Abstract: A sample collection device for a fluid sample includes: a body including a capillary channel having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is adapted to draw the fluid into the channel by capillary action; an air vent located in the vicinity of the second end and in fluid communication with the capillary channel; a barrier positioned within the capillary channel to prevent flow of the fluid by capillary action thereacross; and features on opposing sides of the body to form an axis of rotation, which is substantially perpendicular to the overall direction of the capillary channel from the first end to the second end. In a preferred embodiment, the sample collection device is adapted to rotate about the axis of rotation within a cartridge having a sample manipulation device to bring the first end into position with the sample manipulation device.

Abstract: Provided is a cell collection apparatus includes: a supporter that supports a sheet to which a back surface of a substrate is pasted, the substrate being divided in to plural small pieces with a section of a tissue pasted on a front surface thereof; a needle including needle tips; and a holder that is configured to hold the needle with the needle tips facing the sheet on an opposite side to a substrate side of the sheet, and to move the needle in the forward direction of the needle tips, wherein at least two needle tips are arranged within a region narrower than the back surface of the small piece substantially on the identical plane intersecting with the longitudinal direction of the needle.

Abstract: This invention relates to a surface coating for capture circulating rare cells, comprising a nonfouling composition to prevent the binding of non-specific cells and adsorption of serum components; a bioactive composition for binding the biological substance, such as circulating tumor cells; with or without a linker composition that binds the nonfouling and bioactive compositions. The invention also provide a surface coating for capture and purification of a biological substance, comprising a releasable composition to release the non-specific cells and other serum components; a bioactive composition for binding the biological substance, such as circulating tumor cells; with or without a linker composition that binds the releasable and bioactive compositions. The present invention also discloses a novel microfluidic chip, with specific patterned microstructures to create a flow disturbance and increase the capture rate of the biological substance.

Abstract: The present invention divides a section of a biological tissue into fragments in a size of including a sufficient amount of cells with a simple structure and a simple operation. The present invention provides a tissue dividing apparatus including: a substrate dividable into a plurality of small pieces, and having a surface to which a section of a biological tissue can be pasted; and a dividing unit that divides the substrate into a plurality of small pieces, and thereby divide the section pasted on the surface into fragments each having a substantially equivalent shape to a shape of each small piece.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to the field of diagnostic microbiology, and, more particularly; to compositions and methods for detecting and differentiating one or more viruses or other intracellular parasites present in a specimen. The present invention also provides compositions and methods to evaluate the susceptibility of organisms to antimicrobial agents.

Abstract: The present invention refers to articles for collecting samples from a surface, articles for microbiological analyses of said samples, and methods of use of said articles. The articles include sample collectors, sample housings with optional barrier layers, and sample-ready reagent strips comprising hydrophilic agents to grow and detect microorganisms. The disclosure includes methods to collect, detect, and quantify microorganisms in a surface sample.

Abstract: A method for sorting motile cells includes introducing an initial population of motile cells into an inlet port of a microfluidic channel, the initial population of motile cells having a first average motility; incubating the population of motile cells in the microfluidic channel; and collecting a sorted population of motile cells at an outlet port of the microfluidic channel. The sorted population of motile cells has a second average motility higher than the first average motility.

Abstract: Particular aspects provide a method of sampling, testing and validating test lots (e.g., single-unit production lots), comprising: assembling a plurality of product portions from each of a plurality of test lots and combining the collected product portions to provide a corresponding set of test lot samples (wherein each test lot sample is attributed to a particular corresponding test lot); enriching the set of test lot samples; removing equal portions of each enriched sample, and combining the removed portions to provide a modular composite sample; and testing of the modular composite sample for the target agent/organism, wherein where such testing is positive, individual test lots may nonetheless yet be validated by further testing of a respective enriched test lot sample and obtaining a negative test result. The methods have broad utility for monitoring all sorts of test lots (e.g., environmental lots, production lots, pharmaceutical lots, etc.

