Abstract: Provided herein are apparatuses and methods for fragmenting nucleic acids or disrupting cells. For example, some embodiments provide a disposable microfluidic device designed to position a sample to be in direct contact with a high frequency vibrating element that emits an ultrasonic frequency into the sample such that the vibrational energy transduced into the sample results in fragmenting nucleic acids or disrupting cells.

Abstract: The invention provides containers and methods of use for the storage, transportation and preparation of samples, such as DNA samples for analysis. The container is pre-provided with the reagents in sealed chambers. The sample can be introduced and the container manipulated to release the reagents, provide the necessary conditions and give a fully prepared sample. The container can then be engaged with an analysis device to identify characteristics of the sample or perform other operations thereon.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cartridge for analyzing a fluid sample. The cartridge provides for the efficient separation of cells or viruses in the sample from the remaining sample fluid, lysis of the cells or viruses to release the analyte (e.g., nucleic acid) therefrom, and optionally chemical reaction and/or detection of the analyte. The cartridge is useful in a variety of diagnostic, life science research, environmental, or forensic applications for determining the presence or absence of one or more analytes in a sample.

Abstract: For extracting phosphorous from algae-in a body of water, the algae are deposited into a sealable tank (200) that is then evacuated, thereby rupturing the algal cell walls. The ruptured algae are then moved to a second tank (260), mixed with water and bacterial cultures, and allowed to settle until the lipids rise to the top and the oil-less debris settles to the bottom. The second tank also contains sacrificial (295) and rusted electrodes (320). The phosphorous from the algae combines with the rust. The lipids and debris are then removed. Next, an electrical source (315) causes the rust to be removed from the rusted electrodes and settle. In addition, a phosphorous-rich scum floats to the top. These components are placed in storage containers for later use and the water is returned, thereby reducing its phosphorous content.

Abstract: A method of lysing at least one of a cell and a virus, the method including: contacting a sample, which includes at least one of a cell and a virus, with a plurality of beads which are disposed in a first chamber to obtain a combination of the sample and the beads; and agitating the combination of the sample and the beads to lyse the at least one of the cell and the virus, wherein in the first chamber a liquid volume fraction is 0.6 or less, and wherein the liquid volume fraction is a value obtained by dividing a liquid volume of the first chamber by a pure void volume equivalent to a sum of the liquid volume of the first chamber and a void volume of the first chamber.

Abstract: A micro-device for disrupting cells includes a first chamber in which the cells are disrupted, a second chamber which is pressurized and depressurized, a flexible membrane which separates the first chamber and the second chamber and is vibrated by pressuring and depressurizing the second chamber, and a micro-unit confined in the first chamber, where the micro-unit disrupts the cells in the first chamber

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a device comprising a pair of bellows pumps configured for efficient mixing at a microfluidic scale. By moving a fluid sample and particles in suspension through an aperture between the paired bellows pump mixing chambers, molecular collisions leading to binding between the particles and ligands in the sample are enhanced. Such devices provide an alternative for mixing that does not use a vent and can be used with a variety of particles in suspension such as magnetic beads to capture or purify useful cells and molecules.

Abstract: An active sieve device for the isolation and characterization of bio-analytes is provided, comprising a substrate for supporting the bio-analytes. The substrate comprises a plurality of interconnections and a plurality of regions, each region comprising a hole and at least one electrode embedded in or located on the substrate and electrically associated with the hole. Each region further comprises at least one transistor integrated in the substrate and operably connected to the at least one electrode and to at least one of the plurality of interconnections.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, and systems for collecting samples using hybrid porous materials that include an organic material and an inorganic material. A method for sample collection includes contacting a hybrid porous material and a biological sample to the porous material. The hybrid porous material includes an inorganic material and an organic material. The method includes placing the porous material with the attached sample in a liquid medium, wherein the sample is separated from the porous material in the liquid medium to form a separated sample, and collecting the separated sample in the medium.

Abstract: Methods and electroporation devices for electrical treatment of algal cell cultures for release of lipids and proteins are described herein. The method of the present invention exploits the differences in electrical time constants for the media inside the cell and outside the cell to produce a net force to cause cellular lysis and extract cellular components. The method of the present invention can be used in the treatment of flocculated as well as unflocculated algal cell cultures. The device of the present invention provides efficient cell lysing in a low-energy cost set-up.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for controlling acoustic treatment of a sample including a liquid. A processing volume in which the sample is acoustically treated may be controlled, e.g., by positioning a suitable element so as to reduce and/or eliminate a headspace size at a sample/gas interface. An interaction between the acoustic energy and the sample may be controlled, e.g., by using a headspace control element positioned at least partially in the sample that helps to reduce splashing or other sample ejection that would otherwise occur.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cartridge for analyzing a fluid sample. The cartridge provides for the efficient separation of cells or viruses in the sample from the remaining sample fluid, lysis of the cells or viruses to release the analyte (e.g., nucleic acid) therefrom, and optionally chemical reaction and/or detection of the analyte. The cartridge is useful in a variety of diagnostic, life science research, environmental, or forensic applications for determining the presence or absence of one or more analytes in a sample.

