Methods of forming and using a solid-phase support

Disclosed herein are methods of method of making a substrate for performing a chemical synthesis reaction.

Multi-well rotary synthesizer

An apparatus for synthesizing polymer chains includes a controller, a plurality of precision fit vials circularly arranged in multiple banks on a cartridge, a drain corresponding to each bank of vials, a chamber bowl, a plurality of valves for delivering reagents to selective vials, and a waste tube system for purging material from the vials. A purging operation can be selectively performed on one or more of the banks of vials. The plurality of vials are stored in the cartridge and are divided among individual banks wherein each bank of vials has a corresponding drain. There is at least one waste tube system for expelling the reagent solution from vials within a particular bank of vials when the waste tube system is coupled to the corresponding drain. The cartridge holding the plurality of vials rotates relative to the stationary banks of valves and the waste tube system.

Apparatus and method for separation of liquid phases of different density and for fluorous phase organic syntheses

A simple, efficient apparatus and method for separating layers of immiscible or partially miscible liquids useful in methods of high-throughput combinatorial organic synthesis or parallel extraction of large libraries or megaarrays of organic compounds is disclosed. The apparatus and method are useful, whether as part of an automated, robotic or manual system for combinatorial organic synthesis or purification (extraction). In a preferred embodiment, an apparatus and method for separating layers of immiscible or partially miscible liquids compatible with microtiter plate type array(s) of reaction vessels is disclosed. Another application of centrifugation based liquid removal was found for washing the plates in biological assays or synthesis on modified substrates.

FORMATION OF ARRAY OF MEMBRANES AND APPARATUS THEREFOR

An array of membranes comprising amphipathic molecules is formed using an apparatus comprising a support defining an array of compartments. Volumes comprising polar medium are provided within respective compartments and a layer comprising apolar medium is provided extending across the openings with the volumes. Polar medium is flowed across the support to displace apolar medium and form a layer in contact with the volumes, forming membranes comprising amphipathic molecules at the interfaces. In one construction of the apparatus, the support that comprises partitions which comprise inner portions and outer portions. The inner portions define inner recesses without gaps therebetween that are capable of constraining the volumes comprising polar medium contained in neighbouring inner recesses from contacting each other. The outer portions extend outwardly from the inner portions and have gaps allowing the flow of an apolar medium across the substrate. 162-. (canceled)63. An apparatus for forming an amphiphilic membrane , the apparatus comprising:a substrate comprising a recess, wherein the recess is configured to contain polar medium, and wherein the recess opens at a surface of the substrate; andpillars, wherein the pillars extend from the surface of the substrate and extend parallel to the axis normal to the surface of the substrate, and wherein gaps between the pillars are configured to allow flow of an apolar medium;wherein the pillars are configured to support an amphiphilic membrane arranged to contact polar medium contained in a respective recess.64. The apparatus of claim 63 , further comprising a volume of polar medium contained in the recess.65. The apparatus of claim 64 , further comprising a layer comprising apolar medium extending across the substrate in contact with the volume of polar medium.66. The apparatus of claim 64 , further comprising: a layer comprising polar medium extending across the substrate claim 64 , wherein the layer comprising polar ...

KINETIC EXCLUSION AMPLIFICATION OF NUCLEIC ACID LIBRARIES

An example method includes reacting a first solution and a different, second solution on a flow cell by flowing the first solution over amplification sites on the flow cell and subsequently flowing the second solution over the amplification sites. The first solution includes target nucleic acids and a first reagent mixture that comprises nucleoside triphosphates and replication enzymes. The target nucleic acids in the first solution transport to and bind to the amplification sites at a transport rate. The first reagent mixture amplifies the target nucleic acids that are bound to the amplification sites to produce clonal populations of amplicons originating from corresponding target nucleic acids. The amplicons are produced at an amplification rate that exceeds the transport rate. The second solution includes a second reagent mixture and lacks the target nucleic acids. The second solution is to increase a number of the amplicons at the amplification sites. 1. A fluidic system , comprising:a reagent manifold including at least one valve in fluid communication with an inlet port of a flow cell that includes an array of amplification sites, the reagent manifold further including a plurality of channels fluidly connected between the at least one valve and corresponding reagent reservoirs; anda controller including one or more processors, the controller to control the at least one valve and a pump to flow a first solution through the inlet port over the array of amplification sites on the flow cell and to subsequently flow a different, second solution through the inlet port over the array of amplification sites on the flow cell;wherein the first solution includes a number of target nucleic acids and a first reagent mixture that comprises nucleoside triphosphates (NTPs) and one or more replication enzymes, the number of target nucleic acids in the first solution exceeding a number of the amplification sites in the array, the first solution reacting on the flow cell to ...

APPARATUS, SYSTEM, AND METHOD USING IMMISCIBLE-FLUID-DISCRETE-VOLUMES

Various embodiments of the teachings relate to a system or method for sample preparation or analysis in biochemical or molecular biology procedures. The sample preparation can involve small volume processed in discrete portions or segments or slugs, herein referred to as discrete volumes. A molecular biology procedure can be nucleic acid analysis. Nucleic acid analysis can be an integrated DNA amplification/DNA sequencing procedure. 1. A method comprising:contacting a stream of aqueous sample fluid flowing in a first conduit with a stream of non-aqueous spacing fluid that is immiscible with the aqueous sample fluid to form discrete volumes of the aqueous sample fluid separated from one another by the non-aqueous spacing fluid, wherein the aqueous sample fluid comprises target nucleic acid, and wherein a first plurality of the discrete volumes contains at least one molecule comprising the target nucleic acid and a second plurality of the discrete volumes contains no molecules comprising the target nucleic acid;amplifying the target nucleic acid in one or more of the first plurality of the discrete volumes to form an amplicon;in a second conduit, detecting a fluorescence signal from the amplicon in the one or more of the first plurality of the discrete volumes; andbased on the detecting, discriminating between the one or more of the first plurality of the discrete volumes and the second plurality of the discrete volumes.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the contacting comprises continuously flowing at least one of the aqueous sample fluid and the non-aqueous spacing fluid into the first conduit.3. The method of claim 1 , further comprising separating the second plurality of the discrete volumes from the first plurality of the discrete volumes.4. The method of claim 1 , wherein less than 37% of the first plurality of the discrete volumes comprise a single molecule comprising the target nucleic acid.5. The method of claim 4 , wherein 1% or more of the first plurality ...

Systems for Filling a Sample Array by Droplet Dragging

A method and an array filling system for loading a plurality of disparate sample containers, the sample containers comprising an integral structure. Each receptacle is characterized by a hydrophilic surface,, and the receptacles are separated by a hydrophobic surface. The system has a liquid transfer device capable of holding liquid and adapted for motion to cause sequential communication of liquid held in the liquid transfer device with successive receptacles of the array by dragging the liquid across the hydrophobic surface. 18.-. (canceled)9. A system for performing a biological assay , comprisinga first spool configured to unwind a sheet comprising a plurality of containers for holding a biological solution;a second spool configured to wind the sheet;a dispenser configured to load the containers;wherein the dispenser loads the containers when the sheet is unwound from the first spool.10. The system of claim 9 , further comprising a sheet comprising a plurality of containers for holding a biological solution.11. The system of claim 10 , wherein the sheet comprises a plurality of registration holes.12. The system of claim 10 , further comprising a mixing area for mixing liquid into at least some of the containers.13. The system of claim 9 , further comprising an optical detector configured to detect at least one of a fluorescence or a chemi-luminescence of a biological solution contained within at least some of the containers.14. The system of claim 9 , wherein the plurality of containers comprises an array of through-holes.15. The system of claim 14 , wherein sheet comprises a hydrophobic exterior and hydrophilic through-holes.16. A method of performing a biological assay claim 14 , comprisingproviding a plurality of containers for holding a biological solution;unwinding the sheet from a first spool;winding the sheet onto a second spool;loading a biological solution into the containers from a dispenser as the sheet is unwound from the first spool.17. The method ...

DROPLET LIBRARIES

The present invention generally relates to droplet libraries and to systems and methods for the formation of libraries of droplets. The present invention also relates to methods utilizing these droplet libraries in various biological, chemical, or diagnostic assays. 114.-. (canceled)15. A method for detecting target molecules in a fluid sample , the method comprising:providing, to a microfluidic device, a fluid sample comprising target molecules, a plurality of beads each comprising a reactive component for binding a target molecule thereto, and a detection component for binding to a target molecule that is bound to a bead;partitioning, in the microfluidic device, the fluid sample into plurality of separate and isolated partitions of fluid, wherein at least one of the plurality of partitions comprises an immunocomplex comprising a target molecule bound between a single bead, via an associated reactive component, and an associated detection component; andmonitoring each of the plurality of partitions for detection of an event associated with contents of one or more of the plurality of partitions.16. The method of claim 15 , wherein the plurality of partitions comprises a first subset and a second subset claim 15 , wherein the first subset comprises partitions that each comprise no bead and the second subset comprises partitions that each comprise a single bead.17. The method of claim 16 , wherein a majority of the plurality of partitions are provided within either the first or the second subset.18. The method of claim 15 , wherein the reactive component and the detection component comprise a first and a second antibody claim 15 , respectively.19. The method of claim 15 , wherein the detection component comprises one or more detectable labels.20. The method of claim 19 , wherein the one or more detectable labels comprises at least one of an optical label claim 19 , an enzymatic label claim 19 , and a radioactive label.21. The method of claim 20 , wherein the one or ...

Enzyme quantification

The invention generally relates to methods for quantifying an amount of enzyme molecules. Systems and methods of the invention are provided for measuring an amount of target by forming a plurality of fluid partitions, a subset of which include the target, performing an enzyme-catalyzed reaction in the subset, and detecting the number of partitions in the subset. The amount of target can be determined based on the detected number.

Micro-reactor array

The present disclosure provides a cover sheet for a microarray reaction device. In one aspect, the present cover sheet or device ensures the reaction units/volumes are stable and/or consistent among assay samples and assay runs, allowing samples (e.g., reaction solutions) to be conveniently added and distributed uniformly.

Systems and Methods for Loading Liquid Samples

A sample loader for loading a liquid sample into a plurality of reaction sites within a substrate is provided. The sample loader includes a first blade, and a second blade coupled to the first blade. The sample loader further comprises a flow path between the first blade and second blade configured to dispense a liquid sample to a substrate including a plurality of reaction sites. Further, in various embodiments the liquid sample has an advancing contact angle of 85+/−15 degrees with the first and second blade. Furthermore, loading of the liquid sample dispensed from the flow path to the plurality of reaction sites may be based on capillary action.

PROCESS AND SYSTEM FOR PRODUCING PULP, ENERGY, AND BIODERIVATIVES FROM PLANT-BASED AND RECYCLED MATERIALS

The presently disclosed subject matter relates to an industrial system for processing various plant materials to produce marketable materials. Particularly, the system integrates subcritical water extraction technology and includes a pre-processing module and a two-stage extractor (processing module) with constant control of temperature, pressure, and/or residence time. In some embodiments, the final product of the disclosed system can include feedstock constituents for biofuel production (sugars and/or oil), biochar, raw materials for various industries (such as pulp for manufacturing paper or cellulose for use in various industries). The disclosed system can be modular or non-modular, stationary or mobile, and can include prefabricated elements with programmed automatic or manual operation so that it can be easily moved and/or assembled on site. 1. A system comprising:a pre-processing portion having a mechanical processor/material handler for extraction of water soluble fermentable carbohydrates and preparation of material for further extraction; a first operating condition at a first pressure and a first temperature at a constant level that is held for a first defined period of time to break down carbohydrates of a first chain strength; and', 'a second operating condition at a second pressure and a second temperature at a constant level that is held for a defined second period of time to break down lignin and the remaining oligo-carbohydrates of a second chain strength and fatty acids, or', 'both the first operating condition and the second operating condition;, 'an extractor portion comprising a reactor or a reactor assembly to which biomass and subcritical water is supplied, the reactor assembly havingwherein the system is repeatable until the recovery rate of the fermentable carbohydrates, fatty acid, or both reaches a desired yield.2. The system according to claim 1 , wherein the mechanical processor/material handler of the pre-processing portion includes a ...

Biopolymer synthesis system and method

The present invention provides improved automated systems and methods for synthesis of biopolymers including DNA and RNA. The automated systems and methods represent a number of improvements over existing systems for multiplex synthesis of biopolymers in a combinatorial fashion.

