An embodiment in accordance with the present invention provides two devices for the isolation of rare cell populations such as circulating tumor cells (CTCs). Both devices use magnetic fields to manipulate cells that are bounded to paramagnetic particles (PMP). One device uses surface tension and a sieve for cell filtration, whereas the other allows for the direct transfer of cells onto a standard microscope slide. Subsequent processing steps may be directly performed on the devices thereby minimizing cell losses. The first device is referred to as the ST (surface tension) device and the second device is referred to as the DT (direct transfer) device. The ST device can also be considered as a chip for the isolation of the rare cell populations.

The present invention relates to a microfluidic chip (300) comprising an inlet channel and an output channel in close proximity; systems comprising the same configured to flow a continuous phase without disrupting the integrity of a population of dispersed phase droplets and/or to homogenize a locally static continuous phase throughout droplet loading or generation; and methods using the same.

A method and device are provided for detecting a target in a biological sample. The target binds to a solid phase substrate. First and second cavities in a plate are filled with an oil. The first and second cavities are in fluid communication with each other. The solid phase substrate is magnetically drawn sequentially from a drop of the biological sample in the first cavity, through the oil, into a drop of the reaction solution in the second cavity. A change in a parameter of the drop of the reaction solution indicates the presence of the target.

Methods and devices are provided for sample collection and sample separation. In one embodiment, a device is provided for use with a formed component liquid sample, the device comprising at least one sample inlet for receiving said sample; at least a first outlet for outputting only a liquid portion of the formed component liquid sample; at least a second outlet for outputting the formed component liquid sample at least a first material mixed therein.

A system and method for determining a trajectory parameter of particles, comprising receiving a plurality of particles at a microfluidic channel, applying a force to each particle of the microfluidic channel, acquiring a dataset of each particle, measuring a trajectory of the particle, and determining a trajectory parameter of the particles.

A microfluidic device for increasing convective clearance of particles from a fluid is provided. A network of first channels can be separated from a network of second channels by a first membrane. The network of first channels can also be separated from a network of third channels by a second membrane. Fluid containing an analyte can be introduced in the network of first channels. Infusate can be introduced into the network of second channels, and waste-collecting fluid can be introduced into the network of third channels. A pressure gradient can be applied in a direction perpendicular to the direction of fluid flow in the network of first channels, such that the analyte is transported from the network of first channels into the network of third channels through the second membrane.

The present invention provides a paper-based, nucleic acid-detecting sensor capable of easily and simply detecting the presence of a target nucleic acid from a PCR amplicon. In addition, the present invention provides a paper-based, nucleic acid-detecting kit capable of easily and simply detecting the presence of a target nucleic acid from a PCR amplicon and a nucleic acid detecting method using same. The present invention can easily and simply determine the presence or absence of a target nucleic acid in a PCR amplicon by utilizing the function in which the target nucleic acid is associated with nanoparticles to form a composite and when loaded into the sensor, the composite is separated and moves according to the structure of the sensor and is finally visualized on the sensor.

The present disclosure provides a technique capable of manufacturing a measurement cell having a high specimen utilization ratio in the case of using a measurement cell that introduces a specimen into a surface hole. In the measurement cell manufacturing method according to the present disclosure, a measurement cell includes a channel wall protruding from the lower surface substrate toward the through-hole, and a specimen solution is introduced into a lower surface side space to introduce the specimen into the through-hole (see FIG. 1).

Geranyl pyrophosphate (GPP) is a key intermediate molecule in the bioproduction of thousands of natural products. Currently, natural products are either cultivated from plants, synthesized via complex chemical synthesis strategies, or through cell-based factories also known as biofoundries. However, in order to replicate the process in a cell free environment, numerous enzymes and cofactors must be utilized making this approach costly and unviable. In order to make this process viable, a new approach was needed that uses fewer enzymes and cofactors. As described herein, the present invention demonstrates that it is possible to create GPP from glycerol through a short and concise biosynthetic pathway outside of the cell.

A fixed tube of a nucleic acid extraction component and a nucleic acid extraction component. The nucleic acid extraction component includes a membrane column, which is fitted over the fixed tube. The fixed tube has a tube body, a tube opening, and a bottom. The tube body extends along a first direction. The end of the tube opening distal from the tube body has a protrusion which protrudes along a second direction, the first direction being vertical to the second direction. The bottom and the tube opening are respectively connected to two opposite sides of the tube body. The bottom has a shoulder and the shoulder of the bottom is connected to the membrane column.