Abstract: Apparatus and Methods are provided for a microfabricated fluorescence activated cell sorter based on an optical switch for rapid, active control of cell routing through a microfluidic channel network. This sorter enables low-stress, highly efficient sorting of populations of small numbers of cells (i.e., 1000-100,000 cells). The invention includes packaging of the microfluidic channel network in a self-contained plastic cartridge that enables microfluidic channel network to macro-scale instrument interconnect, in a sterile, disposable format.

Abstract: Methods of addressing a biomolecule to a selectively addressable electrode are described. A permeation layer overlying a plurality of selectively addressable electrodes is provided. The permeation layer includes a reactive group that is adapted to bond to a biomolecule and that requires activation through a chemical transformation before bonding to the biomolecule. At least one selectively addressable electrode is biased such that a pH change occurs in an overlying solution of the at least one selectively addressable electrode. The reactive group in a portion of the permeation layer above the at least one selectively addressable electrode is then chemically transformed to an activated reactive group as a result of the pH change. A biomolecule is then bound to the permeation layer overlying the at least one selectively addressable electrode through the activated reactive group.

Abstract: Apparatus and Methods are provided for a microfabricated fluorescence activated cell sorter based on an optical switch for rapid, active control of cell routing through a microfluidic channel network. This sorter enables low-stress, highly efficient sorting of populations of small numbers of cells (i.e., 1000-100,000 cells). The invention includes packaging of the microfluidic channel network in a self-contained plastic cartridge that enables microfluidic channel network to macro-scale instrument interconnect, in a sterile, disposable format.

Abstract: Apparatus and Methods are provided for a microfabricated fluorescence activated cell sorter based on an optical switch for rapid, active control of cell routing through a microfluidic channel network. This sorter enables low-stress, highly efficient sorting of populations of small numbers of cells (i.e., 1000-100,000 cells). The invention includes packaging of the microfluidic channel network in a self-contained plastic cartridge that enables microfluidic channel network to macro-scale instrument interconnect, in a sterile, disposable format.

Abstract: Methods of addressing a biomolecule to a selectively addressable electrode are described. A permeation layer overlying a plurality of selectively addressable electrodes is provided. The permeation layer includes a reactive group that is adapted to bond to a biomolecule and that requires activation through a chemical transformation before bonding to the biomolecule. At least one selectively addressable electrode is biased such that a pH change occurs in an overlying solution of the at least one selectively addressable electrode. The reactive group in a portion of the permeation layer above the at least one selectively addressable electrode is then chemically transformed to an activated reactive group as a result of the pH change. A biomolecule is then bound to the permeation layer overlying the at least one selectively addressable electrode through the activated reactive group.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a method of, and a device created by, depositing an inorganic permeation layer on a micro-electronic device for molecular biological reactions. The permeation layer is preferably sol-gel. The sol-gel permeation layer can be created with pre-defined porosity, pore size distribution, pore morphology, and surface area. The sol-gel permeation layer may also function as the attachment layer of the micro-electric device.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a method of, and a device created by, depositing an inorganic permeation layer on a micro-electronic device for molecular biological reactions. The permeation layer is preferably sol-gel. The sol-gel permeation layer can be created with pre-defined porosity, pore size distribution, pore morphology, and surface area. The sol-gel permeation layer may also function as the attachment layer of the micro-electric device.