A method of obtaining a numerical model is disclosed. The numerical model correlates estimated line width values to minimum pressure for gas bubble generation (MPGBG) values. An MPGBG value of each capillary tube in the reference group is measured for a liquid. A nanoparticle composition is deposited, under standard conditions, on substrate(s) from each respective reference capillary tube, to form nanoparticle lines. A line width of each of the nanoparticle lines deposited using each respective reference capillary tube is measured by a microscope apparatus. A numerical model that correlates estimated line width values to MPGBG values for the liquid is calculated.

Various methods, devices, and systems for determining the concentration of microorganisms in a sample and determining the susceptibility of such microorganisms to one or more antibiotics or other types of anti-infectives are disclosed herein. More specifically, methods for quantifying microorganisms based on redox reactions are disclosed along with systems and devices for quantifying such microorganisms using certain oxidation reduction potential (ORP) sensors. Moreover, methods for determining the susceptibility and the degree of susceptibility of microorganisms to one or more anti-infectives are disclosed along with multiplex systems for such assays.

A fluid sensor system that is configured to perform in-line monitoring is disclosed. The fluid sensor system can include a sensor module that includes a sensing channel configured to receive a sample fluid, two or more calibration compartments, and a sensing element configured to interact with the sample fluid in the sensing channel. The fluid sensor system can include a reader that is electrically and mechanically coupled to the sensor module. The reader includes a controller that is configured to control operation of the fluid sensor system.

Disclosed are a microfluidic testing system and control method, and a refrigerator. The microfluidic testing system comprises a microfluidic biochip, a sample stage for placing a sample cup, and a lifting mechanism for driving the sample stage to move. The microfluidic biochip is provided with a sample inlet for receiving a sample liquid. The control method comprises: starting a lifting mechanism when a sample cup holding a sample liquid is placed on a sample stage, and controlling the lifting mechanism to move the sample stage from an initial position to a testing position where the sample liquid in the sample cup comes into contact with a sample inlet, thereby realizing sample loading of the microfluidic biochip.

An optical calibration tool includes a first body, a light emitter, a light receiver, a second body, and a light reflecting member. The first body has a first engaging port and a second engaging port. The light emitter and the light receiver are disposed in the first body. The second body has a third engaging port and a channel communicated with each other. The third engaging port is configured to selectively engage one of the first engaging port and the second engaging port. When the third engaging port is engaged with the first engaging port, the light emitter is optically coupled to the light reflecting member. When the third engaging port is engaged with the second engaging port, the light receiver is optically coupled to the light reflecting member.

An automated pipetting system includes a pipettor. The pipettor includes a pipetting channel, a first plunger mechanism operable to change a pressure in the pipetting channel to aspirate or dispense a liquid, and a second plunger mechanism operable to change the pressure in the pipetting channel to aspirate or dispense the liquid.

An automated pipetting system includes a pipettor. The pipettor includes a pipetting channel, a first plunger mechanism operable to change a pressure in the pipetting channel to aspirate or dispense a liquid, and a second plunger mechanism operable to change the pressure in the pipetting channel to aspirate or dispense the liquid.

A method for assigning a pipette tip to a certain class of pipette tips from a plurality of different pipette tip classes, the method including the following steps: coupling the pipette tip to a gas displacement device such that a device-side volume formed in the gas displacement device and a tip-side volume formed by the pipette tip communicate with each other, and thereby forming a measuring volume including the communicating volumes of the device-side volume and the tip-side volume; operating the gas displacement device and thereby changing the gas pressure in the measuring volume; detecting the gas pressure in the measuring volume over a detection time period; determining at least one absolute value of at least one characteristic variable characterizing the detected gas pressure; comparing the at least one determined absolute value with at least one predetermined calibration value; and, depending on the comparison result, assigning the pipette tip to a pipette tip class and outputting an item of class assignment information representing the assigned pipette tip class.

Automated pipetting systems and methods are disclosed for aspirating and dispensing fluids, particularly biological samples. In one aspect, a liquid dispenser includes a manifold and one or more pipette channels. The manifold includes a vacuum channel, a pressure channel, and a plurality of lanes. Each lane includes an electrical connector, a port to the pressure channel, and a port to the vacuum channel. The pipette channels can be modular. Each pipette channel includes a single dispense head and can be selectively and independently coupled to any one lane of the plurality of lanes. In some aspects, a valve in the pipette channel is in simultaneous fluid communication with a pressure port and a vacuum port of the manifold. The valve selectively diverts gas under pressure and gas under vacuum to the dispense head in response to control signals received through the electrical connector of the manifold.

The present invention is related to the field of microfluidics and compound distribution within microfluidic devices and their associated systems. In one embodiment, present invention aims to solve the problem of molecule and compound absorbency into the materials making up laboratory equipment, microfluidic devices and their related infrastructure, without unduly restricting gas transport within microfluidic devices.