Abstract: A diffractometric sensor (1), comprises:—a substrate (3);—two interdigitated affinity gratings (2), a first affinity grating (20) comprising first unit cells (200) with affinity elements (201) and a second affinity grating (21) comprising second unit cells (210) with affinity elements (211), wherein the first unit cells (200) and second unit cells (210) are configured and arranged such that coherent light of a predetermined wavelength generated at a predetermined beam generation location (40) and diffracted by target molecules (204, 214)) bound to the affinity elements (201, 211) constructively interferes at a predetermined detection location (50) with an inverse phase, and wherein the first and second affinity gratings (20, 21) are balanced to generate a bias signal at the predetermined detection location (50) that corresponds to a difference (Am) in the scattering mass of the first and second affinity gratings (20, 21) which is in the range of 0.001 pg/mm2 to 30000 pg/mm2.

Abstract: A device for use in the detection of binding affinities comprises a substrate, a planar waveguide arranged thereon and having an outer surface. The device further comprises a grating for coupling coherent light of a predetermined wavelength into the planar waveguide such that the coherent light coupled into the planar waveguide propagates through the planar waveguide in a predetermined propagation direction. An evanescent field of the coherent light propagates along the outer surface of the planar waveguide. The outer surface of the planar waveguide has receptor molecules arranged thereon capable of binding target samples to the receptor molecules such that light of the evanescent field is diffracted by the target samples bound to the receptor molecules. The receptor molecules are arranged along a plurality of straight parallel lines such that a portion of the light of the evanescent field is diffracted by the target samples bound to the receptor molecules.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an artificial transmembrane protein for use in a biomolecular detection device for detecting intracellular or intravesicular biomolecular interactions, the artificial transmembrane protein having an extracellular or extravesicular binder structure, a hydrophobic transmembrane domain, and an intracellular or intravesicular domain with an intracellular or intravesicular receptor structure, wherein the receptor structure is configured to interact with an intracellular or intravesicular component of the biomolecular interaction to be detected and wherein the extracellular or extravesicular binder structure is configured to bind to membrane recognition elements arranged along a plurality of predetermined lines of the biomolecular detection device.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a biomolecular detection device (1) for analyzing a cell, vesicle or a cellular or vesicular component, comprising an evanescent illuminator with an optical coupling unit configured for generating an evanescent field from coherent light (L) with a predefined wavelength on a first surface of the evanescent illuminator. The first surface of evanescent illuminator comprises a template nanopattern (5), containing a coherent arrangement of a plurality of predetermined lines along which membrane recognition elements for a binder structure (82) of a transmembrane protein (81), preferably a laterally diffusible transmembrane protein, of the cell, vesicle or the cellular or vesicular component (8) are arranged.

Abstract: A device for use in the detection of binding affinities comprises a substrate, a planar waveguide arranged thereon and having an outer surface. The device further comprises a grating for coupling coherent light of a predetermined wavelength into the planar waveguide such that the coherent light coupled into the planar waveguide propagates through the planar waveguide in a predetermined propagation direction. An evanescent field of the coherent light propagates along the outer surface of the planar waveguide. The outer surface of the planar waveguide has receptor molecules arranged thereon capable of binding target samples to the receptor molecules such that light of the evanescent field is diffracted by the target samples bound to the receptor molecules. The receptor molecules are arranged along a plurality of straight parallel lines such that a portion of the light of the evanescent field is diffracted by the target samples bound to the receptor molecules.

Abstract: A method for the detection of binding affinities comprises providing a device having a planar waveguide (2) arranged on a substrate (3) and an optical coupler (4). Coherent light (1) of a predetermined wavelength is coupled into the planar waveguide (2) such that the coherent light propagates along the planar waveguide (2), with an evanescent field (6) of the coherent light propagating along an outer surface (5) of the planar waveguide (2). Target samples (8) attached to binding sites (7) are arranged along a plurality of predetermined lines (9) on the outer surface (5) of the planar waveguide (2). At a predetermined detection location, light of the evanescent field which is scattered by target samples (8) bound to binding sites (7) arranged along the predetermined lines (9) is detected.

Abstract: A method for the detection of binding affinities comprises providing a device having a planar waveguide (2) arranged on a substrate (3) and an optical coupler (4). Coherent light (1) of a predetermined wavelength is coupled into the planar waveguide (2) such that the coherent light propagates along the planar waveguide (2), with an evanescent field (6) of the coherent light propagating along an outer surface (5) of the planar waveguide (2). Target samples (8) attached to binding sites (7) are arranged along a plurality of predetermined lines (9) on the outer surface (5) of the planar waveguide (2). At a predetermined detection location, light of the evanescent field which is scattered by target samples (8) bound to binding sites (7) arranged along the predetermined lines (9) is detected.

