Abstract: Provided herein according to some embodiments is an in vitro construct useful as a model for a hematopoietic microenvironment, which may include: a microfluidic device having multiple chambers; and two or more populations of cells (e.g., 3 or 4 populations of cells) (or “niches”) selected from: 1) mesenchymal cells (e.g., Stro-1+; MSC); 2) osteoblasts (OB; optionally said osteoblasts provided by differentiating mesenchymal cells to differentiated osteoblasts); 3) arterial endothelium (e.g., CD146+NG2+; AEC); and 4) sinusoidal endothelium (CD146+NG2?; SEC), wherein each of said two or more populations of cells are provided in a separate chamber of the microfluidic device. Methods of making and using the construct are also provided.

Abstract: Provided herein are microtiter plates, systems, and uses thereof. In particular, provided herein are cell culture (e.g., microtiter plates) with a plurality of wells that comprise diffusion channels, systems comprising the devices (e.g., comprising cells), and use of the devices and systems in co-culture applications (e.g. in high throughput screening) and biological assays.

Abstract: The invention provides a microfluidic device comprising at least one cell culture chamber, the at least one cell culture chamber being connected to at least two openings, the device being configured to supply at least one physiologically active substance from at least one of the openings to the at least one cell culture chamber in such a manner as to form a concentration gradient or concentration gradients in the at least one cell culture chamber when cells and a hydrogel are introduced into the at least one cell culture chamber to culture the cells in a 3D-gel medium.

Abstract: Described herein are devices and methods for extracting cellular material from living cells and then depositing them into to a receptacle in a nanoliter scale. Using a nanopipette integrated into a scanning ion conductance microscope (SICM), extraction of mitochondrial DNA from human BJ fibroblasts and Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP) transcripts from HeLa/GFP cells was achieved with minimal disruption to the cellular milieu and without chemical treatment prior to obtaining the isolated sample. Success of the extraction was confirmed by fluorescence microscopy and PCR analysis of the extracted material. The method and apparatus may be applied to many different cell types and intracellular targets, allowing not only single cell analysis, but single subcellular compartment analysis of materials extracted in their native state.

Abstract: A system for measuring a sample comprising: an integrating sphere light collector (12) for collecting light and containing the sample; a light source (24) for introducing light in the integrating sphere light collector (12), wherein the light source (24) is operable to output light with a known modulation, preferably by using a signal generator (26); a detector (22) for detecting scattered light in the integrating sphere light collector (12) and generating a signal indicative of the scattered light, and a lock-in amplifier (28) operable use the known light modulation and the signal generated by the detector (22) to provide an output for analysis.

Abstract: A method of assaying wound healing can include: growing cells on the matrix in the first flow channel; introducing an agent that removes the matrix from the junction; introducing a matrix material into the second flow channel so as to form the second matrix in the second flow channel and junction; and detecting cellular migration into the junction onto the second matrix. The agent that removes the matrix can include a biomolecule or chemical agent. The method can include removing cells in the matrix in the junction before introducing the matrix material into the second flow channel. A bioactive agent can be introduced into the junction to determine if it modulates cellular migration and/or clot formation into the intersection openings of tissue and vascular channels.

Abstract: The invention relates to a microfluidic system for controlling a card for the concentration of molecules capable of stimulating a target, for example formed by an assembly of living cells, characterized in that the system comprises a microfluidic device (1) comprising: n?1 microfluidic channel(s) (4, 40), the or each channel being provided with at least one inlet orifice for at least one fluid and with at least one outlet orifice for this fluid; n?2 openings (47, 470) formed in the microfluidic channel or distributed in the various microfluidic channels, said openings being arranged in one and the same plane so that they form a network having at least one dimension in this plane, the numbers n of microfluidic channel(s) and n of openings being linked by the relationship (I) with 1?i?n and n the number of openings for the channel c; at least one microporous membrane (5) covering the network of openings, the target being intended to be positioned on the side of the membrane which is opposite the microfluidic ch

Abstract: A system for the automated dilution and delivery of mixtures of diluent and liquid samples to a particle counter comprises a container positioning member for receiving and retaining congruent sample containers with a volume of liquid sample therein. An automated diluent pumping mechanism draws a respective volume of a diluent from a diluent source and introduces the diluent into the each sample container for mixing with the unknown volume of liquid sample within each sample container to together form a mixture that is substantially equal to a pre-determined threshold volume. A mixer agitates the mixture in the sample containers. An automated mixture pumping mechanism sequentially draws a respective volume of mixture from the sample containers and delivers the drawn volume of the mixture to the optical particle counter for testing.

