Abstract: The present invention is a closed system storage plate that includes a specimen collection plate having a plurality of wells for storing specimens and a cover that is sealably secured to the specimen collection plate. The cover has a thermoplastic elastomer membrane that provides pierceable access by a probe to each well interior and self-seals upon removal of the probe.

Abstract: A closure for a microreactor includes a cap that is configured to be inserted into a well of the microreactor. The cap, or at least a portion of the cap, is compliant so as to form a seal with the well when the cap is inserted. The cap includes an aperture that provides an airway between the inside of the well to the external environment when the cap is inserted into the well. A porous plug is inserted in the aperture, e.g., either directly or in tube that extends through the aperture. The porous plug permits gas within the well to pass through the aperture while preventing liquids from passing through to reduce evaporation and preventing microbes from passing through to provide a sterile environment. A one-way valve may also be used to help control the environment in the well.

Abstract: A culture dish (1) comprising a basic structure (2) with a number of macro wells (4) for culturing oocytes and embryos, the culture dish further comprising a lid (3) with a movable part (8), the movable part (8) having an opening (11) adapted to the size of the macro wells (4), the movable part (8) being movable between a first position where all macro wells are closed by the lid (3) and further positions where for each further position (11) the opening (11) is aligned with one of the macro wells (4) to allow access to this macro well (4) through the opening (11) in the lid (3).

Abstract: A micro device for cell culture is disclosed, which cooperates with a fluid and includes: a top plate having an inlet port; a orifice plate having a plurality of orifices; a culture plate having a plurality of culture wells and a plurality of injection ports; and a bottom plate having at least one collecting well and at least one collecting flow channel, wherein, the culture plate is placed between the orifice plate and the bottom plate. The collecting flow channel connects to all regulating orifices in the culture wells and guides the fluid from the culture wells, then receives the fluid in the collecting well. The fluid flows into the orifice plate from the inlet port of the top plate, and then diversifies into the culture plate, then arrives at each culture well by way of the injection ports, and finally collects in the collecting well of the bottom plate.

Abstract: An electroporator for high-throughput electroporation is constructed with a well plate in which each well has internal electrodes that extend beyond the opening of the well to form contact areas, either as horizontal platforms extending laterally from the well rims or as extended heights of thin electrode plates. The electroporator also includes a lid that contains circuitry and electrical contacts that mate with the exposed contact areas in the well plate. The interchangeability of lids allows the wells to be shocked according to different protocols.

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 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.

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: 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: 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: 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: The present invention discloses a cell culture device, including a container, and a carrying assembly; the container has an opening and holds the cell culture medium, and the carrying assembly is immersed in the cell culture solution from the opening of the container. The present invention also discloses a carrying assembly used for cell culture, including a cover, a supporter, and a vessel, wherein the cover and the vessel are connected by the supporter.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for cultivating cells of the most diverse type, particularly human or animal cells. According to the invention, a culture is prepared from cells of at least one specified type in a defined environment, and the cells of the relevant culture are supplied with assigned, liquid nutrient media, growth factors, gases and the like.

Abstract: A device for transporting at least one cellular entity during culture or maturation, the device comprising a substrate having one or more wells, said one or more wells being adapted to hold a cellular entity in a fluid, lid means for preventing entry or exit of the cellular entity from the one or more wells and fluid transport means connecting the one or more wells to enable flow of fluid or diffusion of chemical species. The apparatus alternatively or in addition comprise a module for transporting a payload at a controlled temperature, the module comprising an outer housing, an outer thermally insulating region, an inner thermally insulating region, and a heat sinking region located between the inner and outer thermally insulating regions, the inner thermally insulating region defining a cavity for receiving a payload, and heating means.

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 microplate having a main body portion. The main body portion having a first surface and an opposing second surface, and a groove disposed about the first surface of the main body portion. The groove separates the main body portion into an inboard section and an outboard section. A plurality of wells are formed in the inboard section of the first surface and each of the plurality of wells being sized to receive an assay therein.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for performing cell growth and cell based assays in a liquid medium. The apparatus comprises a base plate supporting a plurality of micro-channel elements, each micro-channel element comprising a cell growth chamber, an inlet channel and an outlet channel, a cover plate positioned over the base plate to define the chambers and connecting channels. Means are incorporated in the cell growth chambers, for cell attachment and cell growth. In particular, the invention provides a rotatable disc microfabricated for performing cell growth and cell based assays. The apparatus and method can be used for the growth of cells and the detection and measurement of variety of biochemical processes and products using non-invasive techniques, that is techniques which do not compromise the integrity or viability of cells.

