The present invention provides assays and assay systems for use in spatially encoded biological assays. The invention provides an assay system comprising an assay capable of high levels of multiplexing where reagents are provided to a biological sample in defined spatial patterns; instrumentation capable of controlled delivery of reagents according to the spatial patterns; and a decoding scheme providing a readout that is digital in nature.

A universal bacterial assay and kit for detecting and monitoring changes in concentration of a target analyte in solution. The assay relies on an engineered high affinity protein-based sensor with a detectable label that has high specificity to a target analyte, typically a ligand or metallated complex, and can be used to spectroscopically monitor interaction of the target analyte with a test bacterial strain. The sensors can be in the form of living, transport-deficient bacterial cells expressing the engineered high affinity protein, or in the form of purified proteins themselves. The system can further be used to screen candidate compounds for interference with the binding and uptake of such analytes by bacterial cells, which is useful in investigation of new classes of antibiotics.

A device for measuring a tension of a sheet-like tissue containing cardiomyocytes includes a first gel adapter holder having a frame member and a first gel holding member protruding toward a part of an inside face of the frame member for fixing one end of a film-like gel; and a second gel adapter holder having a second gel holding member for fixing the other end of the gel and a connection member connected to the second gel holding member. A kit includes the tension measuring device; a substrate having a pair of gel molding protruding members fitted along the inside face of the frame member; and a gel forming lid body having a face parallel to a gel contact face of the substrate so as to form an upper face of the gel. Further, a system for measuring the tension includes the tension measuring device.

This invention discloses a signal amplification sandwich structure for amplifying detection signals from proteins, nucleic acids and microbes using a plurality of an electrochemically detectable oligonucleotide tag bound to a multifunctional particle. The invention further discloses a method and device that uses the signal amplification sandwich structure to detect and/or quantify low levels of one or more biological analytes using an off-the-shelf point-of-care electrochemical potentiostat, like a glucose meter for virtually any biological analyte. The invention further discloses a method and device that applies an artificial intelligence (AI) system to recommend actions for assessment and diagnosis of a disease, outbreak or condition with an artificial intelligence learning system to incorporate improvements, additions and modifications to the artificial intelligence systems and its constituents.

We describe assay modules (e.g., assay plates, cartridges, multi-well assay plates, reaction vessels, etc.), processes for their preparation, and method of their use for conducting assays. Reagents may be present in free form or supported on solid phases including the surfaces of compartments (e.g., chambers, channels, flow cells, wells, etc.) in the assay modules or the surface of colloids, beads, or other particulate supports. In particular, dry reagents can be incorporated into the compartments of these assay modules and reconstituted prior to their use in accordance with the assay methods. A desiccant material may be used to maintain and stabilize these reagents in a dry state.

Described are embodiments of an invention for detecting target antigens in a biological sample using a sample assembly. Detection may be accomplished by performing a method comprising: sweeping a head module over the sample assembly, wherein said head module includes at least one magneto-resistive read sensor configured to detect target antigens via nanoparticles within the sample assembly; and detecting at least one particular antigen among the target antigens. Preferably, detecting the target antigens via the nanoparticles is based at least in part on detecting unique magnetic properties of particular nanoparticles specifically associated with different types of the target antigens. Detection using a magnetic read/write head in the sample assembly facilitates automation of sample detection with high speed and fidelity. Corresponding systems are also disclosed.

A chemiluminescent detection system, as well as kits and microfluidics devices containing same, are disclosed. Methods of using the system, kits, and devices are also disclosed.

A microfluidic device is contemplated comprising an open-top cavity with structural anchors on the vertical wall surfaces that serve to prevent gel shrinkage-induced delamination, a porous membrane (optionally stretchable) positioned in the middle over a microfluidic channel(s). The device is particularly suited to the growth of cells mimicking dermal layers.

The present invention relates to a fluid flow device. The device includes an elongate body having a proximal end, a distal end, and a length therebetween, at least one source fluid inflow port, at least one waste fluid outflow port, at least one well inlet port positioned at the distal end of the elongate body, at least one well outlet port positioned at the distal end of the elongate body, at least one conduit connecting the at least one source fluid inflow port to the at least one well inlet port, and at least one conduit connecting the at least one waste fluid outflow port to the at least one well outlet port.

In a method of detecting a test substance, a test substance is detected using a sample analysis cartridge supplied with a sample. The sample analysis cartridge includes: a passage part having a gas-phase space; and liquid containers communicating with the passage part through openings. The liquid containers include: a first liquid container containing a first liquid containing magnetic particles; and a second liquid container containing a second liquid containing a labeled substance. The magnetic particles are sequentially transported to the liquid containers through the gas-phase space in the passage part. Thus, the magnetic particles carry a complex of the test substance and the labeled substance. The test substance is detected based on the labeled substance in the complex.