A pipette tip according to certain embodiments includes a proximal end, a distal end, and a reagent chamber. The proximal end is dimensioned to fit on an end of a pipettor, and includes a proximal end opening. The distal end includes a distal end opening. The reagent chamber has a reagent composition disposed therein. The reagent chamber is defined at least in part by a proximal barrier and a distal barrier. The reagent composition is operable to pass through the distal end opening upon rupturing of the distal barrier.

Systems and methods for handling a variety of sample and preparatory fluids in a rack specifically configured for compatibility with predetermined liquid handlers such as automated pipettors or multi-channel manual pipettors and set up for magnetic based sample preparation. The rack can hold all of the necessary sample and reagent vials, and present them to the pipettor in some embodiments in a way that allows for parallel operation. The rack includes slidable magnets that in some embodiments are actuatable directly by the pipettor, eliminating a layer of complexity. Combined with a suitable pipettor the magnet enabled rack supports a multistep magnetic based sample preparation capability in a high throughput manner at one station that enhances sample purity throughout magnetic separation processes.

Reagent reservoirs and related systems and methods are disclosed. In accordance with a first implementation, an apparatus includes a system and a reagent reservoir. The system includes a reagent reservoir receptacle. The reagent reservoir is received within the reagent reservoir receptacle and has a body and a fluidic port. The body defines a storage chamber, a sipper chamber, and a fluidic sinus fluidly coupling the storage chamber and the sipper chamber. The fluidic port is fluidly coupled to the sipper chamber.

In relation to an automated nucleic acid processor and an automated nucleic acid processing method using a multi function dispensing unit, processing involving extraction and amplification of the nucleic acid, can be consistently, quickly and efficiently conducted at a low cost with the use of a multi function dispensing unit, while saving user's trouble without expanding the scale of the device. The multi function dispensing unit includes: a nozzle head provided with a suction-discharge mechanism and nozzles detachably provided with dispensing tips; a container group having, at the very least housing parts for liquids and reaction containers for housing an amplification solution; a transfer mechanism that makes an interval between the nozzles and the container group relatively movable; a temperature controller whereby temperature control of the interior of the reaction vessels is possible; sealing liquids and/or sealing lids that are transportable to the reaction vessels using the nozzles, and which make the amplification solutions housed in the reaction vessels sealable within the reaction vessels; and a sealing control part that controls the suction-discharge mechanism or the transfer mechanism, such that the sealing liquid and/or the sealing lids seal the amplification solution within the reaction vessels when the housing of the amplification solution in the reaction vessels is completed.

A pipette tip according to certain embodiments includes a proximal end, a distal end, and a reagent chamber. The proximal end is dimensioned to fit on an end of a pipettor, and includes a proximal end opening. The distal end includes a distal end opening. The reagent chamber has a reagent composition disposed therein. The reagent chamber is defined at least in part by a proximal barrier and a distal barrier. The reagent composition is operable to pass through the distal end opening upon rupturing of the distal barrier.

A pipette tip container comprising a pipette tip having a lumen extending between a proximal opening of a first diameter and a distal orifice of a second smaller diameter; a pellet arranged in the lumen of the pipette tip between said proximal opening and distal orifice, the second diameter being too narrow to let the pellet pass; and a retainer arranged between the pellet and the proximal opening and arranged to prevent the pellet from moving past the retainer in the lumen but to let fluid move past the retainer in the lumen; the retainer having a distal end such that a portion of its periphery does not contact the inner wall of the lumen, a proximal end such that a portion of its periphery maintains the retainer in the lumen by friction with the inner wall of the lumen; and a radial opening between the distal and proximal ends.

Systems and methods for handling a variety of sample and preparatory fluids in a rack specifically configured for compatibility with predetermined liquid handlers such as automated pipettors or multi-channel manual pipettors and set up for magnetic based sample preparation. The rack can hold all of the necessary sample and reagent vials, and present them to the pipettor in some embodiments in a way that allows for parallel operation. The rack includes slidable magnets that in some embodiments are actuatable directly by the pipettor, eliminating a layer of complexity. Combined with a suitable pipettor the magnet enabled rack supports a multistep magnetic based sample preparation capability in a high throughput manner at one station that enhances sample purity throughout magnetic separation processes.

A microfluidic system is presented that includes a cartridge and a container. The cartridge includes a plurality of microfluidic channels coupled to one or more chambers. The container holds dry chemicals and includes a housing with a first opening and a second opening smaller than the first opening. The container is designed to be inserted into an opening of the cartridge, such that the container is independently secured within the opening. The insertion of the container allows for the container to be fluidically coupled with a microfluidic channel of the plurality of microfluidic channels via the second opening.

Disclosed is a solid-liquid separation method including: sucking a suspension containing particles, through an opening formed at a leading end of a suction nozzle, into the suction nozzle; allowing at least a part of the particles contained in the sucked suspension, to sediment to be clogged in the suction nozzle; and ejecting a liquid inside the suction nozzle, through the opening of the suction nozzle clogged with the particles.

A pipette tip container comprising a pipette tip having a lumen extending between a proximal opening of a first diameter and a distal orifice of a second smaller diameter; a pellet arranged in the lumen of the pipette tip between said proximal opening and distal orifice, the second diameter being too narrow to let the pellet pass; and a retainer arranged between the pellet and the proximal opening and arranged to prevent the pellet from moving past the retainer in the lumen but to let fluid move past the retainer in the lumen; the retainer having a distal end such that a portion of its periphery does not contact the inner wall of the lumen, a proximal end such that a portion of its periphery maintains the retainer in the lumen by friction with the inner wall of the lumen; and a radial opening between the distal and proximal ends.