A thermal cycler for DNA amplification and real-time detection comprises a sample block with a position for a sample tube containing fluorescent molecules; an LED light for excitation of the fluorescent molecules at a predetermined wavelength; a filter that passes light at the predetermined wavelength to allow excitation of the fluorescent molecules; and a housing for the sample block, the LED light, and the filter that allows visualization of the fluorescent signal. The device may utilize a smart phone with a camera or the naked eye to detect fluorescence.

Example implementations include a sensor device with a superhydrophobic sensor panel having an abraded first planar surface and a second planar surface opposite to the first planar surface, and a metallic heating element adjacent to the second planar surface of the superhydrophobic sensor panel. Example implementations also include a method of detecting a concentration of heavy metal ions in a solution, by separating a target solute of a target microdroplet from the target micropdroplet, identifying a distribution area of at least one heavy metal ion in an image of the target solute, generating a heavy metal ion concentration quantity based on the distribution area, generating a composite image including an indication of the distribution area, and presenting an indication of at least one of the heavy metal ion concentration quantity and the composite heavy metal ion image. Example implementations also include a method of manufacturing a heavy metal ion sensor device, by abrading a first planar surface of a superhydrophobic sensor panel, depositing a metallic layer on a nonconductive substrate, and contacting the metallic layer to a second planar surface of the sensor panel opposite to the first planar surface.

Provided herein are portable biocontainment devices for safe and reliable collection of biological samples, including liquid and gas samples. A sample inlet for collecting fluids and/or gases, including oral fluids and expired breath samples, is connected to a container having a climate-controlled container reservoir. One or more sample containers are connected to the sample inlet for collection of samples. The devices are configured for safe transport and handling of samples, while maintaining sample viability, including for relatively long transport periods. Safety components integrated within the device facilitates safe and effective decontamination of contagious samples. In this manner, aborting the sample preservation by decontamination prior to a hazardous release is achieved within the same apparatus.

Provided is a method of manufacturing a microfluidic channel with a membrane formed therein, the method including: preparing an apparatus for forming a membrane, the apparatus for forming the membrane including a first microfluidic channel, a second microfluidic channel being spaced apart from the first microfluidic channel, a bridge channel having a microchannel structure for communicating the first microfluidic channel and the second microfluidic channel with each other, and a control channel, which is partitioned by a gas permeable member from the bridge channel and through which gas flows; a fluid flowing operation in which a first fluid in a liquid state for moving first microparticles flows in the first microfluidic channel and a control gas in a gaseous state flows in the control channel; and forming a membrane having nanopores.

A single junction sorter for a microfluidic particle sorter, the single-junction sorter comprising: an input channel, configured to receive a fluid containing particles; an output sort channel and an output waste channel, each connected to the input channel for receiving the fluid therefrom; a bubble generator, operable to selectively displace the fluid around a particle to be sorted and thereby to create a transient flow of the fluid in the input channel; and a vortex element, configured to cause a vortex in the transient flow in order to direct the particle to be sorted into the output sort channel.

A single junction sorter for a microfluidic particle sorter, the single-junction sorter comprising: an input channel, configured to receive a fluid containing particles; an output sort channel and an output waste channel, each connected to the input channel for receiving the fluid therefrom; a bubble generator, operable to selectively displace the fluid around a particle to be sorted and thereby to create a transient flow of the fluid in the input channel; and a vortex element, configured to cause a vortex in the transient flow in order to direct the particle to be sorted into the output sort channel.

A method for concentrating at least one analyte including the following steps: preparing a first phase including at least one analyte; depositing a drop of the first phase on a substrate; depositing on the drop of first phase a drop of a second liquid phase including at least one surfactant, the second phase being non-miscible with the first phase; evaporating the drop of the second phase; and evaporating the drop of the first phase. Also relates to a method for detecting at least one analyte using the concentration method; and a system using the detection method.

A sensor cartridge contains a porous matrix for passing analyte molecules of a liquid sample. A porous collection disk supports the matrix and closes a lower end of a wall of the cartridge. The collection disk being sandwiched between the lower end and a base cap. An air channel extends between a first air opening at a top end of the cartridge and a second air opening positioned above the collection disk and opposite a base cap air opening. The collection disk is between the second air opening and the base cap air opening. At least one of the first air openings and the base cap air opening comprises a connection to a supra-atmospheric or subatmospheric pressure air source. The second air opening and the base cap air opening guide an air flow to provide evaporation and analyze concentration at specific locations of the collection disk, thereby improving detection limits.

The microfluidic device has a first reservoir that preferably includes a first liquid. The first liquid is being held by a capillary stop valve in the first reservoir. A second reservoir is in fluid communication with the first reservoir. The second reservoir has a second liquid and a sample support disposed therein. The second reservoir has an inlet opening defined therein. A draining unit is adjacent to the second reservoir. The draining unit is in fluid communication with the second reservoir. The draining unit has a first absorption member disposed therein.

A method of classifying sample data for robotically extracted samples is disclosed. A specimen is received from a human subject with a potential infection of a first disease agents or a plurality of disease agents. The specimen includes genetic material collected from a human subject using a collection device and stored in a collection carrier. The specimen includes a unique identifier on the collection carrier. The unique identifier contains human subject descriptive data. The method classifies the human subject descriptive data to identify a second disease agent. The method extracts a sequence of genetic material from the specimen using an automated robot. The method determines a test result for the first disease agent as a function of the sequence of genetic material. A system comprising a computer device configured to classify sample data for robotically extracted samples is also disclosed.