Abstract: This invention provides a labeling format for use in assays that require the immobilization of biomolecules on a flat substrate surface. The ceramic labeling indicia of the present invention provide a format that can supply the user with required identification about the substrate and its content without adversely affecting a chemically active surface required for probe immobilization.

Abstract: A method of making a multiwell plate involving joining a top plate that has been extruded and has a plurality of open ended channels, with a bottom plate that is substantially flat. The top plate forms the sidewalls of the wells of the plate and the bottom plate forms the bottoms of the wells. The resulting plate, which conforms to the industry standard footprint, has a potentially high density of wells, the volume of which may be controlled by the height of the plate.

Abstract: A substrate for use in supporting high density biological or chemical arrays that is made from borosilicate or boroaluminosilicate glass. It has been demonstrated that a functionalized coating used to immobilize oligonucleotides for example, retains its functionality when exposed to environmental stresses when it is applied to a slide composed of a glass material having a low sodium oxide content.

Abstract: A method of immobilizing aminated DNA to a substrate surface is provided for use in DNA hybridization assays. The surface can be widely employed in a variety of molded laboratory products including multiwell plates, cell culture dishes, and biological containers. The method comprises the steps of providing a polystyrene substrate having a surface content of between 0.3 and 4.0% atomic percent oxygen, and attaching amine modified oligonucleotide to the surface of the substrate. A resultant product comprising a polystyrene substrate having a surface oxygen content of between 0.3 and 4.0% atomic percent, and a plurality of amine modified oligonucleotides directly attached to the surface of the substrate, is also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for depositing a high density biological or chemical array onto a solid support. Specifically, the apparatus is made up of a plurality of open ended channels collectively forming a matrix. The matrix has been redrawn and cut such that the pitch of the channels on the loading end is larger than the pitch of the channels on the liquid delivery end. The upper portion of each channel serves as a reservoir, while the opposing end, which has been formed by the redrawing process, is diametrically sized such that liquid in the reservoir is retained by capillary pressure at the delivery end. At any point along the height of the capillary reservoir device, all cross-sectional dimensions and areas are uniformly reduced. In other words, the on-center orientation of any two channels, also referred to as the pitch between 2 channels, measured as a function of the diameter of any cross section, is constant throughout the structure.

Abstract: A reusable pipette-tip holder that doubles the density of the number of pipette tips able to be stored within a single container, while conserving the total amount of material, packaging and storage space. The invention creates a rigid box by the joining, bottom to bottom, of two pipette-racks each having a standard matrix of pipette-receiving holes. The new design permits pipettes to be inserted from both the top and bottom of the box, because the centerline spacing of the rows of pipette-receiving holes on the top and bottom surfaces is offset with respect to each other. Rows of pipette tips from one side of the container nest between the free space in adjacent rows of tips inserted from the other side of the container.

Abstract: Hydrophobic polymer surfaces whose level of protein binding is less than about 50-80 ng/cm2 are achieved by: (1) applying to a hydrophobic polymer surface a coating solution composed of a solvent and a non-ionic surfactant having a HLB number of less than 5 and at least one hydrophilic element which can extend into an aqueous solution; and (2) drying the surface to remove the solvent and thereby bring the surfactant into direct contact with the hydrophobic polymer. The combination of a low HLB number and the drying step have been found to produce low binding surfaces which can withstand multiple washes with water and/or protein-containing solutions. Alternatively, the low binding surfaces can be produced by applying the non-ionic surfactant to mold surfaces which contact molten polymer and form the polymer into a desired shape, e.g., into a multi-well plate, a pipette tip, or the like.

Abstract: The invention relates to the transfer and distribution, notably in a biological or chemical analysis, of a small amount of liquid. The invention relates notably to a method which consists of providing a transfer tool (18) having at least one rod (10) whose lower surface (12) of pre-determined cross section is wettable and of which at least one side surface (14) is non-wettable; immersing the rod (10) into a reservoir containing a liquid, for a pre-determined period of time and at a pre-determined depth; removing the rod (10) from the reservoir so that a liquid drop is retained on the lower surface (12) of the rod (10); positioning the rod (10) over a receptor medium; and placing the drop in contact with a surface of a receptor medium. The invention also relates to the transfer tool (18) which has in its structure at least one rod (10) and to a method for making the transfer tool (18).

Abstract: A method of making a glass multiwell plate for use in biological or chemical laboratory applications whereby the plate is formed by a single ribbon of molten glass passing twice over a mold such that the first section of glass takes the form of the mold and thereby forms the wells of the plate while the second section of glass covers the wells and forms a top surface of the plate. Holes are cut through the top surface, above each well to enable access.

