ВЫРАВНИВАНИЕ ПОЛОЖЕНИЙ КОНЦОВ ЗОНДОВ В ПРЕЦИЗИОННОМ МАНИПУЛЯТОРЕ ДЛЯ ЖИДКОСТЕЙ

... 1. Способ выравнивания положений концов зондов в прецизионном манипуляторе для жидкостей, содержащем множество упорядоченно размещенных зондов, перемещаемое системой перемещения зондов относительно базового основания, на котором закрепляются ячейки для образцов, включающий последовательное введение концов зондов указанного множества зондов с помощью системы перемещения зондов в базовое углубление, расположенное в известном месте на базовом основании, последовательное определение положения конца каждого зонда в базовом углублении и составление карты положений концов зондов. 2. Способ по п.1, отличающийся тем, что определение положения конца зонда включает перемещение этого конца зонда до его вхождения в контакт с пространственно разнесенными точками на боковой стенке базового углубления и обнаружение контакта между концом зонда и боковой стенкой. 3. Способ по п.1, отличающийся тем, что он дополнительно включает сопоставление положений концов зондов, нанесенных на карту, для определения разброса ...

EINWEGMODUL UND VERFAHREN FÜR EINE TESTANORDNUNG FÜR BIOLOGISCHE PROBEN

VERFAHREN UND VORICHTUNG ZUM ABGABEN VON TRÖPFCHEN AUF EINEM SUBSTRAT

Verfahren und Vorrichtung zur beschleunigten Behandlung einer dünnen Probe auf einer Oberfläche.

Analysesystem und Analyseverfahren

VERFAHREN UND VORRICHTUNG ZUR AUFBRINGUNG VON FLUESSIGKEIT AUF EINER DUENNEN PROBE

MINIATURISIERTE DIFFERENTIELLE EXTRAKTIONSVORRICHTUNG UND VERFAHREN

VORRICHTUNG ZUM ABGEBEN VON FLÜSSIGKEIT UND ABGABEMETHODEN

Vorrichtung zum abgeben von Flüssigkeit und Abgabemethoden

Mikrofluidik-Einrichtung

Zur Überwachung der Abnutzung einer Mikrofluidik-Einrichtung mit Fluidkanälen (7) sind diesen Sensoren (9) zur Erfassung durchflussrelevante Größen zugeordnet. Ein Einrichtung (13) speichert die Werte der erfassten Größen und eine Vergleichseinrichtung (14) vergleicht die Werte der erfassten Größen mit bereits abgespeicherten früheren Werten. Eine Auswerteeinrichtung (15) erzeugt eine Meldung, wenn die Abweichung zwischen den miteinander verglichenen Werten ein vorgegebenes Maß übersteigt.

Modular microfludic device for analytical bioassay

Converging lens sample holder having concave and convex surfaces

A sample holder for placing a sample substance for transmission measurements with optical radiation into a spectrometer, in particular, a FTIR spectrometer which is at least partially made from a material transparent to the optical radiation in a intermeshing wavelength region and which exhibits an index of refraction in excess of 1 is configured as a converging lens with a concave surface (11) and a convex surface (12). To take an absorption spectrum of a powder and/or fluid dissolved or suspended sample substance, the sample substance is brought onto the concave surface (11) of the sample holder before the measurement where it, in consequence of the curvature and in contrast to a flat surface, is concentrated in a substantially smaller surface region. The configuration of the sample holder as a converging lens increases the yield of the radiation penetrating through the sample substance onto the detector of the spectrometer configuration.

Capillary array electrophoresis system

A capillary electrophoresis system comprises a planar array of capillaries (1) filled with a migration medium in which samples with fluorophore labels migrate, a source of excitation light (2) exciting the fluorophore labels, a photodetector such as a camera (9) detecting fluorescence from the fluorophore labels, and focusing means (4) placed between the plurality of capillaries (1). The excitation light is irradiated through the plurality of capillaries and light focusing means alternatively placed in the excitation light path. The light focusing means may consist of cylindrical rod lenses (4) with their axes substantially parallel with the capillaries to detect the fluorescence from samples by irradiating a plurality of capillaries substantially at the same time in a batch without mechanical scanning of a plurality of capillaries or without optical scanning of a light beam, providing a highly sensitive detection of samples. The capillaries may be immersed in water (5) where the light ...

A miniature reaction container and a method and apparatus for introducing micro volumes of liquid to such a container

A miniature reaction container for conducting reactions with precise micro-litre volumes of liquid reactants, reagents and samples for the purposes of enzyme assay procedures, comprises a tubular reaction chamber (1) made from a transparent wettable plastics material and an inlet tube (2) made from a transparent non-wettable material, such as Teflon. Both the chamber and the inlet tube may be capillary tubes and the volume of the chamber should not exceed 30 mu l. For the purposes of a particular assay procedure, the chamber (1) may be pretreated so as to have a reactant adhered or chemically bonded to its inside surface. With a plurality of such reaction containers, a multiplicity of reaction mixtures may be prepared and incubated simultaneously. To this end, the containers (23), which may or may not have been pretreated with reactant, are mounted in a slidable assembly (17-20) together with syringes (26). The needles (28) of the syringes are connected to the reaction chambers (1) and ...

Modular microfluidic device for analytical bioassay

A modular microfluidic device (MMD) for producing an analyte composition from a biological fluid sample, the device comprising a reagent module 2 (RM) comprising a reagent reservoir 4 containing a reagent and an eluent reservoir 6 containing an eluent, the reagent and eluent reservoirs being coupled to one or more RM microchannels 8, and a sample preparation module 10 (SPM) comprising a SPM microchannel adapted to couple with the RM microchannel whereby fluid continuity between SPM and RM microchannels is produced on coupling. The sample preparation module comprises (i) a sample inlet 12 for receiving said biological fluid sample, (ii) an outlet for delivering the analyte composition, (iii) a sensor component, (iv) a mixingchamber, (v) a metering chamber, (vi) an eluent chamber, (vii) a valve; and (viii) a solid phase extraction element (SPE) wherein said metering chamber is of fixed volume and shape and substantially ellipsoidal, the metering chamber having an inlet and an outlet, said ...

Spot array substrate, method for producing same, and nucleic acid polymer analysis method and device

In the present invention, in order to reduce the cost of manufacturing a spot array substrate and reduce the cost of nucleic acid polymer analysis, used is a spot array substrate which is manufactured by: preparing a resin substrate 402 having a surface on which an uneven pattern is formed, a plurality of bead seating positions being set in the shape of a two-dimensional array within the uneven pattern; and loading surface modification beads onto the bead seating positions of the resin substrate.

Flow cell liquid degassing systema and method

Flow - Controlled magnetic particle manipulation

Inventive methods and apparatus (1, 2) are useful for collecting magnetic materials in one or more magnetic fields and resuspending the particles into a dispersion medium, and optionally repeating collection/resuspension one or more times in the same or different medium, by controlling the direction and rate of fluid flow through a. fluid flow path (10). The methods provide for contacting derivatized particles with test samples and reagents, removal of excess reagent, washing of magnetic material, and resuspension for analysis, among other uses. The methods are applicable to a wide variety of chemical and biological materials that are susceptible to magnetic labeling, including, for example, cells, viruses, oligonucleotides, proteins, hormones, receptor-ligand complexes, environmental contaminants and the like.

Flow-controlled magnetic particle manipulation.

Flow-controlled magnetic particle manipulation.

CONTAINERS TO WOULD DRIVE THROUGH AND AN OBSERVING OF BIOLOGICAL PROCESSES

MICRO-FLUID ARTICLE

SAMPLE INPUT DEVICE FOR THE INPUT OF MEDICAL SAMPLES INTO AN ANALYZER

DEVICE FOR MICRO TEST PROCEDURE

ANALYSIS INSTRUMENT

EQUIPMENT FOR CHEMICAL REACTIONS.

DEVICE TO THE PROOF OF ANTIGENS AND ANTIKOERPERN.

SAMPLE INPUT DEVICE FOR THE INPUT OF MEDICAL SAMPLES INTO AN ANALYZER

DEVICE AND PROCEDURE FOR THE DELIVERY OF SMALL LIQUID QUANTITIES

PROCEDURE FOR THE DETERMINATION OF THE WEIGHTS OF LIQUID UNITS, BALANCING EMPLOYMENT AS WELL AS BALANCING ARRANGEMENT

AUTOMATED LABORATORY FOR MOLECULAR BIOLOGY

MICRO METERING UNIT

PROCEDURE FOR THE PRODUCTION OF INTEGRATIONS OF MULTILAYER MICRO FLUID CONSTRUCTION UNITS

COMPLETELY MICRO-MANUFACTURED BIO SENSORS AND PROCEDURES FOR THE PRODUCTION AND USE

APPARATUS FOR THE ENTERPRISE OF MICRO-FLUID EQUIPMENT

ISOLATION OF CELL MATERIAL OF MEANS OF MICROSCOPIC REPRESENTATION

PROCEDURE AND DEVICE FOR MIXING LIQUIDS

PROCEDURE FOR THE MASS SPECTROMETRY

CAPILLARY PRINTING SYSTEMS

Dispensing apparatus

Devices and method for enrichment and alteration of cells and other particles

Sample extraction device and methods of use thereof

The presently disclosed subject matter provides devices and methods for sample extraction from a swab during biological sample processing. In particular embodiments, the devices and methods are configured for use in conjunction with microfluidic devices for sample processing.

Isolation of cellular material under microscopic visualization

Isolation of cellular material under microscopic visualization

LIQUID TRANSFER DEVICE

Fluid dispenser and dispensing methods

Method and apparatus for performing microassays

Centrifugal dispenser

A disposable cartridge and method for an assay of a biological sample

Device for optical and electrochemical measurements in microliter size samples

Modular chemical microsystem

PARTICLE TRANSPORTER CHUCKS USING REPULSIVE FIELD GUIDANCE

Bead transporter chucks for selective pick up and discharging of polymer beads for chemical synthesis or analysis, whereby repulsive field conductors are arranged around bead electrodes used for selectively attracting and retaining beads. Problems of bead control are addressed by adding repulsive fields to help guide and direct beads to desired or designated bead collection zones. The repulsive electrodes create non-uniform electric fields that control, focus, and deflect charged beads in the vicinity of the bead collection zone, helping prevent multiple bead retention at intended bead collection zones. For better bead control, and allowing manipulation of beads with higher charge/mass ratios, dielectric material may be positioned around the bead electrode and between the bead electrode and the repulsive field conductor. Multiple bead electrodes may be provided to form two or more bead collection zones, and these may be selectively addressed and controlled (e.g., x-y addressing) for individual ...

INTEGRATED MULTILAYERED MICROFLUIDIC DEVICES AND METHODS FOR MAKING THE SAME

A multilayered microfluidic device having a substantially monolithic structure is formed by sintering together a plurality of green-sheet layers. The substantially monolithic structure has an inlet port for receiving fluid, an outlet port for releasing fluid, and an interconnection between the inlet port and the outlet port. The substantially monolithic structure may also include a variety of components to enable useful interaction with the fluid, such as electrically conductive pathways, heaters, fluid sensors, fluid motion transducers, and optically transmissive portions. The components are preferably fabricated using thick-film or green-sheet technology and are preferably co-fired with and sintered to the green-sheet layers to become integral with the substantially monolithic structure. By using an adhesive to bind the green-sheet layers together, the multilayered microfluidic device may be fabricated without the application of high pressures. Selection of an adhesive with a polymer ...

CHEMICAL REACTION APPARATUS

A CHEMICAL REACTION APPARATUS A chemical reaction apparatus having a plurality of capillary tubes and a conveying device for holding the tubes substantially horizontal such as to convey the tubes. A feeding device for reagent and the like is mounted on the conveying device and feeds a reagent and the like for use in a chemical reaction to the interior of the capillary tubes. Thereafter the reagent and the like remains in a stable condition with these discharged into the entire length of each of the tubes.

DETECTION ARTICLE HAVING FLUID CONTROL FILM

A detection article including at least one fluid control film layer having at least one microstructured major surface with a plurality of microchannels therein. The microchannels configured for uninterrupted fluid flow of a fluid sample throughout the article. The film layer including an acquisition zone wherein portions of the plurality of microchannels draw the fluid sample into the plurality of microchannels through openings in the microchannels at least by spontaneous fluid transport. The film layer also including a detection zone in uninterrupted fluid communication with the acquisition zone along the microchannels with the detection zone including at least one detection element that facilitates detection of a characteristic of the fluid sample within at least one microchannel of the detection zone. The detection article may be formed from a plurality of film layers that are stacked to form a three- dimensional article. The detection zone may include a plurality of detection elements ...

FLUID DISPENSER AND DISPENSING METHODS

A fluid dispenser comprises a fluid chamber having two actuators coupled thereto. One of the actuators damps a fluid response of the other. The fluid chamber may comprise a cylindrical capillary, and the actuators may comprise spaced cylindrical piezoelectric elements.

MULTI FUNCTION SPINNING PLATFORM

The present disclosure relates to rotatable platform for use in Lab-on-disc (LoD) applications, and LoD microfluidic device having the rotatable platform and which is suitable for analysis of a fluid sample. The present disclosure further relates to realtime monitoring of cells using a centrifugal microfluidic platform. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a mobile LoD device, which can be used in remote destinations and for point of care applications. One embodiment relates to a method for monitoring microorganisms under the constant supply of nutrients, comprising the step of inoculating the cells in a culture chamber in a rotatable microfluidic platform, rotating the platform such that liquid in a reservoir connected to or located on the platform, the liquid comprising nutrients for the cells, is constantly supplied to the cells in the culture chamber by means of shear / centrifugal force resulting from rotating the platform, and continuously monitoring the cells during rotation ...

SYSTEM FOR MICROBIAL SPECIES DETECTION, QUANTIFICATION AND ANTIBIOTIC SUSCEPTIBILITY IDENTIFICATION

Several microfluidic chips are used to significantly accelerate the time to identify and quantify microbes in a biological sample and test them for antibiotic resistance, particularly for urinary tract infections. A first microfluidic chip uses antibody or similar probes to identify and quantify any microbes present. The same or a similar chip uses antibody or similar probes to identify microbes with DNA or RNA known to indicate antibiotic resistance. Another microfluidic chip tests for antibiotic susceptibility of any microbes by growing them in very small wells in the presence of antibiotics, reducing the time required for such testing by as much as 95%. Another microfluidic chip runs traditional urinalysis or similar tests.

SYSTEMS AND DEVICES FOR ANALYSIS OF SAMPLES

ANALYZER CARTRIDGE WITH CAPILLARY WIPER

A disposable test cartridge and method for a point-of-care analyzer includes a cartridge body having a plurality of chambers where each of the plurality of chambers has an opening at a top of the cartridge body, a cartridge cover connected to the cartridge body where the cartridge cover has a capillary-receiving aperture, a capillary wiper disposed within the capillary-receiving aperture where the capillary-receiving aperture is aligned with one of the plurality of chambers of the cartridge body, and a capillary element removably insertable into the cartridge cover where the capillary element has a capillary tube that extends into the capillary-receiving aperture and through the capillary wiper where a tip portion of the capillary tube extends into the cartridge body.

FLOW-CONTROLLED MAGNETIC PARTICLE MANIPULATION

Inventive methods and apparatus (1, 2) are useful for collecting magnetic materials in one or more magnetic fields and resuspending the particles into a dispersion medium, and optionally repeating collection/resuspension one or more times in the same or different medium, by controlling the direction and rate of fluid flow through a fluid flow path (10). The methods provide for contacting derivatized particles with test samples and reagents, removal of excess reagent, washing of magnetic material, and resuspension for analysis, among other uses. The methods are applicable to a wide variety of chemical and biological materials that are susceptible to magnetic labeling, including, for example, cells, viruses, oligonucleotides, proteins, hormones, receptor-ligand complexes, environmental contaminants and the like.

DEVICES AND METHODS FOR IDENTIFYING GENOMIC DNA OF ORGANISMS

SYSTEMS AND DEVICES FOR ANALYSIS OF SAMPLES

Systems and methods for analysis of samples, and in certain embodiments, microfluidic sample analyzers configured to receive a cassette containing a sample therein to perform an analysis of the sample are described. The microfluidic sample analyzers may be used to control fluid flow, mixing, and sample analysis in a variety of microfluidic systems such as microfluidic point-of-care diagnostic platforms. Advantageously, the microfluidic sample analyzers may be, in some embodiments, inexpensive, reduced in size compared to conventional bench top systems, and simple to use. Cassettes that can operate with the sample analyzers are also described.

