Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for implementing non-destructive quality control of substrates and printed biological microarrays. A method and apparatus are provided for implementing quality control of gel-based microarrays prepared by dispensing a gel-forming composition on a solid substrate. The method utilizes the difference between the wettability properties of a supporting substrate and a gel, where the gel is hydrophilic. Condensation of vapor of a chemically inert water-soluble liquid, such as water or glycerol, on the surface of a substrate under inspection creates a layer of tiny droplets that affect both transmission and scattering of light on the surface. A pattern of condensation, characterized by spatial distribution, average size of the droplets and spacing between the droplets, reflects variation in wetting properties of the substrate. The pattern of condensation circumscribes printed microarray features to be non-destructively imaged and analyzed.

Abstract: Plastic substrates, including poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) and poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) slides, may be modified with methods described herein and subsequently used in the manufacture or formation of biochips, or other microarrays. Illustrative methods include modifying the surface of the plastic substrates by covalent attachment of unsaturated acid derivatives that include a primary amine group for reacting with functional groups on the surface of the plastic substrate. Further illustrative methods include modifying the surface of the plastic substrates by a cleaning procedure that results in improved adhesive properties for subsequent printing. After being modified, the substrates described herein may be used to prepare 2D and 3D microarrays by printing using conventional methods.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention encompasses a method of packing and unpacking a column chamber. A mixture of a fluid and a matrix material are introduced through a column chamber inlet so that the matrix material is packed within a column chamber to form a packed column. After the packing, the matrix material is unpacked from the column chamber without moving the column chamber. More specifically, the column chamber having the column chamber inlet or first port for receiving the mixture further has an outlet port and an actuator port. The outlet port is partially closed for capturing the matrix material and permitting the fluid to flow therepast by rotating relative one to the other of a rod placed in the actuator port. Further rotation relative one to the other of the rod and the column chamber opens the outlet and permits the matrix material and the fluid to flow therethrough thereby unpacking the matrix material from the column chamber.

Abstract: A method for manipulating small particles in a microfluidic system wherein a fluid flow through a tolerance of the microfluidic system is used to capture large particles, which are then used, in turn, to capture small particles.

Abstract: A channel forming dewatering device for use in preventing the penetration of water into an underground room away from a wall. The device provides a baseboard member having an upper flange connected to an angular section. The angular section is, in turn, connected to a vertical section. A bend section attaches a web to the vertical section. A lower flange attaches to said web. The baseboard member is to be placed against a wall proximate to the floor. The upper flange and lower flange contact the wall. The web attaches to the floor with an adhesive such as an epoxy. A flexible liner is placed between the web and the floor. This flexible liner is such that it will better attach to an adhesive. In the preferred embodiment, the flexible lining is extruded with the baseboard member. Grooves are placed through the flexible lining and partially into the web to allow a channel into which the adhesive such as epoxy can flow.