FORMATION OF ARRAY OF MEMBRANES AND APPARATUS THEREFOR

An array of membranes comprising amphipathic molecules is formed using an apparatus comprising a support defining an array of compartments. Volumes comprising polar medium are provided within respective compartments and a layer comprising apolar medium is provided extending across the openings with the volumes. Polar medium is flowed across the support to displace apolar medium and form a layer in contact with the volumes, forming membranes comprising amphipathic molecules at the interfaces. In one construction of the apparatus, the support that comprises partitions which comprise inner portions and outer portions. The inner portions define inner recesses without gaps therebetween that are capable of constraining the volumes comprising polar medium contained in neighbouring inner recesses from contacting each other. The outer portions extend outwardly from the inner portions and have gaps allowing the flow of an apolar medium across the substrate. 162-. (canceled)63. A method of forming an array of membranes comprising amphipathic molecules , the method comprising:{'b': 1', '3', '6', '4', '6', '20', '21', '20', '22', '2', '22', '21', '20', '4', '4, 'providing an apparatus () comprising a support () that comprises partitions () defining an array of compartments (), the partitions () comprising inner portions () and outer portions (), the inner portions () defining inner recesses () without gaps therebetween that are capable of constraining volumes () comprising polar medium that may be contained in neighboring inner recesses () from contacting each other, and the outer portions () extending outwardly from the inner portions () and having gaps allowing the flow of an apolar medium between the compartments (), whereby the compartments () have openings through which polar medium may be introduced;'}{'b': 3', '2', '4', '2', '2', '4', '3', '2, 'disposing polar medium and apolar medium onto the support () to provide volumes () comprising polar medium within respective ...

Apparatus, System, And Method Using Immiscible-Fluid-Discrete-Volumes

Various embodiments of the teachings relate to a system or method for sample preparation or analysis in biochemical or molecular biology procedures. The sample preparation can involve small volume processed in discrete portions or segments or slugs, herein referred to as discrete volumes. A molecular biology procedure can be nucleic acid analysis. Nucleic acid analysis can be an integrated DNA amplification/DNA sequencing procedure. 1. A method comprising:amplifying a nucleic acid in at least one conduit to form an amplicon, the at least one conduit comprising an inner wall;attaching the amplicon to the inner wall to form an attached amplicon; anddetecting the attached amplicon or an attached derivative thereof, in the at least one conduit.2. A method comprising:sequentially contacting an aqueous sample fluid in a conduit with a non-aqueous spacing fluid that is immiscible with the aqueous sample, to form a plurality of discrete volumes of the aqueous sample fluid separated from one another by the non-aqueous spacing fluid, the aqueous sample fluid comprising a plurality of target nucleic acid sequences, wherein at least one of the discrete volumes contains at least one target nucleic acid sequence;amplifying the at least one target nucleic acid in the conduit to form an amplicon; andsubjecting the amplicon to a nucleic acid sequencing reaction in the conduit.3. The method of claim 2 , wherein subjecting the nucleic acid sequence to a sequencing reaction forms a detectable product claim 2 , and the method further comprises detecting the detectable product.4. The method of claim 3 , wherein the detectable product is detected inside the conduit.5. The method of claim 3 , wherein the detectable product is detected with a flow cell.6. The method of claim 2 , wherein the sequencing reaction comprises a Sanger sequencing reaction.7. The method of claim 2 , further comprising dividing the at least on nucleic acid containing discrete volume into two or more portions before ...

ENZYME QUANTIFICATION

The invention generally relates to methods for quantifying an amount of enzyme molecules. Systems and methods of the invention are provided for measuring an amount of target by forming a plurality of fluid partitions, a subset of which include the target, performing an enzyme-catalyzed reaction in the subset, and detecting the number of partitions in the subset. The amount of target can be determined based on the detected number. 124-. (canceled)25. A method for identifying components of a chemical reaction , the method comprising:forming a plurality of fluid partitions each comprising a particle that comprises a marker and a fluorescently labeled binder specific to the marker;incubating the fluid partitions, wherein the fluorescently labeled binder binds to the particle comprising the marker; anddetermining an amount of a localized signal from the labeled binder on the particle in the fluid partitions.26. The method of claim 25 , wherein the labeled binder is detected by an optical property.27. The method of claim 25 , wherein the determining step detecting a concentrated signal from the labeled binder localized to the particle compared to a dispersed signal from the labeled binder in the partition.28. The method of claim 25 , wherein said fluid partitions are droplets.29. The method of claim 28 , wherein the droplets are surrounded by an immiscible carrier fluid.30. The method of claim 25 , wherein determining the amount of the localized signal is based upon a ratio of a localized increase in signal intensity to partition wide decrease in signal intensity.31. The method of claim 25 , wherein the amount of labeled binder is determined by a signal strength measured in the fluid partitions.32. The method of claim 31 , wherein signal strength is measured by a laser.33. The method of claim 28 , wherein each of the droplets is formed by merging a first droplet comprising the particle with a second droplet comprising the labeled binder.34. The method of claim 33 , ...

Combinatorial Flow System and Method

A reactor assembly having a plurality of reaction chambers defined therein is provided. The reactor assembly includes a fluid flow module that provides a pressurized control flow of fluid from an open container. In another embodiment, the reactor block includes a plurality of passageways defined over a surface of a substrate to accommodate the combinatorial processing in order to obtain multiple data points from a single substrate. 1. A fluid dispensing system comprising:a container having an opening for introduction of fluids and an outlet;a pump in fluid communication with the outlet through a multi-way valve; anda reactor in fluid communication with the multi-way valve such that the pump withdraws an amount of fluid from the container into a segment defined between the multi-way valve and the pump and forces the amount of the fluid from the segment into the reactor after transitioning the multi-way valve, wherein an outlet of the reactor constricts a flow of the fluid so that the flow of the fluid through the reactor is pressurized.2. The fluid dispensing system of claim 1 , wherein the flow of the fluid is laminar.3. The fluid dispensing system of claim 1 , wherein the reactor is one of a plurality of reactors disposed over a substrate claim 1 , the plurality of reactors configured to process regions of the substrate in a combinatorial manner.4. The fluid dispensing system of claim 3 , wherein each region is processed in a substantially uniform manner and differences between regions processed differently are due to a parameter being modified for the differently processed regions.5. The fluid dispensing system of claim 1 , wherein the pump is bi-directional and is one of a syringe pump or a peristaltic pump claim 1 , and wherein a heating element provides heat for the fluid in the segment.6. The fluid dispensing system of claim 1 , wherein the reactor includes a plurality of partitions contacting a surface of the substrate claim 1 , the plurality of partitions ...

SYSTEMS FOR FILLING A SAMPLE ARRAY BY DROPLET DRAGGING

A method and an array filling system for loading a plurality of disparate sample containers, the sample containers comprising an integral structure. Each receptacle is characterized by a hydrophilic surface, and the receptacles are separated by a hydrophobic surface. The system has a liquid transfer device capable of holding liquid and adapted for motion to cause sequential communication of liquid held in the liquid transfer device with successive receptacles of the array by dragging the liquid across the hydrophobic surface. 1. An array filling system for transferring liquid to an array of receptacles , each receptacle characterized by a hydrophilic surface , the receptacles separated by a hydrophobic surface ,the system comprising a liquid transfer device capable of holding liquid, the liquid transfer device adapted for motion to cause sequential communication of liquid held in the liquid transfer device with successive receptacles of the array by dragging the liquid across the hydrophobic surface.28.-. (canceled) The present application is a divisional of copending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/820,679, filed Apr. 8, 2004, itself a divisional of U.S. Ser. No. 09/850,123, filed May 7, 2001, claiming priority from U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/239,538, filed Oct. 10, 2000, and also a continuation-in-part of U.S. Ser. No. 09/225,583, filed Jan. 5, 1999, now issued which in turn claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/071,179, filed Jan. 12, 1998, from all of which applications the present application claims priority, and all of which applications are herein incorporated by reference.The present invention pertains to methods for manufacturing and using apparatus for manipulating, transporting, and analyzing a large number of microscopic samples of a liquid or of materials including cells currently or formerly in liquid suspension.Chemistry on the micro-scale, involving the reaction and subsequent analysis of quantities of reagents or ...

SURFACE-BASED TAGMENTATION

Presented herein are methods and compositions surface-based tagmentation. In particular embodiments, methods of preparing an immobilized library of fragmented and tagged DNA molecules on a solid surface are presented. In particular embodiments, the solid surface comprises immobilized transposomes in a dried format, suitable for reconstitution upon contact with liquid, such as a liquid sample. 1. A method of preparing a solid support for DNA amplification comprising:(a) providing a solid support having transposome complexes immobilized thereon;(b) applying a target nucleic acid to the solid support under conditions suitable for tagmentation, thereby immobilizing fragments of the target nucleic acid to the solid support;(c) washing the solid support to remove any unbound nucleic acids; and(d) amplifying the immobilized fragments.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the solid support comprises a sample tube.3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the solid support comprises a membrane.4. The method of any of - claim 1 , wherein the solid support is coated with streptavidin and the transposome complexes comprise biotin.5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the solid support comprises dried tagmentation reagents configured to be reconstituted to form a tagmentation reaction mixture upon contact with a liquid sample.6. The method of claim 5 , wherein the liquid sample comprises a crude cell lysate.7. The method of claim 5 , wherein the liquid sample comprises purified genomic DNA.8. The method of claim 3 , wherein the membrane comprises filter paper.9. A lateral flow device for tagmentation comprising a solid support comprising:i. a sample deposition region;ii. a buffer region; andiii. a tagmentation region comprising immobilized transposome complexes;wherein the solid support is configured for sample migration via capillary action from the sample deposition region to the tagmentation region.10. The lateral flow device of claim 9 , wherein the buffer region comprises lysis reagents ...

DEVICE AND METHOD FOR MAKING DISCRETE VOLUMES OF A FIRST FLUID IN CONTACT WITH A SECOND FLUID, WHICH ARE IMMISCIBLE WITH EACH OTHER

A system may include a first conduit configured to form a first batch of discrete volumes of aqueous fluid separated by spacing liquid disposed between consecutive volumes of aqueous fluid, the spacing liquid being immiscible with the aqueous fluid volumes; a second conduit, fluidically coupled to the first conduit, the second conduit configured to statically hold the first batch of discrete volumes of aqueous fluid; and a third conduit configured to receive the first batch of discrete volumes of aqueous fluid from the second conduit. The third conduit can be configured to transfer the discrete volumes of aqueous fluid of the first batch for downstream processing. 1. A system comprising:a first conduit configured to form a first batch of discrete volumes of aqueous fluid separated by spacing liquid disposed between consecutive volumes of aqueous fluid, the spacing liquid being immiscible with the aqueous fluid volumes;a second conduit, fluidically coupled to the first conduit, the second conduit configured to statically hold the first batch of discrete volumes of aqueous fluid; anda third conduit configured to receive the first batch of discrete volumes of aqueous fluid from the second conduit;wherein the third conduit is configured to transfer the discrete volumes of aqueous fluid of the first batch for downstream processing.2. The system according to claim 1 , wherein the downstream processing comprises a thermal cycling nucleic acid sequence amplification process.3. The system according to claim 2 , wherein the downstream processing comprises a fluorescence detection process.4. The system according to claim 1 , wherein the downstream processing comprises a fluorescence detection process.5. The system according to claim 1 , further comprising a vessel configured to contain the aqueous fluid and another fluid immiscible with the aqueous fluid claim 1 , wherein the vessel is fluidically coupled to flow the aqueous fluid to the first conduit.6. The system of claim 1 ...

TISSUE ENGINEERED MODELS OF CANCERS

A 3D decellularized bone scaffold seeded with cancer cells, such as prostate cancer cells or Ewing's sarcoma is provided. It provides platform technology for controllable, quantitative, long-term studies of tissue-engineered tumors, including prostate cancer and Ewing's sarcoma. The scaffold can be used with cancer cell lines to identify therapeutic targets to slow, stop, and reverse tumor growth and progression as well as to predict the efficacy of potential therapeutics. 1. A three-dimensional cancer model , the model comprising:a decellularized bone scaffold; anda plurality of cells arrayed on the scaffold.2. The model of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of cells comprises cancer cells.3. The model of claim 2 , wherein the cancer cells are selected from the group consisting of:metastatic cancer cells, prostate cancer cells, and Ewing's sarcoma cells.4. The model of claim 3 , wherein the cancer cells comprise a plurality of spheroids.5. The model of claim 1 , wherein the bone scaffold comprises a plurality of perfusion channels.6. The model of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of cells comprises stem cells.7. The model of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of cells comprises osteoblasts.8. The model of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of cells comprises bone tissue cells.9. The model of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of cells comprises patient-derived cells.10. The model of claim 1 , wherein the scaffold is adapted for insertion in one well of a multiple well plate.11. The model of claim 1 , wherein the scaffold is adapted for insertion in one well of a 96-well plate.12. The model of claim 1 , wherein the scaffold is adapted for insertion in one well of a 24-well plate.13. The model of claim 1 , wherein the scaffold has an outer region claim 1 , and inner region claim 1 , and a core region.14. The model of claim 13 , wherein a first portion of the plurality of cells is arrayed in the outer region claim 13 , a second portion of the plurality of cells is arrayed in the ...

