Abstract: A microarrayer apparatus for constructing arrays of biological material from donor cores obtained from at least one donor block and placing the donor cores in an embedding medium carried by at least one recipient block. The apparatus includes a donor punch, a recipient punch, and a stylus mounted for independent coaxial movement along a common punch axis. The recipient punch cooperates with the stylus when ejecting a donor core from the donor punch to minimize deformation of the donor core.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sampling instrument adapted for taking a sample in situ and in vivo or taking a sample ex vivo of a target tissue or body structure, in a maximum quantity of less than 10?6 g, said instrument comprising an elongated active member (10) with a distal operative end i11) having at least one retaining surface (12) arranged for contacting directly said target tissue or body structure, capturing and retaining molecules of said target tissue or body structure thereto.

Abstract: A cell analysis device and method is described which enables the user to efficiently treat cells in a sample. The cells can be treated with reagents at a time and place proximate to collection and may be handled in a automated or semi automated fashion.

Abstract: The invention is directed to systems and methods for transferring nano-quantities of fluid samples using a high throughput or ultra high throughput dispenser. Such samples may be transferred from a first location and reformatted for being transferred to a second location. The invention may transfer a predetermined volume of sample quickly and accurately.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a card member for receiving a tissue specimen to be processed for histological examination including an absorbent portion for maintaining the tissue specimen in engageable contact with the card member, and a generally non-adhesive portion for allowing separation of the tissue specimen from the card member, where the card member provides the specimen with a known, consistent orientation throughout processing.

Abstract: A reaction tank (5) holds crushed cells comprising a pellicle of Bacillus midousuji cultured in the presence of a chlorinated aromatic compound such as dioxins and holds wastewater comprising a contaminated matter such as fly ash which comprises dioxins and which is produced by washing of a facility such as an incinerator. Air is supplied by a blower (6) to a matter held in the reaction tank (5). Accordingly, dioxins having three or more chlorine atoms in the contaminated matter can be decomposed, and the contaminated matter can be easily cleaned at a site where dioxins generate such as a washing or dismantling site of an incineration facility.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems, devices, and methods for performing biological reactions. In particular, the present invention relates to the use of lipophilic, water immiscible, or hydrophobic barriers in sample separation, purification, modification, and analysis processes.

Abstract: A coaxial tissue block puncher set comprises a carrier mechanism, the first, second and third operating mechanisms being respectively installed at proper positions thereon, while each of the operating mechanisms respectively has a base and a lifting unit being movingly installed on the base, wherein lifting unit of the first operating mechanism is movingly installed with a first punch needle tube, lifting unit of the second operating mechanism being movingly installed with a second punch needle tube is pierced through the first punch needle tube, and lifting unit of the third operating mechanism being movingly installed with a thimble is pierced through the second punch needle tube. Therefore, user is able to punch-extract relevant pathological paraffin and put to relevant position in the empty block thereby forming a tissue array without the need for tedious manual methods thus achieving the effectiveness of fastness, precision and easy operation, etc.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing a jet or droplet of liquid. An injector device may include a reservoir in fluid communication with a nozzle, and a pressure gradient may be produced in the reservoir (e.g., by a piezoelectric element in an initial direction that is transverse to the emission direction of the jet or droplet) to produce a jet of liquid from the nozzle. The jet or droplet of liquid may be introduced through a cell membrane and into the cell interior in such a way that damage to the cell membrane that would cause cell death is avoided. An electrode may be formed adjacent a fluid channel by conducting a liquid material, such as solder, from a reservoir and into an electrode portion of an electrode channel to a location adjacent the fluid channel. A passageway between the electrode channel and the fluid channel may prevent flow of the liquid electrode material into the fluid channel during electrode formation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for processing biological materials, comprising a platform having a plurality of sample receiving areas located thereon, each sample receiving area being substantially enclosed in a holding means, the apparatus also having at least one liquid carrier member mounted for supplying liquid to and/or removing liquid from the sample receiving area, and the platform and liquid carrier member being movable relative to one another so as to move sequential sample receiving areas into orientation with the liquid carrier member. The present invention is particularly suited to processing biological material (and in particular cell suspensions) for cytogenetic analysis.

