Abstract: A manufacturing method of a sample collection component, by which a removable light shielding component is disposed on a main body of the sample collection component to shield at least a portion of the light that passes through a storing space of the sample collection component.

Abstract: This disclosure provides a cell culture media extending material capable of releasing nutrients into the cell culture environment slowly overtime. In embodiments, this material is a part of a cell culture vessel. In embodiments, the material is a coating or a film on a surface of a cell culture material. In additional embodiments, the material is a surface upon which cells are cultured, such as a cell culture vessel or a microcarrier.

Abstract: A gas sampler device has a top plate with a concaved outer wall. The concaved outer wall allows users easily to lift the top plate off of the bottom plate without disturbing the bottom plate because the curved surface permits more positive contact between the outer wall and users' fingers. Moreover, the weight of the top plate is reduced by approximately twenty percent compared to conventional top plates, a feature that also makes it easier for users to lift the top plate off of the bottom plate.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a culture dish and a removable lid, wherein the culture dish comprises a main body having a side wall defining a reservoir region for receiving a quantity of liquid media, and the removable lid is arranged to cover the reservoir region during normal use, wherein the lid comprises a gas permeable material and includes an engagement portion formed of a resilient material adapted to cooperatively engage with the side wall of the main body of the culture dish so as to compress a part of the engagement portion of the removable lid against the side wall to form a vapour-tight seal for the reservoir region when the removable lid is coupled to the culture dish. The lid fitted to the culture dish enables a substantial portion of the culturing media to remain in the environment enclosed between the reservoir and the lid without use of a cover media to limit evaporation while allowing gaseous exchange therethrough.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a slide chamber comprising a top member (10), a fluidic seal (20), a transparent closure member (30) and base member (40) wherein the top member (10) is provided with at least one examination chamber (11) and a plurality of openings (12) positioned at two sides of the cover member outside of the examination chamber (11); and the base member (40) is provided with interconnecting means (41) complementary to the openings (12) of the top member characterized in that the interconnecting means (41) of the base member (40) and the openings (12) of the top member (10) are configured to mechanically interlock with each other by lateral movement thereby pressing the top member (10) against the transparent closure (30) member in a water-tight manner.

Abstract: A stage apparatus is disclosed for supporting and positioning a body tissue sample in a microscope. The stage apparatus has (a) an elongated base mount having a longitudinal body extending between a first end and a second end, (b) means for attaching the first end of the base to a mount or platform associated with the microscope, (c) a tissue mount having a tissue well attached to an elongated mount stem, the tissue well of sufficient size and shape to store the body tissue sample, and (d) means for attaching the second end of the base mount and the tissue mount, the tissue mount being removable and separable from the base mount.

Abstract: Devices for magnetic 3d culture are described including magnetic lids/bases for single Petri plates, adjustable height cap for same, as well similar devices for multi-magnet culture plates. A pen-like device for sterilely lifting and moving cells is also described, and this magnetic pipettor can also exist in multi-well magnetic pipettor formats.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cover device for a sample carrier, comprising a sticky surface area for connection to the sample carrier, wherein the sticky surface area is configured such that the sample carrier is covered in liquid-tight fashion after connection of the cover device to the sample carrier in the sticky surface area.

Abstract: A Petri dish bioreactor can allow a standard Petri dish to be converted to a microscopically observable bioreactor. A bioreactor can be formed by the compression of a device against the edge of a Petri dish thus creating a sealed isolated chamber. One advantage of this conversion is to provide an inexpensive device that can be used for cell culture, observation, transportation, and storage in the laboratory and clinical setting. Further, by creating a sealed bioreactor chamber accessible by ports, the device can reduce cross contamination and allow for the maintenance of a controlled microenvironment within the bioreactor.

Abstract: Devices for hydrating materials, such as, for example, medical implant materials include a container body defining therein a hydration chamber. A barrier separates the chamber into a material holding area and a hydrating fluid bay and defines at least one aperture and is configured to allow passage of hydrating fluid from the hydrating fluid bay to the material holding area. In some embodiments, devices provided by the present application are operable for use in hydrating and delivering a material.

Abstract: A incubator chamber comprises a base, lid and plurality of trays, each of which are stackable upon one another in an open or closed configuration. A clamp could be provided having an interior cavity sized and dimensioned to simultaneously receive a portion of a perimeter of each of a base and a lid.

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: Embodiments provide techniques for measuring and characterizing the dynamics of cell traction forces. Tunable elastic gel substrates can be disposed in multi-well plates. The gels can be of a uniform predetermined thickness. A multi-well plate can be loaded with gels of different shear moduli. An array of punch indenters can be attached to a loading platen such that the each indenter is aligned to a gel substrate. The indenters can apply tensile or compressive strains to the gel substrates. The magnitude, duration, and frequency of the strain can be controlled by a motor assembly coupled to a control system. The apparatus can be disposed in an incubator for long term cell culture experiments. The cell culture can be observed while a strain is applied. A ring-shaped indenter can be mounted on a microscope, coaxial to the objective lens, and lowered by a calibrated amount onto the underlying gel.