MOLECULAR ANALYZER AND METHOD OF USE

A molecular analyzer and method of use for sensitive, rapid and accurate detection of specific, or target, molecules or specific parts of molecules in a liquid sample to be detected without the use of radioisotopes. Apparatus for sealingly holding any number of sample tubes (23) containing a test sample and having pre-incorporated, internally contained detection reagents for removing unbound molecules from the sample tubes, as well as means for rapidly changing the temperature of the test sample and means for quantitating the target molecules without allowing molecules in the sample tube to contact the environment is provided. Alternatively, the apparatus may be adapted to receive detection reagents that are not preincorporated without exposing them or the test sample to the atmosphere.

INTEGRATED CHEMICAL SYNTHESIZERS

A modular reactor system (see figure) and method for synthesizing chemical compounds characterized by a uniform temperature throughout the reaction mixture by use of a continuous flow reactor (100, 60, 70) under high pressure. The apparatus includes a number of generic components such as pumps, flow channels (81, 82, 83, 84), manifolds, flow restrictors, and valves. Modular reactors (100, 60, 70), separator and analyzers on an assembly board (80) provide a system where a modular reactor unit (100, 60, 70) has an internal diameter of up to 100 micrometers to optimize control of residence time within a reaction zone.

CAPILLARY ELECTROPHORESIS APPARATUS AND METHOD

This invention involves method and apparatus for multiplexing electrophoresis analysis. An array of samples in multi well plates are simultaneously transferred to an array of electrophoresis column where electrophoresis is simultaneously carried out followed by analysis of the columns. The methods and apparatus of this invention are, for example, useful for DNA analysis, including sequencing, and for measuring reactions between specifically binding proteins and their binding partners.

PROCESS AND APPARATUS FOR CONTACTLESS MICRO INJECTION, SORTING AND HARVESTING USING LASER RADIATION OF BIOLOGICAL OBJECTS DISPOSED IN A PLANAR MANNER

The invention concerns a method and device for the contactless microinjection, sorting and production of biological objects. According to the invention, on a planar carrier (2) an object field or the object itself, located on the carrier (2), is cut out with a laser beam (6) and transferred by means of a laser-induced transport process to a collector substrate (5) which is disposed directly above or below the carrier. During the cutting-out process, either the laser beam (6) moves in a closed curve about the object or the object itself is cut directly out of the carrier (2) in a computerized manner. This method enables individually selected objects to be spatially separated and sorted from a very large number of objects. The method can also be used to separate specific cells from tissue sections. The method is further suitable for microinjecting given substances into individual biological objects, such as for example cells, and then sorting the latter.

PROCESS AND APPARATUS FOR CONTACTLESS MICRO INJECTION, SORTING AND HARVESTING USING LASER RADIATION OF BIOLOGICAL OBJECTS DISPOSED IN A PLANAR MANNER

The invention concerns a method and device for the contactless microinjection, sorting and production of biological objects. According to the invention, on a planar carrier (2) an object field or the object itself, located on the carrier (2), is cut out with a laser beam (6) and transferred by means of a laser-induced transport process to a collector substrate (5) which is disposed directly above or below the carrier. During the cutting-out process, either the laser beam (6) moves in a closed curve about the object or the object itself is cut directly out of the carrier (2) in a computerized manner. This method enables individually selected objects to be spatially separated and sorted from a very large number of objects. The method can also be used to separate specific cells from tissue sections. The method is further suitable for microinjecting given substances into individual biological objects, such as for example cells, and then sorting the latter.

MONITORING HYBRIDIZATION DURING PCR

Methods of monitoring hybridization during polymerase chain reaction are disclosed. These methods are achieved with rapid thermal cycling and use of double stranded DNA dyes or specific hybridization probes . A fluorescence resonance energy transfer pair comprises fluorescein and Cy5 or Cy5.5. Methods for quantitating amplified DNA and determining its purity are carried out by analysis of melting and reannealing curves.

SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR MONITORING FOR DNA AMPLIFICATION BY FLUORESCENCE

A thermal cycling method and device is disclosed. The device comprises a sample chamber whose temperature can be rapidly and accurately modulated over a range of temperatures needed to carry out a number of biological procedures, such as the DNA polymerase chain reaction. Biological samples are placed in glass micro capillary tubes and then located inside the sample chamber. A programmable controller regulates the temperature of the sample inside the sample chamber. Monitoring of the DNA amplification is monitored by fluorescence once per cycle or many times per cycle. The present invention provides that fluorescence monitoring of PCR is a powerful tool for DNA quantification.

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CARRYING OUT AND MONITORING BIOLOGICAL PROCESSES

A thermal cycling method and device is disclosed. The device comprises a sample chamber whose temperature can be rapidly and accurately modulated over a range of temperatures needed to carry out a number of biological procedures, such as the DNA polymerase chain reaction. Biological samples are placed in glass micro capillary tubes and then located inside the sample chamber. A programmable controller regulates the temperature of the sample inside the sample chamber. Monitoring of the DNA amplification is monitored by fluorescence once per cycle or many times per cycle. The present invention provides that fluorescence monitoring of PCR is a powerful tool for DNA quantification.

MONITORING HYBRIDIZATION DURING PCR

Methods of monitoring hybridization during polymerase chain reaction are disclosed. These methods are achieved with rapid thermal cycling and use of double stranded DNA dyes or specific hybridization probes. A fluorescence resonance energy transfer pair comprises fluorescein and Cy5 or Cy5.5. Methods for quantitating amplified DNA and determining its purity are carried out by analysis of melting and reannealing curves.

DNA DIAGNOSTICS BASED ON MASS SPECTROMETRY

Fast and highly accurate mass spectrometry-based processes for detecting a particular nucleic acid sequence in a biological sample are provided. Depending on the sequence to be detected, the processes can be used, for example, to diagnose a genetic disease or chromosomal abnormality; a predisposition to a disease or condition, infection by a pathogenic organism, or for determining identity or heredity.

APPARATUS FOR PERFORMING PHOTOMETRIC ASSAYS

There is provided according to the invention an apparatus for the performance of photometric assays comprising: 1. A housing; 2. A plurality of translucent capillaries each being sealed at one end; 3. Means to provide each capillary with photonic isolation from a neighbouring capillary; and 4. Optical instrumentation and circuitry adapted to read an optical response or event in each capillary.

Mikropipettiergerät

CONTINUOUS FLOW ANALYSIS SYSTEM, IN PARTICULAR FLOW INJECTION ANALYSIS SYSTEM.

Multi-through hole testing plate for high throughput screening

Process analyzing instrument with closed flame extinction connection part and pipe bracket

Method, compositions and systems for microfluidic analysis

Chemical analysis device

Medical system, method and apparatus employing mems

APPAREIL A CANAUX MULTIPLES POUR LE PRELEVEMENT ET/OU LA DISTRIBUTION DE LIQUIDES DANS DES MICROPLAQUES PERMETTANT DE TRAVAILLER EN CONDITIONS STERILES

A.UNE ENCEINTE FERMEE 7 COMPORTANT A SA PARTIE INFERIEURE8: A.AU MOINS UN ENSEMBLE DE CORPS DE SERINGUES 9, CHAQUE SERINGUE ETANT MUNIE DE SON PISTON 10, L'ENSEMBLE DES PISTONS ETANT ASSUJETTI A UNE PLAQUE 11 QUI LEUR EST COMMUNE, CETTE PLAQUE ETANT ELLE-MEME SUSCEPTIBLE D'ETRE COMMANDEE EN TRANSLATION DE L'EXTERIEUR DE L'ENCEINTE PAR TOUT SYSTEME APPROPRIE 4 MUNI D'UN DISPOSITIF DE REGLAGE D'AMPLITUDE 14 DE LA COURSE DE CET ENSEMBLE DE PISTONS, ET B.AU MOINS UN PORTE-CANAUX ET CANULES 5 DONT LE NOMBRE CORRESPOND A CELUI DES SERINGUES DUDIT ENSEMBLE DE SERINGUES POUR COOPERER AVEC CES DERNIERES, LE VOLUME DE CHAQUE CANAL ET DE SA CANULE ETANT SUPERIEUR AU VOLUME MAXIMUM DEVANT ETRE PRELEVE ET B.UN SOCLE-SUPPORT DE MICROPLAQUES 2.

METHOD FOR DETECTING ELEMENTS DISPERSED FLOWS THROUGH A CAPILLARY TUBE, AND APPARATUS THEREFOR

Biological micro-reactor suitable for high throughput screening, forms alternating mobile liquid reactors and liquid separators in parallel capillaries

L'invention concerne un dispositif microfluidique d'injection de trains de chambres mobiles de réaction (102, 103) avec séparateurs (101) non miscibles dans des micro-canaux (21 à 26), comprenant : - des moyens d'injection (10) pour injecter en alternance et en parallèle dans les micro-canaux du liquide pour former les chambres mobiles de réaction et du liquide pour former les séparateurs, - des moyens de contrôle de la progression de l'un des deux liquides, disposés pour intervenir sur une zone (31) de chaque micro-canal délimitant un volume a injecter de ce liquide, les moyens de contrôle étant aptes à provoquer l'arrêt ou le ralentissement de la progression de ce liquide sur la zone de chaque micro-canal en exerçant une action basée sur une propriété physico-chimique de ce liquide, cette action n'ayant pas d'effet direct sur l'autre liquide.

Tool for transport of liquid drops in spaced array

L'outil (1, 3) est conçu pour transporter des gouttes (2i ) agencées suivant une distribution spatiale prédéterminée. Il comprend au moins un support filiforme (1) monté sur un cadre (3) dégageant ce support, ledit support présentant une pluralité de plages mouillables par ledit liquide, réparties selon une distribution prédéterminée sur sa longueur, ces plages mouillables étant séparées les unes des autres par des sections non mouillables dudit support (1). Application aux cultures de cellules ou aux essais sur des molécules biologiques.

Method and system for microfluidic interfacing to arrays

SAMPLE CAPILLARY MOUNTING MODULE

The present invention relates to a sample capillary mounting module and, more specifically, to a sample capillary mounting module capable of mounting a sample capillary in a device for analyzing particle features such as a size of a particle, a shape, etc. based on an image photographed by a camera. The present invention relates to the sample capillary mounting module including the sample capillary in which an analyzed particle is injected. A mounting groove to mount the sample capillary in a longitudinal direction is formed on an upper surface of the sample capillary mounting module. A penetration groove is formed from one side of the sample capillary mounting module to the other side of the sample capillary mounting module. The sample capillary mounting module is mounted on the stage. Light irradiated toward a side of the sample capillary mounting module is received to one side of the penetration groove; and is outputted to the other side of the penetration groove by passing the sample ...

sistema para detecção de espécies microbianas, quantificação e identificação de suscetibilidade de antibióticos

MICROFLUIDIC DEVICES

The present invention provides novel microfluidic substrates and methods that are useful for performing biological, chemical and diagnostic assays. The substrates can include a plurality of electrically addressable, channel bearing fluidic modules integrally arranged such that a continuous channel is provided for flow of immiscible fluids.

CAPILLARY TRANSFER DEVICE FOR HIGH DENSITY ARRAYS

L'invention porte sur un procédé et un appareil d'impression de matrices de haute densité destinées à être utilisées dans les dosages biologiques et chimiques. Cet appareil met en oeuvre une pluralité de tiges (22) logées chacune dans un canal (30) agencé sous forme de plusieurs voies. Cet agencement est conçu de sorte que chaque canal (30) puisse retenir le liquide par la pression capillaire. Le liquide est expulsé des canaux (30) par l'extension des tiges du côté de l'évacuation de chaque canal (30). Chaque tige (22) retient une goutte de liquide représentative dans son canal (30) respectif qui est mis en contact avec une surface (36) du substrat générant le transfert. Idéalement, les tiges (22) sont toutes raccordées à une plaque (76) arrière, ce qui permet de transférer simultanément un certain nombre de gouttes de liquide.

SENSOR FOR MICROFLUID HANDLING SYSTEM

La présente invention concerne des micro-consoles, des micro-ponts ou des micro membranes intégrés dans des micro systèmes de traitement de liquide. Ces systèmes de l'invention permettent de détecter des mécanismes permettant de surveiller les propriétés physiques, chimiques et biologiques des fluides de ces systèmes. Cette invention concerne aussi des capteurs de type micro-console, micro-pont ou micro-membrane pourvus d'un affichage intégré. Ces constructions permettent à des flux laminaires de différents liquides de s'écouler dans un canal sans se mélanger, ce qui débouche sur de nouveaux types d'expériences et réduit le bruit lié au mouvement du liquide. Cette invention concerne enfin des capteurs possédant de micro-consoles, des micro-ponts ou des micro-membranes proches ou très rapprochées qui peuvent être exposés dans des environnements chimiques différents au même moment.

INDICATOR COMPONENTS FOR MICROFLUIDIC SYSTEMS

L'invention concerne des dispositifs et des systèmes microfluidiques, comprenant des éléments de manipulation, d'enregistrement ou d'indication qui communiquent une fonctionnalité du dispositif microfluidique à l'instrumentation utilisée avec lesdits dispositifs. Les éléments d'indicateurs comprennent des indicateurs structurels, des indicateurs électriques, des indicateurs optiques, et des indicateurs chimiques. Les différents éléments d'indicateurs indiquent différentes fonctionnalités, par exemple, des applications nouvelles quant à leur utilisation, et analogues.

MICRODOSING DEVICE AND METHOD FOR OPERATING SAME

The invention relates to a microdosing device comprising a pressure chamber (24) which is at least partly delimited by a displacer (10), an actuating device (30) for actuating the displacer (10), whereby actuation of said displacer (10) is able to alter the volume (28) of the pressure chamber (24), a storage reservoir for a medium, which is connected to the pressure chamber (24) via a first fluid line (20) in such a way that fluid is able to circulate, and an outlet opening (26) which is connected to the pressure chamber (24) via a second fluid line (22) also in such a way that fluid is able to circulate. The microdosing device further comprises a device (12, 14) for determining the position of the displacer (10) at any given time and a control device which is connected to the actuating device (30) and the device (12, 14) for detecting the position of the displacer (10). The control device controls the actuating device (30) on the basis of the detected displacer (10) position or on the ...

DEVICE FOR CARRYING OUT AN ALMOST SIMULTANEOUS SYNTHESIS OF A PLURALITY OF SAMPLES

The invention relates to a device for carrying out an almost simultaneous synthesis of a plurality of samples. The device is especially suitable for use in automated laboratory processes in the area of combinatorial chemistry. The aim of the invention is to provide a device of this type which enables the synthesis of a plurality of samples bonded to microbeads, said microbeads being provided in the cavities of a support plate. To this end, a plane support plate (1) is provided with a plurality of cavities (11) arranged regularly in an iterative grid. The cavities accommodate microbeads (12). A removable covering (2) is provided, said covering being provided with webs (21) which each cover at least one of a row of associated cavities (11) in such a way that a capillary gap (3) is formed between the microbeads (12) and the webs (21) and larger recesses (22) are left respectively between the adjacent webs (21). A dosed liquid dispenser (4) is allocated to each capillary gap (3).

METHOD FOR ADJUSTING TEMPERATURE OF ANALYZING TOOL AND ANALYZING DEVICE HAVING FUNCTION OF ADJUSTING TEMPERATURE

A method for adjusting a liquid component (10) held in an analyzing tool (1) for use in carrying out the analysis of a sample so as to have an objective temperature, which comprises heating the liquid component (10) utilizing a light energy from a light source (23) in elevating the temperature of the liquid component; the method wherein the light is directly supplied to the liquid component to effect the temperature elevation, or wherein the light is supplied to a region provided in the vicinity of the liquid component for temperature elevation and the temperature elevation of the component is effected by the heat energy transferred from the region; and the method wherein the light source (23) is a laser diode or a light emitting diode.

METHOD FOR MICROBIAL SPECIES DETECTION, QUANTIFICATION AND ANTIBIOTIC SUSCEPTIBILITY IDENTIFICATION

A method of using microfluidic chips to significantly accelerate the time to identify and quantify microbes in a biological sample and test them for antibiotic resistance, particularly for urinary tract infections. A first microfluidic chip uses antibody or similar probes to identify and quantify any microbes present. The same or a similar chip uses antibody or similar probes to identify microbes with DNA or RNA known to indicate antibiotic resistance. Another microfluidic chip tests for antibiotic susceptibility of any microbes by growing them in very small wells in the presence of antibiotics, reducing the time required for such testing by as much as 95%. Another microfluidic chip runs traditional urinalysis or similar tests. 1. A method for analyzing a biological sample , comprising: i. a plurality of microfluidic channels;', 'ii. at least one inlet connected to each of said microfluidic channels for receiving the biological sample and delivering it to said plurality of microfluidic channels;, 'a. providing a microfluidic microbe detection chip (MDC), the MDC comprisingb. providing a plurality of probe reservoirs, each said reservoir containing a supply of probes which recognize microbial surface molecules, microbial intracellular proteins or microbial DNA or RNA and bind thereto, and wherein each said reservoir is connected to at least one of said microfluidic channels on the MDC to deliver said probes in said reservoir to said at least one of said microfluidic channels;c. providing a biological sample to said at least one inlet of the MDC, which in turn provides the sample to said plurality of microfluidic channels;d. causing the probes to engage said biological sample in said plurality of microfluidic channels, whereby the probes can react and bind to said microbial surface molecules, microbial intracellular proteins or microbial DNA or RNA recognized by the probes, if such are present in said biological sample;e. measuring the presence of any of said probes ...

