Abstract: A method and apparatus for fractionation of a mixture of particles and for particle analysis are provided, in which LEAPS (“Light-controlled Electrokinetic Assembly of Particles near Surfaces”) is used to fractionate and analyze a plurality of particles suspended in an interface between an electrode and an electrolyte solution. A mixture of particles are fractionated according to their relaxation frequencies, which in turn reflect differences in size or surface composition of the particles. Particles may also be analyzed to determine their physical and chemical properties based on particle relaxation frequency and maximal velocity.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for establishing the compatibility between two blood types on the basis of cross-matching (under a designated rule of stringency) the minor blood group genotypes of recipient and prospective donors. To determine compatibility, the blood group genotypes are mapped to corresponding phenotypes according to the expression states associated with a set of underlying haplotypes, and compatibility is established by establishing the compatibility of blood types constructed as a combination of constituent phenotypes. The bit strings are matched, preferably using an algorithm expression. Where ambiguity in mapping genotypes to haplotypes exists, it can be reduced based on frequency of occurrence of the haplotypes in the sample population, or resolved by gametic phasing. Such reduction or resolution of ambiguity is particularly desirable where mismatches in the antigens expressed by the constituent haplotypes have greater clinical significance.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the manipulation of colloidal particulates and biomolecules at the interface between an insulating electrode such as silicon oxide and an electrolytc solution. Light-controlled electrokinetic assembly of particles near surfaces relics on the combination of three functional elements: the AC electric field-induced assembly of planar aggregates; the patterning of the electrolyte/silicon oxide/silicon interface to exert spatial control over the assembly process; and the real-time control of the assembly process via external illumination. The present invention provides a set of fundamental operations enabling interactive control over the creation and placement of planar arrays of several types of particles and biomolecules and the manipulation of array shape and size. The preset invention enables sample preparation and handling for diagnostic assays and biochemical analysis in an array format, and the functional integration of these operations.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of analyzing tandem repeats using one or more probes, each such probe may lack an anchoring sequence but contains one or more tandem repeat sequences complementary to the target tandem repeat sequences. In one embodiment, each probe is attached, via its 5? end, to an encoded microparticle (“bead”), wherein the code—implemented by way of a color scheme—identifies the sequence and length of the probe attached thereto. Also disclosed are methods relating to the analysis of partial duplex configurations involving only partial overlap between probe and target repeats and thus “overhangs” of probe repeats on the 3? and/or 5? ends of the target repeats.

Abstract: Disclosed is a single stranded primer-promoter-selector construct comprising (in 3? to 5? orientation) a primer subsequence annealing to the target, a T7 or other promoter subsequence (the template strand), and a selector subsequence. The primer can be extended by template mediated elongation, including reverse transcription, or ligation to another oligonucleotide. The promoter sequence is oriented to direct the in-vitro transcription (IVT) opposite to that of primer extension, where the selector subsequence serves as a template for IVT. The selector is associated with the target subsequence of interest and it, and the amplified product are unique subsequences, dissimilar to other sequence present in the sample. The construct's is useful for determination of the presence and relative abundance of designated subsequences in the sample, multiplex gene expression analysis, multiplex allele counting, determination of polymorphic/mutation site, and loss of heterozygosity.

Abstract: This invention provides compositions and methods for genetic testing of an organism and for correlating the results of the genetic testing with a unique marker that unambiguously identifies the organism. The markers may be internal markers, such as for example single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), short tandem repeats (STRs), or other sites within a genomic locus. Alternatively, the markers may be external, such that they are separately added to the genetic sample before testing.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the manipulation of colloidal particulates and biomolecules at the interface between an insulating electrode such as silicon oxide and an electrolyte solution. Light-controlled electrokinetic assembly of particles near surfaces relies on the combination of three functional elements: the AC electric field-induced assembly of planar aggregates; the patterning of the electrolyte/silicon oxide/silicon interface to exert spatial control over the assembly process; and the real-time control of the assembly process via external illumination. The present invention provides a set of fundamental operations enabling interactive control over the creation and placement of planar arrays of several types of particles and biomolecules and the manipulation of array shape and size. The present invention enables sample preparation and handling for diagnostic assays and biochemical analysis in an array format, and the functional integration of these operations.

Abstract: This invention provides compositions and methods for genetic testing of an organism and for correlating the results of the genetic testing with a unique marker that unambiguously identifies the organism. The markers may be internal markers, such as for example single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), short tandem repeats (STRs), or other sites within a genomic locus. Alternatively, the markers may be external, such that they are separately added to the genetic sample before testing.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of for constructing a bead-displayed library of oligonucleotide probes (or sequence-modified capture moieties such as protein-nucleic acid conjugates) by ligation of a capture probe, having an analyte-specific sequence, to an anchor probe that is attached, at its 5?-end, (or possibly at the 3? end) to an encoded carrier such as a color-coded microparticle (“bead”). Such a library can also be constructed by elongation of an anchor probe, using a second probe as the elongation template, wherein the second probe has an anchor-specific subsequence and an analyte-specific subsequence.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the manipulation of colloidal particles and biomolecules at the interface between an insulating electrode such as silicon oxide and an electrolyte solution. Light-controlled electrokinetic assembly of particles near surfaces relies on the combination of three functional elements: the AC electric field-induced assembly of planar aggregates; the patterning of the electrolyte/silicon oxide/silicon interface to exert spatial control over the assembly process; and the real-time control of the assembly process via external illumination. The present invention provides a set of fundamental operations enabling interactive control over the creation and placement of planar arrays of several types of particles and biomolecules and the manipulation of array shape and size. The present invention enables sample preparation and handling for diagnostic assays and biochemical analysis in an array format, and the functional integration of these operations.