Abstract: A core sampling device includes a core sampling punch, a core excision punch that makes a recess in a receiver body, and an ejector that expels a sample core into the receiver body. The core excision punch is mounted inside the core sampling punch and is substantially coaxial with the core sampling punch. Both punches are able to move in translation and/or rotation with respect to one another, and the ejector is arranged so as to expel cores from each punch.

Abstract: A tissue sample to be analyzed is tested. Multiple different samples of multiple areas of said tissue sample, each of said multiple areas is a smaller area than an entire tissue sample to be analyzed. After analysis, the tissue sample is processed in a way that facilitates viewing tumor information on the sample, for example, by fixing or staining. An area is identified on the stained sample, and at least one of the samples that corresponds to an identified area is tested. This small area is tested using a technique that homogenizes the sample before testing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device comprising at least one surface which comes into contact with biological tissue and/or liquid, which is at least partially coated with a substance which mediates the binding of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), a method for the binding and/or isolation of MSCs from biological tissue and/or liquid, a nucleic acid molecule which selectively and highly specifically binds to MSCs, the use of the nucleic acid molecule for the binding and/or isolation of MSCs from biological tissue and/or liquid, as well as a method for the production of a device mentioned at the outset.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for isolating histological sections produced with a microtome and a microtome are suggested. A previously and currently produced histological section are connected to form a section strip. In order to simplify isolating the previously and currently produced histological sections from each other a nozzle device is provided by means of which the histological sections when positioned on a blade holder are subjected to an air stream of adjusted direction and intensity so that the previously produced histological section of the section strip is separated from the currently produced histological section that is positioned on the blade holder and is removed from the blade holder.

Abstract: A system for collecting a biological sample includes a collection device comprising a cylindrical body having a bore extending there through and a filter membrane disposed at one end thereof; a filter plug having an insert configured for insertion into the bore; a collar concentrically mounted about the exterior surface of the insert and configured for insertion into the bore; and a gasket disposed about the exterior surface of the insert, wherein an outer dimension of the gasket is variable in response to relative movement between the collar and the insert, and wherein the gasket has a cross section with two end portions and a mid portion that is located radially further away from the insert than the two end portions.

Abstract: The present invention is to present a smear slide preparing apparatus capable of properly providing sample-related information on a predetermined area of a slide glass even when glass shards and dust and the like are attached to the predetermined area. A smear slide preparing apparatus comprises: a smear section for smearing a sample on a slide glass; an attached matter removing section for removing attached matter which is attached to a sample-related information area of the slide glass; and a sample-related information providing section for providing sample-related information which is related to the sample on the sample-related information area of the slide glass, the attached matter having been removed from the sample-related information area.

Abstract: An apparatuses, methods and systems for creating, handling and collecting seed portions are highly beneficial. The apparatus includes a carrier having one or more carrying positions adapted to carry a seed. The carrying positions having a seed orienter adapted to orient the seed relative to the carrying position in the carrier for creating seed portions therefrom. The method includes taking a carrier having one or more carrying positions, orienting a seed relative to the carrying position in the carrier, ablating the seed with a seed ablation device, and communicating seed portions through a manifold into a compartment layer. The system includes a seed manifold adapted to dock thereon a seed carrier having pre-positioned and pre-oriented seed therein. Seed and seed portions removed from the seed in the carrier are communicated into a collector and compartment layer respectively using the seed manifold.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and a method for wetting objects with a liquid by means of a system for carrying a specimen slide that is disposed at a distance from a platform. To reduce liquid consumption, the specimen slide is raised or lowered relative to the platform by means of a system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device that is intended, in particular, for the culture of cells. The inventive device consists of a chamber (100) which is intended to receive the cells (10) and which comprises at least one liquid injection conduit (121, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126), the surface of the liquid contained in said chamber (100) being in free contact with the air. The invention is characterised in that it comprises a collector element (40) which can form at least one liquid bridge with the free surface of the liquid, said collector element (40) comprising a mouth piece (43) which is positioned essentially at the level of the free surface of the liquid contained in the chamber (100). The aforementioned mouth piece (43) is maintained at a vacuum such that it absorbs a flow of air which moves the surface film (30) of the liquid via the liquid bridge.