MICROSPOTTING DEVICE

Devices and methods are provided for spotting an array with fluid. Arrays produced by such methods are also provided. In one aspect of the invention, a spotter device for spotting a plurality of fluids into an array is described, the spotter device comprising a plurality of reservoirs provided in a first configuration, each reservoir holding its respective fluid, a print head having a plurality of positions provided in a second configuration, the second configuration being different from the first configuration, a plurality of tubes, each tube configured to provide fluid communication from a reservoir at a first end of the tube to a position in the print head at the second end of the tube, and a pump for pumping fluid through the tubes from the reservoir to the print head. 137.-. (canceled)38. A spotter device for spotting a plurality of fluids into an array comprising:a plurality of reservoirs provided in a first configuration, each reservoir holding its respective fluid;a support provided above the reservoirs;a print head having a plurality of positions provided in a second configuration, the second configuration being different from the first configuration;a plurality of tubes, each tube configured to provide fluid communication from a reservoir at a first end of the tube to a position in the print head at the second end of the tube;a plurality of straws, each straw connected to a first end of a corresponding one of the plurality of tubes, each straw extending from the first end of its respective tube and through the support and into a reservoir;a plurality of weights, each straw having one of the plurality of weights positioned above the support to bias the respective straw to a bottom of its respective reservoir; anda pump for simultaneously pumping fluid through each of the tubes from the reservoir to the print head.39. The spotter device of claim 38 , wherein upon removal of the reservoirs claim 38 , each of the plurality of weights rests on the support.40. ...

HIGH EFFICIENCY, SMALL VOLUME NUCLEIC ACID SYNTHESIS

The disclosure generally relates to compositions and methods for the production of nucleic acid molecules. In some aspects, the invention allows for the microscale generation of nucleic acid molecules, optionally followed by assembly of these nucleic acid molecules into larger molecules. In some aspects, the invention allows for efficient production of nucleic acid molecules (e.g., large nucleic acid molecules such as genomes). 1. A multiwell plate for non-template directed synthesis of nucleic acid molecules , the plate comprising:(a) a magnetic bead located in each of a plurality of wells of the plate, and(b) an electrochemically generated acid being present in one or more well,wherein the bead is between 1.0 μm and 100 μm in diameter.23.-. (canceled)4. The multiwell plate of claim 1 , wherein each well is operably connected to a pair of electrodes.5. (canceled)6. A method for the generation of an assembled nucleic acid molecule claim 1 , the method comprising:(a) synthesizing a plurality of nucleic acid molecules, wherein each nucleic acid molecule is prepared in a well of a plate in an average amount of from about 0.001 nanomoles to about 1,000 nanomoles;(b) combining the nucleic acid molecules generated in (a) to produce a pool;(c) joining some or all of the nucleic acid molecules present in the pool formed in (b) to form a plurality of larger nucleic acid molecules;(d) eliminating nucleic acid molecules which contain sequence errors from the plurality of larger nucleic acid molecules formed in (c) to produce an error corrected nucleic acid molecule pool; and(e) assembling the nucleic acid molecules in the error corrected nucleic acid molecule pool to form the assembled nucleic acid molecule.7. The method of claim 6 , wherein the joining in (c) is mediated by polymerase chain reaction and/or ligases.841.-. (canceled)42. A method for producing a plurality of nucleic acid molecules claim 6 , the method comprising:(a) synthesizing the plurality of nucleic acid ...

Kinetic exclusion amplification of nucleic acid libraries

An example method includes reacting a first solution and a different, second solution on a flow cell by flowing the first solution over amplification sites on the flow cell and subsequently flowing the second solution over the amplification sites. The first solution includes target nucleic acids and a first reagent mixture that comprises nucleoside triphosphates and replication enzymes. The target nucleic acids in the first solution transport to and bind to the amplification sites at a transport rate. The first reagent mixture amplifies the target nucleic acids that are bound to the amplification sites to produce clonal populations of amplicons originating from corresponding target nucleic acids. The amplicons are produced at an amplification rate that exceeds the transport rate. The second solution includes a second reagent mixture and lacks the target nucleic acids. The second solution is to increase a number of the amplicons at the amplification sites.

METHODS AND COMPOSITIONS OF LOCALIZING NUCLEIC ACIDS TO ARRAYS

Methods and compositions are disclosed relating to the localization of nucleic acids to arrays such as silane-free arrays, and of sequencing the nucleic acids localized thereby. 1. (canceled)2. A population of template nucleic acids , wherein each template nucleic acid comprises a first end , and a second end capable of hybridizing to SEQ ID NO:05 , wherein a plurality of the template nucleic acids in the population are different from each other.3. The population of claim 2 , wherein the second end comprises SEQ ID NO:04.4. The population of claim 2 , wherein the first end is capable of hybridizing to SEQ ID NO:03.5. The population of claim 2 , wherein the first end comprises SEQ ID NO:11.6. The population of claim 2 , wherein a remainder polynucleotide is disposed between the first end and the second end.7. The population of claim 2 , wherein the template nucleic acids have a length greater than 300 nucleotides.8. The population of claim 2 , wherein the template nucleic acids comprise genomic DNA.9. The population claim 2 , wherein the first end or second end is capable of hybridizing at 5×SSC and 40° C.10. A composition comprising the population of template nucleic acids of hybridized to a plurality of first oligonucleotides via the first ends of the template nucleic acids claim 2 , wherein the first oligonucleotides are immobilized on a substrate.11. The composition of claim 10 , wherein the first ends are capable of hybridizing to SEQ ID NO:03.12. The composition of claim 10 , wherein a plurality of the first ends comprise SEQ ID NO:11.13. The composition of claim 10 , wherein the first oligonucleotides comprise SEQ ID NO:03.14. The composition of claim 10 , wherein a plurality of the second ends of the template nucleic acids comprise SEQ ID NO:04.15. The composition of claim 10 , further comprising a plurality of second oligonucleotides immobilized on a substrate.16. The composition of claim 15 , wherein the plurality of second oligonucleotides comprise SEQ ID ...

PROCESS AND SYSTEM FOR PRODUCING PULP, ENERGY, AND BIODERIVATIVES FROM PLANT-BASED AND RECYCLED MATERIALS

The presently disclosed subject matter relates to an industrial system for processing various plant materials to produce marketable materials. Particularly, the system integrates subcritical water extraction technology and includes a pre-processing module and a two-stage extractor (processing module) with constant control of temperature, pressure, and/or residence time. In some embodiments, the final product of the disclosed system can include feedstock constituents for biofuel production (sugars and/or oil), biochar, raw materials for various industries (such as pulp for manufacturing paper or cellulose for use in various industries). The disclosed system can be modular or non-modular, stationary or mobile, and can include prefabricated elements with programmed automatic or manual operation so that it can be easily moved and/or assembled on site. 1. (canceled)2. A method of producing pulp comprising:processing a feedstock into a processing size; andusing a subcritical water treatment process, treating the feedstock with a catalyst that comprises an alkaline catalyst at a concentration of about 1.5 to 10 weight percent or less in a reactor assembly having:an operating condition at a pressure and a temperature at a constant level that is held for a defined period of time to break down carbohydrates of a first chain strength to produce a pulp product.3. The method of claim 2 , wherein the feedstock comprises one or more of seeds and agricultural crop wastes and residues such as corn stover claim 2 , wheat straw claim 2 , rice straw claim 2 , sugar cane bagasse claim 2 , and hemp.4. The method of claim 2 , wherein the feedstock comprises hemp.5. The method of claim 2 , wherein the method provides for continuous flow of material through the reactor such that the process provides for continuous manufacture of paper pulp product claim 2 , cellulose claim 2 , or combinations thereof.6. The method of claim 2 , wherein the method is modular and scalable claim 2 , stationary ...

MODULAR REACTOR SYSTEMS AND DEVICES, METHODS OF MANUFACTURING THE SAME AND METHODS OF PERFORMING REACTIONS

Aspects of the present invention provide a modular reactor device having an outer housing, and a plurality of components contained within the outer housing, the components including: a reaction chamber; a fluid pathway connected to the reaction chamber; and a valve arranged to control flow of fluid within the device, wherein the outer housing has a plurality of connection ports providing connections from the exterior of the device to the interior, the connection ports including: a fluid input and a fluid output; an electrical input; and a pneumatic input; wherein either the electrical input or the pneumatic input is connected to the valve to provide for control of the valve, and either the fluid input or the fluid output is connected to the reaction chamber or the fluid pathway. Other aspects provide a base station for receiving and controlling a modular reactor device and methods for manufacturing the modular reactor device and for performing reactions using a modular reactor device. 1. A modular reactor device having an outer housing , and a plurality of components contained within the outer housing , the components including:a reaction chamber;a fluid pathway connected to the reaction chamber; anda valve arranged to control flow of fluid within the device,wherein the outer housing has a plurality of connection ports providing connections from the exterior of the device to the interior, the connection ports including:a fluid input and a fluid output;an electrical input; anda pneumatic input;wherein either the electrical input or the pneumatic input is connected to the valve to provide for control of the valve, andeither the fluid input or the fluid output is connected to the reaction chamber or the fluid pathway.2. A modular reactor device according to wherein the plurality of components further includes a storage compartment and a fluid pathway connecting the storage compartment and the reaction chamber.3. A modular reactor device according to wherein at least ...

Enzyme quantification

The invention generally relates to methods for quantifying an amount of enzyme molecules. Systems and methods of the invention are provided for measuring an amount of target by forming a plurality of fluid partitions, a subset of which include the target, performing an enzyme-catalyzed reaction in the subset, and detecting the number of partitions in the subset. The amount of target can be determined based on the detected number.

Microspotting device

Devices and methods are provided for spotting an array with fluid. Arrays produced by such methods are also provided. In one aspect of the invention, a spotter device for spotting a plurality of fluids into an array is described, the spotter device comprising a plurality of reservoirs provided in a first configuration, each reservoir holding its respective fluid, a print head having a plurality of positions provided in a second configuration, the second configuration being different from the first configuration, a plurality of tubes, each tube configured to provide fluid communication from a reservoir at a first end of the tube to a position in the print head at the second end of the tube, and a pump for pumping fluid through the tubes from the reservoir to the print head.

METHODS AND COMPOSITIONS OF LOCALIZING NUCLEIC ACIDS TO ARRAYS

Methods and compositions are disclosed relating to the localization of nucleic acids to arrays such as silane-free arrays, and of sequencing the nucleic acids localized thereby. 1. (canceled)2. A population of template nucleic acids , wherein each template nucleic acid comprises a first end capable of hybridizing to SEQ ID NO:03 , and a second end , wherein the template nucleic acids are different from each other.3. The population of claim 2 , wherein the first end comprises SEQ ID NO:11.4. The population of claim 2 , wherein the second end is capable of hybridizing to SEQ ID NO:05.5. The population of claim 2 , wherein the second end comprises SEQ ID NO: 4.6. The population of claim 2 , wherein a remainder polynucleotide is disposed between the first end and the second end.7. The population of claim 2 , wherein the template nucleic acids have a length greater than 300 nucleotides.8. The population of claim 2 , wherein the template nucleic acids comprise genomic DNA.9. The population claim 2 , wherein the first end is capable of hybridizing at 5×SSC and 40° C.10. A composition comprising: the population of template nucleic acids of hybridized to a plurality of first oligonucleotides via the first ends of the template nucleic acids claim 2 , wherein the first oligonucleotides are immobilized on a substrate.11. The composition of claim 10 , wherein the first oligonucleotides comprise SEQ ID NO:03.12. The composition of claim 10 , wherein the second ends of the template nucleic acids are capable of hybridizing to SEQ ID NO:05.13. The composition of claim 12 , wherein the second ends of the template nucleic acids comprise SEQ ID NO: 4.14. The composition of claim 10 , further comprising a plurality of second oligonucleotides immobilized on a substrate.15. The composition of claim 14 , wherein the plurality of second oligonucleotides comprise SEQ ID NO:04.16. The composition of claim 10 , wherein the immobilized first oligonucleotides each comprise a polyT spacer ...

MOLECULAR CHAIN SYNTHESIZER

An apparatus for optically-verified de novo DNA synthesis includes a microfluidic system that has channels leading in and out of a synthesis chamber having a functionalized region on a floor thereof on which a single-strand of DNA to which a nucleotide is to be attached can be fixed. The chamber is in optical communication with both an illumination system, which excites an electron in a fluorophore that is attached to the DNA strand, a detection system, which detects a signature photon emitted as the excited electron decays into its ground state. 1. An apparatus comprising a microfluidic system , a detection system , and an excitation system , wherein said microfluidic system includes a first manufacturing unit , wherein said first manufacturing unit includes a chamber , a first channel , a second channel , and a functionalized region , wherein said functionalized region is configured for holding a molecular chain to which a monomer is to be attached , wherein said functionalized region is disposed in said chamber , wherein said chamber is in optical communication with said detection system , wherein said chamber is in optical communication with said excitation system , wherein said first channel connects to said chamber , wherein said second channel connects to said chamber , wherein said detection system comprises a detector tuned to detect a signature photon from a fluorophore that is attached to said single strand , said single strand having been attached to said functionalized region , and wherein said excitation system comprises a light source disposed for illuminating said fluorophore , said light source being configured to stimulate a specific electronically excited state.2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein said microfluidic system is formed on a substrate claim 1 , said apparatus further comprising a second manufacturing unit that has the same structure as said first manufacturing unit claim 1 , wherein said second manufacturing unit is formed on said ...

