Abstract: The invention provides devices and methods for acoustically assessing the contents in a plurality of reservoirs. Each reservoir has a portion adapted to contain a fluid, and an acoustic radiation generator is positioned in acoustic coupling relationship to each of the reservoirs. Acoustic radiation generated by the acoustic radiation generator is transmitted through at least the portion of each reservoir to an analyzer. The analyzer is capable of analyzing a characteristic of the transmitted acoustic radiation and optionally correlating the characteristic to a property of the reservoirs' contents. The invention is particularly suited for assessing the contents of a plurality of reservoirs to allow for accuracy and control over the dispensing of fluids therefrom.

Abstract: The invention provides devices and methods for acoustically assessing the contents of a plurality of reservoirs that are typically provided as an array. An acoustic radiation generator is employed for generating acoustic radiation having an image field of a size sufficient to interrogate a plurality of selected reservoirs at one time. The generator is placed in acoustic coupling relationship via a fluid acoustic coupling medium to the selected reservoirs, and acoustic radiation generated by the generator is transmitted through the coupling medium, an exterior surface of the selected reservoirs, and the selected reservoirs. A characteristic of the transmitted acoustic radiation is analyzed so as to assess the contents of each of the selected reservoirs. Fluid may be ejected from the selected reservoirs according to the assessment. Optionally, a means is provided for removing fluid acoustic coupling medium from the exterior surface after acoustic assessment.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and device for the acoustic ejection of fluid droplets from each of a plurality of fluid-containing reservoirs. The droplets are ejected toward sites on a substrate surface for deposition thereon. The device is comprised of: a plurality of reservoirs each adapted to contain a fluid; an ejector comprising a means for generating acoustic radiation and a means for focusing the generated acoustic radiation so as to eject fluid droplets from the reservoir fluids; and a means for positioning the reservoirs in acoustically coupled relationship to the ejector. The invention is useful in a number of contexts, particularly in the preparation of biomolecular arrays.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and device for the acoustic ejection of fluid droplets from each of a plurality of fluid-containing reservoirs. The droplets are ejected toward sites on a substrate surface for deposition thereon. The device is comprised of: a plurality of reservoirs each adapted to contain a fluid; an ejector comprising a means for generating acoustic radiation and a means for focusing the generated acoustic radiation so as to eject fluid droplets from the reservoir fluids; and a means for positioning the reservoirs in acoustically coupled relationship to the ejector. The invention is useful in a number of contexts, particularly in the preparation of biomolecular arrays.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and device for the acoustic ejection of fluid droplets from each of a plurality of fluid-containing reservoirs. The droplets are ejected toward sites on a substrate surface for deposition thereon. The device is comprised of: a plurality of reservoirs each adapted to contain a fluid; an ejector comprising a means for generating acoustic radiation and a means for focusing the generated acoustic radiation so as to eject fluid droplets from the reservoir fluids; and a means for positioning the ejector in acoustically coupled relationship to each of the reservoirs. The invention is useful in a number of contexts, particularly in the preparation of biomolecular arrays.

Abstract: The invention provides devices and methods for acoustically assessing the contents of a plurality of reservoirs that are typically provided as an array. An acoustic radiation generator is employed for generating acoustic radiation having an image field of a size sufficient to interrogate a plurality of selected reservoirs at one time. The generator is placed in acoustic coupling relationship via a fluid acoustic coupling medium to the selected reservoirs, and acoustic radiation generated by the generator is transmitted through the coupling medium, an exterior surface of the selected reservoirs, and the selected reservoirs. A characteristic of the transmitted acoustic radiation is analyzed so as to assess the contents of each of the selected reservoirs. Fluid may be ejected from the selected reservoirs according to the assessment. Optionally, a means is provided for removing fluid acoustic coupling medium from the exterior surface after acoustic assessment.

Abstract: The present invention provides a unique and highly accurate method for generating molecular arrays of very high density on porous surfaces. The method involves the application of focused acoustic energy to each of a plurality of fluid-containing reservoirs to eject a small fluid droplet—on the order of 1 picoliter or less—from each reservoir to a site on a porous substrate surface. High density molecular arrays are provided as well, in which greater than about 62,500 molecular moieties, serving as array elements, are present on a porous surface. Biomolecular arrays that can be generated using focused acoustic ejection include oligonucleotide arrays and peptidic arrays.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and device for the acoustic ejection of fluid droplets from each of a plurality of fluid-containing reservoirs. The droplets are ejected toward sites on a substrate surface for deposition thereon. The device is comprised of: a plurality of reservoirs each adapted to contain a fluid; an ejector comprising a means for generating acoustic radiation and a means for focusing the generated acoustic radiation so as to eject fluid droplets from the reservoir fluids; and a means for positioning the ejector in acoustically coupled relationship to each of the reservoirs. The invention is useful in a number of contexts, particularly in the preparation of biomolecular arrays.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for generating droplets. Extremely fine droplets may be generated (on the order of 1 picoliter or less) using focused acoustic energy to eject the droplets from a reservoir containing two or more immiscible fluids. The droplets may include immiscible fluids or a single fluid. Typically, the droplets are ejected onto discrete sites on a substrate surface so as to form an array thereon. In some instances, the reservoirs contain layers of immiscible fluids, wherein an upper layer exhibits a nonuniform thickness. In such a case, fluid from a lower fluid layer may be propelled through an aperture region of the upper layer.