Abstract: A device for use in the detection of binding affinities, the device comprising a planar waveguide (2) arranged on a substrate (3), and further comprising an optical coupler (41) having a predetermined length for coupling coherent light (1) of a predetermined wavelength into the planar waveguide (2) such that a parallel beam of coherent light propagates through the planar waveguide (2) with an evanescent field (11) of the coherent light propagating along an outer surface (21) of the planar waveguide (2). The outer surface (21) of the planar waveguide (2) comprises binding sites thereon capable of binding target samples to the binding sites such that light of the evanescent field (11) is diffracted by target samples bound to the binding sites. The binding sites are arranged along a plurality of predetermined straight lines (7) running parallel to one another with a constant distance between adjacent straight lines.

Abstract: A device (1) for use in the detection of binding affinities comprises a planar waveguide (2) arranged on a substrate (22). The waveguide (2) has an outer surface (21) and a plurality of incoupling lines (31) for coupling a beam of coherent light into the waveguide (2) such that a parallel beam of coherent light (62) propagates along the waveguide (2). The incoupling lines (31) are curved and have an increasing distance between adjacent incoupling lines (31). A divergent beam of coherent light (61) of a predetermined wavelength is coupled into the waveguide (2) such that it propagates along the waveguide (2). A plurality of binding sites (51) is attached to the outer surface (21) along at least one further plurality of diffraction lines arranged in an outcoupling section of the waveguide (2). These diffraction lines comprise a plurality of curved outcoupling lines (41) having a decreasing distance between adjacent outcoupling lines.

Abstract: A device for use in the detection of binding affinities comprises a planar waveguide (2) arranged on a substrate (3), and an optical coupler (4) for coupling coherent light (1) of a predetermined wavelength into the planar waveguide. The coherent light propagates through the planar waveguide (2) with an evanescent field (6) propagating along an outer surface (5) of the planar waveguide. The outer surface (5) of the planar waveguide comprises binding sites (7) thereon capable of binding target samples (8) to the binding sites (7) such that light of the evanescent field (6) is scattered by target samples (8) bound to the binding sites (7). The binding sites (7) are arranged along a plurality of predetermined lines (9) which are arranged such that the scattered light constructively interferes at a predetermined detection location with a difference in optical path length which is an integer multiple of the predetermined wavelength.

Abstract: Sample handling system for handling samples contained in tubes (4), each tube (4) having a hollow body, a closed bottom and an open top for accessing the sample contained in the tube (4). The system comprises a micro-plate (1) comprising at least one grid insert (2) having a plurality of compartments. Each compartment comprises one or more side walls laterally confining a through-hole for receiving a said tube (4). The through-hole has a top opening and a bottom opening and extends between the top opening and the bottom opening. A frame (3) to which the at least one separate grid insert (2) is to be attached to form the micro-plate (1). The frame (3) laterally confines a through-opening which is dimensioned to allow for accessing each compartment (21) of the attached at least one grid insert (2) from above and from below. This allows for moving such tube (4) into and out of each compartment (21) through each of the top opening (202) and the bottom opening (203) of the through-hole (201).

Abstract: A system for dispensing a sample into a buffer liquid includes a pressure chamber having pressure supply means for generating an overpressure within the pressure chamber. An inlet capillary supplies a buffer liquid to an outlet end arranged in the pressure chamber, and an outlet capillary discharges the buffer liquid from the pressure chamber. The outlet capillary has an inlet end in the pressure chamber facing the outlet end of the inlet capillary to form a capillary gap. A dispenser having a dispensing end is in the pressure chamber at the capillary gap to allow the sample at the dispensing end to be dispensed into the buffer liquid entering the outlet capillary inlet end. The pressure chamber includes a sample port that allows the dispenser to be moved into and out of the pressure chamber.

Abstract: According to the invention there is provided a method for preparing the outer surface (11) of the planar waveguide (1) for binding target samples along the plurality of predetermined lines (4). The method comprises the following steps. Providing a planar waveguide (1) with an outer surface (11) adapted for attachment of a head group (21) of a linker molecule (2) to the outer surface (11). Sequentially applying at least one plurality of linker molecules (2, 5) to the outer surface (11). Each plurality of the at least one plurality of linker molecules (2, 5) assembles to form an individual layer of linker molecules (2, 5) with individual layers formed one above the other starting from the outer surface (11) of the planar waveguide (1). Each linker molecule (2, 5) comprises a functional group (22, 52) and the head group (21, 51) which is capable of attaching to the outer surface (11) of the planar waveguide (1) or to the functional groups (22) of the preceding layer of linker molecules (2).