Abstract: A method that includes the steps: inoculating nutrient agar with bacterial stock to form a culture; incubating the culture to form a first incubated culture; incubating a portion of the first culture with nutrient agar to form a second culture; incubating a portion of the second culture to form a third culture; incubating the third culture to form an inoculated test plate; forming an inoculum by suspending bacteria from the inoculated test plate in a buffered test solution, adjusting the pH to ˜7 to 8, and adding organic soil at a concentration of approximately 10% to 30% by weight; inoculating a silver-containing surface region of a test carrier with a portion of the inoculum; incubating the inoculated test carrier; washing the test carrier in a neutralizing solution to form a residual test inoculum; and calculating the percent reduction in the number of surviving bacterial colonies in the residual test inoculum.

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: Provided are methods for sampling, testing and validating test lots, comprising: assembling a plurality of product portions from each of a plurality of test lots and combining the portions to provide a corresponding set of test lot samples; enriching the test lot samples; removing portions of each enriched sample, and combining the removed portions to provide a modular composite sample; and testing of the modular composite sample, and individual testing of the enriched test lot samples, using at least one suitable detection assay for a target microbe or organism, wherein when such testing is negative all test lots are validated, and wherein when such testing is positive with respect to the modular composite sample, or with respect to an individual enriched test lot sample, individual test lots may nonetheless yet be validated by further testing of a portion of respective initially-negative enriched test lot samples and obtaining negative results.

Abstract: A microfluidic method and device for testing and analyzing chemotaxis by providing a stable, static fluid gradient. The device includes a sink reservoir for receiving biological cellular material and a source reservoir for receiving a chemoattractant. The biological cellular material migrates through a low fluid volume microfluidic gradient channel located between the source and sink reservoirs. The fluid in the gradient channel is static and stable due to a high fluid volume closed circuit bypass microfluidic channel also in fluid communication with the source and sink reservoirs, whereby the bypass channel relieves any pressure differential imparted across the gradient channel.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a disk diffusion assay for determining susceptibility of bacteria to a glycopeptide antibiotic. The assay includes improvements over conventional assays due to the inclusion of polysorbate 80 and Span 80 in the antibacterial solution used to impregnate paper disks used in the assay.

Abstract: This invention is an apparatus and method for susceptibility testing one or more biofilms, for selecting one or more anti-microbial combinations with efficacy against the biofilm, and/or in treating a disease or condition mediated by the biofilm The invention includes methods for the selection of antibiotic combinations with efficacy against a specific microbial type and for the formulation of microbe-specific test plates. The invention also includes an assay system to test patient specific isolates for sensitivity to the anti-microbial combinations.

Abstract: Microorganisms, particularly bacteria, are identified and characterized on the basis of a mass spectrometric measurement of their protein profiles with ionization by matrix-assisted laser desorption. In order to measure the microbial resistance to antibiotics, the protein profiles of microorganisms are measured after cultivation for a short time duration in nutrient media containing the antibiotics.

Abstract: A high-throughput, anchorage-independent assay is described, which screens compounds for inhibition of cancer cell growth. The assay utilizes a three-dimensional matrix or semi-solid media transfected with the subject compound, and enables live colony growth determination and imaging.

Abstract: The present invention includes devices, systems, and methods for assaying cells using cell-substrate impedance monitoring. In one aspect, the invention provides cell-substrate impedance monitoring devices that comprise electrode arrays on a nonconducting substrate, in which each of the arrays has an approximately uniform electrode resistance across the entire array. In another aspect, the invention provides cell-substrate monitoring systems comprising one or more cell-substrate monitoring devices comprising multiple wells each having an electrode array, an impedance analyzer, a device station that connects arrays of individual wells to the impedance analyzer, and software for controlling the device station and impedance analyzer. In another aspect, the invention provides cellular assays that use impedance monitoring to detect changes in cell behavior or state. In some preferred aspects, the assays are designed to investigate the affects of compounds on cells, such as cytotoxicity assays.