CUSTOMIZED REAGENT PLATES

Disclosed are high concentration reagents for use in preparing DNA samples in low volume reactions. Such reagents include, for example, DNA end repair buffers for use in low volume DNA blunting and phosphorylating reactions, DNA adenylating buffers for use in a low volume DNA adenylating reaction, and DNA ligation buffers for use in low volume DNA adaptor ligation reactions with adaptors. Also disclosed are customized reagent plates and kits containing one or more of these low volume buffers for use in low volume DNA blunting, phosphorylating, adenylating, and ligation reactions. Methods of using the high concentration reagents (low volume buffers) and the customized reagent plates for preparing DNA sequencing libraries in low volume reactions are also disclosed. 1. A reagent plate for use in low volume DNA blunting and phosphorylating reactions , said reagent plate having at least one well containing a DNA end repair buffer for use in said low volume DNA blunting and phosphorylating reactions , said DNA end repair buffer comprising:a high concentration DNA end repair buffer mixture comprising: (i) deoxynucleoside triphosphates at a concentration ranging from 1 mM to 2.5 mM; (ii) Tris-HCl at a concentration ranging from 150 mM to 450 mM at a pH of 7.5 to 8.0; (iii) NaCl at a concentration ranging from 60 mM to 300 mM; (iv) MgCl2 at a concentration ranging from 6 mM to 60 mM; (v) DTT at a concentration ranging from 6 mM to 30 mM; and (vi) ATP at a concentration ranging from 6 mM to 15 mM,wherein said high concentration DNA end repair buffer mixture, when provided at a volume ranging from 2.5 μL to 5 μL, is suitable for performing low volume blunting and phosphorylating reactions of sample DNA fragments with a mixture of end repair enzymes in a single container, wherein said sample of DNA fragments is provided at a volume ranging from 10 μL to 20 μL, andwherein said mixture of end repair enzymes comprises a DNA blunting enzyme at a concentration ranging from 0.2 U/μL ...

Modular Flow Cell and Adjustment System

A combinatorial processing system having modular dispense heads is provided. The modular dispense heads are disposed on a rail system enabling an adjustable pitch of the modular dispense heads for the combinatorial processing. The modular dispense heads are configured so that sections of the modular dispense heads are detachable in order to accommodate various processes through a first section without having to completely disconnect and re-connect facilities to a second section. 1. A combinatorial processing system , comprising:a reaction chamber configured to define a site-isolated region on a surface of a substrate;a first dispense head section comprising at least one first channel extending therethrough and at least one valve in fluid communication with the at least one first channel, wherein the first dispense head section is configured to be coupled to at least one processing fluid supply such that the at least one first channel is in fluid communication with the at least one processing fluid supply through the at least one valve; anda plurality of second dispense head sections, wherein each of the plurality of second dispense head sections comprises at least one second channel extending therethrough and is configured to be partially inserted into the reaction chamber and detachably coupled to the first dispense head section such that the at least one second channel is in fluid communication with the at least one first channel, and wherein each of the plurality of second dispense head sections is configured to perform a process on the site-isolated region using processing fluid from the at least one processing fluid supply different than the others of the plurality of second sections.2. The combinatorial processing system of claim 1 , wherein the first dispense head section comprises a plurality of first channels extending therethrough and a plurality of valves claim 1 , each of the plurality of valves being in fluid communication with a respective one of the ...

APPARATUSES FOR REACTION SCREENING AND OPTIMIZATION, AND METHODS THEREOF

Embodiments in accordance with the present disclosure are directed to apparatuses used for reaction screening and optimization purposes. An example apparatus includes a plurality of reaction vessels, a dispensing subsystem, at least one reactor module, an analysis subsystem, an automation subsystem, and control circuitry. The dispensing subsystem delivers reagents to the plurality of reaction vessels for a plurality of reaction mixtures having varied reaction conditions. The at least one reactor module drives a plurality of reactions within the plurality of reaction vessels. The analysis subsystem analyzes compositions contained in the plurality of reaction vessels. The automation subsystem selectively moves the plurality of reaction vessels from a location proximal to the dispensing subsystem to the at least one reactor module based on experimental design parameters. And, the control circuitry identifies optimum reaction conditions for a target end product based on the analysis. 1. An apparatus for reaction screening and optimization , comprising:a substrate including a plurality of reaction vessels;a dispensing subsystem configured and arranged to deliver reagents to the plurality of reaction vessels for a plurality of reaction mixtures having varied reaction conditions;at least one reactor module configured and arranged to drive a plurality of reactions within the plurality of reaction vessels and in accordance with the varied reaction conditions;an analysis subsystem configured and arranged to analyze compositions contained in the plurality of reaction vessels after the reactions have begun, the analysis being at a speed on an order of one reaction per second;an automation subsystem configured and arranged to selectively move the plurality of reaction vessels from a location proximal to the dispensing subsystem to the at least one reactor module based on experimental design parameters; andcontrol circuitry configured and arranged to provide the experimental ...

METHODS OF LOCALIZING NUCLEIC ACIDS TO ARRAYS

Methods and compositions are disclosed relating to the localization of nucleic acids to arrays such as silane-free arrays, and of sequencing the nucleic acids localized thereby. 1. (canceled)2. A population of polynucleotides comprising template nucleic acids having a first end capable of hybridizing to SEQ ID NO: 3 and a second end capable of hybridizing to SEQ ID NO: 4 , wherein the template nucleic acids are different from each other.3. The population of claim 2 , wherein the template nucleic acids comprise genomic DNA.4. The population of claim 2 , further comprising amplified template nucleic acids.5. The population of claim 2 , wherein the template nucleic acids comprise more than 300 base pairs of nucleotides.6. The population of claim 2 , wherein the first end comprises the reverse complement of SEQ ID NO: 3 claim 2 , and the second end comprises the reverse complement of SEQ ID NO: 4.7. A composition comprising:a solid support comprising a surface;a plurality of immobilized nucleic acids bound to the surface, wherein the immobilized nucleic acids each comprise a primer sequence selected from SEQ ID NO: 3 and SEQ ID NO:4; anda population of template nucleic acids, wherein each template nucleic acid comprises a first end capable of hybridizing to SEQ ID NO: 3 and a second end capable of hybridizing to SEQ ID NO: 4, wherein at least one end of each template nucleic acid is hybridized to the primer sequence of an immobilized nucleic acid.8. The composition of claim 7 , wherein each end of each template nucleic acid is hybridized to the primer sequence of an immobilized nucleic acid.9. The composition of claim 7 , wherein the template nucleic acids are different from each other.10. The composition of claim 7 , wherein the template nucleic acids comprise genomic DNA.11. The composition of claim 7 , wherein the template nucleic acids comprise more than 300 base pairs of nucleotides.12. The composition of claim 7 , wherein the first end comprises the reverse ...

FORMATION OF ARRAY OF MEMBRANES AND APPARATUS THEREFOR

An array of membranes comprising amphipathic molecules is formed using an apparatus comprising a support defining an array of compartments. Volumes comprising polar medium are provided within respective compartments and a layer comprising apolar medium is provided extending across the openings with the volumes. Polar medium is flowed across the support to displace apolar medium and form a layer in contact with the volumes, forming membranes comprising amphipathic molecules at the interfaces. In one construction of the apparatus, the support that comprises partitions which comprise inner portions and outer portions. The inner portions define inner recesses without gaps therebetween that are capable of constraining the volumes comprising polar medium contained in neighbouring inner recesses from contacting each other. The outer portions extend outwardly from the inner portions and have gaps allowing the flow of an apolar medium across the substrate. 1. A method of forming an array of membranes comprising amphipathic molecules , the method comprising:providing an apparatus comprising a support defining an array of compartments having openings through which polar medium may be introduced;disposing polar medium and apolar medium onto the support to provide volumes comprising polar medium within respective compartments so that the volumes comprising polar medium are constrained from contacting volumes comprising polar medium in neighbouring compartments, and a layer comprising apolar medium extending across the openings in the support in contact with the volumes comprising polar medium; andflowing polar medium across the openings in the support to displace apolar medium and form a layer comprising polar medium extending across the openings in the support in contact with the volumes comprising polar medium and membranes comprising amphipathic molecules at the interfaces between the layer comprising polar medium and the volumes comprising polar medium.2. A method according ...

SYSTEMS, METHODS AND DEVICES FOR PRODUCING, MANUFACTURING AND CONTROL OF RADIOPHARMACEUTICALS

Systems, methods, and devices for generating radionuclides for use in production of radiopharmaceuticals; synthesizing the radionuclides generated and removing any unwanted products; measuring the quantity and activity level of the synthesized radionuclides; distributively delivering the radionuclides in appropriate quantities to modular cassette synthesis units in a modular cassette subsystem for contemporaneous/parallel production of radiopharmaceutical output and that allow reuse and/or quick, safe, and disposable replacement of portions of the subsystem; delivering non-radionuclide components to the modular cassette synthesis units as part of production of radiopharmaceutical output; measuring the quantity and activity level of each stream of radiopharmaceutical output; purifying the radiopharmaceutical output; dispensing individual doses in sterile vial(s); automatically producing labeling and dose related information; performing automated quality control on extracted samples of produced radiopharmaceutical output; and providing software and hardware controls for overall and sub-portion operation for optional remote data collection, communication, and/or control. 173-. (canceled)74. A radiopharmaceutical production system comprising:a synthesis unit comprising a plurality of synthesis components;a connection receiving an active product from an active product generator; anda splitter positioned between the connection and the synthesis unit that divides and routes the active product to the plurality of synthesis components in the synthesis unit,wherein each of the plurality of synthesis components is configured to use the active product to produce at least one radiopharmaceutical.75. The system according to claim 74 , wherein the splitter comprises:a vessel for receiving the active product; anda synthesis unit selector that directs a predetermined amount of the active product to at least one of the plurality of synthesis components.76. The system according to ...

HIGH EFFICIENCY, SMALL VOLUME NUCLEIC ACID SYNTHESIS

The disclosure generally relates to compositions and methods for the production of nucleic acid molecules. In some aspects, the invention allows for the microscale generation of nucleic acid molecules, optionally followed by assembly of these nucleic acid molecules into larger molecules. In some aspects, the invention allows for efficient production of nucleic acid molecules (e.g., large nucleic acid molecules such as genomes). 1. A multiwell plate for non-template directed synthesis of nucleic acid molecules , the plate comprising:(a) a magnetic bead located in each of a plurality of wells of the plate, and(b) an electrochemically generated acid being present in one or more well, wherein the bead is between 1.0 μm and 100 μm in diameter.2. The multiwell plate of claim 1 , wherein the number of wells in the plate is between 10 and 50 claim 1 ,000.3. The multiwell plate of claim 1 , wherein the total volume of each well is between 0.1 μl and 50 μl.4. The multiwell plate of claim 1 , wherein each well is operably connected to a pair of electrodes.5. The multiwell plate of claim 1 , wherein the wells of the plate are connected to microfluidic channels for the introduction and removal of reagents.616.-. (canceled)17. A method for producing a product nucleic acid molecule claim 1 , the method comprising:(a) designing the product nucleic acid molecule of between 10 kilobases and 500 kilobases in size, wherein the product nucleic acid molecule is defined by nucleotide sequence;{'sup': 7', '9, '(b) synthesizing a plurality of individual nucleic acid molecules which differ in nucleotide sequence, wherein each individual nucleic acid molecule is synthesized to prepare a quantity of between 1.0×10and 1.0×10copies and wherein the individual nucleic acid molecules are capable of hybridizing with one or more of the other individual nucleic acid molecules;'}(c) combining the individual nucleic acid molecules synthesized in (b) under conditions which allow for hybridization of the ...

ENZYME QUANTIFICATION

The invention generally relates to methods for quantifying an amount of enzyme molecules. Systems and methods of the invention are provided for measuring an amount of target by forming a plurality of fluid partitions, a subset of which include the target, performing enzyme-catalyzed reaction in the subset, and detecting the number of partitions in the sunset. The amount of target can be determined based on the detected number. 1. A method for identifying components of a chemical reaction , the method comprising:forming fluid partitions comprising components of a chemical reaction, wherein at least one of said components comprises a detectable label that is acted on by said chemical reaction;conducting said chemical reaction;determining an amount of at least one of said components based upon one or more properties of the detectable label in said fluid partitions.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the one or more properties of the detectable label includes amount of the detectable label.3. The method of claim 2 , wherein the amount of the detectable label is detected by an optical property.4. The method of claim 1 , further comprising the step of identifying fluid partitions that contain released detectable label.5. The method of claim 1 , wherein said components comprise an enzyme and at least one substrate of the enzyme.6. The method of claim 5 , wherein said enzyme catalyzes a reaction that results in release of the detectable label from said substrate.7. The method of claim 6 , wherein said determining step comprises quantifying an amount of enzyme in said fluid partitions.8. The method of claim 7 , further comprising determining a number of enzyme molecules within each partition based upon signal strength of the detectable label.9. The method according to claim 1 , wherein determining the amount of the least one of said components is based upon a localized concentration of the detectable label.10. The method according to claim 9 , wherein the localized ...

