Abstract: Systems, including methods, apparatus, compositions, and kits, for multiplexed assay of cell migration with subdivided cell holders and/or microplates.

Abstract: A valve assembly includes a housing defining an aperture, a passageway, and a branch passage. The branch passage extends from the aperture and intersects and communicates with the passageway. The branch passage is disposed at an angle greater than 90 degrees with respect to the passageway. A piston is disposed at least partially within the branch passage and is movable from a first position to a second position. The piston allows communication between the passageway and the aperture when the piston is in the first position, and the piston blocks communication between the passageway and the aperture when the piston is in the second position. An angled seal may be positioned around the piston.

Abstract: Elongated molecules are stretched across a substrate by controlled fluid flow.

Abstract: Instruments for forming an immobilized sample on a porous membrane are described, a representative one of which includes: (a) a first plate containing a first connector and a first region provided with a plurality of through-holes; and (b) a second plate containing a second connector configured for engaging the first connector and a second region provided with a plurality of through-holes. A porous membrane is interposed between the first region and the second region by engagement of the first connector and the second connector. Methods for quantifying a target substance in an immobilized sample are also described.

Abstract: A Raman-active particle as well as a method of making a Raman-active particle are described. The Raman-active particle includes a core particle and a coating. The coating substantially covers the core particle. A Raman-active analyte is at least partially within the coating. The method of making a Raman-active particle includes i) providing a colloidal solution comprising a core particle; ii) providing a coating or coating precursor to the colloidal solution to form a resulting solution; and iii) providing a Raman-active analyte to the resulting solution. A method of conducting an assay is also described. The method includes: i) attaching a Raman-active particle to a targeted moiety; ii) measuring the Raman spectrum of the Raman-active particle; and iii) correlating the Raman spectrum to the presence of the targeted moiety.

Abstract: Time dependent iterative reactions are carried out in microscale fluidic channels by configuring the channels such that reagents from different sources are delivered to a central reaction zone at different times during the analysis, allowing for the performance of a variety of time dependent, and/or iterative reactions in simplified microfluidic channels. Exemplary analyses include the determination of dose responses for biological and biochemical systems.

Abstract: This invention is related to the immobilization of peptide nucleic acids (PNAs) onto solid surfaces for use in hybridization, purification, biosensing, and other biochemical applications. Specifically, their use to increase the thermal stability, specificity, and lifetime of devices based on in situ hybridization is disclosed. A method is disclosed by which peptide nucleic acids replace oligonucleotides as probes in the detection of specific DNA and RNA sequences.

Abstract: A system and method for conducting high-throughput interactions between test compositions and analytes, comprising one or more test compositions, and a plurality of independent micromatrices, wherein each said micromatrix encapsulates at least one said test composition; and said micromatrices are made of a material that is permeable to an analyte.

Abstract: Ergonomic handle for a syringe intended for puncturing blood vessel walls and establishing blood path connections. The typical syringe comprises a tube body and a needle body. The handle prevents unintended displacements between the tube body and the needle body and permits placement of the thumb and forefinger at the side and the tip of the puncture needle for more precision in use.