Abstract: The invention provides a process for producing a three-dimensional tissue by cultivating eucaryotic cells by introducing the cells into a matrix and cultivating the cells within the matrix in a cell culture medium within a cell culture vessel under controlled dissolved oxygen conditions of the cell culture medium. The matrix contains a support containing an optical oxygen sensor, which is an oxygen-sensitive dye, which upon irradiation with an excitation wavelength changes its emission characteristics in dependence on the dissolved oxygen concentration in the surrounding medium, including a dye phosphorescing upon irradiation of an excitation wavelength, which phosphorescence is quenched by dissolved oxygen.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to nucleic acid hybridization and analysis. More specifically, oligonucleotide probes each containing both double and single-stranded regions and one looped end, or arrays of such oligonucleotide probes immobilized on a solid support via the looped end, are provided which are suitable for hybridization and analysis. Based on the molecular structure, specific methods for nucleic acid hybridization, processing, including automated processing, and analysis using the probes or array of probes immobilized on a solid surface, particularly including a reflective surface are also provided.