Abstract: A well-based flow system for cell culture is described which provides for flow of culture containing compounds for drug screening to be exposed to cells seeded on a membrane. The flow of medium may be planar or radial and means are provided for the removal of waste media through fluid outlets in fluid communication with the assay well plates through conduits. Methods of using the system for cell culture and drug toxicity screening are also provided including coculturing cells such as hepatocytes, stem cells, fibroblasts and smooth muscle cells and selectively exposing cells to test compounds.

Abstract: The invention concerns a medium for specific detection of Staphylococcus aureus and/or discrimination between positive-coagulase Staphylococcus and negative-coagulase enabling Staphylococcus to isolate bacteria of the genus staphylococcus and identify the Staphylococcus aureus species, which use at least an enzymatic substrate, preferably a chromogenic or fluorescent agent, and still more preferably consisting of an indoxyl or naphthol base. The invention also concerns a method for identifying, and optionally counting, Staphylococcus aureus using such a medium. It consists of a Staphylococcus aureus culture medium and at least an enzymatic substrate enabling testing of an ?-glucosidase activity. The invention is particularly applicable in the field of diagnosis.

Abstract: A high-throughput, anchorage-independent assay is described, which screens compounds for inhibition of cancer cell growth. The assay utilizes a three-dimensional matrix or semi-solid media transfected with the subject compound, and enables live colony growth determination and imaging.

Abstract: A method of using a microsample treatment apparatus and an apparatus for detecting chemotaxis of cells and separating chemotactic cells includes a number of wells that are connected to each other via a part having resistance to fluids. The wells are each provided with tubes for injecting/sucking a sample and, if necessary, tubes for relieving pressure changes at the injection/suction. The tubes have a space in common at the top ends thereof in which a liquid can be held.

Abstract: A high-throughput, anchorage-independent assay is described, which screens compounds for inhibition of cancer cell growth. The assay utilizes a three-dimensional matrix or semi-solid media transfected with the subject compound, and enables live colony growth determination and imaging.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of a combination of two culture media for distinguishing at least three groups of microorganisms in a biological sample, comprising: a first group of microorganisms, belonging to a first taxon of microorganisms and comprising at least a first mechanism of resistance to a first treatment; a second group of microorganisms, belonging to a second taxon of microorganisms and comprising at least a second mechanism of resistance to a second treatment; a third group of microorganisms, that are not resistant to said first and second treatments, said combination of two culture media comprising: a. at least a first substrate for detecting at least a first enzymatic or metabolic activity of said first group of microorganisms; b. at least two markers for differentiating the first group of microorganisms and the second group of microorganisms; c. at least one antimicrobial that is active on said third group of microorganisms.

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

Abstract: Van A and Van B vancomycin resistant enterococci detection media as well as a method of selectively detecting Van A and Van B vancomycin resistant enterococci clinically important in vancomycin resistant enterococci from testing microorganisms or specimens using the media. The media for selectively detecting Van A and Van B VRE from testing microorganisms and specimens are media where enterococci can grow where vancomycin, D-cycloserine and D-lactate are added. Preferably 32-256 ?g/ml of vancomycin, 1-64 ?g/ml of D-cycloserine, and 0.025-0.8 mol/l of sodium lactate are added to culture medium where enterococci can grow.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a device for monitoring haptotaxis including a housing defining a chamber. The chamber comprises: a first well region including at least one first well, the first well configured to receive a test agent therein and further including biomolecules immobilized therein; a second well region including at least one second well, the second well region configured to receive a sample comprising cells therein and further being horizontally offset with respect to the first well region in a test orientation of the device; and a channel region including at a least one channel connecting the first well region and the second well region with one another, the channel region further including biomolecules immobilized therein.

