A kit for centrifugal isolation of a fraction of interest from a multi-component composition according to density, comprising: a separation chamber (200) having an inlet (210) for introducing the multi-component composition and a base through-hole (220); characterized in that the separation chamber (200) comprises: an inlet section (211) communicating with the inlet (210), a base section (212) communicating with the base through-hole (220), wherein the inlet section (211) and the base section (212) communicate with each other via a necked duct (230) for detaching the inlet section (211) and the base section (212) at the necked duct (230), wherein the separation chamber (200) has a form of a syringe in which the inlet of the separation chamber (200) is connectable with an extension nozzle or needle (215) for drawing the multi-component composition, and wherein the kit further comprises a plunger (240) for embedding and being slidably moved within the base section (212) of the separation chamber (200), wherein the plunger (240) comprises a plunger handle (242), removably attached to a plunger base (241), for sealing the base through-hole (220), and wherein the diameter of the necked duct (230) lumen is selected so as to maintain the multi-component composition, after detaching the inlet section (211) and the base section (212) at the necked duct (230), in the inlet section (211), by virtue of a partial negative pressure created within the inlet section (211) when the inlet (210) is sealed.

The present invention provides an automated system and method to isolate nucleated blood cells from whole blood or bone marrow. A disc mounted to a centrifuge system with spinning rotor is used to manipulate cells by channeling fluids while subjected to high gravitational field. The disc embodies at least two axisymmetric processing stations connected by a circular channel. Each station contains multiple chambers connected by fluidic channels to controllably transfer fluids. First stage separation allows for the isolation of the buffy coat layer while the second stage separation utilizes gradient density fluids to isolate the targeted nucleated cells from the buffy coat layer in the spinning disc.

The valve is formed in a valve body housing a first path portion, a second path portion, and an coupling zone between the first and second path portions. A shutter is arranged in the coupling zone and has a shutting portion of ferromagnetic material that is deformable under the action of an external magnetic field between an undeformed position, wherein the shutter closes the coupling zone, and a deformed position, wherein the shutter at least partially frees the coupling zone. The shutting portion of the shutter is formed by a rubber membrane incorporating particles, for example of ferrite particles.

A system and method for processing and detecting nucleic acids from a set of biological samples, comprising: a capture plate and a capture plate module configured to facilitate binding of nucleic acids within the set of biological samples to magnetic beads; a molecular diagnostic module configured to receive nucleic acids bound to magnetic beads, isolate nucleic acids, and analyze nucleic acids, comprising a cartridge receiving module, a heating/cooling subsystem and a magnet configured to facilitate isolation of nucleic acids, a valve actuation subsystem configured to control fluid flow through a microfluidic cartridge for processing nucleic acids, and an optical subsystem for analysis of nucleic acids; a fluid handling system configured to deliver samples and reagents to components of the system to facilitate molecular diagnostic protocols; and an assay strip configured to combine nucleic acid samples with molecular diagnostic reagents for analysis of nucleic acids.

There is provided a microfluidic device for reversing a flow through a microfluidic channel. The microfluidic device comprises a first microfluidic channel extending between a first inlet and a first outlet, a second microfluidic channel which fluidically connects a first point of the first microfluidic channel to a second outlet via a first valve, a third microfluidic channel which fluidically connects a second point of the first microfluidic channel to a second inlet via a second valve, the second point being located between the first point and the first outlet, and at least one circuit for opening the first valve and the second valve. The first and the second valves are arranged to be initially closed, Upon opening of the first and the second valve during use, the flow direction through the first microfluidic channel between the first point and the second point is reversed.

Improved methods and devices using reduction of pressure for removing ethanol from filters in a fluidic or microfluidic system in point of care devices involve filters that are solid state extraction filters used to capture and/or concentrate nucleic acids prior to further downstream processing such as amplification by polymerase chain reaction. The method uses the induction of negative pressure with respect to atmospheric pressure to improve the efficiency of the ethanol removal process.

A configurable port fitting for a container, such as a bioprocess bag, has one or more O-ring grooves and two opposing locking arms (e.g., 604). The port fitting is mounted onto the container by (i) inserting one end of the port fitting into a port in the container such that O-ring(s) form seals between the O-ring grooves and the container and (ii) rotating the port fitting to engage the locking arms with two opposing retention clips (e.g., 506) of the container. Some port fittings are fixed port fittings that provide a fixed opening into the container. Other port fittings are port sizers that receive a valve connector that enables flow control between closed and open positions. Port fittings of different sizes enable different flow rates. Some port fittings (and other connectors) have a threaded tube barb that receives a threaded tube retainer that secures tubing in place over the barb.

A plasmon resonance (PR) system, instrument, and/or device and configurations thereof for measuring molecular interactions is disclosed. In some embodiments, the PR system, instrument, and/or device is a localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) system, instrument, and/or device. In other embodiments, the PR system, instrument, and/or device is a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) system, instrument. The PR system, instrument, and/or device may include, for example, force feedback for reliable flow cell sealing, optical feedback for reliable flow cell sealing, local thermal control of an LSPR chip (e.g., a ring Peltier, a continuous Peltier), dual displacement pumps for constant flow delivery to a microfluidic device, a dual channel LSPR sensor, and any combinations thereof.

A collection device is disclosed having a tubular housing detachably receiving a valved bulb reservoir at a first end thereof, the housing having a second end for dispensing fluids. The valved bulb reservoir has a sample capillary tube attached at one end thereof. The bore of the capillary is fluidically coupled to the valved bulb reservoir. The capillary is removed from the tubular housing to collect a sample in its bore, and is then replaced into the tubular housing. The contents of the valved tubular reservoir, which can be a buffer solution, a reagent, or other analytic fluid, or a gas, are then passed through the capillary bore to expel the sample and mix therewith in the housing. The sample product can then be dispensed from the tubular housing.

The valve is formed in a valve body housing a first path portion, a second path portion, and an coupling zone between the first and second path portions. A shutter is arranged in the coupling zone and has a shutting portion of ferromagnetic material that is deformable under the action of an external magnetic field between an undeformed position, wherein the shutter closes the coupling zone, and a deformed position, wherein the shutter at least partially frees the coupling zone. The shutting portion of the shutter is formed by a rubber membrane incorporating particles, for example of ferrite particles.