Abstract: Disclosed here are methods and apparatus for target cell magnetic enrichment, isolation, and biological analysis. The target cells are labeled with magnetic nano-particles in a separate tube, container or in a device with soft magnetic collectors but not activated during the labeling period. Labeled biological samples will be used for targets enrichment and isolation using a magnetic device (permanent magnet or electromagnet). The labeled sample passes through a tube/channel within a magnetic field so the magnetic nano-particle labeled targets can be captured. Once the magnetic field is turned off, the captured targets can be released in a container. The labeling of the targets also can be performed in a device with soft magnetic collectors inside. Without magnetic activation, the device is just like a regular biological sample incubator. Thus the targets are labeled during the mixing and incubation.

Abstract: This application discloses cards comprising sintered porous plastic which may be employed in liquid sample collection, storage, transport and/or delivery to an analytical device. Sintered porous plastic materials provide a unique porous structure, an inert substrate, precise liquid holding capability, are quick drying, and easy to cut and handle.

Abstract: A microfluidic device for separating one or more cells having a diameter and a first surface energy from a bulk fluid having a second surface energy. The microfluidic device has a base portion having a capillary gap with an inlet capillary, an outlet capillary, a bottom surface, a gap height with the ratio of the gap height to the diameter of the one or more cells ranging from 5 to 1 to 100 to 1. The base portion defines a first flow path therethrough, at least one groove formed in the bottom surface of the capillary gap, the at least one groove having a depth, a width, and a third surface energy, and oriented perpendicular relative to the first flow path. The ratio of the groove width to the diameter of the one or more cells ranges from about 5 to 1 to about 100 to 1, and the third surface energy is higher than the first and second surface energies.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for measuring the migration of cells in a channel under the influence of an analyte wherein said cells are separated from said analyte by a semi-permeable membrane and said cells are subjected to controlled flow conditions while the analyte is static and in the form of a viscous substance or gel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for inoculating at least one agar culture medium, contained in a Petri dish, with at least one sample likely to contain microorganisms. The method includes the steps of: providing at least one agar culture medium contained in a Petri dish; providing the sample likely to contain microorganisms in liquid form; performing at least one deposition of the liquid sample onto the lid of the Petri dish such that the liquid sample can be transferred from the lid to the agar culture medium; and spraying the liquid sample, initially deposited onto the cover, onto the agar culture medium by vibrating the Petri dish.

Abstract: The invention provides for detecting target subpopulations of cells that have high proliferative and renewal properties in animals, including circulating tumor cells, cancer stem cells, hematopoietic stem cells and endothelial progenitor cells. The invention utilizes a defined substrate and media of known property to enrich target cell subpopulations which can be used for future genetic, proteomic and morphological analyses. The method can use image-capture and analysis software to characterize cells based on physical properties, such as size, morphology and kinetic properties.

Abstract: A method for purifying and harvesting certain cell populations in blood or bone marrow by depleting at least one of red blood cells, granulocytes, or platelets from a sample comprising blood, bone marrow, or stromal vascular fraction cells separated from adipose tissue is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a sterile, single use rigid, self-supporting cartridge within which the automated depletion, purification and harvesting of target cell populations occurs and all components may be distributed.

Abstract: Electrokinetic devices and methods are described with the purpose of collecting assayable agents from a dielectric fluid medium. Electrokinetic flow may be induced by the use of plasma generation at high voltage electrodes and consequent transport of charged particles in an electric voltage gradient. The agents are directed by creation of an electrokinetic potential well, which will affect their capture on to an assay device. The dielectric fluid medium, such as air, is sampled by electrokinetic propulsion with no moving parts or optionally, by transporting the dielectric fluid by a fan, pump or by breath.

Abstract: The present invention contemplates use of encapsulated aqueous and non-aqueous reagents, solutions and solvents and their use in laboratory procedures. These encapsulated aqueous or non-aqueous reagents, solutions and solvents can be completely contained or encapsulated in microcapsules or nanocapsules that can be added to an aqueous or non-aqueous carrier solution or liquid required for medical and research laboratory testing of biological or non-biological specimens.