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 reagent kit comprising: a reagent container assembly with at least one reagent container, wherein the reagent container has at least one container body and at least one closure which can be mounted or provided on the container body. The closure comprises a closure base member and a lid which is mounted movably on the base member for movement at least between a closed lid position and another lid position, and an in-transit securing means mountable in a locking position on the reagent container and which is movable relative to the reagent container from the locking position into a release position. The in-transit securing means, when in the locking position, secures the lid in the closed lid position. By moving the in-transit securing means from the locking position into the release position, the lid is moved from the closed lid position into the other lid position.

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 cover for a biological sample well tray, comprising a cap for sealing a sample well. The cap comprises a well lens for focusing light into the sample well and collecting light from the sample. In another aspect, the cap comprises an elongate portion configured to permit incoming light to pass into the sample well and out of the sample well. Various other aspects comprise a microcard for biological material, and an apparatus for a plurality of sample well strips. A method for testing a biological sample is also provided.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device and a method for concentrating pathogenic germs potentially present in blood products or derivatives and for detecting said germs comprising the following steps: (a) subjecting a sample of said blood product to a blood cell aggregating treatment, (b) eliminating the aggregates formed at step (a) by passing the treated sample over a first filter allowing through the contaminating germs but not the cell aggregates, (c) selectively lyzing the residual cells of the filtrate obtained at step (b), (d) recuperating the contaminating germs by passing the lysate of step (c) over a second filter to detect the contaminating germs possibly trapped.

Abstract: Devices for magnetic 3d culture are described including magnetic lids/bases for single Petri plates, adjustable height cap for same, as well similar devices for multi-magnet culture plates. A pen-like device for sterilely lifting and moving cells is also described, and this magnetic pipettor can also exist in multi-well magnetic pipettor formats.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a vessel for culturing cells which includes: a bottom including a base with an upwardly extending wall at least partially bounding the base of the bottom; a top including a base with a downwardly extending wall at least partially bounding the base of the top; a tubular neck with an opening defined therein; and, one or more shelves, wherein, each shelf includes a base with an upwardly extending wall at least partially bounding the base of the shelf. The upwardly extending wall of a first shelf adjoins the downwardly extending wall of the top with the first shelf being located intermediate the bottom and the top. The base of each of the shelves having at least one aperture formed therein. The bottom, the top and the one or more shelves collectively define an enclosed volume for culturing cells. The tubular neck extends from the vessel with the enclosed volume being accessible by the opening in the tubular neck.

Abstract: Disclosed are intra-culture perfusion methods applied to standard cell culture disposables using three-dimensional cell culture scaffold and synthetic vasculature compositions in high-throughput screening and high-content screening applications, and assay development.

Abstract: An insert for a sample chamber of a multi-well plate, which delimits the sample chamber upwardly, so as to form a measurement space, when the insert is in the state in which it is fitted into the sample chamber. The insert has at least two portions with outer contours differing from one another, one of the portions being a sealing portion with a continuous sealing surface, which sealing portion is adapted to a corresponding, in particular hollow-cylindrical sealing portion, with a likewise continuous sealing surface, of the sample chamber, in such a way that the insert sealing portion and the sample chamber sealing portion can be connected to one another releasably and in a liquid-tight manner by means of a press fit.

Abstract: A biochemical processing apparatus for performing biochemical processing in a container having a plurality of wells capable of holding liquid includes an opening/closing mechanism configured to open or close a lid capable of hermetically and selectively sealing the plurality of wells.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a culture plate, and in particular to a culture plate comprising a lid wherein the peripheral side wall of the lid is formed at least partially of at least one filter element made of a filter material. This enables lateral, uniform ventilation of the culture plate even in a stacked arrangement of the culture plate, avoiding at the same time significant loss of culture medium by evaporation.

Abstract: The present invention details the design and operation of a miniaturized device array in which a range of simultaneous mechanical forces are produced by a single external pressure source. The invention is primarily embodied in a microfabricated device arrays designed to rapidly probe biological cell response to various combinations of mechanical, chemical and extra-cellular matrix parameters in a high-throughput fashion.

Abstract: A gel molding apparatus is adapted to be used in combination with a vessel that has a plurality of solution chambers, and includes a lid plate and a plurality of columns that project from a top surface of the lid plate. Each of the columns has a bottom side connected to the top surface of the lid plate, a top side opposite to the bottom side, and a well recessed from the top side for receiving a gel suspension and having a depth from the top side. A method for gel molding is conducted via the gel molding apparatus. A culture apparatus includes the vessel and the gel molding apparatus. A method for culture is performed through the culture apparatus.

