Abstract: The invention relates to devices and methods for the detection of specific interactions between probe and target molecules. In particular, the invention relates to methods for the qualitative and/or quantitative detection of targets, including: introducing a sample containing targets into a reaction chamber formed between a first surface of the device and a second surface of a device, which is preferably located opposite to the first surface, wherein the distance between the first and the second surface is variable; and detecting the targets.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for referencing fluorescence signals and/or calibration of fluorescence detection systems, whereby the device comprises an essentially non-fluorescing support, on which are applied polymer layers in several defined regions and with partly varying thicknesses and/or compositions. Said polymer layers are applied to the support such as to fluoresce after corresponding irradiation and the device may thus be used as a fluorescence standard. The invention further relates to a method for the production of said fluorescence standards.

Abstract: The invention relates to a holding device for substance libraries which can be used, more particularly, for the detection of target molecules with the aid of substance libraries. Said device comprises: (i) a holder for a substance library carrier; (ii) a substance library carrier, which can be fixed to the holder; and (iii) a detection area applied to the substance library carrier, whereon a substance library is immobilized; and wherein at least one substance library carrier can be introduced into a laboratory reaction vessel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for the amplification and for the detection of nucleic acids comprising a temperature controlling and/or regulating unit; a reaction chamber containing a support with a detection area, on which a compound library is immobilized, wherein the temperature in the reaction chamber can be controlled and/or regulated by means of the temperature controlling and regulating unit; and an optical system, by means of which the time-dependent behavior of precipitate formations on the detection area is detectable. Methods of using the device are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention concerns methods, in the context of slide-based evaluation, for efficiency amplifying and detecting nucleic acids during a continuous process. The invention mainly concerns methods which consist in performing a polymerase chain reaction occurs, whereto a competitor element is added at the beginning of the reaction.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for detecting interactions between probe molecules and target molecules, whereby marking target molecules is not required. The invention further concerns probe arrays and kits suited to such a method, as well as a method for production, quality control and standardization of probe arrays.

Abstract: The invention relates to a reaction vessel, a device and a method for detecting specific interactions between molecular target and probe molecules. The present invention especially relates to a reaction vessel which has a shape and size typical of a laboratory reaction vessel and in which a supporting element with probe molecules immobilised thereon on predetermined regions is arranged on its base surfaces.

Abstract: Disclosed are devices for holding a substance library carrier, and which are useful in conducting reactions in which binding between complementary molecules is measured qualitatively or quantitatively. Also disclosed are methods for conducting such reactions in the device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel thin layers for microsystem techniques and microstructuring. It is an object of the invention to provide thin layers which can be manufactured under less problems and more economically than the previous conventional layers, and which permit the use of existing technologies for microstructuring. The object is realized in that the thin layer is formed of an enzymatically degradable biopolymer in a range of layer thicknesses of from 30 nm to 3 &mgr;m. Biopolymeric thin layers manufactured according to the invention permit their application, after a respective structurizing, as test assays or in setting up substance libraries.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for referencing fluorescence signals and/or calibration of fluorescence detection systems, whereby the device comprises an essentially non-fluorescing support, on which are applied polymer layers in several defined regions and with partly varying thicknesses and/or compositions. Said polymer layers are applied to the support such as to fluoresce after corresponding irradiation and the device may thus be used as a fluorescence standard. The invention further relates to a method for the production of said fluorescence standards.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for qualitative and/or quantitative detection of nucleic acid molecules amplified in an amplification reaction such as PCR. The change of the mass of oligonucleotides in an amplification solution, comprising the mass of target DNA and optionally, the mass of oligonucleotide primers, is determined during the amplification reaction. Also disclosed is a device for conducting the method.

Abstract: A microcompartment array with a high compartment density and a process for producing the same are disclosed. To solve the problem that consists in arranging as many compartments as possible per surface unit and in providing a process for producing the same which excludes any mixture of adjacent compartment contents even when the compartments are overfilled, without having to change the way in which the compartments are filled, a first functional surface lining is applied on the inner walls of the compartment-like recesses, whereas the support surface areas which separate the individual compartment-like recesses from each other by their open sides are provided with a second functional surface lining having an effect opposite to that of the first functional surface lining.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for qualitatively and/or quantitatively detecting certain molecular targets using probe arrays. The inventive detection method comprises a reaction which delivers a product with a particular solubility product, this solubility product causing the precipitation or the formation of a precipitate of the product on an array element of the probe array on which an interaction has taken place between the probe and the target.

Abstract: A bath for generating microstructures which is required in numerous fields of application of the microsystem technique and in microstructuring offers a less expensive alternative to known conventional approaches and disposal of the used bath may be carried out in a manner more environmentally friendly manner than in the previous methods for manufacture of microstructures. The bath includes at least one biogenic agent (in particular, an enzyme) which acts upon a preselectable thin layer.

Abstract: A bath for generating microstructures which is required in numerous fields of application of the microsystem technique and in microstructuring offers a less expensive alternative to known conventional approaches and disposal of the used bath may be carried out in a manner more environmentally friendly manner than in the previous methods for manufacture of microstructures. The bath includes at least one biogenic agent (in particular, an enzyme) which acts upon a preselectable thin layer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing structured, self-organized molecular monolayers of individual molecular species. The invention is preferably used to create solid-phase bonded substance libraries. To this end, a) a substrate (2) suitable for the first monolayer is provided; b) a microstructured polymer mask (1) having openings is applied to the subtrate (2) at least once in a defined direction.

Abstract: The present invention provides arrays of single- or doublestranded desoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) probes immobilized on solid supports and for using those probe arrays to detect specific nucleic acid sequences contained in a target nucleic acid in a sample, especially a method to monitore a fermentation process.

Abstract: The aim of the invention is to provide a device for duplicating and characterizing nucleic acids almost simultaneously and with a high sample throughput rate. The device consists of a chamber body with a recess whose edge sealingly holds an optically transparent chip. Said chip holds nucleic acids in individual spots on a detection surface. The chamber body is placed on an optically transparent chamber support with a bearing surface, in such a way that a capillary gap, which can be filled with a liquid sample, is formed between the detection surface of the chip facing towards the chamber support and said chamber support. The chamber body is provided with an inlet and an outlet, which are spatially separate from each other, and has a space, which laterally encompasses the chip and which has a gas reservoir. The chamber support is provided with heating elements.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel baths for generating microstructures which are required in numerous fields of application of the microsystem technique and in microstructuring. It is an object of the invention to provide novel baths for generating microstructures which offer a less expensive and, above all, a solution for their disposal which is more friendly to environment than the previous methods for manufacture of microstructures. The object is realized in that the respective baths are added at least one biogenic catalyst (in particular, an enzyme) which acts upon a preselectable thin layer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing structured, self-organized molecular monolayers of individual molecular species. The invention is preferably used to create solid-phase bonded substance libraries. To this end, a) a substrate (2) suitable for the first monolayer is provided; b) a microstructured polymer mask (1) having openings is applied to the subtrate (2) at least once in a defined direction.