A biological sorting apparatus is disclosed, which includes a light-induced dielectrophoretic chip, a supporting platform, an injecting unit and a projection module. The light-induced dielectrophoretic chip is configured to generate an internal electric field to perform sorting on a fluid including first microparticles and second micropartides. The supporting platform is utilized to support the light-induced dielectrophoretic chip thereon and has an opening. The injecting unit is configured to inject the fluid into the light-induced dielectrophoretic chip. The projection module is disposed below the supporting platform and is configured to project a light pattern onto a projection area of the light-induced dielectrophoretic chip through the opening of the supporting platform, such that the light-induced dielectrophoretic chip produces a light-induced effect to change the internal electric field, thereby sorting out the first microparticles and the second microparticles.

Sandwich separation is based on forming a sandwich complex with a magnetic bead, buoyant bead, and a target. Once a sandwich formation is created, the sandwich can be separated using its dual physical properties, namely magnetism and buoyancy. Sandwich separation is highly specific, allows for removal of the beads that do not have any attached target, and reduces the number of background beads. Sandwich separation can also be used to allow for target detection in raw specimen. Also, improvement of detection capability is accomplished by performing AMBR measurements on a solid interface, where the rotational period speeds up and allows for dramatically reduced time-to-result.

A method for enriching a heterogeneous population of cells includes loading one or more sample chambers containing DEP electrodes therein with a solution containing the heterogeneous population of cells, wherein the heterogeneous population of cells comprises a first subpopulation of cells having a first crossover frequency and a second subpopulation of cells having a second, higher crossover frequency. An AC electrical field is applied to the DEP electrodes, wherein the AC electrical field has an applied frequency that is between the crossover frequency of the first subpopulation of cells and the second subpopulation of cells, wherein the first subpopulation of cells are substantially killed by the applied electrical field and the second subpopulation of cells are substantially not killed by the applied electrical field.

Provided herein are systems and method for measuring cell stiffness. In particular, provided herein are microelectrode configuration and systems for measuring platelet deformation and stiffness.

A method for performing contactless ODEP for separation of CTCs is provided with the steps of obtaining patients' blood with rare cell suspected CTCs; adding at least one fluorescent antibody binding to CTCs into the blood; staining the blood; injecting the stained blood with fluorescent dye into an ODEP device and then performing fluorescent image identification; trapping the CTCs with at least one fluorescent antibody in the ODEP device by creating an image pattern and then generating an ODEP force; Separating the trapped CTCs from other non-CTCs cells; absorbing the trapped CTCs; and obtaining a high purity of CTCs. An apparatus for performing contactless ODEP for separation of CTCs is also provided.

An automatic purification system using magnetic particles comprises: 1) a first container module; and 2) a system controller module. The first container module comprises a first container and a first magnetic field supply device disposed outside the first container. A first container liquid inlet is formed in the upper portion of the first container, and a first container liquid outlet is formed in the bottom of the first container. The system controller module can generate a variable magnetic field in the first container by controlling the first magnetic field supply device. A method for purifying a target component from a biological sample comprises a step for allowing a biological sample containing a target component to be in contact with magnetic particles capable of specifically binding the target component, in the first container in the automatic purification system. The automatic purification system and method help to efficiently separate a target product from a biological sample, and helps to reduce process costs and time at the same time.

Provided herein are systems and method for measuring cell stiffness. In particular, provided herein are microelectrode configuration and systems for measuring platelet deformation and stiffness.

Methods of exerting magnetic forces to separate magnetic particles disposed in a portion of subsurface vasculature using a wearable device are provided. The magnetic forces can act to attract, slow, speed, or otherwise influence the magnetic particles in various applications. In some examples, different magnetic forces are exerted on respective sets of magnetic particles to separate the respective sets of magnetic particles. In some examples, similar magnetic forces are exerted on sets of magnetic particles, and separation of the sets of magnetic particles is related to properties of the sets of magnetic particles and/or of the environment of the sets of magnetic particles. In some embodiments, the magnetic particles are configured to bind to an analyte of interest. The separation of the magnetic particles can enable detection of one or more properties of the analyte, modification of the analyte, and/or extraction of the analyte bound to the magnetic particles.

A sample collection device includes a tube, a closure and a partitioning member. The tube includes an opening and is used to receive a sampling swab. The closure is engaged with the tube for enclosing the opening. The partitioning member is disposed in the tube and includes a blocking portion and a position-limiting portion. The blocking portion is disposed close to the opening and covers a portion of the opening so as to leave another uncovered portion as an entrance for passing the sampling swab therethrough. The position-limiting portion is connected with the blocking portion and extended into the tube, so as to limit the sampling swab in a space corresponding to the entrance inside the tube after the sampling swab passes through the entrance.

The invention relates to a system, comprising: a) a sample processing unit, comprising an input port and an output port coupled to a rotating container having at least one sample chamber, the sample processing unit configured provide a first processing step to a sample or to rotate the container so as to apply a centrifugal force to a sample deposited in the chamber and separate at least a first component and a second component of the deposited sample; and b) a sample separation unit coupled to the output port of the sample processing unit, the cell separation unit comprising separation column holder (42), a pump (64) and a plurality of valves (1-11) configured to at least partially control fluid flow through a fluid circuitry and a separation column (40) positioned in the holder, the separation column configured to separate labeled and unlabeled components of sample flowed through the column.