Abstract: A method for washing particles includes obtaining an array plate that includes an array of hydrophilic areas surrounded by one or more hydrophobic areas. A respective solution containing a sample is located on a respective hydrophilic area of the array of hydrophilic areas. The respective hydrophilic area includes one or more indentations from a respective surrounding hydrophobic area of the one or more hydrophobic areas. The respective hydrophilic area includes a first indented surface that is offset from a reference surface defined by the respective surrounding hydrophobic area. The method also includes placing an aspirator nozzle above the respective hydrophilic area at a predefined distance from the first indented surface, and aspirating the solution with the aspirator nozzle while the aspirator nozzle is located at the predefined distance from the first indented surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for washing an array plate includes one or more dispensers and one or more aspirators that are distinct from the one or more dispensers. A respective dispenser of the one or more dispensers is configured to dispense a first liquid on the array plate, and a respective aspirator of the one or more aspirators is configured to aspirate liquid on the array plate. A method for washing particles is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for conducting biological assays which employs “virtual wells” in lieu of the physical wells of conventional array plates. Also provided are methods of processing a sample and/or culturing cells using the apparatus and systems described herein. In some embodiments, the apparatus includes a first structure having a sheet layer with a plurality of discrete through holes; and a second structure coupled to the first structure, the second structure including a base layer. At least a portion of a first surface of the sheet layer of the first structure is exposed from the second structure, and a second surface of the sheet layer, opposite to the first surface of the sheet layer, is embedded in the base layer of the second structure adjacent the first surface of the base layer.

Abstract: A method for washing particles includes obtaining an array plate that includes an array of hydrophilic areas surrounded by one or more hydrophobic areas. A respective solution containing a sample is located on a respective hydrophilic area of the array of hydrophilic areas. The respective hydrophilic area includes one or more indentations from a respective surrounding hydrophobic area of the one or more hydrophobic areas. The respective hydrophilic area includes a first indented surface that is offset from a reference surface defined by the respective surrounding hydrophobic area. The method also includes placing an aspirator nozzle above the respective hydrophilic area at a predefined distance from the first indented surface, and aspirating the solution with the aspirator nozzle while the aspirator nozzle is located at the predefined distance from the first indented surface.

Abstract: A method for retrieving magnetic components from a sample solution includes obtaining an array plate with a sample surface that includes a plurality of sample regions and a surrounding region. A first solution is located on a sample region of the plurality of sample regions. The first solution includes a plurality of magnetic components. A separation layer that includes one or more protrusions is placed so that at least a respective protrusion of the one or more protrusions is at least partially immersed in the first solution. A first magnetic device is placed within the respective protrusion. At least a portion of the plurality of magnetic components is retrieved from the first solution by concurrently moving the separation layer and the magnetic device so that the respective protrusion ceases to be at least partially immersed in the first solution on the sample region.

Abstract: A method for retrieving magnetic components from a sample solution includes obtaining an array plate with a sample surface that includes a plurality of sample regions and a surrounding region. A first solution is located on a sample region of the plurality of sample regions. The first solution includes a plurality of magnetic components. A separation layer that includes one or more protrusions is placed so that at least a respective protrusion of the one or more protrusions is at least partially immersed in the first solution. A first magnetic device is placed within the respective protrusion. At least a portion of the plurality of magnetic components is retrieved from the first solution by concurrently moving the separation layer and the magnetic device so that the respective protrusion ceases to be at least partially immersed in the first solution on the sample region.

Abstract: Methods and devices for adding liquids to and washing a microfluidic element array are disclosed. The method and devices feature a microfluidic plate holder with a sloped wall for improved draining of liquid, a machine readable/writable identifier, plate leveling systems, liquid filling systems, a hydrophilic-liquid coating, and an automated washing station.

Abstract: Methods and devices for adding liquids to and washing a microfluidic element array are disclosed. The method and devices feature a microfluidic plate holder with a sloped wall for improved draining of liquid, a machine readable/writable identifier, plate leveling systems, liquid filling systems, a hydrophilic-liquid coating, and an automated washing station.