A method is provided comprising loading shells into shell retention chambers of a shell management module, the shells including corresponding reservoirs configured to hold individual quantities of liquid, the shell retention chambers arranged in a predetermined pattern on a platform of the shell management module. The method further comprises orienting discharge ends of the shells along an actuation direction within the shell retention chambers, and covering the discharge ends with closure lids to seal bottoms of the corresponding reservoirs.

Disclosed is an emulsion production microfluidic device which includes: a first channel, including an entry port configured to inject a phase to be dispersed, a second channel, including an entry port configured to inject a continuous phase and an emulsion exit port, and at least one array of microchannels, a height of each of the microchannels being smaller than a height of the first channel; the second channel includes a first part connected to the outlet of each microchannel and at least a second part along the first part, the first part being between the array of microchannels and the second part, the first part having a height greater that the height of each microchannel, and the second part having a height greater than the height of the first part.

A fluid processing device comprises multiple separate fluid channels and multiple processing stations configured to perform identical and simultaneous process steps on multiple fluid samples in the fluid channels. An embodiment of the fluid processing device is contained in a compact, low-cost, scaled consumable with sample input wells, reagent input wells, and sample output wells.

A microfluidic system includes a microfluidic chip having a plurality of fluid channels, each fluid channel having an opening providing access to an interior of the fluid channel, and a gasket disposable on the microfluidic chip in an aligned configuration, the gasket including a first side configured to face the microfluidic chip in the aligned configuration, a second side opposite the first side, and an aperture extending through the gasket from the first side to the second side, the aperture being sized and positioned to allow a communication of pressure from the second side of the gasket to the openings of at least two fluid channels when the gasket is in the aligned configuration.

A device comprising: plurality of Stationary Nanoliter Droplet Array (SNDA) components; each SNDA component comprising: at least one primary channel; at least one secondary channel; and a plurality of nano-wells that are each open to the primary channel and are each connected by one or more vents to the secondary channel; the vents are configured to enable passage of air solely from the nano-wells to the secondary channel, such that when a liquid is introduced into the primary channel it fills the nano-wells, and the originally accommodated air is evacuated via the vents and the secondary channel/s; an inlet port and a distribution channel configured to enable a simultaneous introduction of the liquid into all primary channels; and an outlet port and an evacuation channel configured to enable a simultaneous evacuation of the air out of all the secondary channels.

The present invention is drawn to the generation of micropatterns of biomolecules and cells on standard laboratory materials through selective ablation of a physisorbed biomolecule with oxygen plasma. In certain embodiments, oxygen plasma is able to ablate selectively physisorbed layers of biomolecules (e.g., type-I collagen, fibronectin, laminin, and Matrigel) along complex non-linear paths which are difficult or impossible to pattern using alternative methods. In addition, certain embodiments of the present invention relate to the micropatterning of multiple cell types on curved surfaces, multiwell plates, and flat bottom flasks. The invention also features kits for use with the subject methods.

The present invention provides devices and systems for use at the point of care. The methods devices of the invention are directed toward automatic detection of analytes in a bodily fluid. The components of the device are modular to allow for flexibility and robustness of use with the disclosed methods for a variety of medical applications.

A detection cartridge, a detection method, and a detection device are provided. The detection cartridge includes a detection tank, a sample tank, N containers, and at least one first temporary tank. The sample tank is in communication with the detection tank. The N containers are in communication with the detection tank, wherein N is a positive integer greater than or equal to 2. The at least one first temporary tank is disposed on at least one of N flow paths between the N containers and the detection tank, wherein a quantity of the first temporary tanks on an nth flow path in the N flow paths is greater than or equal to that on an (n-1)th flow path, and n is a positive integer that is not less than 2 and is not more than N.

A biochemical analysis system capable of sample preparation and processing can include at least one inlet channel having a non-fouling, slippery surface to autonomously transport a fluid sample to a chamber by a geometry of the at least one inlet channel. The at least one inlet channel can include a first end, which is open and exposed, and a second end connected to the chamber for mixing and reaction of the fluid sample, and the at least one inlet channel can include a converging or diverging angle.

A device and a method for the extraction of nucleic acids from samples comprising cells. The invention provides a consumable for handling liquids in automated analyser systems, comprising a plurality of cavities which are connected by a bridge, wherein the bridge defines a horizontal axis which connects the plurality of cavities, which are arranged in a straight line and wherein at least one cavity of the plurality of cavities is shaped to accommodate a pipette tip, and a handling interface, which is attached to the bridge. A device comprising the consumable and a method for using the consumable.