Abstract: A novel approach to the early detection of colorectal cancer (“CRC”), using a molecular diagnostic test to evaluate grossly normal-appearing colonic tissue for the early detection of colorectal cancer is disclosed. Such grossly normal-appearing colonic mucosal cells may be collected from non-invasive or minimally invasive procedures. The use of novel biomarker panels for drug screening also is disclosed. Such biomaker panels may be used wholly or in part as surrogate endpoints for monitoring effectiveness of a prospective drug in the intervention of pathologies, such as cancers, for example CRC, lung, prostate, and breast, and neurodegenerative diseases, for example Alzheimer's and ALS.

Abstract: A container for storing a biological sample for molecular diagnostic testing and/or histological testing is provided. The container includes a first chamber for receiving a sample holder therein, a second chamber, and a closure for enclosing the container. A breakable membrane, such as a piercable foil, extends within the container and separates the two chambers. When the breakable membrane is broken, fluid can pass between the first and second chambers. The membrane may be broken through an activator on the closure, such as a depressible member or a rotatable carrier, causing the sample holder to break through the membrane.

Abstract: The staining and sticking system is composed of a staining device and a sticking device, which is provided separately from the staining device, is capable of lightening the staining and sticking work and can be downsized.

Abstract: A cap which can form an essentially leak-proof seal with an open-ended vessel capable of receiving and holding fluid specimens or other materials for analysis. To minimize potentially contaminating contact between a fluid sample present in the vessel and humans or the environment, the present invention features a cap having a frangible seal which is penetrable by a plastic pipette tip or other fluid transfer device. The cap further includes a filter for limiting dissemination of an aerosol or bubbles once the frangible seal has been pierced. The filter is positioned between the frangible seal and a retaining structure. The retaining structure is positioned on the cap above the filter and may be used to contain the filter within the cap. The material of the retaining structure may be penetrable by a fluid transfer device.

Abstract: The invention provides a protein separation device comprising a chaperone protein immobilised on a substrate. In one embodiment, the chaperone protein is an Hsp60 chaperone, preferably a group one chaperone, preferably GroEL. The invention also provides a method for isolating a protein from a biological sample using a protein separation device of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention is a system and a method for blood or urine sampling and sample-analysis, through a sampler that is a self blood-testing device or a urine-testing device. The system comprises a sampler, a transmission unit and an analysis unit. A patient may place a sampled blood drops on a sample strip and insert the strip into the sampler. The sampler may automatically prepare the sample and photograph it using a sample-preparation unit and a photography unit respectively. After the sample has been photographed, the resulting sample image may be transmitted to the analysis unit that may analyze the image through an image-processing algorithm. The analysis results may be automatically transmitted to the patient and to a medical authority, such as the patient's physician, a nurse, a clinic and the like, for further analysis, decision-making and treatment.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for staining samples of biological material for accurate analysis of the sample. Biological material is applied to a substrate, such as a microscope slide. The biological specimen is then stained with a selected staining composition, which may be gentian violet for a Gram's Stain analysis. The stained biological material is at least partially decolorized and the level of decolorization is analyzed optically. If necessary, the decolorizing step and the optical analysis steps are repeated until a selected level of decolorization is obtained.

