This invention relates generally to the field of analyte assays. In particular, the invention provides a device for analyzing an analyte, which device comprises, inter alia, various means for moving analytes and other items to facilitate binding between analytes and their binding reagents immobilized on a surface and to facilitate clearance of undesirable items away from analyte-binding reagent interaction area to reduce background noise in the assay. Methods for analyzing an analyte using the devices are also disclosed.

A coagulation test device for measuring clotting time and clot characteristics of a whole blood sample under different hemostatic conditions. Results of the test are used as an aid in management of patients with coagulopathy of unknown etiology in order to help the physician determine appropriate clinical action to arrest bleeding in a patient.

A sample support according to an aspect is a sample support for a surface-assisted laser desorption/ionization method, and includes: a substrate in which a plurality of through-holes passing from one surface thereof to the other surface thereof are provided; and a conductive layer that is formed of a conductive material and covers at least the one surface. The through-holes have a width of 1 to 700 nm, and the substrate has a thickness of 1 to 50 μm.

The microfluidic chip and the microfluidic system of the present invention provides a unique integration of a microfluidic chip and a label-free quantification process. The microfluidic chip uses well arrays and dielectrophoresis (DEP) to capture a polarizable agent in a well. Once the polarizable agents have been captured, non-faradaic electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (nF-EIS) measurements can be performed to quantify the polarizable agent.

Systems and methods for conducting surface-mediated chemical and/or biochemical reactions within an enclosed chamber are disclosed. Systems and methods of the present disclosure may be used in conducting hybridization reactions of biopolymers. In some examples, an improved method for mixing thin films of solutions in a hybridization chamber includes altering the direction of mixing at least once over the course of a reaction. In some examples, an improved method for mixing thin films of solutions in a hybridization chamber includes altering the speed of mixing at least once over the course of a reaction. In some examples, an improved method for mixing thin films of solutions in a hybridization chamber includes altering the speed of mixing and the direction of mixing at least once over the course of a reaction.

A method and microfluidic device are provided for containing a droplet having an outer surface at a predetermined location. The microfluidic device includes a plate having an upper surface and a central region communicating with the upper surface. The central region is adapted for receiving a droplet of fluid thereon. The central region includes an outer periphery that defines a first fluid constraint configured for discouraging fluid on the central region from flowing therepast. A second fluid constraint extends about the first fluid constraint. The second fluid constraint is configured for discouraging fluid flowing therepast. A third fluid constraint extends about the second fluid constraint. The third fluid constraint configured for discouraging fluid flowing therepast.

A biosensor for single cell analysis is disclosed. The biosensor includes a substrate, an array of electrodes, and a passivation layer. The substrate includes a roughened surface, where the array of electrodes is patterned on the roughened surface. Each electrode includes a distal tip and a proximal end. The passivation layer is deposited on top of the biosensor and includes a microwell around the distal tip of an electrode. A single cell is trapped within the microwell and adhered onto the distal tip of the electrode for further single cell analysis.

An operation method of a multiplex slide plate device is provided. First, the multiplex slide plate device is assembled, including a slide plate, a sacrificial layer and a housing. The slide plate has reaction vessels, and the sacrificial layer has a microfluidic channel composed of an injection channel, a main channel and a distal channel. A sample solution is injected to the injection channel, such that the sample solution flows from the injection channel through the main channel to the distal channel, wherein the sample solution loads into the reaction vessels. Afterwards, an oil is injected to the injection channel, such that the oil flows from the injection channel through the main channel to the distal channel, wherein the oil removes the sample solution not loaded into the reaction vessels. Next, the sacrificial layer is heated to melt, and the melted sacrificial layer is mixed with the oil.

A sample holder (10) comprises a sample chamber (33), a gas reservoir (32) and an upper layer (20) covering over the sample chamber (33) and gas reservoir (32), wherein a bottom surface of the upper layer (20) comprises a microstructure array (23) which overlies at least a portion of a top periphery of the sample chamber (33), and wherein the microstructure array (23) is in communication with a gas path which extends to the gas reservoir (32), to allow gas exchange between the sample chamber (33) and the gas reservoir (32).

A system and method for isolating and analyzing single cells, wherein the system includes: an array of wells defined at a substrate, each well including an open surface and a well cavity configured to capture cells in one of a single-cell format and single-cluster format, and a fluid delivery module including a fluid reservoir superior to the array of wells through which fluid flow is controlled along a fluid path in a direction parallel to the broad face of the substrate; and wherein the method includes: capturing a population of non-cell particles into the array of wells in single-particle format; releasing, from the non-cell particles, a set of probes into the array of wells; capturing a population of cells into the array of wells in single-cell format; releasing biomolecules from each captured cell into the array of wells; and generating a set of genetic complexes comprising the biomolecules associated with a single captured cell and a subset of probes within individual wells of the array of wells.