Abstract: The present application relates generally to a system for the practice of high density cell culture. The system employs the use of two tanks; a cell growth tank having multiple cell growth chambers, is preferably situated within a reservoir tank. A series of pumps and outlets provide an even and continuous circulation of media and air to the system and between tanks. The system is designed to operate with minimal supervision and constantly over long periods of time.

Abstract: Microplates and methods for manufacturing microplates. The microplate is designed to allow UV radiation to pass through the bottom wells of the microplate so that the microplate can be used for assaying samples by use of UV absorbance. In one embodiment, the microplate comprises at least first and second wells, each well having a UV permeable bottom. In another embodiment, the microplate comprises a frame having an upper portion and a lower portion contiguous with the upper portion and a sheet disposed between the upper portion and the lower portion and defining the bottom of at least one well of the microplate.

Abstract: Hydrophobic polymer surfaces whose level of protein binding is less than about 50-80 ng/cm.sup.2 are achieved by: (1) applying to a hydrophobic polymer surface a coating solution composed of a solvent and a non-ionic surfactant having a HLB number of less than 5 and at least one hydrophilic element which can extend into an aqueous solution; and (2) drying the surface to remove the solvent and thereby bring the surfactant into direct contact with the hydrophobic polymer. The combination of a low HLB number and the drying step have been found to produce low binding surfaces which can withstand multiple washes with water and/or protein-containing solutions. Alternatively, the low binding surfaces can be produced by applying the non-ionic surfactant to mold surfaces which contact molten polymer and form the polymer into a desired shape, e.g., into a multi-well plate, a pipette tip, or the like.

Abstract: A device and method for expanding the distance between individual multiwell plates of a stack of multiwell plates so that all the plates can be loaded at once into a magazine commonly used in automated analysis systems. Significant to the device are a series of inter-connected rails, each rail capable of supporting one plate. As the distance between the rails is increased, the stack of plates is expanded and will align with slots from a magazine loader. By using the device, a stack can be expanded in preparation for loading, or conversely, plates coming from a magazine can be restacked for storage.

Abstract: The invention relates to the transfer and distribution, notably in a biological or chemical analysis, of a small amount of liquid. The invention relates notably to a method which consists of providing a transfer tool (18) having at least one rod (10) whose lower surface (12) of pre-determined cross section is wettable and of which at least one side surface (14) is non-wettable; immersing the rod (10) into a reservoir containing a liquid, for a pre-determined period of time and at a pre-determined depth; removing the rod (10) from the reservoir so that a liquid drop is retained on the lower surface (12) of the rod (10); positioning the rod (10) over a receptor medium; and placing the drop in contact with a surface of a receptor medium. The invention also relates to the transfer tool (18) which has in its structure at least one rod (10) and to a method for making the transfer tool (18).

Abstract: A support plate and method of making a support plate for biological or chemical testing or cell culture. The plate has a high density network of microwells formed therein. The wells are formed by a contact pressing technique whereby a network of protuberances are pressed into the surface of a thermoformable material.

Abstract: The invention relates in particular to a process for modifying the properties of a hydroxylated surface of a three-dimensional substrate containing exposed zones and recessed zones, according to which a compound, such as a silane containing (a) reactive group(s), is selectively dry-transferred onto the exposed zones of said surface using a a flat stamping pad impregnated with said compound. The substrate may be made of glass and the compound may be a thiol or an alkyl- or aryl-tri(chloro or alkoxy) silane, inter alia. Use, in particular, for the production of microwell plates for biological cultures and printing plates.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improved multiwell cluster plate. The wells of the plate each have an upper chamber and a lower chamber separated by a microporous membrane. Adjacent to each well is a corresponding access port.

Abstract: Methods for producing thin colloidal silica films on substrates, such as corona treated polystyrene, are provided. The dried films are characterized as 50 nm thick, high silanol, homogenous, high surface area, porous, uncracked, adherent, wetting, negatively charged, and gamma radiation stable. Several differential advantages of the colloidal silica films were demonstrated in epithelial cell culture, especially regarding primary cultures in serum free media. Cell responses to the films were increased explant adhesion, increased cell growth rate, and increased expression of differentiated function before and after subculture as compared to tissue culture polystyrene.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a biological specimen collecting system for holding a biological specimen in a long term sustained sealed environment. The biological specimen collecting system includes a container for holding the biological specimen and a sealing closure cap. The container is of circular section and has generally vertical sidewalls, the sidewalls at the top terminating in an inwardly sloping sealing surface. The container has a first thread on an exterior surface thereof, the first thread being located below the sealing surface. The sealing closure cap has a peripheral groove to receive the container rim, the peripheral groove being defined by inner and outer walls and a top. The outer wall of the groove is provided with a second thread complementary to the first thread on the container for engagement therewith.