PROCESS AND SYSTEM FOR PRODUCING PULP, ENERGY, AND BIODERIVATIVES FROM PLANT-BASED AND RECYCLED MATERIALS

The presently disclosed subject matter relates to an industrial system for processing various plant materials to produce marketable materials. Particularly, the system integrates subcritical water extraction technology and includes a pre-processing module and a two-stage extractor (processing module) with constant control of temperature, pressure, and/or residence time. In some embodiments, the final product of the disclosed system can include feedstock constituents for biofuel production (sugars and/or oil), biochar, raw materials for various industries (such as pulp for manufacturing paper or cellulose for use in various industries). The disclosed system can be modular or non-modular, stationary or mobile, and can include prefabricated elements with programmed automatic or manual operation so that it can be easily moved and/or assembled on site. 1. (canceled)2. A system comprising:a pre-processing portion having a mechanical processor/material handler for a preparation of feedstock material; andan extractor portion comprising a reactor or a reactor assembly to which feedstock and subcritical water is supplied, the reactor or reactor assembly having:a first operating condition at a first pressure and a first temperature at a constant level that is held for a first defined period of time to break down carbohydrates of a first chain strength,wherein the reactor assembly comprises an assembly of one or more reactors followed by one or more pressure control valves, heat exchangers for cooling down the outputs from the reactor, and separators to collect valuable materials from the water phase and consequently recycle the water.3. The system of claim 2 , wherein the reactor assembly comprises continuous-type reactors or batch-type reactors.4. The system according to claim 2 , further including:a high pressure pump for increasing a pressure in the system, wherein a variable speed and flow rate are provided;a pressure control valve for maintaining pressure in the first ...

DISPENSING DEVICE AND METHOD

A system is provided for dispensing a plurality of droplets substantially simultaneously onto a substrate (). The liquids are stored in wells in a manifold plate () and transferred via micro capillaries to a transfer block (). The transfer block comprises capillary through channels () which lead to outlets (). The transfer block can be moved so that outlets can be brought into contact with the surface of the substrate and capillary action between the outlets and the surface of the substrate will cause a droplet of liquid to be loaded from each outlet onto the surface. 1. A system for transferring one or more liquids from a reservoir to a substrate comprising:a manifold plate with one or more liquid reservoirs wherein each reservoir is connected via one or more capillaries to an outlet surface where each capillary has an outlet and wherein the outlets are formed in a dispensing array on said outlet surface;a transfer block with a first, liquid-receiving surface and a second, liquid dispensing surface, wherein the transfer block comprises capillary through channels running from the liquid receiving surface to the liquid-dispensing surface wherein each of the capillary through channels have an inlet on the liquid-receiving surface and said inlets form an inlet array which matches the size and shape of the dispensing array of outlets on the manifold plate, and wherein each of the capillary through channels has an outlet on the liquid-dispensing surface and said outlets form a dispensing array, and a transport device for bringing the outlet ports on said outlet surface of the manifold plate into contact with the inlets on said liquid-receiving surface of the transfer block.2. A system according to claim 1 , further comprising a liquid-receiving substrate with a surface for receiving liquid comprising liquid-receiving areas in a liquid-receiving array of the same shape and size as the outlet array on the liquid dispensing surface of the transfer block claim 1 , and a ...

Microspotting Device

Devices and methods are provided for spotting an array with fluid. Arrays produced by such methods are also provided. In one aspect of the invention, a spotter device for spotting a plurality of fluids into an array is described, the spotter device comprising a plurality of reservoirs provided in a first configuration, each reservoir holding its respective fluid, a print head having a plurality of positions provided in a second configuration, the second configuration being different from the first configuration, a plurality of tubes, each tube configured to provide fluid communication from a reservoir at a first end of the tube to a position in the print head at the second end of the tube, and a pump for pumping fluid through the tubes from the reservoir to the print head. 1. A spotter device for spotting a plurality of fluids into an array comprising:a plurality of reservoirs provided in a first configuration, each reservoir holding its respective fluid,a print head having a plurality of positions provided in a second configuration, the second configuration being different from the first configuration,a plurality of tubes, each tube configured to provide fluid communication from a reservoir at a first end of the tube to a position in the print head at the second end of the tube, anda pump for pumping fluid through the tubes from the reservoir to the print head.2. The spotter device of claim 1 , further comprisinga support provided above the reservoirs,a plurality of straws, each straw connected to a first end of its respective tube, each straw extending from the first end of its respective tube and through the support and into a reservoir, each straw having a weight positioned above the support to bias the straw to a bottom of the straw's respective reservoir.3. The spotter device of claim 2 , wherein upon removal of the reservoirs claim 2 , the weights rest on the support.4. The spotter device of claim 2 , wherein the straws are rigid or semi-rigid claim 2 , and ...

MODULAR ORGAN MICROPHYSIOLOGICAL SYSTEM WITH MICROBIOME

Fluidic multiwell bioreactors are provided as a microphysiological platform for in vitro investigation of multi-organ crosstalks with microbiome for an extended period of time of at least weeks and months. The platform has one or more improvements over existing bioreactors, including on-board pumping for pneumatically driven fluid flow, a redesigned spillway for self-leveling from source to sink, a non-contact built-in fluid level sensing device, precise control on fluid flow profile and partitioning, and facile reconfigurations such as daisy chaining and multilayer stacking. The platform supports the culture of multiple organs together with microbiome in a microphysiological, interacted systems, suitable for a wide range of biomedical applications including systemic toxicity studies and physiology-based pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic predictions. A process to fabricate the bioreactors is also provided. 1. A fluidic multiwell device with an on-board pumping system comprising: two or more wells comprising', 'a three-dimensional space in each well defined by a bottom surface and a circumferential wall; and', 'an inlet and an outlet in each well;, '(a) a first plate comprisinga spillway conduit positioned between the at least two wells, having geometries that allow unidirectional fluid connectivity from above the bottom surface of a first well to a second well;a network of fluid paths providing fluid connectivity between at least two of the wells through the inlet and the outlet of each of the two wells;(b) a detachable second plate comprising:a plurality of internal channels, each with an inlet opening and an outlet opening on opposing sides of the second plate,and one or more holes on the surface of the second plate in connection with each of the internal channels; and(c) a barrier membrane positioned between the fluid paths of the first plate and the one or more holes on the surface of the second plate, optionally bonded to the first plate,wherein the barrier ...

Systems for Filling a Sample Array by Droplet Dragging

A method and an array filling system for loading a plurality of disparate sample containers, the sample containers comprising an integral structure. Each receptacle is characterized by a hydrophilic surface,, and the receptacles are separated by a hydrophobic surface. The system has a liquid transfer device capable of holding liquid and adapted for motion to cause sequential communication of liquid held in the liquid transfer device with successive receptacles of the array by dragging the liquid across the hydrophobic surface.

Plasma reactor and method for decomposing a hydrocarbon fluid

In a plasma reactor for decomposing a hydrocarbon fluid, the deposition of C particles is to be reduced or completely prevented. In order to achieve this object, there is described a plasma reactor for decomposing a hydrocarbon fluid which comprises a reactor chamber enclosed by a reactor wall and having at least one hydrocarbon fluid inlet and at least one outlet, and in addition it comprises a plasma burner having at least two elongated electrodes which each have a base part that is fixed to the reactor wall and a burner part which projects into the reactor chamber and has a free end. The hydrocarbon fluid inlet opens out into the reactor chamber in such a manner that a hydrocarbon fluid flowing out therefrom flows in a space between the reactor wall and the electrodes along at least one electrode to the free end thereof. A high flow rate of the fluid is thereby achieved and the direction of flow of the incoming fluid is directed away from the hydrocarbon fluid inlet.

MICROREACTOR SYSTEM

A microreactor system that can mix fluids at precise timing has two inlets into which fluids are introduced and merges, in a channel, a first fluid introduced from a first inlet and a second fluid introduced from a second inlet, a first pump that sends the first fluid toward the inlets, and a second pump that sends the second fluid toward the inlets, a first fluid detector that detects an arrival of the first fluid at the first inlet, and a second fluid detector that detects an arrival of the second fluid at the second inlet. 1. A microreactor system comprising:a microreactor that has two inlets into which fluids are introduced and a channel merging the fluids, and mixes, in the channel, a first fluid introduced from a first inlet of the inlets and a second fluid introduced from a second inlet of the inlets;a first pump that sends the first fluid toward the inlets;a second pump that sends the second fluid toward the inlets;a first fluid detector that detects an arrival of the first fluid at the first inlet; anda second fluid detector that detects an arrival of the second fluid at the second inlet,wherein the first pump, after starting a transfer of the first fluid toward the first inlet, stops the transfer by detection by the first fluid detector,the second pump, after starting a transfer of the second fluid toward the second inlet, stops the transfer by detection by the second fluid detector,each of the first pump and the second pump resumes the transfer after the transfer of the first fluid is stopped and after the transfer of the second fluid is stopped, andthe first fluid of which transfer has been temporarily stopped and the second fluid of which transfer has been temporarily stopped are introduced into the microreactor and mixed.2. A microreactor system comprising:a microreactor that has two inlets into which fluids are introduced and a channel merging the fluids, and mixes, in the channel, a first fluid introduced from a first inlet of the inlets and a second ...

METHODS AND COMPOSITIONS FOR PROCESSING CHEMICAL REACTIONS

Disclosed herein are compositions, methods and systems for the processing of chemical reactions, such as the synthesis of polymers. 118-. (canceled)19. A chemical reaction processing system comprising:a substrate comprising a plurality of depressions and a porous material comprising a plurality of reaction sites, said porous material fixed in at least some of the depressions of said plurality of depressions; andone or more dispensing stations configured to dispense a liquid reagent into said at least some of the depressions.2023-. (canceled)24. The system of claim 19 , wherein each of said one or more dispensing stations comprises a plurality of nozzles.25. The system of claim 19 , wherein the porous material has a surface area to volume ratio greater than five.26. The system of further comprising a sensor for detecting the presence of a depression at a dispensing station.27. The system of claim 26 , wherein the sensor activates dispensing from the dispensing station when a leading edge of a depression engages the sensor.28. The system of claim 26 , wherein the sensor deactivates dispensing from the dispensing station when a trailing edge of a depression engages the sensor.29. The system of further comprising a reagent removal system.30. The system of claim 29 , wherein the reagent removal system comprises an inlet that produces a stream of gas capable of extracting reagent from the porous material.31. The system of claim 29 , wherein the reagent removal system comprises an outlet that produces a vacuum that is capable of extracting reagent from the porous material.32. The system of further comprising a control system that coordinates reagent dispensing and reagent removal.33. The system of claim 19 , wherein the one or more dispensing stations dispense reagents selected from a deblock reagent claim 19 , a monomer reagent claim 19 , an oxidizing reagent claim 19 , a capping reagent and a wash reagent.34. The system of claim 19 , wherein the substrate comprises a ...

SYSTEM AND DEVICE FOR HIGH THROUGHPUT GENERATION OF COMBINATORIAL DROPLETS AND METHODS OF USE

The present invention is directed to a microfluidic system comprising a microfluidic chip and a method of performing a chemical assay wherein a sample is processed into multiple daughter droplets and said daughter droplets are incubated with varying reagents. The properties of these droplets can be detected to provide assay data. 1. A microfluidic system comprising: a droplet formation section comprising a sample input channel,', 'a droplet splitting section fluidly connected to said droplet formation section, and', 'a reagent injection section fluidly connected said droplet splitting section;, 'a microfluidic chip comprising a chip body defininga first sample source selectively connected to said sample input channel;a second sample source selectively connected to said sample input channel; anda rinsing fluid source selectively connected to said sample input channel.2. A microfluidic system as in claim 1 , wherein an automated sample loading system is fluidly connected to said microfluidic chip.3. A microfluidic system as in claim 1 , wherein an impedance detection system is fluidly connected to said microfluidic chip.4. A microfluidic system as in claim 1 , wherein a sample detection system is fluidly connected to said microfluidic chip.5. A microfluidic chip comprising a chip body defining: a main channel,', 'a sample input channel having a first end fluidly connected to said main channel and a second end configured to receive sample and rinsing fluid,', 'an input-channel valve in said input channel to selectively allow and block fluid flow from said sample input channel to said main channel,', 'a rinsing channel fluidly connected to said sample input channel at a position between said input-channel valve and said second end of said sample input channel, and', 'a rinsing-channel valve in said rinsing channel to selectively allow and block fluid flow from said input channel to said rinsing channel,', 'wherein said droplet formation section has a first configuration ...

