Abstract: The present invention provides novel, biocompatible matrices for cell encapsulation and transplantation. It further provides methods for delivering agents to encapsulated cells and to the local environment of a host system. The invention also provides methods for targeting and manipulating particular cells and/or proteins of the host system. In a composition aspect of the invention, a composition including a collection of capsules is provided. The capsules comprise an inner core, and the inner core is covered by an outer shell composed of a positive polyelectrolyte and a negative polyelectrolyte. The inner core of the capsules contains at least one cell.

Abstract: Methods of addressing a biomolecule to a selectively addressable electrode are described. A permeation layer overlying a plurality of selectively addressable electrodes is provided. The permeation layer includes a reactive group that is adapted to bond to a biomolecule and that requires activation through a chemical transformation before bonding to the biomolecule. At least one selectively addressable electrode is biased such that a pH change occurs in an overlying solution of the at least one selectively addressable electrode. The reactive group in a portion of the permeation layer above the at least one selectively addressable electrode is then chemically transformed to an activated reactive group as a result of the pH change. A biomolecule is then bound to the permeation layer overlying the at least one selectively addressable electrode through the activated reactive group.

Abstract: Methods of addressing a biomolecule to a selectively addressable electrode are described. A permeation layer overlying a plurality of selectively addressable electrodes is provided. The permeation layer includes a reactive group that is adapted to bond to a biomolecule and that requires activation through a chemical transformation before bonding to the biomolecule. At least one selectively addressable electrode is biased such that a pH change occurs in an overlying solution of the at least one selectively addressable electrode. The reactive group in a portion of the permeation layer above the at least one selectively addressable electrode is then chemically transformed to an activated reactive group as a result of the pH change. A biomolecule is then bound to the permeation layer overlying the at least one selectively addressable electrode through the activated reactive group.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel, biocompatible matrices for cell encapsulation and transplantation. It further provides methods for delivering agents to encapsulated cells and to the local environment of a host system. The invention also provides methods for targeting and manipulating particular cells and/or proteins of the host system. In a composition aspect of the invention, a composition including a collection of capsules is provided. The capsules comprise an inner core, and the inner core is covered by an outer shell composed of a positive polyelectrolyte and a negative polyelectrolyte. The inner core of the capsules contains at least one cell.

Abstract: Electronically addressable microchips having covalently bound permeation layers and methods of making such covalently bonded permeation layers to microchips are provided. The covalent bonding is derived from combining the use of electrodes with silane derivatives. Such chemistry provides the ability to apply an electronic bias to the electrodes of the microchip while preventing permeation layer delaminating from the electrode surface. Methods for covalently attaching the permeation layer to the microchips are also described.

Abstract: Electronically addressable microchips having covalently bound permeation layers and methods of making such covalently bonded permeation layers to microchips are provided. The covalent bonding is derived from combining the use of electrodes with silane derivatives. Such chemistry provides the ability to apply an electronic bias to the electrodes of the microchip while preventing permeation layer delaminating from the electrode surface.

Abstract: Microreaction molds and methods of molding very thin films onto substrate surfaces are provided. The molds and molding methods allow for consistency and uniformity in the thicknesses of the films that are applied to the substrate surfaces. The molds may be single composite, such as etched silica, or multicomposite, such as quartz/metal. The molds may further comprise an adjustable molding cavity. The molds of this invention are particularly applicable to generating thin polymeric films onto microchip substrates.

Abstract: Electronically addressable microchips having covalently bound permeation layers and methods of making such covalently bonded permeation layers to microchips are provided. The covalent bonding is derived from combining the use of electrodes with silane derivatives. Such chemistry provides the ability to apply an electronic bias to the electrodes of the microchip while preventing permeation layer delaminating from the electrode surface.

Abstract: Electronically addressable microchips having covalently bound permeation layers and methods of making such covalently bonded permeation layers to microchips are provided. The covalent bonding is derived from combining the use of electrodes with silane derivatives. Such chemistry provides the ability to apply an electronic bias to the electrodes of the microchip while preventing permeation layer delaminating from the electrode surface.