Abstract: A reagent kit is provided comprising a plurality of containers with top-side openings, a common support structure or a plurality of support structures associated to the containers, and a plurality of caps. Each container and cap is mountable or provided on the common or the associated support structure, wherein each cap is formed essentially rectangular, having two shorter edges and two longer edges, and comprises: a cap body, a lid hinged to the cap body so to pivot around a pivot axis at least between closed and opened positions, the pivot axis being essentially parallel to the shorter edges. The containers and associated caps are arranged in a row along a connecting line such that the pivot axes are orthogonal to the connecting line. For at least one of the containers, an end portion of the cap body opposite to the pivot axis is not covered by the lid.

Abstract: A laboratory dish comprises an incubation container, containing cultured cells, for observation through a microscope, in which a partitioning member partitions an interior of the incubation container into a plurality of incubation chambers by substantially perpendicular walls. The partitioning member tightly fits to a bottom portion of the incubation container, thereby capable of retaining in separation a liquid inputted in each of the incubation chambers from liquids in the other incubation chambers. A cover member covers an upper portion of each of the incubation chambers partitioned by the partitioning member and tightly fitted to the partitioning member. A whole or part of the cover member is formed of a transparent member, and the upper portion of each incubation chamber is formed with an opening via which to input the liquid.

Abstract: A device (1) for housing a scientific sample comprising at least one sample well (2) and an on-board buffering substance (3) wherein the onboard buffering substance (3) at least partly surrounds the sample well (2). The on-board buffering substance (3) may be in the form of a matrix, such as a gel-like matrix. The device (1) may further comprise an insulating means. Also described is a substance for use in culturing and/or assaying a sample whereby the substance provides atmospheric and thermal buffering. The invention further provides a lid for a single-well or multi-well sample plate, the lid being configured to facilitate delivery of a sample through the lid into a well, and for sealing the well. The lid comprises moveable portions (52, 53) that have at least one orifice (54, 57) formed through the moveable portions (52, 53) such that a conduit is formed by alignment of the orifices (54, 57) of both the lid portions (52, 53).

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: Microplates, reaction modules and optical detection systems for chemical and/or bio-chemical reactions including polymerase chain reactions.

Abstract: A device for measuring an extracellular potential of a test cell includes a substrate having a well formed in a first surface thereof and a first trap hole formed therein. The well has a bottom. The first trap hole includes a first opening formed in the bottom of the well and extending toward a second face of the substrate, a first hollow section communicating with the first opening via a first connecting portion, and a second opening extending reaching the second surface and communicating with the first hollow section via a second connecting portion. The first connecting portion has a diameter smaller than a maximum diameter of the first hollow section, greater than a diameter of the second connecting portion, and smaller than a diameter of the test cell. The device can retain the test cell securely and accept chemicals and the test cell to be put into the device easily.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a deepwell plate system, comprising a deepwell plate and a lid system which can be detachably fitted to the deepwell plate by snap- or clamp-fastening means so as to tightly seal the deepwell plate and to a method for the cultivation of cells within the deepwell plate system according to the present inven-tion.

Abstract: The present invention enables to keep the culture vessel clean with the clean air without touching the open air in which floating bacteria exist, and to culture cells with taking in and out the culture apparatus under the environment with low damages for the cells in constant temperature. The present invention is the culture vessel box which has one or more culture vessels, has the heater, and has the door outside which the good adhesive resin film is stuck, the culture apparatus which has various apparatuses including a heater and culture cells, and has the door outside which the resin film is stuck similarly to the culture vessel box and has its storing chamber.

Abstract: A lid element array and a micro tube array set for sealing the opening of each micro tube in an array quickly at low cost. A lid element array 100 comprises a lid element sheet 120 comprising a plurality of lid element 121 arrayed corresponding to the number and the arrangement of a plurality of said micro tubes 210; a release sheet 140; a first adhesive 110 applied to each said lid element in said lid element sheet 120; a second adhesive 130 applied between said lid element sheet 120 and said release sheet 140; wherein, each said lid element in said lid element sheet is supported by said release sheet with a cut-line cut around the edge of each said lid element for separation from said lid element sheet, each said lid element moves to a corresponding opening of each said micro tube and seals the same by pressing said lid element to the surface of said micro tube array for facing the surface applied with said first adhesive and the surface of said micro tube array.

Abstract: A cell culture apparatus is provided in which a plurality of culture vessels can be mounted and removed in a set, which has a regulation mechanism that can fix each culture vessel in the correct position, and which enables suppression of production costs. The cell culture apparatus has one or a plurality of concave portions, and can arrange and accommodate one or a plurality of culture vessels in the concave portions. Spring-type fixing devices are provided in the depth direction and the width direction, respectively, in each concave portion. The two spring-type fixing devices press against side surfaces of the culture vessel to fix the culture vessel in the culture vessel set. At this time, by pressing against the culture vessel at two points, the position of the culture vessel at the time of fixing can be maintained with good accuracy.

