The present disclosure provides systems and methods for host cell improvement utilizing epistatic effects. The systems and methods described herein are host cell agnostic and therefore can be implemented across taxa. Furthermore, the disclosed systems and methods can be implemented to modulate or improve any host cell parameter of interest.

An in-vitro diagnostic device including a pipetting unit and a pipetting method, which allow for a more reproducible and more precise pipetting of liquids, when piercing through a lid of a closed liquid container is required. The pipetting unit is controlled to repeat penetration of the lid of the closed liquid container if the pressure difference between the interior of the liquid container and the surrounding is outside an allowable predefined pressure range.

A system may include a horizontal actuator to move a tray, to which a microwell plate and a microfluidic chip may be coupled. The system may include a vertical actuator to move a support arm, to which a plurality of pipettes or pipette tips may be coupled. The system may include a rotational actuator to move an angle bracket, to which a magnet may be coupled. The system may include a heater, through which the pipettes may extend. The system may include a pump to control the flow of fluids through the pipettes. Disclosed methods include performing PCR within the described system.

The present disclosure provides systems and methods for host cell improvement utilizing epistatic effects. The systems and methods described herein are host cell agnostic and therefore can be implemented across taxa. Furthermore, the disclosed systems and methods can be implemented to modulate or improve any host cell parameter of interest.

The present disclosure provides a HTP microbial genomic engineering platform that is computationally driven and integrates molecular biology, automation, and advanced machine learning protocols. This integrative platform utilizes a suite of HTP molecular tool sets to create HTP genetic design libraries, which are derived from, inter alia, scientific insight and iterative pattern recognition. The HTP genomic engineering platform described herein is microbial strain host agnostic and therefore can be implemented across taxa. Furthermore, the disclosed platform can be implemented to modulate or improve any microbial host parameter of interest.

The present invention provides devices and systems for use at the point of care. The methods devices of the invention are directed toward automatic detection of analytes in a bodily fluid. The components of the device are modular to allow for flexibility and robustness of use with the disclosed methods for a variety of medical applications.

A sample processing station includes two or more container holders on a platform that is rotatable about a central axis of rotation. Each holder is configured to rotate about a secondary axis of rotation. The station includes a capping/decapping mechanism to cap or decap a container held in one of the container holders and an elevator with a chuck guide that contact the container holder as the chuck is lowered by the elevator to position the chuck with respect to the cap of the container held in the holder and to hold jaws of the container holder in a closed position. In embodiment, the chuck guide includes a yoke with opposed arms and spindles located near distal ends of the arms that engage beveled shoulders of the container holder.

Automated diagnostic analysis apparatus for analyzing patient specimens may include a probe to aspirate and dispense a bio-liquid. A probe tip on the probe may require replacement after contact with each bio-liquid. The automated diagnostic analysis apparatus may include a probe tip eject device and a waste chute for controlled removal and disposal of the probe tip to mitigate splattering or splashing of any residual bio-liquid in the probe tip as it is removed from the probe. A sloped ramp in the probe tip eject device may engage and remove the probe tip as it rotates through the probe tip eject device. The waste chute may include guides to transfer a removed probe tip directly into a waste bin without any surface contact by the probe tip. Methods of removing and disposing of a probe tip in an automated diagnostic analysis apparatus are described, as are other aspects.

Systems and methods are provided for sample processing. A device may be provided, capable of receiving the sample, and performing one or more of a sample preparation, sample assay, and detection step. The device may be capable of performing multiple assays. The device may comprise one or more modules that may be capable of performing one or more of a sample preparation, sample assay, and detection step. The device may be capable of performing the steps using a small volume of sample.

Aspects of the present disclosure include sample analysis methods and systems. According to certain embodiments, provided are methods of analyzing samples in an automated sample analysis system. The methods include introducing samples and sample preparation cartridges into the system, isolating and purifying an analyte (e.g., nucleic acids and/or proteins) present in the samples at a sample preparation station, and performing analyte detection assays in assay mixtures that include the purified analyte. Also provided are automated sample analysis systems that find use, e.g., in performing the methods of the present disclosure. In certain aspects, the methods and systems provide for continuous operator access during replenishment or removal of one or any combination of samples, bulk fluids, reagents, commodities, waste, and/or the like.