Abstract: The invention aims at providing an adsorbent for bacterial toxins, a method for removal of such toxins by adsorption, and an adsorber packed with said adsorbent. Provided are an adsorbent for bacterial toxins, which comprises a water-insoluble porous material having a mode of pore radius of 20 angstroms to 1,000 angstroms, a method for removal of bacterial toxins using said adsorbent, and an adsorber packed with said adsorbent.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein provide an improved process for enriching, identifying, searching, separating and/or isolating target cells within a sample cell mixture using iterative enrichment or progression of the target cell, as well as some related methods and apparatuses. Two embodiments are microfluidic devices with multiple chambers into which a populations of cells are iteratively divided until a cell producing a target molecule is identified. Another embodiment is a faster and more broadly applicable process for the isolation of molecule producing cells comprising a series of laboratory methods for iterative enrichment. Some embodiments are directed to the process of directed evolution of cells secreting a target molecule. Another embodiment comprises a process for fast the identification of chemicals with specific properties through testing of combinations of items.

Abstract: A flow cell for particle processing such as particle sorting, may be operatively engaged to a particle processing apparatus. The fluid contact surfaces of the flow cell may be fully enclosed. Further, the flow cell may encapsulate all fluid contact surfaces in the particle processing apparatus. The enclosing or encapsulation of the fluid contact surfaces insures, improves or promotes operator isolation and/or product isolation. The flow cell may employ any suitable technique for processing particles. The flow cell may be disposable and suitable for use in droplet sorting. The flow cell may include an operatively sealed sort chamber having a particle stream focusing region, an orifice, an interrogation zone and a sorting region.

Abstract: A sterile injector comprises a body having a cavity, a hollow needle positionable at a distal end of the injector, a probe holder receivable within the needle, a probe connected to a distal end of the holder, and a driving element axially displaceable within the cavity, for causing relative motion between the probe and the needle upon displacement of the driving element. A sample is injected into a sealed container by displacing the driving element to a first position causing the probe to extend from the needle, applying the extended probe with a sample, displacing the driving element to a second position causing the sample laden probe to be retracted within the needle, piercing a seal of a sealed container with the needle, and displacing the driving element to a third position distally spaced from the first position, after which the probe is injected into the container interior.

Abstract: A method of particle separation, wherein a collimated light source operable to generate a collimated light source beam is provided. The collimated light source beam includes a beam cross-section. A body is provided, wherein the body defines a wall and a first channel in a first plane. The first channel includes a first channel cross-section, the first channel being oriented to receive the collimated light source beam such that the beam cross-section completely overlaps the channel cross-section. The collimated light source beam is transmitted through the channel. A fluid sample is transmitted through the channel, fluid sample including a plurality of particles of a same type. All of the particles of the plurality of particles are separated axially along the collimated light source beam. All of the particles of the plurality of particles are retained against the wall in the collimated light source beam.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices involving tube carriers adapted for compatibility with 96-well format shorten and automate fluid handling during homogenization, extraction, or other processing of biological samples for high throughput analysis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and a method for collecting a sample of colorectal mucocellular layer excreted immediately following the natural act of defaecation from the surface of the anal area of a human subject, and preservation and analysis of the collected sample for detecting diagnostically informative disease biomarkers.

Abstract: A sampling system and method may use a kit that has a package enclosing a swab and a receptacle. The swab may have a shaft and a tip. The tip may be substantially made of calcium alginate. The receptacle may contain a diluent, such as sodium citrate, and glass beads. The swab may be used in an environment to sample microorganisms present on surfaces or in equipment. The kit may be used in a method of sampling and the resulting sample may be used in a method of quantitative testing.

Abstract: A method of collection, classification and conservation of stem cells comprises the following steps: taking a sample of organic material by continuously maintaining a total microbiological, atmospheric and physical isolation between a sampling volume, the sample and a collection portion w herein the sample is confined, manipulating said sample under sterility conditions by an isolator apparatus, for determining a presence and/or an amount and/or developing capabilities of stem cells trapped in said sample and preserving the sample; the steps of taking the sample, manipulating the sample and preserving the sample are performed on a sample comprising at least a portion of organic tissue wherein stem cells are trapped in and are also performed on the sample in its entirety, without separating the stem cells from the portion of organic tissue.

