8108results about "Fluid controllers" patented technology

A sample holder includes a first member featuring a first retaining mechanism configured to retain a first substrate that includes a sample, a second member featuring a second retaining mechanism configured to retain a second substrate that includes a reagent medium, and an alignment mechanism connected to at least one of the first and second members, and configured to align the first and second members such that the sample contacts at least a portion of the reagent medium when the first and second members are aligned.

An electrophoretic system is provided for analyte capture from a biological sample. The electrophoretic system can be used to permeabilize the sample to allow analytes to be released from the sample. For example, the sample can be contacted with capture probes attached to a substrate, and an electric field created by the electrophoretic system can cause analytes to be released from the cell, and effectively migrate toward and bind to the capture probes attached to the substrate.

Described herein are systems and methods for analyzing biological samples. Including a method for processing an analyte, comprising providing a fluidic device comprising the analyte and one or more polymer precursors; selecting a discrete area within said fluidic device; providing an energy source in optical communication with fluidic device; and selectively supplying a unit of energy generated from the energy source to the fluidic device to generate a polymer matrix within the fluidic device, wherein the polymer matrix is within the discrete area or adjacent to the discrete area.

Described herein are systems and methods for analyzing biological samples. Including a method for processing an analyte, comprising providing a fluidic device comprising the analyte and one or more polymer precursors; selecting a discrete area within said fluidic device; providing an energy source in optical communication with fluidic device; and selectively supplying a unit of energy generated from the energy source to the fluidic device to generate a polymer matrix within the fluidic device, wherein the polymer matrix is within the discrete area or adjacent to the discrete area.

A discharge device (30) for centrifuging a reaction vessel unit comprising reaction vessels, for example a microtiter plate, is proposed, as is a corresponding centrifuge and a method for cleaning the discharge device (30). The discharge device (30) has a discharge plate (31), which can be arranged in a centrifuge opposite the openings of the reaction vessels. During the centrifuging, liquid exiting the reaction vessels owing to the centrifugal acceleration is collected by the discharge plate (31) and discharged. Fins (40) which are arranged approximately parallel to the axis of rotation of the rotor and transverse to the movement direction of the discharge plate (31) are present on that side of the discharge plate (31) which faces towards the openings of the reaction vessels. The discharge device (30) keeps liquid that is ejected from the reaction vessels during the centrifuging away from the rest of the device. The fins (40) ensure that ejected liquid is optimally discharged. Corrosion and / or chemical interactions with the ejected liquid are prevented, and the formation of aerosols is also greatly reduced. Cross-contamination of reaction vessel units during the centrifuging is largely prevented, as is the wetting of the reaction vessel unit. Furthermore, the cleaning effort is considerably reduced.

The present disclosure provides methods and systems for ghost cytometry (GC), which may be used to produce an image of an object without using a spatially resolving detector. This may be used to perform image-free ultrafast fluorescence “imaging” cytometry, based on, for example, a single pixel detector. Spatial information obtained from the motion of cells relative to a patterned optical structure may be compressively converted into signals that arrive sequentially at a single pixel detector. Combinatorial use of the temporal waveform with the intensity distribution of the random or pseudo-random pattern may permit computational reconstruction of cell morphology. Machine learning methods may be applied directly to the compressed waveforms without image reconstruction to enable efficient image-free morphology-based cytometry. Image-free GC may achieve accurate and high throughput cell classification as well as selective sorting based on cell morphology without a specific biomarker, which have been challenging using conventional flow cytometers.

Described herein are digital microfluidic (DMF) devices and corresponding methods for managing reagent solution evaporation during a reaction. Reactions on the DMF devices described here are performed in an air or gas matrix. The DMF devices include a means for performing reactions at different temperatures. To address the issue of evaporation of the reaction droplet especially when the reaction is performed at higher temperatures, a means for introducing a replenishing droplet has been incorporated into the DMF device. A replenishing droplet is introduced every time when it has been determined that the reaction droplet has fallen below a threshold volume. Detection and monitoring of the reaction droplet may be through visual, optical, fluorescence, colorimetric, and / or electrical means.

