The presently disclosed subject matter provides devices and methods for sample extraction from a swab during biological sample processing. In particular embodiments, the devices and methods are configured for use in conjunction with microfluidic devices for sample processing.

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.

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.

A mixing system (10) including a base module (12), a mixing unit (26), and an enclosure (14). The base module (12) includes a base support (16), a drive unit (18) disposed within the base support (16), a drive shaft (22) coupled to the drive unit (18), and a drive head (24) coupled to the drive unit (18) via the drive shaft (22) and disposed within the base support (16). The drive head (24) includes a first magnet (25). The mixing unit (26) includes a guide element (28) and an agitator (30) slidably coupled to the guide element (28). The agitator (30) includes a second magnet (32) and at least one vane (34). The enclosure (14) is coupled to the base support (16) encloses the guide element (28) and the agitator (30). The drive unit (18) and the drive head (24) are configured to generate a linear pulsating movement of the agitator (30) along the guide element (28) for mixing a fluid medium (47) within the enclosure (14).

A mixing system (10) including a base module (12), a mixing unit (26), and an enclosure (14). The base module (12) includes a base support (16), a drive unit (18) disposed within the base support (16), a drive shaft (22) coupled to the drive unit (18), and a drive head (24) coupled to the drive unit (18) via the drive shaft (22) and disposed within the base support (16). The drive head (24) includes a first magnet (25). The mixing unit (26) includes a guide element (28) and an agitator (30) slidably coupled to the guide element (28). The agitator (30) includes a second magnet (32) and at least one vane (34). The enclosure (14) is coupled to the base support (16) encloses the guide element (28) and the agitator (30). The drive unit (18) and the drive head (24) are configured to generate a linear pulsating movement of the agitator (30) along the guide element (28) for mixing a fluid medium (47) within the enclosure (14).

The invention is related to a device for suspending particles in a fluid, wherein the mixing device includes a first magnet (1) rotating around a longitudinal axis (2), a mixing rod (4) attached to a mount (6), the mount including a second magnet (3), wherein the mount (6) moves in a substantially orthogonal motion to the longitudinal axis of the mixing rod (4) by the interaction of the rotating first magnet with the second magnet (3).

A device stores, mixes, and applies polymethylmethacrylate bone cement. The device comprises a first container for a first pasty component of the bone cement, a dispensing plunger arranged in the first container such that it can be shifted and serves for pressing the content of the first container out of a dispensing opening, a mixing facility for mixing the content of the first container, whereby the mixing facility is arranged in the first container and the mixing facility can be moved in the first container from outside for mixing, and at least one second container for at least one second component of the bone cement is arranged in or on said first container. The second container can be opened, such that the contents of the first container and second container can be mixed with each other in the first container, whereby at least a boundary surface of the first container is formed by a mobile volume compensation element.

A nucleic acid extraction system, comprising: a nucleic acid extraction plate, and a pipetting device and positive pressure device that are arranged side by side, the pipetting device comprising: an infusion device, an infusion device mounting frame, an infusion device driving unit, and a plurality of infusion units, each of the infusion units comprising: a reagent supply device and a reagent flow controller; the positive pressure device comprises: a plug, an air pipe, a positive pressure provider and a positive pressure driving device. The nucleic acid extraction system is highly efficiency and low-cost when extracting nucleic acid.

An apparatus, vortex generator assembly and method for automated cell lysis and nucleic acid purification and processing. The vortex generator assembly includes sample holder having a lysis well, at least one wash well, and an elution well. The vortex generator assembly also includes a sample holder cover having a plurality of vibration rods for creating a vortex in the wells of the sample holder. The apparatus includes motor operating a rotating cam to cause the vibration rods to vibrate and create the vortex in a well holding fluid and magnetic beads, wherein the vortexing speed is sufficient to overcome the magnetic attraction between the beads and disperse the beads in solution, to collect nucleic acids such as DNA.

An apparatus, vortex generator assembly and method for automated cell lysis and nucleic acid purification and processing. The vortex generator assembly includes sample holder having a lysis well, at least one wash well, and an elution well. The vortex generator assembly also includes a sample holder cover having a plurality of vibration rods for creating a vortex in the wells of the sample holder. The apparatus includes motor operating a rotating cam to cause the vibration rods to vibrate and create the vortex in a well holding fluid and magnetic beads, wherein the vortexing speed is sufficient to overcome the magnetic attraction between the beads and disperse the beads in solution, to collect nucleic acids such as DNA.