Chemical analysis apparatus and analysis device

There are provided a chemical analysis apparatus and an analysis device in which predetermined quantities of a sample and a reagent are presicely pipetted, then are subjected to various processes, and are tested by a test device. Thus, the chemical analysis apparatus comprises the analysis device, an oil supply portion, a sample pipetting portion and a reagent pipetting portion. The analysis device comprises an upper board provided with a common electrode, and a lower board provided with a drive electrode including a train of a plurality of electrodes. Oil is filled in a space defined between the two boards, and liquid drops of the sample, the reagent and the like are formed in the oil. The common electrode is applied thereto with a negative voltage or is grounded while a positive voltage is applied to electrodes on the drive electrode side in order to decrease a contact angle in a zone where the voltage are applied to the electrodes, and accordingly, the wettability is enhanced, thereby ...

Liquid chromatograph

A liquid chromatograph comprises an analyzing chip in which a capillary is formed in a substrate and a detector section is disposed downstream of the capillary. The capillary is covered so that an inlet opening end and an outlet opening end of said capillary flow path is opened. A frame member has a sample introduction path, a carrier liquid introduction path and a liquid discharge path. The analyzing chip is movably disposed in the frame member so that the inlet opening end and the outlet opening end of the capillary are selectively in communication with and/or under interruption against said sample introduction path, the carrier liquid introduction path and the liquid discharge path. The liquid chromatograph is very small in size but is easy to handle. Incidentally, there is disclosed also a sample introduction apparatus and method for the chromatograph, and an FET type detector suitable for the chromatograph.

Apparatus and methods for time-resolved optical spectroscopy

Frequency-domain light detection systems and components and uses thereof for performing time-resolved luminescence assays. The systems may include methods for identifying and/or correcting for background and/or quenching, among others. The systems also may include apparatus for increasing duty cycle and/or sensitivity, among others.

Apparatus and method for transfer of a fluid sample

Methods, devices, apparatus and kits for amplifying and detecting nucleic acid are provided. The apparatus is a one or two-tier thermal cycling device that operates in conjunction with a reaction/detection unit. A sample is loaded into a reaction chamber of the device which is then mated with a detection chamber to form the reaction/detection unit. A first heating element of the thermal cycling apparatus applies a desired temperature to the reaction/detection device to amplify target nucleic acid in the sample. The reaction mixture is then transferred to the detection chamber by the second heating element and amplified target nucleic acid is immobilized on a support in the detection chamber. Microprocessor control controls the heat applied by the second element independently of the heat applied by the first element. A detection system associated with the apparatus detects and analyzes the immobilized amplified nucleic acid target. Images are captured and digitized and subjected to statistical ...

Encapsulated reagents and methods of use

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

Devices and method for enrichment and alteration of cells and other particles

The invention features devices and methods for the deterministic separation of particles. Exemplary methods include the enrichment of a sample in a desired particle or the alteration of a desired particle in the device. The devices and methods are advantageously employed to enrich for rare cells, e.g., fetal cells, present in a sample, e.g., maternal blood and rare cell components, e.g., fetal cell nuclei. The invention further provides a method for preferentially lysing cells of interest in a sample, e.g., to extract clinical information from a cellular component, e.g., a nucleus, of the cells of interest. In general, the method employs differential lysis between the cells of interest and other cells (e.g., other nucleated cells) in the sample.

Control of operation conditions within fluidic systems

The invention provides methods of controlling environmental conditions within a fluidic system, where such environmental conditions can affect the operation of the system in its desired function, and fluidic channels, devices, and systems that are used in practicing these methods. Such methods are generally directed to environmental control fluids, the movement of such fluids through these systems, and the interaction of these fluids with other components of the system, e.g., other fluids or solid components of the system.

Fluid controlling apparatus and method of controlling fluid by using the same

A fluid controlling apparatus including at least one sample chamber for holding a fluid containing target materials; a cleaning chamber for holding a cleaning solution; a first multi-port connected to the at least one sample chamber through a first channel and connected to the cleaning chamber through a second channel; a filter portion, connected to the first multi-port through a third channel, for filtering the target materials; and a first pump, connected to the filter portion, for applying a pressure; and a method of controlling a fluid using the fluid controlling apparatus, which comprises passing the fluid containing the target materials from the at least one sample chamber to the filter portion; and cleaning a path of the fluid by passing the cleaning solution through the path.

Microfluidic devices

The present invention provides novel microfluidic substrates and methods that are useful for performing biological, chemical and diagnostic assays. The substrates can include a plurality of electrically addressable, channel bearing fluidic modules integrally arranged such that a continuous channel is provided for flow of immiscible fluids.

Encapsulated reagents and methods of use

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

System for performing automated solid phase extractions

The invention provides an improved instrument for automation of solid phase extraction chemistries typically used in biotechnology labs. The instrument includes a mechanism for transferring samples dissolved in a liquid from initial containers to reaction columns that are used to perform solid phase extractions. Samples, reaction columns and collection containers are in microtiter plate format or tubes that are on 18 millimeter centers. The transfer system is automatically cleaned after use in preparation for the next use. A dispense manifold is used to dispense various reagents into the reaction columns. Pressure differential is used to move reagents through reaction columns. A sliding cover is used to divert the reagent exiting reaction columns to waste or allowing collection of sample as it exits outlets of reaction columns. Samples are automatically collected in microtiter plates or in individual tubes or vials.

Devices And Method For Enrichment And Alteration Of Cells And Other Particles

The invention features devices and methods for the deterministic separation of particles. Exemplary methods include the enrichment of a sample in a desired particle or the alteration of a desired particle in the device. The devices and methods are advantageously employed to enrich for rare cells, e.g., fetal cells, present in a sample, e.g., maternal blood and rare cell components, e.g., fetal cell nuclei. The invention further provides a method for preferentially lysing cells of interest in a sample, e.g., to extract clinical information from a cellular component, e.g., a nucleus, of the cells of interest. In general, the method employs differential lysis between the cells of interest and other cells (e.g., other nucleated cells) in the sample. 1150-. (canceled)151. A method of enriching a sample in fetal cells relative to maternal cells , the method comprising:(a) introducing a maternal blood sample into a microfluidic device capable of enriching fetal nucleated cells relative to maternal cells based on size, shape, deformability, or affinity to produce an enriched sample;(b) lysing fetal nucleated cells in the enriched sample to release fetal nuclei; and(c) detecting fetal nuclei.152. The method of claim 151 , wherein step (b) comprises lysing all cells in the enriched sample and collecting fetal nuclei.153. The method of claim 151 , wherein step (b) comprises selectively lysing fetal nucleated cells relative to maternal cells.154. The method of claim 151 , wherein the microfluidic device comprises a channel having a structure that deterministically directs fetal nucleated cells in a first direction and at least some maternal cells in a second direction based on deterministic lateral displacement.155. The method of claim 154 , wherein the microfluidic device is a duplex device comprising a channel comprising a first section comprising first and second outer regions claim 154 , each outer region comprising a structure that deterministically directs particles ...

FLUIDIC DEVICES, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS FOR ENCAPSULATING AND PARTITIONING REAGENTS, AND APPLICATIONS OF SAME

The disclosure provides devices, systems and methods for the generation of encapsulated reagents and the partitioning of encapsulated reagents for use in subsequent analyses and/or processing, such as in the field of biological analyses and characterization. 1. A microfluidic system , comprising:a microfluidic channel network comprising at least first, second and third channels in fluid communication with a droplet generation junction;a first fluid source fluidly connected to the first channel and comprising a first fluid that comprises an aqueous fluid and a plurality of microcapsules;a second fluid source fluidly connected to the second channel and comprising a second fluid that is immiscible with the aqueous fluid; anda flow control system connected to the microfluidic channel network that (i) subjects the first fluid from the first fluid source to flow along the first channel in a manner such that microcapsules from the plurality of microcapsules flow at a flow frequency that is substantially regular in the first channel as determined by a number of microcapsules that flow past a given point in the first channel within a one second period of time, and (ii) subjects the second fluid from the second fluid source to flow along the second channel, such that the first fluid and the second fluid meet at the droplet generation junction to generate a plurality of droplets comprising microcapsules from the plurality of microcapsules, which plurality of droplets flow along the third channel.2. The microfluidic system of claim 1 , wherein the flow frequency has a coefficient of variation of less than 30%.3. The microfluidic system of claim 2 , wherein the flow frequency has a coefficient of variation of less than 20%.4. The microfluidic system of claim 3 , wherein the flow frequency has a coefficient of variation of less than 10%.5. The microfluidic system of claim 4 , wherein the flow frequency has a coefficient of variation of less than 5%.6. The microfluidic system of ...

SYSTEMS and METHODS for DETECTING INFECTIOUS DISEASES

Systems, methods, and devices for detecting infections in a clinical sample are provided. Small-volume clinical samples obtained at a point-of-service (POS) location and may be tested at the POS location for multiple markers for multiple diseases, including upper and lower respiratory diseases. Samples may be tested for cytokines, or for inflammation indicators. Dilution of samples, or levels of detection, may be determined by the condition or past history of a subject. Test results may be obtained within a short amount of time after sample placement in a testing device, or within a short amount of time after being obtained from the subject. A prescription for treatment of a detected disorder may be provided, and may be filled, at the POS location. A bill may be automatically generated for the testing, or for the prescription, may be automatically sent to an insurance provider, and payment may be automatically obtained. 1. A system for detecting the presence of one or more of a plurality of markers indicative of an infectious disease in a small-volume clinical sample , comprising:a) a sample handling system;b) a detection station comprising an optical sensor;c) a fluidically isolated sample collection unit configured to retain a clinical sample;d) an assay station comprising at least a first, second, and third fluidically isolated assay unit, wherein the first unit comprises a first reagent comprising an antibody, the second unit comprises a second reagent comprising an oligonucleotide, and the third unit comprises a third reagent comprising a chromogen, dye, or other label; ande) a controller, wherein the controller comprises a local memory and is operatively coupled to the sample handling system and the detection station;wherein the system is configured to perform assays with any one or more of the first, second, and third assay units; wherein the local memory of the controller comprises a protocol comprising instructions for: i) directing the sample handling ...

FLUIDIC DEVICES, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS FOR ENCAPSULATING AND PARTITIONING REAGENTS, AND APPLICATIONS OF SAME

The disclosure provides devices, systems and methods for the generation of encapsulated reagents and the partitioning of encapsulated reagents for use in subsequent analyses and/or processing, such as in the field of biological analyses and characterization. 1. A method for manufacturing a droplet generator , comprising:injection molding a polymeric structure comprising a microfluidic channel network comprising at least (i) a first channel, a second channel and a third channel in fluid communication with a droplet generation junction, and (ii) a flow regulator that is configured to provide flow of microcapsules from a suspension of a plurality of microcapsules along said first channel towards said droplet generation junction at a substantially regular flow frequency,wherein said first channel is in fluid communication with a first fluid source configured to contain a first fluid comprising said suspension of said plurality of microcapsules,wherein said second channel is in fluid communication with a second fluid source configured to contain a second fluid that is immiscible with said first fluid,wherein said droplet generation junction is configured to bring said first fluid comprising said microcapsules from said first channel in contact with said second fluid from said second channel to generate a droplet comprising a single microcapsule from said plurality of microcapsules, andwherein said third channel is configured to flow said droplet away from said droplet generation junction.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein said first channel claim 1 , said second channel and said third channel are in a first layer of said polymeric structure.3. The method of claim 2 , wherein said first fluid source and said second fluid source are in a second layer of said polymeric structure claim 2 , which second layer is different than said first layer.4. The method of claim 3 , wherein said second layer comprises a planar surface claim 3 , a first reservoir and second reservoir claim ...

FLUIDIC DEVICES, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS FOR ENCAPSULATING AND PARTITIONING REAGENTS, AND APPLICATIONS OF SAME

The disclosure provides devices, systems and methods for the generation of encapsulated reagents and the partitioning of encapsulated reagents for use in subsequent analyses and/or processing, such as in the field of biological analyses and characterization. 1. A device for generating a droplet comprising a single microcapsule , comprising:a polymeric structure comprising a microfluidic channel network comprising at least (i) a first channel, a second channel and a third channel in fluid communication with a droplet generation junction, and (ii) a flow regulator that is configured to provide flow of microcapsules from a suspension of a plurality of microcapsules along said first channel towards said droplet generation junction at a substantially regular flow frequency,wherein said first channel is in fluid communication with a first fluid source configured to contain a first fluid comprising said suspension of said plurality of microcapsules,wherein said second channel is in fluid communication with a second fluid source configured to contain a second fluid that is immiscible with said first fluid,wherein said droplet generation junction is configured to bring said first fluid comprising said microcapsules from said first channel in contact with said second fluid from said second channel to generate a droplet comprising a single microcapsule from said plurality of microcapsules, andwherein said third channel is configured to flow said droplet away from said droplet generation junction.2. The device of claim 1 , wherein said first channel claim 1 , said second channel and said third channel are in a first layer of said polymeric structure.3. The device of claim 2 , wherein said first fluid source and said second fluid source are in a second layer of said polymeric structure claim 2 , which second layer is different than said first layer.4. The device of claim 3 , wherein said second layer comprises a planar surface claim 3 , a first reservoir and second reservoir ...

MODULAR POINT-OF-CARE DEVICES, SYSTEMS, AND USES THEREOF

The present invention provides devices and systems for use at the point of care. The methods devices of the invention are directed toward automatic detection of analytes in a bodily fluid. The components of the device are modular to allow for flexibility and robustness of use with the disclosed methods for a variety of medical applications. 178-. (canceled)79. A method of on-demand assembly of a cartridge for automated detection of an analyte in a bodily fluid sample , wherein the cartridge comprises a housing , said housing comprising: an array of addressable assay units , wherein an individual assay unit of the array is configured to run a chemical reaction that yields a detectable signal indicative of the presence or absence of the analyte; and an array of addressable reagent units , wherein an individual reagent unit of the array is addressed to correspond to the individual assay unit , said method comprising:(i) placing according to the analyte to be detected an array of addressable assay units, wherein an individual assay unit of the array is configured to run a chemical reaction that detects an analyte of interest ordered by said end user, into the housing;(ii) placing according to the analyte to be detected an array of reagent units, wherein an individual reagent unit of the array corresponds to the individual assay unit, into the housing; and(iii) securing the arrays of (i) and (ii) within the housing of the cartridge.wherein the reagent units; the assay units; at least one pipette tip, and at least one touch-off pad are all arranged in a two-dimensional pattern and not together in a single row in the cartridge.80. The method of further comprising selecting an analyte to be detected.81. The method of further comprising sealing the cartridge.82. The method of further comprising labeling the cartridge with a readable label indicating the analyte to be detected.83. The method of claim 82 , wherein the readable label is a bar code or RFID. This application is a ...

FLUID OPERATION CELL WITH ON-CHIP ELECTRICAL FLUID OPERATION COMPONENTS

In one example in accordance with the present disclosure, a fluid operation cell is described. The fluid operation cell includes a micro-electro-mechanical housing. The housing includes an inlet and an outlet through which fluid flows and electrodes disposed on an interior of the housing to couple to a controller. The fluid operation cell also includes a silicon-based substrate disposed inside, and electrically coupled to, the housing. The substrate includes an on-chip electrical fluid operation component formed thereon. The electrical fluid operation component uses an electrical signal to operate on bypassing fluid. The fluid operation cell includes a dedicated address to be individually activated by the controller. 1. A fluid operation cell comprising: passages through which fluid flows; and', 'electric traces disposed on an interior of the housing to couple to a controller;, 'a microelectromechanical housing comprising the substrate comprises an on-chip electrical fluid operation component formed thereon;', 'the electrical fluid operation component uses an electrical signal to operate on bypassing fluid; and', 'the fluid operation cell includes a dedicated address to be individually activated by the controller., 'a semiconductive substrate disposed inside, and electrically coupled to the housing, wherein2. The cell of claim 1 , wherein the cell is a microfluidic operational device.3. The cell of claim 1 , wherein the housing further comprises a common electrical interface on an external surface to electrically interconnect the fluid operation cell with other fluid operation cells and the controller.4. The cell of claim 1 , wherein the housing further comprises a common mechanical interface on an external surface to mechanically interconnect the fluid operation cell with other fluid operation cells and the controller.5. The cell of claim 1 , wherein the housing is a printed housing.6. The cell of claim 1 , wherein the housing is an enclosed shape.7. The cell of ...