Abstract: Fluid handling devices, systems, methods and kits are disclosed. Fluid handling devices according to the disclosure comprise: an inlet for receiving a sample; a reagent layer comprising, a substrate having a first surface and an opposing second surface, at least one reagent storage compartment configured to hold a reagent, and a seal in communication with the at least one reagent storage compartment; and a reaction layer having a first surface and an opposing second surface comprising, a reaction area, and an outlet in communication with the reaction area, wherein the reagent layer and reaction layer are adapted and configured to permit movement of at least one of the reagent layer and the reaction layer in a plane relative to the other layer.

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

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions for isolating populations of nucleic acids from biological, forensic, and environmental samples. Also disclosed are methods for using these compositions as one-step formulations for killing pathogens, inactivating nucleases, and releasing polynucleotides from other cellular components within the sample, and stabilizing the nucleic acids prior to further processing or assay. The disclosed compositions safely facilitate rapid sample collection, and provide extended storage and transport of the samples at ambient or elevated temperature without contamination of the sample or degradation of the nucleic acids contained therein. This process particularly facilitates the collection of specimens from remote locations, and under conditions previously considered hostile for preserving the integrity of nucleic acids released from lysed biological samples without the need of refrigeration or freezing prior to molecular analysis.

Abstract: A test module having a casing for hand held portability, a receptacle for receiving a sample fluid, and, a microfluidic device in fluid communication with the inlet, the microfluidic device having a plurality of lab-on-a-chip (LOC) devices and a cap in engagement with each of the plurality of LOC devices, wherein, the cap is configured to establish fluid communication between at least two of the LOC devices.

Abstract: A microfluidic device for lysing cells in a fluid, the microfluidic device having an inlet channel for receiving a fluid containing cells, a lysis section in fluid communication with the inlet channel for holding the fluid during lysis of the cells, and, a lysis heater for heating the fluid in the lysis section such that the cells lyse, wherein, the inlet channel is configured for filling the lysis section by capillary action.

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

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

Abstract: A microfluidic device for removing cell debris from a biological sample, the microfluidic device having a dialysis section with a large constituent channel, a small constituent channel and a plurality of apertures for fluid communication between the large constituent channel and the small constituent channel, the large constituent channel having an upstream end for receiving the biological sample, the biological sample being a liquid carrying a mixture of cell debris and target molecules, the small constituent channel having a downstream end for connection to a hybridization section with an array of probes for reaction with the target molecules to form probe-target complexes, wherein, the apertures are spaced along the large constituent channel at a spacing between 1 micron and 10 microns and each of the apertures is sized to allow the target molecules to flow into the small constituent channel but retain the cell debris larger than a threshold size in the large constituent channel.

Abstract: A dialysis device for dialysis of a fluid containing constituents of different sizes, the dialysis device having a first layer of material defining a first channel and a second channel, the first channel configured for receiving the fluid which contains constituents of different sizes, a second layer having a plurality of apertures open to the first channel and at least one fluid connection leading from the apertures to the second channel for establishing fluid communication between the first channel and the second channel, wherein, the apertures are sized in accordance with a predetermined size threshold such that the constituents flowing to the second channel are smaller constituents that are smaller than the predetermined size threshold, and the constituents retained in the first channel include larger constituents which are larger than the predetermined size threshold.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for purification of RNA from a sample. The RNA can be total RNA or mRNA. The method involves preparing the sample in a solution of lysis buffer and depositing into a first end of a lysis straw such that the sample solution flows through the matrix of the lysis straw and is eluted from the opposite end of the lysis straw, and depositing the eluted material into a first end of a solid phase extraction (SPE) straw, such that the deposited solution flows through the matrix of the SPE straw towards the opposite end of the SPE straw, and eluting the RNA from the SPE straw by depositing a solution of elution buffer, into the first end of the SPE straw, such that the deposited solution flows through the matrix of the SPE straw and is eluted from the opposite end of the SPE straw, wherein purified RNA from the sample is present in the eluate of the SPE straw.