Abstract: A method and device for augmenting the ability of T-cells, NK cells and other body cells, of a patient for fighting disease and invading diseased tissue, and for elevating the level of CD3 zeta expression in T cells for better functioning of these T-cells and their augmented capability to eliminate cancer and infectious organisms, by exposing, for a predetermined exposure period, the first substance of T-cell or other cells to a second substance having a T-cell-boosting capability, such as, but not limited to CD3 zeta elevating capability, increased CXCR4, CD147, 67-kDa laminin receptor and/or any other key receptor in T-cells capability, increased tissue invasion capability, TNFa elevating capability, to augment the ability of the separated cells to fight the disease; and following the predetermined exposure period, reintroducing the first substance of T-cells back into the blood of the subject.

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: A linear recess is provided in a reverse side surface of a synthetic resin base plate 1, and a film 3 covers the linear recess. In this manner, a tunnel-shaped reaction chamber 12 surrounded by the film 3 and the base plate is configured. In addition, a protruding portion 31 is formed in a manner such that the film 3 protrudes into the reaction chamber 12 from the reverse side surface of the base plate 1. Since evaporation of a reagent and the like is suppressed and gaps which are caused by a difference in thermal expansion coefficients between the base plate 1 and the film 3 are formed only in side walls of the reaction chamber 12 and the protruding portion 31 of the film 3, reduction of the reagent and the like is prevented and a reaction product can be sufficiently obtained.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a microdevice for containing electrically coupled cells while allowing their growth that allows the addition or removal of cells from their containment by providing an actuatable gate. When the gate is actuated, for example with electric current, the cells may be added or removed from their containment. The invention may be applied to a neurochip or any device for growing cells in a defined spatial arrangement.

Abstract: The invention provides a biologically active substance transfer sheet which can be formed with simple steps, a cell culture kit which comprises a cell culture plate and a biologically active substance transfer sheet, a producing method therefor, and a method for screening cell culture conditions with cells. The transfer sheet is prepared by providing biologically active substances having biological activity in plural areas on a sheet base, and biologically active substances are supplied from the sheet to culture regions provided on the plate.

Abstract: Devices and methods for performing assays on materials, particularly biological materials, are provided. The devices and methods make use of self-sealing members, which can be applied to a flat surface to form wells to facilitate immobilization of materials on the flat surface, then removed to yield a flat surface that facilitates the performance of processes on and/or detection of the immobilized material.

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: An apparatus for collecting, transporting and storing biological specimens. The apparatus includes a base having a tray portion for receiving the biological specimen and a lid operably connected to the base and moveable with respect to the base between a first closed position in which the tray portion is covered by the lid and a second open position wherein the tray portion is exposed for receipt or removal of the biological specimen.

Abstract: System and method for providing a sample preparing arrangement (10) submergible in a liquid medium that includes a carrier structure (11) having at least one cavity (12) therein and that is in communication with an arrangement (13) for controllable generation of a magnetic field through influence of a control signal. The sample preparing arrangement includes a magnetic covering structure (14) for covering and/or uncovering the cavity in operative interaction with the magnetic field.

Abstract: A device for monitoring leukocyte migration is provided. The invention also provides a method of using the device to monitor leukocyte migration in the presence of physiological shear flow and therefore simulate physiological conditions of a blood vessel in vivo. The invention further provides a method of using the device to high-throughput screen a plurality of test agents. The present invention further provides a flexible assay system and numerous assays that can be used to test biological interactions and systems. Laminar flow gradients are employed that mimic gradient situations present in vivo.