Abstract: A system and method thereof for collecting and concentrating a biologic substance of interest is provided. The biologic of interest obtained from a biologic sample present at an initial low concentration (or low number counts) can be captured and released through a collection device of the system to an intermediate second concentration, and further recovered through a concentration device of the system to a third concentration, thereby facilitating subsequent detection, characterization, enumeration, immunostaining, inspection, imaging, culturing, molecular analysis, and/or other assays.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of TFF3 in the diagnosis and detection of Barrett's esophagus using non-invasive, non-endoscopic methods.

Abstract: Provided is a multiwell plate for an easy liquid removal, wherein the mutiwell plate includes a well with at least one pore in the sidewall defining the well, and a method of analyzing a target material using the multiwell plate.

Abstract: A novel biological material excavator apparatus is described in the current invention. The apparatus is made up of a double walled tubular structure to house either a single tip or multiple tips to pick/excavate the biological material growing in agar plated petri dishes. The unique feature of this apparatus is a local ultra violet light source is present inside the apparatus to perform irradiation on site. This provides double sterilization of the apparatus as well as the tip that is being used for transferring biological material from one source to another source. The apparatus is double walled to prevent the user from being exposed to ultra violet rays while the irradiation step is being performed.

Abstract: A sample preparation apparatus is provided. The apparatus comprises a first receiving part, a second receiving part, a filter part, a third receiving part, a flow path, a first moving means and a second moving means. The first receiving part is configured to accept a pipette and to receive a sample discharged from a pipette. The second receiving part is disposed at a position removed from the first receiving part in the plane of view. The filter part is configured to retain the cells to be analyzed within the second receiving part. The third receiving part is disposed opposite the second receiving part through the filter part The flow path is configured to connect the first receiving part and the second receiving part The first moving means is for moving a sample that has been received at the first receiving part to the filter part through the flow path and the second receiving part, and moving the components other than the cells to be analyzed to the third receiving part through the filter part.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a pre-coated substrate, such as a slide, that is useful for immobilizing a sample. The invention is further provides methods of preparing such pre-coated substrates and methods of analyzing biological samples immobilized on such pre-coated substrate. The substrate is coated with a polycationic polymeric coating material specifically selected such that that coated substrate exhibits increased stability and prolonged shelf-life. Preferred polymeric coating materials include allylic or vinylic polymers having cationic groups thereon and having no more than a small percentage of peptidic monomeric linkages, particularly polydiallyldimethylammonium (PDDA).

Abstract: A spiral inertial filtration device is capable of high-throughput (1 mL/min), high-purity particle separation while concentrating recovered target particles by more than an order of magnitude. Large fractions of sample fluid are removed from a microchannel without disruption of concentrated particle streams by taking advantage of particle focusing in inertial spiral microfluidics, which is achieved by balancing inertial lift forces and Dean drag forces. To enable the calculation of channel geometries in the device for specific concentration factors, an equivalent circuit model was developed and experimentally validated. Large particle concentration factors were achieved by maintaining either average fluid velocity or Dean number throughout the entire length of the channel during the incremental removal of sample fluid. Also provided is the ability to simultaneously separate more than one particle from the same sample.

Abstract: An insert for a centrifuge tube suitable for use in density gradient separation is described. The insert includes a member sized to fit within the tube for dividing the tube into a top portion and a bottom portion. Optionally the insert has a support extending or depending from the member for positioning the member within the tube. At least two openings are located on the member so that a first opening is closer to a bottom end of the tube relative to a second opening when the insert is positioned in the centrifuge tube. Also described are methods for separating a target population of cells from a sample using the insert for a centrifuge tube.

Abstract: The invention provides a microorganism having an ability to produce a protein having a dipeptide synthesizing activity and in which an activity of the protein to transport a dipeptide in a microbial cell to theoutside of the microbial cell is higher than that of a parental strain.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed in which particles sorted by a flow cytometer may be deposited directly into a deposition layer formed on the surface of an optical disc, and information regarding measurements made of the particle, as well as the storage location of the particle, can be written to the recording layer of the optical disc.