Examples of syringe assemblies and sets of components are disclosed for transferring a fluid sample for testing. In some examples, the syringe assembly comprises a housing, a barrel, a plunger reciprocally moveable in the barrel, a narrow tube connected to the barrel, and a metering actuator configured to control movement of the plunger at least in a proximal direction relative to the barrel. The metering actuator is configured to draw a precise microvolume of the fluid sample into a fluid chamber within the syringe assembly. In some examples, while the fluid chamber holds the fluid sample, the distal tip of the narrow tube remains covered, for example inside the housing or a reaction container. The syringe assembly is configured to expel the fluid sample from the fluid chamber into the reaction container.

To form a layer separating two volumes of aqueous solution, there is used an apparatus comprising elements defining a chamber, the elements including a body of non-conductive material having formed therein at least one recess opening into the chamber, the recess containing an electrode. A pre-treatment coating of a hydrophobic fluid is applied to the body across the recess. Aqueous solution, having amphiphilic molecules added thereto, is flowed across the body to cover the recess so that aqueous solution is introduced into the recess from the chamber and a layer of the amphiphilic molecules forms across the recess separating a volume of aqueous solution introduced into the recess from the remaining volume of aqueous solution.

A fluid control device includes an inlet configured to be placed directly or indirectly in fluid communication with a bodily fluid source and an outlet configured to be placed in fluid communication with a fluid collection device. The fluid control device has a first state in which a negative pressure differential produced from an external source such as the fluid collection device is applied to the fluid control device to draw an initial volume of bodily fluid from the bodily fluid source, through the inlet, and into a sequestration portion of the fluid control device. The fluid control device has a second state in which (1) the sequestration portion sequesters the initial volume, and (2) the negative pressure differential draws a subsequent volume of bodily fluid, being substantially free of contaminants, from the bodily fluid source, through the fluid control device, and into the fluid collection device.

Described herein are multi-well separation devices configured to allow a composition comprising a target agent to be separated into multiple wells, subdivided, recombined into a single well, and / or re-separated into the same or a different configuration of wells. Also described herein are reagent loading devices configured to simultaneously deliver one or more test agents to a plurality of volumes without having to individually deliver the test agents. Together, these devices allow high throughput parallel processes without repetitive pipetting or liquid handling robotics, though they may also be used separately. Also described herein are kits and systems for chemical or biological assays, as well as methods for using the multi-well separation devices and reagent loading devices described herein.

The invention provides a device for testing an analyte in a liquid sample, and the device includes: a sample chamber for accommodating a sample collector; a detection chamber with a bottom, where a testing element is provided in the detection chamber and used for testing an analyte in a liquid chamber; and a connecting chamber, where the sample chamber is connected with the detection chamber through the connecting chamber, a liquid is accommodated in the sample chamber, and a level of the liquid in the sample chamber is higher than a bottom of the detection chamber.

The present disclosure provides methods and systems for reducing interference by one or more bubbles in a sensing assembly. Bubble prevention arrangements can use surfaces located in a fluid channel to provide surfaces with higher affinity for bubbles relative to the other surfaces so that the surface retains one or more bubbles within a bubble collection region; and / or to divert at least a portion of any bubbles passing through an opening in the fluid channel. Additionally or alternatively, bubble prevention arrangements comprise an agitation device configured to agitate liquid within the fluid channel. Additionally or alternatively, bubble prevention arrangements are configured to displace one or more bubbles in a region on or adjacent the sensing surface so as to reduce interference of one or more bubbles on the sensing surface.

A microfluidic device for analysing a test liquid comprises: a sensor provided in a sensing chamber; a sensing chamber inlet channel and a sensing chamber outlet channel, each connecting to the sensing chamber for respectively passing liquid into and out of the sensing chamber, and a reservoir forming a sample input port to the microfluidic device, the reservoir being in fluid communication with the sensing chamber inlet channel; a liquid collection channel; a barrier between an end of the sensing chamber outlet channel and the liquid collection channel; a first seal, covering the sample input port; a second seal, covering the end of the sensing chamber outlet channel, thereby preventing liquid from flowing from the sensing chamber, over the barrier, into the liquid collection channel; wherein the microfluidic device is filled with a liquid from the first seal at the sample input port to the second seal at the end of the sensing chamber outlet channel, such that the sensor is covered by liquid and unexposed to a gas or gas / liquid interface; and wherein the first and second seals are removable to cause the liquid to flow between the reservoir and the end of the sensing chamber outlet and over the barrier.