Abstract: A microfluidic apparatus for isolating and imaging or analyzing cells of a cytological specimen includes a substrate and a microfluidic cellular isolation element that includes an outer wall, a channel, a partition member and a receptacle. The partition member is positioned within the isolation element interior, and the receptacle is positioned within the partition member interior. The isolation element is configured such that fluid introduced through the outer wall inlet flows through the channel in a first direction, and the partition member is situated such that fluid flows from the channel into the partition member interior through the partition member inlet aperture in a second direction different than the first direction. The receptacle positioned relative to the partition member inlet to catch and retain a cell carried by the fluid.

Abstract: A filtration based biological specimen collection and transfer device is provided. The filtration and transfer device comprises a tubular body with two axial ends, an annular flange disposed at one of the axial ends, and a biological specimen filter affixed to the outer surface of the annular flange. Preferably, the annular flange has disposed on its outer surface an annular ridge having a uniform height and forming a planar rim upon which the filter sits. Optionally, the annular flange comprises two mounting portions and the filter is bonded to each of those mounting portions. A method of collecting microscopic biological particles carried in a fluid is provided using the filtration and transfer device and a method of manufacturing the filtration and transfer device are also provided. A filtration based biological specimen collection and transfer system using the filtration and transfer device and a kit for use with filtration based biological specimen collection and transfer systems are also provided.

Abstract: A reconfigurable sample preparation device includes a rotary plunger device having a hollow body and a coupling device, provided above one end of the rotary plunger, and accommodating a sample. The device also includes at least one sealed reagent module. When the rotary plunger is rotated on the coupling device, a film of the reagent module is pierced, mixing the sample with a substance from the reagent module.

Abstract: An in vitro biomechanical model used to applied hemodynamic (i.e., blood flow) patterns modeled after the human circulation to human/animal cells in culture. This model replicates hemodynamic flow patterns that are measured directly from the human circulation using non-invasive magnetic resonance imaging and translated to the motor that controls the rotation of the cone. The cone is submerged in fluid (i.e., cell culture media) and brought into close proximity to the surface of the cells that are grown on the plate surface. The rotation of the cone transduces momentum on the fluid and creates time-varying shear stresses on the plate or cellular surface. This model most closely mimics the physiological hemodynamic forces imparted on endothelial cells (cell lining blood vessels) in vivo and overcomes previous flow devices limited in applying more simplified nonphysiological flow patterns. Another aspect of this invention is directed to incorporate a transwell co-cultured dish.

Abstract: A method for preparing biological samples by means of a series of different liquids containing preparation agents in a chamber is provided. The chamber comprises a first and a second opening for supplying and removing liquid to and from the chamber. The chamber is brought into a first position, in which the first opening is located above the second opening when the liquid to be introduced into the chamber has a lower density than the liquid in the chamber. The chamber is brought into a second position, in which the first opening is located below the second opening when the liquid to be introduced into the chamber has a higher density than the liquid in the chamber.

Abstract: A method for harvesting biologics from eggs by which an egg is de-capped by positioning the egg in a reference opening so as to expose an upper section of said egg, then, while said egg is positioned within the reference opening, cutting the upper section of the egg by moving a cutter member over the reference opening through the egg, and then removing the debris formed from the cut upper section. The biologics can then be harvested in various ways such as by inverting the egg to allow the biologics to drain for collection. An apparatus for carrying out the method is also provided.

Abstract: An automated staining system and a reagent container designed for use with the automated staining apparatus. The reagent container includes a reagent containment section capable of containing a volume of a reagent. The reagent containment section includes an upper wall and a base wall that are spaced apart along an axis. The base wall includes a well having a nadir that is aligned axially with an access opening in the upper wall so that a reagent probe entering the opening parallel to said axis will travel toward the nadir. In another aspect of the invention, the reagent container may include a two-dimensional data element containing reagent information. The staining apparatus may include one removable drawer for holding reagent containers and another removable drawer holding slides.

