This invention is related to high-throughput screening field, in particular to an application method for automatic micro droplet array screening system of picoliter scale precision. According to this invention, the fluid driving system and the capillary are fully filled with fluid of low thermal expansion coefficient as the carrier fluid to thoroughly empty air bubbles in the capillary; after that, immersing the sampling end of capillary into the oil phase that is mutually immiscible with aqueous sample to aspirate a section of oil phase into the capillary for isolation of aqueous sample and carrier fluid; once completed, immersing the sampling end of capillary into the sample/reagent storage tube to aspirate a certain volume of aqueous sample into the capillary; finally, moving the sampling end of capillary to the oil phase above microwells on microwell array chip, and pushing the sample solution in the capillary into microwells to form sample droplet. Quantitative metering of fluid and droplet generation according to this invention are provided with volume precision in picoliter, which can effectively minimize the consumption of sample/reagent, and save the testing cost during high-throughput screening.

In relation to an automated nucleic acid processor and an automated nucleic acid processing method using a multi function dispensing unit, processing involving extraction and amplification of the nucleic acid, can be consistently, quickly and efficiently conducted at a low cost with the use of a multi function dispensing unit, while saving user's trouble without expanding the scale of the device. The multi function dispensing unit includes: a nozzle head provided with a suction-discharge mechanism and nozzles detachably provided with dispensing tips; a container group having, at the very least housing parts for liquids and reaction containers for housing an amplification solution; a transfer mechanism that makes an interval between the nozzles and the container group relatively movable; a temperature controller whereby temperature control of the interior of the reaction vessels is possible; sealing liquids and/or sealing lids that are transportable to the reaction vessels using the nozzles, and which make the amplification solutions housed in the reaction vessels sealable within the reaction vessels; and a sealing control part that controls the suction-discharge mechanism or the transfer mechanism, such that the sealing liquid and/or the sealing lids seal the amplification solution within the reaction vessels when the housing of the amplification solution in the reaction vessels is completed.

A multi-well fluid container that includes a container body is provided for use in an in vitro diagnostics automation system. The container body includes a first well having a first well size configured to hold a first fluid and an openable first well closure that covers a first well opening. The first well opening provides access to the first fluid in the first well when the openable first well closure is opened. The container body also includes a second well having a second well size configured to hold a second fluid and having an openable second well closure that covers a second well opening. The second well opening provides access to the second fluid in the second well when the openable second well closure is opened. The first well size of the first well is different than the second well size of the second well.

A receptacle for minimizing evaporation of a fluid includes a single-piece body, a fluid-tight seal, a penetrable septum, and a lid. The body includes a chamber having an opening. The fluid-tight seal is affixed to a surface of the body that defines the first opening. The fluid-tight seal covers the opening and is frangible. The septum covers the opening and the fluid-tight seal. The septum includes at least one slit forming slats. The lid has an opening axially aligned with the opening and is coupled to the body such that at least a portion of the septum is disposed between the lid and the fluid-tight seal.

The disclosed subject matter provides a microdevice and techniques for single-cell gene expression profiling using a microfluidic device capable of cell-trapping, cell lysis, bead-based gene analysis. The microdevice can be capable of independent or parallelized, simultaneous quantitative genetic assays of single cells.

A disposable filter tip collar provides an improved system for using filters in conjunction with disposable pipette tips. The filters are installed into the tip-holding collar rather than inside each tip as in current use. The separation of the filters from the tips in this manner offers significant advantages for ease of use, cost, and pipetting performance. Because the filters are separate from the tips, the available liquid pipetting volume within the tips is not diminished as it is using the current system, which allows for more consistent pipetting and method development between filter and non-filter tips. Since the filters are not limited in size by the internal diameter of the pipette tips, larger diameter filters can be used which are more efficient and allow better pipetting performance.

Disclosed herein are microfluidic devices and methods to deliver concentration gradients to biological material such as oocytes and embryos for the purpose of cryopreparation, cryopreservation, or thawing. Cryopreservation methods, such as vitrification, involve the use of cryoprotectants to reduce formation of damaging ice crystals in cells during freezing. Microfluidic devices and methods described herein improve cell viability and efficiency during handling and cryopreservation of biological materials.

A multiwell plate cover is provided, wherein the cover comprises a frame configured for attachment to a multiwell plate; a first movable guide member having two elongated side members that extend across the width of the plate, wherein a gap between the side members is substantially equal to a diameter of a single well in the multiwell plate and wherein the first movable guide member is slidable along the length of the frame; and a second movable guide member having two elongated side members that extend across the length of the plate, wherein a gap between the side members is substantially equal to a diameter of a single well in the multiwell plate and wherein the second movable guide member is slidable along the width of the frame, wherein the first and second movable guide member are configured to move independently from each other.

Example paper substrate diagnostic apparatus and related methods and systems are disclosed herein. An example apparatus includes a hydrophobic substrate having a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The apparatus includes a detection zone on a first surface of the substrate, the detection zone defining an area to sense an analyte in a sample, the detection zone comprising a first electrode and a second electrode disposed on the first surface of the substrate and a layer of hydrophilic ink disposed on the two electrodes and an area between the first and second electrodes. The apparatus also includes a channel comprising hydrophilic ink disposed on the first surface of the substrate, the channel having an inlet section adjacent the first end of the substrate, a middle section, and an outlet section in contact with the layer of hydrophilic ink. The channel is to transfer a fluid sample from the inlet section to the layer of hydrophilic ink.

A microfluidic device is for processing and aliquoting a sample liquid. The microfluidic device has a dividing chamber for receiving a starting volume of the sample liquid. The dividing chamber has a plurality of cavities for receiving sub-volumes of the sample liquid, the sub-volumes being usable for analytical reactions. The microfluidic device also has a microfluidic network for using the dividing chamber in a fluid-mechanical manner and at least one pump device for pumping fluids within the device. The at least one pump device and the microfluidic network are configured to pump the sample liquid, as a first phase, and a sealing liquid, as a second phase, through the microfluidic network and into the dividing chamber in order to seal the sub-volumes of the sample liquid in the cavities using the sealing liquid.