5575results 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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

The present disclosure provides a sample extraction device, which includes a plurality of chambers arranged on a pedestal. The chamber includes a plurality of first chambers and two mixing chambers. The pedestal is internally provided with a first passage for communicating the two mixing chambers, and a sample extraction chamber is arranged in the first passage. The pedestal is further internally provided with a second passage for transfer and export of a liquid, and connection or disconnection between the two mixing chambers and the second passage is controlled by a valve. Sample extraction processes of the above technical solutions are carried out in a fully enclosed device, avoiding contamination of samples and extraction reagents by external environments, and avoiding environmental contamination caused by aerosols generated during the sample extraction processes. The sample extraction device is particularly suitable for extraction of highly pathogenic samples.

The invention relates to a centrifugal micro-fluidic chip for automatic detection of a nano-enzyme test strip and application of the centrifugal micro-fluidic chip. The centrifugal micro-fluidic chip integrates the steps of sample adding, chromatography, color development and the like of the nano-enzyme test strip, and full automation of nano-enzyme experiments on the micro-fluidic chip is realized. Comprising a reaction structure main body, a bottom runner layer, a vertical through hole layer, a pressing layer, a top runner layer and a sealing body. The closed structure of the chip effectively reduces the interference of external environmental factors on the experiment, reduces the risk of sample pollution, and ensures the high reliability of the detection result.

The application discloses a pollution-preventing detection device, method and application for rapid detection of nucleic acid amplification, which comprises a detection part and a mixed reaction cabin, and the mixed reaction cabin comprises a reaction cabin main body and a reaction cabin cover which is in sealed connection with the reaction cabin main body and can be detached; a channel for connecting a hybridization liquid containing part and a mixed reaction part is arranged between the reaction cabin cover and the reaction cabin main body; the detection part comprises a detection inner core and a detection box body containing the detection inner core; a transparent observation window is arranged on the detection box body and corresponds to the reaction area position of the detection inner core; a flow guide device matched with the mixed reaction cabin is further arranged on the detection box body; the flow guide device comprises a flow guide pipe and a flow guide part; one end of the flow guide part is connected with the flow guide pipe, and the other end is connected with the detection inner core; the hybridization liquid and the sample mixed liquid are guided to the detection inner core; and the detection inner core displays the final detection result in the area corresponding to the transparent observation window. The application realizes that the liquid in the reaction tube flows out to the designated detection card in a completely closed environment, and has the advantages of good sealing effect and prevention of primer aerosol pollution.

A technique is provided for incorporating pneumatic control in centrifugal microfluidics. The technique involves providing a chip controller that has pressurized fluid supply lines for coupling one or more pressurized chambers of the controller with ports of a microfluidic chip. At least part of the chip controller is mounted to a centrifuge for rotation with the chip. A flow control device is provided in each supply line for selectively controlling the pressurized fluid supply, and is electrically controlled. Bubble mixing, on and off-chip valving, and switching are demonstrated.

Technologies for thaw detection are described. The system includes a sensor included in a container, a sensor blocking mechanism, and a detector. The container includes a fluid. The sensor blocking mechanism prevents detection of the sensor while a portion of the fluid in the container is in a frozen state. The detector is configured to detect the sensor while the portion of the fluid in the container is in a thawed state. The thawed state deactivates the sensor blocking mechanism by activating a movement of the sensor.

This disclosure relates to apparatus and methods for molecular diagnostics. Certain embodiments include a piston cycled from a first position proximal to a first end of a housing, to a second position proximal to a second end of the housing, and back to the first position proximal to the first end of the housing. In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to devices, methods, and systems for molecular diagnostics that do not comprise a piston.

