further includes a volume surrounded by the housing and sealed against passage of biological materials between the volume and the environment outside the device. The device further includes a culture medium within the volume. The device further includes one or more ports configured to provide access to the volume while avoiding biological contamination of the volume. The device further includes a valve in fluidic communication with the volume and the environment. The valve has an open state in which the valve allows gas to flow from within the volume to the environment outside the device and a closed state in which the valve inhibits gas from flowing between the volume and the environment.

Abstract: A plate platform having a visual indicator that allows the user to track his or her progress in loading the platform wells is generally disclosed. The plate platform is constructed from a substantially transparent base having a plurality of elongated bore-holes internally from the side surface in the substantially transparent base. The substantially transparent base defines a non-transparent portion on the top surface extending from the side surface to an area configured to receive the well plate. A slide bar is positioned slideably positioned within each elongated bore-hole of the substantially transparent base. Each slide bar defines a marked surface that is visible through the substantially transparent base but not through the non-transparent portion. The marked surface comprises a row label, a column label, and a well marker.

Abstract: T cells are profiled with respect to their expression of antigen receptor. The cells are arrayed on a planar or three-dimensional substrate through binding to immobilized or partially diffused MHC-antigen complexes. The cells may further be characterized with respect to their ability to respond to external stimulus in the microenvironment. External stimuli include cell-cell interactions, response to factors, and the like.

Abstract: Disclosed are devices for amplifying a preselected polynucleotide in a sample by conducting a polynucleotide amplification reaction. The devices are provided with a substrate microfabricated to include a polynucleotide amplification reaction, chamber, having at least one cross-sectional dimension of about 0.1 to 1000 ?m. The device also includes at least one port in fluid communication with the reaction chamber, for introducing a sample to the chamber, for venting the chamber when necessary, and, optionally, for removing products or waste material from the device. The reaction chamber may be provided with reagents required for amplification of a preselected polynucleotide. The device also may include means for thermally regulating the contents of the reaction chamber, to amplify a preselected polynucleotide. Preferably, the reaction chamber is fabricated with a high surface to volume ratio, to facilitate thermal regulation.

Abstract: The present invention broadly comprises a holding device for studying cells comprising at least one cavity adapted to receive cells in a medium consisting essentially of water, the cavity having a substrate and a generally inert wall, wherein the substrate includes a surface for receiving the medium, and wherein the surface includes a multiplicity of pico liter wells and is characterized in that the substrate is substantially translucent and has a refractive index equal to the refractive index of the medium The invention further comprises a method of making the holding device comprising providing a carrier plate, applying an adhesive layer to the carrier plate, depositing a curable substrate on the adhesive layer, applying a second layer of adhesive to the substrate, attaching a wall structure to the second layer of adhesive, forming a multiplicity of pico liter wells in the substrate, curing the substrate, and removing the template.

Abstract: To present an automatic cell cultivation apparatus capable of sterilizing completely including a cold storage unit and a normal temperature storage unit, without causing cross contamination, in used of cell cultivation of plural subjects.

Abstract: The invention relates to a partially active microfluidic system for cell cultivation comprising a multiwell system (4) with multiple wells (17) and cavities formed therein that hold cells. Each cavity (11) is formed by at least one inlay (3) comprising an opening (1) that does not open up directly into the cavity (11), but rather into a space (17) surrounding the cavity, wherein the medium present in the surrounding space communicates with the medium contained in the cavity (11) by way of a sieve structure in the inlay. The invention is suitable in particular for 3D cell cultivation.

Abstract: Provided is a cell culture instrument which has excellent operability while including a plurality of wells capable of holding cells. The cell culture instrument according to the present invention includes a base portion in which a well group including a plurality of first wells capable of holding cells is formed, and a frame portion vertically arranged around the well group of the base portion to form a second well being capable of holding a solution.

Abstract: A microchamber including a glass substrate which is transparent to a specific wavelength, an absorbent region which absorbs the specific wavelength, and a melting substance region which does not absorb the specific wavelength, is solid at room temperature and melts when heated, which regions are layered on the glass substrate. The absorbent region, is irradiated with a focused light beam of the specific wavelength and locally heated in the vicinity of the converging rays, so that the melting substance region is locally melted at a portion adjacent to the absorbent region, thereby forming a cavity as the focused light beam moves. Accordingly, the shape of the microchamber can be arbitrarily changed in accordance with the process of cell culture.