Abstract: Disclosed are enriched preparations of neuroblastoma tumor initiating cells (NB TICs). The NB TICs are capable of self-renewal, initiating neuroblastoma tumor growth in vivo and are capable of being passaged in high frequency. These NB TICs have chromosomal abnormalities and are capable of giving rise to secondary tumor spheres. Methods are also disclosed for preparing the enriched preparations of NB TICs, such as from neuroblastoma tumor tissue and metastasized bone marrow. Also disclosed are methods of screening candidate substances to identify therapeutic agents for the treatment of neuroblastoma. Methods are also provided for screening a sample for neuroblastoma, as well as for screening a sample to identify the stage of neuroblastoma present. Kits are also provided for selecting appropriate anti-neuroblastoma compounds for a patient, and utilize isolated compositions of the patients' neuroblastoma tumor initiating cells. In this manner, a customized medicinal profile for the patient may be devised.

Abstract: A nanoporous silicon support comprising a plurality of macropores is provided to function as a bioreactor for the maintenance of cells in culture in a differentiated state. Each cell or group of cells is grown in an individual macropore and is provided with nutrients by means such as perfusion of the nanoporous silicon support with fluid. The macropores may be between 0.2 and 200 microns and be coated with a substance that promotes cell adhesion. The support containing cells may be used to used to test compounds for biological activity, metabolism, toxicity, mutagenicity, carcinogenicity or to characterize novel or unknown comounds. The supports are sufficiently robust that they may be assembled into larger reactors to simulate organ function or be used for the production of biomolecules.

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

Abstract: The present invention provides a feedback controlled bioculture platform for use as a precision cell biology research tool and for clinical cell growth and maintenance applications. The system provides individual closed-loop flowpath cartridges, with integrated, aseptic sampling and routing to collection vials or analysis systems. The system can operate in a standard laboratory or other incubator for provision of requisite gas and thermal environment. System cartridges are modular and can be operated independently or under a unified system controlling architecture, and provide for scale-up production of cell and cell products for research and clinical applications. Multiple replicates of the flowpath cartridges allow for individual, yet replicate cell culture growth and multiples of the experiment models that can be varied according to the experiment design, or modulated to desired cell development of cell culture end-points.

Abstract: Media, kits, and methods are disclosed for use in processes requiring microbial culture. More specifically, the invention provides carrageenan-stabilized agar-based microbial culture media for kits and methods. The media and kits of the invention possess increased shelf-life stability over currently available agar-based media. Further, the media, kits, and methods are useful in the manual determination of identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing of the pathogen/s contained in a specimen or sample in periods of about 12 to 24 hours. The stabilized culture media of the invention are useful in a broad variety of applications.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing an aqueous or gaseous environment for the presence of at least one chemical is provided in order to determine the toxicity of the chemical and optionally, the quantity and identity of the chemical.

Abstract: The present invention relates to high-throughput systems and methods to prepare a large number of component combinations, at varying concentrations and identities, at the same time, and high-throughput methods to test tissue barrier transfer, such as transdermal transfer, of components in each combination. The methods of the present invention allow determination of the effects of inactive components, such as solvents, excipients, enhancers, adhesives and additives, on tissue barrier transfer of active components, such as pharmaceuticals. The invention thus encompasses the high-throughput testing of pharmaceutical compositions or formulations in order to determine the overall optimal composition or formulation for improved tissue transport, such as transdermal transport.

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

Abstract: An image analysis system for automated reading of printed multi-character codes, for example on antibiotic susceptibility testing disks, makes use of an orientation means, for example an underline printed beneath the code, to bring the code or its image into canonical alignment with an optimum reading direction for the code. Automated reading of the codes on randomly-orientated AST disks is therefore possible.

Abstract: A screening method of identifying a compound for treating hepatitis. Also disclosed is a method for evaluating responsiveness of a subject having hepatitis to a drug.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for running a plurality of tests concurrently to obtain data relating to the electrophysiological properties of receptors and channels in biological membranes of test subjects, such as, for example, Xenopus oocytes. The invention further provides software for controlling, acquiring, and recording data relating to electrophysiological properties of receptors and channels in biological membranes of test subjects, such as, for example, oocytes. This invention increases the throughput rate for experiments and assays employing receptors and ion channels expressed in biological membranes of test subjects, such as, for example, oocytes. In the case of an oocyte, these receptors and channels may be natively expressed (endogenous), may be placed into the oocyte (exogenous), or may be expressed from other RNA or DNA previously placed into the oocyte (exogenous).

