Abstract: Affinity Capture-Mass Spectroscopy (AC-MS), an analytical technique which couples the sensitivity of a label-free binding detected biosensor, and the information richness of mass spectroscopy is described. A 3-dimensional porous silicon bio-surface is used to capture proteins, DNA, or small molecules while acquiring a label-free, time resolved signal linearly proportional to the amount of binding. A switch to dissociative buffer conditions then frees the captured molecule for analysis by mass spectroscopy. In particular, techniques for use with electrospray mass spectroscopy are described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel, unconventional methods and systems for the fabrication of silicon on silicon-germanium photovoltaic cell applications. In some embodiments high purity gaseous and/or liquid intermediate compounds of silicon (or silicon germanium) are converted directly to polycrystalline films by a thermal plasma chemical vapor deposition process or by a thermal plasma spraying technique. The intermediate compounds of silicon (or silicon germanium) are injected into the thermal plasma source where temperatures range from 2,000 K to 20,000 K. The compounds dissociate and silicon (or silicon germanium) is deposited onto substrates. Polycrystalline films having densities approaching the bulk value are obtained on cooling. PN junction photovoltaic cells can be directly prepared by spraying, or doped films after heat treatment are subsequently transformed to viable photovoltaic cells having high efficiency, low cost at a high throughput.

Abstract: Optical sensor for the measurement of molecular binding interactions. Preferred embodiments provide real-time measurements of kinetic binding and disassociation of molecules including binding and disassociation of protein molecules with other protein molecules and with other molecules. In preferred embodiments ligands are immobilized within pores of a porous silicon interaction region produced in a silicon substrate, after which analytes suspended in a fluid are flowed over the porous silicon region. Binding reactions occur when analyte molecules diffuse closely enough to the ligands to become bound. In preferred embodiments both ligands and analytes are delivered by computer controlled robotic fluid flow control techniques to the porous silicon interaction regions through microfluidic flow channels.

Abstract: Microtiter plates modified to permit their use for molecular binding studies.

Abstract: A method which renders the 3D surface of the insides of the pores of porous silicon biochip appropriate for conducting studies on biomolecule interactions without labels.

Abstract: An easy way of introducing a controller into an instrument used to study biomolecular interactions without labels. By introducing a controller, which may be programmed using a graphical programming language, into the system the development time for that system can be made much shorter.

Abstract: The use of XML in the context of a system of instrument modules used to study label free binding interactions. This includes provisions for computer to instrument communication using XML, intramodule communication using XML, a data format in XML and for automated firmware testing using XML.