System and method for rehydrating powder and delivering the rehydrated powderto a reactor

A closed system for rehydrating powder and delivering the rehydrated powder to a reactor, may include a liquid reservoir for containing liquid; a syringe configured to contain powder to be rehydrated; a reactor; a controller for controlling operation of the syringe; and a conduit fluidically linking the liquid reservoir to a port of the syringe, fluidically linking the port to the reactor. The controller is configured to operate the syringe so as to draw liquid from the liquid reservoir into the syringe and rehydrate the powder, or to drive the rehydrated powder into the reactor.

LOADING STATION

Disclosed herein are methods, devices, and systems for loading and retrieval of particles. In some embodiments, a loading station comprise a tray configured to receive a microwell array, a first magnet, a second magnet, and an actuation mechanism configured to cause movement of at least one of the first magnet and the second magnet. 1. A loading station comprising:a tray configured to receive a microwell array;a first magnet, the first magnet being movable between a first magnet active position in which the first magnet is positioned to exert a first magnetic force in a first direction on one or more magnetic particles positioned within the microwell array and a first magnet inactive position in which the first magnet is positioned to exert less magnetic force on the one or more magnetic particles positioned within the microwell array in comparison to the first magnet active position, wherein the first magnet is positioned inferior to the tray when the first magnet is in the first magnet active position;a second magnet, the second magnet being movable between a second magnet active position in which the second magnet is positioned to exert a second magnetic force in a second direction on the one or more magnetic particles positioned within the microwell array and a second magnet inactive position in which the second magnet is positioned to exert less magnetic force on the one or more magnetic particles positioned within the microwell array in comparison to the second magnet active position, wherein the second direction of the second magnetic force is different than the first direction of the first magnetic force; andan actuation mechanism configured to cause movement of at least one of the first magnet and the second magnet.2. The loading station of claim 1 , wherein the actuation mechanism comprises an actuator claim 1 , the actuator being movable between a plurality of different positions claim 1 , wherein at least some movements of the actuator cause movement of ...

MICROFLUDIC DEVICES FOR VALIDATING FLUIDIC UNIFORMITY

A microfluidic device for validating fluidic uniformity may include a chamber defined in the microfluidic device. and a plurality of sensors located within the chamber. The plurality of sensors being positioned within the chamber in a symmetrical location about a least one element of the chamber. The microfluidic device may also include control logic to activate the sensors to measure a property of a fluid within the chamber and determine whether the element affects the measurement of the property of the fluid provided by the sensors. The control logic may also, in response to a determination that the element does not affect the measurement of the property of the fluid provided by the sensors, determine if the property measured by all the sensors at their respective symmetrical locations within the chamber are uniform within a range of values. The control logic may also, in response to a determination that the element does affect the measurement of the property of the fluid provided by the sensors, measure the property between symmetric pairs of the sensors. 1. A microfluidic device for validating fluidic uniformity , comprising:a chamber defined in the microfluidic device;a plurality of sensors located within the chamber, the plurality of sensors being positioned within the chamber in a symmetrical location about an element of the chamber; and activate the sensors to measure a property of a fluid within the chamber;', 'determine whether the element affects the measurement of the property of the fluid provided by the sensors based on placement of the sensors relative to the element;', 'in response to a determination that the element does not affect the measurement of the property of the fluid provided by the sensors, determine if the property measured by all the sensors at their respective symmetrical locations within the chamber are uniform within a range of values; and', 'in response to a determination that the element does affect the measurement of the property ...

SYSTEM FOR MICROBIAL SPECIES DETECTION, QUANTIFICATION AND ANTIBIOTIC SUSCEPTIBILITY IDENTIFICATION

Several microfluidic chips are used to significantly accelerate the time to identify and quantify microbes in a biological sample and test them for antibiotic resistance, particularly for urinary tract infections. A first microfluidic chip uses antibody or similar probes to identify and quantify any microbes present. The same or a similar chip uses antibody or similar probes to identify microbes with DNA or RNA known to indicate antibiotic resistance. Another microfluidic chip tests for antibiotic susceptibility of any microbes by growing them in very small wells in the presence of antibiotics, reducing the time required for such testing by as much as 95%. Another microfluidic chip runs traditional urinalysis or similar tests. 1. An apparatus for analyzing a biological sample , comprising: i. a plurality of microfluidic branches, an internal surface of each branch comprising a substance to which microbes will adhere;', 'ii. inlets connected to each said microfluidic branch for receiving the biological sample and delivering it to said microfluidic branches,', 'iii. a plurality of probe reservoirs, each said reservoir containing a probe supply and connected to a subset of said microfluidic branches to deliver said probe to said subset of microfluidic branches, and', 'iv. outlets connected to said microfluidic branches for removing fluid therefrom;, 'a. a microfluidic microbe detection chip (MDC), the MDC comprisingb. a sample transfer mechanism for receiving the biological sample and delivering it to said inlets of said MDC;c. at least one MDC solution reservoir, each said reservoir containing a solution and connected to said microfluidic branches to deliver said solution to said microfluidic branches;d. at least one MDC sensor adjacent to said microfluidic branches to measure the presence of said probes therein;e. a programmed control system for operating the apparatus, receiving measurements from said at least one MDC sensor and reporting the results.2. The ...

METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR MITIGATION OF CURRENT REVERSAL IN CAPILLARY ZONE ELECTROPHORESIS-ELECTROSPRAY DEVICE

The combined capillary electrophoresis electrospray mass spectrometry apparatus has a circuit to handle excess current allows separations under a wide range of electrophoretic conditions. The apparatus includes an electrospray with an emitter and an electrospray interface connected with a separation capillary configured to transport a sample with an injection end and a distal end. The injection end of the separation capillary is inserted into a reservoir containing a background electrolyte and the distal end is threaded within the electrospray interface and sized and shaped to mate with the electrospray interface. A power supply is electrically connected to the injection end and an amplifier at least one first diode positioned between the amplifier and the distal end allows current to flow to the distal end only. A second diode positioned between the distal end and a ground configured to allow current flow to the ground. 1. An apparatus for sample analysis at a wide range of electrophoretical conditions comprising:an electrospray with an emitter and an electrospray interface;a separation capillary configured to transport a sample with an injection end and a distal end, wherein the injection end of the separation capillary is inserted into a reservoir containing a background electrolyte and the distal end is threaded within the electrospray interface and sized and shaped to mate with the interface;a first power supply electrically connected to the injection end and an amplifier;at least one first diode positioned between the amplifier and the distal end configured to allow current to flow to the distal end; anda second diode positioned between the distal end and a ground configured to allow current flow to the ground.2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the electrospray further comprises an emitter which is located proximate to a mass spectrometry inlet.3. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the separation capillary is configured to separate the sample by one of the ...

PERFORMING ANTIMICROBIAL SUSCEPTIBILITY TESTING AND RELATED SYSTEMS AND METHODS

In some aspects, automated rapid antimicrobial susceptibility testing systems for performing a multi-assay testing sequence can include an automated incubation assembly having a nest assembly adapted to house at least one test panel having a plurality of wells for receiving a sample comprising microorganisms originating from a clinical sample, the incubation assembly facilitating incubation of one or more test panels in order to undergo the multi-assay testing sequence; a robotic handling assembly configured to accept one or more incoming test panels and move them to and from the incubation assembly for incubation between each assay of the multi-assay testing sequence; an automated liquid handling assembly configured to exchange one or more fluids in the plurality of wells of the test panels; and an optical assembly for interrogation and readout of each assay of the multi-assay testing sequence being performed in the plurality of wells. 1. An automated rapid antimicrobial susceptibility testing system for performing a multi-assay testing sequence , the system comprising: 'one or more agitation systems configured to generate a repeated motion of the nest assemblies;', 'one or more automated incubation assemblies comprising a nest assembly adapted to: i) house at least one test panel having a plurality of wells for receiving a sample comprising microorganisms originating from a clinical sample, and ii) facilitate incubation of one or more test panels in order to undergo the multi-assay testing sequence, the incubation assembly comprisinga sample separation assembly configured to separate microorganisms from a remainder of the sample within the wells of test panel, the sample separation assembly comprising a centrifugation system that forms a pellet of the microorganisms within the wells of the test panels;a robotic handling assembly configured to accept one or more incoming test panels and move them between at least one of the one or more automated incubation ...

Sequencing systems including a base unit and removable cartridge

Embodiments include systems for sequencing a biological sample. The system may include a reusable subsystem and a removable subsystem. The reusable subsystem may actuate and operate the removable subsystem to automate the sequencing. A base unit of the reusable subsystem may form a fluidic connection between an integrated reagent cartridge and an integrated sensor cartridge of the removable subsystem. The integrated reagent cartridge may be configured to hold reagents and the integrated sensor cartridge may be configured with a biosensor for sequencing the biological sample.

HANDHELD FLUID HANDLING SYSTEMS AND METHODS

A handheld system includes a reference pressure source configured to generate a reference pressure. The handheld system also includes a primary pressure source coupled to the reference pressure source. The primary pressure source is configured to generate a primary pressure in a primary pressure range. The primary pressure is less than the reference pressure, and the primary pressure is induced by the reference pressure source. The handheld system also includes a secondary pressure source coupled to the primary pressure source. The secondary pressure source is configured to generate a secondary pressure in a secondary pressure range. The secondary pressure is less than the primary pressure, and the secondary pressure is induced by the primary pressure source. 1. A handheld system , comprising:a reference pressure source configured to generate a reference pressure;a primary pressure source coupled to the reference pressure source, the primary pressure source configured to generate a primary pressure in a primary pressure range, the primary pressure less than the reference pressure, the primary pressure induced by the reference pressure source; anda secondary pressure source coupled to the primary pressure source, the secondary pressure source configured to generate a secondary pressure in a secondary pressure range, the secondary pressure less than the primary pressure, the secondary pressure induced by the primary pressure source.2. The handheld system of claim 1 , wherein the reference pressure source is a pressure pump claim 1 , the primary pressure source is a primary reservoir coupled to the pressure pump claim 1 , and the secondary pressure source is a secondary reservoir coupled to the primary reservoir.3. The handheld system of claim 1 , wherein the primary pressure source is a primary reservoir having a primary reservoir volume and the secondary pressure source is a secondary reservoir having a secondary reservoir volume claim 1 , the secondary reservoir ...

CHIP TO CHIP FLUIDIC INTERCONNECT

A device may include a substrate, a first fluid processing chip, a second fluid processing chip, a tapered channel, and a fluid actuator. The first fluid processing chip may be disposed on the substrate and may process a micro-volume of fluid. The second fluid processing chip may be disposed on the substrate and co-planar with the first fluid processing chip. The second fluid processing chip may process at least a portion of the micro-volume of fluid. The tapered channel may be disposed between the first and second fluid processing chips to transport the at least the portion of the micro-volume of fluid from the first fluid processing chip to the second fluid processing chip. The fluid actuator may be disposed proximate to the tapered channel and may control movement of the at least the portion of the micro-volume of fluid within the tapered channel. 1. A device , comprising:a substrate;a first fluid processing chip, disposed on the substrate, to process a micro-volume of fluid;a second fluid processing chip, disposed on the substrate and co-planar with the first fluid processing chip, to process at least a portion of the micro-volume of fluid;a tapered channel disposed between the first and second fluid processing chips, the tapered channel transporting the at least the portion of the micro-volume of fluid from the first fluid processing chip to the second fluid processing chip via a directional net driving capillary force imbalanced within the tapered channel; anda fluid actuator, disposed proximate to the tapered channel, to control movement of the at least the portion of the micro-volume of fluid within the tapered channel from the first fluid processing chip to the second fluid processing chip.2. The device of claim 1 , further comprising an air port claim 1 , coupled to the tapered channel claim 1 , to normalize a back pressure within the tapered channel.3. The device of claim 1 , wherein the fluid actuator includes a resistor that heats claim 1 , in response ...

Analysis device and method for testing a sample

An analysis device and a method for testing a biological sample are proposed, a cartridge being received in the analysis device and valves of the cartridge being opened automatically.

Rotating sample positioning apparatus

A positioning system for a sample analysis device is disclosed. The positioning system comprises (1) a carousel comprising a platform and a sample loading tray mounted on the platform, and (2) a stage comprising a positioning system for positioning the carousel under the optical path of an imaging system. The sample loading tray is configured for holding a cartridge comprising one or more lateral flow cells (LFCs).

ANALYZING DEVICE

A capillary cavity and an inlet protruding circumferentially outward from an axial center are connected by a guide section formed so as to extend circumferentially inward and on which a capillary force acts. A sample liquid collected from a leading end of the inlet is transferred to a separation cavity . A bent section and a recess are formed at a connected section of the guide section and the capillary cavity so as to change the direction of a passage. 119-. (canceled)20. An analyzing device having one end of a supplying capillary channel opened at a spot application section formed so as to protrude from an analyzing device main body , the supplying capillary channel connected to a microchannel structure formed inside the analyzing device main body , a sample liquid applied to the spot application section suctioned by a capillary force of the supplying capillary channel , and the analyzing device used for reading in which a suctioned solution is accessed , whereina leading end of the spot application section is formed as an inclined face, and the end of the supplying capillary channel is opened on the inclined face.21. The analyzing device according to claim 20 , whereina closure prevention recess that communicates with the one end of the supplying capillary channel is formed on the inclined face.22. The analyzing device according to claim 20 , whereinthe analyzing device main body on which the spot application section is protrudingly formed comprisesa base substrate on which an internal recess to become the microchannel structure is formed anda cover substrate to be bonded to the base substrate and which closes an opened face of the internal recess,a length of a protrusion of the base substrate forming the spot application section is longer than a length of a protrusion of the cover substrate forming the spot application section, and a width of the cover substrate forming the spot application section is narrower than a width of the base substrate forming the spot ...

AUTOMATIC ANALYSER AND METHOD

Provided is a specimen dispensing mechanism that includes a specimen nozzle dispensing a specimen to be analyzed in a specimen chamber to a reaction chamber by suctioning and ejecting the specimen, and the specimen dispensing mechanism is controlled so as to perform a specimen suctioning process of inserting the specimen nozzle into the specimen chamber and suctioning the specimen in the specimen chamber, a liquid suctioning process of suctioning a liquid by the specimen nozzle after the specimen suctioning process, and an ejection process of ejecting the liquid and a portion of the specimen to the empty reaction chamber from the specimen nozzle in this order. Thereby, it is possible to provide an automatic analyser and a method which are capable of dispensing a small amount of specimen with a high level of accuracy, without depending on the outer shape of a specimen nozzle or the viscosity of the specimen. 1. An automatic analyser comprising:a specimen dispensing mechanism that includes a specimen nozzle dispensing a specimen to be analyzed in a specimen chamber to a reaction chamber by suctioning and ejecting the specimen; anda control unit that controls the specimen dispensing mechanism so as to perform a specimen suctioning process of inserting the specimen nozzle into the specimen chamber and suctioning the specimen in the specimen chamber, a liquid suctioning process of suctioning a liquid by the specimen nozzle after the specimen suctioning process, and an ejection process of ejecting the liquid and a portion of the specimen in this order from the specimen nozzle to the empty reaction chamber.2. The automatic analyser according to claim 1 , further comprising:a liquid supply portion that stores the liquid suctioned in the liquid suctioning process,wherein the liquid in the liquid supply portion is suctioned by the specimen nozzle in the liquid suctioning process.3. The automatic analyser according to claim 1 , further comprising:a cleaning tank in which the ...

