Abstract: The system and method for the creation of lyophilized beads using an automated or semi-automated system. The system can include a dispense head used in conjunction with a fluid system for dispensing a fluid containing a biological container. The dispense head can dispense droplets of fluid into a container containing a liquid coolant such as liquid nitrogen. The coolant can freeze the droplets solid, and you can dispense more beads into the system.

Abstract: Methods and techniques for controlled printing of a cell sample for karyotyping are provided. The methods can involve matrix printing using on-the-fly printing or dispensing to accurately spread cells within at least one cell sample on a surface in preparation for karyotyping, and further analysis. Advantageously, the methods result in a uniform distribution of chromosomes of the cell suspension or sample on the surface of a substrate which can be substantially discretely identified, and also provide for efficiency in a subsequent staining process and any further analysis of the stained chromosomes using a microscope or other imaging device.

Abstract: Methods and techniques for controlled printing of a cell sample for karyotyping are provided. The methods can involve matrix printing using on-the-fly printing or dispensing to accurately spread cells within at least one cell sample on a surface in preparation for karyotyping, and further analysis. Advantageously, the methods result in a uniform distribution of chromosomes of the cell suspension or sample on the surface of a substrate which can be substantially discretely identified, and also provide for efficiency in a subsequent staining process and any further analysis of the stained chromosomes using a microscope or other imaging device.

Abstract: Methods and techniques for controlled printing of a cell sample for karyotyping are provided. The methods can involve matrix printing using on-the-fly printing or dispensing to accurately spread cells within at least one cell sample on a surface in preparation for karyotyping, and further analysis. Advantageously, the methods result in a uniform distribution of chromosomes of the cell suspension or sample on the surface of a substrate which can be substantially discretely identified, and also provide for efficiency in a subsequent staining process and any further analysis of the stained chromosomes using a microscope or other imaging device.

Abstract: Handheld solid powder sampling and dispensing devices and methods thereof are disclosed. The handheld device has an ergonomically contoured outer surface to be held by a user. Actuation of an outer member of the device causes a predetermined quantity of a powder to be loaded within the device. Actuation of a plunger mechanism causes the predetermined quantity of powder to be dispensed. The outer member and the plunger mechanism are independently operable. Advantageously, the target delivery quantity of powder can be varied by a device adjustment mechanism.

Abstract: The assay plate includes a substrate having an substrate surface and at least one raised pad extending from the substrate surface. The raised pad includes a substantially planar sample receiving surface configured for holding a sample thereon for in situ experimentation. The sample receiving surface preferably has at least one sharp edge at the junction between a sidewall coupling the sample receiving surface to the substrate surface. The sample receiving surface is preferably a circle, oval, square, rectangle, triangle, pentagon, hexagon, or octagon shape that is sized to hold a predetermined volume of the sample. A method of using the above described assay plate is also provided. Once a raised pad extending from a substrate is formed, a sample is deposited on the raised pad. Experiments are subsequently performed using the sample on the raised pad.

Abstract: The present invention relates to computer-controlled high-throughput systems, computer-program products, and methods of use to prepare a large number of component combinations, at varying concentrations and identities, at the same time, and high-throughput methods to test tissue barrier transfer, such as transdermal transfer, of components in each combination. The methods of the present invention allow determination of the effects of inactive components, such as solvents, excipients, enhancers, adhesives and additives, on tissue barrier transfer of active components, such as pharmaceuticals. The invention thus encompasses the use of computer-controlled high-throughput systems, computer-program products, and methods of high-throughput testing of pharmaceutical compositions or formulations in order to determine the overall optimal composition or formulation for improved tissue transport, such as transdermal transport.

Abstract: Novel and/or improved systems and methods for non-contact positive dispense solid powder handling and/or manipulation are provided. Some embodiments advantageously provide the ability to pick up powders at either constant displacement (e.g., known powder depth) or constant pressure (e.g., powder height independent), thereby desirably providing enhanced versatility and options. In some embodiments, motorized aspiration (e.g., allows for variable fill height) is utilized in combination with pneumatic dispense (e.g., can permit better powder ejection). Again, this desirably permits flexible and optimized operation.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described that allow the high-throughput preparation, processing, and study of arrays of samples, each of which comprises at least one compound. Particular embodiments of the invention allow a large number of experiments to be performed in parallel on samples that comprised of one or more compounds on the milligram or microgram quantities of compounds. Other embodiments of the invention encompass methods and devices for the rapid screening of the results of such experiments, as well as methods and devices for rapidly determining whether or not similarities exist among groups of samples in an array. Particular embodiments of the invention encompass methods and devices for the high-throughput preparation of different forms of compounds (e.g., different crystalline forms), for the discovery of new forms of old compounds, and for the discovery of new methods of producing such forms.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described that allow the high-throughput preparation, processing, and study of arrays of samples, each of which comprises at least one compound. Particular embodiments of the invention allow a large number of experiments to be performed in parallel on samples that comprised of one or more compounds on the milligram or microgram quantities of compounds. Other embodiments of the invention encompass methods and devices for the rapid screening of the results of such experiments, as well as methods and devices for rapidly determining whether or not similarities exist among groups of samples in an array. Particular embodiments of the invention encompass methods and devices for the high-throughput preparation of different forms of compounds (e.g., different crystalline forms), for the discovery of new forms of old compounds, and for the discovery of new methods of producing such forms.

