The present embodiment relates to a miniaturized single-use apparatus for the preparation and analysis of suspensions of cells for flow cytometry. The cartridge apparatus is a unique combination, in order of function, of a miniature single-drive, two-cylinder syringe pump, a dual-channel stopcock valve that also performs volumetric measuring functions, a capillary-based fluid loading and measuring method, a miniaturized multistage interfacial-surface-generator mixer, a microfluidic magnetic cell selector, branching microfluidic channels with widths determined according to function, enclosed absorption-based disposal of potentially biohazardous liquids and a design compatible with manufacturing as a single-use device. In one embodiment the device for processing and labeling samples processes and samples small volumes, such as a drop of blood. The device can exist in hand-held versions, hand-carried versions and bench-scale versions of optical reading devices for flow cytometry.

Embodiments in accordance with the present disclosure are directed to configuring an analyzer apparatus for processing a particular sample-processing cartridge. The analyzer apparatus includes a portable container and sample-specific configuration circuitry. The portable container supports and integrates a sample-processing cartridge and the sample-specific configuration circuitry. The sample-specific configuration circuitry identifies configuration information specific to the sample-processing cartridge and configures the analyzer apparatus for a series of state configurations. The configuration can be performed by selecting which of a plurality of biological-sample stimulators to interact with the biological sample, identifying positions in the portable container for each of the selected ones of the plurality of biological-sample stimulators at different times, and while the selected ones of the plurality of biological-sample stimulators are in the identified positions, causing the interactions between the selected ones of the plurality of biological-sample stimulators and the biological sample.

A cell capture system including an array, an inlet manifold, and an outlet manifold. The array includes a plurality of parallel pores, each pore including a chamber and a pore channel, an inlet channel fluidly connected to the chambers of the pores; an outlet channel fluidly connected to the pore channels of the pores. The inlet manifold is fluidly connected to the inlet channel, and the outlet channel is fluidly connected to the outlet channel. A cell removal tool is also disclosed, wherein the cell removal tool is configured to remove a captured cell from a pore chamber.

Described herein are three-dimensional (3-D) paper fluidic devices. The entire 3-D device is fabricated on a support layer formed from a single sheet of material and assembled by folding the support layer. The folded structure may be enclosed in an impermeable cover or package. Chemically sensitive particles may be disposed in the support layer for use in detecting analytes.

Multi-stage sample-recovery systems, including automated 2-stage and 3-stage sample-recovery systems, are provided. Such systems enable the rapid screening and recovery of samples, including viable cell-based samples, from high-throughput screening systems, including systems utilizing large-scale arrays of microcapillaries. In specific screening systems, each microcapillary comprises a solution containing a variant protein, an immobilized target molecule, and a reporter element. Immobilized target molecules may include any molecule of interest, including proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates, and other biomolecules. The association of a variant protein with a molecular target is assessed by measuring a signal from the reporter element. The contents of microcapillaries identified in the assays as containing variant proteins of interest can be identified and recovered using the multi-stage systems disclosed herein.

A microfluidic device comprising a microfluidic channel network sealed on one side by a membrane sheet, the sheet having PDMS defining at least the surface sealing the channel, the membrane sheet on its opposite side sealing one side of a pneumatic channel, the pneumatic channel arranged to enable pneumatic deflection of a deflectable portion of the membrane sheet into contact with an opposed surface to control flow in a channel of the network, the membrane sheet confining in a channel of the network at least one micro-particle, micro-length tube or glass nano reactor, functionalized with a capture agent, that has been inserted into that channel. A microfluidic device having a microfluidic channel containing at least two micro-particles, micro-length tubes or glass nano reactors, one functionalized with nucleic acid and another with antibody or antigen. A microfluidic device having a microfluidic channel containing at least one micro-length tube or glass nano reactor functionalized to capture nucleic acid, the device constructed to enable recovery of the nucleic acid captured by the device.

A high-throughput, three-dimensional microelectrode array for in vitro electrophysiological applications includes a 3D printed well plate having a top face and bottom face, and a plurality of culture wells formed on the top face of the well plate. Each culture well includes a plurality of vertical microchannels on the top face and microtroughs formed on the bottom face and communicating with the microchannels. A conductive paste fills the microtroughs and the microchannels and forms self-isolated microelectrodes in each culture well and conductive traces that communicate with the self-isolated microelectrodes.

Provided herein are apparatus for independently manipulating the temperature of a plurality of reaction vessels, e.g., for automated processing of nucleic acids present in the vessels. Printed circuit boards (PCBs) comprising a mount area arranged to have mounted thereon a through-hole thermoelectric device (TED) to facilitate independent temperature control of reaction vessels are also provided, as well as methods relating to the same.

The present invention relates to a method and device for manufacturing microarrays, wherein a microarray comprises a plurality of spots, for testing the interaction of biomolecules. Disclosed herein is a method for enhancing efficiency of overlay printing of spot positions on multiple slides or plates arranged in an array wherein a slide or plate order is provided by rows and columns.

Embodiments in accordance with the present disclosure are directed to configuring an analyzer apparatus for processing a particular sample-processing cartridge. The analyzer apparatus includes a portable container and sample-specific configuration circuitry. The portable container supports and integrates a sample-processing cartridge and the sample-specific configuration circuitry. The sample-specific configuration circuitry identifies configuration information specific to the sample-processing cartridge and configures the analyzer apparatus for a series of state configurations. The configuration can be performed by selecting which of a plurality of biological-sample stimulators to interact with the biological sample, identifying positions in the portable container for each of the selected ones of the plurality of biological-sample stimulators at different times, and while the selected ones of the plurality of biological-sample stimulators are in the identified positions, causing the interactions between the selected ones of the plurality of biological-sample stimulators and the biological sample.