PERFORMING ANTIMICROBIAL SUSCEPTIBILITY TESTING AND RELATED SYSTEMS AND METHODS

In some aspects, automated rapid antimicrobial susceptibility testing systems for performing a multi-assay testing sequence can include an automated incubation assembly having a nest assembly adapted to house at least one test panel having a plurality of wells for receiving a sample comprising microorganisms originating from a clinical sample, the incubation assembly facilitating incubation of one or more test panels in order to undergo the multi-assay testing sequence; a robotic handling assembly configured to accept one or more incoming test panels and move them to and from the incubation assembly for incubation between each assay of the multi-assay testing sequence; an automated liquid handling assembly configured to exchange one or more fluids in the plurality of wells of the test panels; and an optical assembly for interrogation and readout of each assay of the multi-assay testing sequence being performed in the plurality of wells. 121-. (canceled)22. A method for performing multi-assay rapid antimicrobial susceptibility testing sequences , the method comprising:inoculating a sample comprising a microorganism derived from a clinical sample into a plurality of wells of a test panel, at least a portion of the plurality of wells containing one or more antimicrobials of a plurality of antimicrobials for inoculation of the sample;loading the test panel into an automated rapid antimicrobial susceptibility testing system for performing a multi-assay testing sequence; and move the loaded test panel to an incubation assembly comprising a nest assembly adapted to: i) house at least one test panel, and ii) facilitate incubation of one or more test panels in order to undergo the multi-assay testing sequence the incubation assembly comprising: an agitation system configured to generate a repeated motion of the nest assembly;', 'incubate and agitate the inoculated sample in the incubation assembly;', 'at least once, periodically measure an amount of sample growth in a ...

MODULAR POINT-OF-CARE DEVICES, SYSTEMS, AND USES THEREOF

The present invention provides devices and systems for use at the point of care. The methods devices of the invention are directed toward automatic detection of analytes in a bodily fluid. The components of the device are modular to allow for flexibility and robustness of use with the disclosed methods for a variety of medical applications. 1. A system for performing an assay capable of detecting an analyte in a biological sample , the system comprising: a plurality of reagent units, wherein one or more of the plurality of reagent units are configured to store cartridge reagents, and', 'a sample vessel configured to receive the biological sample;, 'a cartridge comprising an addressable assay unit configured to receive the biological sample and to receive a first cartridge reagent from a first reagent unit of the plurality of reagent units of the cartridge,', 'a reaction site arranged on an interior surface of the addressable assay unit, wherein the reaction site comprises an immobilized binding reagent configured to bind with the analyte, and', 'an assembly tip in fluid communication with the addressable assay unit and comprising an opening, wherein the assembly tip is configured to place the addressable assay unit in fluid communication with the first reagent unit or the sample vessel of the cartridge; and, 'an assay assembly comprising an automated fluid transfer device configured to move the assay assembly relative to the cartridge to selectively place the assembly tip of the assay assembly into the sample vessel or into the first reagent unit of the plurality of reagent units and to sequentially transfer the biological sample and the first cartridge reagent into the addressable assay unit via the assembly tip such that a reaction occurs that yields a signal indicative of a presence of the analyte, and', 'a detection assembly configured to detect the signal indicative of the presence of the analyte., 'a reader assembly configured to receive the cartridge and the ...

Droplet-based analysis method

Devices and methods for generating droplets. An exemplary device comprises a substantially planar base portion including a bottom surface having a plurality of microfluidic channels formed therein as recessed regions of the bottom surface. The device also comprises a plurality of protrusions projecting from a top surface of the base portion and each formed integrally with the base portion. The device further comprises a sample well, a carrier well, and a droplet well. Each well has an upper portion created by one of the protrusions. A cover layer is attached to the bottom surface of the base portion and seals a bottom side of each microfluidic channel.

Systems and devices for analysis of samples

Systems and methods for analysis of samples, and in certain embodiments, microfluidic sample analyzers configured to receive a cassette containing a sample therein to perform an analysis of the sample are described. The microfluidic sample analyzers may be used to control fluid flow, mixing, and sample analysis in a variety of microfluidic systems such as microfluidic point-of-care diagnostic platforms. Advantageously, the microfluidic sample analyzers may be, in some embodiments, inexpensive, reduced in size compared to conventional bench top systems, and simple to use. Cassettes that can operate with the sample analyzers are also described.

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DETECTING INFECTIOUS DISEASES

Systems, methods, and devices for detecting infections in a clinical sample are provided. Small-volume clinical samples obtained at a point-of-service (POS) location and may be tested at the POS location for multiple markers for multiple diseases, including upper and lower respiratory diseases. Samples may be tested for cytokines, or for inflammation indicators. Dilution of samples, or levels of detection, may be determined by the condition or past history of a subject. Test results may be obtained within a short amount of time after sample placement in a testing device, or within a short amount of time after being obtained from the subject. A prescription for treatment of a detected disorder may be provided, and may be filled, at the POS location. A bill may be automatically generated for the testing, or for the prescription, may be automatically sent to an insurance provider, and payment may be automatically obtained. 1216-. (canceled)217. A method of detecting a disease marker , comprising: i) a sample handling system configured to transport at least a portion of a sample and being configured to transport an independently movable assay unit; and', 'ii) an optical detector;, 'a) introducing a cartridge comprising at least two different types of samples into an automatic sample processing device, said cartridge being configured to hold at least one sample and being configured to hold a swab, wherein said automatic sample processing device comprisesb) contacting a sample, or a portion thereof, with a movable assay unit, or a reagent, or both, for the performance of an assay for the detection of a disease marker, said contacting comprising transporting, with the aid of said sample handling system, at least a portion of said sample, or a movable assay unit, or a reagent, or combinations thereof;c) positioning said sample, or portion thereof, at a location suitable for detection of an optical signal from the sample or portion thereof by said optical detector; andd) ...

MICROFLUIDIC DEVICES

The present invention provides novel microfluidic substrates and methods that are useful for performing biological, chemical and diagnostic assays. The substrates can include a plurality of electrically addressable, channel bearing fluidic modules integrally arranged such that a continuous channel is provided for flow of immiscible fluids. 1. A method of analyzing a compound of a cell , the method comprising:providing a plurality of droplets of aqueous solution in an oil, each droplet comprising at least one cell and growth media;incubating the plurality of the droplets, thereby forming at least one secreted substance in each droplet; andconducting a homogenous assay on the secreted substance in each of the plurality of droplets.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the cell is a bacterium cell claim 1 , a fungal cell claim 1 , a plant cell claim 1 , or an animal cell.3. The method of claim 1 , wherein each of the plurality of droplets in the providing step comprises a substrate for an enzyme.4. The method of claim 3 , wherein the enzyme is conjugated to an antibody.5. The method of claim 1 , wherein each of the plurality of droplets in the providing step further comprises a labeled compound.6. The method of claim 1 , wherein each of the plurality of droplets in the providing step further comprises primers.7. The method of claim 6 , wherein the primers are bound to a bead.8. The method of claim 6 , wherein the primers are barcoded.9. The method of claim 1 , wherein each of the plurality of droplets in the providing step comprises reagents for an amplification reaction.10. The method of claim 1 , wherein the secreted substance comprises a nucleic acid or a protein.11. The method of claim 1 , wherein the homogenous assay comprises amplification.12. The method of claim 11 , wherein amplification comprises PCR claim 11 , QPCR claim 11 , or rolling circle amplification.13. The method of claim 9 , wherein the labeled compound is a labeled peptide.14. The method of claim 9 , ...

Fluidic systems comprising an incubation channel, including fluidic systems formed by molding

Fluidic devices and methods involving incubation and/or mixing of assay components are provided. In some embodiments, a biological and/or chemical assay may be performed in fluidic device. The fluidic device may be designed to allow for controlled incubation and/or mixing of two or more assay components. In some such embodiments, the fluidic device may comprise an incubation channel having a relatively large cross-sectional dimension in fluid communication with a detection channel. The incubation channel may allow for adequate mixing and/or incubation of two or more assay components prior to analysis of the assay. In certain embodiments, the detection channel may be used to provide feedback on the extent of incubation and/or mixing. Based on the feedback, one or more component of the fluidic system may be regulated to allow the requisite degree of mixing and/or incubation to be achieved. In some embodiments, the controlled incubation and/or mixing of assay components in an incubation channel, as described herein, may allow for improved assay performance.

A microfluidic detection system and a microfluidic cartridge

A microfluidic cartridge includes first and second sides and at least one flow channel and an inlet to the flow channel(s) for feeding a liquid sample, the flow channel(s) include a plurality of first optical detection sites. A detector assembly includes a slot for inserting the microfluidic cartridge and a first fixed light source with a beam path and an optical reader for reading out optical signals from at least one of the first optical detection site(s). When the microfluidic cartridge is inserted to a first predetermined position into the slot, one of the first optical detection sites of the microfluidic cartridge is positioned in the beam path of the first light source, and when the cartridge is inserted to a second predetermined position into the slot, another one of the first optical detection sites of the microfluidic cartridge is positioned in the beam path of the first light source.

DROPLET-BASED SURFACE MODIFICATION AND WASHING

The present invention relates to droplet-based surface modification and washing. According to one embodiment, a method of splitting a droplet is provided, the method including providing a droplet microactuator including a droplet including one or more beads and immobilizing at least one of the one or more beads. The method further includes conducting one or more droplet operations to divide the droplet to yield a set of droplets including a droplet including the one or more immobilized beads and a droplet substantially lacking the one or more immobilized beads. 123.-. (canceled)24. A method comprising:(a) dispensing a sample droplet comprising a surface-modifying agent onto one or more electrodes arranged to conduct one or more droplet operations in a droplet microactuator, the droplet microactuator comprising a first substrate and a second substrate that are spaced apart from each other with a filler fluid therebetween; and (i) contact the sample droplet with a surface of the droplet microactuator, the sample droplet comprising a solution for eluting a substance immobilized on the surface and thereby reducing the quantity of the immobilized substance on the surface, wherein the surface is a part of one or more beads;', '(ii) merge the sample droplet with a wash droplet to yield a combined droplet; and', '(iii) divide the combined droplet into two or more sub-droplets using a physical obstacle that is attached to the first substrate, second substrate, or both the first substrate and the second substrate., '(b) conducting the one or more droplet operations to25. The method of wherein the filler fluid comprises oil.26. The method of wherein the substance is selected from the group consisting of proteins claim 24 , peptides claim 24 , antibodies claim 24 , antigen binding regions claim 24 , antigens and nucleic acids.27. The method of wherein the one or more droplet operations are selected from the group consisting of splitting claim 24 , separating or dividing a ...

Methods of isotachophoresis detection

An isotachophoresis (ITP) apparatus, a kit comprising same and method of use thereof for the detection and/or separation of analytes of interest.

MICRODROPLET TREATMENT DEVICE AND USE METHOD THEREOF

A microdroplet treatment device, comprising: a sample introduction system, a microfluidic chip system (), a temperature control system, a droplet recognition system, a droplet detection system and a control system (); the sample introduction system is used for introducing, into the microdroplet treatment device, samples of aqueous phase and oil phase, and the sample introduction system comprises at least: a sample introduction system I () and a sample introduction system II (), the sample introduction system I () being used for introducing, into the microdroplet treatment device, samples of oil phase, and the sample introduction system II () being used for introducing into the microdroplet treatment device, samples of aqueous phase; the microfluidic chip system () comprises a substrate (), pipes () formed in the substrate, and a first detection window () and a second detection window (); the temperature control system comprises: a temperature sensor and a temperature control member; the droplet recognition system comprises: a laser light source () and a photoelectric sensor (); the droplet detection system comprises: an optical fiber (), a spectrometer () and a halogen light source (); and the control system () is used for controlling each of the systems in the microdroplet treatment device. 1. A microdroplet treatment device , comprising: a sample introduction system , a microfluidic chip system , a temperature control system , a droplet recognition system , a droplet detection system and a control system; whereinthe sample introduction system is used for introducing samples of aqueous phase and oil phase into the microdroplet treatment device, and the sample introduction system comprises at least: a sample introduction system I and a sample introduction system II, the sample introduction system I is used for introducing samples of oil phase into the microdroplet treatment device, and the sample introduction system II is used for introducing samples of aqueous ...

MICROFLUIDIC DEVICE

Disclosed herein is a microfluidic device, which includes a platform, at least one chamber provided in the platform to accommodate a sample, and at least one channel configured to couple the chambers to each other. The at least one chamber includes a detection chamber configured to detect the sample, and the microfluidic device further includes a light blocking portion configured to prevent external light from entering the detection chamber so as to prevent occurrence of errors in detection of the sample in the detection chamber. The microfluidic device can be useful for preventing the occurrence of detection errors which might otherwise be caused by interference of external light. The microfluidic device may also be useful for reducing an inspection time and for miniaturizing microfluidic devices. Further, the microfluidic device may be useful for preventing contaminants from entering the detection chamber. 1. A microfluidic device comprising:a platform;at least two chambers, including a first chamber which is provided in the platform and configured to accommodate a sample, and at least a second chamber; andat least one channel configured to couple the first chamber to the at least the second chamber,wherein the at least two chambers comprise a detection chamber configured to detect the sample, and the microfluidic device further comprises a light blocking portion configured to prevent external light from entering the detection chamber so as to prevent an occurrence of at least one error which relates to a detection of the sample in the detection chamber.2. The microfluidic device of claim 1 , wherein the light blocking portion is arranged to surround an outer wall of the detection chamber.3. The microfluidic device of claim 1 , wherein the light blocking portion is formed of a material that is impenetrable by light.4. The microfluidic device of claim 1 , wherein the at least two chambers further comprise a quantitative reaction chamber configured to facilitate a ...

LOADING STATION

Disclosed herein are methods, devices, and systems for loading and retrieval of particles. In some embodiments, a loading station comprise a tray configured to receive a microwell array, a first magnet, a second magnet, and an actuation mechanism configured to cause movement of at least one of the first magnet and the second magnet. 116.-. (canceled)17. A method for collecting a plurality of barcode-bearing beads comprising: introducing a plurality of cells into a flowcell of a cartridge positioned within a loading station;introducing a plurality of magnetic barcode-bearing beads into the flowcell, wherein the flowcell comprises a plurality of microwells, wherein each microwell is dimensioned to receive at least one cell of the plurality of cells and at least one magnetic barcode-bearing bead of the plurality of magnetic barcode-bearing beads; moving a first magnet of the loading station to a position sufficient to exert a first magnetic force on at least some of the magnetic barcode-bearing beads positioned within the plurality of microwells in a first direction;moving a second magnet of the loading station to a position sufficient to exert a second magnetic force on at least some of the magnetic barcode-bearing beads positioned within the plurality of microwells in a second direction different than the first direction; andintroducing a fluid into the flowcell to cause at least some of the barcodebearing beads to flow through the flowcell.18. The method of claim 17 , wherein at least one of the first magnetic force and the second magnetic force are of a magnitude sufficient to prevent magnetic barcode-bearing beads on which the at least one of the first magnetic force and second magnetic force are exerted from flowing through the flowcell when the fluid is introduced into the flowcell.19. The method of claim 17 , wherein each of the first magnet and the second magnet are coupled to an actuation mechanism comprising an actuator.20. The method of claim 19 , wherein ...

ANALYSIS ENGINE AND DATABASE FOR MANIPULATING PARAMETERS FOR FLUIDIC SYSTEMS ON A CHIP

A system includes a platform including one or more workstations and a microfluidic input device coupled to the one or more workstations. The microfluidic input device is adapted to receive a microfluidic device from a user. The system also includes a robotic device comprising a robotic arm and disposed on the platform. The robotic arm is capable of accessing the one or more workstations and is configured to transfer a plurality of sample solutions from a first spatial location to the microfluidic device when coupled to the microfluidic input device. The system further includes a multi-pixel image capturing device optically coupled to the microfluidic device and an image processing device operably coupled to the multi-pixel image capturing device. The multi-pixel image capturing device is adapted to capture a plurality of multi-pixel images. The image processing device is configured to receive the plurality of multi-pixel images. 1. A system for processing one or more entities , the system comprising:a platform including one or more workstations;a microfluidic input device coupled to the one or more workstations, the microfluidic input device being adapted to receive a microfluidic device from a user, the microfluidic device including one or more well regions, each of the one or more well regions arranged in a spatial orientation;a robotic device comprising a robotic arm and disposed on the platform, the robotic arm being capable of accessing the one or more workstations, the robotic arm being configured to transfer a plurality of sample solutions from a first spatial location to the microfluidic device when coupled to the microfluidic input device;a multi-pixel image capturing device optically coupled to the microfluidic device, the multi-pixel image capturing device being adapted to capture a plurality of multi-pixel images from at least one of the one or more well regions; andan image processing device operably coupled to the multi-pixel image capturing device, ...