HIGH EFFICIENCY, SMALL VOLUME NUCLEIC ACID SYNTHESIS

The disclosure generally relates to compositions and methods for the production of nucleic acid molecules. In some aspects, the invention allows for the microscale generation of nucleic acid molecules, optionally followed by assembly of these nucleic acid molecules into larger molecules. In some aspects, the invention allows for efficient production of nucleic acid molecules (e.g., large nucleic acid molecules such as genomes). 1. A multiwell plate for non-template directed synthesis of nucleic acid molecules , the plate comprising:(a) a magnetic bead located in each of a plurality of wells of the plate, and(b) an electrochemically generated acid being present in one or more well, wherein the bead is between 1.0 μm and 100 μm in diameter.2. The multiwell plate of claim 1 , wherein the number of wells in the plate is between 10 and 50 claim 1 ,000.3. The multiwell plate of claim 1 , wherein the total volume of each well is between 0.1 μl and 50 μl.4. The multiwell plate of claim 1 , wherein each well is operably connected to a pair of electrodes.5. The multiwell plate of claim 1 , wherein the wells of the plate are connected to microfluidic channels for the introduction and removal of reagents.6. A method for the generation of an assembled nucleic acid molecule claim 1 , the method comprising:(a) synthesizing a plurality of nucleic acid molecules, wherein each nucleic acid molecule is prepared in a well of a plate in an average amount of from about 0.001 nanomoles to about 1,000 nanomoles;(b) combining the nucleic acid molecules generated in (a) to produce a pool;(c) joining some or all of the nucleic acid molecules present in the pool formed in (b) to form a plurality of larger nucleic acid molecules;(d) eliminating nucleic acid molecules which contain sequence errors from the plurality of larger nucleic acid molecules formed in (c) to produce an error corrected nucleic acid molecule pool; and(e) assembling the nucleic acid molecules in the error corrected nucleic ...

Coated Substrate for Biological Reaction Systems

An apparatus for biological reactions is provided. The apparatus includes a substrate and a plurality of reaction sites within the substrate. A surface of the substrate is configured to have a first hydrophilicity and each surface of the plurality of reaction sites is configured to have a second hydrophilicity to load a substantial number of reaction sites with a sample volume. The sample volume of each loaded reaction site is substantially confined to its respective reaction site. The sample volume is configured to undergo a biological reaction within the reaction site. 1. An apparatus for biological reactions , the apparatus comprising:a substrate; anda plurality of reaction sites within the substrate,wherein a surface of the substrate is configured to have a first hydrophilicity and each surface of the plurality of reaction sites is configured to have a second hydrophilicity to load a substantial number of reaction sites with a sample volume,wherein the sample volume of each loaded reaction site is substantially confined to its respective reaction site, andwherein the sample volume is configured to undergo a biological reaction within the reaction site.2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the first hydrophilicity results in an advancing water contact angle of 60 to 100 degrees.3. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the first hydrophilicity results in an advancing contact angle of 75 to 90 degrees.4. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the first hydrophilicity is the same as the second hydrophilicity.5. The apparatus of claim 2 , wherein the receding water contact angle is 60-100 degrees.6. (canceled)7. The apparatus of claim 5 , wherein the difference between the advancing water contact angle and the receding contact angle is 0 to 30 degrees.8. (canceled)9. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the surface of the substrate is configured to have a first hydrophilicity and each surface of the plurality of reaction sites is configured to have a second hydrophilicity by ...

BIOLOGICAL SAMPLE ANALYTICAL INSTRUMENT

A method for processing a biological material sample includes dispensing a sample into wells of an array tape from a sample plate, dispensing a reagent into the wells of the array tape from a reagent plate, and sealing the sample and the reagent in the array tape. The method further includes cooling the array tape and detecting biological material in the wells of the array tape. 130-. (canceled)31. A method for processing a biological material sample , the method comprising:dispensing a sample into a plurality of wells of an array tape from a sample plate;dispensing a reagent into the plurality of wells of the array tape from a reagent plate;sealing the sample and the reagent in the array tape;cooling the array tape; anddetecting biological material in the plurality of wells of the array tape.32. The method of claim 31 , wherein the sample is dispensed using a pipettor and the reagent is dispensed using a dispensing jet or a reservoir dispenser.33. The method of claim 31 , wherein cooling the array tape prevents evaporation of the sample and the reagent from the array tape and inhibits the reaction.34. The method of claim 31 , wherein detecting biological material comprises detecting fluorescence of the biological material claim 31 , detecting absorbance of the biological material claim 31 , detecting radioactivity of the biological material claim 31 , or detecting thermal activity of the biological material.35. The method of claim 31 , wherein the array tape is cooled while the sample is dispensed into the plurality of wells of the array tape.36. The method of claim 31 , wherein the array tape is cooled after the sample is dispensed into the plurality of wells of the array tape.37. The method of claim 31 , wherein the array tape is cooled while the reagent is dispensed into the plurality of wells of the array tape.38. The method of claim 31 , wherein the array tape is cooled after the reagent is dispensed into the plurality of wells of the array tape.39. The method ...

Microfluidic Droplet Queuing Network

A multi-port liquid bridge () adds aqueous phase droplets () in an enveloping oil phase carrier liquid () to a draft channel (). A chamber () links four ports, and it is permanently full of oil () when in use. Oil phase is fed in a draft flow from an inlet port () and exits through a draft exit port () and a compensating flow port (). The oil carrier and the sample droplets () (“aqueous phase”) flow through the inlet port () with an equivalent fluid flow subtracted through the compensating port (). The ports of the bridge () are formed by the ends of capillaries help in position in plastics housings. The phases are density matched to create an environment where gravitational forces are negligible. This results in droplets () adopting spherical forms when suspended from capillary tube tips. Furthermore, the equality of mass flow is equal to the equality of volume flow. The phase of the inlet flow from the droplet inlet port () and the draft inlet port () is used to determine the outlet port () flow phase. 1. A microfluidic network for queuing a sequence of droplets in an immiscible carrier liquid , the network comprising:a draft conduit for flow of droplets with a carrier liquid;at least one liquid bridge in the draft conduit, the bridge having a chamber in which there is a draft inlet, a draft outlet, an inlet port, and a compensation port;wherein the inlet port is positioned for delivery of liquid to be queued into the draft conduit so that said liquid flows from the bridge in the carrier liquid in the draft conduit, andwherein the compensation port is positioned for withdrawal of carrier liquid to compensate for liquid added to the draft conduit via the inlet port.2. A network as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the compensation port is configured to provide a uniform target flow in the draft conduit.3. A network as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the draft conduit comprises a plurality of bridges and a liquid supply is connected to the inlet port of each bridge.4. A ...

Methods of evolutionary synthesis including embodied chemical syntheses

The invention provides a method for preparing a compound or a product having one or more characteristics that meet or exceed a user specification, the process comprising the step of selecting a first combination of chemical inputs, optionally together with physical inputs, and supplying those inputs to a reaction space, thereby to generate a first product; analysing one or more characteristics of the product generated; comparing the one or more characteristics against a user specification; using a genetic algorithm selecting a second combination of chemical inputs, optionally together with physical inputs, wherein the second combination differs from the first combination, and supplying those inputs to the reaction space, thereby to generate a second product; analysing one or more characteristics of the second product generated; comparing the one or more characteristics generated against the user specification; repeating the selecting and analysing steps for further individual combinations of chemical and/or physical inputs, to provide an array of products wherein the flow chemistry system operates continuously to provide the first, second and further products, thereby to identify one or more products meeting or exceeding the user specification.

SYSTEMS, DEVICES, KITS AND METHODS FOR SEEDING CELLS OR SETS OF MOLECULES IN AN ARRAY ON A SUBSTRATE

The present disclosure provides systems, devices and methods for seeding cells or sets of molecules on a substrate by utilizing a seeding mesh, to obtain an essentially homogenous patterned seeding of the cells or sets of molecules on the mesh. 1. A system for seeding cells , the system comprising:a transparent substrate having a cell seeding surface configured for attachment of viable cells;a seeding mesh having a patterned structure, configured to enable passage of viable cells dispensed onto said seeding surface according to a seeding pattern determined by the patterned structure of said mesh; anda cell dispenser, configured to provide viable cells onto said mesh.2. The system of claim 1 , wherein said mesh is comprised of a polymeric material.3. The system of claim 2 , wherein the polymeric material comprises nylon claim 2 , polyester claim 2 , polyurethane claim 2 , Polyethylene (PE) polyethylene terephthalate (PET) claim 2 , Polypropylene (PP) claim 2 , Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) claim 2 , Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) claim 2 , Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) claim 2 , Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) claim 2 , or combinations thereof.4. The system of claim 1 , wherein the patterned structure comprises a lattice pattern claim 1 , web pattern claim 1 , net pattern or honeycomb pattern.5. The system of claim 1 , wherein said mesh is configured to enable homogeneous dispersion of the viable cells onto said seeding surface such that the cell density is substantially uniform within the perimeters of the seeding pattern on said seeding surface.6. The system of claim 1 , wherein said mesh is configured to enable dispersion of viable cells in a plurality of groups claim 1 , separated from each other at distinct locations on said seeding surface.7. (canceled)8. The system of claim 6 , wherein said mesh comprises a grid configured to facilitate separation between said cell groups.9. The system of claim 8 , wherein said grid is separate from said seeding mesh and is configured ...

DEVICE FOR PARALLEL OLIGOMER SYNTHESIS, METHOD OF PARALLEL OLIGOMER SYNTHESIS AND USE THEREOF

A device for parallel oligomer synthesis having a centrifuge with a plurality of reactor holders configured to retain reactors at an angle and a plurality of siphon based outflow holders are disclosed. A method of parallel solid-based peptide synthesis following the timing protocol of the device and a use of the device for parallel oligomer synthesis are also disclosed. 1. A device for parallel oligomer synthesis , the device comprising:a centrifuge, the centrifuge comprisinga plurality of reactor holders, the reactor holders being configured to retain reactors at an angle, anda plurality of holders for siphon based outflows,a plurality of reactors, the reactors having upper ends and lower ends, the lower ends comprising nozzles, the reactors being positioned at an angle in the reactor holders,a plurality of siphon based outflows, the siphon based outflows having first ends and second ends, the first ends being connected to the nozzles of the lower ends of reactors, and the siphon based outflows being configured to work on a siphoning principle,a distribution rotor, the distribution rotor being provided with pre-activation compartments at its outer circumference, the pre-activation compartments being provided with grooves directed towards the outer edge of the distribution rotor, and configured to enable the transfer of contents from the pre-activation compartments of the distribution rotor to the reactors upon rotation of the distribution rotor,a lifting device, the lifting device being configured to enable the distribution rotor to move in vertical direction between an upper position and a lower position,a positioning device, the positioning device being configured to enable a rotation of the distribution rotor in the upper position independently from the centrifuge,a driving motor, the driving motor, the centrifuge and the distribution rotor having the same common axis, the driving motor being configured to enable a synchronized rotation of the centrifuge and the ...

High throughput or capillary-based screening for a bioactivity or biomolecule

The invention provides systems and methods for maintaining and allowing a cell from a mixed population of uncultivated cells to be maintained, proliferate and grow, comprising encapsulating in a microenvironment at least a single cell from the population; placing the encapsulated cell in a growth column; and incubating the encapsulated cell in the growth column under conditions allowing the encapsulated cell to survive and be maintained, thereby isolating and maintaining the cell. The invention also provides systems and methods for identifying a biomolecule of interest from a population of cells, comprising: encapsulating at least one cell from a population in a microenvironment; placing the microenvironment comprising at least one cell in a growth column; incubating the microenvironment in the growth column under conditions allowing the encapsulated cell to survive and be maintained, thereby isolating and maintaining the cell; isolating said cell comprising the and identifying a biomolecule interest from said encapsulated cell.

Equipment and method for measuring storage reaction

An equipment and a method for measuring storage reaction in which a reaction can be processed, measured and identified efficiently and quickly. The equipment for measuring storage reaction comprises a translucent storage section having an inlet/outlet of fluid, being fixed to each fixing position where a plurality of substances to be detected, each having a specified chemical structure, are arranged at a specified interval, and being capable of storing a basic member while allowing each chemical structure to correspond to each fixing position, a section for sucking/delivering the fluid from/into the containing section through the inlet/outlet, and a measuring equipment for receiving the light from the storage basic material at the outside of the storing section under a state corresponding to the fixing position.

Micropipette and dividedly injectable apparatus

A micropipette is provided including at least one substrate, an inlet port through which a sample is delivered from the outside, a cavity to be poured and filled with the sample, an introduction hole, and an injection port for expelling the sample are formed on the at least one substrate. The substrate for forming the cavity is made of ceramics, a piezoelectric/electrostrictive element is provided for at least one wall surface of the substrate, and the sample moves as a laminar flow in the cavity. The volume of the cavity is changed by driving the piezoelectric/electrostrictive element to expell al certain amount of the sample in the cavity from the injection port. According to the micropipette, it is possible to form microspots with high accuracy and high speed. According to a dispenser including the micropipette, it is possible to efficiently dispense hundreds to ten thousands of different samples at one time and form microspots. Therefore, productivity is remarkably improved.

