A microfluidic lab-on-a-chip (LOC) device, microfluidic systems, and associated methodology are described that allow for intelligently collecting environmental DNA (eDNA) and their associated metadata. Optical spectroscopy is integrated with filtration membranes on the microfluidic device. The microfluidic LOC device and systems can be used for selectively capturing targeted species based on optical characteristics and for recording relevant metadata on eDNA acquired by the filtration membranes.

A system for acquiring a fluid sample from a flow pipe, comprising a sampling probe placed within the flow pipe, a curved separating pipe in fluid communication with the sampling probe, the separating pipe having formed therein an inwardly-opening lengthwise channel along the outside curve thereof, the separating pipe terminating in a sample area, and a lengthwise inwardly-opening sample passage in fluid communication between at least a portion of the sample area and a sample port, the sample passage being formed substantially opposite the channel, whereby inertial effects induced in the separating pipe cause relatively higher density inorganic and dead organic material to funnel into the channel and out a non-sample drain formed in the sample area substantially opposite the separating pipe while allowing live organisms to navigate the sample passage and out the sample port.

The present application is directed to a system for collecting or extruding a cell-containing biological material. The system includes an extrusion/collection device comprising: an orifice and a chamber operably connected to the orifice and an electrical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) device, operably connected to the extrusion/collection device. The EIS device monitors biologically relevant attributes of a cell-containing biological material as it is extruded from or collected into the extrusion/collection device. Also disclosed are methods of using the system disclosed herein.

A method for testing a liquid specimen sample is provided, the method including placing the liquid specimen sample in a tubular container of a filtration assembly of a sampling device. Thereafter, the liquid specimen sample is brought into contact with a filter removably disposed on a support surface defined by a filter support of the filtration assembly, while a filter-withdrawal shaft of the sampling device is coupled to the filter. Thereafter, at least a portion of the liquid specimen sample is driven through the filter and a plurality of filtrate-passage openings defined by the filter support. The filter-withdrawal shaft is withdrawn from the filtration assembly, thereby removing the filter from the support surface and from the filtration assembly, while leaving the filter support within the filtration assembly. Thereafter, the filter is tested for the presence of biological particulate trapped by the filter. Other embodiments are also described.

The present invention provides a composition, a method, and a device for the isolation and detection of human pathogens from a complex liquid mixture. More specifically, the invention provides a resin wherein the particles: (i) are non-magnetic; (ii) are substantially free of cells; (iii) are substantially free of extracellular pathogenic DNA; (iv) are capable of forming reversible complexes with bacteria; and (v) have a minimum average particle diameter of 20 m and a maximum average particle diameter of 1500 m. The invention further provides a method for isolating human pathogens from plant material and determining the number of human pathogens in plant material. The invention further provides a method for determining whether the number of human pathogens in plant material exceeds a threshold level of pathogenicity. The invention further provides a device for separating resin particles from an aqueous suspension.

A system, device, and method quantitatively measure average concentrations of target constituents (e.g., volatile organic compounds (VOCs)) in an ambient fluid (e.g., groundwater, surface water, air, etc.) over an extended period of time. The system uses a passive device having an outer equilibration chamber and an inner kinetic sampler. The device is placed in an ambient fluid for a specified period of time, wherein the target constituent(s) rapidly diffuse through a high-permeability membrane into the fluid-filled equilibration chamber. From there, the target constituents are taken up by an uptake rate the kinetic sampler that is configured to be less than an equilibration rate of the equilibration chamber.

The present application is directed to a system for collecting or extruding a cell-containing biological material. The system includes an extrusion/collection device comprising: an orifice and a chamber operably connected to the orifice and an electrical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) device, operably connected to the extrusion/collection device. The EIS device monitors biologically relevant attributes of a cell-containing biological material as it is extruded from or collected into the extrusion/collection device. Also disclosed are methods of using the system disclosed herein.

A system and method for isolating and analyzing a water sample in a water processing facility are disclosed. The system uses a chamber for receiving and isolating the water sample from the main water treatment process. An optical detector views and characterizes the particles in a region of the chamber. An analyzer coupled to the optical detector compares the characterized suspended particles at a first time and at with the characterized suspended particles at a second time to produce a report showing suspended particle size as a function of time.

The present application is directed to a system for collecting or extruding a cell-containing biological material. The system includes an extrusion/collection device comprising: an orifice and a chamber operably connected to the orifice and an electrical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) device, operably connected to the extrusion/collection device. The EIS device monitors biologically relevant attributes of a cell-containing biological material as it is extruded from or collected into the extrusion/collection device. Also disclosed are methods of using the system disclosed herein.