Abstract: The invention relates to a reaction vessel, a device and a method for detecting specific interactions between molecular target and probe molecules. The present invention especially relates to a reaction vessel which has a shape and size typical of a laboratory reaction vessel and in which a supporting element with probe molecules immobilised thereon on predetermined regions is arranged on its base surfaces.

Abstract: The invention relates to a reaction vessel, a device and a method for detecting specific interactions between molecular target and probe molecules. The present invention especially relates to a reaction vessel which has a shape and size typical of a laboratory reaction vessel and in which a supporting element with probe molecules immobilized thereon on predetermined regions is arranged on its base surfaces.

Abstract: The aim of the invention is to provide a device for duplicating and characterizing nucleic acids almost simultaneously and with a high sample throughput rate. The device consists of a chamber body with a recess whose edge sealingly holds an optically transparent chip. Said chip holds nucleic acids in individual spots on a detection surface. The chamber body is placed on an optically transparent chamber support with a bearing surface, in such a way that a capillary gap, which can be filled with a liquid sample, is formed between the detection surface of the chip facing towards the chamber support and said chamber support. The chamber body is provided with an inlet and an outlet, which are spatially separate from each other, and has a space, which laterally encompasses the chip and which has a gas reservoir. The chamber support is provided with heating elements.

Abstract: The present invention relates to devices for the simultaneous performance of microarray experiments for detecting specific interactions between probe and target molecules in a microtiter plate as well as to methods for manufacturing such devices. Furthermore, the present invention relates to the use of such devices in a method for qualitatively and/or quantitatively detecting specific interactions between probe and target molecules.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for the site-specific synthesis of biopolymers such as nucleic acids or peptides and their respective derivatives on solid supports, wherein the local discrimination of the synthesis is performed by using masks that guide aqueous activating reagents for cleaving off protecting groups to predetermined regions on the support.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for referencing fluorescence signals and/or calibration of fluorescence detection systems, whereby the device comprises an essentially non-fluorescing support, on which are applied polymer layers in several defined regions and with partly varying thicknesses and/or compositions. Said polymer layers are applied to the support such as to fluoresce after corresponding irradiation and the device may thus be used as a fluorescence standard. The invention further relates to a method for the production of said fluorescence standards.

Abstract: The invention relates to a microcolumn reactor for carrying out reactions on solid phases and/or with biological cells. The aim of the invention is to provide a microcolumn reactor for processes of synthesis and separation on small sample volumina that replaces an alternating sequence of binding and elution processes on a phase that is stationary bound during a test series and makes it possible to exchange the stationary phase, for example once it has been loaded. To this end, the microcolumn reactor consists of at least one first and one second substrate wafer (1; 2) that are linked with one another across their surfaces. At least one of the substrate wafers (1; 2) is provided with an elongate channel (3) which comprises in a defined section (a) of its length two passage openings (41, 42) that are implemented in the opposite substrate wafer. Said openings (41, 42) are separated from the channel (3) by a partially permeable sieve-type membrane (5).

Abstract: The invention relates to a holding device for substance libraries which can be used, more particularly, for the detection of target molecules with the aid of substance libraries. Said device comprises: (i) a holder for a substance library carrier; (ii) a substance library carrier, which can be fixed to the holder; and (iii) a detection area applied to the substance library carrier, whereon a substance library is immobilized; and wherein at least one substance library carrier can be introduced into a laboratory reaction vessel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for the amplification and for the detection of nucleic acids comprising a temperature controlling and/or regulating unit; a reaction chamber containing a support with a detection area, on which a compound library is immobilized, wherein the temperature in the reaction chamber can be controlled and/or regulated by means of the temperature controlling and regulating unit; and an optical system, by means of which the time-dependent behavior of precipitate formations on the detection area is detectable. Methods of using the device are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention concerns methods, in the context of slide-based evaluation, for efficiency amplifying and detecting nucleic acids during a continuous process. The invention mainly concerns methods which consist in performing a polymerase chain reaction occurs, whereto a competitor element is added at the beginning of the reaction.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for detecting interactions between probe molecules and target molecules, whereby marking target molecules is not required. The invention further concerns probe arrays and kits suited to such a method, as well as a method for production, quality control and standardization of probe arrays.

Abstract: The invention relates to a reaction vessel, a device and a method for detecting specific interactions between molecular target and probe molecules. The present invention especially relates to a reaction vessel which has a shape and size typical of a laboratory reaction vessel and in which a supporting element with probe molecules immobilised thereon on predetermined regions is arranged on its base surfaces.

Abstract: Disclosed are devices for holding a substance library carrier, and which are useful in conducting reactions in which binding between complementary molecules is measured qualitatively or quantitatively. Also disclosed are methods for conducting such reactions in the device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel thin layers for microsystem techniques and microstructuring. It is an object of the invention to provide thin layers which can be manufactured under less problems and more economically than the previous conventional layers, and which permit the use of existing technologies for microstructuring. The object is realized in that the thin layer is formed of an enzymatically degradable biopolymer in a range of layer thicknesses of from 30 nm to 3 &mgr;m. Biopolymeric thin layers manufactured according to the invention permit their application, after a respective structurizing, as test assays or in setting up substance libraries.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for qualitative and/or quantitative detection of nucleic acid molecules amplified in an amplification reaction such as PCR. The change of the mass of oligonucleotides in an amplification solution, comprising the mass of target DNA and optionally, the mass of oligonucleotide primers, is determined during the amplification reaction. Also disclosed is a device for conducting the method.

Abstract: A bath for generating microstructures which is required in numerous fields of application of the microsystem technique and in microstructuring offers a less expensive alternative to known conventional approaches and disposal of the used bath may be carried out in a manner more environmentally friendly manner than in the previous methods for manufacture of microstructures. The bath includes at least one biogenic agent (in particular, an enzyme) which acts upon a preselectable thin layer.

Abstract: A bath for generating microstructures which is required in numerous fields of application of the microsystem technique and in microstructuring offers a less expensive alternative to known conventional approaches and disposal of the used bath may be carried out in a manner more environmentally friendly manner than in the previous methods for manufacture of microstructures. The bath includes at least one biogenic agent (in particular, an enzyme) which acts upon a preselectable thin layer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing structured, self-organized molecular monolayers of individual molecular species. The invention is preferably used to create solid-phase bonded substance libraries. To this end, a) a substrate (2) suitable for the first monolayer is provided; b) a microstructured polymer mask (1) having openings is applied to the subtrate (2) at least once in a defined direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a miniaturized fluid flow switch which enables a directed deflection or deviation of a fluidic test current injected into a fluidic carrier current. The aim of the invention it to provide a fluid flow switch which does not require any moveable parts and with which no restricting preconditions exist with regard to the fluid media to be used. To this end, the inventive switch is comprised of at least two carrier current channels (11, 12) and of a test current channel (2) which, together, open into a distribution chamber (3) to which at least two discharge channels (41, 42) connect. The carrier current channels (11, 12) are connected to a common inlet (10), and at least the carrier current channels (11, 12) are respectively placed, in particle sections, in close thermal contact with controllable heating devices (5).