A blister pack may include a containing body with an opening; and a lid sealed over the opening and provided with a weakening pattern, wherein a width of the lid at the weakening pattern is thinner that a width of the lid elsewhere, and wherein the lid is configured to burst at the weakening pattern when the blister pack is subjected to pressure, so as to allow liquid content inside the containing body to be discharged out of the blister pack through the burst weakening pattern. A blister pack holder is also disclosed.

A microdevice includes a first substrate; and a second substrate that is joined to the first substrate, and that includes at least one groove that forms at least one microchannel with the first substrate and recesses that form closed spaces with the first substrate. When viewed from above, the closed spaces are disposed sandwiching the least one microchannel.

A system for detecting analytes in a test sample, and a method for processing the same, is provided. The system includes a cartridge reader unit that has a control unit and a pneumatic system, and a cartridge assembly that prepares the samples with mixing material(s) through communication channels. The assembly has a memory chip with parameters for preparing the sample and at least one sensor (GMR sensor) for detecting analytes in the sample. The assembly is pneumatically and electronically mated with the reader unit via a pneumatic interface and an electronic interface such that the parameters may be implemented via the control unit. The pneumatic system is contained within the unit and has pump(s) and valve(s) for selectively applying fluid pressure to the pneumatic interface of the assembly, and thus through the communication channels, to move the sample and mixing material(s) through and to sensor. The control unit activates the pneumatic system to prepare the sample and provide it to the sensor for detecting analytes, and also processes measurements from the sensor to generate test results.

A system and method for automated single cell capture and processing is described, where the system includes a deck supporting and positioning a set of sample processing elements; a gantry for actuating tools for interactions with the set of sample processing elements supported by the deck; and a base supporting various processing subsystems and a control subsystems in communication with the processing subsystems. The system can automatically execute workflows associated with single cell processing, including mRNA capture, cDNA synthesis, protein-associated assays, and library preparation, for next generation sequencing.

A liquid storage and controlled-release device and a biological detection chip. The liquid storage and controlled-release device comprises a liquid storage capsule with a liquid storage body which is deformable under a pressure, and a sealing layer for sealing the liquid storage body. A support platform is provided right below the liquid storage capsule and tightly connected with the liquid storage capsule, wherein, a directional release chamber is provided at the middle of the support platform, and the directional release chamber is provided with a guiding chamber for collecting the liquid and a sharp edge for inducing break. Compared with the conventional technology, the opening for liquid release is at the end far away from the rotation center, so that the liquid can be released completely by the centrifugal force, ensuring the quantitative release of stored liquid and reducing the influence on the accuracy of the subsequent detection.

Methods and devices for testing a biological sample are provided. A tape includes multiple channels or reservoirs having inlet and outlet ports. One tape having biological sample disposed in its channels is temporarily mated with another tape having reagents disposed in its channels via a serpentine belt and compression roller assembly. Pulsed fluidic operations combine the reagents and the biological sample for subsequent observation, detection, storage and/or disposal. Fluidic transfer is provided in a uniform operation or in conjunction with a sensory feedback assembly.

Devices and methods for controlling collection of liquid sample are described. In an example, a microfluidic device can include an analytical device and an actuator. The actuator can be connected to the analytical device. The actuator can be operable to absorb fluid. The actuator can guide the absorbed fluid to an input layer of the analytical device. The actuator can deform in response to an occurrence of an absorption condition. A degree of deformation of the actuator indicates a volume of fluid collected by the analytical device.

Provided is a cell isolation instrument capable of smoothly performing a plurality of steps associated with isolation of cells, including gripping of a biological tissue, transferring of the biological tissue, and isolating of the biological tissue. A container has an opening. A sealing member seals the opening. A pair of pinching parts is connected to the sealing member, and the pair of pinching parts opens or closes by being pressed.

Methods and systems for processing polynucleotides (e.g., DNA) are disclosed. A processing region includes one or more surfaces (e.g., particle surfaces) modified with ligands that retain polynucleotides under a first set of conditions (e.g., temperature and pH) and release the polynucleotides under a second set of conditions (e.g., higher temperature and/or more basic pH). The processing region can be used to, for example, concentrate polynucleotides of a sample and/or separate inhibitors of amplification reactions from the polynucleotides. Microfluidic devices with a processing region are disclosed.

An automatic chemical solution formulating device combines and mixes stored solids and liquids into user specified formulations and dispenses those formulations into containers. Chemical solids are stored in cartridges of material separated into predetermined dosages (for example in reeled blister packs), avoiding the need for weighing during formulation. Elements include user interface, computer-controlled automated loading and unloading port for reagent-containing cartridges, cartridge conveyor system, reader for identifying cartridges, blister-pack strip drive system, punching mechanism to release reagents, portioning chamber to mix solvent with solids or liquids with optional portioning, accommodating formulation delivery port, position sensors, liquid flow measuring devices, liquid and gas pumps and valves, and label printer. The combination of these elements allows high-speed formulation and dispensing of user-specified formulations.