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

Abstract: Provided are cartridges and systems for effecting automated extraction, isolation, and purification of cellular components—such as nucleic acids—from a cellular sample in assay-ready form. Also provided are related methods of effecting such sample processing.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a device, kit and method for pulsing a biological sample with a pulsing agent and subsequently stabilizing the biological sample so pulsed. The invention has application in the fields of medical diagnostics, particularly relating to immunity.

Abstract: A method and apparatus whereby prokaryotic, eukaryotic and/or mammalian cells may have genetic agents inserted or removed or transferred in an automated and semi-quantitative fashion. The functional unit of the invention is composed of two rectangular plates: a contact plate with circular holes and a carefully aligned base plate with a pleurality of rods, which protrude through the center of the holes of the contact plate. The edges of the two plates are sealed lengthwise to create a space whereby fluid may flow through the proximal and distal openings to induce a negative pressure, vacuum suction, venturi effect at each hole of the contact plate. The rods and base plate may be coated with an electronically magnetizable surface which may attract and hold or repulse and release any magnetically responsive genetic agents.

Abstract: The present invention provides a lysis buffer comprising a chaotropic agent and a reducing agent suitable for liquefaction of a highly viscous liquid biological sample, such as sputum, a use of said lysis buffer for the processing of a highly viscous liquid biological sample, methods for processing or analyzing a highly viscous liquid biological sample, or a method for detecting a pathogen within a highly viscous liquid biological sample. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a lysate comprising a highly viscous liquid biological sample and the lysis buffer according to the present invention, a ready-to-use reaction tube and a kit comprising the lysis buffer according to the present invention.

Abstract: A non-invasive method for the electroporation of cells contained in a substrate wherein the cells are placed in contact with carbon nanotubes and then said substrate is subjected to the action of two orthogonal pulsed electric fields generated by means of two pairs of electrodes in contact with said substrate according to a specific time sequence in such a way that, when a pair of electrodes is active, the other pair of electrodes is deactivated and vice versa. A device for performing electroporation according to this method.

Abstract: The present invention relates to, among other things, a device for collecting airborne microorganisms, said device having: an air collecting module, comprising: i. an upper element having an air admission duct permitting entry of an air stream into said module, said duct being provided, at its base, with means for disturbance of the air stream, ii. a lower element having air evacuating means permitting the air stream created to exit and said upper and lower elements can be made integral with one another so that the air stream can be created within said air collecting module; a cartridge, of roughly cylindrical shape, having a microorganism retention zone, said retention zone having means for lysis of the microorganisms, said cartridge being positioned within said air collecting module.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a method of processing a biological fluid which comprises cellular components by a freezing/thawing treatment. The method is particularly useful for preparing biological samples for analyte detection.

Abstract: Condensing devices and methods for providing a concentrated biomolecule condensate to one or more biosensing devices are provided. The concentrated biomolecule condensate is obtained from a fluid sample which potentially contains traces of one or more target biomolecules. The fluid sample is first separated into a filtered liquid and a retentate biomolecule condensate. A novel filtering module is provided for this purpose. The target biomolecules in the retentate biomolecule condensate are further separated from unwanted materials using magnetic beads coated with antibodies of the target biomolecules. The beaded biomolecule condensate obtained thereby is processed to extract constituents of the target biomolecules, thereby obtaining the concentrated biomolecule condensate, which is distributed to a biosensing device.

Abstract: A chemostat is described that includes a growth chamber having a plurality of compartments. Each of the compartments may be fluidly isolated from the rest of the growth chamber by one or more actuatable valves. The chemostat may also include a nutrient supply-line to supply growth medium to the growth chamber, and an output port to remove fluids from the growth chamber. Also, a method of preventing biofilm formation in a growth chamber of a chemostat is described. The method may include the steps of adding a lysis agent to a isolated portion of the growth chamber, and reuniting the isolated portion with the rest of the growth chamber.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, the disclosure provides a system for algal cell lysis. The system may include at least one algal cell, a plurality of metal nanoparticles, and an electromagnetic radiation generator. The generator may be able to generate radio frequency or microwave radiation that excites the plurality of metal nanoparticles, resulting in lysis of the algal cell. The disclosure also provides a system for recovery of a lipid from an algal cell similar to the above system but also including a separator. The disclosure further provides a method of recovering a lipid from an algal cell by supplying a plurality of metal nanoparticles to at least one algal cell, exciting the plurality of metal nanoparticles with radio frequency or microwave electromagnetic radiation, lysing the algal cell to release the lipid, and separating the lipid from the lysed algal cell.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of preparing an original sample (3) of biological origin with a view to detecting at least one component contained in it, whereby the original sample (3) is enclosed in a first container (1) and at least a part of this original sample (3) is transferred from the first container (1) into at least one reaction container, a reagent (9) or reagent mixture being placed beforehand in at least one of the reaction containers in order to prepare the original sample (3) and the component to be detected. In order to transfer at least a part of the original sample (3), two respective containers (1, 6) are connected to one another to form a closed, airtight system at least until at least the component(s) to be detected has (have) been rendered stable by reacting it (them) with the reagent (9) or reagent mixture at room temperature.