A diagnostic test device to perform a test on a biological or environmental sample is provided. In one aspect, the diagnostic test device includes a chamber configured to receive a fluid from a sample preparation reservoir at a first section of the chamber, and a plurality of spaced apart valleys along an inner surface of the at least one chamber. Each of the plurality of spaced apart valleys include a curved cross-section and is configured to promote flow of the fluid toward a second section of the at least one chamber.

Systems and methods that enable automated processing of specimens carried on microscope slides are described herein. Aspects of the technology are directed, for example, to an automated staining system including a dispensing instrument that receives a processing module to deliver reagent to a reaction chamber of the slide processing module. The processing module can carry fresh reagents, waste material, and the side.

Air-matrix digital microfluidics (DMF) apparatuses and methods of using them to prevent or limit evaporation and surface fouling of the DMF apparatus. In particular, described herein are air-matrix DMF apparatuses and methods of using them in which a separate well that is accessible from the air gap of the DMF apparatus isolates a reaction droplet by including a cover to prevent evaporation. The cover may be a lid or cap, or it may be an oil or wax material within the well. The opening into the well and / or the well itself may include actuation electrodes to allow the droplet to be placed into, and in some cases removed from, the well. Also described herein are air-matrix DMF apparatuses and methods of using them including thermally controllable regions with a wax material that may be used to selectively encapsulate a reaction droplet in the air gap of the apparatus.

To provide a manufacturing system and method for creating multiple tissue constructs from cells.SOLUTION: A system can include a thaw subsystem (if the cells are provided in a frozen state), an expansion subsystem, a concentration subsystem, and a tissue maturation subsystem. Each of these subsystems is modular and can be reconfigured, and a process can be repeated depending on the specific tissue process being implemented. Multiple tissue types can be combined in multiple bioreactors. The activities of multiple bioreactors can be coordinated and controlled in an automated manner by a supervisor controller. The supervisor controller can receive user input at the start of the process, and can manage the process thereafter, alerting the user if user actions are required.SELECTED DRAWING: None

Described herein is a pumpless recirculating platform for substantially unidirectional fluid flow. Also described herein is an epithelium model with patterned crypts and underlying perfusable microvasculature. A stamp for imprinting a patterned crypt on a crosslinked hydrogel scaffold is also described as well as an open chamber for cell culture, the chamber comprising a basolaterally perfused compartment and an apically perfused compartment. Related systems and methods are also described.

This patent application describes an integrated apparatus for processing polynucleotide-containing samples, and for providing a diagnostic result thereon. The apparatus is configured to receive a microfluidic cartridge that contains reagents and a network for processing a sample. Also described are methods of using the apparatus.

The technology described herein generally relates to microfluidic cartridges configured to amplify and detect polynucleotides extracted from multiple biological samples in parallel. The technology includes a microfluidic substrate, comprising: a plurality of sample lanes, wherein each of the plurality of sample lanes comprises a microfluidic network having, in fluid communication with one another: an inlet; a first valve and a second valve; a first channel leading from the inlet, via the first valve, to a reaction chamber; and a second channel leading from the reaction chamber, via the second valve, to a vent.

A specimen collection, storage, transport, and testing device can include a vessel carrying a liquid reagent. A lid sealing the vessel can include a solid specimen collection stick projecting from an inside surface of the lid. Further, the lid can include a port on its outside surface. The port can be releasably engaged by a hand-manipulable handle facilitating specimen collection and attachment of the lid to the vessel. The port can further include an openably sealed aperture for accommodating the insertion of a test strip-carrying cartridge. The reusability of the handle and its reduced material structure helps avoid waste.

The present invention belongs to the technical field of microfluidic chips, and discloses a control valve which is arranged on a microfluidic channel (2) of a microfluidic chip. The microfluidic chip comprises a chip body (1). The control valve comprises a valve cavity (3) and a reversible water absorption mechanism (4), and the reversible water absorption mechanism (4) is arranged in the valve cavity (3). Also disclosed is a centrifugal microfluidic chip, which comprises a chip body (1), a liquid inlet (7), a reaction chamber (8), and a microfluidic channel (2), and further comprises a control valve arranged between the liquid inlet (7) and the reaction chamber (8), and the control valve is the above-mentioned control valve. The present invention provides a control valve and a centrifugal microfluidic chip, which are simple to process, do not require complex treatment, can realize the step-by-step release of a solution by changing the centrifugal speed, and are convenient to use.