A synthesizer system includes a vacuum block, a sealing plate coupled to the vacuum block, a synthesis plate having a plurality of wells, and an inflatable seal coupled to both the sealing plate and the synthesis plate and forming a seal between the sealing plate and the synthesis plate.

A method for detecting the presence of a microorganism in a fluid sample is disclosed. The method includes providing a fluid specimen within a specimen collection container having a sidewall defining an interior therein. The interior includes a mechanical separator adapted for separating the fluid sample into first and second phases within the specimen collection container and a sensing element capable of detecting the presence of a microorganism disposed therein. The method includes subjecting the specimen collection container to applied rotational force to isolate a concentrated microorganism region. The method also includes detecting by a sensing element the presence or absence of a microorganism within the concentrated microorganism region.

A cassette may include a substrate and a die coupled to the substrate wherein the substrate is made of modified polyetherimide (PEI). A system for ejecting a fluid into an assay may include at least one dispense head, the at least one dispense head including a substrate and a die coupled to the substrate wherein the substrate is made of modified polyetherimide (PEI).

Methods and systems for improved labeling and/or de-labeling a molecule or cell in the context of scientific experimentation, industrial applications, and clinical investigation, including the means to repeat the process of labeling and de-labeling in an efficient manner.

A method of generating a microfluidic ejection chip is provided. The method includes creating an opening in a silicon substrate through multiple iterations of a deep reactive ion etching process, forming a passivation layer over any exposed portion of silicon at the opening following each iteration of the deep reactive ion etching of the silicon substrate, and not removing the passivation layer at a conclusion of the etching of the silicon substrate to define a fluid passageway at the opening in the silicon substrate, such that the passivation layer is permanent on the silicon substrate at the opening.

A method for stretching a plurality of sample isolates, including: trapping the plurality of sample isolates away from a wall of at least one microfluidic channel of a microfluidic flow system; generating a microfluidic flow to stretch the plurality of trapped sample isolates; determining deformation characteristics of the plurality of stretched samples isolates based on one or more frames from an image processing system; and outputting information corresponding to the deformation characteristics.

This system takes in raw cellular material collected using a provided swab, blood collection device, urine collection device, or other sample collection device and transforms that biological material into a digital result, identifying the presence, absence and/or quantity of nucleic acids, proteins, and/or other molecules of interest.

The present disclosure relates to a nucleic acid analysis apparatus using a cartridge which can simplify the nucleic acid extraction and applicable to a molecular diagnostic POCT equipment. The nucleic acid analysis device includes a stage on which a cartridge is mountable, a nucleic acid extraction unit, and a control unit. The nucleic acid extraction unit performs a nucleic acid extraction through crushing of the sample, the cell disruption, and the nucleic acid purification as well as a nucleic acid amplification. The control unit controls the stage and the nucleic acid extraction unit so that the nucleic acid extraction through the crushing of the sample, the cell disruption, and the nucleic acid purification as well as the nucleic acid amplification are collectively performed.

The invention shows and describes a vibration mill for at least two grinding beakers performing vibrations in the horizontal position, with at least one multi-part pendulum drive, wherein the pendulum drive has at least one eccentric shaft mounted to rotate about a vertical eccentric axis, and at least two rockers each mounted so as to be capable of vibrating about a vertical vibration axis and connected by means of couplers to the eccentric shaft, said rockers holding the grinding beakers. The pendulum drive further has a motor unit coupled to the eccentric shaft as a drive for the eccentric shaft and optionally further components, wherein a rotary movement of the eccentric shaft via the couplers can be converted into a vibrating movement of the rockers. According to the invention, the centre of gravity of the pendulum drive in a horizontal centre of gravity plane is substantially equidistant from both vibration axes.

A method for inserting and retaining a reagent within a disposable cartridge of a diagnostic assay system. The method includes the steps of: (i) drying a reagent in combination with a carrier, and (ii) inserting the carrier, with the dried reagent, into an open end of one of the assay chambers, wherein the carrier facilitates insertion of the pellet into a chamber without contact by an operator.