The present invention provides improved methods, facilities and systems for parallel processing of biological cellular samples in an efficient and scalable manner. The invention enables parallel processing of biological cellular samples, such as patient samples, in a space and time efficient fashion. The methods, facilities and systems of the invention find particular utility in processing patient samples for use in cell therapy.

The inventive subject matter provides methods for reproducibly fabricating hydrogel-based organ and tumor models inside multi-well plates. A hydrogel precursor, which can include cells, is instilled into a well. A pillar is inserted into the well to contact the hydrogel precursor with a surface that can be shaped or textured to provide a desired surface configuration or contour, for example that of a desired organoid or tumor feature. The hydrogel precursor is polymerized and the pillar removed. A second hydrogel precursor, which can contain a different cell type, is then instilled into the well and a second pillar, which can have a different configuration or texture, inserted. Subsequent polymerization generates a second hydrogel portion within the well. Polymerization can be carried out by photopolymerization. Different wells can be aligned with different, individually controlled light sources or a single, collimated light source.

A lateral flow assay is capable of detecting and differentiating viral and bacterial infections. A combined point of care diagnostic device tests markers for viral infection and markers for bacterial infection, to effectively assist in the rapid differentiation of viral and bacterial infections. In some preferred embodiments, bimodal methods and devices determine if an infection is bacterial and/or viral. A dual use two strip sample analysis device includes a first lateral flow chromatographic test strip to detect MxA and a low level of C-reactive protein and a second lateral flow chromatographic test strip to detect high levels of C-reactive protein. In some preferred embodiments, the sample is a fingerstick blood sample.

Embodiments of the disclosed subject matter provide an automated method and system to isolate and collect cells using computerized analysis of images of cells and their surroundings obtained from a digital imaging device or system. Embodiments of the disclosed subject matter make use of a microwell array, which can comprise a formed, elastomeric grid of indentations or wells. Many, most, or all of the wells in a microwell array can contain a releasable, microfabricated element, which can be referred to as a raft. Embodiments of the disclosed subject matter provide a system and method for cell collection that includes computerized identification and collection of rafts with isolated single cells or a specific group or groups of cells, eliminating the need for continuous human identification and selection.

The present invention provides improved methods, facilities and systems for parallel processing of biological cellular samples in an efficient and scalable manner. The invention enables parallel processing of biological cellular samples, such as patient samples, in a space and time efficient fashion. The methods, facilities and systems of the invention find particular utility in processing patient samples for use in cell therapy.

A lateral flow assay is capable of detecting and differentiating viral and bacterial infections. A combined point of care diagnostic device tests markers for viral infection and markers for bacterial infection, to effectively assist in the rapid differentiation of viral and bacterial infections. In some preferred embodiments, bimodal methods and devices determine if an infection is bacterial and/or viral. A dual use two strip sample analysis device includes a first lateral flow chromatographic test strip to detect MxA and a low level of C-reactive protein and a second lateral flow chromatographic test strip to detect high levels of C-reactive protein. In some preferred embodiments, the sample is a fingerstick blood sample.

Nanofibrous hydrogel microarray systems that act as facile, high throughput platforms for in vitro drug discovery and investigation and screening of combinatorial effects of physical and biochemical cues on maturation and differentiation of mammalian cells.

The invention describes a high-throughput method for simultaneously and selectively mixing one molecule with a plurality of other molecules. The resulting molecule-molecule complexes can then be captured on a surface, creating a microarray. This microarray can then be used to characterize and measure the molecule-molecule complexes (e.g. for reactions to other molecules).

Provided herein are methods and systems for biochemical analysis, including compositions and methods for processing and analysis of small cell populations and biological samples (e.g., a robotically controlled chip-based nanodroplet platform). In particular aspects, the methods described herein can reduce total processing volumes from conventional volumes to nanoliter volumes within a single reactor vessel (e.g., within a single droplet reactor) while minimizing losses, such as due to sample evaporation.

The present disclosure provides apparatuses, systems, and methods involving a spotter for depositing a substance on a submerged surface. The spotter comprises an outlet cavity defined at least in part by a spotting orifice, a first opening, and a second opening. The spotter also comprises a first conduit fluidly coupled to the first opening and a second conduit fluidly coupled to the second opening. The spotter is adapted so that fluid flowing through the first conduit and the second conduit is communicated among the first opening, the second opening, and a submerged deposition surface when the sealing orifice is sealed against the submerged deposition surface to form a deposition spot on the submerged deposition surface. The submerged deposition surface is within a liquid such that the liquid covers the deposition spot upon removal of the orifice from the deposition surface.