Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for mixing a film of fluid, particularly a film of chemical, biochemical, or biological fluids undergoing a reaction. The apparatus comprises a means for nucleating a bubble using a discrete heat source, such as a resistor, and moving the bubble in the fluid by creating a temperature gradient, thereby mixing the fluid.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for simultaneously conducting multiple chemical reactions combine a test sample with a chemical reactant in a plurality of closed reaction chambers to produce reaction products. The method comprises assembling a plate having the test sample in a plurality of spatially arranged wells with a microarray of similarly spatially arranged surface bound chemical reactants to form the sealed apparatus having the plurality of closed reaction chambers. The apparatus is sealed such that it is gas, liquid and/or fluid tight. The seal may be accomplished with a flexible array substrate or a flexible gasket, and one or more of mechanical clamps, external fluid pressure, radiation, heat, vacuum and an adhesive. The sealed apparatus can be subjected to various reaction conditions, such as intense mechanical agitation and a controlled temperature environment. A kit comprises one or more of the elements of the apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus, systems and methods use an r, &thgr; format for the manufacture and analysis of biological materials. The apparatus is an array of discrete features of biological material in an annular region on a substrate. The apparatus is formed with a system for synthesizing arrays that includes a spinner assembly for rotating the substrate during the synthesis of the biological material thereon. The spinner assembly provides efficient means for printing an annular array pattern, spreading and removing ancillary fluids used in the synthesis process. The apparatus is hybridized with complementary biological material using a system for hybridizing that includes a spinner assembly to spin the apparatus after the complementary biological material is added. The spinning motion spreads the complementary biological material efficiently over the annular array such that a much smaller amount of complementary biological material is needed for the assay.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for delivering a plurality of different biological materials onto discrete locations on a receiving surface, as for example to fabricate an array of different biological materials. The apparatus and methods may include a plurality of orifices in an orifice member, at least six delivery chambers each in fluid conducting relationship with at least one of the orifices, a plurality of reservoirs each in fluid communication with at least one of the delivery chambers, means associated with each orifice for propelling fluid through the associated orifice from the delivery chamber that is in fluid conducting relationship with the orifice, and a vent for commonly venting at least two of the reservoirs. In some embodiments the chambers and reservoirs are loaded with fluids containing selected biomolecules by drawing the selected fluids into the chambers through the orifices; in other embodiments the fluids are introduced into the reservoirs.

Abstract: Array assay devices and methods for using the same in array based assays are provided. The subject devices are characterized by having a bottom surface, a substrate receiving element and a compression element for holding the bottom surface in a fixed position relative to a substrate received by the receiving element. The subject invention also includes methods for performing an array assay. In the subject methods, a subject device is provided and a substrate having at least one array is placed in the receiving element. The bottom surface of the device is compressed by the compression element so as to fix its position relative to the substrate and a sample is contacted to the at least one array. The subject invention also includes kits which include the subject devices.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and computer program product, for fabricating an array of biopolymers on a substrate. The method uses a biopolymer or biomonomer fluid and a drop dispenser having a chamber into which the fluid is loaded and an orifice communicating with the chamber from which the fluid is dispensed. The method includes, when the chamber is loaded, applying a prime pressure to the fluid which varies over a range sufficient to move fluid within the drop dispenser but insufficient to cause fluid to be dispensed from the orifice. Drops are dispensed from the dispenser to the substrate so as to form the array.

Abstract: The present invention provides centrifugal rotors for delivering a premeasured volume of liquid to a chamber in the rotor. In particular the rotors comprise siphons for delivering a premeasured volume of liquid between a first and a second chamber in the rotor. The siphons of the invention are designed such that the inlet of the siphon on the first chamber is radially outward of the siphon outlet on the second chamber. The first chamber is emptied to a level equivalent to the radial position of the siphon outlet.

Abstract: A method of bonding a microarray to a package uses optional surface treatments on the microarray and on the package to enhance the adhesion of the microarray to the package using an adhesive. The adhesive bonds to the microarray and the package with sufficient bond strength and flexibility to withstand the stress caused by different expansion rates during exposure to temperature extremes. A method of attaching the microarray to the package uses a plurality of adhesives to provide the bond strength and flexibility. A packaged microarray apparatus comprises a microarray of biological features, a package, and an adhesive bond between the microarray and the package. The apparatus may have surface treatment and/or the adhesive bond may comprise a plurality of adhesives.

