A sample measuring device reduces the frequency with which a user introduces a measurement aid into the sample measuring device is provided. A sample measuring method measures a sample using a container containing a measurement aid which is a solid. The sample measuring method includes loading a predetermined number of measurement aids into a container from a storage chamber in which a plurality of measurement aids are movably stored in a cartridge attached to a sample measuring device, dispensing the sample into the container, and measuring the sample in the container into which the measurement aid has been loaded.

The invention describes a method for isolating one or more genetic elements encoding a gene product having a desired activity, comprising the steps of: (a) compartmentalising genetic elements into microcapsules; and (b) sorting the genetic elements which express the gene product having the desired activity; wherein at least one step is under microfluidic control. The invention enables the in vitro evolution of nucleic acids and proteins by repeated mutagenesis and iterative applications of the method of the invention.

A method of depositing single particles onto a target comprises the steps of loading a particle suspension to a droplet dispenser having a suspension reservoir and a nozzle section, detecting particles in the nozzle section, testing a single particle condition of the droplet dispenser, wherein it is determined whether an ejection region of the nozzle section includes one single particle, and operating the droplet dispenser for dispensing a droplet, wherein the droplet is dispensed onto the target, if the single particle condition is fulfilled, or the droplet is dispensed into a collection reservoir, if the single particle condition is not fulfilled, wherein the step of testing the single particle condition further includes determining whether a sedimentation region adjacent to the ejection region is free of particles. Furthermore, a dispenser apparatus dispensing single particles onto a target is described.

A multiplexed sample plate comprising a sample well is disclosed. A plurality of substantially cylindrical reagent bead 2500 are inserted in use within a hole or aperture of the sample well. The substantially cylindrical reagent beads are positioned so as not to protrude beyond an upper surface of the base portion.

The invention describes a method for isolating one or more genetic elements encoding a gene product having a desired activity, comprising the steps of: (a) compartmentalising genetic elements into microcapsules; and (b) sorting the genetic elements which express the gene product having the desired activity; wherein at least one step is under microfluidic control. The invention enables the in vitro evolution of nucleic acids and proteins by repeated mutagenesis and iterative applications of the method of the invention.

Described are microfluidic devices and methods for providing a predetermined number of microspheres or beads, together with a cell, within a fluid droplet being processed. The system may provide each droplet with a single bead and a single cell, and the bead may contain DNA or other reagents for later identifying the specific cell associated with that bead.

A sample plate comprising a sample well is disclosed. The sample well can comprise one or more bead retaining chambers. Also provided herein is a method of using the sample plate and kits comprising the sample plate.

A sample plate comprising a sample well is disclosed. The sample well can comprise one or more bead retaining chambers. Also provided herein is a method of using the sample plate and kits comprising the sample plate.

A method of depositing single particles onto a target includes loading a particle suspension to a droplet dispenser having a suspension reservoir and a nozzle section, detecting particles in the nozzle section, testing a single particle condition of the droplet dispenser, and determining whether an ejection region of the nozzle section includes one single particle. The method further includes operating the droplet dispenser for dispensing a droplet such that the droplet is dispensed onto the target if the single particle condition is fulfilled, or the droplet is dispensed into a collection reservoir if the single particle condition is not fulfilled. The step of testing the single particle condition further includes determining whether a sedimentation region adjacent to the ejection region is free of particles. A dispenser for performing the method is also provided.

An oriented loading system is provided. The oriented loading system includes a substrate, a plurality of wells formed in the substrate, each well having a bottom and sidewalls, a plurality of particles loaded in the wells, wherein the particle comprises a core structure and an inner layer comprising magnetic material partially covering the core structure such that a part of the core structure uncovered by the inner layer is exposed, and a metal layer comprising magnetic material deposited partially in the sidewalls of the wells, wherein the inner layer is attracted by the metal layer such that the exposed core structure is oriented towards the bottom of the well or the inner layer is oriented towards the bottom of the well.