Abstract: An apparatus configured for improving retention of non-adherent cells is disclosed. The apparatus includes a plate that includes a number of elements having a first surface energy arranged in an array with an overlay, on the plate, having a second surface energy. The first surface energy results in a hydrophilic surface and the second surface energy results in a hydrophobic surface. A diameter of the elements is at least 1 mm. A height of the overlay having the second surface energy, which results in a hydrophobic surface, is between 5% and 100% of the diameter of the elements. The apparatus also includes a wall circumferential to the plate. A method for performing multiple reactions with the apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus configured for improving retention of non-adherent cells is disclosed. The apparatus includes a plate that includes a number of elements having a first surface energy arranged in an array with an overlay, on the plate, having a second surface energy. The first surface energy results in a hydrophilic surface and the second surface energy results in a hydrophobic surface. A diameter of the elements is at least 1 mm. A height of the overlay having the second surface energy, which results in a hydrophobic surface, is between 5% and 100% of the diameter of the elements. The apparatus also includes a wall circumferential to the plate. A method for performing multiple reactions with the apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: This describes an apparatus comprising a plate with a number of elements having a hydrophilic surface arranged in an array with an overlay having a hydrophobic surface. A height of the overlay is between about 5% and 100% of the diameter of the elements. The application also discloses a wall circumferential to the plate; and a removable grid insertable into the apparatus, said grid comprising dividers enclosing a number of through-holes, said through-holes spaced in the grid to allow alignment of the through-holes of the grid over the elements in the plate when said grid is inserted into the apparatus, said dividers of the grid inserted into the apparatus form sides of wells bottomed by the plate and at least one element on said plate.

Abstract: Methods and devices for adding liquids to and washing a microfluidic element array are disclosed. The method and devices feature a microfluidic plate holder with a sloped wall for improved draining of liquid, a machine readable/writable identifier, plate leveling systems, liquid filling systems, a hydrophilic-liquid coating, and an automated washing station.

Abstract: In some embodiments, the invention relates to a removable grid insertable into an apparatus comprising a plate comprising a number of elements having a first surface energy arranged in an array with an overlay having a second surface energy and a wall circumferential to the plate, said grid comprising dividers enclosing a number of through-holes, said through-holes spaced in the grid to allow alignment of the through- holes of the grid over the elements in the plate when said grid is inserted into the apparatus, wherein said dividers of the grid inserted into the apparatus form sides of wells bottomed by the plate and at least one element on said plate.

Abstract: Methods and devices for adding liquids to and washing a microfluidic element array are disclosed. The method and devices feature a microfluidic plate holder with a sloped wall for improved draining of liquid, a machine readable/writable identifier, plate leveling systems, liquid filling systems, a hydrophilic-liquid coating, and an automated washing station.