Abstract:
A system for operating an electrokinetic device includes a support configured to hold and operatively couple with the electrokinetic device, an integrated electrical signal generation subsystem configured to apply a biasing voltage across a pair of electrodes in the electrokinetic device, and a light modulating subsystem configured to emit structured light onto the electrokinetic device. The system can further include a thermally controlled flow controller, and/or be configured to measure impedance across the electrokinetic device. The system can be a light microscope, including an optical train. The system can further include a light pipe, which can be part of the light modulating system, and which can be configured to supply light of substantially uniform intensity to the light modulating system or directly to the optical train.
Abstract:
A microfluidic device for separating or sorting particles in a fluid including: a substrate; a plurality of interdigital transducers on the substrate; a microfluidic channel adapted to have fluid flow within, located over the interdigital transducers, the microfluidic channel having a width, wherein: the interdigital transducers are located within the width of the microfluidic channel; and application of a signal to the interdigital transducers produces a force field at an angle to the fluid flow direction within the microfluidic channel. In addition, a method for separating or sorting particles using a device having a plurality of interdigital transducers on a substrate and a microfluidic channel located over the interdigital transducers, the method including: positioning the interdigital transducers within the microfluidic channel width; inserting into the microfluidic channel a solution having particles with various properties; and applying a signal to the interdigital transducers to produce a force field at an angle to a fluid flow direction within the microfluidic channel to sort and/or physically separate the particles into groups of particles with the same property.
Abstract:
A disposable fluidic cartridge has a recess therein. A mechanically-actuated mechanism is disposed within the recess for effecting an operation of the fluidic cartridge. The cartridge further comprises a machine-readable identification code on a breakable label covering at least a portion of the recess such that the portion of the breakable label covering the recess may be broken upon insertion of a mechanical actuator into the recess to actuate the mechanically-actuated mechanism. This renders the identification code unreadable and prevents reuse of the cartridge.
Abstract:
Ein Labor-Stativ (1) hat eine Bodenabstützung (3) und Abstützvorsprünge (4), die selbst Aufstellfüße sein können oder aber zusätzlich zu solchen Aufstellfüßen vorgesehen sind. Ferner gehört zu dem Labor-Stativ (1) eine Haltestange (2) zur Aufnahme von Geräten oder Messvorrichtungen (12) zur Behandlung oder Untersuchung von Medien oder Stoffen oder Mischungen, die in einem Gefäß (10) enthalten oder eingefüllt sein können, welches in Gebrauchsstellung neben der Haltestange (2) angeordnet ist und in welches entsprechende Geräte oder Messgeräte von oben eingreifen können. Um das Dosieren der Stoffe in dem Gefäß (10) vor oder während der Bearbeitung einfach durchführen zu können und/oder Gewichtsänderungen schnell und zuverlässig erkennen zu können, sind Abstützvorsprünge (4) beweglich gelagert und mit einer Wiegeeinrichtung versehen oder verbunden oder in Wirkverbindung, sodass die sich bei zunehmendem Gewicht verstärkende oder bei abnehmendem Gewicht verringernde Verstellung der Aufstellfüße (4) als Gewichtsänderung feststellen lässt.
Abstract:
A microfluidic system includes a microfluidic device connected to a bubble trap device whereby fluid flowing to the microfluidic device passes through the bubble trap device to remove gas bubbles prior to entering the microfluidic device. The bubble trap can include a separation chamber and an exhaust chamber separated by a hydrophobic porous membrane and gas bubbles in the fluid entering the separation chamber pass through the hydrophobic porous membrane into the exhaust chamber while the fluid remains in the separation chamber. The bubble trap can be formed by bonding a first body portion to a first side of the hydrophobic porous membrane and bonding a second body portion to a second side of the hydrophobic porous membrane. The exhaust chamber can be connected to an elongated exhaust channel that limits the evaporation losses of the fluid through the hydrophobic porous membrane.
Abstract:
Biological sample collection kits are devised with physical features to enable a high performance collection system which delivers preprocessed biological matter via conventional shipping means to a testing laboratories. In particular, users deposit biological matter such as saliva or blood into a receiving vessel. By sealing the container, the user causes release of a premixed solution containing preservatives and optionally lysis reagents. In addition, a purification agent is arranged to bind to target molecules and facilitate their removal from solution. These time consuming processes occur while the sample is in transit to the testing facility such that when it arrives, it is in a preconditioned state immediately ready for execution of washing steps. Thus, the high performance containers taught herein are useful for collection biological samples and performing initial process steps on received matter - steps which are largely effected during the shipping stage of the transfer process.
Abstract:
This invention provides devices and methods for sample collection. Devices can include (a) a container having an opening and adapted to receive a liquid sample through the opening; (b) a cover configured to reversibly seal the opening; and (c) a capture device configured to be introduced into the container, wherein the capture device is configured to selectively bind cells of a first type and not to substantially bind cells of a second cell type. The sample can be analyzed to make a measure of telomere abundance and the abundance can be correlated to a measure of health.
Abstract:
Various lipid nanoparticles are disclosed, including nanoparticles comprising a lipid bilayer comprising a phospholipid, a sterol, a polyethylene glycol-lipid surrounding an aqueous core which comprises a therapeutic and/or diagnostic agent and nanoparticles comprising a lipid monolayer surrounding a hydrophobic core. Of particular interest are limit size lipid nanoparticles with a diameter from 10-100 nm. Such lipid nanoparticles are the smallest particles possible for a specific particle composition. Methods and apparatus for preparing such limit size lipid nanoparticles are disclosed.
Abstract:
A system and method for automated processing of nucleic acids and other samples includes a disposable container comprising a tray and a flexible barrier. The barrier is configured to seal with a top edge of the tray, providing a closed, aseptic work area within the sealed tray. A pipette head and/or other sample manipulation device can be attached to the inside of the barrier, and the barrier can include an interface for a robotic arm or other device. When the barrier is sealed over the tray, the barrier separates the contents of the tray from the robot or other manipulation device. The barrier can be flexible, and allow the robotic arm to move the pipette head throughout the work area of the tray. All samples, reagents, pipette tips and other tools or devices for processing nucleic acid samples may remain within the closed compartment provided by the container during processing.