MODULAR POINT-OF-CARE DEVICES, SYSTEMS, AND USES THEREOF

The present invention provides devices and systems for use at the point of care. The methods devices of the invention are directed toward automatic detection of analytes in a bodily fluid. The components of the device are modular to allow for flexibility and robustness of use with the disclosed methods for a variety of medical applications. 1. A bench-top , point-of-care system for detecting an analyte in a bodily fluid sample , the system comprising: an addressable reagent unit configured to contain a cartridge reagent for running a chemical reaction for detecting the analyte; and', 'a sample collection unit configured to receive the bodily fluid sample;', an addressable assay unit configured to receive the bodily fluid sample from the sample collection unit and the cartridge reagent from the addressable reagent unit, wherein the addressable assay unit comprises a reaction site having thereon an immobilized binding reagent that is configured to yield a detectable optical signal indicative of the presence of the analyte in the sample; and', 'an assembly tip comprising an opening configured to allow the transfer of fluids into the addressable assay unit;, 'an assay assembly comprising], 'a cartridge comprisinga fluid transfer device comprising a programmable processor configured to direct movement of the cartridge to a location that places one of the addressable reagent unit and the sample collection unit into fluid communication with the addressable assay unit via the assembly tip; anda detection assembly configured to detect the detectable optical signal indicative of the presence of the analyte.2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the bodily fluid sample includes one of blood claim 1 , serum claim 1 , plasma claim 1 , saliva claim 1 , urine claim 1 , tears claim 1 , gastric fluid claim 1 , digestive fluid claim 1 , bone marrow claim 1 , cerebrospinal fluid claim 1 , stool claim 1 , semen claim 1 , vaginal fluid claim 1 , and liquid extracted from tissue.3. The ...

FUNCTIONAL MATERIAL FOR TESTING LIQUID SAMPLE

A functional material for testing a liquid sample includes a based material in a sheet shape and a channel part provided on a mounting surface of the base material wherein the channel part is composed with water-permeable fibers having permeability, and water-impermeable fibers having impermeability. The water-permeable fibers and the water-impermeable fibers are arranged along the longitudinal direction of the channel part, forming voids wherein the voids are in a mesh structure in which one of the voids connects to another of the voids such that the empty spaces are linked from a base end to a tip end of the channel part. A thickness of the channel part is ranged from 20 μm mm to 5 mm, and a width of the voids is ranged from 10 μm to 200 μm, allowing the liquid sample to move from the base end to the tip end due to capillarity. 1. A functional material for testing a liquid sample , comprising:{'b': '2', 'a based material () that is in a sheet shape, having a mountain surface and bottom surface: and'}{'b': 10', '10', '10, 'i': a', 'b, 'a channel part () that is provided on the mounting surface of the base material, has a predetermined length in a longitudinal direction, which is determined with two ends that are a base end () and a tip end (), wherein'}the mounting surface of the base material is water-impermeable,{'b': 11', '12, 'claim-text': the water-permeable fibers being made of a material having permeability, and', 'the water-impermeable fibers being made of a material having impermeability, of which a longitudinal length is ranged from 20 μm to 5 mm, and of which a diameter is ranged from 10 μm to 500 μm,, 'the channel part is composed with a mixture of water-permeable fibers () and water-impermeable fibers (),'}{'b': '10', 'i': 'h', 'the water-permeable fibers and the water-impermeable fibers are arranged along the longitudinal direction of the channel part, forming voids (), which are empty spaces, between the water-permeable fibers and the water- ...

MODULAR POINT-OF-CARE DEVICES, SYSTEMS, AND USES THEREOF

The present invention provides devices and systems for use at the point of care. The methods devices of the invention are directed toward automatic detection of analytes in a bodily fluid. The components of the device are modular to allow for flexibility and robustness of use with the disclosed methods for a variety of medical applications. 1. A bench-top , point-of-care system for detecting an analyte in a bodily fluid sample , the system comprising: a plurality of addressable reagent units configured to contain cartridge reagents for running chemical reactions for detecting the analyte; and', 'a sample collection unit configured to receive the bodily fluid sample;, 'a removable cartridge comprisingan addressable assay unit configured to receive the bodily fluid sample from the sample collection unit and the cartridge reagents from the plurality of addressable reagent units, wherein the addressable assay unit comprises a reaction site having thereon an immobilized binding reagent that is configured to yield a detectable optical signal indicative of the presence of the analyte in the sample;a fluid transfer device comprising a programmable processor configured to direct fluid transfer of the sample and the cartridge reagents to the addressable assay unit according to a protocol corresponding to the analyte; anda detection assembly configured to detect the detectable optical signal indicative of the presence of the analyte.2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the bodily fluid sample includes one of blood claim 1 , serum claim 1 , plasma claim 1 , saliva claim 1 , urine claim 1 , tears claim 1 , gastric fluid claim 1 , digestive fluid claim 1 , bone marrow claim 1 , cerebrospinal fluid claim 1 , stool claim 1 , semen claim 1 , vaginal fluid claim 1 , and liquid extracted from tissue.3. The system of claim 1 , wherein the binding reagent includes one of an antibody and an epitope.4. The system of claim 1 , wherein the cartridge reagents include one of a conjugate reagent ...

Automatic Microfluidic System for Rapid Personalized Drug Screening and Testing Method for Personalized Antibiotic Susceptibility

The present disclosure provides an automatic microfluidic system for rapid personalized drug screening including a microfluidic chip. The microfluidic chip includes a fluid storage unit, a fluid driving unit, a reaction unit and a plurality of valve units. The fluid driving unit includes two mixing pumps. Each of the mixing pumps includes two pneumatic micro-pumps, a mixing chamber and a blocking structure. The blocking structure is disposed in the mixing chamber and is connected between the two pneumatic micro-pumps. When the two pneumatic micro-pumps are started alternately, the blocking structure is deflected alone with the operation of the two pneumatic micro-pumps. 1. An automatic microfluidic system for rapid personalized drug screening , comprising: a fluid storage unit comprising a plurality of fluid storage chambers for storing, respectively, a bacterial suspension, a culture medium and a first antibiotic solution;', two pneumatic micro-pumps arranged side by side;', 'a mixing chamber stacked at one side of the two pneumatic micro-pumps; and', 'a blocking structure disposed in the mixing chamber and connected between the two pneumatic micro-pumps, wherein the blocking structure is deflected along with an operation of the two pneumatic micro-pumps when the two pneumatic micro-pumps are alternately started;, 'a fluid driving unit communicated and disposed adjacent to the fluid storage unit, wherein the fluid driving unit comprises two mixing pumps in which each of the mixing pumps comprises, 'a reaction unit communicated with the fluid driving unit and comprising a plurality of reaction chambers radially distributed around the fluid driving unit, wherein each of the reaction chambers is for storing a reaction solution; and', a plurality of pneumatic micro-valves disposed between the fluid storage unit and the fluid driving unit, and between the fluid driving unit and the reaction unit; and', 'a plurality of valve control air holes for controlling opening and ...

Analysis Unit for Carrying Out a Polymerase Chain Reaction, Analysis Device, Method for Operating such an Analysis Unit, and Method for Producing such an Analysis Unit

An analysis unit is configured to carry out a polymerase chain reaction. The analysis unit includes a lid element with at least one lid recess and a base element with at least one base recess. The base recess is arranged opposite the lid recess to form a reaction chamber. The analysis unit further includes a film arranged, at least in the region of the lid recess, between the lid element and the base element. The analysis unit also includes at least one channel formed between the lid element and the base element and configured to channel a fluid into and/or out of the base recess of the reaction chamber. The analysis unit includes a probe carrier arranged in the base recess and including at least one indicator material as the probe, for identifying a biochemical material. The indicator material on the probe carrier is in a solid aggregate state. 1. An analysis unit configured to carry out a polymerase chain reaction , the analysis unit comprising:a lid element having at least one lid recess;a base element having at least one base recess, the at least one base recess is arranged opposite the at least one lid recess to form a reaction chamber;a film arranged, at least in an area of the at least one lid recess, between the lid element and the base element;at least one channel formed between the lid element and the base element and configured to channel a fluid into and/or out of the at least one base recess of the reaction chamber; anda probe carrier arranged in the at least one base recess and including at least one indicator material as a probe configured to identify a biochemical material,wherein the at least one indicator material on the probe carrier is in a solid aggregate state.2. The analysis unit according to claim 1 , wherein:the lid element includes a through opening in the area of the at least one lid recess; andthe film is attached to the lid element to seal an opening in the at least one lid recess opposite the through opening in a fluid-impermeable ...

Online diagnostic system with virtual medical assistance for the diagnosed disease utilizing nano-devices and quantum cloud computing

The present invention relates to implementing an online diagnostic system for diagnosing the sample received from a client. The system is connected with an electrode through a Bluetooth low energy communication channel to receive the sample from one or more subscribed client(s) and the system is configured to transmit the received sample for further diagnosis of the sample. Additionally, the system can be supported with a diagnostic kiosk integrated with a dual purpose chip/imbedded Microfluidic chip (MFC) to collect the test sample. Further, the transmitted sample is diagnosed in the cloud by using nano technology and through the implementation of the cloud computation technology. Further, the application is configured to send back the sample diagnosis result to the electronic device from which the client sample was collected or through a diagnostic kiosk LED display to provide a virtual medical assistance for the clients diagnosed with a disease.

SYSTEMS and METHODS for DETECTING INFECTIOUS DISEASES

Systems, methods, and devices for detecting infections in a clinical sample are provided. Small-volume clinical samples obtained at a point-of-service (POS) location and may be tested at the POS location for multiple markers for multiple diseases, including upper and lower respiratory diseases. Samples may be tested for cytokines, or for inflammation indicators. Dilution of samples, or levels of detection, may be determined by the condition or past history of a subject. Test results may be obtained within a short amount of time after sample placement in a testing device, or within a short amount of time after being obtained from the subject. A prescription for treatment of a detected disorder may be provided, and may be filled, at the POS location. A bill may be automatically generated for the testing, or for the prescription, may be automatically sent to an insurance provider, and payment may be automatically obtained.

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR INTEGRATION OF MICROFLUIDIC TEAR COLLECTION AND LATERAL FLOW ANALYSIS OF ANALYTES OF INTEREST

Systems, methods, and devices for analyzing small volumes of fluidic samples, as a non-limiting example, less than twenty microliters are provided. The devices are configured to make a first sample reading, for example, measure an energy property of the fluid sample, for example, osmolality, make a second sample reading, for example, detecting the presence or concentration of one or more analytes in the fluid sample, or make both the first sample reading and the second sample reading, for example, measuring the energy property of the fluid sample as well as detecting the presence or concentration of one or more analytes in the fluid sample. 1. A device for analyzing a fluidic sample , the device comprising:(a) a first sample region shaped to receive a volume of the fluidic sample and comprising at least one transducer configured to detect an energy property of the volume in order to generate a first sample reading; and(b) a second sample region in fluidic communication with the first sample region and shaped to receive at least a portion of the volume, wherein the second sample region comprises a detection substrate configured to detect one or more analytes in the volume in order to generate a second sample reading.2. The device of claim 1 , further comprising a metering mechanism that controls fluid flow from the first sample region to the second sample region.3. The device of claim 2 , wherein the metering mechanism comprises a passive valve.4. The device of claim 3 , wherein the passive valve comprises one or more geometric features that constrain the flow of the volume into the second sample region.5. The device of claim 2 , wherein the metering mechanism comprises an active valve.6. The device of claim 5 , wherein the active valve comprises an electrode having a hydrophobic coating in which application of a voltage to the electrode causes dissolution of the hydrophobic coating claim 5 , thereby permitting the flow of the at least a portion of the volume to the ...

ENCAPSULATED REAGENTS AND METHODS OF USE

The present invention contemplates use of encapsulated aqueous and non-aqueous reagents, solutions and solvents and their use in laboratory procedures. These encapsulated aqueous or non-aqueous reagents, solutions and solvents can be completely contained or encapsulated in microcapsules or nanocapsules that can be added to an aqueous or non-aqueous carrier solution or liquid required for medical and research laboratory testing of biological or non-biological specimens. 1. A solution in combination with an analytic substrate having a biological specimen treated with a horseradish peroxidase staining protocol disposed thereon , the solution comprising:a carrier solution disposed on the analytic substrate, the carrier solution comprising a chromogen activating buffer; anda plurality of capsules dispersed in the carrier solution, the capsules encapsulating at least one reagent comprising a chromogen,wherein the solution is positioned on the analytic substrate such that disruption of the capsules causes the release of the reagent into the carrier solution so that the reagent is activated by the chromogen activating buffer and becomes available to act on or react with a horseradish peroxidase of the horseradish peroxidase staining protocol attached to or associated with the biological specimen.2. The solution of claim 1 , wherein the carrier solution is an oil based carrier solution.3. The combination of claim 1 , wherein the carrier solution is an aqueous based carrier solution.4. The solution of claim 1 , wherein the carrier solution is a non-aqueous based carrier solution.5. The solution of claim 1 , wherein the reagent is an oil based reagent.6. The solution of claim 1 , wherein the reagent is an aqueous based reagent.7. The solution of claim 1 , wherein the reagent is a non-aqueous based reagent.8. The combination of claim 1 , wherein the reagent is a liquid.9. The solution of claim 1 , wherein the reagent is dry.10. The solution of claim 1 , wherein the reagent is a ...

Magnetic Nanoparticle Distribution in Microfluidic Chip

The present invention relates into a device and method for controlling distribution of superparamagnetic nanoparticles (NPs) in a microfluidic chamber. By applying a strong magnetic field, localization of the NPs to inter-pillar spaces between soft magnetic coated micropillars is demonstrated, even with a modest fluid flow across the inter-pillar space. Flow splitting techniques are also provided to force particles to reliably interact with the NPs, specifically by using a Brevais lattice with a primative vector of 1°-15° with respect to flow direction. The pillars may have non-circular cross-sectional shape and be arranged to direct NP clouds more effectively. An array of the pillars has multiple axes for rotating NP cloud distributions in multiple orientations, allowing for a rotating magnetic field to move the NP cloud for mixing a fluid that is otherwise stationary.

MODULAR POINT-OF-CARE DEVICES, SYSTEMS, AND USES THEREOF

The present invention provides devices and systems for use at the point of care. The methods devices of the invention are directed toward automatic detection of analytes in a bodily fluid. The components of the device are modular to allow for flexibility and robustness of use with the disclosed methods for a variety of medical applications. 178-. (canceled)79. A method of detecting at least two analytes in a small-volume biological sample , the method comprising:providing a cartridge comprising an array of individual, addressable reagent units and an array of individual, addressable assay units for analyzing said biological sample for the presence of said at least two analytes;positioning said cartridge and a sample collection unit in a benchtop instrument, wherein the sample collection unit contains the biological sample having a volume of no more than about 500 microliters (μL);using a fluid transfer device in said benchtop instrument to transfer at least a portion of said biological sample from said sample collection unit to an individual assay unit to provide a first sample portion and at least a second sample portion, wherein said second sample portion is not in fluid communication with said first sample portion;diluting, by at least about 3-fold, at least one of said first sample portion or said second sample portion effective that signals produced by assays indicative of said at least two analytes are within detectable ranges;performing a first assay for detecting the presence of a first analyte in said first portion of the biological sample;performing a second assay for detecting the presence of a second analyte in a said second portion of the biological sample.80. The method of claim 79 , further comprising providing a protocol for directing the fluid transfer device in the performance of assays for the presence of said at least two analytes.81. The method of claim 79 , wherein the at least two analytes are present at concentrations that differ by at least ...

Spot array substrate, method for producing same, and nucleic acid polymer analysis method and device

In order to reduce the cost of producing a spot array substrate and reduce the cost of nucleic acid polymer analysis, a spot array substrate is used which is produced by preparing a resin substrate 402 having a surface on which an uneven pattern is formed and a plurality of bead sitting positions set in a two-dimensional array within the uneven pattern, and loading surface-modified beads onto the bead sitting positions of the resin substrate.

MICROFLUIDIC DEVICES

The present invention provides novel microfluidic substrates and methods that are useful for performing biological, chemical and diagnostic assays. The substrates can include a plurality of electrically addressable, channel bearing fluidic modules integrally arranged such that a continuous channel is provided for flow of immiscible fluids. 1. A method for preparing nucleic acids for sequencing on a chip , the method comprising:providing a plurality of nucleic acid fragments and a plurality of microbeads;encapsulating the plurality of nucleic acids fragments and the plurality of microbeads in an emulsion comprising droplets, wherein each droplet contains one nucleic acid and one microbead;amplifying the nucleic acids fragments, wherein the amplifying also generates bead-bound nucleic acid fragments;breaking the emulsion; anddepositing the bead-bound nucleic acid fragments onto a chip for sequencing.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the nucleic acid comprises DNA or RNA.3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the nucleic acid comprises an adaptor.4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the droplets comprise primers.5. The method of claim 4 , wherein the primers are coupled to the microbeads.6. The method of claim 1 , further comprising shearing the nucleic acid.7. The method of claim 1 , wherein the nucleic acid comprises an entire genome.8. The method of claim 1 , wherein the droplets are surrounded by an immiscible carrier fluid.9. The method of claim 1 , wherein the amplification reaction comprises a polymerase chain reaction.10. The method of claim 1 , wherein the amplification reaction comprises flowing the droplets through a microfluidic device to expose the droplets to thermocycling.11. The method of claim 1 , wherein the chip comprises a plurality of wells.12. The method of claim 11 , wherein each of the bead-bound nucleic acid fragments is deposited into a well.13. The method of claim 1 , further comprising detecting droplets comprising bead-bound nucleic acid ...