Abstract: A biological growth reactor vessel for the cultivation of micro-algae, diatoms or other unicellular organisms, especially for oil production, is described which incorporates a dispensing rod to which are attached a plurality of clear paddles which increase surface area for the diffusion of light and growth enhancing admixtures such as CO2, nitrogen and cellulose premixed at micron level. The dispensing rod incorporates a plurality of holes strategically placed to disperse the micron-mixture slurry of the growth admixtures. The dispensing rod and its attached clear paddles make use of methods and technologies to concurrently micron mix admixtures such as natural gases, amendments and other biological factors such as enzymes and microbes to increase contact area between said mixtures and micro-algae, diatoms or other naturally occurring unicellular growth.

Abstract: A microinjection apparatus allows a capillary to stick into an object. A discharge pressure is supplied to the capillary. The supplied discharge pressure allows the discharge of a first fluid from the tip end of the capillary. The first fluid is injected into the object. The remains of the object possibly adhere to the tip end of the capillary. A pipe member defines a flow passage for a second fluid directed toward the tip end of the capillary. The second fluid thus flows toward the tip end of the capillary. The second fluid allows the removal of the remains from the tip end of the capillary. The mentioned action of removing the remains does not interrupt the injection of the first fluid into the object. The injection of the first fluid is continuously applied to the objects with efficiency.

Abstract: The invention provides, in different aspects, a system, sample preparation device, sample processing cartridge, kit, methods of use, business methods, and computer program product.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus for streaking a sample on a media-coated (agar) plate in a predefined pattern utilizing a plate carousel system to house and retrieve a plate to a fixed location, a streaking mechanism having a floating stylus having a tip capable of gliding over the agar surface and depositing a sample onto the surface of the agar, a sample dispensing system and an optional wash station.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing flat thin sections of a specimen (3) comprises a blade edge (7), a specimen carrier (4), a drive device (14) for producing a relative motion between the blade edge (7) and the specimen carrier (4) in a sectioning plane (5), and a light light-ribbon micrometer (8) arranged between the blade edge (7) and the specimen (3), wherein the light-ribbon micrometer (8) is arranged at a fixed distance (d) relative to the blade edge (7) and generates a light-ribbon in a plane perpendicular to the sectioning plane. A coding device (13) may be associated with the drive device (14) for controlling an alternating drive as a function of the distance (d) and of signals generated by the light-ribbon micrometer (8).

Abstract: A device for storage and transportation of forensic and/or biological material, comprising a sealable container and a material holder for holding the material, which holder can be placed in the container, wherein the container is provided with at least one ventilating hole and with sealing means that shut off the interior of the container from the environment.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and devices that use focused radiation to handle and/or monitor pathogenic fluids. In particular, a method is provided for dispensing one or more droplets of a fluid containing a pathogen. The method involves providing the pathogen-containing fluid in a reservoir and applying focused radiation to the pathogen-containing fluid in the reservoir in a manner effective to eject a droplet of the fluid therefrom. Often, a pathogen-impermeable enclosure is used.

Abstract: A container or dish is useful for the micro manipulation, micro injection, biopsy and fertilization in oocyte and embryo manipulation and culturing. The dish allows the user to more readily perform procedures used to fertilize oocytes by Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) or other procedures, biopsy embryos and perform additional procedures for use in assisted reproductive techniques (ART), human reproduction and in-vitro fertilization (IVF). The invention allows ease in use, the reduction in the number of micro tools used in the procedure, as opposed to conventional dishes and procedures, and will allow the user to more readily locate the oocytes and embryos to be handled and worked on. The invention will add repetitiveness, consistency, improve efficacy and ease of procedure and may improve outcomes. The invention will also give the user a more ergonomically practical dish for these types of procedures and related protocols.

Abstract: The present invention is an electrostatic collector for low cost, high throughput, high efficiency sampling and concentration of bioaerosols. The device is small enough to be portable and can be contained within or placed on the wall of a typical office or hospital building. The collector comprises one or more collector modules, each having an ionizing electrode, a conical outer electrode, a wet collection electrode, and a liquid collection system. Airflow through a collector module may be partially blocked to enhance the collection of smaller particles and the collection electrode may comprise multiple, programmable electrodes to focus particle deposition onto a smaller area. Particles are collected into a small volume of liquid to facilitate subsequent analysis by an attached analyzer or at a remote site.