Abstract: A device for collecting, treating and dispensing a biological sample is described. Use of the device permits integration of sample collection, sample treatment, and sample dispensing.

Abstract: A LoC (Lab on a Chip) is described to analyze surface properties of fluid drops. Substrates with cavities near the edge are filled with fluids that have a contact angle greater than 90°. The surfaces of two different drops can be brought in contact with one another by using Coulomb forces. Several experiments can be carried out while the drops are in contact: the concentration of the fluid in each drop can be altered, tangential and normal forces can be applied to the contact surface, voltage differences across and current flow through the contact surface can be monitored. MEMS pumps can be used to mix reagents or buffers with the fluid to determine the protein concentration or to extract DNA from whole cells, respectively. Substrates holding optical components can be used to align fibers with either lasers or receivers. The alignment is automatic and controlled by a control unit.

Abstract: An electrophoresis apparatus is generally disclosed for sequentially analyzing a single sample or multiple samples having one or more analytes in high or low concentrations. The apparatus comprises a relatively large-bore transport capillary which intersects with a plurality of small-bore separation capillaries and includes a valve system. Analyte concentrators, having antibody-specific (or related affinity) chemistries, are stationed at the respective intersections of the transport capillary and separation capillaries to bind one or more analytes of interest. The apparatus allows the performance of two or more dimensions for the optimal separation of analytes. The apparatus may also include a plurality of valves surrounding each of the analyte concentrators to localize each of the concentrators to improve the binding of one or more analytes of interest.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an integrated method for enriching and detecting rare cells in biological body fluid sample. The enriching method comprises: (a) removing plasma protein by centrifugation; (b) optionally adding a red cell lysis solution to carry out red cell lysis so as to remove the red blood cells; (c) adding immunomicrospheres or immunoadsorbent to incubate; and (d) carrying out density centrifugation based on a special cell separation medium for separating the circulating rare cells, residual red blood cells after removing red blood cells and the white blood cells combined on the immunomicrospheres. The method for detecting the enriched rare cells according to the present invention comprises combining immunohistochemistry based staining with immunofluorescence, or bicolor, tricolor or multicolor staining based on immunohistochemistry, and observing and identifying by fluorescence or ordinary optical microscope or a scanner based on microscope principle.

Abstract: The inventive self-contained apparatus for isolating nucleic acid, cell lysates and cell suspensions from unprocessed samples apparatus, to be used with an instrument, comprises at least one input, and: (i) a macrofluidic component, comprising a chamber for receiving said unprocessed sample from a collection device and at least one filled liquid purification reagent storage reservoir; and (ii) a microfluidic component in communication with said macrofluidic component via at least one microfluidic element, said microfluidic component further comprising at least one nucleic acid purification matrix; and (iii) a drive mechanism on said instrument for driving said liquid purification reagent, through said microfluidic element and said nucleic acid purification matrix, wherein the only inputs to said apparatus are via said chamber and said drive mechanism.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for the digestion of biological cells. Digestion of cells is understood as breaking up cells so that hereditary information can be removed. Using the present invention, nucleic acids are to be able to be removed from cells in particular. The nucleic acids include RNA and DNA. According to the invention, cells are digested in a vessel which can be connected to a line and can thus be part of an overall device. Liquid can drain out of the container or can be pumped into the container via the line, for example. The typical means for performing a mechanical digestion are located in the vessel, that is, in particular beads and a buffer solution. In contrast to the prior art, however, the vessel is not shaken, that is, subjected to vibrations. Instead, it is stirred with the aid of a magnetic stirrer. Strong vibrations are thus avoided. A vessel for performing digestion of cells can therefore be integrated without problems in an overall device.

Abstract: This invention provides a microfluidic device comprising an inlet and an outlet which are connected with each other through a microchannel, wherein a polymerized hydrophobic porous polymer is bonded to magnetic beads and to the walls of the microchannel. The invention is further directed to methods of making and using the microfluidic device.

