Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for conducting biological assays which employs “virtual wells” in lieu of the physical wells of conventional array plates. Also provided are methods of processing a sample and/or culturing cells using the apparatus and systems described herein. In some embodiments, the apparatus includes a first structure having a sheet layer with a plurality of discrete through holes; and a second structure coupled to the first structure, the second structure including a base layer. At least a portion of a first surface of the sheet layer of the first structure is exposed from the second structure, and a second surface of the sheet layer, opposite to the first surface of the sheet layer, is embedded in the base layer of the second structure adjacent the first surface of the base layer.

Abstract: An apparatus configured for improving retention of non-adherent cells is disclosed. The apparatus includes a plate that includes a number of elements having a first surface energy arranged in an array with an overlay, on the plate, having a second surface energy. The first surface energy results in a hydrophilic surface and the second surface energy results in a hydrophobic surface. A diameter of the elements is at least 1 mm. A height of the overlay having the second surface energy, which results in a hydrophobic surface, is between 5% and 100% of the diameter of the elements. The apparatus also includes a wall circumferential to the plate. A method for performing multiple reactions with the apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for retrieving magnetic components from a sample solution includes obtaining an array plate with a sample surface that includes a plurality of sample regions and a surrounding region. A first solution is located on a sample region of the plurality of sample regions. The first solution includes a plurality of magnetic components. A separation layer that includes one or more protrusions is placed so that at least a respective protrusion of the one or more protrusions is at least partially immersed in the first solution. A first magnetic device is placed within the respective protrusion. At least a portion of the plurality of magnetic components is retrieved from the first solution by concurrently moving the separation layer and the magnetic device so that the respective protrusion ceases to be at least partially immersed in the first solution on the sample region.