Abstract: The present invention discloses a method of monitoring haptotaxis comprising: providing a device for monitoring haptotaxis having a housing defining a chamber. The chamber includes: a first well region including at least one first well, the first well region configured to receive a test agent therein and further including biomolecules immobilized therein; a second well region including at least one second well, the second well region configured to receive a sample comprising cells therein and further being horizontally offset with respect to the first well region in a test orientation of the device; and a channel region with biomolecules immobilized therein and including at least one channel connecting the first well region and the second well region with one another.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method of monitoring chemotaxis or chemoinvasion comprising: providing a device for monitoring chemotaxis. The device includes a support member; a top member mounted to the support member by being placed in substantially fluid-tight, conformal contact with the support member. The support member and the top member are configured such that they together define a discrete assay chamber. The discrete assay chamber includes a first well region including at least one first well, the at least one first well being configured to receive a soluble test substance therein; a second well region including at least one second well, the at least one second well being configured to receive a sample comprising cells therein; and a channel region including at least one channel connecting the first well region and the second well region. Preferably, at least one second well is horizontally offset with respect to the first well region in a test orientation of the device.

Abstract: An image processing method for use in analyzing image data of a cellular migration assay. The method includes defining a major axis within the image data that is perpendicular to an orientation of channels in the image data, determining an aggregate light intensity within the image data along the major axis, and identifying locations of channels within the image data from the projection.

Abstract: A device for monitoring leukocyte migration is provided. The device generally includes a plurality of chambers, each chamber including a channel in which leukocyte migration mediators or endothelial cells are disposed therein. The device is fabricated in the footprint of a standard microtiter plate. The invention also provides a method of using the device to monitor leukocyte migration in the presence of physiological shear flow and therefore simulate physiological conditions of a blood vessel in vivo. The invention further provides a method of using the device to high-throughput screen a plurality of test agents.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a test device including a support member; a top member mounted to the support member, wherein in the support member and the top member are configured such that they together define a discrete chamber. The discrete chamber includes a first well region including at least one first well; a second well region including at least one second well; and a channel region including at least one channel connecting the first well region and the second well region with one another. The second region is preferably horizontally offset with respect to the first well region in a test orientation of the device.

Abstract: Chemically or biochemically active agents or other species are patterned on a substrate surface by providing a micromold having a contoured surface and forming, on a substrate surface, a chemically or biochemically active agent or fluid precursor of a structure. A chemically or biochemically active agent or fluid precursor also can be transferred from indentations in an applicator to a substrate surface. The substrate surface can be planar or non-planar. Fluid precursors of polymeric structures, inorganic ceramics and salts, and the like can be used to form patterned polymeric articles, inorganic salts and ceramics, reactive ion etch masks, etc. at the surface. The articles can be formed in a pattern including a portion having a lateral dimension of less than about 1 millimeter or smaller. The indentation pattern of the applicator can be used to transfer separate, distinct chemically or biochemically active agents or fluid precursors to separate, isolated regions of a substrate surface.

Abstract: A deformable stamp for patterning a surface. The stamp can be placed in contact with an entire 3-dimensional object, such as a rod, in a single step. The stamp can also be used to pattern the inside of a tube or rolled over a surface to form a continuous pattern. The stamp may also be used for fluidic patterning by flowing material through channels defined by raised and recessed portions in the surface of the stamp as it contacts the substrate. The stamp may be used to deposit self-assembled monolayers, biological materials, metals, polymers, ceramics, or a variety of other materials. The patterned substrates may be used in a variety of engineering and medical applications.

Abstract: Chemically or biochemically active agents or other species are patterned on a substrate surface by providing a micromold having a contoured surface and forming, on a substrate surface, a chemically or biochemically active agent or fluid precursor of a structure. A chemically or biochemically active agent or fluid precursor also can be transferred from indentations in an applicator to a substrate surface. The substrate surface can be planar or nonplanar. Fluid precursors of polymeric structures, inorganic ceramics and salts, and the like can be used to form patterned polymeric articles, inorganic salts and ceramics, reactive ion etch masks, etc. at the surface. The articles can be formed in a pattern including a portion having a lateral dimension of less than about 1 millimeter or smaller. The indentation pattern of the applicator can be used to transfer separate, distinct chemically or biochemically active agents or fluid precursors to separate, isolated regions of a substrate surface.

Abstract: Improved method of forming a patterned self-assembled monolayer on a surface and derivative articles are provided. According to one method, an elastomeric stamp is deformed during and/or prior to using the stamp to print a self-assembled molecular monolayer on a surface. According to another method, during monolayer printing the surface is contacted with a liquid that is immiscible with the molecular monolayer-forming species to effect controlled reactive spreading of the monolayer on the surface. Methods of printing self-assembled molecular monolayers on nonplanar surfaces and derivative articles are provided, as are methods of etching surfaces patterned with self-assembled monolayers, including methods of etching silicon. Optical elements including flexible diffraction gratings, mirrors, and lenses are provided, as are methods for forming optical devices and other articles using lithographic molding.

Abstract: A method of transferring a chemical activating agent from an applicator to a substrate surface involves providing an applicator having a raised application surface, applying a chemical activating agent to the application surface, contacting the substrate surface with the application surface, and removing the applicator. The chemical activating agent is transferred in a form in which it is capable of effecting a chemical reaction, such as catalysis, at the surface. Thus, following transfer of the chemical activating agent to the surface in a pattern, a metal can be plated at the substrate surface in the pattern. The applicator can be an elastomeric stamp having a raised portion defining a stamping surface.

Abstract: Improved methods of forming a patterned self-assembled monolayer on a surface and derivative articles are provided. According to one method, an elastomeric stamp is deformed during and/or prior to using the stamp to print a self-assembled molecular monolayer on a surface. According to another method, during monolayer printing the surface is contacted with a liquid that is immiscible with the molecular monolayer-forming species to effect controlled reactive spreading of the monolayer on the surface. Methods of printing self-assembled molecular monolayers on nonplanar surfaces and derivative articles are provided, as are methods of etching surfaces patterned with self-assembled monolayers, including methods of etching silicon. Optical elements including flexible diffraction gratings, mirrors, and lenses are provided, as are methods for forming optical devices and other articles using lithographic molding.