Abstract: Susceptibility of sessile microorganisms to antimicrobial agents is tested with a method comprising growing the microorganisms on a support to form a biofilm, contacting the biofilm with a metabolic substrate having a chromogenic and/or fluorogenic moiety to continue a base-line metabolic activity of the biofilm, contacting the biofilm with one or more antimicrobial agents, determining an experimental metabolic activity of the biofilm by measuring a signal from the metabolic substrate, and comparing the base-line metabolic activity with the experimental activity. The biofilm may be grown in a device comprising a plurality of wells, each well having a planar bottom and at least on wall, a plurality of supports comprising discs for growing the biofilm, each support disposed within a well perpendicular to the planar bottom, and at least one cover that fittably seals the top of each well.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for preparing a test sample for detecting a predetermined target nucleic acid. The method includes the steps of providing a test probe comprising an oligonucleotide attached to a nanoparticle and providing a hybridization unit containing the test sample and the test probe, wherein said hybridization unit further includes a target sample substrate and a distribution manifold coupled to a first side of the substrate. The method further includes the steps of clamping a processing fluids manifold to the distribution manifold of the hybridization unit, denaturing the test sample and preparing the test sample for detecting the predetermined target nucleic acid by pumping a plurality of processing fluids between the processing fluids source manifold and distribution manifold to hybridize the test probe and predetermined target nucleic acid to the target sample substrate, to wash the hybridized sample and to amplify a detectable parameter of the hybridized sample.

Abstract: A lid for a well plate, which has pins that penetrate the lid and project downwardly into the wells of the well plate. Thermal energy is applied to the upper end of the pin to regulate the temperature of liquid samples. Ultrasonic energy is applied to the upper end of the pin to sonicate the liquid sample. An electrical charge is applied to the upper end of the pin to attract charged materials, such as DNA, and to selectably segregate charged materials from the liquid sample.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a device for monitoring chemotaxis or chemoinvasion. The present invention further provides a flexible assay system and numerous assays that can be used to test biological interactions and systems. Laminar flow gradients are employed that mimic gradient situations present in vivo.

Abstract: Devices and methods for performing assays on materials, particularly biological materials, are provided. The devices and methods make use of self-sealing members, which can be applied to a flat surface to form wells to facilitate immobilization of materials on the flat surface, then removed to yield a flat surface that facilitates the performance of processes on and/or detection of the immobilized material.

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: A device for monitoring leukocyte migration is provided. The device generally includes a plurality of chambers, each chamber including a channel in which leukocyte migration mediators or endothelial cells are disposed therein. The device is fabricated in the footprint of a standard microtiter plate. The invention also provides a method of using the device to monitor leukocyte migration in the presence of physiological shear flow and therefore simulate physiological conditions of a blood vessel in vivo. The invention further provides a method of using the device to high-throughput screen a plurality of test agents.

Abstract: Multiwell plates with lids that reduce evaporation in the wells adjacent the edge of the plates are disclosed. The lids control the amount of evaporation from the multiwell plate.

Abstract: An article for holding a liquefied sample for the quantification of biological material in the sample includes a device having a reaction chamber enclosing a volume therein, the reaction chamber having an upper opening through which a liquefied sample can be poured and a plurality of discrete non-permeable compartments, each of the compartments having an upper rim and being configured and dimensioned to hold separate aliquots of a liquefied sample therein; and a gasket lid removably secured to the top of the device, the gasket lid being configured and dimensioned for sealing the upper rim of each compartment to prevent liquid communication between the compartments.

Abstract: The present invention provides a biological culture growth and observation device (1) comprising a cup-shaped tray (2) for containing or receiving a growth medium for said biological culture and a cap (4) which matches said tray (2) and which can be snapped on and off said tray (2), characterized in that said cap (4) and tray (2) are provided with means (5) to snap on/off said cap (4) on/off the inner walls (6) of said tray (2) and in that said cup-shaped tray (2) is realized with walls (7) having a first circumferential edge (8) on which a removable seal (10) can be fixed to cover the surface of said edge (8) and the cap (4) snapped on the tray (2) before the first use of the device (1).

Abstract: A method of testing multiple fluid samples with multiple biopolymer arrays. A cover is assembled to a contiguous substrate carrying on a first side, multiple arrays each with multiple regions of biopolymers linked to the substrate, such that the cover and the substrate together form a plurality of chambers each containing a biopolymer array and each being accessible through its own port. Multiple fluid samples are introduced into respective chambers through a port of each such that the fluid samples contact respective arrays. A binding pattern of the arrays is observed. An apparatus and kit useful in such methods, are also provided.

