Abstract: The present invention provides improved synthetic polymer hydrogel permeation layers for use on active electronic matrix devices for biological assays. The present invention includes methods for forming a permeation layer on an array of microelectrodes including the steps of attaching a linker to the surface of the array and providing a polymerization solution that includes a porogen. The surface of the array is then contacted with the polymerization solution and the polymerization solution is then polymerized on the surface of the array to form a permeation layer that is attached o the surface of the array through the linker. The porogen is then removed from the permeation layer, thereby creating void spaces in the permeation layer.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved synthetic polymer hydrogel permeation layers for use on active electronic matrix devices for biological assays. The present invention includes methods for forming a permeation layer on an array of microelectrodes including the steps of attaching a linker to the surface of the array and providing a polymerization solution that includes a porogen. The surface of the array is then contacted with the polymerization solution and the polymerization solution is then polymerized on the surface of the array to form a permeation layer that is attached o the surface of the array through the linker. The porogen is then removed from the permeation layer, thereby creating void spaces in the permeation layer.

Abstract: Devices and methods for performing separation of cell particles by dielectrophoresis in three dimensions. In one embodiment the device comprises a flow chamber having microfabricated chip with a plurality of vertical and horizontal electrodes, which may be coated with a protective layer to prevent direct contact between any electrode and a sample. The horizontal electrodes are in electrical communication with a DC or an AC power source, while the vertical electrodes are in electrical communication with an AC power source.

Abstract: Disclosed are self-cooling pouches useful as containers for beverages and other liquids. Such pouches comprise a porous matrix as an element of the pouch body to effect the cooling of the pouch and a liquid contained therein by pervaporation of the liquid.

Abstract: Disclosed are cooling jackets for containers for beverages and other liquids. Such a jacket comprises a porous matrix as an element of the jacket body to effect the cooling of the jacket by pervaporation of a liquid contained within the jacket body. The jacket therefore cools a liquid within a container maintained in direct contact with the jacket.

Abstract: Disclosed are cooling tubes or straws for beverages and other liquids. The tubes or straws comprise a porous matrix to effect the cooling a liquid contained within by pervaporation.

Abstract: Disclosed are self-cooling garments comprising a porous matrix as an element of the garment body to effect the cooling of the garment by pervaporation of a liquid contained within the garment body. The garment thereby provides cooling for the wearer.

Abstract: A new, extremely sensitive, and rapid electronic detection method for direct detection of hybridized genomic targets to specific probes on the microarray is proposed. The method consists of fast electronic accumulation of the DNA target on a particular electrode site at the micro-electrode array, sequential electronic hybridization of oligonucleotide labeled metallic (nano)particles on the target DNA and monitoring the electrochemical AC impedance changes at the electrode site. The method is enhanced by electroplating over the DNA target which serves as the metallization template and over the particles which provide seeds for rapid electroplating. The AC impedance changes are monitored during the electroplating over the DNA target and between the array electrodes sites.

Abstract: Methods for the transport and hybridization of a nucleic acid on an electrode device by providing a low conductivity buffer with a reducing agent to the device. The low conductivity buffer may also contain a zwitterion. A current and voltage is applied to a location of the device to effect electrophoretic transportation of the nucleic acid towards the location. The nucleic acid is then hybridized to a nucleic probed located at the location. The reducing agent in the low conductivity buffer may also be acting as a chaotropic agent.

Abstract: Disclosed are beverage containers and closures for beverage containers that are vented for the purpose of reducing negative pressure or vacuum that builds up inside the container when a beverage is being consumed therefrom. Also disclosed are closures which provide for chemical treatment of a liquid by a porous treatment matrix when the liquid is dispensed through the closure.

Abstract: Disclosed are beverage containers and closures for beverage containers that are vented for the purpose of reducing negative pressure or vacuum that builds up inside the container when a beverage is being consumed therefrom. Also disclosed are closures which provide for chemical treatment of a liquid by a porous treatment matrix when the liquid is dispensed through the closure.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved synthetic polymer hydrogel permeation layers for use on active electronic matrix devices for biological assays. The permeation layers have a defined porous character, with mesopores in a size range between about 100 nanometers and about 1000 nanometers, and may also have micropores in the micrometer size range. The mesoporous synthetic hydrogel permeation layers demonstrate improved signal intensity and linearity characteristics as compared to nanoporous synthetic hydrogel permeation layers on active electronic matrix devices. In addition, the present invention also provides synthetic polymer hydrogel permeation layers which contain copolymerized attachment sites for nucleic acid probes or other biomolecules.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved synthetic polymer hydrogel permeation layers for use on active electronic matrix devices for biological assays. The present invention includes methods for forming a permeation layer on an array of microelectrodes including the steps of attaching a linker to the surface of the array by treating the surface with a linker by vapor deposition and providing a polymerization solution that includes at least one monomer having a polymerizable moiety, a modified streptavidin, a surfactant or porogen, and a cross-linking agent. The surface of the array is then contacted with the polymerization solution and the polymerization solution is then polymerized on the surface of the array to form a permeation layer that is attached o the surface of the array through the linker.

Abstract: This invention provides an apparatus and method for desalting a low volume solution for use in connection with an electronically addressable microarray. The apparatus comprises a tubular molecular weight cut-off membrane embedded within a ion exchange resin filled chamber. The apparatus provides a very high surface to volume ratio of membrane pore surface to exchange resin capacity for absorbing charged molecules. The design facilitates the speedy removal of charged molecules from test solutions with the resultant desalted solution having a very low ionic strength suitable for use in the electronic transport of nucleic acids, proteins, and cells.