Abstract: Disclosed is a formulation for preserving the life of probiotic bacteria during passage through the stomach, while permitting their release in the intestine, and which has a low water activity and correspondingly long shelf life. These formulations are designed to retain potency up to the product expiration date. The formulation includes a substantially water-free mixture of probiotic bacteria with monovalent alginate salts, wherein the mixture has been formed and is maintained in a substantially water-free environment. The alginate salts include sodium-alginate and potassium alginate, but not divalent salts such as magnesium alginate or calcium alginate. Generally, an enteric coating (e.g., gelatin or cellulose encapsulation) for the formulation is provided.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of analyzing tandem repeats using one or more probes, each such probe may lack an anchoring sequence but contains one or more tandem repeat sequences complementary to the target tandem repeat sequences. In one embodiment, each probe is attached, via its 5? end, to an encoded microparticle (“bead”), wherein the code—implemented by way of a color scheme—identifies the sequence and length of the probe attached thereto. Also disclosed are methods relating to the analysis of partial duplex configurations involving only partial overlap between probe and target repeats and thus “overhangs” of probe repeats on the 3? and/or 5? ends of the target repeats.

Abstract: This invention provides compositions and methods for genetic testing of an organism and for correlating the results of the genetic testing with a unique marker that unambiguously identifies the organism. The markers may be internal markers, such as for example single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), short tandem repeats (STRs), or other sites within a genomic locus. Alternatively, the markers may be external, such that they are separately added to the genetic sample before testing.

Abstract: An apparatus providing programmable illumination pattern generation for the manipulation of colloidal particulates and biomolecules in suspension between electrodes, is disclosed. The apparatus implements LEAPS (Light-controlled electrokinetic assembly of particles near surfaces), which relies on: AC electric field-induced assembly of particles the patterning of the electrolyte/silicon oxide/silicon interface to exert spatial control over the assembly process; and the real-time control of the assembly process via external illumination. The apparatus generates patterns of illumination and projects then onto planar surfaces, i.e., a LEAPS electrode.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a systematic process for the creation of functionally organized, spatially patterned assemblies of polymer-microparticle composites including the AC electric field-mediated assembly of patterned, self-supporting organic (polymeric) films and organic-polymer-microparticle composites of tailored composition and morphology. The present invention further relates to the incorporation of said assemblies into other structures. The present invention also relates to the application of such functional assemblies in materials science and biology. Additional areas of application include sensors, catalysts, membranes, and micro-reactors, and miniaturized format for generation of multifunctional thin films. This invention also provides simple methods and apparatus for synthesizing thin films of tailored composition and morphology.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the manipulation of colloidal particulates and biomolecules at the interface between an insulating electrode such as silicon oxide and an electrolyte solution. Light-controlled electrokinetic assembly of particles near surfaces relies on the combination of three functional elements: the AC electric field-induced assembly of planar aggregates; the patterning of the electrolyte/silicon oxide/silicon interface to exert spatial control over the assembly process; and the real-time control of the assembly process via external illumination. The present invention provides a set of fundamental operations enabling interactive control over the creation and placement of planar arrays of several types of particles and biomolecules and the manipulation of array shape and size. The present invention enables sample preparation and handling for diagnostic assays and biochemical analysis in an array format, and the functional integration of these operations.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the physico-chemical encoding of a collection of beaded resin (“beads”) to determine the chemical identity of bead-anchored compounds by in-situ interrogation of individual beads. The present invention provides method and apparatus to implement color-coding strategies in applications and including the ultrahigh-throughput screening of bead-based combinatorial compounds libraries as well as multiplexed diagnostic and environmental testing and other biochemical assays.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the manipulation of colloidal particulates and biomolecules at the interface between an insulating electrode such as silicon oxide and an electrolyte solution. Light-controlled electrokinetic assembly of particles near surfaces relies on the combination of three functional elements: the AC electric field-induced assembly of planar aggregates; the patterning of the electrolyte/silicon oxide/silicon interface to exert spatial control over the assembly process; and the real-time control of the assembly process via external illumination. The present invention provides a set of fundamental operations enabling interactive control over the creation and placement of planar arrays of several types of particles and biomolecules and the manipulation of array shape and size. The present invention enables sample preparation and handling for diagnostic assays and biochemical analysis in an array format, and the functional integration of these operations.

