This invention discloses methods for producing modified cellulose, modified nanocellulose, modified nanocellulose functionalized with other functional species, and derivatives thereof. The present invention also provides cellulose, nanocellulose, and their derivatives that are safe to use inside an animal or human body and are biocompatible without costly purification. These cellulose or nanocellulose materials can be used in many different applications, including carrier for pharmaceutical active agents and other medical devices.

This patent application describes an integrated apparatus for processing polynucleotide-containing samples, and for providing a diagnostic result thereon. The apparatus is configured to receive a microfluidic cartridge that contains reagents and a network for processing a sample. Also described are methods of using the apparatus.

The invention relates to a device for separation of fluidal biological material components, particularly separation of components of the material collected by liposuction for subsequent transfer of the adipose tissue in an injection form. The device comprises a container with an outlet duct arranged in it, the outlet duct having its upper end adapted for collecting the material, and its lower end that is in fluid communication with the inner space of the container at its bottom. Further, the invention relates to a separating float for separation of the fluidal biological material components, the float being intended to be used in the device, wherein the float comprises at least one by-pass opening for passage of the fluidal biological material contained in the container from the area below the separating float into the area above it. The invention also relates to a kit including the device and the float.

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 microfluidic package may include a fluid passage, a substrate having a substrate surface adjacent an interior of the fluid passage and components inset in the substrate, the components having component surfaces adjacent the fluid passage and substantially flush with the substrate surface.

An apparatus and method are provided for imaging and analyzing images of tissue samples. The apparatus includes an imager, a lighting system, and a processor. The imager is configured to capture images within a selectable field of view. A tissue sample container is positionable within the field of view. The imager is configured to capture images of a plurality of tissue sample containers. The lighting system is configured to illuminate the field of view. The processor is configured to receive a first plurality of captured images of tissue sample containers. The processor is configured to analyze the first plurality of captured images and to determine whether there is tissue missing from any ones of the first plurality of captured images.

A microfluidic ejection chip includes a silicon substrate having a fluid passageway. The fluid passageway is defined by a silicon sidewall of the silicon substrate that is covered by a permanent passivation layer to protect the silicon sidewall from exposure to an acidic fluid. The permanent passivation layer is retained on the silicon sidewall at a conclusion of etching of the silicon substrate to form the fluid passageway.

Some embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to systems and methods for separating, directing, and/or extracting a target molecule from a mix of molecules and may comprise a plurality of non-magnetic beads suspended in a ferro fluid, where the non-magnetic beads may be functionalized with at least one predetermined first molecule configured to bind with a target particle. A microfluidic device may be included which may comprise at least one microfluidic channel, the device configured to dynamically and/or statically receive an amount of the mix. Magnetic field means may be included and may be configured to apply a magnetic field to at least a portion of the at least one channel to exert an indirect force on the non-magnetic heads in the ferro fluid mix, and separate the non-magnetic beads from the ferrofluid. The beads may then be directed to at least one receptor region. At least one outlet may be provided which is arranged to be in communication with the at least one microfluidic channel, the at least one outlet may be configured to receive and extract the separated non-magnetic beads from the ferrofluid.

Biological sample collection kits are devised with physical features to enable a high performance collection system which delivers preprocessed biological matter via conventional shipping means to a testing laboratories. In particular, untrained and unskilled users deposit biological matter such as saliva or blood into a receiving vessel. By sealing the container, the user causes release of a premixed solution containing preservatives and optionally lysis reagents. In addition, a purification agent is arranged to bind to target molecules and facilitate their removal from solution. These time consuming processes occur while the sample is in transit to the testing facility such that when it arrives, it is in a preconditioned state immediately ready for execution of washing steps. Thus, the high performance containers taught herein are useful for collection biological samples and performing initial process steps on received matter—steps which are largely effected during the shipping stage of the transfer process.

Devices, systems, and methods for detecting molecules of interest within a collected sample are described herein. In certain embodiments, self-contained sample analysis systems are disclosed, which include a reusable reader component, a disposable cartridge component, and a disposable sample collection component. In some embodiments, the reader component communicates with a remote computing device for the digital transmission of test protocols and test results. In various disclosed embodiments, the systems, components, and methods are configured to identify the presence, absence, and/or quantity of particular nucleic acids, proteins, or other analytes of interest, for example, in order to test for the presence of one or more pathogens or contaminants in a sample.