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.

The invention relates to a system is provided that comprises a first container, a second container and a fluorescence detection device. The first container comprises a first set of chemicals and/or agents and is closed prior to use. The second container comprises a second set of chemicals and/or agents that are at least in part distinct from the chemicals and/or agents of the first set. The first container comprises a lid, that can be opened when the first container and the second container are combined to form a single, fluid tight assembly, in order to allow the contents of the first container to enter the second container.

A microfluidic valve can include a substrate having a microfluidic channel formed in the substrate. A sealing layer can be over the microfluidic channel. A flexible blister layer can be over the sealing layer. The flexible blister layer can include a blister formed as a distended portion with a blister volume between the flexible blister layer and the sealing layer. The microfluidic valve can be actuatable by puncturing the sealing layer by pressing on the blister. Actuating the microfluidic valve can either allow fluid to flow through the microfluidic channel or block fluid from flowing through the microfluidic channel.

A sample pretreatment tube includes a first tube receiving a primary reagent and a second tube receiving a secondary reagent, wherein the sample pretreatment tube can easily perform sequential reactions by allowing a primary reaction solution to be immediately discharged from the first tube to the second tube by breaking a separation membrane formed at a lower end of the first tube using a pipette, and can limit an insertion depth of the pipette using a stopper formed inside the first tube, thereby preventing damage to the second tube due to the pipette while allowing a space to be formed inside the first tube to facilitate discharge of a primary reaction solution, thus making it possible to immediately perform secondary reaction.

An analysis device employs an analysis kit including a chip provided with a capillary through which a sample flows and a cartridge superimposed on the chip and provided with a liquid reservoir. The analysis device includes a guide-in section into which the analysis kit is guided, a placement section on which the analysis kit placed so as to be supported, a pusher member that pushes the analysis kit from one side face of the analysis kit, contact members that oppose another side face on an opposite side in the horizontal direction to the one side face of the analysis kit placed on the placement section, and contact the other side face of the analysis kit being pushed in by the pusher member so as to position the analysis kit in the horizontal direction, and a measurement member that measures a component present in the sample in the analysis kit.

The present invention provides means with which bile acids, phenols, indoles and organic acids contained in a sample can be stably preserved without cryopreservation of the sample. A sample preservation solution of the present invention is a sample preservation solution used for analyzing at least one component selected from the group consisting of bile acids, phenols, indoles and organic acids contained in a biological or environmental sample, containing at least the following (A) and (B): (A) condensed phosphate or polyoxyethylene sorbitan alkylate; and (B) guanidinium thiocyanate, Tris-HCl (pH 7 to 9), and EDTA.

The present disclosure provides approaches for reducing tobacco-specific nitrosamines (TSNAs) in tobacco. Some of these approaches include genetically engineering tobacco plants to increase one or more antioxidants, increase oxygen radicle absorbance capacity (ORAC), or reduce nitrite. Also provided are methods and compositions for producing modified tobacco plants and tobacco products therefrom comprising reduced TSNAs.

This disclosure relates to apparatus and methods for molecular diagnostics. Certain embodiments include a piston cycled from a first position proximal to a first end of a housing, to a second position proximal to a second end of the housing, and back to the first position proximal to the first end of the housing. In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to devices, methods, and systems for molecular diagnostics that do not comprise a piston.

A disposable diagnostic device includes a body having a first channel and a second channel spaced from the first channel. A shroud is operably fixed to the body and encloses a chamber which is configured in a hermetically sealed-off relation from the first and second channels when the device is in a non-activated first state and is in open communication with at least one of the first and second channels when the device is in an activated second state. A reactant and an inert gas are disposed in the chamber such that the inert gas protects the reactant from being exposed to contaminants when the device is in said non-activated first state. A method of constructing a disposable diagnostic device is also disclosed.

An analysis device employs an analysis kit including a chip provided with a capillary through which a sample flows and a cartridge superimposed on the chip and provided with a liquid reservoir. The analysis device includes a guide-in section into which the analysis kit is guided, a placement section on which the analysis kit placed so as to be supported, a pusher member that pushes the analysis kit from one side face of the analysis kit, contact members that oppose another side face on an opposite side in the horizontal direction to the one side face of the analysis kit placed on the placement section, and contact the other side face of the analysis kit being pushed in by the pusher member so as to position the analysis kit in the horizontal direction, and a measurement member that measures a component present in the sample in the analysis kit.