Method of research for creating and testing novel catalysts, reactions and polymers

A method and system for researching and developing and/or optimizing new catalysts and products in a combinatorial manner is disclosed. The method begins with starting components or a ligand library and provides methods of creating catalyst or product libraries, which are then tested in a reaction of interest. The system uses methods of robotic handling for moving libraries from station to station. The method and apparatus are especially useful for synthesizing, screening, and characterizing combinatorial catalyst libraries, but also offer significant advantages over conventional experimental methods as well.

System for creating and testing novel catalysts, reactions and polymers

A method and system for researching and developing and/or optimizing new catalysts and products in a combinatorial manner is disclosed. The method begins with starting components or a ligand library and provides methods of creating catalyst or product libraries, which are then tested in a reaction of interest. The system uses methods of robotic handling for moving libraries from station to station. The method and apparatus are especially useful for synthesizing, screening, and characterizing combinatorial catalyst libraries, but also offer significant advantages over conventional experimental methods as well.

Apparatus and method of research for creating and testing novel catalysts, reactions and polymers

A method and system for researching and developing and/or optimizing new catalysts and products in a combinatorial manner is disclosed. The method begins with starting components or a ligand library and provides methods of creating catalyst or product libraries, which are then tested in a reaction of interest. The system uses methods of robotic handling for moving libraries from station to station. The method and apparatus are especially useful for synthesizing, screening, and characterizing combinatorial catalyst libraries, but also offer significant advantages over conventional experimental methods as well.

Microfluidic device for analyzing nucleic acids and/or proteins, methods of preparation and uses thereof

The invention relates to a microfluidic device for nucleic acid and/or protein analysis, wherein said device comprises a capillary on the inner surface of which is attached an array of at least two reagents. Also encompassed by the invention is such a capillary. In addition, the invention concerns methods for attaching at least two reagents on the inner surface of a capillary, as well as methods using a microfluidic device and enabling a multiplex analysis of nucleic acids and/or proteins to be performed.

Thermal reaction device and method for using the same

An M x N matrix microfluidic device for performing a matrix of reactions, the device (100) having a plurality of reaction cells (106) in communication with one of either a sample inlet (120) or a reagent t inlet (124) through a via formed within an elastomeric block of the device. Methods provided include a method for forming vias in parallel in an elastomeric layer of an elastomeric block of a microfluidic device, the method includes using patterned photoresist masks and etching reagents to etch away regions or portions of an elastomeric layer of the elastomeric block.

Microfluidic device and surface decoration process for solid phase affinity binding assays

This invention comprises a microfluidic device having a fluid inlet (105) connected to a pump (230) and sample reservoir (220) for the detection of one or more analytes in a fluid using solid-phase affinity binding assay.

Microfluidic device and methods of using same

A variety of elastomeric-based microfluidic devices and methods for using and manufacturing such devices are provided. Certain of the devices have arrays of reaction sites to facilitate high throughput analyses. Some devices also include reaction sites located at the end of blind channels at which reagents have been previously deposited during manufacture. The reagents become suspended once sample is introduced into the reaction site. The devices can be utilized with a variety of heating devices and thus can be used in a variety of analyses requiring temperature control, including thermocycling applications such as nucleic acid amplification reactions, genotyping and gene expression analyses.

Microfluidic device and methods of using same

Static micro-array of biological or chemical probes immobilised on a support by magnetic attraction

The invention relates to an organized array of biological or chemical probes bonded to a support by magnetic coupling using a fixing vector. The support may include a permanent magnet or present electrically-induced magnetization. The fixing vectors may be constituted by magnetic beads functionalized to be capable of bonding specifically to one particular type of biological probe.

High throughput screening of libraries

The invention provides methods for screening libraries of cells for the production of ligand binding proteins. In one embodiment, libraries producing Fab antibody fragments are screened.

High throughput or capillary-based screening for a bioactivity or biomolecule

The invention provides methods for isolating and maintaining a cell from a mixed population of uncultivated cells comprising encapsulating in a microenvironment at least a single cell from the mixed population; placing the encapsulated cell in a growth column; and incubating the encapsulated cell in the growth column under conditions allowing the encapsulated cell to survive and be maintained, thereby isolating and maintaining the cell. The invention also provides methods for identifying and enriching for a polynucleotide encoding an activity of interest.

Method and system for the detection of cardiac risk factors

A system for the rapid characterization of multi-cardiovascular risk factor analyte fluids, in one embodiment, includes a light source, a sensor array, and a detector. The sensor array is formed from a supporting member, in which a plurality of cavities may be formed. A series of chemically sensitive particles, in one embodiment, are positioned within the cavities. The particles may produce a signal when a receptor, coupled to the particle, interacts with the cardiovascular risk factor analyte and the particle-analyte complex is visualized using a visualization reagent. Using pattern recognition techniques, the analytes within a multi-analyte fluid may be characterized. In an embodiment, each cavity of the plurality of cavities is designed to capture and contain a specific size particle. Flexible projections may be positioned over each of the cavities to provide retention of the particles in the cavities.

Microfluidic device and methods of using same

A variety of elastomeric-based microfluidic devices and methods for using and manufacturing such devices are provided. Certain of the devices have arrays of reaction sites to facilitate high throughput analyses. Some devices also include reaction sites located at the end of blind channels at which reagents have been previously deposited during manufacture. The reagents become suspended once sample is introduced into the reaction site. The devices can be utilized with a variety of heating devices and thus can be used in a variety of analyses requiring temperature control, including thermocycling applications such as nucleic acid amplification reactions, genotyping and gene expression analyses.

Microfluidic device and methods of using same

A variety of elastomeric-based microfluidic devices and methods for using and manufacturing such devices are provided. Certain of the devices have arrays of reaction sites to facilitate high throughput analyses. Some devices also include reaction sites located at the end of blind channels at which reagents have been previously deposited during manufacture. The reagents become suspended once sample is introduced into the reaction site. The devices can be utilized with a variety of heating devices and thus can be used in a variety of analyses requiring temperature control, including thermocycling applications such as nucleic acid amplification reactions, genotyping and gene expression analyses.

Microfluidic device and methods of using same

A variety of elastomeric-based microfluidic devices and methods for using and manufacturing such devices are provided. Certain of the devices have arrays of reaction sites to facilitate high throughput analyses. Some devices also include reaction sites located at the end of blind channels at which reagents have been previously deposited during manufacture. The reagents become suspended once sample is introduced into the reaction site. The devices can be utilized with a variety of heating devices and thus can be used in a variety of analyses requiring temperature control, including thermocycling applications such as nucleic acid amplification reactions, genotyping and gene expression analyses.

Microfluidic device and methods of using same

A variety of elastomeric-based microfluidic devices and methods for using and manufacturing such devices are provided. Certain of the devices have arrays of reaction sites to facilitate high throughput analyses. Some devices also include reaction sites located at the end of blind channels at which reagents have been previously deposited during manufacture. The reagents become suspended once sample is introduced into the reaction site. The devices can be utilized with a variety of heating devices and thus can be used in a variety of analyses requiring temperature control, including thermocycling applications such as nucleic acid amplification reactions, genotyping and gene expression analyses.

Microfluidic device with reaction sites configured for blind filling

A variety of elastomeric-based microfluidic devices and methods for using and manufacturing such devices are provided. Certain of the devices have arrays of reaction sites to facilitate high throughput analyzes. Some devices also include reaction sites located at the end of blind channels at which reagents have been previously deposited during manufacture. The reagents become suspended once sample is introduced into the reaction site. The devices can be utilized with a variety of heating devices and thus can be used in a variety of analyzes requiring temperature control, including thermocycling applications such as nucleic acid amplification reactions, genotyping and gene expression analyzes.

Microfluidic device and methods of using same

A variety of elastomeric-based microfluidic devices and methods for using and manufacturing such devices are provided. Certain of the devices have arrays of reaction sites to facilitate high throughput analyzes. Some devices also include reaction sites located at the end of blind channels at which reagents have been previously deposited during manufacture. The reagents become suspended once sample is introduced into the reaction site. The devices can be utilized with a variety of heating devices and thus can be used in a variety of analyzes requiring temperature control, including thermocycling applications such as nucleic acid amplification reactions, genotyping and gene expression analyzes.

Microfluidic device and methods of using same

A variety of elastomeric-based microfluidic devices and methods for using and manufacturing such devices are provided. Certain of the devices have arrays of reaction sites to facilitate high throughput analyses. Some devices also include reaction sites located at the end of blind channels at which reagents have been previously deposited during manufacture. The reagents become suspended once sample is introduced into the reaction site. The devices can be utilized with a variety of heating devices and thus can be used in a variety of analyses requiring temperature control, including thermocycling applications such as nucleic acid amplification reactions, genotyping and gene expression analyses.

Method of coupling binding agents to a substrate surface

Microfluidic devices and methods

Embodiments of the invention are directed to microfluidic devices. In one embodiment, a microanalysis chip comprises a body having at least one transfer-separation channel with a channel bottom that has a bottom opening. The transfer-separation channel terminates in a discharge aperture.

Method of coupling binding agents to a substrate surface

The present invention relates to a method of coupling multiple binding agents to respective areas of a substrate surface by hydrodynamic addressing, using two laminar fluid flows that flow together in the same direction over the substrate surface with an interface to each other to successively couple the binding agents to the substrate areas, wherein each successive coupling of a binding agent to a surface area is followed or preceded by selective deactivation or activation of a selected surface area according to a defined protocol. The invention also relates to the use of such a binding agent-coupled substrate surface for analytical purposes.

具有凸起的样品表面的芯片

公开了具有基底(2)和包括柱(20(a，b))的样品结构(25(a，b))的测试仪器，基底(22)是非样品表面。

High throughput microarray spotting system and method

A system (199) is described for automatic retrieval of microplates from a carousel (720). The system includes an effector arm (1200, 755) that retrieves a selected microplate from the carousel, a microplate retainer (760) that receives the selected microplate from the effector arm, and a controller (150) that directs the effector arm to the carousel for retrieval of the selected microplate and directs the effector arms to the microplate retainer so that it may receive the selected microplate. The carousel may revolve around a vertical axis. A system (735, 1800) also is described for washing depositing elements used to spot biological materials on a substrate. Graphical user interfaces (200, 300, 400, 500, 600) also are described for enabling a user to determine which microplates will be used to provide biological probe materials, and in what patterns those probe materials should be deposited on the substrate. The interfaces enable the user to place multiple fractions of biological materials on a same location on a substrate. Also described are graphical user interfaces that present a user with the options to select a first microplate having a plurality of wells, associate at least one probe material with one or more of the wells, and associate one or more locations on one or more substrates with the one or more wells.

Device

A reaction station for performing parallel synthesis with magnetic stirring. The device is capable of accommodating a plurality of reaction vessels being specifically adapted so that when placed in a magnetic field, such as that generated by a laboratory magnetic stirrer, any reaction vessel accommodated by the device is in an effective position for stirring with respect to the magnetic field.

Integrated microarray devices

This invention relates generally to the field of microarray technology. In particular, the invention provides an integrated macroarray device, which device comprises a substrate comprising a plurality of distinct microlocations and a plurality of microarray chips, wherein the number of said microlocations equals to or is more then the number of said microarray chip. In preferred embodiments, the devices also comprises a temperature controller at some or all of the microlocations. The use of the integrated microarray devices for detecting interactions among various moieties in various fields, such as clinical diagnostics, drug discovery, environmental monitoring and forensic analysis, etc., are further provided.

Chips having elevated sample surfaces

A test device is disclosed having a base (22) that is a non-sample surface and sample structures (25 (a,b)) comprising pillars (20 (a,b)).