Abstract: The assay plate includes a substrate having an substrate surface and at least one raised pad extending from the substrate surface. The raised pad includes a substantially planar sample receiving surface configured for holding a sample thereon for in-situ experimentation. The sample receiving surface preferably has at least one sharp edge at the junction between a sidewall coupling the sample receiving surface to the substrate surface. The sample receiving surface is preferably a circle, oval, square, rectangle, triangle, pentagon, hexagon, or octagon shape that is sized to hold a predetermined volume of the sample. A method of using the above described assay plate is also provided. Once a raised pad extending from a substrate is formed, a sample is deposited on the raised pad. Experiments are subsequently performed using the sample on the raised pad.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described that allow the high-throughput preparation, processing, and study of arrays of samples, each of which comprises at least one compound. Particular embodiments of the invention allow a large number of experiments to be performed in parallel on samples that comprised of one or more compounds on the milligram or microgram quantities of compounds. Other embodiments of the invention encompass methods and devices for the rapid screening of the results of such experiments, as well as methods and devices for rapidly determining whether or not similarities exist among groups of samples in an array. Particular embodiments of the invention encompass methods and devices for the high-throughput preparation of different forms of compounds (e.g., different crystalline forms), for the discovery of new forms of old compounds, and for the discovery of new methods of producing such forms.

Abstract: The transdermal assay apparatus includes first, second, and third members. The first member has one or more sample surfaces, each of which is configured to receive a sample thereon. The second member defines one or more reservoirs, each of which has an opening on a surface of the second member. Each sample surface is substantially the same size as each opening. The transdermal assay apparatus also includes a magnetic clamp configured to clamp a tissue specimen between the sample surface and the opening. The magnetic clamp preferably includes a magnet having a strength that is selected based on the clamping force required between the first member and the second member. The invention also provides a method for using a transdermal assay apparatus.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and apparatuses for manipulating small amounts of solids. Specific embodiments of the invention are particularly suited for the automated transfer of small amounts of solids. In one embodiment, a uniform powder bed is lightly compressed into plugs of powder and dispensed. In another embodiment, the solid is placed in a liquid carrier to form a slurry, dispensed, and the liquid component is subsequently removed. In yet another embodiment, solids are manipulated using adhesive surfaces.

Abstract: The assay plate includes a substrate having an substrate surface and at least one raised pad extending from the substrate surface. The raised pad includes a substantially planar sample receiving surface configured for holding a sample thereon for in situ experimentation. The sample receiving surface preferably has at least one sharp edge at the junction between a sidewall coupling the sample receiving surface to the substrate surface. The sample receiving surface is preferably a circle, oval, square, rectangle, triangle, pentagon, hexagon, or octagon shape that is sized to hold a predetermined volume of the sample. A method of using the above described assay plate is also provided. Once a raised pad extending from a substrate is formed, a sample is deposited on the raised pad. Experiments are subsequently performed using the sample on the raised pad.

Abstract: The present invention relates to high-throughput systems and methods to prepare a large number of component combinations, at varying concentrations and identities, at the same time, and high-throughput methods to test tissue barrier transfer, such as transdermal transfer, of components in each combination. The methods of the present invention allow determination of the effects of inactive components, such as solvents, excipients, enhancers, adhesives and additives, on tissue barrier transfer of active components, such as pharmaceuticals. The invention thus encompasses the high-throughput testing of pharmaceutical compositions or formulations in order to determine the overall optimal composition or formulation for improved tissue transport, such as transdermal transport.

Abstract: The assay plate includes a substrate having an substrate surface and at least one raised pad extending from the substrate surface. The raised pad includes a substantially planar sample receiving surface configured for holding a sample thereon for in-situ experimentation. The sample receiving surface preferably has at least one sharp edge at the junction between a sidewall coupling the sample receiving surface to the substrate surface. The sample receiving surface is preferably a circle, oval, square, rectangle, triangle, pentagon, hexagon, or octagon shape that is sized to hold a predetermined volume of the sample. A method of using the above described assay plate is also provided. Once a raised pad extending from a substrate is formed, a sample is deposited on the raised pad. Experiments are subsequently performed using the sample on the raised pad.

Abstract: The present invention relates to high-throughput systems and methods to prepare a large number of component combinations, at varying concentrations and identities, at the same time, and high-throughput methods to test tissue barrier transfer, such as transdermal transfer, of components in each combination. The methods of the present invention allow determination of the effects of inactive components, such as solvents, excipients, enhancers, adhesives and additives, on tissue barrier transfer of active components, such as pharmaceuticals. The invention thus encompasses the high-throughput testing of pharmaceutical compositions or formulations in order to determine the overall optimal composition or formulation for improved tissue transport, such as transdermal transport.

Abstract: The invention concerns arrays of solid-forms of substances, such as compounds and rapid-screening methods therefor to identify solid-forms, particularly of pharmaceuticals, with enhanced properties. Such properties include improved bioavailability, solubility, stability, delivery, and processing and manufacturing characteristics. The invention relates to a practical and cost-effective method to rapidly screen hundreds to thousands of samples in parallel. The invention further provides methods for determining the conditions and/or ranges of conditions required to produce crystals with desired compositions, particle sizes, habits, or polymorphic forms. In a further aspect, the invention provides high-throughput methods to identify sets of conditions and/or combinations of components compatible with particular solid-forms, for example, conditions and/or components that are compatible with advantageous polymorphs of a particular pharmaceutical.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described that allow the high-throughput preparation, processing, and study of arrays of samples, each of which comprises at least one compound. Particular embodiments of the invention allow a large number of experiments to be performed in parallel on samples that comprised of one or more compounds on the milligram or microgram quantities of compounds. Other embodiments of the invention encompass methods and devices for the rapid screening of the results of such experiments, as well as methods and devices for rapidly determining whether or not similarities exist among groups of samples in an array. Particular embodiments of the invention encompass methods and devices for the high-throughput preparation of different forms of compounds (e.g., different crystalline forms), for the discovery of new forms of old compounds, and for the discovery of new methods of producing such forms.