Abstract: Methods of detecting and quantifying genomic nucliec acid molecule sequences are provided using the simultaneous amplification of a plurality of discrete nanoliter-sized samples. A miniaturized closed assembly is also provided for carrying out amplification of a nucleic acid molecule by polymerase chain reaction in multiple nanoliter-sized samples. Methods of filling miniaturized sample chambers are also provided as are methods for determining the number of template molecules in a sample by conducting replicate nucleic acid sequence amplification reactions on a set of terminally diluted samples and counting the number of positive amplification reactions. The methods can be used to detect a single starting nucleic acid target molecule.

Abstract: A coating formulation for making a porous coating on a laboratory apparatus is provided. The formulation comprises 100 parts by weight hardenable resinous material, and from about 0.1 to about 50 parts by weight blowing agent based on the 100 parts by weight resinous material. The resinous material has a hardening time which is sufficiently short such that gas generated by the blowing agent is entrapped within the resinous material. The coating formulation is hardenable upon application to a surface of a laboratory apparatus to form a porous coating which is used for marking purposes or for the retention of biological samples. Methods of retaining a biological sample on a coated laboratory apparatus having a surface made of the coating formulation are also provided.

Abstract: A coating formulation for making a porous coating on a laboratory apparatus is provided. The formulation comprises 100 parts by weight hardenable resinous material, and from about 0.1 to about 50 parts by weight blowing agent based on the 100 parts by weight resinous material. The resinous material has a hardening time which is sufficiently short such that gas generated by the blowing agent is entrapped within the resinous material. The coating formulation is hardenable upon application to a surface of a laboratory apparatus to form a porous coating which is used for marking purposes or for the retention of biological samples. Methods of retaining a biological sample on a coated laboratory apparatus having a surface made of the coating formulation are also provided.

Abstract: Hydrophobic coating compositions are provided as are processes to coat articles with the compositions. Extremely hydrophobic coatings are provided by the compositions. Durable, weatherable and scratch-resistant coatings are provided by compositions comprising a trifluoromethyl-containing component and a hardenable material. Processes are also provided for forming hydrophobic coatings on articles without any substantial loss of fluorocarbon solvent used in the coating composition. Articles are coated on a surface thereof with a hydrophobic coating reactant or reaction product which forms a coating having an exposed surface populated with 30% by area or more terminal trifluoromethyl groups.

Abstract: Methods of detecting and quantifying genomic nucleic acid molecule sequences are provided using the simultaneous amplification of a plurality of discrete nanoliter-sized samples. A miniaturized closed assembly is also provided for carrying out amplification of a nucleic acid molecule by polymerase chain reaction in multiple nanoliter-sized samples. Methods of filling miniaturized sample chambers are also provided as are methods for determining the number of template molecules in a sample by conducting replicate nucleic acid sequence amplification reactions on a set of terminally diluted samples and counting the number of positive amplification reactions. The methods can be used to detect a single starting nucleic acid target molecule.

Abstract: A microbiological assembly is provided having a resealable seal between a support and a cover. The support has a surface which includes a patterned layer and defines at least one sample retention well. The cover has a surface which contacts a sealant and the sealant is disposed on at least one of the support and the cover. The sealant is adapted to releasably bond and resealably seal the cover to the support. The sealed assembly minimizes contamination and drying of liquid sample retained by the sample retention well. A method of examining a biological culture is also provided and includes the steps of retaining a biological sample within the sample retention well of the assembly, sealing the cover to the support with the sealant between the sealing surface and the support surface, physically separating the cover from the support surface, and then either resealing the cover or sealing a second cover to the support using the same sealant.

Abstract: A coating formulation for making a porous coating on a laboratory apparatus is provided. The formulation comprises 100 parts by weight hardenable resinous material, and from about 0.1 to about 50 parts by weight blowing agent based on the 100 parts by weight resinous material. The resinous material has a hardening time which is sufficiently short such that gas generated by the blowing agent is entrapped within the resinous material. The coating formulation is hardenable upon application to a surface of a laboratory apparatus to form a porous coating which is used for marking purposes or for the retention of biological samples. Methods of retaining a biological sample on a coated laboratory apparatus are also provided.

Abstract: Laboratory vessels are coated on an operational surface thereof with a hydrophobic coating polymer or reactive monomer to form a coating having an exposed surface populated with 30% by area or more terminal trifluoromethyl groups. Laboratory vessels coated with such coating solutions are provided having extremely low surface energies and high resistance to solvent attack. Methods of forming hydrophobic coatings on laboratory vessels are also provided and include methods of forming exposed coating surfaces having populations of from about 30% by area to 100% by area trifluoromethyl groups. The hydrophobic coatings may be prepared from solutions, suspensions or powdered materials containing a fluoroalkyl ethylenically unsaturated monomer substantially free of any crosslinking, having from about 3 to about 20 carbon atoms, and containing at least one terminal trifluoromethyl group, or containing a polymerization product of such a monomer.

Abstract: A miniature chamber assembly that provides a miniature capillary environment in which a liquid medium containing microscopic-size particulate material can be placed for study under a microscope. The assembly includes components which do not wet relative to the liquid medium. The assembly provides a miniaturized capillary environment that can contain the liquid medium for a period of time sufficient to enable observation while preventing deterioration of the medium.