Abstract: Methods and devices for reducing evaporation of sample materials from the wells of multiwell plates are disclosed which find particular utility when the plates are placed in a stacked configuration. An example of the methods includes providing at least a first multiwell plate which is configured to be placed in a stacked configuration with at least one second multiwell plate, the at least first multiwell plate having a plurality of wells for receiving sample material therein and opposing side walls which extend around the plate and which define a ridge spaced inwardly of the side walls and extending around the plate between the side walls and the plurality of wells, the method including at least partially filling the ridge with a liquid such as water or buffer solution. The ridge can include one or more ribs which extend upwardly from a lower surface of the ridge to help reduce sloshing of the liquid contained within the ridge and to add structural strength and rigidity to the multiwell plate.

Abstract: Protected stopper for test-tubes, including a substantially cylindrically extending elastomer inner body arrangeable to close a test-tube including a sealing portion formed to be inserted inside the mouth of the test-tube and a collar piece connected above the sealing portion and projecting radially with respect to the latter to receive, in bearing contact therewith, the mouth of said test-tube. The stopper includes a substantially cylindrical cover, closed at the top and mounted to cover the inner body. An engaging mechanism for simultaneously securing the inner body to the cover and the stopper to the test-tube are included, consisting of a plurality of projections extending on the inside of the side wall of the cover, coming into contact with the outer wall of the test-tube and spaced from the closing wall of the cover to form a contact step capable of constraining the projecting collar piece of the inner body.

Abstract: An apparatus for culture is provided, which apparatus enables to increase the ratio of a culture medium solution to the number of cells while keeping the density of the cells at a high level and diminishing the absolute number of the cells. The apparatus comprises a container having at least one concave part and at least one member (x) selected from the group consisting of a gelatinous material, a sponge material, and a mesh material, wherein the member (x) is placed within the concave part of the container, has at least one hollow by which a part or parts of a surface of the container in the concave part is bared, and holds a solution containing culture medium components. Further, processes for preparing the apparatus, culturing methods that use the apparatus, a method for studying or observing an influence of a substance to be examined on cells or a piece of a tissue, a kit for making the apparatus, and a flat substrate for culture are provided.

Abstract: A cell co-culture tool includes a body, an outer wall surrounding the body, and more than one vessel within the perimeter of the outer wall. Each vessel has a top edge below a rim of the outer wall. A method of interacting a substance with more than one type of cell material in a culture dish having a plurality of wells includes depositing a different type of the cell material in separate wells of the culture dish, interconnecting the wells with a fluid medium, and adding the substance to the fluid medium.

Abstract: A sample substrate for use in biological testing is provided having a first member defining at least one sample well and a second member including at least one sample well closure element. The at least one sample well closure element may be configured to substantially seal a corresponding sample well. Methods of filling the sample substrate are also provided.

Abstract: An assay device (1) comprises a base (2) and glass plate lid (3). The base (2) has an array of shallow microwells (4), each having a flat rim (9), all rims being co-planar. When the lid (3) is placed on the base (2) a thin capillary gap (10) is formed on each rim, acting as a liquid seal for a microwell chamber. The liquid is excess sample liquid and further excess is accommodated in overspill cavities (6) between the microwells (4). Because of the liquid seal and shallow configuration the benefits of microfluidic devices are achieved together with the handling convenience and use of conventional detection equipment of conventional microplate devices.

Abstract: An apparatus to facilitate precise and efficient evaluation of biomaterials using direct contact cell culture techniques. The apparatus positions the biomaterial and creates the potential to form a fluid-tight seal between the biomaterial and the apparatus, at which point the biomaterial is exposed to cells and/or media. An assay method based on the apparatus is claimed.

Abstract: The invention relates to devices, devices for arraying biomolecules, including cells, methods for arraying biomolecules, assays for monitoring cellular movement, and systems for monitoring cellular movement.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and devices for detecting the presence of one or more target analytes in a sample employing a channel having affixed therein one or more binding partners for each target analyte. Assays are carried out by transporting the sample through the channel to each successive binding partner so that target analyte present in said sample binds to the corresponding binding partner. The sample is then transported beyond the binding partner(s), followed by detection of any target analyte bound to each binding partner. In one embodiment, binding efficiency is increased by the use of segmented transport, wherein a first bolus or bubble of a fluid that is immiscible with the sample precedes the sample during transport and a second bolus or bubble of a fluid that is immiscible with the sample follows the sample. Many configurations are possible for the device of the invention.