Abstract: A photometer for analyzing a plurality of samples. The photometer comprises a light source and a detector. An optical assembly defines two or more light paths, each light path arranged to carry light from the light source, through a separate sample location, and to the detector.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for detecting cross-contamination between samples contacted with different arrays of a multi-array substrate are provided. The methods involve contacting sample to arrays of a multi-array substrate that contains cross-contamination probes in each of its arrays, and evaluating the resultant sample contacted arrays for cross-contamination between the samples. In many embodiments, the arrays of the multi-array substrate contain a set of cross-contamination probes for a corresponding set of cross-contamination targets in the sample(s). Kits and systems are provided for performing the invention. The subject methods may be used in a variety of different applications, such as gene expression analysis, DNA sequencing, mutation detection, as well as other genomics and proteomics applications.

Abstract: Methods, devices and apparatus are disclosed for carrying out multiple chemical reactions, such as in situ synthesis of polynucleotides, on a surface comprising an array of discrete sites. Molecules are deposited at a predetermined number of the discrete sites on the surface for reaction at the discrete sites. The surface is positioned relative to an outlet of a fluid ejection device, which is activated to dispense a small volume of a fluid through the outlet to the surface to provide uniform coating of a continuous region of the surface comprising a multiple of the discrete sites. The fluid is dispensed as uniform particles having a diameter such that the uniform particles form a sheet to coat the continuous region of the surface. In one embodiment of the present invention, liquid is dispensed as uniform particles through a fluid ejection device activated by means of ultrasonic energy. The invention has particular application to the in situ synthesis of polynucleotides in arrays on a surface.

Abstract: The subject invention provides array assemblies that include at least one array of an addressable set of probes and devices, as well as methods for fabricating and using the same. Embodiments include array assemblies that include a base supporting a plurality of prongs wherein at least one prong includes an array of an addressable set of probes. Embodiments of the subject methods include generating at least one chemical array on a surface of at least one prong of a device that includes a base supporting a plurality of prongs. The subject invention also includes methods for performing array assays. Systems and kits for practicing the subject methods are also provided.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for encoding and decoding array information on an array are provided. The methods involve contacting an array containing one or more array information features with a sample containing target that binds to at least one of the one or more array information features to produce at least one signal that provides information about the array.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for detecting cross-contamination between samples contacted with different arrays of a multi-array substrate are provided. The methods involve contacting sample to arrays of a multi-array substrate that contains cross-contamination probes in each of its arrays, and evaluating the resultant sample contacted arrays for cross-contamination between the samples. In many embodiments, the arrays of the multi-array substrate contain a set of cross-contamination probes for a corresponding set of cross-contamination targets in the sample(s). Kits and systems are provided for performing the invention. The subject methods may be used in a variety of different applications, such as gene expression analysis, DNA sequencing, mutation detection, as well as other genomics and proteomics applications.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for encoding array information on an array are provided. The methods involve contacting an array containing one or more array information features with a sample containing target that binds to at least one of the one or more array information features to produce at least one signal that provides information about the array. In many embodiments the signal is a symbol or a code, such as binary-code or non-binary-code, that provides the information about the array. Kits and systems are provided for performing the invention.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for array alignment. The apparatus employs a standoff that is adjacent to a gasket and that may be attached to a first substrate or a second substrate. The standoff is larger in height than the gasket that holds an array solution. The larger height of the standoff relative to the gasket helps during the alignment of the first substrate and the second substrate and prevents the spreading or spillage of the array solution when attempts are made to contact the first substrate to the second substrate. Methods of making and aligning the array hybridization apparatus are also disclosed.

Abstract: A microanalytical device is provided for conducting chemical processes using small amounts of fluid. The devices include microstructures, e.g., microcavities, microchannels and the like, that are laser ablated or otherwise formed in a support substrate, and can be used in a variety of chemical and biochemical methods, including chromatographic, electrophoretic and electrochromatographic separations, screening and diagnostics, and chemical and biochemical synthesis. The devices are formed from a material that is thermally and chemically stable and resistant to biofouling, significantly reducing electroosmotic flow and unwanted adsorption of solute. Preferred materials are polymeric.

Abstract: A microanalytical device is provided for conducting chemical processes using small amounts of fluid. The devices include microstructures, e.g., microcavities, microchannels and the like, that are laser ablated or otherwise formed in a support substrate, and can be used in a variety of chemical and biochemical methods, including chromatographic, electrophoretic and electrochromatographic separations, screening and diagnostics, and chemical and biochemical synthesis. The devices are formed from a material that is thermally and chemically stable and resistant to biofouling, significantly reducing electroosmotic flow and unwanted adsorption of solute. Preferred materials are polymeric.

Abstract: Methods, devices and apparatus are disclosed for carrying out multiple chemical reactions, such as in situ synthesis of polynucleotides, on a surface comprising an array of discrete sites. Molecules are deposited at a predetermined number of the discrete sites on the surface for reaction at the discrete sites. The surface is positioned relative to an outlet of a fluid ejection device, which is activated to dispense a small volume of a fluid through the outlet to the surface to provide uniform coating of a continuous region of the surface comprising a multiple of the discrete sites. The fluid is dispensed as uniform particles having a diameter such that the uniform particles form a sheet to coat the continuous region of the surface. In one embodiment of the present invention, liquid is dispensed as uniform particles through a fluid ejection device activated by means of ultrasonic energy. The invention has particular application to the in situ synthesis of polynucleotides in arrays on a surface.

Abstract: Methods, devices and apparatus are disclosed for carrying out multiple chemical reactions, such as in situ synthesis of polynucleotides, on a surface comprising an array of discrete sites. Molecules are deposited at a predetermined number of the discrete sites on the surface for reaction at the discrete sites. The surface is positioned relative to an outlet of a fluid ejection device, which is activated to dispense a small volume of a fluid through the outlet to the surface to provide uniform coating of a continuous region of the surface comprising a multiple of the discrete sites. The fluid is dispensed as uniform particles having a diameter such that the uniform particles form a sheet to coat the continuous region of the surface. In one embodiment of the present invention, liquid is dispensed as uniform particles through a fluid ejection device activated by means of ultrasonic energy. The invention has particular application to the in situ synthesis of polynucleotides in arrays on a surface.

Abstract: Methods, devices and apparatus are disclosed for carrying out multiple chemical reactions, such as in situ synthesis of polynucleotides, on a surface comprising an array of discrete sites. Molecules are deposited at a predetermined number of the discrete sites on the surface for reaction at the discrete sites. The surface is positioned relative to an outlet of a fluid ejection device, which is activated to dispense a small volume of a fluid through the outlet to the surface to provide uniform coating of a continuous region of the surface comprising a multiple of the discrete sites. The fluid is dispensed as uniform particles having a diameter such that the uniform particles form a sheet to coat the continuous region of the surface. In one embodiment of the present invention, liquid is dispensed as uniform particles through a fluid ejection device activated by means of ultrasonic energy. The invention has particular application to the in situ synthesis of polynucleotides in arrays on a surface.