The present invention relates to methods and systems for testing for the presence of a material such as one or more analyte types within a sample and more particularly, for improved single enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (sELISA) testing as well as other variants of single-enzyme linked molecular analysis (SELMA).

A system and method for detection of cells is disclosed. Target cells, such as circulating tumor cells (CTCs), may be of interest. Magnetic beads may be bound to the target cells. After which, the target cells (with the magnetic beads attached thereto) may be identified using an applied magnetic field. In one example, magnetic sensors may be used to detect movement of the target cells responsive to an applied magnetic field. In another example, an optical sensor (such as a camera) may be used to detect movement of the target cells responsive to an applied magnetic field. Further, separate from identification of the target cells, the target cells may be sorted using an applied magnetic field. In this way, a magnetic field may be used in either or both of target cell identification or target cell sorting in order to detect target cells of interest.

Among other things, the present disclosure is related to devices and methods for containing a liquid sample between two plates.

Systems, methods, and devices for determining various properties of cells are provided herein. In one aspect, the method includes measuring one or more variables based on physical and/or chemical characteristics of a cell or its environment. The method further includes calculating one or more quantifiable metrics based on a mathematical expression including one or more of the variables, where those metrics correlate with at least one of the growth characteristics of the cell, the motility characteristics of the cell, the oncogenic potential of the cell, or the metastatic potential of the cell. Various aspects of systems and devices for determining various properties of cells are also provided herein.

A microfluidic device comprises upper and lower spaced apart substrates defining a fluid chamber therebetween; an aperture for introducing fluid into the fluid chamber; a plurality of independently addressable array elements, each array element defining a respective region of the fluid chamber; and control means for addressing the array elements. The control means are configured to: determine that a working fluid has been introduced into a first region of the fluid chamber; and provide an output to a user to indicate that the working fluid is present in the first region.

Once the working fluid is in the first region, the fluid applicator used to dispense the fluid can be removed without any risk of accidentally withdrawing dispensed working fluid from the microfluidic device. In the case of manual loading of the working fluid the output may inform a user that it is safe to remove the applicator, or in the case of automatic or robotic loading the output signal may be provided to the system controlling the automatic or robotic loading of fluid so that the system can remove the fluid applicator.

The present invention relates to methods and systems for testing for the presence of a material such as one or more analyte types within a sample and more particularly, for improved single enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (sELISA) testing as well as other variants of single-enzyme linked molecular analysis (SELMA). The invention involves flow systems for digital counting of analytes with at least one opening (inlet/outlet). A support with hydrophilic and hydrophobic patches preferably harbours capture probes immobilised on the hydrophilic features. Nano-to-attoliter droplets are formed on the hydrophilic features. A gas phase (called gas phase seal) is applied to prevent/reduce evaporation from the droplets.

A method for dispensing liquid for use in biological analysis may comprise positioning liquid to be dispensed via electrowetting. The positioning may comprise aligning the liquid with a plurality of predetermined locations. The method may further comprise dispensing the aligned liquid from the plurality of predetermined locations through a plurality of openings respectively aligned with the predetermined locations. The dispensing may be via electrowetting.

Disclosed is a device for separating a cellular component from a multicomponent fluid. The device can include a body, a first acoustic wave generator, and a second acoustic wave propagating component. The body can define a channel having a first surface, an opposing second surface, a first side, and an opposing second side. The channel can extend along a longitudinal axis from a first end to an opposing second end. The first acoustic wave generator can be coupled to the first surface. The second acoustic wave propagating component can be coupled to the second surface. The first acoustic wave generator and second acoustic wave propagating component can be configured to generate a bulk standing acoustic wave in the channel.

Blood typing systems and methods are provided. In one embodiment, the method may be achieved by applying a sample to a surface of a substrate having one or more binding agents immobilized thereon, wherein the one or more binding agents are capable of binding to one or more substances in the sample; substantially removing unbound material from at least a portion of the substrate having immobilized binding agent; and detecting substances bound to the one or more binding agents immobilized on the substrate; wherein the applying the sample to the surface of the substrate step is concurrent with the removing unbound material from at least a portion of the substrate step. Systems and other methods are also described and illustrated.

Digital microfluidics system manipulates samples in liquid droplets within disposable cartridges that have bottom layer, top layer, and gap between the bottom and top layers. The system has a base unit with cartridge accommodation sites and a central control unit for controlling selection of individual electrodes of electrode arrays and for providing these electrodes with individual voltage pulses for manipulating liquid droplets within the cartridges by electrowetting. The system further has board accommodation sites located at the cartridge accommodation sites that each can take up a swappable electrode board having an electrode array and electrical board contact elements individually connected to electrodes of the electrode array. Each board accommodation site has electrical base unit contact elements that are connected to the central control unit and that are configured to engage with the electrical board contact elements of a swappable electrode board that is placed at the board accommodation site.