The invention relates to a system (10) adapted to measure multiple biophysical characteristics of cells, the system (10) comprising: a microfluidic chip (12) provided with a microfluidic channel (14) which allows cells to flow through, the microfluidic channel (14) having an inlet (14a), an outlet (14b), and a lateral opening (14c) situated between the inlet (14a) and the outlet (14b); and a capacitive sensor (30) integrated in the microfluidic chip, adapted to obtain biophysical characteristics of a single cell in the microfluidic channel (14) by directly manipulating the single cell by sensor elements (31, 32) through the lateral opening (14c) of the microfluidic channel (14), the sensor (30) comprising a stationary part and an electrostatically driven movable part which is movable relative to the stationary part, the stationary part being fixed to the microfluidic chip (12), the movable part being arranged in the lateral opening (14c) of the microfluidic channel (14), wherein a portion of the sensor elements (31, 32) provides an interface between fluid and air in the system.

Detection and sampling of dissolved hydrocarbons of interest in an environment expected to have hydrocarbon molecules, such as a water column or interstitial water in sediment. An apparatus comprising at least one oleophilic film frame is deployed into the environment and the at least one oleophilic film frame is exposed thereto for a defined period of time, and thereafter isolated from the environment to cease exposure thereto. Hydrocarbon molecules scavenged by the oleophilic film may be analyzed to determine their type and/or concentration.

The present invention relates to a kit with which a user can conveniently and hygienically collect bio-samples using a collecting rod. A collection kit for collecting a bio-sample using a collection rod according to the present invention comprises: a cap on the lower part of the central part of which a filter is detachably mounted, wherein a cover is formed on the upper part of the filter; a collection rod having a collection unit and a handle part; and a tube fastened with the cap and for accommodating the extraction solution.

A device for collecting, preserving and storing a sample of biological fluid comprising a porous medium for collecting and maintaining the membrane integrity of the eukaryotic cells contained in the sample, and their constituents is disclosed, the medium comprising at least 80% by weight of artificial components, advantageously at least 85%, preferably at least 90% of a total weight of the medium; and having a mean flow pore size (MFP) of at least 3 μm.

A collection device for a biological sample to capture target compounds such as viruses or other pathogens or particles for testing from within the sample and move the captured target compound to a separate chamber for subsequent processing. The collection device can include an openable substance blister including capture particles located in a cup interior. Capture particles can attract and bind the target compounds from the sample. An extraction tube extracts any nucleic acid from the target compound for storage or subsequent amplification and testing to confirm presence of known microorganisms. The extraction tube can comprise a heat-deformable material and can be connected to a microfluidic cartridge for further processing of nucleic acid including, amplification and detection. The microfluidic cartridge includes valves and a plurality of chambers for amplification.

A system includes a conductive sampling swab including a non-mesh substrate and a thermal desorber including a clamping assembly configured to releasably hold the conductive sampling swab. The clamping assembly is configured to be electrically connected to a voltage or current source, and the thermal desorber is configured to resistively heat the conductive sampling swab to a temperature sufficient to vaporize a sample material disposed on the conductive sampling swab.

The present invention discloses, inter alia, swab, kit and a case, disclose a swab as defined above, administrable either or both into and onto a sample in a method comprising steps of providing the pouch-like envelope (1) with the opening (2), the inner surface (1i) and the at least one external surface (1e) with the at last one swabbing portion; inserting a handle into the swabbing portion; applying the swabbing portion either or both onto and into the substance; in-out rolling up the envelope so that the external portion hereto applied either or both onto and into the substance is position within the envelope; wherein at least one of the following s held true: the envelope characterized as a sleeve-like or sock-like elongated member having a main longitudinal axis, configured to be in-out rolled-up along the main longitudinal axis; and the envelope characterized as flexible pouch-like envelope, further characterized by being width-wise squeezable along an axis perpendicular to the main longitudinal axis thereby tightly encapsulated within at least two external case's walls. The present invention discloses a method for both sampling a substance and storing the same, characterized by steps: providing a pouch-like envelope (1), configured to be in-out rolled-up having an opening (2); the pouch comprises an inner surface (1i); and at least one external surface (1e) with at last one swabbing portion (3); the envelope either or both (a) characterized as a sleeve-like or sock-like elongated member having a main longitudinal axis, configured to be in-out rolled-up along the main longitudinal axis; and (b) flexible pouch-like envelope, characterized by being width-wise squeezable along an axis perpendicular to the main longitudinal axis thereby tightly encapsulated within two case's walls; inserting a handle into the swabbing portion; applying the swabbing portion either or both onto and into the substance; in-out rolling up the envelope so that the external portion hereto applied either or both onto and into the substance is position within the envelope; wherein at least one of the following is held true: the envelope characterized as a sleeve-like or sock-like elongated member having a main longitudinal axis, configured to be in-out rolled-up along the main longitudinal axis; and the envelope characterized as flexible pouch-like envelope, further characterized by being width-wise squeezable along an axis perpendicular to the main longitudinal axis thereby tightly encapsulated within at least two external case's walls.

Provided herein are devices, kits, systems, and methods for collecting samples for analytical analysis and the safe disposal of sample collection devices after their use. The devices, kits, systems, and methods find use, for example, for disposing of biohazard materials by users in settings that may not be equipped with the professional biohazard disposal systems of laboratories, hospitals, and medical clinics.

The invention encompasses compositions and compounds for inhibiting CoV2 Spike GP and human ACE2 proteins and a 3D pharmacophore model described herein provides the means for rapid, high-throughput virtual screening of potential anti-CoV2 modulators thus facilitating, optimizing and speeding up the search for the discovery of a potent anti-COVID-19 agent and methods of treatment and prevention thereof.

An open-cell foam structure that is used to detect and remove substances from water or air.