Abstract: A method of fragmentation of double stranded DNA is disclosed for use in nucleic acid analysis, notably in the multiplexed analysis of polymorphisms and mutations. The method produces a multiplicity of labeled sense and anti-sense fragments which are not complementary, and thus do not significantly re-anneal under conditions suitable for hybridization analysis (or capture-mediated elongation analysis) of the polymorphisms and/or mutations. The fragments display a desired or predicted length distribution. Cleavage sites can be selected such that the fragments are short, yet long enough to allow discrimination among fragments in an assay, and as a matter of statistical probability, such that the majority of fragments contain at least one labeled nucleotide to facilitate detection.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the manipulation of colloidal particulates and biomolecules at the interface between an insulating electrode such as silicon oxide and an electrolyte solution. Light-controlled electrokinetic assembly of particles near surfaces relies on the combination of three functional elements: the AC electric field-induced assembly of planar aggregates; the patterning of the electrolyte/silicon oxide/silicon interface to exert spatial control over the assembly process; and the real-time control of the assembly process via external illumination. The present invention provides a set of fundamental operations enabling interactive control over the creation and placement of planar arrays of several types of particles and biomolecules and the manipulation of array shape and size. The present invention enables sample preparation and handling for diagnostic assays and biochemical analysis in an array format, and the functional integration of these operations.

Abstract: The present invention relates to molecular constructs and methods of their use in detecting biochemical reactions. In particular, the invention relates to a molecular construct having a capture portion and a substrate portion, where the capture portion isolates the construct from a sample medium, and the substrate portion enables the construct to be acted upon and undergo a physical change which can be detected and measured. These molecular constructs may be used in diagnostic assays, genetic screening for potential risks of certain diseases in individuals, and drug discovery and toxicogenomics, using high throughput screening of compounds.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the manipulation of colloidal particulates and biomolecules at the interface between an insulating electrode such as silicon oxide and an electrolyte solution. Light-controlled electrokinetic assembly of particles near surfaces relies on the combination of three functional elements: the AC electric field-induced assembly of planar aggregates; the patterning of the electrolyte/silicon oxide/silicon interface to exert spatial control over the assembly process; and the real-time control of the assembly process via external illumination. The present invention provides a set of fundamental operations enabling interactive control over the creation and placement of planar arrays of several types of particles and biomolecules and the manipulation of array shape and size. The present invention enables sample preparation and handling for diagnostic assays and biochemical analysis in an array format, and the functional integration of these operations.