Micro reseau statique de sondes biologiques ou chimiques, immobilisees sur un support par attraction magnetique

集成式微阵列装置

一种用于临床诊断、药物筛选、动植物育种、食品卫生检验和司法鉴定等领域的集成式微阵列装置。该装置包括一基片，其上设置了多个反应池，每个反应池中装配了一微阵列芯片。每个反应池底部装配了一温控器，用于单独控制反应池的温度。该装置的规格与标准的96孔板、384孔板或1536孔板相吻合以便用机械手进行自动加样、清洗等操作。反应池之间做成镂空状以利于隔热。该装置可作为载体简便、高效、可靠地完成生化反应和检测。

Methods for biochemical analysis and associated arrangement

Bei einem Verfahren für die biochemische Analytik wird ein Mikroreaktionsarray mit mindestens zwei Reaktionsräumen zur Aufnahme von Stoffen, die miteinander chemisch bzw. biochemisch reagieren, verwendet. Gemäß der Erfindung sind die Reaktionsräume kleiner als 1 mul, werden die Reaktionsräume gemeinsam im Durchfluss befüllt, erfolgen anschließend in den einzelnen voneinander getrennten Reaktionsräumen die chemischen bzw. biochemischen Reaktionen der dort eingeschlossenen Substanzen, wobei ein Übersprechen von Reaktionen zwischen den einzelnen Reaktionsräumen ausgeschlossen ist, und bleiben die Reaktionsprodukte in den jeweiligen Reaktionskammern eingeschlossen. Bei der zugehörigen Anordnung hat das planare Array wenigstens zwei Reaktionsräume zur Aufnahme von Stoffen, wobei Mittel zum Schließen der Reaktionsräume zum Zwecke des Verhinderns eines Stoffaustausches vorhanden sind. In a method for biochemical analysis, a microreaction array with at least two reaction spaces is used to hold substances that react with one another chemically or biochemically. According to the invention, the reaction spaces are smaller than 1 mul, if the reaction spaces are filled together in the flow, then the chemical or biochemical reactions of the substances enclosed therein take place in the separate reaction spaces, crosstalk of reactions between the individual reaction spaces being ruled out, and the reaction products remain enclosed in the respective reaction chambers. In the associated arrangement, the planar array has at least two reaction spaces for receiving substances, wherein means are provided for closing the reaction spaces for the purpose of preventing substance exchange.

Fluid delivery system uitlizing multiple port valve

The present invention is directed to the implementation of a multi-port rotary valve in an automated chemistry processing instrument which reduces chemical reagent cross contamination and simplifies system design and control. One or more multi-port rotary valves are used in conjuction with isolation valves which are each dedicated for an associated reagent in the system. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the instrument utilizes a multi-port valve which defines several fluid branches each associated with a reagent. The valve has a common inlet and common outlet which are selectively brought into fluid communication with the branches in a controlled sequence. At each branch, there is a two-way three-port isolation valve which controls introduction of an associated reagent into the branch. When a branch is selected by the rotary valve, the reagent introduced into the branch is delivered out of the common outlet by the flow from the common inlet. According to another embodiment of the present invention, the reagents are introduced through isolation valves between two multi-port rotary valves.

Chemical assays

An assay device in which to carry out a fluid-phase chemical assay, comprising means for supporting a test substrate, a sample chamber for receiving a fluid sample and at least one fluid control device for controlling the movement of fluid into and/or out of the sample chamber, wherein the fluid control device comprises a fluid outlet chamber in fluid communication with the sample chamber, and a displaceable flexible diaphragm the displacement of which alters the volume of the outlet chamber so as to allow and/or restrict fluid flow between the outlet and sample chambers. The invention also provides assay apparatus incorporating such a device, an assay station for use as part of such apparatus, a fluid control unit for use as part of the assay device and a method of conducting an assay which may involve the use of such apparatus and devices.

Solid phase parallel synthesis systems and methods

The invention provides a system and method for synthesizing chemicals onto supports in a parallel manner to produce a combinatorial collection of compounds. The system includes a plurality of middle plates, with each middle plate defining a plurality of reaction zones arranged in a two dimensional array. The reaction zones are adapted to receive a solid support, such as a sheet of membrane, and the middle plates are stackable on each other to form a three dimensional array of reaction zones. The system also includes a pair of end plates, where the middle plates are located between the end plates, and where the end plates include an array of fluid guides corresponding to the array of reaction zones, to allow for selective routing of reagents through the reaction zones.

Device for dispensing accurately-controlled small doses of liquid

The invention provides a device for dispensing accurately-controlled small quantities of at least one liquid, comprising a liquid supply (L); a gas supply (G), arranged to selectively supply a gas pressure; and a capillary duct ( 20 ) adapted to be filled with liquid to be dispensed, and to eject the liquid. The device has a filling configuration wherein liquid from the supply is in contact with an end ( 20 a ) of the capillary duct to fill the capillary duct with liquid; and a liquid separation and ejection configuration, in which liquid remaining in the liquid supply is separated from liquid that fills the capillary duct to form a discrete quantity (V) of liquid filling the capillary duct ( 20 ) out of contact with the remaining liquid of the liquid supply. The capillary duct, filled with this discrete quantity (V) of liquid then has one end in contact with the gas supply and another end in contact with the atmosphere. The discrete quantity of liquid (V). forming an exact dose of liquid to be dispensed, is ejectable from the second end ( 20 b ) of the capillary duct by the application of gas pressure.

Device for dispensing accurately-controlled small doses of liquid

The invention provides a device for dispensing accurately-controlled small quantities of at least one liquid, comprising a liquid supply (L); a gas supply (G), arranged to selectively supply a gas pressure; and a capillary duct ( 20 ) adapted to be filled with liquid to be dispensed, and to eject the liquid. The device has a filling configuration wherein liquid from the supply is in contact with an end ( 20 a ) of the capillary duct to fill the capillary duct with liquid; and a liquid separation and ejection configuration, in which liquid remaining in the liquid supply is separated from liquid that fills the capillary duct to form a discrete quantity (V) of liquid filling the capillary duct ( 20 ) out of contact with the remaining liquid of the liquid supply. The capillary duct, filled with this discrete quantity (V) of liquid then has one end in contact with the gas supply and another end in contact with the atmosphere. The discrete quantity of liquid (V), forming an exact dose of liquid to be dispensed, is ejectable from the second end ( 20 b ) of the capillary duct by the application of gas pressure.

A device for dispensing accurately-controlled small doses of liquid

The invention provides a device for dispensing accurately-controlled small quantities of at least one liquid, comprising a liquid supply (L); a gas supply (G), arranged to selectively supply a gas pressure; and a capillary duct (20) adapted to be filled with liquid to be dispensed, and to eject the liquid. The device has a filling configuration wherein liquid from the supply is in contact with an end (20a) of the capillary duct to fill the capillary duct with liquid; and a liquid separation and ejection configuration, in which liquid remaining in the liquid supply is separated from liquid that fills the capillary duct to form a discrete quantity (V) of liquid filling the capillary duct (20) out of contact with the remaining liquid of the liquid supply. The capillary duct, filled with this discrete quantity (V) of liquid then has one end in contact with the gas supply and another end in contact with the atmosphere. The discrete quantity of liquid (V), forming an exact dose of liquid to be dispensed, is ejectable from the second end (20b) of the capillary duct by the application of gas pressure.

Microfabricated elastomeric valve and pump systems

A method of fabricating an elastomeric structure, comprising: forming a first elastomeric layer on top of a first micromachined mold, the first micromachined mold having a first raised protrusion which forms a first recess extending along a bottom surface of the first elastomeric layer; forming a second elastomeric layer on top of a second micromachined mold, the second micromachined mold having a second raised protrusion which forms a second recess extending along a bottom surface of the second elastomeric layer; bonding the bottom surface of the second elastomeric layer onto a top surface of the first elastomeric layer such that a control channel forms in the second recess between the first and second elastomeric layers; and positioning the first elastomeric layer on top of a planar substrate such that a flow channel forms in the first recess between the first elastomeric layer and the planar substrate.

Microdosing device

A volume sensor-free microdosing device comprises a pressure chamber which is at least partly delimited by a displacer, an actuating device for actuating the displacer, the volume of the pressure chamber being adapted to the changed by actuating the displacer, a media reservoir which is in fluid communication with the pressure chamber, an outlet opening which is in fluid communication with the pressure chamber, and a control mechanism. The control mechanism drives the microdosing device in such a way that a small change of volume of the pressure chamber volume is effected per unit time by a movement of the displacer from a first position to a predetermined second position, the second position of the displacer defining a larger volume of the pressure chamber than the first position, so as to suck a fluid volume into the pressure chamber, and that, in a second phase, a large volume change of the pressure chamber volume is effected per unit time by a movement of the displacer from the second position to the first position, so as to eject a defined fluid volume from the outlet opening in this way.

Mikrodosiervorrichtung und verfahren zum betreiben derselben

Eine Mikrodosiervorrichtung weist eine Druckkammer (24), die zumindest teilweise von einem Verdränger (10) begrenzt ist, eine Betätigungseinrichtung (30) zum Betätigen des Verdrängers (10), wobei durch die Betätigung des Verdrängers (10) das Volumen (28) der Druckkammer (24) veränderbar ist, ein Medienreservoir, das über eine erste Fluidleitung (20) fluidmässig mit der Druckkammer (24) verbunden ist, und eine Auslassöffnung (26), die über eine zweite Fluidleitung (22) fluidmässig mit der Druckkammer (24) verbunden ist, auf. Die Mikrodosiervorrichtung weist ferner eine Einrichtung (12, 14) zum Erfassen der jeweiligen Stellung des Verdrängers (10) und eine Steuereinrichtung, die mit der Betätigungseinrichtung (30) und der Einrichtung (12, 14) zum Erfassen der Stellung des Verdrängers (10) verbunden ist, auf, wobei die Steuereinrichtung die Betätigungseinrichtung (30) auf der Grundlage der erfassten Stellung des Verdrängers (10) oder auf der Grundlage während zumindest eines vorherigen Dosierzyklusses erfasster Stellungen des Verdrängers (10) steuert, um den Ausstoss eines definierten Fluidvolumens aus der Auslassöffnung (26) zu bewirken.

Microdosing device and method for operating same

A microdosing device comprises a pressure chamber which is at least partly delimited by a displacer, an actuating device for actuating the displacer, the volume of the pressure chamber being adapted to be changed by actuating the displacer, a media reservoir which is in fluid comunication with the pressure chamber via a first fluid line, and an outlet opening which is in fluid communication with the pressure chamber via a second fluid line. The microdosing device additionally comprises a means for detecting the respective position of the displacer and a control means which is connected to the actuating device and to the means for detecting the position of the displacer, said control means controlling the actuating device on the basis of the detected position of the displacer or on the basis of displacer positions detected during at least one preceding dosing cycle so as to cause the discharge of a defined volume of fluid from the outlet opening. The control means comprises means for controlling the actuating device with a signal of low edge steepness so as to cause the displacer to move from a first position to a predetermined second position, the second position of the displacer defining a larger volume of the pressure chamber than the first position. In addition, the control means comprises means for controlling the actuating device with a signal of high edge steepness so as to cause the displacer to move from the second position to the first position for discharging in this way a defined volume of fluid from the outlet opening.

Microdosing device array and method for operating the same

Ein Mikrodosiervorrichtungsarray weist eine Mehrzahl von Mikrodosiervorrichtungen nach der Deutschen Patentanmeldung 19706513.9-52 auf. Jede Mikrodosiervorrichtung weist eine Druckkammer, die zumindest teilweise von einem Verdränger begrenzt ist, eine Betätigungseinrichtung zum Betätigen des Verdrängers, wobei durch die Betätigung des Verdrängers das Volumen der Druckkammer veränderbar ist, ein Medienreservoir, das über eine erste Fluidleitung fluidmäßig mit der Druckkammer verbunden ist, und eine Auslaßöffnung, die über eine zweite Fluidleitung fluidmäßig mit der Druckkammer verbunden ist, auf. Die Mikrodosiervorrichtung weist ferner eine Einrichtung zum Erfassen der jeweiligen Stellung des Verdrängers und eine Steuereinrichtung, die mit der Betätigungseinrichtung und der Einrichtung zum Erfassen der Stellung des Verdrängers verbunden ist, auf, wobei die Steuereinrichtung die Betätigungseinrichtung auf der Grundlage der erfaßten Stellung des Verdrängers oder auf der Grundlage während zumindest eines vorherigen Dosierzyklusses erfaßter Stellungen des Verdrängers steuert, um den Ausstoß eines definierten Fluidvolumens aus der Auslaßöffnung zu bewirken. Die einzelnen Mikrodosiervorrichtungen sind nebeneinander angeordnet und individuell adressierbar. A microdosing device array has a plurality of microdosing devices according to German patent application 19706513.9-52. Each microdosing device has a pressure chamber which is at least partially delimited by a displacer, an actuating device for actuating the displacer, the volume of the pressure chamber being changeable by the actuation of the displacer, a media reservoir which is fluidly connected to the pressure chamber via a first fluid line, and an outlet opening, which is fluidly connected to the pressure chamber via a second fluid line. The microdosing device further comprises a device for detecting the respective position of the displacer and a control device which is connected to the actuating device and the ...

Method and system for the detection of cardiac risk factors

A system for the rapid characterization of multi-cardiovascular risk factor analyte fluids, in one embodiment, includes a light source, a sensor array, and a detector. The sensor array is formed from a supporting member, in which a plurality of cavities may be formed. A series of chemically sensitive particles, in one embodiment, are positioned within the cavities. The particles may produce a signal when a receptor, coupled to the particle, interacts with the cardiovascular risk factor analyte and the particle-analyte complex is visualized using a visualization reagent. Using pattern recognition techniques, the analytes within a multi-analyte fluid may be characterized. In an embodiment, each cavity of the plurality of cavities is designed to capture and contain a specific size particle. Flexible projections may be positioned over each of the cavities to provide retention of the particles in the cavities.