A cartridge for delivering a payload to cells of a cell suspension is provided, wherein the cartridge comprises an input channel that delivers the cell suspension to a first plurality of branch channels, and wherein the first plurality of branch channels each deliver the cell suspension into a respective one or a plurality of microfluidic chips or filters. Cell suspension exiting a microfluidic chip or filter flows into a respective one of a second plurality of branch channels, and is then delivered to an output channel by which it exits the cartridge. The cartridge may comprise a plurality of removable covers that hold the chips or filters in place against a body of the cartridge in which the input channel, output channel, and branch channels are formed.

A retaining table for use with a fluid processing system includes a plate having a generally flat top surface with opposed first and second ends and opposed first and second lateral edges for supporting a disposable container, a first retaining structure connected to the plate along the first end, and a second retaining structure connected to the plate along the second end.

Micro-biological colony counters and more particularly, systems and methods for feeding, identifying, counting, classifying, segregating and collecting organic samples such as but not limited to micro-organisms. The system can classify colonies in different classes such as bacteria and fungus present in an organic sample and also gives a digital count on the number of colonies present in each of the classes separately. The system reduces the time in counting and classification of microbes in each class separately, eliminates manual errors and requires less manual intervention. The system is reliable and can perform the counting and classification of microbes in each class separately even in absence of well-trained technician. The system can count surface colonies in petri-dish and can count colonies in different size or diameter of petri-dish.

The present technology provides for an apparatus for detecting polynucleotides in samples, particularly from biological samples. The technology more particularly relates to microfluidic systems that carry out PCR on nucleotides of interest within microfluidic channels, and detect those nucleotides. The apparatus includes a microfluidic cartridge that is configured to accept a plurality of samples, and which can carry out PCR on each sample individually, or a group of, or all of the plurality of samples simultaneously.

A consumable which is a device intended for single use comprising a cavity for receiving a liquid. The disclosure provides a consumable for use in an automated analyser system for performing biochemical assays, comprising a rim surrounding at least one cavity for receiving a fluid, wherein the at least one cavity is connected via a flexible bridge to the rim; and a cover foil that is arranged on top of the consumable and above the openings of the at least one cavity, wherein the cover foil comprises holes which are configured to be arranged in an open position above the openings of all cavities, wherein the cover foil is connected rotatable at and around a centrally arranged hole.

The presently disclosed subject matter provides devices and methods for sample extraction from a swab during biological sample processing. In particular embodiments, the devices and methods are configured for use in conjunction with microfluidic devices for sample processing.

An environment forming device includes: a device body having a space for generating a predetermined environment; a door; and a slide mechanism that makes the door slidable with respect to the device body so as to open and close the space. The slide mechanism includes an extension member having an elongated shape fixed to the door, and a holding portion that is arranged on the device body and slidably holds the extension member. A reception portion for a sample is arranged on the door such that the sample is arranged in the space in a state where the door closes the space. The extension member is positioned below the reception portion.

The present invention relates to an apparatus (1) for controlling the temperature of a sample carrier (2), and to an automatable laboratory workplace comprising an apparatus (1) according to the invention. The apparatus comprises a heating device (2) having a heater (3) and a movable heating cover (6), which is arranged over the receiving region of the heater (3) and is designed to press the sample carrier (4) in a heating position (H) into the receiving region (3a) of the heater (3) with a predefinable contact pressure, and a transport device (8), which is designed to introduce the sample carrier (3) into the apparatus (1) from an insertion position (E) outside the apparatus (1). According to the invention, the transport device (8) comprises a loading unit (9), which comprises a receiving unit (10) for receiving the sample carrier (4) and is movable between an insertion position (E) and an intermediate position (Z), in which the sample carrier (4) is situated inside the apparatus (1) and above the receiving region (3a) of the heater (3). The transport device (8) is arranged and/or designed in such a way that at least the sample carrier (4) is movable from the intermediate position (Z) into the heating position (H) by means of a movement of the heating cover (6). In addition, the transport device (8) comprises at least one return element (11), which is designed to move at least the sample carrier (4) from the heating position (H) back into the intermediate position (Z).

The technology described herein generally relates to systems for extracting polynucleotides from multiple samples, particularly from biological samples, and additionally to systems that subsequently amplify and detect the extracted polynucleotides. The technology more particularly relates to microfluidic systems that carry out PCR on multiple samples of nucleotides of interest within microfluidic channels, and detect those nucleotides.

In various embodiments a capture surface for capturing high velocity and hypervelocity dust and ice particles is provided. In certain embodiments the capture surface is comprised of a soft metal that is chosen to optimize particle capture efficiency, to minimize thermal degradation of chemicals and biochemical in the particles, and to present the captured particles to an analyzer for chemical and biochemical analysis of the particles and their contents. In various embodiments capture chambers comprising one or more such capture surfaces are provided as well as methods of use thereof.