A method for processing particles contained in a liquid biological sample is presented. The method uses a rotatable vessel for processing particles contained in a liquid biological sample. The rotatable vessel has a longitudinal axis about which the vessel is rotatable, an upper portion comprising a top opening for receiving the liquid comprising the particles, a lower portion for holding the liquid while the rotatable vessel is resting, the lower portion comprising a bottom, and an intermediate portion located between the upper portion and the lower portion, the intermediate portion comprising a lateral collection chamber for holding the liquid while the rotatable vessel is rotating. The method employs dedicated acceleration and deceleration profiles for sedimentation and re-suspension of the particles of interest.

A system and method for centrifuge fluid production and measurement using resistive cells is provided. The method comprises separating an electrically conducting first fluid and a second fluid within a collection cell having a first and second section, wherein the collection cell has an electrically conductive outer wall and an inner wall having an insulating material disposed thereon. The method provides that the first and second fluids are separated from a solid disposed in the first section into the second section, the second fluid having a specific mass greater than the first fluid. The method further provides measuring, using one or more wires disposed in the second fluid and electrically connected to a resistance measuring unit within the second section, a resistivity change of the second fluid relative to the displacement of the first fluid, and communicating the resistivity change.

A column-based device and method for retrieving cells of interest were enclosed. The said device comprises a column comprising (i) an inner wall defining an inner chamber with inlet and outlet openings, (ii) a perforated plug disposed adjacent to the outlet opening, (iii) a sleeve insert with a channel and disposed within the chamber and adjacent to the perforated plug, and (iv) a filtering means housed within sleeve insert sandwiched between two sealing means. In particular, Tumor-derived endothelial cell clusters (TECCs) as characterized multiple nuclei, expression of endothelial markers (PECAM1, VWF and CDH5), and non-expression of leukocyte, megakaryocyte and platelets markers, may be retrieved using the disclosed device. Also encompassed are methods, reagents and kits for the diagnosis and prognosis of cancers by detecting for the presence of TECCs isolated from blood samples using the claimed device.

The present invention is, in combination, a bone marrow isolation tube and a centrifuge tube. The combination includes a centrifuge tube which defines a tube cavity and includes an upper cylindrical section connected to a lower tapered section which terminates at a bottom reservoir. The isolation tube is adapted to be received within the centrifuge tube cavity. The isolation tube includes a body with a tubular shaped outer surface wherein the interior of the isolation tube defines a lumen which includes an upper cylindrical lumen section and a lower conical lumen section terminating at an orifice. The isolation tube includes at least one wing extending radially outward from the outer surface of the isolation tube. The wing is configured to make contact with the interior surface of the centrifuge tube and wedge the isolation tube into the tapered section of the centrifuge tube during centrifuging. The present invention is also, in combination, a bone marrow isolation tube and a centrifuge tube. The centrifuge tube defines a tube cavity and includes at least two support members defining an insertion space and attached to the interior surface in an upper cylindrical section, the upper cylindrical section connected to a lower tapered section which terminates at a bottom reservoir. The isolation tube is adapted to be received within the insertion space with a flange that is configured to make contact with the support members of the centrifuge tube thereby wedging the isolation tube into the insertion space of the centrifuge tube during centrifuging.

An apparatus and method for isolating bacterial particles in a sample using a container with material in temporary fluid blocking position to lower orifice in the container, a separation medium having an electrical conductivity lower than and physical density greater than that of the sample above the material that supports a sample concentrate after passing through the separation medium when exposed to centrifugal force, a heating element for liquefying the material to permit flow into a chamber past an electrode array that attracts and holds subject particles. The system allows rapid detection and isolation of particles from samples from animal, human, environmental sites, a bio-industrial reactor or a food or beverage production facility requiring relatively small volumes, short incubation times resulting in structurally intact particles for further analysis. Testing may be completed in a single unit that requires decreased technician manipulation, fewer steps and a decrease in cross-contamination.

A precipitate and/or an inclusion in a metal material is extracted by electrolysis using an electrolyte solution. The electrolyte solution contains an adsorbent that is adsorbed to a surface of the precipitate and/or a surface of the inclusion. The extracted precipitate and/or the inclusion can be quantitatively analyzed with high accuracy.

Devices and methods for performing pre-analysis sample processing of biological and chemical samples using robotic liquid handlers are disclosed. Methods for solid phase extraction, protein precipitation and filtration of biological and chemical samples using automation and the devices in a rapid and convenient way are described.

Microscale and/or mesoscale condenser arrays that can facilitate microfluidic separation and/or purification of mesoscale and/or nanoscale particles and methods of operation are described herein. An apparatus comprises a condenser array comprising pillars arranged in a plurality of columns, wherein a pillar gap greater than or equal to about 0.5 micrometers is located between a first pillar of the pillars in a first column of the columns and a second pillar of the plurality of pillars in the first column, and wherein the first pillar is adjacent to the second pillar. The first ratio can be characterized by D.sub.x/D.sub.y is less than or equal to a first defined value, wherein D.sub.x represents a first distance across the lattice in a first direction, wherein D.sub.y represents a second distance across the lattice in a second direction, and wherein the first direction is orthogonal to the second direction.

The object of the invention is to perform, rapidly and at a low cost, a pretreatment of an analysis sample containing a turbid substance. Provided is an analysis sample pretreatment apparatus in which a clarified liquid is obtained by removing a turbid substance from an analysis sample. The analysis sample pretreatment apparatus includes a cell configured to store the analysis sample, and a cell holder in which at least a part of a housing is opened to mount the cell. The cell holder includes an ultrasonic wave transducer and an ultrasonic wave reflection plate that are disposed on facing plane pairs while sandwiching the cell mounted inside the cell holder. The cell includes a first opening unit from which the analysis sample flows in, a second opening unit from which the clarified liquid flows out, and a third opening unit from which the turbid substance is discharged. In a state where the cell is mounted in the cell holder, the first opening unit is provided at a position lower than an upper end of the ultrasonic wave transducer in a vertical direction, or at a position higher than a lower end of the ultrasonic wave transducer in the vertical direction.

The disclosure provides a method for preparing exosomes using: (i) a step for ultrafiltering a sample containing at least one exosome; and (ii) a step for subjecting the sample that can be obtained from step (i) to anion exchange column chromatography.