Abstract: A dye, such as a fluorescent dye, is incorporated into polymer microparticles using a solvent system composed of a first solvent in which the dye and the microparticle polymer are soluble, a second solvent in which the dye and the microparticle polymer are not or only weakly soluble, and a third solvent in which the dye and the microparticle polymer are not or only weakly soluble. The first and second solvents are immiscible with each other, or at most partially miscible. The third solvent is miscible with the first and second solvents. The formulation provides substantially complete partitioning of the dye to the microparticles. The method may be used to obtain dyed polymer microparticle formed of cross-linked or non-cross-linked polymers. Libraries are provided comprising two or more sets of microparticles of different dye loadings.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the manipulation of colloidal particulates and biomolecules at the interface between an insulating electrode such as silicon oxide and an electrolyte solution. Light-controlled elektrokinetic assembly of particles near surfaces relies on the combination of three functional elements, the AC electric field-induced assembly of planar aggregates; the patterning of the electrolyte/silicon oxide/silicon interface to exert spatial control over the assembly process; and the real-time control of the assembly process via external illumination. The present invention provides a set of fundamental operations enabling interactive control over the creation and placement of planar arrays of several types of particles and biomolecules and the manipulation of array shape and size. The present invention enables sample preparation and handling for diagnostic assays and biochemical analysis in an array format, and the functional integration of these operations.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the manipulation of colloidal particulates and biomolecules at the interface between an insulating electrode such as silicon oxide and an electrolyte solution. Light-controlled electrokinetic assembly of particles near surfaces relies on the combination of three functional elements: the AC electric field-induced assembly of planar aggregates; the patterning of the electrolyte/silicon oxide/silicon interface to exert spatial control over the assembly process; and the real-time control of the assembly process via external illumination. The present invention provides a set of fundamental operations enabling interactive control over the creation and placement of planar arrays of several types of particles and biomolecules and the manipulation of array shape and size. The present invention enables sample preparation and handling for diagnostic assays and biochemical analysis in an array format, and the functional integration of these operations.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the manipulation of colloidal particulates and biomolecules at the interface between an insulating electrode such as silicon oxide and an electrolyte solution. Light-controlled electrokinetic assembly of particles near surfaces relies on the combination of three functional elements: the AC electric field-induced assembly of planar aggregates; the patterning of the electrolyte/silicon oxide/silicon interface to exert spatial control over the assembly process; and the real-time control of the assembly process via external illumination. The present invention provides a set of fundamental operations enabling interactive control over the creation and placement of planar arrays of several types of particles and biomolecules and the manipulation of array shape and size. The present invention enables sample preparation and handling for diagnostic assays and biochemical analysis in an array format, and the functional integration of these operations.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for fractionation of a mixture of particles and for particle analysis are provided, in which LEAPS (“Light-controlled Electrokinetic Assembly of Particles near Surfaces”) is used to fractionate and analyze a plurality of particles suspended in an interface between an electrode and an electrolyte solution. A mixture of particles are fractionated according to their relaxation frequencies, which in turn reflect differences in size or surface composition of the particles. Particles may also be analyzed to determine their physical and chemical properties based on particle relaxation frequency and maximal velocity.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and processes for removing aggregates and other impurities from partially purified protein bulk product, in particular, from partially purified monoclonal antibody, using anion exchange chromatography. In such methods and processes, the pH of the sample is adjusted to be lower than the isoelectric point of the product, preferably by 0.2 logs, and the sample is passed through an ion exchange matrix which is equilibrated to bind the aggregates and host cell DNA as well as endotoxins in the sample.

Abstract: Disclosed are conjugates including a polymer backbone or microbead and binding molecules, such as Fv, Fab, or F(ab').sub.2 fragments of monoclonal antibodies or whole antibodies that are bound through their Fc carbohydrate moieties or have their Fc portion modified so that they cannot effect ADCC or complement-mediated cytolysis, and that are specific for a T cell surface antigen, such as CD3, TCR, CD4, CD8, or CD28 on T cells. The polymer or microbead is preferably made of cross-linked dextran, ficoll, latex, or agarose. The microbeads are preferably of 1 to 10 .mu.m in size, so that they can be suspended in in vivo fluids. These conjugates can be used to induce proliferation of T cells and immune stimulation, and to increase the antibody response against an administered antigen.

Abstract: Several forms of immunoregulatory substances are derived from monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) that are specific for a T cell surface antigen, such as CD3, TCR, CD4, or CD8 on T cells. The substances include: a mixture of F(ab').sub.2 fragments (or other divalent binding molecules which lack Fc) which each bind noncompetitively to different monovalent antigenic epitopes on the same antigen; a conjugate including a polymer molecule, such as dextran, ficoll, or agarose, that is coupled with the binding molecules, e.g., Fv, Fab, or F(ab').sub.2, which bind to monovalent antigenic epitopes on the same antigen on T cells; a conjugate including a liposome or microbead that is coupled with the same binding molecules specific for a T cell surface antigen.