Abstract: We describe the novel use of a sugar-containing hydrogels as very highly porous, aqueous support material for the immobilization of oligonucleotides, peptides, proteins, antigens, antibodies, polysaccharides, and other biomolecules for sensor applications. The unusually large sizes of the interconnected pores allow large target molecules to pass rapidly into and through the gel and bind to immobilized biomolecules. An additional advantage of the sugar-containing hydrogels are their extremely low non-specific absorption of labeled target molecules, providing low background levels. State-of-the-art hydrogel materials do not have this type of homogeneous interconnected macroporosity, thus large target molecules cannot readily diffuse through them. In addition, they nearly always experience non-specific (background) absorption of labeled target molecules, limiting their usefulness in sensor applications.

Abstract: A biosensor for detecting a bioeffecting substance in a test sample includes a cell network of at least one electrically excitable cell provided on a substrate in a predetermined geometry with a predefined axonal/dendritic polarity. The at least one cell is capable of producing a signal in response to the presence of the bioeffecting substance. At least one signal transducer is provided with the substrate in a predetermined geometry and is capable of detecting the signal produced by the cell. A culture medium capable of supporting metabolism of the cell is also provided.

Abstract: An improved biological aerosol chemiluminescent (CL) detection system having optimal sensitivity and a method for using the same in detecting the presence of biological materials in an aerosol sample. The detection system comprises a cyclone aerosol sampler, a CL reagent injector, and a luminometer, wherein the CL reagent injector is mated with the cyclone aerosol sampler so as to deliver/introduce CL reagent thereto. The inner surface of the cyclone aerosol sampler and the inner surface of the CL reagent injector are fabricated from materials that are free of metals that would initiate a CL-based reaction with a CL reagent to be employed therein so as to provide a CL reagent path free of these metals. The entire CL reagent path in the biological aerosol CL detection apparatus is comprised of these materials. A method for determining the suitability of materials for use throughout the CL reagent path of the biological CL detection system is also taught.

Abstract: A process for forming spatially oriented neo-vascular capillaries comprising: (a) providing a combination ultra-thin film (UTF) pattern of at least one cell adhesion promoter and at least one cell adhesion inhibitor wherein the cell adhesion promoters have a linewidth of between about 50-490 .mu.m; (b) seeding the combination UTF pattern with endothelial cells at an initial seeding cell density; (c) adding a first medium for incubating the seeded endothelial cells until the endothelial cells are grown to confluency; (d) replacing the first medium with a second medium at confluency; and (e) allowing the endothelial cells to differentiate into spatially oriented neo-vascular capillaries.

Abstract: Patterned surfaces for the selective adhesion and outgrowth of cells are useful in cell culture devices, prosthetic implants, and cell-based microsensors. Such surfaces may be prepared by a deep ultraviolet photolithographic technique.

Abstract: Patterned surfaces for the selective adhesion and outgrowth of cells are useful in cell culture devices, prosthetic implants, and cell-based microsensors. Such surfaces may be prepared by a deep ultraviolet photolithographic technique.