The invention relates to a device for analyzing solid biological elements and to a device for implementing same. The device comprises a plate (1) of tubes, the lower ends (2) of which are perforated and the upper ends (4) of which are open on the tube plate (1) to allow the introduction of an element to be analyzed (5), a deep-well plate (6) into which the tube plate (1) is inserted and a lifter (7) for raising the tube plate (1) from the deep-well plate (6). Each tube (3) in the tube plate (1) comprises at least one opening (9) toward its upper end (4) to allow air to pass through and each tube (3) can be closed at its upper end (4) with a stopper (8). The invention is applicable particularly in the medical, agri-food and forensic science fields.

A two-piece assembly for sequential through-matrix processing of solutions and/or solids is provided, the assembly having an inner vial which maintains and holds the matrix and an outer vial which is configured to receive the inner vial at the upper or lower parked positions, to respectively allow or impede passage of the solution through the matrix of the upper vial. Captured molecules can be treated with enzymes and/or chemistries in situ in the matrix, and without the need for the use of strong chaotropic agents such as urea or detergents like SDS.

Collection of target analytes from complex samples is performed in detection microwell which includes a size exclusion filter and allows incubating the target analyte with affinity agents for a target analyte for capture and removal of non-target molecules. Detection of the target analytes by collection of the complexes in close proximity to a working electrode and a reference electrode facilitates the detection electrochemical labels produced.

A device and method for separation of components of a sample, in particular for pressure separation of immiscible or liquid systems with limited miscibility having at least one first chamber with a U- or V-shaped bottom wherein at least one aperture with a diameter within the range of 1 to 100 μm, preferably 1 to 40 μm, is provided in the first chamber and at least the surface of each aperture is hydrophilized or hydrophobized is disclosed. The device further has a second chamber surrounding the outside of the bottom of the first chamber. The invention also provides a method for separating components of a sample using this device and additionally enables parallel arrangement for plurality of separating conditions and serial arrangement for plurality of separated samples at the same time.

Filtration apparatus for the assay of biological and biochemical reactants, for example, is provided and includes a substrate such as a plate having one or more wells open at each end, and a porous membrane positioned in each well forming a discrete filtering area. The filtration apparatus includes a seal that is in a compressible relationship with the face of the porous membrane, the surface of the compression element, and the well wall. Each well includes a compression element, such as an internal well insert or sleeve, which compresses the seal so that the seal contacts the membrane face, the surface of the compression element, and the well wall in a liquid-tight manner. The compression element may be configured so that it is fixed in the well such as by an interference fit with the well wall or by bonding to a surface of the substrate.

The transfer systems, devices, kits, and methods described here may be used to facilitate the transfer of a material (e.g., a fluid) to or from a donor container, e.g., to or from wells of a donor plate while leaving target agents attached to the wells. The systems may comprise a donor plate, a transfer adapter, and a receiver plate that may be coupled to form a transfer assembly. The transfer adapter may comprise a planar sheet and a plurality of openings, and it may be configured to regulate the flow of fluid out of the wells. The transfer assembly may be placed into a centrifuge, and the fluid transfer force produced by the centrifuge may cause fluid to flow out of the wells of the donor plate, through the openings in the transfer adapter, and into the receiver plate.

A method for rapid isolation of a biological compound (e.g. protein) from an aqueous sample is described herein. The method uses a porous hydrophobic membrane that has an average pore size significantly greater than the size of the biological compound. The method permits the biological compound to attach to the membrane while the aqueous solvent rapidly moves through the membrane under the application of a vacuum. The biological compound that is attached to the membrane can be washed, optionally digested, and eluted for analysis.

The present invention relates to improved methods for processing fluids and to a fluid processing device (1) for use in a centrifuge comprising: (a) a first holder (14) form-fit to the shape of a first tube (18) for holding said first tube (18) whereby said first tube (18) has a first cross section (A1); and (b) a second holder (22) form-fit to the shape of a second tube (26) for holding said second tube (26) whereby said second tube (26) has a second cross section (A2) that is different from said first cross section (A1). With the fluid processing devices and the methods according to the invention, it is possible to simplify the centrifugal processing steps for a given fluid processing sequence and to automate them.

A vacuum manifold for filtration microscopy includes a manifold top having multiple openings, and a capture membrane positioned above and spaced apart from the manifold top, where the capture membrane is configured to deflect into contact with a surface of the manifold top when a negative pressure is applied to the multiple openings. A method for filtration microscopy includes the steps of providing a vacuum manifold including a manifold top having a plurality of openings, and a capture membrane positioned above and spaced apart from the manifold top; applying sample drops to sample spots on the membrane, the sample spots positioned above the plurality of openings; applying a negative pressure to the openings such that the capture membrane contacts a surface of the manifold top; and optically imaging particulates on the capture membrane.

An apparatus is provided for holding down membrane elements in respective wells of a multiwell plate, which has, at its top side, respective openings of the respective wells. The apparatus has, at its upper region, a support structure having respective openings, and respective corresponding retention elements which extend downwards from the respective openings of the support structure, so that respective retention elements protrude into respective wells when the support structure has been placed onto the top side of the multiwell plate. A retention element has multiple webs which extend downwards from the support structure and the ends of which are connected to one another at a bottom side of the apparatus by means of a connection element. Furthermore, a retention element has multiple openings between the webs, which openings extend continuously from the support structure right up to the connection element and which openings furthermore extend continuously from the top side of the multiwell plate right up to the connection element when the support structure has been placed onto the top side of the multiwell plate.