Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for reducing the uncontrolled electrostatic charges that can alter the volume and/or trajectory of a droplet, which is typically ejected through the application of focused acoustic radiation. Also provided are reservoirs and substrates, e.g., well plates formed from a material that is at least partially nonmetallic or polymeric and either has an electrical resistivity of no more than about 1011 ohm-cm, has a surface electrical resistivity of no more than about 1012 ohm/sq, or both.

Abstract: The invention provides devices and methods for acoustically assessing the contents in a plurality of reservoirs. Each reservoir has a portion adapted to contain a fluid, and an acoustic radiation generator is positioned in acoustic coupling relationship to each of the reservoirs. Acoustic radiation generated by the acoustic radiation generator is transmitted through at least the portion of each reservoir to an analyzer. The analyzer is capable of analyzing a characteristic of the transmitted acoustic radiation and optionally correlating the characteristic to a property of the reservoirs' contents. The invention is particularly suited for assessing the contents of a plurality of reservoirs to allow for accuracy and control over the dispensing of fluids therefrom.

Abstract: The invention provides a device comprising a substrate having a plurality of different molecular probes attached to a surface thereof and an integrated indicator that exhibits a response when exposed to a condition to which the substrate may be exposed. Each different molecular probe is selected to interact with a different corresponding target, and the indicator response is detectable after removing the indicator from the condition. Alternatively, a substrate is provided having a plurality of molecular probes attached to a surface thereof and a plurality of different integrated indicators. Each indicator is selected to exhibit a response when exposed to one of a plurality of conditions to which the substrate may be exposed. The inventive devices are typically used for biomolecular, or more specifically, nucleotidic assays. The invention also provides for various apparatuses and methods for assaying a sample using the inventive devices.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for reducing the uncontrolled electrostatic charges that can alter the volume and/or trajectory of a droplet, which is typically ejected through the application of focused acoustic radiation. Also provided are reservoirs and substrates, e.g., well plates formed from a material that is at least partially nonmetallic or polymeric and either has an electrical resistivity of no more than about 1011 ohm-cm, has a surface electrical resistivity of no more than about 1012 ohm/sq, or both.

Abstract: An acoustic device is provided comprising a reservoir adapted to contain a fluid and having an exterior surface, an acoustic radiation generator for generating acoustic radiation, and a means for delivering an acoustic coupling fluid to the exterior surface of the reservoir. The acoustic radiation generator is placed in acoustic coupling relationship via the acoustic coupling fluid to the reservoir. Acoustic radiation generated by the acoustic radiation generator is transmitted through the exterior surface and into any fluid contained in the reservoir. Uncontrolled flow of the acoustic coupling fluid at the exterior surface as a result of movement of the acoustic radiation generator is eliminated. Also provided are methods that eliminate such uncontrolled flow.