Abstract: A device (1) for use in the detection of binding affinities comprises a planar waveguide (2) arranged on a substrate (22). The waveguide (2) has an outer surface (21) and a plurality of incoupling lines (31) for coupling a beam of coherent light into the waveguide (2) such that a parallel beam of coherent light (62) propagates along the waveguide (2). The incoupling lines (31) are curved and have an increasing distance between adjacent incoupling lines (31). A divergent beam of coherent light (61) of a predetermined wavelength is coupled into the waveguide (2) such that it propagates along the waveguide (2). A plurality of binding sites (51) is attached to the outer surface (21) along at least one further plurality of diffraction lines arranged in an outcoupling section of the waveguide (2). These diffraction lines comprise a plurality of curved outcoupling lines (41) having a decreasing distance between adjacent outcoupling lines.

Abstract: A device (1) for use in the detection of binding affinities comprises a substrate (2) devoid of a waveguide. The substrate (2) has a planar surface (21) having arranged thereon a plurality of binding sites (31) capable of binding with a target molecule (32). The binding sites (31) are arranged along a plurality of adjacently arranged curved lines (4). The lines are spaced from one another by a distance to in operation cause a beam of coherent light (51) of a predetermined wavelength incident on the binding sites (31) with the bound target molecule (32) to be diffracted in a manner such that diffracted portions (61) interfere at a predetermined detection location (62) with a difference in optical path length which is a multiple integer of the predetermined wavelength of the coherent light. The device further comprises a beam stop (7) arranged to prevent propagation of non-diffracted portions (63) of the incident beam of coherent light (51) to the detection location (62).

Abstract: A hanging droplet plate (1) comprises a predetermined number of droplet compartments (10) each being capable of receiving a droplet of a liquid. The respective droplet compartment (10) comprises a circumferential microfluidic wetting barrier (102) which is arranged to surround a respective cavity (100) and which prevents a droplet from spreading beyond the microfluidic wetting barrier (102). The respective compartment (10) comprises a closed bottom (101) and at least one additional circumferential microfluidic wetting barrier (104), each additional circumferential microfluidic wetting barrier (104) which is arranged to surround a preceding circumferential microfluidic wetting barrier (102). A wettable area (103) is arranged between two adjacently arranged microfluidic wetting barriers (102, 104).

Abstract: A robotic microplate storage system includes a freezer room having freezing units and a first robot for moving and removing microplates into and out of the freezing unit. The first robot can also transfer microplates to a processing station, where the microplates are stored in a microplate recipient within the freezing unit. The storage system may also include at least one processing room which is thermally separated from the freezer room. Each processing room may include a processing station having a tube transfer module and a second robot for moving the microplates between the microplate recipients and the tube transfer module. The first robot may be designed such that it is only capable of removing a microplate recipient from and moving it into a freezing unit as well as transferring it from a freezing unit to a processing station or vice versa.

Abstract: According to the invention there is provided a method for preparing the outer surface (11) of the planar waveguide (1) for binding target samples along the plurality of predetermined lines (4). The method comprises the following steps. Providing a planar waveguide (1) with an outer surface (11) adapted for attachment of a head group (21) of a linker molecule (2) to the outer surface (11). Sequentially applying at least one plurality of linker molecules (2, 5) to the outer surface (11). Each plurality of the at least one plurality of linker molecules (2, 5) assembles to form an individual layer of linker molecules (2, 5) with individual layers formed one above the other starting from the outer surface (11) of the planar waveguide (1). Each linker molecule (2, 5) comprises a functional group (22, 52) and the head group (21, 51) which is capable of attaching to the outer surface (11) of the planar waveguide (1) or to the functional groups (22) of the preceding layer of linker molecules (2).

Abstract: A device for use in the detection of binding affinities, the device comprising a planar waveguide (2) arranged on a substrate (3), and further comprising an optical coupler (41) having a predetermined length for coupling coherent light (1) of a predetermined wavelength into the planar waveguide (2) such that a parallel beam of coherent light propagates through the planar waveguide (2) with an evanescent field (11) of the coherent light propagating along an outer surface (21) of the planar waveguide (2). The outer surface (21) of the planar waveguide (2) comprises binding sites thereon capable of binding target samples to the binding sites such that light of the evanescent field (11) is diffracted by target samples bound to the binding sites. The binding sites are arranged along a plurality of predetermined straight lines (7) running parallel to one another with a constant distance between adjacent straight lines.

Abstract: A system for dispensing a sample (5) into a buffer liquid comprises a pressure chamber (1) having pressure supply means for generating an overpressure within the pressure chamber. An inlet capillary (2) is provided for supplying a buffer liquid (9) to an outlet end (6) arranged in the pressure chamber. Also, an outlet capillary (3) is provided for discharging buffer liquid and/or sample from the pressure chamber. The outlet capillary (3) has an inlet end (7) arranged in the pressure chamber (1) facing the outlet end (6) of the inlet capillary (2) to form a capillary gap (8). A dispenser (4) having a dispensing end (10) is arranged in the pressure chamber (1) at the capillary gap (8) to allow the sample (5) at the dispensing end (10) to be dispensed from the dispensing end (10) into the buffer liquid entering the inlet end (7) of the outlet capillary (3).