Abstract: Apparatus for automated venting and/or sampling of a specimen container having a closure sealing the interior of the specimen container from the environment is disclosed. The apparatus includes a rack holding the specimen container; a venting and/or sampling device having a needle, a chamber in fluid communication with the needle and a port in fluid communication with the chamber; a robotic transfer mechanism moveable relative to the rack; a sample removal apparatus attached to the robotic transfer mechanism having gripping features for gripping the venting device.

Abstract: A device and a method are provided for isolating a fraction in a biological sample. The fraction is bound to solid phase substrate to define a fraction-bound solid phase substrate. The device includes an input zone for receiving the biological sample therein to capture a desired fraction of the biological sample. A force is provided that is generally perpendicular to gravity. The force is movable between a first position adjacent the input zone multiple other positions adjacent various purification, protein analysis, separation and extraction zones. The force captures the fraction-bound solid phase substrate and the fraction-bound solid phase substrate moves from the input zone to the other zones to perform a multi-step assay on the isolated fraction within the device.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods and compositions useful for detecting the production of compounds in a cell, for example, a microbial cell genetically modified to produce one or more such compounds at greater yield and/or with increased persistence compared to a parent microbial cell that is not genetically modified. In some embodiments, the methods comprise contacting a solution with a fluorescent dye that directly binds the recombinantly produced compound, wherein the solution comprises a plurality of cells recombinantly producing the compound; and detecting the fluorescent dye under spectral conditions suitable for the selective detection of the fluorescent dye bound to the recombinantly produced compound.

Abstract: A method of continuously regulating fluid pressure of a first fluid in a fluid flow path by continuously adjusting at least one fluid flow characteristic of a second fluid flow which is engaged with the first fluid flow through a flexible barrier.

Abstract: Techniques, systems, devices and materials are disclosed for capturing, isolating and transporting target biomolecules and living organisms. In one aspect, a device includes a tube structured to include a large opening and a small opening that are on opposite ends of the tube, and a tube body connecting the openings and having a cross section spatially reducing in size from the large opening to the small opening, in which the tube includes a layered wall including an inner layer having a catalyst material that is reactive with a fuel fluid to produce bubbles exiting the tube from the large opening to propel the tube to move in the fuel fluid and an external layer formed of a material capable of being functionalized, and a molecular layer functionalized onto the external layer of the tube and structured to attach to a targeted molecule in the fuel fluid.

Abstract: A method of processing a sample for analysis is disclosed. The method includes providing a first sample-transfer article with a sample disposed therein, a container (1110), a pierceable cap (1120), and a pierceable layer (1500). The method further includes operably coupling the cap (1120) and the container (1110), disposing the pierceable layer (1500) adjacent the cap (1120), urging the first sample-transfer article through the layer (1500) and the cap (1120), transferring a portion of the sample into the container (1110), and separating the layer (1500) from the cap (1120). The method further can comprise providing a second sample transfer article having a second sample delivery end and urging the second sample-transfer article through the cap. A kit comprising a container, a cap, a pierceable layer; and means for coupling the pierceable layer to the cap and/or to the container is also provided.

Abstract: The device for spraying a reagent onto a support (81) adapted to retain microorganisms on a predetermined surface (82), comprises a spraying bell (3) as well as a nozzle (71) for emitting a jet of droplets of said reagent into a spraying chamber (34) comprised by said bell (3), said device also comprising an absorbent pad (5) mounted against said bell (3) transversely to said jet and closing said chamber (34) from the opposite side to said nozzle (71) with the exception of a circular central opening (51) provided in said pad (5), the diameter of said central opening (51) being adapted to enable a portion of said jet, when said device faces said support (81) and is at a predetermined distance therefrom, to pass through said central opening (51) over its entire area and be deposited on the whole of said predetermined surface (82) of said support (81).