Abstract: Luminescence test measurements are conducted using an assay module having integrated electrodes with a reader apparatus adapted to receive assay modules, induce luminescence, preferably electrode induced luminescence, in the wells or assay regions of the assay modules and measure the induced luminescence.

Abstract: This invention provides a systems and methods for regulating temperature and heat transfer in applications in which it is desirable to maintain temperature uniformity such as thermal cycling applications. A heat block is used to rapidly transfer heat to or from a set of one or more reaction vessels.

Abstract: Provided is a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) apparatus. A PCR is performed using the module assembly-type PCR apparatus. The module assembly-type PCR apparatus includes a first module, a second module, and a third module. A sample is provided to the first module. The second module provides different temperature ranges to the first module to generate thermal convection. The third module controls an operation of the second module. The first module is separably coupled to the second module. The second module is electrically separably coupled to the third module.

Abstract: The invention features methods of making devices, or “platens”, having a high-density array of through-holes, as well as methods of cleaning and refurbishing the surfaces of the platens. The invention further features methods of making high-density arrays of chemical, biochemical, and biological compounds, having many advantages over conventional, lower-density arrays. The invention includes methods by which many physical, chemical or biological transformations can be implemented in serial or in parallel within each addressable through-hole of the devices. Additionally, the invention includes methods of analyzing the contents of the array, including assaying of physical properties of the samples.

Abstract: An instrument for conducting nucleic acid amplification reactions in a disposable test device. The test device includes a first reaction chamber containing a first nucleic acid amplification reagent (e.g., primers and nucleotides) and a second reaction chamber either containing, or in fluid communication, with a second nucleic acid amplification reagent (e.g., an amplification enzyme such as RT). The instrument includes a support structure receiving the test device. A temperature control system maintains the first reaction chamber at a first elevated temperature but simultaneously maintains the second nucleic acid amplification reagent at a second temperature lower than the first temperature so as to preserve the second nucleic acid amplification reagent. An actuator operates on a fluid conduit in the test device to place the first and second reaction chambers in fluid communication with each other after a reaction has occurred in the first reaction chamber at the first temperature.

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: A bio sample processing apparatus and method using vacuum chambers in which a bio sample is injected into a first vacuum chamber connected with one end of a bio processor and, after processing, is ejected into a second vacuum chamber connected with the other end of the bio processor. The vacuum chambers and bio processor are connected with each other to form an environment with a pressure lower than atmospheric pressure, and the bio sample moves toward the second vacuum chamber due to the pressure difference created by the injection of the bio sample into the first vacuum chamber.

Abstract: A bioreactor device for studying the effects of physical, chemical, mechanical and electromagnetic stimuli on the cellular activity. In particular, the device uses a sensorized premixing chamber (1), a culture chamber (2) for observing the development of the cells by a microscope (40). Output signals are transmitted to a control unit for amplifying and filtering the signals (50), which transmits the treated signals to a computer (52). To another control unit (51) actuating electrovalves (20), (21) and (22) are connected that adjust the introduction of gas in the premixing chamber. The culture medium is drawn from the premixing chamber (1) through a duct (4) and its flow is adjusted by a peristaltic pump (30). The culture medium crosses then the culture chamber (2) and continues its path in a duct (3), returning again in the premixing chamber (1). At the outlet of the culture chamber (2) the duct has a sample point (23) for picking up an amount of culture medium to analyze.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a culture dish appropriate for automatically identifying cultured cells. The present invention relates to a culture dish for culturing cells that require separate control, which has a bottom wall and a side wall, wherein cell-holding parts having wells are arranged on the bottom wall, 4 or more wells are adjacent to each other, the wall surface of each well has a concave surface that slopes upward from the lowest position to the outer edge of the well, and the pitch between adjacent wells is 1 mm or less.

