An apparatus, vortex generator assembly and method for automated cell lysis and nucleic acid purification and processing. The vortex generator assembly includes sample holder having a lysis well, at least one wash well, and an elution well. The vortex generator assembly also includes a sample holder cover having a plurality of vibration rods for creating a vortex in the wells of the sample holder. The apparatus includes motor operating a rotating cam to cause the vibration rods to vibrate and create the vortex in a well holding fluid and magnetic beads, wherein the vortexing speed is sufficient to overcome the magnetic attraction between the beads and disperse the beads in solution, to collect nucleic acids such as DNA.

What is disclosed in the present invention is to provide a quantitative transfer pipette structure, wherein an anti-backflow compartment is configured in the first bulb. The dimensions and locations of the first bulb, the second bulb and the third bulb are specifically configured to aspirate and transfer a specific volume of the liquid to a container, mix the liquid with the substance in the container by pressing and releasing the specific bulbs, so as to achieve the effects of precise quantification and sufficient mixing.

There is disclosed a capillary microfluidic circuit including a main channel communicating with a flow inducing element. The main channel has intermediary inlets. Reservoirs for containing one or more liquids prior to being drawn into the main channel. The reservoirs include a first reservoir and at least a second reservoir. Each of the reservoirs has an upstream end connectable to vents for filling the reservoirs with the one or more liquids and a downstream end. The downstream end of each of the reservoirs is connected to the intermediary inlets of the main channel A conduit is disposed between the first reservoir and the a least a second reservoir. The conduit links the downstream end of the first reservoir with the upstream end of the at least a second reservoir.

An apparatus, vortex generator assembly and method for automated cell lysis and nucleic acid purification and processing. The vortex generator assembly includes sample holder having a lysis well, at least one wash well, and an elution well. The vortex generator assembly also includes a sample holder cover having a plurality of vibration rods for creating a vortex in the wells of the sample holder. The apparatus includes motor operating a rotating cam to cause the vibration rods to vibrate and create the vortex in a well holding fluid and magnetic beads, wherein the vortexing speed is sufficient to overcome the magnetic attraction between the beads and disperse the beads in solution, to collect nucleic acids such as DNA.

An embodiment for a microfluidic device is provided. The device comprises two areas, arranged side-by-side, and a trigger channel. They include a first area, which is delimited by a first liquid pinning barrier, and a second area, which is delimited by a second liquid pinning barrier. The latter extends parallel to the first liquid pinning barrier to delimit a corridor. The trigger channel extends through the corridor between the two areas. In addition, the trigger channel connects the first liquid pinning barrier with the second liquid pinning barrier, allowing a first liquid pinned at the first liquid pinning barrier and a second liquid pinned at the second liquid pinning barrier to be contacted, each, by a reverse flow of the second liquid in the trigger channel and thereby start mixing at a level of the corridor, in operation. The invention is further directed to related methods of operation.

Electronic devices for treating a biological fluid and methods of operating the devices are disclosed. In some embodiments, the electronic device includes a plurality of non-safety critical components, a first controller communicatively coupled to the plurality of non-safety critical components, a plurality of safety critical components, and a second controller communicatively coupled to the plurality of safety critical components. In some embodiments, the electronic device includes a treatment interface.

Embodiments disclose an apparatus and methods for biological sample processing enabling isolation and enrichment of microbial or pathogenic constituents from the sample. A vessel for sample containment and extraction is further disclosed for engagement with a transducer capable of efficient sample disruption and lysis. Together these components provide a convenient and inexpensive solution for rapid sample preparation compatible with downstream analysis techniques.

A device and a method for mixing a fluid in a specimen bag is provided herein. In one embodiment, the device includes a mechanism for creating a first vortex and a second vortex. The first vortex is on a first side of a bag containing the fluid, and the second vortex is on a second side of the bag. The mechanism includes a first inflatable airbag and a second inflatable airbag. The first inflatable airbag is configured to create the first vortex when inflated and the second inflatable airbag is deflated. The second inflatable airbag is configured to create the second vortex when inflated and the first inflatable airbag is deflated.

A magnetic digital microfluidic apparatus for manipulating a liquid droplet containing magnetic particles using a magnetic force, the apparatus comprising: a hydrophobic surface on which the liquid droplet containing magnetic particles can be moved using the magnetic force; and at least one surface energy trap provided to retain at least a portion of the liquid droplet thereon, the at least one surface energy trap comprising a layer of polydopamine. A method of magnetic digital microfluidic manipulation, the method comprising the steps of: a) contacting a liquid droplet on a hydrophobic surface with a polydopamine surface energy trap, the liquid droplet containing magnetic particles; b) retaining at least a portion of the liquid droplet on the surface energy trap; and c) moving at least the magnetic particles with a magnetic force.

The present invention relates to biomarkers associated with multiple sclerosis (MS), particular GLX molecules, and teven more particular GLX-related glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) and GLX-related proteoglycans (PGs).