MICROFLUIDIC DEVICES

The present invention provides novel microfluidic substrates and methods that are useful for performing biological, chemical and diagnostic assays. The substrates can include a plurality of electrically addressable, channel bearing fluidic modules integrally arranged such that a continuous channel is provided for flow of immiscible fluids. 1. A method for preparing nucleic acids for sequencing , the method comprising:encapsulating one nucleic acid fragment and one microbead into an aqueous droplet;amplifying the nucleic acid fragment by flowing the droplet through a microfluidic channel to expose the droplet to alternating heating and cooling, wherein the amplifying step results in amplicons of the nucleic acid fragment bound to the microbead; andcentrifuging the aqueous droplet comprising the microbead having the amplicons of the nucleic acid fragment bound thereto to recover the microbead from the aqueous droplet.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the nucleic acid comprises DNA or RNA.3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the nucleic acid comprises an adaptor.4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the aqueous droplets comprise primers.5. The method of claim 4 , wherein the primers are coupled to the microbeads.6. The method of claim 1 , further comprising shearing the nucleic acid.7. The method of claim 1 , wherein the nucleic acid comprises an entire genome.8. The method of claim 1 , wherein the aqueous droplets comprise reagents for a polymerase chain reaction.9. The method of claim 1 , wherein the aqueous droplets are surrounded by an immiscible carrier fluid.10. The method of claim 1 , wherein the amplification reaction comprises a polymerase chain reaction.11. The method of claim 1 , wherein centrifuging comprises separating amplified bead-bound nucleic acid fragments from nucleic acid fragments that are not bound to beads.12. The method of claim 1 , further comprising depositing the recovered microbead onto a detection chip.13. The method of claim 1 , further ...

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.

Systems and methods for detecting infectious diseases

Systems, methods, and devices for detecting infections in a clinical sample are provided. Small-volume clinical samples obtained at a point-of-service (POS) location and may be tested at the POS location for multiple markers for multiple diseases, including upper and lower respiratory diseases. Samples may be tested for cytokines, or for inflammation indicators. Dilution of samples, or levels of detection, may be determined by the condition or past history of a subject. Test results may be obtained within a short amount of time after sample placement in a testing device, or within a short amount of time after being obtained from the subject. A prescription for treatment of a detected disorder may be provided, and may be filled, at the POS location. A bill may be automatically generated for the testing, or for the prescription, may be automatically sent to an insurance provider, and payment may be automatically obtained.

MOBILE MOLECULAR DIAGNOSTICS SYSTEM WITH WIRELESS COMMUNICATION

A mobile, self contained molecular diagnostics system is provided with a microfluidic chip, detection apparatus and an integrated or wireless control interface and imager. The system provides automated sample preparation and rapid optical detection of multianalyte nucleic acids and proteins. On chip PCR may be performed to improve the optical fluorescence signal for nucleic acid detections. Plasmonic protein detection is performed using a dark field smartphone microscope. Dark field illumination is based on an evanescent field generated by LED total internal reflection. The smartphone element may also be used as an interface to control the detection apparatus, acquire images, process data and for wireless communications with remote computers. The handheld automated system has low power requirements and is particularly suited for point of care and on demand diagnostics in resource limited settings. 1. A system for microfluidic sample analysis , the system comprising: (i) a plurality of enclosed wells;', '(ii) a sample inlet that receives a fluid sample;', '(iii) a network of microfluidic channels coupled to the wells with at least one inlet channel that transports a fluid sample from the sample inlet to one or more wells; and', '(iv) at least one vacuum port connected to the network of microfluidic channels, said vacuum port configured to be coupled to a vacuum source to draw fluid through the network of microfluidic channels and wells;, '(a) a microfluidic chip body comprising (i) a housing with a slot opening configured to receive the microfluidic chip;', '(ii) a vacuum pump;', '(iii) a socket operably coupled to the vacuum pump, the socket configured to reversibly couple with at least one vacuum port of the microfluidic chip;', '(iv) one or more light sources directed to surfaces of the chip, said light sources configured for excitation of nanoparticles by illumination;', '(v) a controller coupled to the vacuum pump, light sources and a power supply; and', '(vi) ...

MICROFLUIDIC DEVICES

The present invention provides novel microfluidic substrates and methods that are useful for performing biological, chemical and diagnostic assays. The substrates can include a plurality of electrically addressable, channel bearing fluidic modules integrally arranged such that a continuous channel is provided for flow of immiscible fluids. 1. A method for droplet formation , the method comprising the steps of:providing a plurality of aqueous fluids in a plurality of sample inlet channels,providing an immiscible carrier fluid in a main channel, wherein each of the sample inlet channels is in fluid communication with the main channel;forming a plurality of droplets comprising at least one aqueous fluid surrounded by the immiscible carrier fluid in the main channel;applying one pressure to flow the immiscible carrier fluid in the main channel; andadjusting pressure in one or more of the sample inlet channels, thereby to produce a plurality of droplets comprising at least one aqueous fluid in the main channel.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the pressure in the main channel is derived from pressure in a reservoir in fluid communication with the main channel.3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the pressure in the main channel is applied by a single pressure source to the main channel.4. The method of claim 3 , wherein the pressure source comprises a carrier oil.5. The method of claim 1 , in the forming step claim 1 , wherein a plurality of droplets comprising a first aqueous fluid and a plurality of droplets comprising a second fluid are formed.6. The method of claim 5 , wherein the droplets comprising a first aqueous fluid and the droplets comprising a second aqueous fluid are substantially uniform in size.7. The method of claim 5 , wherein the droplets comprising a first aqueous fluid are of a different size than the droplets comprising a second aqueous fluid.8. The method of claim 6 , further comprising detecting the size of the droplets.9. The method of claim 1 , ...

DEVICE AND METHOD OF DETECTING TSH

A device for detecting the concentration of biological materials is formed in a body having a plurality of fluidic paths connectable to a multi-microbalance structure carrying a plurality of microbalances, each microbalance having a sensitive portion facing a reaction chamber. The body and the multi-microbalance structure are configured to be mechanically coupled together and each microbalance is configured to be coupled to a respective fluidic path. Each fluidic path includes an inlet, a duct and a liquid waste, each duct being configured to be coupled with a respective reaction chamber. The plurality of fluidic paths and microbalances form at least one first and one second reference cells and one first sample cell. 1. An apparatus for measuring a concentration of a biological material , comprising:a body including a first face, a second face continuous with and perpendicular to the first face, and a plurality of fluidic paths, each fluidic path including:a respective inlet of a plurality of inlets at the second face;a respective reaction chamber of a plurality of reaction chambers, the respective reaction chamber being fluidly coupled to the respective inlet of the fluidic path;a respective disposal conduit of a plurality of disposal conduits, the respective disposal conduit being fluidly coupled to the respective reaction chamber of the fluidic path; anda respective waste chamber of a plurality of waste chambers, the respective waste chamber being fluidly coupled to the respective disposal conduit of the fluidic path, the respective disposal conduit having a portion higher than at least one of the respective reaction chamber and the respective waste chamber of the fluid conduit, the portion of the respective disposal conduit being configured to prevent inadvertent fluid flow; a semiconductor diaphragm;', 'a stack of layers on the diaphragm and including a pair of electrodes, an outer sensitive layer, and a piezoelectric layer sandwiched between the pair of ...

Fluidic system for reagent delivery to a flow cell

A fluidic system that includes a reagent manifold comprising a plurality of channels configured for fluid communication between a reagent cartridge and an inlet of a flow cell; a plurality of reagent sippers extending downward from ports in the manifold, each of the reagent sippers configured to be placed into a reagent reservoir in a reagent cartridge so that liquid reagent can be drawn from the reagent reservoir into the sipper; at least one valve configured to mediate fluid communication between the reservoirs and the inlet of the flow cell. The reagent manifold can also include cache reservoirs for reagent re-use.

MICROFLUIDIC PROBE WITH BYPASS AND CONTROL CHANNELS

A microfluidic probe includes a probe head with a processing surface that includes a first aperture and a second aperture. The probe further includes a liquid injection channel, which leads to the first aperture, and a liquid aspiration channel, which extends from the second aperture. The probe also includes a bypass channel, arranged so as to fluidly connect the liquid injection channel to the liquid aspiration channel, as well as a control channel. The latter fluidly connects to the bypass channel, hence forming a junction therewith, so as to define two portions of the bypass channel. These portions includes: a first portion that extends from the junction to the liquid injection channel; and a second portion that extends from that same junction to the liquid aspiration channel. The invention is further directed to methods of operation of a probe as described above, to process a surface. 1. A microfluidic probe , comprising:a probe head with a processing surface that comprises a first aperture and a second aperture;a liquid injection channel, which leads to the first aperture;a liquid aspiration channel, which extends from the second aperture;a bypass channel, arranged so as to fluidly connect the liquid injection channel to the liquid aspiration channel; and a first portion that extends from said junction to the liquid injection channel; and', 'a second portion that extends from that same junction to the liquid aspiration channel., 'a control channel, which fluidly connects to the bypass channel, hence forming a junction therewith, so as to define two portions of the bypass channel, the portions including2. The microfluidic probe according to claim 1 , whereina hydraulic resistance of the first portion of the bypass channel is larger than a hydraulic resistance of the second portion of the bypass channel.3. The microfluidic probe according to claim 2 , whereinthe hydraulic resistance of the first portion is between 2 and 100 times larger than the hydraulic ...

ANALYZING DEVICE

A capillary cavity and an inlet protruding circumferentially outward from an axial center are connected by a guide section formed so as to extend circumferentially inward and on which a capillary force acts. A sample liquid collected from a leading end of the inlet is transferred to a separation cavity . A bent section and a recess are formed at a connected section of the guide section and the capillary cavity so as to change the direction of a passage. 16-. (canceled)7. An analyzing device having a microchannel structure that is rotationally driven around an internally set axial center and transfers a sample liquid towards an internal measurement spot by a centrifugal force accompanying the rotational drive and which is used for reading involving accessing a reactant at the measurement spot , whereina sample liquid spot-applied to an inlet protruding circumferentially outward from the axial center is connected to the measurement spot via a guide section formed so as to extend circumferentially inward from the inlet and in which a capillary force acts, anda liquid reservoir that temporarily holds the sample liquid before being suctioned into the guide section is formed at a leading end of the guide section.8. An analyzing device that suctions a sample liquid spot-applied to an inlet by a capillary force of a measurement spot and which is used for reading involving accessing a test object at the measurement spot , whereina liquid reservoir that temporarily holds the sample liquid before suction is formed at a connected section of the inlet and the measurement spot.926-. (canceled) The present invention relates to an analyzing device to be used to analyze a liquid collected from a living organism or the like, and to an analyzing apparatus and an analyzing method using the same. More specifically, the present invention relates to a technique of causing an analyzing device to directly collect a sample liquid.Conventionally, as a method of analyzing a liquid collected ...

Feedback control in microfluidic systems

Systems and methods for controlling fluids in microfluidic systems are generally described. In some embodiments, control of fluids involves the use of feedback from one or more processes or events taking place in the microfluidic system. For instance, a detector may detect one or more fluids at a measurement zone of a microfluidic system and one or more signals, or a pattern of signals, may be generated corresponding to the fluid(s). In some cases, the signal or pattern of signals may correspond to an intensity, a duration, a position in time relative to a second position in time or relative to another process, and/or an average time period between events. Using this data, a control system may determine whether to modulate subsequent fluid flow in the microfluidic system. In some embodiments, these and other methods can be used to conduct quality control to determine abnormalities in operation of the microfluidic system.

FLUIDIC DEVICES, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS FOR ENCAPSULATING AND PARTITIONING REAGENTS, AND APPLICATIONS OF SAME

The disclosure provides devices, systems and methods for the generation of encapsulated reagents and the partitioning of encapsulated reagents for use in subsequent analyses and/or processing, such as in the field of biological analyses and characterization. 130.-. (canceled)31. A method for partitioning microcapsules , comprising:(a) providing a partitioning system comprising (i) a microfluidic channel network comprising at least first, second and third channels in fluid communication with a droplet generation junction, (ii) a first fluid source fluidly connected to the first channel and comprising a first fluid that comprises an aqueous fluid and a plurality of microcapsules, and (iii) a second fluid source fluidly connected to the second channel and comprising a second fluid that is immiscible with the aqueous fluid;(b) in the partitioning system, (i) subjecting the first fluid from the first fluid source to flow along the first channel in a manner such that microcapsules from the plurality of microcapsules flow at a flow frequency that is substantially regular in the first channel as determined by a number of microcapsules that flow past a given point in the first channel within a one second period of time, and (ii) subjecting the second fluid from the second fluid source to flow along the second channel, such that the first fluid and the second fluid meet at the droplet generation junction to generate a plurality of droplets comprising microcapsules from the plurality of microcapsules, which plurality of droplets flow along the third channel.32. The method of claim 31 , wherein the flow frequency has a coefficient of variation of less than 30%.33. The method of claim 32 , wherein the flow frequency has a coefficient of variation of less than 10%.34. The method of claim 33 , wherein the flow frequency has a coefficient of variation of less than 5%.35. The method of claim 31 , wherein the microfluidic channel network comprises a flow regulator that provides flow ...

Systems and methods for multi-analysis

Systems and methods are provided for sample processing. A device may be provided, capable of receiving the sample, and performing one or more of a sample preparation, sample assay, and detection step. The device may be capable of performing multiple assays. The device may comprise one or more modules that may be capable of performing one or more of a sample preparation, sample assay, and detection step. The device may be capable of performing the steps using a small volume of sample.

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MULTI-ANALYSIS

Systems and methods are provided for sample processing. A device may be provided, capable of receiving the sample, and performing one or more of a sample preparation, sample assay, and detection step. The device may be capable of performing multiple assays. The device may comprise one or more modules that may be capable of performing one or more of a sample preparation, sample assay, and detection step. The device may be capable of performing the steps using a small volume of sample. 18-. (canceled)9. A method of performing three or more assays for detecting a plurality of analytes in a biological sample from a subject , comprising:providing a cartridge in a refrigerator condition,receiving the biological sample and the cartridge in a biological sample processing system, wherein: 'a plurality of components selected from the group consisting of: sample vessels, reagent units, assay units, liquid absorbing pad, and all reagents for performing the three or more assays; and', 'a) the cartridge comprises a sample handling system;', 'at least three assay units for performing the three or more assays to detect a plurality of analytes in the biological sample, and', 'at least two detection units;, 'b) the biological sample processing system comprisesheating at least one portion of the cartridge using a cartridge heater on the biological sample processing system;aliquoting at least a diluted portion of the sample into one of the components while the cartridge remains inside the biological sample processing system;decoupling one or more components from the cartridge while the cartridge remains inside the biological sample processing system to form one or more decoupled components;performing in the biological sample processing system the three or more assays, wherein the three or more assays are performed at least partially in parallel and comprises leaving one or more decouple components of the cartridge at a location in the device separate from the cartridge;detecting the ...

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MULTI-ANALYSIS

Systems and methods are provided for sample processing. A device may be provided, capable of receiving the sample, and performing one or more of a sample preparation, sample assay, and detection step. The device may be capable of performing multiple assays. The device may comprise one or more modules that may be capable of performing one or more of a sample preparation, sample assay, and detection step. The device may be capable of performing the steps using a small volume of sample. 18-. (canceled)9. A method of performing three or more assays for detecting a plurality of analytes in a biological sample from a subject , comprising:receiving the biological sample and a cartridge in a biological sample processing system, wherein: 'a plurality of components selected from the group consisting of: sample vessels, reagent units, assay units, liquid absorbing pad, and all reagents for performing the three or more assays; and', 'a) the cartridge comprises a sample handling system;', 'at least three assay units for performing the three or more assays to detect a plurality of analytes in the biological sample,', 'a thermal control unit comprising a temperature control for the nucleic acid amplification;', 'and at least two detection units;, 'b) the biological sample processing system comprisesaliquoting at least a diluted portion of the sample into one of the components while the cartridge remains inside the biological sample processing system;decoupling one or more components from the cartridge while the cartridge remains inside the biological sample processing system to form one or more decoupled components;using a tracking processing routine to track locations of a plurality of components inside the biological sample processing system; andperforming in the biological sample processing system the three or more assays, wherein the three or more assays are performed at least partially in parallel and comprises leaving one or more decouple components of the cartridge at a ...