Abstract: The apparatus (10) comprises receiving means for receiving at least one deposit of a cytological specimen, first and second staining stations (84, 86), and transfer means for transferring a portion of the or each deposit from the receiving means to the first staining station (84) and/or a portion of the or each deposit to the second staining station (86), the first staining station (84) being operable for a Papanicolaou staining technique and the second staining station (86) being operable for a Papanicolaou staining technique and at least one further staining technique. The method includes receiving a cytological specimen for pre-analysis preparation and adding anti-coagulant to the cytological specimen so as to improve the quality of information obtainable therefrom during later analysis.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to the monitoring and treatment of lung transplant recipients. In particular, the invention pertains to the use of biomarkers to predict or detect post-lung transplantation complications (e.g., organ rejection, acute organ rejection, organ injury, bronchiolitis obliterans, bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome, organizing pneumonia), fibroproliferative repair responses, interstitial lung diseases (e.g., idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and other fibrotic lung diseases), and other immune-mediated lung diseases (e.g., graft versus host disease, scleroderma).

Abstract: Methods and systems for isolating gastrointestinal microflora from stool collected from a donor are provided. Stool is collected from a donor in a container as the donor is defecating. A solvent is introduced into the container and the container sealed to place its contents in a sealed environment. Various agents can be added to achieve dissolving, colorizing, deodorizing, or for further therapies. The solvent and collected stool is homogenized into a mixture which is then filtered by a multi-stage filter system to create a solution containing microflora in the desired consistency. This solution can be dispensed via an enema tube or other delivery apparatus for infusion into a patient's gastrointestinal tract.

Abstract: A method for transferring a filter membrane (130) bearing a retentate to a reagent pad (310), in which the membrane is mounted in a support frame (120) having a shoulder (121) and a skirt (122) projecting from the shoulder, the pad being mounted on a cassette (300) of complementary form to said skirt, the skirt being adapted to slide sealingly on the cassette until it comes into abutment formed by the shoulder, the method comprising the steps of sealingly engaging the skirt of the membrane support frame on the cassette, establishing a pressure difference between the cassette and the membrane support frame such that the membrane adopts the shape of a dome pointing towards the pad, while maintaining the pressure difference, applying a force on the frame so as to make the skirt slide on the cassette until contact is established between the end of the dome and the pad, maintaining a force on the frame so as to move it downward until it comes into abutment formed by the shoulder while maintaining the pressure diff

Abstract: In a microorganism capturing device as a filter separation apparatus, a first contact chamber and a second contact chamber in each of which an object to be treated is contacted with a treatment agent are disposed apart from each other by a hydrophilic filter. The second contact chamber and a filtrate outlet are separated from each other by a hydrophobic filter. The microorganism capturing device is adapted to efficiently contact the object to be treated with the treatment agent, even if the object to be treated enters into the hydrophilic filter.

Abstract: Lysis/resealing process for preparing erythrocytes which contain an active ingredient (e.g. aspariginase or inositol hexaphosphate), the process comprising the following steps: (1) placing a globular concentrate in suspension in an isotonic solution having a haematocrit level which is equal to or greater than 65%, with refrigeration at from +1 to +8° C., (2) measuring the osmotic fragility based on a sample of erythrocytes from that same globular concentrate, preferably on a sample of the suspension obtained in step (1), (3) lysis and internalization procedure of the active ingredient, inside the same chamber, at a temperature which is constantly maintained at from +1 to +8° C., comprising allowing the erythrocyte suspension having a haematocrit level which is equal to or greater than 65% and a hypotonic lysis solution which is refrigerated at from +1 to +8° C.

Abstract: A method for concentrating and isolating nucleated cells, such as maternal and fetal nucleated red blood cells (nRBCs), in a maternal whole blood sample. The invention also provides methods and apparatus for preparing to analyze and analyzing the sample for identification of fetal genetic material as part of prenatal genetic testing. The invention also pertains to methods and apparatus for discriminating fetal nucleated red blood cells from maternal nucleated red blood cells obtained from a blood sample taken from a pregnant woman.