Abstract: An apparatus for washing an array plate includes one or more dispensers and one or more aspirators that are distinct from the one or more dispensers. A respective dispenser of the one or more dispensers is configured to dispense a first liquid on the array plate, and a respective aspirator of the one or more aspirators is configured to aspirate liquid on the array plate. A method for washing particles is also disclosed.

Abstract: A device includes a first structure with a sheet layer with a plurality of discrete through-holes and a second structure coupled to the first structure. At least a portion of a first surface of the sheet layer of the first structure is exposed from the second structure. A top portion of the sheet layer, including the exposed portion of the first surface of the sheet layer, includes fluorocarbon. The second structure includes a material of a higher surface tension than the top of the sheet layer. A second surface of the sheet layer, opposite to the first surface of the sheet layer, is embedded in the second structure. The second structure extends at least partially into the plurality of discrete through-holes of the first structure.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for conducting biological assays which employs “virtual wells” in lieu of the physical wells of conventional array plates. Also provided are methods of processing a sample and/or culturing cells using the apparatus and systems described herein. In some embodiments, the apparatus includes a first structure having a sheet layer with a plurality of discrete through holes; and a second structure coupled to the first structure, the second structure including a base layer. At least a portion of a first surface of the sheet layer of the first structure is exposed from the second structure, and a second surface of the sheet layer, opposite to the first surface of the sheet layer, is embedded in the base layer of the second structure adjacent the first surface of the base layer.

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: A method for retrieving magnetic components from a sample solution includes obtaining an array plate with a sample surface that includes a plurality of sample regions and a surrounding region. A first solution is located on a sample region of the plurality of sample regions. The first solution includes a plurality of magnetic components. A separation layer that includes one or more protrusions is placed so that at least a respective protrusion of the one or more protrusions is at least partially immersed in the first solution. A first magnetic device is placed within the respective protrusion. At least a portion of the plurality of magnetic components is retrieved from the first solution by concurrently moving the separation layer and the magnetic device so that the respective protrusion ceases to be at least partially immersed in the first solution on the sample region.

Abstract: A device includes a first structure with a sheet layer with a plurality of discrete through-holes and a second structure coupled to the first structure. At least a portion of a first surface of the sheet layer of the first structure is exposed from the second structure. A top portion of the sheet layer, including the exposed portion of the first surface of the sheet layer, includes fluorocarbon. The second structure includes a material of a higher surface tension than the top of the sheet layer. A second surface of the sheet layer, opposite to the first surface of the sheet layer, is embedded in the second structure. The second structure extends at least partially into the plurality of discrete through-holes of the first structure.

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: A device for washing an array plate having an array of liquid droplets adhered thereto is described. The array of liquid droplets is covered with a hydrophobic medium immiscible with the array of liquid droplets. The device includes a mechanism for draining the hydrophobic medium from the array plate; a mechanism for providing an aqueous wash liquid over the array plate; a mechanism for shaking the array plate in a presence of the aqueous wash liquid; and a mechanism for removing the aqueous wash liquid from the array plate. A method for washing an array plate is also described.

Abstract: Methods and systems for processing a first solution on a respective primary area of a device with a plurality of primary areas and a plurality of secondary areas are described. A method includes providing the device and dispensing a second solution to a respective secondary area of one or more secondary areas adjacent to the respective primary area, thereby mixing the first solution on the respective secondary area and the second solution on the respective primary area. The method also includes removing at least a portion of the mixed solution.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for conducting biological assays which employs “virtual wells” in lieu of the physical wells of conventional array plates. Also provided are methods of processing a sample and/or culturing cells using the apparatus and systems described herein. In some embodiments, the apparatus includes a first structure having a sheet layer with a plurality of discrete through holes; and a second structure coupled to the first structure, the second structure including a base layer. At least a portion of a first surface of the sheet layer of the first structure is exposed from the second structure, and a second surface of the sheet layer, opposite to the first surface of the sheet layer, is embedded in the base layer of the second structure adjacent the first surface of the base layer.

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: 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.