The particle size distribution measuring apparatus includes a centrifugal sedimentation measuring mechanism and a dynamic light scattering measuring mechanism. The centrifugal sedimentation measuring mechanism causes particles to settle out by rotating a measurement cell accommodating particles dispersed in a dispersion medium and detects transmitted light by irradiating light to the measurement cell to measure a first particle size distribution on a basis of a change of transmitted light intensity of the transmitted light. The dynamic light scattering measuring mechanism detects scattered light occurred upon irradiation of light to particles so as to measure a second particle size distribution based on a change of scattered light intensity of the scattered light occurred due to Brownian motion of particles. After the centrifugal sedimentation measuring mechanism detects the transmitted light, the dynamic light scattering measuring mechanism measures the second particle size distribution by irradiating light onto the measurement cell.

A particle size distribution measurement device includes a cell holding body 31 that holds a measurement cell 2 containing a measurement sample and a dispersion medium and a reference cell 6 containing a reference sample and is rotated by a motor 322, and a cell discrimination mechanism 7 that discriminates the cells 2, 6 passing through a predetermined rotation position by using a magnetic force or electrostatic capacitance.

A sample holder for use in a centrifuge, the sample holder being generally planar and comprising: an aperture or recess for releasably retaining a sample storage member including a sample chamber adapted to contain a volume of liquid; a centre point around which the holder will rotate during use; and one or more calibration features, wherein the calibration feature(s) comprise one or more outer edges, which lie on the side of the or each calibration feature which is furthest from the centre point, and the one or more outer edges comprise a series of radially spaced-apart outer edge portions or positions which are spaced at different distances from the centre point as a function of angular position around the centre point.

The present disclosure provides examples of methods and kits for easily detecting, classifying and/or purifying extracellular vesicles. The method can include subjecting, to a density gradient centrifugation, a sample solution in which the extracellular vesicles and nanoparticles coated with ligand that specifically binds to molecule present on the surface of the extracellular vesicles are mixed.

The disclosure describes methods and devices with which to process and analyze difficult chemical, biological, environmental samples including but not limited to those containing bulk solids or particulates. The disclosure includes a cartridge which contains a separation tube as well as one or more valves and cavities for receiving raw sample materials and for directing and containing various fluids or samples. The cartridge may contain a separation fluid or density medium of defined density, and structures which direct particulates toward defined regions of the cartridge. Embodiments can include a rotational device for rotating the cartridge at defined rotational rates for defined time intervals. Embodiments allowing multiple assays from a single sample are also disclosed. In some embodiments, this device is used for direct processing and chemical analysis of food, soil, blood, stool, motor oil, semen, and other samples of interest.

A method for processing particles contained in a liquid biological sample is presented. The method uses a rotatable vessel for processing particles contained in a liquid biological sample. The rotatable vessel has a longitudinal axis about which the vessel is rotatable, an upper portion having a top opening for receiving the liquid comprising the particles, a lower portion for holding the liquid while the rotatable vessel is resting, the lower portion having a bottom, and an intermediate portion located between the upper portion and the lower portion, the intermediate portion having a lateral collection chamber for holding the liquid while the rotatable vessel is rotating. The method employs dedicated acceleration and deceleration profiles for sedimentation and re-suspension of the particles of interest.

Provided herein are methods to characterize preparations of recombinant viral particles using analytical ultracentrifugation. Recombinant viral particles include recombinant adeno-associated viral particles, recombinant adenoviral particles, recombinant lentiviral particles and recombinant herpes simplex virus particles. Variant species of recombinant viral particles including empty capsids and recombinant viral particles with variant genomes (e.g., truncated genomes, aggregates, recombinants) can be identified and quantitated. The methods can be used to characterize preparations of recombinant viral particles regardless of the sequence of the recombinant viral genome or the serotype of the recombinant viral capsid.

A dispersion stability evaluation method is a method for evaluating a dispersion stability of dispersoid dispersed in a dispersion medium. The dispersion stability evaluation method includes a first step of holding a sample including the dispersion medium and the dispersoid on a reflective surface, and a second step of causing terahertz waves to be incident on the reflective surface from a side opposite to the sample and detecting the terahertz waves reflected by the reflective surface. In the second step, while a state where the dispersoid are allowed to move toward the reflective surface is maintained, a plurality of detection results respectively corresponding to a plurality of times apart from each other are acquired.

A method and device performing the method for estimation of cell count, such as sperm cell count, is disclosed. The device may be a kit including a cartridge configured to hold fluid, such as seminal fluid, and an instrument configured to centrifuge the cartridge. The cartridge and instrument are configured such that, during operation or centrifugation, they are securely attached to each other. The cartridge has a component with a defined cross-sectional volume. The defined cross-sectional volume is used to mark the component with markings, allowing a user of the device to read the markings and estimate cell volume and, thus, concentration. Various embodiments of the device are disclosed.

The present invention relates to a temperature control system for a microfluidic device. The system allows for non-contact heating by employing an infrared emitter. In some instances, the system can be used in conjunction with a centrifugal microfluidic device. Optionally, a mask can be implemented to provide selective heating of desired assay areas of the device.