This disclosure relates to apparatus and methods for thermally cycling a sample. Particular embodiments comprise a first pivot arm configured to pivot around a first pivot axis; a second pivot arm configured to pivot around a second pivot axis; a first thermal mass and a second thermal mass coupled to the first pivot arm; and a third thermal mass and a fourth thermal mass coupled to the second pivot arm, wherein the first and third thermal masses are proximal to the sample when the first and second pivot arms are in a first position, and the second and fourth thermal masses are proximal to the sample when the first and second pivot arms are in a second position.

Modular active surface devices for microfluidic systems and methods of making same is disclosed. In one example, the modular active surface device includes an active surface layer mounted atop an active surface substrate, a mask mounted atop the active surface layer wherein the mask defines the area, height, and volume of the reaction chamber, and a substrate mounted atop the mask wherein the substrate provides the facing surface to the active surface layer. In other examples, both facing surfaces of the reaction chamber include active surface layers. Further, the modular active surface device can include other layers, such as, but not limited to, adhesive layers, stiffening layers for facilitating handling, and peel-off sealing layers. Further, a large-scale manufacturing method is provided of mass-producing the modular active surface devices. Further, a method is provided of using a plasma bonding process to bond the active surface layer to the active surface substrate.

A cartridge of the present invention is to be used in combination with a channel chip including a channel through which a liquid flows. The cartridge includes a reservoir for storing a liquid, in which a through hole configured to be connected to the channel is opened into a bottom part of the reservoir; a liquid discarding part for discarding the liquid in the reservoir; and a connection part which is disposed above the through hole, and connects the reservoir and the liquid discarding part to each other.

Nanofluidic flow cells and systems for single-molecule nanoconfinement and imaging of molecules in a fluid are described. The nanofluidic flow cell comprises a bottom substrate bonded to a top substrate, microchannels and a central chamber carved in the bottom or top substrate. The microchannels and the central chamber define an empty space into which a fluid can flow. The microchannels extend on opposite side of the central chamber, each microchannel comprising a central portion crossing the central chamber and a pair of arms extending outside the central chamber, these arms comprising a fluid port positioned at opposite ends of the microchannel and outside the central chamber. The central chamber comprises a nanoconfinement and imaging area including carved nanostructures configured for single-molecule nanoconfinement. Also described are nanofluidic chips, methods of confinement, pneumatic-based nanofluidic systems and manifold assembly for the nanofluidic flow cell.

A microfluidic assembly may include a microfluidic chip operably coupled to a device source pressure port and a device relief pressure port, first and second input reservoirs, an output reservoir, and a reservoir interface. The microfluidic chip may include a microfluidic circuit configured to support a fluid flow that includes a gas flow and a liquid flow within the microfluidic circuit. The reservoir interface may be configured to operably couple the first and second input reservoirs to the microfluidic circuit. The device source pressure port may be configured to receive a source pressure to generate the fluid flow through the microfluidic circuit and cause a mixing of liquids to form an output liquid for delivery to the output reservoir via the fluid flow. The first liquid, the second liquid, and the output liquid need not contact the device source pressure port or the device relief pressure port during the mixing.

Diagnostic systems for sensing biological molecules are disclosed. The diagnostic systems include a fluid control delivery and control system that can be coupled to a diagnostic cartridge that includes a microfluidic device and integrated sensing electronics. The diagnostic systems can be used to sequence biological molecules.

A test strip system having containers and suitable carriers therefor. The test strip assembly is suitable for carrying out different types of chemical, biological or biochemical tests and evaluating them using a suitable analysis device. The test strip assembly has a first region having at least one container and a second region also having at least one container. The container of the first region has a flat transparent bottom, and the container of the second region has a V-shaped or U-shaped bottom.

A flow cell includes a flow cell body. The flow cell body includes a frame and a fluid chamber defined in the flow cell body. The fluid chamber includes a reaction region allowing a fluid flow. A liquid inlet, a liquid outlet, and two exhaust holes connected to the fluid chamber are in the frame. Fluid into the liquid inlet flows through the reaction region in the fluid chamber and flows out through the liquid outlet. The exhaust holes discharge gas generated in the fluid chamber during the fluid flow. A flow cell with integral sealing rings and a biochemical substance reaction device are also disclosed.

A cover member for a substrate supporting a biological sample comprises first and second opposing ends, first and second opposing surfaces, a void in the second surface which, when juxtaposed with a substrate, forms a chamber, and a fluid inlet toward the first end and in fluid communication with the void. The void is bounded by void walls having one or more contoured regions for enhancing fluid movement within the chamber. A treatment module for a biological sample comprises the cover member, a support surface for a substrate bearing the biological sample and clamp means operable to releasably retain the cover member in juxtaposition with the substrate for an incubation period. A method for incubating the biological sample with one or more reagents uses the cover member.

Method includes positioning a first carrier assembly on a system stage. The carrier assembly includes a support frame having an inner frame edge that defines a window of the support frame. The first carrier assembly includes a first substrate that is positioned within the window and surrounded by the inner frame edge. The first substrate has a sample thereon. The method includes detecting optical signals from the sample of the first substrate. The method also includes replacing the first carrier assembly on the system stage with a second carrier assembly on the system stage. The second carrier assembly includes the support frame and an adapter plate held by the support frame. The second carrier assembly has a second substrate held by the adapter plate that has a sample thereon. The method also includes detecting optical signals from the sample of the second substrate.