To provide methods for selectively combining discrete entities including cells, reagents, drugs, hydrogels, extracellular matrices, beads, particles, biological materials, media, or a combination thereof.SOLUTION: The method comprises sorting a plurality of discrete entities and trapping two or more discrete entities for a time sufficient for the two or more discrete entities to combine to form a combined discrete entity. In certain aspects, the method comprises making the plurality of discrete entities. In certain aspects, the method comprises detecting or analyzing the discrete entities, for example, via optical detection. In certain aspects, the method comprises manipulating or analyzing the combined discrete entity or a component therein, for example, imaging, sequencing, culturing, for example, three-dimensional culturing, and measuring cell-cell interactions.SELECTED DRAWING: None

A temperature regulation system for samples in a microplate includes a housing defining an interior volume and first and second airflow ports defined by a first and second exterior surfaces of the housing. The system includes an electromagnetic mixing system that has a base plate defining a plurality of openings, and a plurality of electromagnets. Each electromagnet defines an axis that extends substantially vertically from the base plate. The base plate is disposed in the interior volume and each of the plurality of electromagnets extend toward the first airflow port. A fan is disposed in the interior volume substantially below the base plate. Activation of the fan draws air into the first or second airflow port, substantially parallel to each axis of the plurality of electromagnets, through the plurality of openings, and out of the other of the second and first airflow port.

Disclosed is a modular diagnostic information acquiring device with a base device (1), a microfluidic chip (2), and an optical measurement device. The base device (1) includes a patient body attachment interface, a microfluidic chip receptacle for removably accommodating the microfluidic chip (2) and a pneumatic control device. The microfluidic chip includes a pneumatic microfluidic chip compartment (23), wherein the pneumatic microfluidic chip compartment (is pneumatically coupled with the pneumatic control device and an optical measurement compartment. The optical measurement compartment inlet is fluidically coupled with the pneumatic microfluidic chip compartment. The optical measurement compartment and the optical measurement device are optically coupled, thereby allowing optical measurements inside the optical measurement compartment. The modular diagnostic information acquiring device is configured to autonomously execute a measurement protocol. The measurement protocol including repeatedly executing a measurement cycle. Each measurement cycle includes a respective sampling phase and a subsequent respective measuring phase. In the sampling phase, a whole blood sample is aspirated into the pneumatic microfluidic chip compartment. In the measuring phase, the whole blood sample is forced out of the pneumatic microfluidic chip compartment and an assay, the assay including either the whole blood sample or a component of the whole blood sample, is forced through the optical measurement compartment. A series of optical measurement data is acquired from the assay while passing the optical measurement compartment.

A method and system for determining droplet frequency of a flow of microfluidic droplets within a microfluidic droplet channel, comprising illuminating the flow of microfluidic droplets, using a beam splitter to split light from the flow of microfluidic droplets into a first portion and a second portion, directing the first portion to a camera, directing the second portion through an aperture located in front of a photodetector to the photodetector, and processing a signal from the photodetector and determining a droplet frequency from fluctuations in the processed signal. The method may be used to determine droplet dimension. The method may also be used to adjust a pressure of a flow of droplet fluid in response to a determined droplet dimension to generate a flow of droplets.

The invention discloses a closed-loop control digital microfluidic system and a method thereof, and relates to the technical field of microfluidics, and the method comprises the following steps: initializing a digital microfluidic chip electrode array, setting an electrode spacing, an electrode size and a voltage upper limit, collecting a no-load state signal, and generating initial reference data; liquid drops are formed at the preset position of the digital micro-fluidic chip, and according to the initial reference data, the initial position, the volume and the form information of the liquid drops are collected, and a liquid drop initial state data set is generated; inputting the initial state data set of the liquid drop into a pre-trained closed-loop prediction model, performing kinetic analysis and trajectory prediction calculation, generating an expected motion trajectory of the liquid drop, and comparing the expected motion trajectory with the real-time state data flow of the liquid drop to generate deviation feedback data of the liquid drop; and dynamically adjusting the initial driving voltage parameter according to the droplet deviation feedback data to generate a closed-loop driving voltage sequence. The liquid drop trajectory control precision is improved, and motion errors caused by environmental disturbance and electrode response differences are reduced.

The present invention provides a device for detecting an analyte in a liquid sample, and the device includes a sample chamber for accommodating a collector; and a detection chamber in fluid communication with the sample chamber; where the detection chamber includes a testing element therein, and the testing element is configured to detect the analyte in the liquid sample for the first time; and the sample chamber is detachably combined with the detection chamber, and the collector includes a first absorption element that is used for absorbing the liquid sample and is capable to be compressed.