A punching device for processing samples applied to a sample card is provided. The punching device includes a movable gripper unit and an image capturing device and at least one punching head having a punch and a lower die. The punching head has a receiving opening into which a sample card is introducible by means of the movable gripper unit and is positionable relative to the punching head. The punching device further includes a punching drive which is couplable or coupled to the punch of the punching head. The punching device further includes a receiving plate supporting the receiving container and having a light source illuminating at least a part of the receiving plate. The light source is arranged such that at least a part of the receiving container located on the receiving plate can be illuminated from the direction of the receiving plate. The punching device further includes an image processing device configured to use data about positioning of the receiving container relative to the image capturing device to determine an analysis set of receiving recesses of the receiving container.

Methods are provided for the preparation of a sample using a digital microfluidic platform and the optional subsequent mass analysis of an extracted analyze. A sample is dried, optionally on a solid phase support, and contacted with digital microfluidic array. An analyte present within the dried sample is extracted into an extraction solvent by electrically addressing the digital microfluidic array to transport a droplet of extraction solvent to the dried sample spot. The extracted sample may be dried and subsequently processed on the digital micro fluidic array for derivatization. The digital microfluidic device may further include an integrated microfluidic channel having an output aperture, and the method may further include contacting a droplet containing extracted analyte with the microfluidic channel and applying a suitable electric field for generating nano-electrospray, thereby enabling the device to be directly interacted with a mass analysis device.

A cultivation and sampling method for plants grown in a multi-section sampling device, the sampling device including an upper section with an upper section identifier and a number of cultivation containers, and a lower section with a lower section identifier and an equal number of sample containers. When the sampling device is in an assembled position, the upper section is connected to the lower section such that the sample containers are arranged to correspond to the cultivation containers being underneath them.

A sampling device for plants having a lower section with a plurality of sample containers, an upper section with a plurality of cultivation containers, a cutter and a cutting tip, wherein a base opening is formed in each cultivation container and corresponds to a sample container opening of one of the sample containers, and wherein the cutter and cutting tip are arranged, when the sampling device is in a usage position, between the upper section and the lower section such that a part of a plant protruding out through the base opening of the cultivation container and in through the sample container opening into the sample container can be severed by the cutter and cutting tip.

A sampling device having a lower portion with a sample container. A cap is moveably attached with the lower portion and includes a cutting edge configured for cutting a leaf. When the cap is attached to the lower portion with a leaf there between, a leaf sample is deposited into the sample container of the lower portion. The cap includes a vent in fluid communication with the sample container such that the leaf sample is dried. A detachable label can extend from the lower portion.

The present disclosure relates to a sample preparation device (200) for preparing a sample containing particles collected onto a collection plate (33). The sample preparation device (200) comprises a holding device (210) for securing the collection plate (33); a device for punch cutting (230) with a sample collector (233), and a guiding device (250) comprising two or more guide bores (251). The guiding device (250) extends a first length along a plane x between first and second transverse sides (254a, 254b); The guiding device (250) comprises a centerline A extending parallel to plane x dividing the guiding device (250) into equally sized first and second halves (258a, 258b). The two or more guide bores (251) are asymmetrically located relative to the centerline A in the first and/or second halves (258a, 258b). A method for collecting samples comprising particles collected onto a collection plate (33) is also disclosed.

A device for managing a sample to be analyzed comprises magnetizing equipment (302) for producing magnetic field capable of interacting, when the sample is moving to or located in a sample well, with magnetically amplifying material attached to the sample, where the magnetically amplifying material has relative magnetic permeability constant greater than one. With the aid of the magnetizing element the movement of the sample to the sample well and/or the position of the sample in the sample well can be monitored and/or controlled. The device can be, for example but not necessarily, an instrument for dispensing samples to sample wells or an optical measurement instrument.

A microfluidic device 100 is disclosed comprising a body 112 including a biological sample S and/or reagent R receiving slot 122. The sample and reagent are carried on a solid support 10. The device 100 includes two punch assemblies 130 for removing portions of the solid support 10 and delivering them, together with the sample and/or reagent(s), to a receiving chamber 126 for subsequent processing. The device can be used for various assays including those which require just the addition of water in the reaction chamber with no pre-treatment of sample prior delivery into the chamber.

Methods are provided for the preparation of a sample using a digital microfluidic platform and the optional subsequent mass analysis of an extracted analyte. A sample is dried, optionally on a solid phase support, and contacted with digital microfluidic array. An analyte present within the dried sample is extracted into an extraction solvent by electrically addressing the digital microfluidic array to transport a droplet of extraction solvent to the dried sample spot. The extracted sample may be dried and subsequently processed on the digital microfluidic array for derivatization. The digital microfluidic device may further include an integrated microfluidic channel having an output aperture, and the method may further include contacting a droplet containing extracted analyte with the microfluidic channel and applying a suitable electric field for generating nano-electrospray, thereby enabling the device to be directly interfaced with a mass analysis device.

Disclosed herein, inter alia, are compositions and methods for efficient transfer and analyses of cellular material, tissue samples, such as tissue sections, using carrier substrates.