Abstract: A reference microplate is described herein which can be used to help calibrate and troubleshoot an optical interrogation system. In one embodiment, the reference microplate has a frame with an array of wells each of which contains an optical biosensor and each optical biosensor is at least partially coated with a substance (e.g., elastomer, optical epoxy). In another embodiment, the reference microplate in addition to having its optical biosensors at least partially covered with a substance (e.g., elastomer, optical epoxy) also has a controllable heating device attached thereto which is used to heat the optical biosensors.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an assembleable unit of cassettes for containing specimens for histological examination. The cassettes are each designed for stacking relation one to another by snap locking means which are preferably configured to provide an audible sound and “click” feeling when stacked. A cover is provided to complete a stack, thereby providing an integral unit for case management. The unit is so integrated that it can be handled and will not disengage the stacked cassettes in the usual handling process in the laboratory. It is also readily processed in a paraffin bath for preparing the contained specimens for microtomy. Thus, a stabilized unit is provided for multiple specimens from a single source and maintaining them in sequential order without individual handling.

Abstract: A culturing apparatus has a culture vessel having a first elastic seal bonded on its upper surface and a culture space formed thereon, and a joint for supplying solution such as a medium to the culture vessel and a second elastic seal having microprojection formed at the lower face. The first elastic seal has a valve for supplying or discharging solution. The second elastic seal is formed with microprojection at the position corresponding to a valve for preventing a spill. The culture vessel and the joint are sucked between the first elastic seal and the second elastic seal, thereby forming an integral seeding device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bioreactor for generating uniform distribution of shear stress, comprising: a cone, having a cone surface with an outline of modified catenary; a container, having a fixed plate at the bottom inside the accommodating space of said container, and said fixed plate comprises a plurality of reservoirs; wherein the cone tip located above the center of said fixed plate is capable of loading culture media into the accommodating space of said container, that is, into the space between the cone surface and the fixed plate. More uniform shear stress can be generated in the culture media to act on the sample in the reservoirs of the fixed plate when the cone rotates and makes the culture media run. The bioreactor of the present invention can be applied to generate uniform shear stress acting on the fixed plate despite the distance between the cone tip and the fixed plate.

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: A method and system for providing a cell support system are described. The method and system include providing a first block, a second block coupled to the first block, and a plurality of microfluidic channels. The first block includes a plurality of cell wells therein. The second block includes a plurality of through holes therethrough. The plurality of holes are in fluid communication with at least one corresponding cell well of the plurality of cell wells. The plurality of microfluidic channels are in fluid combination with at least a portion of the plurality of cell wells and are configured to provide an active fluid flow with the portion of the plurality of cell wells.

Abstract: A cell culture substrate having at least one area for culturing a cell on a substrate, characterized in that the culturing area comprises an area releasably holding a biologically active substance having a biological activity to the cell and an area for immobilizing a biologically active substance having a biological activity to the cell.

Abstract: The invention relates to a resealable or a single use cell culture assembly for use in growing, storing and transporting, cell and tissue cultures. The assembly includes a support frame for receiving a base member insert having an upper surface, such as a microscope slide, and a well frame, preferably partitioned into a plurality of well compartments having sidewalls with upper and lower surfaces, upper and lower edges, and upper and lower well openings. The well frame is adapted to be operatively positioned on the upper surface of the base member, and includes a sealing means positioned on or within the lower edge of the well frame. The sealing means is adapted to operatively create a liquid-impermeable releasable seal or barrier when the lower surface of the well frame is positioned on the upper surface of the base member, such that the sealing means is releasably positioned on the upper surface of the base member for maintaining a liquid-impermeable barrier between well compartments.

Abstract: By using a microfabrication technique such as nanoimprinting, a structure for cell culture comprising: a concavo-convex structure having a plurality of successive unit structures each formed in a polygonal shape in a planar direction and having a minimum internal diameter of less than or equal to 3 ?m, wherein a width between adjoining unit structures is less than or equal to 3 ?m, a concavo-convex depth is greater than or equal to 10 nm, and the concavo-convex structure functions as a cell adherence surface. By culturing cells in this structure or a cell culture vessel comprising this structure integrated therein, a structure having a spheroid or a vessel having a spheroid, in which a spheroid with lamellipodia has been formed, can be obtained. Thus, it is possible to produce the structure or the cell culture vessel in which the shape, size and material of the peak-and-valley structure are controlled. Furthermore, a spheroid suitable for, e.g.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods for detecting at least one analyte of interest either produced or consumed by a plurality of cell. In one embodiment of the present invention, the method includes the steps of providing a housing defining a chamber, placing a plurality of cells in the chamber, and simultaneously detecting at least two analytes of interest either produced or consumed by the plurality of cells in the chamber.

