Disclosed are methods and devices for detection of ion migration and binding, utilizing a nanopipette adapted for use in an electrochemical sensing circuit. The nanopipette may be functionalized on its interior bore with metal chelators for binding and sensing metal ions or other specific binding molecules such as boronic acid for binding and sensing glucose. Such a functionalized nanopipette is comprised in an electrical sensor that detects when the nanopipette selectively and reversibly binds ions or small molecules. Also disclosed is a nanoreactor, comprising a nanopipette, for controlling precipitation in aqueous solutions by voltage-directed ion migration, wherein ions may be directed out of the interior bore by a repulsing charge in the bore.

The present invention is, in combination, a bone marrow isolation tube and a centrifuge tube. The combination includes a centrifuge tube which defines a tube cavity and includes an upper cylindrical section connected to a lower tapered section which terminates at a bottom reservoir. The isolation tube is adapted to be received within the centrifuge tube cavity. The isolation tube includes a body with a tubular shaped outer surface wherein the interior of the isolation tube defines a lumen which includes an upper cylindrical lumen section and a lower conical lumen section terminating at an orifice. The isolation tube includes at least one wing extending radially outward from the outer surface of the isolation tube. The wing is configured to make contact with the interior surface of the centrifuge tube and wedge the isolation tube into the tapered section of the centrifuge tube during centrifuging. The present invention is also, in combination, a bone marrow isolation tube and a centrifuge tube. The centrifuge tube defines a tube cavity and includes at least two support members defining an insertion space and attached to the interior surface in an upper cylindrical section, the upper cylindrical section connected to a lower tapered section which terminates at a bottom reservoir. The isolation tube is adapted to be received within the insertion space with a flange that is configured to make contact with the support members of the centrifuge tube thereby wedging the isolation tube into the insertion space of the centrifuge tube during centrifuging.

Provided are a composition for a polymerase reaction, containing a nucleic acid polymerase and a 2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine (MPC)-containing zwitterionic copolymer detergent, a tube for a polymerase reaction, and a kit for a polymerase reaction. The stability of the composition for a polymerase reaction can be improved and the reliability of the results of polymerase reaction such as nucleic acid polymerization or amplification can be improved.

There is a described a patch-clamp chip for making electrical measurements on a biological sample. The patch-clamp chip comprising a plurality of layers comprising poly-dimethylsiloxane (PDMS) forming a stack. It comprises at least a chip surface layer comprising an aperture formed therethrough and which upwardly opens on the surface, where the biological sample is provided. A microfluidic channel layer comprising PDMS extends below the plane of the chip surface layer and comprises a microfluidic channel formed therein. The aperture of the chip surface layer downwardly opens on the microfluidic channel. Electrophysiological measurements are made between an internal solution in the microfluidic channel and the external solution on the chip surface. The measurements can be performed via a bottom electrode. A plurality of apertures and corresponding microfluidic channels can be provided to perform simultaneous measurements on a plurality of samples, independently.

Devices, containers, and methods are provided for performing biological analysis in a closed environment. Illustrative biological analyses include nucleic acid amplification and detection and immuno-PCR.

The present disclosure provides a microfluidic device comprising a set of micro-structured electrodes. The electrodes are made of a fusible alloy such as Field's Metal and are patterned on a layer of PDMS. The molten fusible alloy is poured over the patterned PDMA layer and a suction force is applied to ensure uniformity of flow of the molten metal. A second layer comprising a flow channel orthogonal to the direction of the micro-structured electrodes is disposed under the first layer to form the microfluidic device. The device shows enhanced sensitivity to RBC detection at high frequencies that are also bio-compatible (above 2 MHz). Multiple layers of the micro-structures electrodes can be sandwiched between layers of flow channels to provide a 3D microfluidic device.

Tissue sample cassettes for receiving tissue samples include an upper tray including compartments separated by dividers, a lower tray coupled to the upper tray and having a central recess, and an absorbent material located in the recess of the lower tray. Related systems and methods for automated gross processing of tissue samples are also disclosed.

Microfluidic structures and methods for manipulating fluids, fluid components, and reactions are provided. In one aspect, such structures and methods can allow production of droplets of a precise volume, which can be stored/maintained at precise regions of the device. In another aspect, microfluidic structures and methods described herein are designed for containing and positioning components in an arrangement such that the components can be manipulated and then tracked even after manipulation. For example, cells may be constrained in an arrangement in microfluidic structures described herein to facilitate tracking during their growth and/or after they multiply.

A closure and a container assembly are disclosed. The closure includes a first visual identifier and a second visual identifier, wherein the second visual identifier is different from the first visual identifier. The first visual identifier may be a first color, and the second visual identifier may be a second color. At least one of the first and/or second visual identifier may include a fluorescent compound having a characteristic fluorescent spectra. The first visual identifier and the second visual identifier may be provided on the annular skirt of the closure. The fluorescent compound may be provided on at least one of the closure and the container assembly and can be used to facilitate automated visualization of the fluorescent compound under fluorescence excitation light.

A system for preparing a thrombin serum that can include a containment device, a cage received within the containment device, a cap attachable to the containment device, an inlet port configured to introduce a non-anti-coagulated autologous blood fluid into the containment device, and an outlet port. An activator, such as glass beads, can be present within the containment device.