Abstract: Disclosed is a tissue sample support and orientation device comprising: (i) a base member formed of one or more materials which can be sectioned in a microtome and which is resistant to histological stains and to degradation from chemicals used to fix and process tissue; and (ii) a plurality of support members arranged on the base member in a predetermined spaced relationship, each of the support members having a stem portion and a head portion and formed of one or more materials which can be sectioned in a microtome and which is resistant to histological stains and to degradation from chemicals used to fix and process tissue, wherein the stem portion has a proximal end attached to the base member and a distal end attached to the head portion, and further wherein the head portion is dimensioned to engage and retain a tissue sample during processing thereof.

Abstract: An open-topped container (10) is sealed by a cap (12) to the underside of which is fixed a sealed enclosure (13) containing a fixative solution. At the end of the enclosure remote from the cap is a receptacle (14) for a faecal specimen and this is surrounded by protrusions (15) of the enclosure which are ruptured by teeth (22) surrounding an uppermost filter (19) as the cap is screwed on. The fixative solution escapes from the enclosure, mixes with the faecal matter and passes through filters so that parasitic eggs are collected in the conical false bottom (23) of the container. During the final travel of the cap skirts engage the non-perforated periphery (21) of the upper filter to prevent the fixative solution flowing back into the enclosure when the container is inverted. The filtrate can be poured or pippetted out of the container through its spout (24).

Abstract: An applicator for applying a liquid carrier having live bacteria suspended therein, which are in a dormant state, to a target host comprising a pump having inlet and discharge sides, with the inlet side of the pump being in fluid communication with the liquid carrier. A first fluid conduit extends from the discharge side of the pump to an air induction nozzle which is in communication with a source of air under pressure. A flow control is imposed in the first conduit for adjusting the amount of liquid carrier passing therethrough. The pump and the air supply for the air induction nozzle are operatively connected to a power supply. The pump, when activated, causes the liquid carrier to be pumped to the air induction nozzle wherein the liquid carrier is mixed with air to create small droplets thereof for spraying onto the target host.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for extracting a smear sample. The device includes a cavity, into which a sample carrier carrying a smear sample can be introduced. Liquid can be introduced into the cavity through at least one liquid feed connected to the cavity, and the liquid can be removed from the cavity through at least one liquid discharge connected to the cavity.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the detection and/or measurement in vitro of a lipase or phospholipase activity, characterized in that it comprises: the addition of a sample likely to contain said lipase or phospholipase into the wells of microtitration plates coated with a layer of a lipid substrate which is able to be hydrolyzed by said lipase or phospholipase by releasing ?-eleostearic acid, the detection and/or the measurement of the lipase or phospholipase activity by UV spectrophotometry of the ?-eleostearic acid released during the previous stage. The invention also relates to the application of the above-mentioned method to the in vitro diagnosis of pathologies linked to an increase in the plasma lipase level.

Abstract: Systems, including methods, apparatus, compositions, and kits, for multiplexed assay of cell migration with subdivided cell holders and/or microplates.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and devices that use focused radiation to handle and/or monitor pathogenic fluids. In particular, a method is provided for dispensing one or more droplets of a fluid containing a pathogen. The method involves providing the pathogen-containing fluid in a reservoir and applying focused radiation to the pathogen-containing fluid in the reservoir in a manner effective to eject a droplet of the fluid therefrom. Often, a pathogen-impermeable enclosure is used.

Abstract: A method for the transient transformation of a living biological cell having an intact cell membrane defining an intracellular domain, and an apparatus for the transient transformation of biological cells. The method and apparatus include introducing a compartmentalized extracellular component fixedly attached to a cellular penetrant structure to the intracellular domain of the cell, wherein the cell is fixed in a predetermined location and wherein the component is expressed within in the cell while being retained within the compartment and wherein the compartment restricts the mobility and interactions of the component within the cell and prevents transference of the component to the cell.