Abstract: A self-contained cell culture apparatus and method of use in which a cell culture may be stored frozen for an extended period, then thawed, incubated and grown in a closed system without additional processing or added constituents. The apparatus and method readily lend themselves to automated handling and analysis by MEMS devices, and find particular application in micro gravity and/or high radiation environments. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope of the claims.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel bioreactor systems, adapted to provide continuous batch incubation of microbes, especially bacteria. The bioreactor bags are preloaded with dry, inert microbes prior to being shipped to the user. Multiple sterile, preloaded, disposable bioreactor bags are used in a self-contained housing. The bags are automatically incubated in the housing and dispensed, preferably into an irrigation system. The system will provide serial batch production of useful microbes for a week or more, without further supervision or intervention. Methods of manufacture, methods of use, methods of sales, and methods of farming are also provided.

Abstract: A thin multiwell plate for use in the transportation of microbes, animal cells, DNA, etc. The multiwell plate of the present invention comprises a sheet laminate, wherein the laminate has multiple hollow parts in which a water adsorbent material is retained. A multiplicity of microbe samples, etc. can be transported conveniently and safely by causing the water adsorbent material to retain a microbe-containing solution, a DNA sample solution, etc. In particular, an ultrathin multiwell plate can be provided due to construction with a sheet laminate, thereby rendering the transportation thereof extremely easy.

Abstract: A reference microplate is described herein which can be used to help calibrate and troubleshoot an optical interrogation system. In one embodiment, the reference microplate has a frame with an array of wells each of which contains an optical biosensor and each optical biosensor is at least partially coated with a substance (e.g., elastomer, optical epoxy). In another embodiment, the reference microplate in addition to having its optical biosensors at least partially covered with a substance (e.g., elastomer, optical epoxy) also has a controllable heating device attached thereto which is used to heat the optical biosensors.

Abstract: A well plate assembly includes a well plate with a base wall, a peripheral wall extending up from the base wall and spaced inwardly from the outer periphery of the base wall. A well array is formed on the base wall at locations inwardly from the peripheral wall. A lid is mounted on the peripheral wall of the well plate. The lid and the peripheral wall have areas that are indented from the outer periphery of the base wall to facilitate manipulation by robotic stacking equipment. The well plate and the lid further include substantially registered robotic gripper plates aligned with the outer periphery of the base wall to facilitate manipulation of the assembled well plate and lid by robotic grippers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of characterizing an antibody, which method is suitable as a potency assay for batch release of a pharmaceutical composition comprising an antibody, specifically for use when applying for marketing authorization for said pharmaceutical composition. The assay provided is a method for determining the potency of a drug product comprising an FcR binding peptide, wherein at least one mechanism of action of the FcR binding peptide of the drug product is mediated through the binding of the FcR binding peptide of the drug product to a Fc receptor, wherein said method comprises determining the binding of the FcR binding peptide of the drug product to an Fc receptor.

Abstract: Methods, devices and kits for sampling for a microorganism or microbial population on the digits of the extremities of an individual are described. In embodiments of the invention, the device comprises a container, such as a cell culture plate, with a growth medium that is delineated into multiple quadrants, which can be visualized through the growth medium, to aid in the placement of a digit within a designated location on the growth medium.

Abstract: A cell culture apparatus includes a substrate having formed therein a micro-pillared well array. The micro-pillared well array includes a plurality of micro-pillared wells. Each micro-pillared structure includes a plurality of spaced-apart micro-pillars having distal ends shaped to form a well. The well is suitable for cell culture.

Abstract: A cell culture apparatus includes a substrate having formed therein a micro-well array, the micro-well array comprising a plurality of micro-wells. Each micro-well is defined by a curved surface which is concave.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cell culture system, in particular for the preclinical testing of active substances, comprising a first and a second compartment which are in communication with one another via a separating layer between the first and the second compartment, the separation layer being permeable for cellularly secreted substances, wherein the first compartment includes a syntopic culture with tissue cells and immune cells and the second compartment includes a culture with blood cells. The invention further relates to a method in this regard and to a kit and uses for the preclinical testing of active substances.

Abstract: A portable temperature transfer device for transferring thermo energy to and/or from a laboratory culture plate is provided as well as its methods of use. The temperature transfer device comprises a base and a raised stage that comprises a thermal conductive material. The raised stage allows direct contact between individual wells of the laboratory culture plate and the temperature transfer device.