Abstract: An array assembly and a method of fabricating such an assembly. The array assembly may include a plastic base layer, a glass layer forward of the base layer, and an array of polymers having a pattern of features on a front surface of the glass layer. A method of reading an array is also provided in which the array has a plastic base layer, a glass layer forward of the base layer, a reflective layer intermediate the base and glass layers, and an array on a front surface of the glass layer. The method may include illuminating features of the array and detecting any resulting fluorescence.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for using arrays of polymers each having a pattern of features over a corresponding array region on a surface of a flexible elongated web. In this method each array region may be exposed to a corresponding continuous volume of a sample fluid. A method and apparatus are also provided for reading arrays disposed along a surface of a flexible elongated web. In one such method the web with the arrays thereon may be transported in a lengthwise direction past a reading location at which a characteristic of the features is read, while restraining the web on both surfaces on either side of the reading location to assist in maintaining the reading location flat.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and computer program products to form arrays of polymers each having a pattern of features on a surface of a flexible elongated web, comprising. In a method polymers or their precursor units are applied at an application station to the surface. Multiple features are covered at a reagent station with a continuous volume of reagent which chemically reacts with precursors or the web. The flexible elongated web is driven in a lengthwise direction through the application station. This sequence may be repeated as needed to form the arrays along the web. Also provided is a method preparing a surface of a flexible elongated web to receive a biopolymer array.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for simultaneously conducting multiple chemical reactions combine a test sample with a chemical reactant in a plurality of closed reaction chambers to produce reaction products. The method comprises assembling a plate having the test sample in a plurality of spatially arranged wells with a microarray of similarly spatially arranged surface bound chemical reactants to form the sealed apparatus having the plurality of closed reaction chambers. The apparatus is sealed such that it is gas, liquid and/or fluid tight. The seal may be accomplished with a flexible array substrate or a flexible gasket, and one or more of mechanical clamps, external fluid pressure, radiation, heat, vacuum and an adhesive. The sealed apparatus can be subjected to various reaction conditions, such as intense mechanical agitation and a controlled temperature environment. A kit comprises one or more of the elements of the apparatus.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for processing samples on the surface of supports that are contained in support housings. Biopolymer features are attached to the surfaces of the supports. An apparatus comprises an input element, a holding device for holding a plurality of support housings, one or more fluid dispensing stations, and an output element. Each of the support housings contains a support having attached thereto a plurality of biopolymer features. The holding device is movably mounted with respect to other components of the apparatus. The holding device is adapted to receive a support housing from the input element. The output element is adapted to receive a support housing from the holding device. The apparatus is adapted to index each support housing for a predetermined operation. In use, each of the support housings is moved to one or more processing stations by means of the movable holding device. The location and identity of each of the support housings is indexed.

Abstract: An apparatus, systems and methods use an r, &thgr; format for the manufacture and analysis of biological materials. The apparatus is an array of biological material in an annular region on a substrate. The apparatus is formed with a system for synthesizing arrays that includes a spinner assembly for rotating the substrate during the synthesis of the biological material thereon. The apparatus is hybridized with complementary biological material using a system for hybridizing that includes a spinner assembly to spin the apparatus after the complementary biological material is added. The hybridized apparatus is optically interrogated with a system for interrogation that includes a light source, optics, and a scanning assembly that holds and rotates the apparatus so that the light source can remain stationary. The method of assaying biological materials uses the systems for synthesizing, hybridizing and optically interrogating the apparatus in accordance with the invention.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for mixing a film of fluid, particularly a film of chemical, biochemical, or biological fluids undergoing a reaction. The apparatus comprises a means for nucleating a bubble using a discrete heat source, such as a resistor, and moving the bubble in the fluid by creating a temperature gradient, thereby mixing the fluid.

Abstract: A method is described for removing residue from a fluid deposited on the interior surface of an inkjet printhead after the printhead has contained or dispensed the fluid at least once. The method makes use of a reverse flushing technique optionally used in combination with sonication. A cleaning station for flushing an inkjet printhead with a wash fluid, rinse fluid, and/or inert gas is provided as well.

Abstract: A method of testing multiple fluid samples with multiple biopolymer arrays. A cover is assembled to a contiguous substrate carrying on a first side, multiple arrays each with multiple regions of biopolymers linked to the substrate, such that the cover and the substrate together form a plurality of chambers each containing a biopolymer array and each being accessible through its own port;. Multiple fluid samples are introduced into respective chambers through a port of each such that the fluid samples contact respective arrays. A binding pattern of the arrays is observed. An apparatus and kit useful in such methods, are also provided.

Abstract: Apparatus for delivering a plurality of different biological materials onto discrete locations on a receiving surface, as for example to fabricate an array of different biological material, includes a plurality of orifices in an orifice member, at least six delivery chambers each in fluid conducting relationship with at least one of the orifices, a plurality of reservoirs each in fluid communication with at least one of the delivery chambers, means associated with each orifice for propelling fluid through the associated orifice from the delivery chamber that is in fluid conducting relationship with the orifice, and a vent for commonly venting at least two of the reservoirs. In some embodiments the chambers and reservoirs are loaded with fluids containing selected biomolecules by drawing the selected fluids into the chambers through the orifices; in other embodiments the fluids are introduced into the reservoirs.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for inhibiting bubble formation during a chemical reaction. The apparatus comprises a base having a substantially planar surface with at least a portion of the surface representing a fluid contact area and a fluid comprising a liquid component in contact therewith. A cover and the base form an enclosure containing the fluid and a gas. A non-free-floating fluid-distribution member is provided that has a substantially flat surface in contact with the fluid. The member surface is disposed in an opposing and substantially parallel manner at a specified distance from fluid contact area. A gas-fluid interface having an interface radius is formed between the fluid and the gas. The apparatus also comprises means for maintaining a desired vapor pressure of the liquid component in the gas and means for immobilizing the cover with respect to the base. The interface radius is selected to result in a predetermined critical radius below which a bubble will shrink.

Abstract: Methods and devices for depositing a nucleic acid on a substrate surface are provided. In the subject methods, a thermal inkjet head loaded with nucleic acid fluid composition is positioned in opposing relationship to, e.g. over, a substrate surface. Actuation of the thermal inkjet results in the expulsion of volume of the nucleic acid composition onto the substrate surface. The subject methods and devices find use in a variety of applications, particularly in the preparation of nucleic acid arrays, and more particular arrays of oligonucleotides or polynucleotides, e.g. cDNAs.