Abstract: The assay plate includes a substrate having an substrate surface and at least one raised pad extending from the substrate surface. The raised pad includes a substantially planar sample receiving surface configured for holding a sample thereon for in-situ experimentation. The sample receiving surface preferably has at least one sharp edge at the junction between a sidewall coupling the sample receiving surface to the substrate surface. The sample receiving surface is preferably a circle, oval, square, rectangle, triangle, pentagon, hexagon, or octagon shape that is sized to hold a predetermined volume of the sample. A method of using the above described assay plate is also provided. Once a raised pad extending from a substrate is formed, a sample is deposited on the raised pad. Experiments are subsequently performed using the sample on the raised pad.

Abstract: A microbiological analyzer for performing ID tests on samples using colorimetric techniques to generate a pixel-wise colored map of a test region of interest and also performing MIC tests on samples using nephelometric techniques to determine which antimicrobial agents are most effective against a particular microorganism.

Abstract: The transdermal assay apparatus includes first, second, and third members. The first member has one or more sample surfaces, each of which is configured to receive a sample thereon. The second member defines one or more reservoirs, each of which has an opening on a surface of the second member. Each sample surface is substantially the same size as each opening. The transdermal assay apparatus also includes a magnetic clamp configured to clamp a tissue specimen between the sample surface and the opening. The magnetic clamp preferably includes a magnet having a strength that is selected based on the clamping force required between the first member and the second member. The invention also provides a method for using a transdermal assay apparatus.

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

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

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

Abstract: The present invention discloses a device for monitoring chemotaxis or chemoinvasion including a housing comprising: a support member and a top member, the top member mounted to the support member by being placed in substantially fluid-tight conformal contact with the support member. The support member and the top member are configured such that they together define a discrete chamber adapted to allow a monitoring of chemotaxis or chemoinvasion therein. The discrete chamber includes a first well region including at least one first well, the at least one first well configured to received a test agent therein; a second well region including at least one second well, the at least one second well configured to receive a sample comprising cells therein; and a channel region including at least one channel connecting the first well region and the second well region with one another. The second well region is preferably horizontally offset with respect to the first well region in a test orientation of the device.

Abstract: An improved method for detection of total coliforms and E. coli comprising a broth containing an ingredient that will encourage growth and repair of injured coliforms, buffers to maintain a pH in the range of 6.5-8, at least one agent that suppresses growth of gram positive cocci and spore-forming organisms, at least one active agent that will suppress growth of non-coliform gram negative bacteria, and at least one chromogen or fluorogen has been used effectively and is cost effective. In the preferred embodiment, both a fluorogen and chromogen were used. Preferred methods include use of filter and/or plates containing the growth-promoting ingredients and the indicators.

Abstract: Compounds of formula X—NH—R, in which X represents an optionally substituted indol-3-yl group and R represents the acyl residue of an amino acid or of a peptide, enabling the detection of peptidase activity in a micro-organism culture medium, including a gelled medium, by forming a stain or fluorescence in the medium.

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

Abstract: A microbiological test array with a generally flat base having a plurality of upwardly projecting microwells connected by a microchannel to an open reservoir formed in a top surface generally parallel to the base of the test array. The reservoir has an opening to permit an inoculum-broth liquid solution to flow from the reservoir through the microchannel, to a sacrificial evaporation well having an air vent port adapted to control a vacuum filling process, and subsequently to be distributed into each of the plurality of microwells.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for analyzing results of antimicrobial susceptibility tests of micro-organisms, the test consisting in summarily identifying which species the micro-organism belongs to and measuring the minimum inhibitory concentrations (CMI) of several antimicrobial agents for said micro-organism. The method uses a database classifying the micro-organism species and the resistance mechanism to various antimicrobial agents, and containing, for each species and each resistance mechanism, parameters characteristic of the frequency distribution of minimum inhibitory concentrations for a group of antimicrobial agents.

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