Abstract: A pipette guide for a standard well plate provides improvements over conventional guides. The improvements include: reference characters to signify a columns of wells exposed, an aperture for viewing those characters, a angled slot and open ended isolator for improved ergonomic function and visibility, a multilevel slide to help prevent contamination and a bi-directional selection assembly for selecting a 96 or 384 well plate.

Abstract: A porous film is used as a cell culture substrate that is a scaffold for a spheroid. The porous film has a plurality of pores whose diameters gradually increase in a direction A. The diameters of the pores gradually increase from a first area P1 to a third area P3 in this order. The first to the third areas P1 to P3 are located on the porous film along the direction A. The diameters and depths of the pores increase in proportion to the distance in the direction A.

Abstract: By using a microfabrication technique such as nanoimprinting, a structure for cell culture comprising: a concavo-convex structure having a plurality of successive unit structures each formed in a polygonal shape in a planar direction and having a minimum internal diameter of less than or equal to 3 ?m, wherein a width between adjoining unit structures is less than or equal to 3 ?m, a concavo-convex depth is greater than or equal to 10 nm, and the concavo-convex structure functions as a cell adherence surface. By culturing cells in this structure or a cell culture vessel comprising this structure integrated therein, a structure having a spheroid or a vessel having a spheroid, in which a spheroid with lamellipodia has been formed, can be obtained. Thus, it is possible to produce the structure or the cell culture vessel in which the shape, size and material of the peak-and-valley structure are controlled. Furthermore, a spheroid suitable for, e.g.

Abstract: A nanoporous membrane structure characterised in that it has a hexagonal array of tubes with a substantially uniform inter-pore distance between the tubes wherein the distance is within the range from 10-500 nm and wherein the tubes may have a depth of up to 500 ?m.

Abstract: The comprises at least one sample receiving chamber for a sample liquid, and a distributor channel for sample liquid connected to said at least one sample receiving chamber, with at least one such distributor channel extending from each sample receiving chamber. The sample support further comprises at least one reaction chamber entered by an inflow channel branched off said at least one distributor channel, and a venting opening for each reaction chamber. Each distributor channel and each inflow channel are dimensioned to have the liquid transport through the distributor and inflow channels effected by capillary forces. In each reaction chamber, the entrance region of the inflow channel is provided with a means for generating a capillary force causing the sample liquid to flow from the inflow channel into the reaction chamber.

Abstract: An assembly is disclosed that is to be used for the culturing of specimens such as embryos and gametes for use in in vitro fertilization. The assembly includes an annular ring which is affixed to the stage of an optical viewing instrument, such as a microscope. The viewing instrument is focused on a point which lies inside of the ring at a predetermined distance from the center of the ring. Circular specimen dishes having a plurality of specimen wells in which the specimens in question are cultured or grown is removably positioned inside of the ring. The specimen wells have bottom walls which are configured so as to ensure that the specimens in the wells will gravitate to the same predetermined position in each of the wells. That position coincides with the focus point of the viewing instrument.

Abstract: A bioreactor includes a nutrient reservoir, a rotatable culture bed, at least one culture carrier medium, a mist generator and a mist delivery pipe. The nutrient reservoir stores therein a nutrient solution required for the fungus, plant cell, tissue, organ, hairy roots and plantlet. The rotatable culture bed is rotated at a specified speed. The at least one culture medium has thereon the fungus, plant cell, tissue, organ, hairy roots and plantlet and is supported on the rotatable culture bed. The mist generator is used for producing mists of the nutrient solution. The mist delivery pipe delivers therein the mists of the nutrient solution and has a mist-exit port adjusted to a desired level above the culture medium so as to discharge and spray the mists over the fungus, plant cell, tissue, organ, hairy roots and plantlet.

Abstract: The invention intends to provide a cell culture shaking device which is able to improve the efficiency of cell culture while preventing the cells from becoming damaged. The shaking devices used in cell culture apparatuses for culturing cells in flexible culture bags for storing culture suspension having cells inoculated therein includes: shaking mechanisms having operating panels for pressing the culture bags repeatedly, so that the culture suspension in the culture bags is stirred by being pressed by a plurality of projections projecting for the operating panels.