Automatic Analyzer

The object of the invention is to avoid a decrease in dispensing accuracy of a sample, a reagent, or the like as a temperature changes. In an automatic analyzer, a dispensing nozzle sucks the sample from a sample container holding the sample and discharges the sample to a reaction container. A syringe pump controls an amount of change in a volume of water. A first pipe connects the dispensing nozzle and the syringe pump. An electromagnetic valve flows or stops the water. A second pipe connects the electromagnetic valve and the syringe pump. A branch pipe branches the water. A third pipe connects the electromagnetic valve and the branch pipe. A case accommodates at least the syringe pump, the first pipe, the electromagnetic valve, the second pipe, the branch pipe, and the third pipe. Further, the third pipe includes a heat exchange unit that performs heat exchange of the water.

ENCAPSULATED REAGENTS AND METHODS OF USE

The present invention contemplates use of encapsulated aqueous and non-aqueous reagents, solutions and solvents and their use in laboratory procedures. These encapsulated aqueous or non-aqueous reagents, solutions and solvents can be completely contained or encapsulated in microcapsules or nanocapsules that can be added to an aqueous or non-aqueous carrier solution or liquid required for medical and research laboratory testing of biological or non-biological specimens. 1. A solution in combination with an analytic substrate having a biological specimen treated with an alkaline phosphatase staining protocol disposed thereon , the solution comprising:a carrier solution disposed on the analytic substrate, the carrier solution comprising a fast red chromogen substrate; anda plurality of capsules dispersed in the carrier solution, the capsules encapsulating at least one reagent comprising a fast red chromogen,wherein the solution is positioned on the analytic substrate such that disruption of the capsules causes the release of the reagent into the carrier solution so that the reagent reacts with the fast red chromogen substrate forming a complex that becomes available to act on or react with an alkaline phosphatase of the alkaline phosphatase staining protocol attached to or associated with the biological specimen.2. The solution of claim 1 , wherein the carrier solution is an oil based carrier solution.3. The combination of claim 1 , wherein the carrier solution is an aqueous based carrier solution.4. The solution of claim 1 , wherein the carrier solution is a non-aqueous based carrier solution.5. The solution of claim 1 , wherein the reagent is an oil based reagent.6. The solution of claim 1 , wherein the reagent is an aqueous based reagent.7. The solution of claim 1 , wherein the reagent is a non-aqueous based reagent.8. The combination of claim 1 , wherein the reagent is a liquid.9. The solution of claim 1 , wherein the reagent is dry.10. The solution of claim 1 , ...

Detector cell

A miniaturised detector cell (4) having a measurement chamber volume of 25 fl-1 mu l is described. Despite the miniaturised design, the detector cell has an optical wavelength of approximately 0.1-100 mm. In this case, the incident measuring light (R) is multiply reflected at the interior walls (23, 25, 26) of the interaction region (21) before it once again leaves the detector cell (4). It is preferred to produce the detector cell (4) photolithographically from silicon or quartz. <IMAGE>

Methods for fabricating microarrays of biological samples

A method and apparatus for forming microarrays of biological samples on a support are disclosed. The method involves dispensing a known volume of a reagent at each selected array position, by tapping a capillary dispenser on the support under conditions effective to draw a defined volume of liquid onto the support. The apparatus is designed to produce a microarray of such regions in an automated fashion.

Precision small volume fluid processing apparatus

A high precision, small volume fluid processing system employs open ended capillary tubes to meter, aliquot and mix small volumes of sample fluid and reagents. The system has an automatic mechanism for moving the capillary tubes as well as automated sub-systems for incubating and mixing fluids within the capillary tubes.

Microlaboratory devices and methods

Disclosed herein are apparatuses and devices, and methods for using and making the same, for use in performing desired activities in an automated, microscale format. Microparticles are ushered about within a microscale apparatus, to selectively move between various stations in a selected order and manner. Some embodiments include reaction, micro-weighing, micro-analysis, reagent acquisition and deposition, and incubation stations. Microparticles can individually move, or move as trains. Samples, including particulate and solid tissue samples may be manipulated and analyzed within the device. Some embodiments may engage in micro-fabrication activities or micro-deconstruction activities. Systems for controlling such apparatuses are included as well as methods of operation.

Automated medical sample collection, testing, and analysis

An automated method of evaluating a collected fluid sample includes: filling a sample cavity with the collected fluid sample; adding a buffer solution; separating the collected fluid sample into a first portion and a second portion; mixing the second portion with tagged antibodies; removing leftover tagged antibodies; and measuring a difference between the first portion and the second portion. A sample collection and testing device includes: a reference cavity comprising a reference fluid sample; a test cavity comprising a test fluid sample; a reference measurement element associated with the reference cavity; and a test measurement element associated with the test cavity. A method of evaluating a collected fluid sample including: separating the sample; pumping a first portion to a first measurement cavity; adding a solution to a second portion and pumping the mixture to a second measurement cavity; and measuring a charge difference between the first and second measurement cavities.

Multi-channel microfluidic system design with balanced fluid flow distribution

Methods and apparatus are presented for controlling fluid flow through flow paths with pressure gradient fluid control. Passive fluid flow barriers may be used to act as valves, thereby allowing the flow of fluids through flow paths to be regulated so as to allow fluids to be introduced via a single channel and subsequently split into multiple channels. Flow through the flow paths can be regulated to allow a series of sister wells or chambers to all fill prior to the fluid flowing beyond any one of the sister wells or chambers. Each flow path may have multiple segments, at least one of which is designed to balance the pressure drops of the flow paths to provide uniform flow of fluids through the flow paths. The configurations of the wells may also be modified by adding vents or flow dividers to enhance fluid flushing and gas removal capability.

System for size based separation and analysis

The invention relates to one or more size-based separation modules adapted to increase a concentration of a first analyte in a sample by at least 10,000 fold, wherein said first analyte has an initial concentration in said sample of less than 1×10 −3 analytes/μL, and an analyzer for analyzing said first analytes in an enriched medium.

模块化现场护理装置及其应用

本发明涉及模块化现场护理装置及其应用，本发明提供用于现场护理的装置和系统。本发明的方法和装置涉及自动检测体液中的分析物。装置组件是模块化的，可以配合公开的方法灵活且可靠地用于各种医学应用中。

Flow-controlled magnetic particle manipulation

Inventive methods and apparatus are useful for collecting magnetic materials in one or more magnetic fields and resuspending the particles into a dispersion medium, and optionally repeating collection/resuspension one or more times in the same or a different medium, by controlling the direction and rate of fluid flow through a fluid flow path. The methods provide for contacting derivatized particles with test samples and reagents, removal of excess reagent, washing of magnetic material, and resuspension for analysis, among other uses. The methods are applicable to a wide variety of chemical and biological materials that are susceptible to magnetic labeling, including, for example, cells, viruses, oligonucleotides, proteins, hormones, receptor-ligand complexes, environmental contaminants and the like.

Piezoelectric-drop-on-demand technology

A method and apparatus for cleaning the interior of capillary tubes used to dispense 1 to 100 micron diameter liquid droplets by a piezoelectric transducer surrounding each capillary tube. Magnetic particles are aspirated into the capillary tubes and moved by an exterior magnet to cause deposits on the interior walls to be dislodged and subsequently discharged from the capillary tube. In a preferred embodiment, the magnetic particles are coated with a material capable of binding such deposits, e.g., DNA, RNA, and the like.

Devices and methods for enrichment and alteration of circulating tumor cells and other particles

The invention features devices and methods for detecting, enriching, and analyzing circulating tumor cells and other particles. The invention further features methods of diagnosing a condition, e.g., cancer, in a subject by analyzing a cellular sample from the subject.

Devices and methods for enrichment and alteration of cells and other particles

The invention features devices and methods for the deterministic separation of particles. Exemplary methods include the enrichment of a sample in a desired particle or the alteration of a desired particle in the device. The devices and methods are advantageously employed to enrich for rare cells, e.g., fetal cells, present in a sample, e.g., maternal blood and rare cell components, e.g., fetal cell nuclei. The invention further provides a method for preferentially lysing cells of interest in a sample, e.g., to extract clinical information from a cellular component, e.g., a nucleus, of the cells of interest. In general, the method employs differential lysis between the cells of interest and other cells (e.g., other nucleated cells) in the sample.

Devices and method for enrichment and alteration of cells and other particles

The invention features devices and methods for the deterministic separation of particles. Exemplary methods include the enrichment of a sample in a desired particle or the alteration of a desired particle in the device. The devices and methods are advantageously employed to enrich for rare cells, e.g., fetal cells, present in a sample, e.g., maternal blood and rare cell components, e.g., fetal cell nuclei. The invention further provides a method for preferentially lysing cells of interest in a sample, e.g., to extract clinical information from a cellular component, e.g., a nucleus, of the cells of interest. In general, the method employs differential lysis between the cells of interest and other cells (e.g., other nucleated cells) in the sample.

Devices and method for enrichment and alteration of cells and other particles

The invention features devices and methods for the deterministic separation of particles. Exemplary methods include the enrichment of a sample in a desired particle or the alteration of a desired particle in the device. The devices and methods are advantageously employed to enrich for rare cells, e.g., fetal cells, present in a sample, e.g., maternal blood and rare cell components, e.g., fetal cell nuclei. The invention further provides a method for preferentially lysing cells of interest in a sample, e.g., to extract clinical information from a cellular component, e.g., a nucleus, of the cells of interest. In general, the method employs differential lysis between the cells of interest and other cells (e.g., other nucleated cells) in the sample.

Devices and method for enrichment and alteration of cells and other particles

The invention features devices and methods for the deterministic separation of particles. Exemplary methods include the enrichment of a sample in a desired particle or the alteration of a desired particle in the device. The devices and methods are advantageously employed to enrich for rare cells, e.g., fetal cells, present in a sample, e.g., maternal blood and rare cell components, e.g., fetal cell nuclei. The invention further provides a method for preferentially lysing cells of interest in a sample, e.g., to extract clinical information from a cellular component, e.g., a nucleus, of the cells of interest. In general, the method employs differential lysis between the cells of interest and other cells (e.g., other nucleated cells) in the sample.

Devices and method for enrichment and alteration of cells and other particles

The invention features devices and methods for the deterministic separation of particles. Exemplary methods include the enrichment of a sample in a desired particle or the alteration of a desired particle in the device. The devices and methods are advantageously employed to enrich for rare cells, e.g., fetal cells, present in a sample, e.g., maternal blood and rare cell components, e.g., fetal cell nuclei. The invention further provides a method for preferentially lysing cells of interest in a sample, e.g., to extract clinical information from a cellular component, e.g., a nucleus, of the cells of interest. In general, the method employs differential lysis between the cells of interest and other cells (e.g., other nucleated cells) in the sample.

Devices and methods for enrichment and alteration of cells and other particles

The invention features a device for the deterministic separation of analytes coupled to a reservoir containing a reagent that alters a magnetic propert of the analyte. Exemplary methods include the enrichment of a sample in a desired analyte (e.g., using deterministic separation) or the alteration of a desired analyte in the device. The devices and methods may be advantageously employed to enrich for rare cells, e.g., fetal cells or epithelial cells, present in a sample, e.g., maternal blood.

Modular point-of-care devices, systems, and uses thereof

The present invention provides devices and systems for use at the point of care. The methods devices of the invention are directed toward automatic detection of analytes in a bodily fluid. The components of the device are modular to allow for flexibility and robustness of use with the disclosed methods for a variety of medical applications.

Microfluidic devices

The present invention provides novel microfluidic substrates and methods that are useful for performing biological, chemical and diagnostic assays. The substrates can include a plurality of electrically addressable, channel bearing fluidic modules integrally arranged such that a continuous channel is provided for flow of immiscible fluids.

Microelectromagnetic dispenser heads and uses thereof

This invention relates generally to the field of moiety or molecule transfer. In particular, the invention provides a microelectromagnetic dispenser head, which head comprises: a core comprising a magnetizable substance, said core surrounded by a microcoil suitable for transmitting electrical current and generating a magnetic field via said magnetizable substance and said core having a tip suitable for attracting a magnetic or magnetically labeled moiety; and preferably further comprising one or both of the following: i) a shell that substantially shields magnetic field, generated via said microcoil, from the non-tip portion of said core; and/or ii) a cooling means for cooling said tip. Microelectromagnetic dispensers comprising the heads and methods for transferring moieties using the heads and the microelectromagnetic dispensers are also provided.

Non-porous diagnostic devices for the controlled movement of reagents

The assay devices, assay systems and device components of this invention comprise at least two opposing surfaces disposed a capillary distance apart, at least one of which is capable of immobilizing at least one target ligand or a conjugate in an amount related to the presence or amount of target ligand in the sample from a fluid sample in a zone for controlled fluid movement to, through or away the zone. The inventive device components may be incorporated into conventional assay devices with membranes or may be used in the inventive membrane-less devices herein described and claimed. These components include, flow control elements, measurement elements, time gates, elements for the elimination of pipetting steps, and generally, elements for the controlled flow, timing, delivery, incubation, separation, washing and other steps of the assay process.

Diagnostic devices and apparatus for the controlled movement of reagents without membranes

The assay devices, assay systems and device components of this invention comprise at least two opposing surfaces disposed a capillary distance apart, at least one of which is capable of immobilizing at least one target ligand or a conjugate in an amount related to the presence or amount of target ligand in the sample from a fluid sample in a zone for controlled fluid movement to, through or away the zone. The inventive device components may be incorporated into conventional assay devices with membranes or may be used in the inventive membrane-less devices herein described and claimed. These components include flow control elements, measurement elements, time gates, elements for the elimination of pipetting steps, and generally, elements for the controlled flow, timing, delivery, incubation, separation, washing and other steps of the assay process.

Diagnostic devices method and apparatus for the controlled movement of reagents without membranes

The assay devices, assay systems and device components of this invention comprise at least two opposing surfaces disposed a capillary distance apart, at least one of which is capable of immobilizing at least one target ligand or a conjugate in an amount related to the presence or amount of target ligand in the sample from a fluid sample in a zone for controlled fluid movement to, through or away the zone. The inventive device components may be incorporated into conventional assay devices with membranes or may be used in the inventive membrane-less devices herein described and claimed. These components include flow control elements, measurement elements, time gates, elements for the elimination of pipetting steps, and generally, elements for the controlled flow, timing, delivery, incubation, separation, washing and other steps of the assay process.

用于检测样品的分析装置及方法

本发明提出一种用于检测生物样品的分析装置及方法，储物筒经接纳在该分析装置中且该储物筒的阀为自动敞开的。

Flow-controlled magnetic particle manipulation

Inventive methods and apparatus are useful for collecting magnetic materials in one or more magnetic fields and resuspending the particles into a dispersion medium, and optionally repeating collection/resuspension one or more times in the same or a different medium, by controlling the direction and rate of fluid flow through a fluid flow path. The methods provide for contacting derivatized particles with test samples and reagents, removal of excess reagent, washing of magnetic material, and resuspension for analysis, among other uses. The methods are applicable to a wide variety of chemical and biological materials that are susceptible to magnetic labeling, including, for example, cells, viruses, oligonucleotides, proteins, hormones, receptor-ligand complexes, environmental contaminants and the like.

Substrates comprising polynucleotide microarrays

A method of determining the relative amounts of individual polynucleotides in a complex mixture of different-sequence polynucleotides is disclosed. The polynucleotides, after fluorescent labeling, are contacted under hybridization conditions with an array of different DNA sequences disposed at discrete locations on a non-porous surface, at an array density of at least about 100 sequences/cm 2 , where the different DNA sequences in the array are effective to hybridize to individual polynucleotides in the mixture. The level of fluorescence associated with each array sequence provides a measure of its relative amount in the mixture.

Microarray for determining the relative abundances of polynuceotide sequences

A method of determining the relative amounts of individual polynucleotides in a complex mixture of different-sequence polynucleotides is disclosed. The polynucleotides, after fluorescent labeling, are contacted under hybridization conditions with an array of different DNA sequences disposed at discrete locations on a non-porous surface, at an array density of at least about 100 sequences/cm 2 , where the different DNA sequences in the array are effective to hybridize to individual polynucleotides in the mixture. The level of fluorescence associated with each array sequence provides a measure of its relative amount in the mixture.

Substrates comprising polynucleotide microarrays

A method of determining the relative amounts of individual polynucleotides in a complex mixture of different-sequence polynucleotides is disclosed. The polynucleotides, after fluorescent labeling, are contacted under hybridization conditions with an array of different DNA sequences disposed at discrete locations on a non-porous surface, at an array density of at least about 100 sequences/cm 2 , where the different DNA sequences in the array are effective to hybridize to individual polynucleotides in the mixture. The level of fluorescence associated with each array sequence provides a measure of its relative amount in the mixture.