Abstract: A method of reading a plurality of encoded microvessels used in an assay for biological or chemical analysis. The method can include providing a plurality of encoded microvessels. The microvessels can include a respective microbody and a reservoir core configured to hold a substance in the reservoir core. The microbody can include a material that surrounds the reservoir core and facilitates detection of a characteristic of the substance within the reservoir core. Optionally, the material can be transparent so as to facilitate detection of an optical characteristic of a substance within the reservoir core. The microbody can include an identifiable code associated with the substance. The method can also include determining the corresponding codes of the microvessels.

Abstract: The present invention provides a filament with an easily removable protective coating as well as a method and apparatus for applying the protective coating to the filament during a draw process that can be easily removed with a reasonably benign solvent such as water, or if necessary, acetone or ethanol. The protective coating is water-soluble and can be easily dissolved in-line with a spooling process. The coating material may include a water-soluble “wax-like” material called Aquabond 65, distributed by Aquabond Technologies, as well as other grades of Aquabond such Aquabond 55 and Aquabond 85, which behave essentially the same but are dissolved at different temperatures.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides multicomponent articles of manufacture and methods of making them. In its broadest aspect, the invention provides a multicomponent article that includes a diffraction grating-based encoded element, wherein the encoded element includes an optical substrate having at least one surface, and an optical coding element; and a substance disposed on at least a portion of the surface of the substrate. The optical substrate may be made from a wide variety of materials. Importantly the multicomponent article may be a reagent particle wherein the substance includes a reagent. The reagent may be chosen from a wide range of biological macromolecules and oligomeric molecules, from any organic chemical or inorganic chemical compound including pharmaceutical agents and candidate pharmaceutical agents, modifications of any of them, and from any microbiological entity, a cell, and similar entities.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions directed toward assays of a broad range of analytes using specific targeting chemicals that bind to the analytes. The assays are founded on the use of coded assay articles to which the targeting chemicals are attached. Additionally the codes are such that they are interrogated and determined in real time. The target is analyzed as to identity, presence and quantity in real time. The methods and compositions of the invention are highly suitable for use in high-complexity multiplexed assay systems. All the methods and compositions are based on assay article that includes an optical substrate to which the chemical is bound, and in which is disposed at least one diffraction grating. The grating provides an output optical signal when illuminated by an incident light signal which is indicative of the code in the substrate.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and computer program products to form arrays of polymers each having a pattern of features on a surface of a flexible elongated web, comprising. In a method polymers or their precursor units are applied at an application station to the surface. Multiple features are covered at a reagent station with a continuous volume of reagent which chemically reacts with precursors or the web. The flexible elongated web is driven in a lengthwise direction through the application station. This sequence may be repeated as needed to form the arrays along the web. Also provided is a method preparing a surface of a flexible elongated web to receive a biopolymer array.

Abstract: A method of fabricating polynucleotide arrays includes dissolving a nucleotide monomer, oligonucleotide, or polynucleotide in a solvent containing ionic liquid and depositing the resulting solution on an array substrate. The method has particular application to fabrication of an addressable array of polynucleotides on a substrate that carries substrate bound moieties each with a hydroxyl group. The process may be repeated at specific locations on the array to elongate the polynucleotide deposited on the array.

Abstract: A method of synthesizing polynucleotides is disclosed. The method involves contacting a first nucleotide with a selected reactive group in the presence of an ionic liquid. The selected reactive group may be on a second nucleotide, a polynucleotide, or on a moiety on an insoluble substrate, for example in an oligonucleotide synthesizer.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for modifying a substrate surface are provided. In accordance with the subject methods, a substrate surface is contacted with a particulate-containing fluid. The fluid is then ultrasonically or sonically agitated to modify the substrate surface. In certain embodiments, the particulate-containing fluid has a pH above the isoelectric point of the substrate. Also provided are devices capable of providing ultrasonic and/or sonic energy and which include a non-acidic, particulate-containing fluid. The subject invention also provides systems and kits for use in practicing the subject methods.