Abstract: An automated cleaning apparatus fashioned for programmed cleaning of a surface wherein the apparatus comprises: a unit housing for an enclosed mechanism, a conductive contact strip provided on a surface, a controller having a processor confirmed to control the output of translational device movement. The apparatus is prompted to travel along the cross-sectional area of the surface in a translational motion, wherein buildup of any undesirable substance is removed from the surface by protruding bristles from the housing of the mechanism that remain in contact with the surface.

Abstract: Items having conditions relevant to various combinations of those items are processed to identity each available combination-condition pair from the various combinations. Each combination-condition pair is evaluated to produce a pair value. An optimal pair value is selected based on a value scale.

Abstract: A system and methods of sequencing a nucleic acid by detecting the identity of a fluorescent nucleotide analogue incorporated at the 3? end of a growing nucleic acid strand are provided. The system may include a substrate comprising a plurality of substantially parallel excitation waveguides, and a plurality of substantially parallel collection waveguides, the excitation waveguides and collection waveguides crossing to form a two-dimensional array of intersection regions, a plurality of optical sensing sites in optical communication with the intersection regions, one or more switchable light sources and a detector coupled to the light dispersive module. Methods of using these systems are also described.

Abstract: A system and methods of sequencing a nucleic acid by detecting the identity of a fluorescent nucleotide analogue incorporated at the 3? end of a growing nucleic acid strand are provided.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for detecting single nucleotide polymorphisms in genes of interest are disclosed. A plurality of probes is immobilized on a planar waveguide. The probes comprise sequences complementary to a wildtype sequence of the gene of interest and complementary to a sequence of a known SNP in the gene of interest. A fluorescently-labeled analyte is flowed over the planar waveguide. The binding between the labeled analyte and each of the probes causes a change in the fluorescence signal. The SNP is detected by comparing the hybridization kinetics of the analyte with each of the probes. A method of detecting single nucleotide polymorphisms in a gene of interest by sequencing by hybridization is also disclosed.

Abstract: Genetic polymorphisms can change protein structure and function, altering dispositions to diseases and conditions. A single nucleotide polymorphism is the smallest genetic mutation and the most difficult to detect. However, single nucleotide polymorphisms also make up 90% of known genetic mutations, thus identifying such polymorphisms is essential. Single base extension uses the affinity of one base for its complementary base to detect polymorphisms, including single nucleotide polymorphisms. Planar waveguides are used as the platform for single base extension enabling rapid, real time detection of genetic polymorphisms. Detection limits in the picomolar range can be obtained. Signals from the non-matched DNA bases are in the range of the blank signal. Detection times of 5 minutes are reported.

Abstract: A reusable biosensor is disclosed. A molecule containing a moiety of an antibody-antigen complex and photosensitive polymers are bonded to an optical conduit. When placed in a solution, the presence or absence of a second complementary moiety of an antibody-antigen complex can be determined by sensing whether or not the first moiety is complexed. The first moiety of an antibody-antigen complex can then be regenerated by transmitting light through the optical conduit which alters the structure of the photosensitive polymers to cause interference with said complex, thereby dissociating the second complementary moiety from the first moiety. The ability to regulate and control specific binding has applications can be useful in information storage devices, bioorganic electronic devices, and optical devices.