Abstract: The invention provides devices and methods for acoustically assessing the contents of a plurality of reservoirs that are typically provided as an array. An acoustic radiation generator is employed for generating acoustic radiation having an image field of a size sufficient to interrogate a plurality of selected reservoirs at one time. The generator is placed in acoustic coupling relationship via a fluid acoustic coupling medium to the selected reservoirs, and acoustic radiation generated by the generator is transmitted through the coupling medium, an exterior surface of the selected reservoirs, and the selected reservoirs. A characteristic of the transmitted acoustic radiation is analyzed so as to assess the contents of each of the selected reservoirs. Fluid may be ejected from the selected reservoirs according to the assessment. Optionally, a means is provided for removing fluid acoustic coupling medium from the exterior surface after acoustic assessment.

Abstract: The present invention provides a unique and highly accurate method for generating molecular arrays of very high density on porous surfaces. The method involves the application of focused acoustic energy to each of a plurality of fluid-containing reservoirs to eject a small fluid droplet—on the order of 1 picoliter or less—from each reservoir to a site on a porous substrate surface. High density molecular arrays are provided as well, in which greater than about 62,500 molecular moieties, serving as array elements, are present on a porous surface. Biomolecular arrays that can be generated using focused acoustic ejection include oligonucleotide arrays and peptidic arrays.

Abstract: The invention provides devices and methods for acoustically assessing the contents in a plurality of reservoirs. Each reservoir has a portion adapted to contain a fluid, and an acoustic radiation generator is positioned in acoustic coupling relationship to each of the reservoirs. Acoustic radiation generated by the acoustic radiation generator is transmitted through at least the portion of each reservoir to an analyzer. The analyzer is capable of analyzing a characteristic of the transmitted acoustic radiation and optionally correlating the characteristic to a property of the reservoirs' contents. The invention is particularly suited for assessing the contents of a plurality of reservoirs to allow for accuracy and control over the dispensing of fluids therefrom.

Abstract: A method and device for generating droplets of immiscible fluids are provided. Extremely fine droplets may be generated, on the order of 1 picoliter or less, using focused acoustic energy to eject the droplets from a reservoir containing two or more immiscible fluids. Optionally, the droplets may be ejected onto discrete sites on a substrate surface so as to form an array thereon.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and device for the acoustic ejection of fluid droplets from each of a plurality of fluid-containing reservoirs. The droplets are ejected toward sites on a substrate surface for deposition thereon. The device is comprised of: a plurality of reservoirs each adapted to contain a fluid; an ejector comprising a means for generating acoustic radiation and a means for focusing the generated acoustic radiation so as to eject fluid droplets from the reservoir fluids; and a means for positioning the ejector in acoustically coupled relationship to each of the reservoirs. The invention is useful in a number of contexts, particularly in the preparation of biomolecular arrays.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for generating droplets. Extremely fine droplets may be generated (on the order of 1 picoliter or less) using focused acoustic energy to eject the droplets from a reservoir containing two or more immiscible fluids. The droplets may include immiscible fluids or a single fluid. Typically, the droplets are ejected onto discrete sites on a substrate surface so as to form an array thereon. In some instances, the reservoirs contain layers of immiscible fluids, wherein an upper layer exhibits a nonuniform thickness. In such a case, fluid from a lower fluid layer may be propelled through an aperture region of the upper layer.

Abstract: The invention provides a device comprising a substrate having a surface capable of attaching a plurality of molecular moieties, or a surface having a plurality of molecular moieties attached thereto. The substrate also contains machine-readable information relating to the molecular moieties. The information may be contained in a discrete region of the substrate that is non-coplanar with respect to the substrate surface having the plurality of molecular moieties attached thereto. The information may, for example, relate to the identity of the attached molecular moieties or to instructions for attaching the molecular moieties. Also provided are methods and machines for forming and using the devices.

Abstract: A method and device for generating droplets of immiscible fluids are provided. Extremely fine droplets may be generated, on the order of 1 picoliter or less, using focused acoustic energy to eject the droplets from a reservoir containing two or more immiscible fluids. Optionally, the droplets may be ejected onto discrete sites on a substrate surface so as to form an array thereon.

Abstract: The present invention provides a unique and highly accurate method for generating molecular arrays of very high density on porous surfaces. The method involves the application of focused acoustic energy to each of a plurality of fluid-containing reservoirs to eject a small fluid droplet—on the order of 1 picoliter or less—from each reservoir to a site on a porous substrate surface. High density molecular arrays are provided as well, in which greater than about 62,500 molecular moieties, serving as array elements, are present on a porous surface. Biomolecular arrays that can be generated using focused acoustic ejection include oligonucleotide arrays and peptidic arrays.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and device for the acoustic ejection of fluid droplets from each of a plurality of fluid-containing reservoirs. The droplets are ejected toward sites on a substrate surface for deposition thereon. The device is comprised of: a plurality of reservoirs each adapted to contain a fluid; an ejector comprising a means for generating acoustic radiation and a means for focusing the generated acoustic radiation so as to eject fluid droplets from the reservoir fluids; and a means for positioning the ejector in acoustically coupled relationship to each of the reservoirs. The invention is useful in a number of contexts, particularly in the preparation of biomolecular arrays.