Abstract: Provided herein is a method and apparatus for disrupting cells and purifying nucleic acids in a single chip. The method comprises irradiating a chip with a laser beam, wherein the chip comprises a solid support on which a cell lysis enhancing metal oxide layer, and a cell binding metal oxide layer have been deposited.

Abstract: Described are embodiments that employ ultrasonic energy to selectively lyse larger adipose cells in a suspension containing adipose cells of different sizes resulting in a suspension in which the only viable cells are the small adipose cells and stem cells. Embodiments provide for generating an acoustic standing wave field of sufficient intensity and proper geometry, that high shear stress is induced on the cell membranes of cells larger than a predetermined size. The remaining small adipose cells can be physically separated from the suspension after the suspension is subjected to the acoustic standing wave field.

Abstract: A microfluidic device for the concentration and lysis of cells or viruses and a method of concentrating and lysing cells or viruses using the microfluidic device include: magnetic beads, a reaction chamber in which the magnetic beads are accommodated and a laser source. The reaction chamber includes a plurality of electrodes which cross each other and are separated by a dielectric to generate an electric field and a vibrating part agitating the magnetic beads in the chamber. The laser source radiates a laser onto the magnetic beads in the reaction chamber.

Abstract: A microfluidic device for concentrating a sample including cells or viruses and lysing the cells or viruses, the device including an anode chamber including an anode electrode, a cathode chamber including a cathode electrode and an ion exchange membrane separating the anode chamber and the cathode chamber. The cathode chamber includes a solid support therein. A method of producing the microfluidic device and a method of concentrating a sample including cells or viruses and lysing the cells or viruses therein using the microfluidic device.

Abstract: A reconfigurable modular microfluidic system for preparation of a biological sample including a series of reconfigurable modules for automated sample preparation adapted to selectively include a) a microfluidic acoustic focusing filter module, b) a dielectrophoresis bacteria filter module, c) a dielectrophoresis virus filter module, d) an isotachophoresis nucleic acid filter module, e) a lyses module, and f) an isotachophoresis-based nucleic acid filter.

Abstract: An ion exchangeable mixture containing a polymeric compound consisting of an ion exchange resin, an acrylamide mixture containing at least one bisacrylamide and at least one acrylamide, and a copolymer obtained by reacting the polymeric compound with the acrylamide mixture, and a method of producing the same are provided. The ion exchangeable membrane produced by using the ion exchangeable mixture has significantly smaller electric resistance than conventional ion exchangeable membranes, and has excellent selective permeability because the ion exchangeable membrane is electrically charged. The ion exchangeable membrane can be produced under very mild production conditions, and thus can be produced very easily. Furthermore, the ion exchangeable membrane can be also formed into film during a crosslinking reaction in a solvent of water, and thus is advantageous in that the ion exchangeable membrane can be freely produced into desired sizes, shapes and forms.

Abstract: Highly simplified lateral flow chromatographic nucleic acid sample preparation methods, devices, and integrated systems are provided for the efficient concentration of trace samples and the removal of nucleic acid amplification inhibitors. Methods for capturing and reducing inhibitors of nucleic acid amplification reactions, such as humic acid, using polyvinylpyrrolidone treated elements of the lateral flow device are also provided. Further provided are passive fluid control methods and systems for use in lateral flow assays.

Abstract: A microfluidic system for processing a sample includes a microfluidic CD in the form a rotatable disc, the disc containing a plurality of separate lysis chambers therein. A magnetic lysis blade and lysis beads are disposed in each of the lysis chambers and a plurality of stationary magnets are disposed adjacent to and separate from the microfluidic CD. The stationary magnets are configured to magnetically interact with each of the magnetic lysis blades upon rotation of the microfluidic CD. Each lysis chamber may have its own separate sample inlet port or, alternatively, the lysis chambers may be connected to one another with a single inlet port coupled to one of the lysis chambers. Downstream processing may include nucleic acid amplification using thermoelectric heating as well as detection using a nucleic acid microarray.

Abstract: A method for collecting cellular material from particular cells present in a liquid, that includes: a step (210) of inserting the liquid into a compartment (105) through an upper opening (106) in the compartment, the compartment having a lower opening (107) while between the openings is provided a filter (115) in which the micropores have a diameter between that of the particular cells and that of other cells; a filtration step (215) during which the major portion of the liquid and the other cells flows through the filter; a step (230) of DNA and/or RNA lysing and amplifying; and a step (250) of recovering on the filter the amplified genetic material.