The present invention relates to an automatic real-time quantitative amplification system which can perform analysis of various biological samples, and more particularly to an automatic real-time quantitative amplification system in which a plurality of decks for respectively accommodating biological samples are put in a deck storing/transferring device, whereby it is possible to automatically analyze an amount or existence of a target substance containing a target nucleic acid in the biologic sample, such as a particular gene, a particular, a particular pathogenic bacterium and a particular protein, by amplifying the target nucleic acid purified by some processes of purification, purification after culture, or purification after reaction of the target substance contained in the biological sample and then checking an amount of the amplified target nucleic acid.

A separation system, a method in a separation system and an elution arrangement to be provided in a separation system for separating a biomolecule from a cell culture are provided. The method comprises the steps of: —providing a feed from a cell culture (3; 103; 203) comprising said biomolecule to a magnetic separator (5; 105; 205) and providing to the magnetic separator magnetic beads comprising ligands capable of binding this biomolecule; —separating by the magnetic separator said magnetic beads with bound biomolecules from the rest of the feed; —forwarding said magnetic beads as a slurry with an added buffer to an elution cell (7; 107; 207); —eluting the bound biomolecules in the elution cell.

Systems and methods for handling a variety of sample and preparatory fluids in a rack specifically configured for compatibility with predetermined liquid handlers such as automated pipettors or multi-channel manual pipettors and set up for magnetic based sample preparation. The rack can hold all of the necessary sample and reagent vials, and present them to the pipettor in some embodiments in a way that allows for parallel operation. The rack includes slidable magnets that in some embodiments are actuatable directly by the pipettor, eliminating a layer of complexity. Combined with a suitable pipettor the magnet enabled rack supports a multistep magnetic based sample preparation capability in a high throughput manner at one station that enhances sample purity throughout magnetic separation processes.

Systems and methods for handling a variety of sample and preparatory fluids in a rack specifically configured for compatibility with predetermined liquid handlers such as automated pipettors or multi-channel manual pipettors and set up for magnetic based sample preparation. The rack can hold all of the necessary sample and reagent vials, and present them to the pipettor in some embodiments in a way that allows for parallel operation. The rack includes slidable magnets that in some embodiments are actuatable directly by the pipettor, eliminating a layer of complexity. Combined with a suitable pipettor the magnet enabled rack supports a multistep magnetic based sample preparation capability in a high throughput manner at one station that enhances sample purity throughout magnetic separation processes.

Assemblies, systems, and methods for isolation of target material are provided. In various embodiments, an assembly for target material isolation includes a housing having an upper portion and a lower portion together defining an inner chamber. The inner chamber includes a semi-toroidal shape and the semi-toroidal shape defines a longitudinal axis. The assembly further includes one or more fluidic connection from the exterior of the housing to the inner chamber. An isolation material (e.g., polymer wool and/or magnetic beads) may be disposed within the inner chamber. A system includes a configured to fit at least a portion of the housing and releasably couple the assembly. Upon activation of the motor, the assembly may rotate about the longitudinal axis. An angle of the platform may be adjustable to thereby change the angle of the longitudinal axis about which the assembly rotates.

Assemblies, systems, and methods for isolation of target material are provided. In various embodiments, an assembly for target material isolation includes a housing having an upper portion and a lower portion together defining an inner chamber. The inner chamber includes a semi-toroidal shape and the semi-toroidal shape defines a longitudinal axis. The assembly further includes one or more fluidic connection from the exterior of the housing to the inner chamber. An isolation material (e.g., polymer wool and/or magnetic beads) may be disposed within the inner chamber. A system includes a configured to fit at least a portion of the housing and releasably couple the assembly. Upon activation of the motor, the assembly may rotate about the longitudinal axis. An angle of the platform may be adjustable to thereby change the angle of the longitudinal axis about which the assembly rotates.

Analytical assay reaction cartridges, kits containing same, and methods of production and use thereof are disclosed. These cartridges include a magnetic assembly that surrounds at least a portion of a sample read window on the cartridge. The cartridge also includes an analytical reagent positioned therewithin, wherein the analytical reagent comprises magnetic beads coated with at least one anti-red blood cell antibody.

Apparatus is providing featuring a synthetic bead having a solid-phase body with a surface, and being configured with a predetermined electric charge so as to respond to a corresponding predetermined electric field; and a plurality of molecules attached to at least part of the surface, the molecules comprising a functional group selected for attracting and attaching one or more mineral particles of interest to the molecules. Some combination of the solid-phase body or the surface may be configured from a polymer. The polymer may be polyethylenimine. The polyethylenimine may be engineered or configured to be highly charged so as to be used to collect the mineral particles of interest and then manipulated through and by the corresponding predetermined electric field.

An apparatus, vortex generator assembly and method for automated cell lysis and nucleic acid purification and processing. The vortex generator assembly includes sample holder having a lysis well, at least one wash well, and an elution well. The vortex generator assembly also includes a sample holder cover having a plurality of vibration rods for creating a vortex in the wells of the sample holder. The apparatus includes motor operating a rotating cam to cause the vibration rods to vibrate and create the vortex in a well holding fluid and magnetic beads, wherein the vortexing speed is sufficient to overcome the magnetic attraction between the beads and disperse the beads in solution, to collect nucleic acids such as DNA.

An apparatus, vortex generator assembly and method for automated cell lysis and nucleic acid purification and processing. The vortex generator assembly includes sample holder having a lysis well, at least one wash well, and an elution well. The vortex generator assembly also includes a sample holder cover having a plurality of vibration rods for creating a vortex in the wells of the sample holder. The apparatus includes motor operating a rotating cam to cause the vibration rods to vibrate and create the vortex in a well holding fluid and magnetic beads, wherein the vortexing speed is sufficient to overcome the magnetic attraction between the beads and disperse the beads in solution, to collect nucleic acids such as DNA.