Abstract: A petri dish includes a cover and base, the cover having at least one circular opening in the top of the cover. A number of securing members are connected to the underside of the cover around the opening to secure at least one filter under the opening, the filter(s) being used to prevent any contaminants from the air from entering the petri dish. A guard member such as a plastic disc is disposed under the filter(s) to prevent any oil in the base of the petri dish from contaminating the filter(s). A sealing member is provided on a peripheral edge of the base to seal the petri dish when the petri dish is closed.

Abstract: A lockable cell growth chamber is disclosed wherein the lid and base of the dish are provided with at least two pairs of locking and anti-locking members, the locking and antilocking functions being activated by application of rotational torque.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a culture insert carrier, a culture insert and a culture system for culturing and testing of different kinds of cells, such as for example skin models. A culture insert carrier for supporting at least one culture insert in a culture tray having at least one well, wherein the culture insert carrier comprises a plane member with at least one opening for insertion of the at least one culture insert in such a way that the culture insert carrier supports the at least one culture insert in a position in the culture tray is provided. Further, a culture insert comprising a plurality of suspension elements including a first set of suspension elements and a second set of suspension elements, the suspension elements being adapted to suspend the culture insert in a plurality of vertical positions, including a first vertical position and a second vertical position, in relation to a frame is provided.

Abstract: A device for culturing cells or tissue includes a culture dish with a bottom wall and at least one sidewall to define an interior cavity, at least one channel formed on the bottom wall to minimize the effect of fluid movement on biologics in the dish and, optionally, at least one barrier wall for partitioning the interior cavity into a plurality of compartments. The barrier wall maintains a biologic in one compartment separate from a biologic in another compartment. The barrier wall may also provide fluid communication between compartments.

Abstract: The introduction of genetic material or molecules of biological interest into cells is a procedure with an increasing interest both for experimental and application purposes, so that electroporation is a widely used technique, but the electroporation of single adhering cells is still impaired. The present application describes an apparatus for the electroporation of any kind of cell adhering to a substrate at any stage of development, where an electrical signal can be driven and applied to a single adhering cell in culture in order to obtain its electroporation. The method to electroporate a single adhering cell with the apparatus of the invention is also described.

Abstract: A device and methods for monitoring status of at least one cell, wherein the cell has a membrane forming a substantially enclosed structure and defining an intracellular space therein. In one embodiment of the present invention, the device includes a first substrate having a first surface and an opposite second surface, a second substrate supported by the first substrate, the second substrate having a first surface, an opposite second surface, a body portion between the first surface and the second surface, a first side surface and an opposite second side surface, wherein the body portion defines a first passage between the first side surface and the second side surface and an opening on the first surface of the second substrate and in fluid communication with the first passage, and sidewalls positioned above the first surface of the second substrate.

Abstract: A method and system for culturing cells, having a substantially airtight enclosure configured to culture cells. The method and system also have a first conduit configured to provide a reduced pressure to the substantially airtight enclosure and a second conduit configured to provide a culture media to the substantially airtight enclosure.

Abstract: A lockable cell growth chamber is disclosed wherein the lid and base of the dish are provided with at least two pairs of locking members, each comprising a notched docking member and a docking member-engaging tab.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an exposure device for living cell cultures, the device having a medium chamber common to a plurality of cell culture chambers and medium directing means. The medium chamber, cell culture chambers and the medium directing means may be arranged so as to provide substantially contemporaneous medium exchange at the cell culture chambers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bioreactor (1) for cell and tissue culture for the mechanical stimulation and for perfusion of tissue or cell cultures, comprising an upper part (3) and a lower part (4) which is connected to said upper part (4) and which comprises a tissue culture chamber (8), wherein at least one distributor plate (12) is arranged in the tissue culture chamber (8), and a method for cultivating cells and tissues in the bioreactor (1).

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: 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: 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: A lid assembly is provided for mitigation or removal of meniscus along the periphery of sample liquid in the cavity wells of a microtiter plate. The assembly includes a lid plate having a mount surface, an array of plugs corresponding to the array of wells, and a plurality of posts. Each plug extends below from the mount surface and is insertable into the periphery of a counterpart well for contact with the liquid. The plurality of posts suspends the lid plate above the microtiter plate. Each post optionally passes through an orifice through the mount surface, with each post including an adjustable clamp to support the lid plate. The mount surface optionally includes an array of cavities that correspond in disposition to the array of plugs. Each plug is independently insertable through the mount surface to adjust depth of each plug into its counterpart well.