Abstract: A method of forming a master mold (52), comprising: a) forming a plurality of microstructure portions (42) in a substrate formed of a first material by a first micromachining process, each microstructure portion comprising a shaft (40) and a distal tip (38); b) preparing a negative mold (46) of the plurality of microstructure portions, wherein the mold is formed of a second material and comprises a plurality of cavities (48) corresponding to each microstructure portion in the plurality of microstructure portions (42); c) electroplating a metal (50) onto the negative mold to fill each cavity in the plurality of cavities and to form a base layer (54) extending from the negative mold; d) forming a proximal section (56) for each of the microstructures in the base layer using a second micromachining process (e.g. mechanical micromachining); and e) before or after said step d), removing the negative mold from the metal to form a master mold.

Abstract: Analyte collection and testing systems and methods, and more particularly to testing systems and methods that achieve significant improvements in the detection of fluorescence signals in the reader by modulating the applied optical excitation. Also described herein are optical detection apparatuses and methods for removable photonic chips that do not require translation for calibration when coupling the photonics chip with the sensing system. Also described herein are methods and apparatuses for accurately calibrating a dilution factor when reading from a photonics chip.

Abstract: Analyte collection and testing systems and methods, and more particularly to disposable oral fluid collection and testing systems and methods. Described herein are methods and apparatuses to achieve significant improvements in the detection of fluorescence signals in the reader.

Abstract: Analyte collection and testing systems and methods, and more particularly to disposable oral fluid collection and testing systems and methods. Described herein are methods and apparatuses to achieve significant improvements in the detection of fluorescence signals in the reader.

Abstract: Applicators for a microprojection array and methods of using the applicators are described.

Abstract: Devices and methods for using and manufacturing microstructure arrays having at least a detachable distal area are described.

Abstract: Devices and methods for manufacturing and using microstructure arrays are described. In the methods, formulation is introduced into cavities of a microprojection array mold by means that include a vacuum to achieve a more efficient and uniform filling of the cavities and/or reduce bubble formation in the cavities.

Abstract: A disposable cartridge can be used for biofluid sample collection, preparation, and mixing with reagents. After sample collection, the cartridge can be inserted into a reader for sample analysis. This system can be used for detecting and measuring analytes, such as drugs, in saliva for example. This is useful for point of test detection of drugs in applications such as workplace drug testing and driving under the influence of drugs testing.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and devices for generating optical pulses in one or more waveguides using a spatially scanning light source. A detection system, methods of use thereof and kits for detecting a biologically active analyte molecule are also provided. The system includes a scanning light source, a substrate comprising a plurality of waveguides and a plurality of optical sensing sites in optical communication with one or more waveguide of the substrate, a detector that is coupled to and in optical communication with the substrate, and means for spatially translating a light beam emitted from said scanning light source such that the light beam is coupled to and in optical communication with the waveguides of the substrate at some point along its scanning path. The use of a scanning light source allows the coupling of light into the waveguides of the substrate in a simple and cost-effective manner.

Abstract: Applicators for a microprojection array and methods of using the applicators are described.

Abstract: Applicators for a microprojection array capable of multiple impacts and methods of using the applicators are described.

Abstract: Optical readers and alignment tools for detecting the level of an analyte. Described herein are small, disposable partially-encapsulated sensing chips for detecting an analyte level from a fluid sample (e.g., a blood sample) having an edge of the integrated sensing chip exposed to directly expose a plurality of excitation and a collection waveguides, as well as optical readers and methods of operating them. A fluid sample maybe applied to a sensing surface of the sensing chip in the housing so that an analyte level can be optically detected. Also described are methods of sensing an analyte using these devices and systems including an optical detector.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and devices for generating optical pulses in one or more waveguides using a spatially scanning light source. A detection system, methods of use thereof and kits for detecting a biologically active analyte molecule are also provided. The system includes a scanning light source, a substrate comprising a plurality of waveguides and a plurality of optical sensing sites in optical communication with one or more waveguide of the substrate, a detector that is coupled to and in optical communication with the substrate, and means for spatially translating a light beam emitted from said scanning light source such that the light beam is coupled to and in optical communication with the waveguides of the substrate at some point along its scanning path. The use of a scanning light source allows the coupling of light into the waveguides of the substrate in a simple and cost-effective manner.

Abstract: Devices and methods for using and manufacturing microstructure arrays are described.

Abstract: Devices and methods for manufacturing and using microstructure arrays are described. In the methods, formulation is introduced into cavities of a microprojection array mold by means that include a vacuum to achieve a more efficient and uniform filling of the cavities and/or reduce bubble formation in the cavities.

Abstract: Applicators for a microprojection array and methods of using the applicators are described.

Abstract: Applicators for a microprojection array capable of multiple impacts and methods of using the applicators are described.

Abstract: Devices and methods for using and manufacturing microstructure arrays are described.

Abstract: Devices and methods for using and manufacturing microstructure arrays having at least a detachable distal area are described.

Abstract: Methods and devices for moving a droplet on an elongated track on a textured surface using vibration. The elongated track on the textured surface includes a plurality of transverse arcuate projections such that a droplet on the surface is in the Fakir state and when the surface is vibrated the droplet is urged along the track as a result of an imbalance in the adhesion of a front portion of the droplet and a back portion of the droplet to the textured surface.