Abstract: An apparatus providing programmable illumination pattern generation for the manipulation of colloidal particulates and biomolecules in suspension between electrodes, is disclosed. The apparatus implements LEAPS (Light-controlled electrokinetic assembly of particles near surfaces), which relies on: AC electric field-induced assembly of particles the patterning of the electrolyte/silicon oxide/silicon interface to exert spatial control over the assembly process; and the real-time control of the assembly process via external illumination. The apparatus generates patterns of illumination and projects then onto planar surfaces, i.e., a LEAPS electrode.

Abstract: This invention provides compositions and methods for genetic testing of an organism and for correlating the results of the genetic testing with a unique marker that unambiguously identifies the organism. The markers may be internal markers, such as for example single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), short tandem repeats (STRs), or other sites within a genomic locus. Alternatively, the markers may be external, such that they are separately added to the genetic sample before testing.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for the generation of novel libraries of encoded magnetic particles from sub-libraries of by the generation of novel sub-libraries of magnetic nanoparticles and encoded particles. The sub-libraries are functionalized on demand are useful in the formation of arrays. The present invention is especially useful for performing multiplexed (parallel) assays for qualitative and/or quantitative analysis of binding interactions of a number of analyte molecules in a sample.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the manipulation of colloidal particles and biomolecules at the interface between an insulating electrode such as silicon oxide and an electrolyte solution. Light-controlled electrokinetic assembly of particles near surfaces relies on the combination of three functional elements: the AC electric field-induced assembly of planar aggregates; the patterning of the electrolyte/silicon oxide/silicon interface to exert spatial control over the assembly process; and the real-time control of the assembly process via external illumination. The present invention provides a set of fundamental operations enabling interactive control over the creation and placement of planar arrays of several types of particles and biomolecules and the manipulation of array shape and size. The present invention enables sample preparation and handling for diagnostic assays and biochemical analysis in an array format, and the functional integration of these operations.

Abstract: Described are methods of assay design and assay image correction, useful for multiplexed genetic screening for mutations and polymorphisms, including CF-related mutants and polymorphs, using an array of probe pairs (in one aspect, where one member is complementary to a particular mutant or polymorphic allele and the other member is complementary to a corresponding wild type allele), with probes bound to encoded particles (e.g., beads) wherein the encoding allows identification of the attached probe. The methods relate to avoiding cross-hybridization by selection of probes and amplicons, as well as separation of reactions of certain probes and amplicons where a homology threshold is exceeded. Methods of correcting a fluorescent image using a background map, where the particles also contain an optical encoding system, are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the manipulation of colloidal particles and biomolecules at the interface between an insulating electrode such as silicon oxide and an electrolyte solution. Light-controlled electrokinetic assembly of particles near surfaces relies on the combination of three functional elements: the AC electric field-induced assembly of planar aggregates; the patterning of the electrolyte/silicon oxide/silicon interface to exert spatial control over the assembly process; and the real-time control of the assembly process via external illumination. The present invention provides a set of fundamental operations enabling interactive control over the creation and placement of planar arrays of several types of particles and biomolecules and the manipulation of array shape and size. The present invention enables sample preparation and handling for diagnostic assays and biochemical analysis in an array format, and the functional integration of these operations.

Abstract: Described are methods of assay design and assay image correction, useful for multiplexed genetic screening for mutations and polymorphisms, including CF-related mutants and polymorphs, using an array of probe pairs (in one aspect, where one member is complementary to a particular mutant or polymorphic allele and the other member is complementary to a corresponding wild type allele), with probes bound to encoded particles (e.g., beads) wherein the encoding allows identification of the attached probe. The methods relate to avoiding cross-hybridization by selection of probes and amplicons, as well as separation of reactions of certain probes and amplicons where a homology threshold is exceeded. Methods of correcting a fluorescent image using a background map, where the particles also contain an optical encoding system, are also disclosed.

Abstract: Described are methods of assay design and assay image correction, useful for multiplexed genetic screening for mutations and polymorphisms, including CF-related mutants and polymorphs, using an array of probe pairs (in one aspect, where one member is complementary to a particular mutant or polymorphic allele and the other member is complementary to a corresponding wild type allele), with probes bound to encoded particles (e.g., beads) wherein the encoding allows identification of the attached probe. The methods relate to avoiding cross-hybridization by selection of probes and amplicons, as well as separation of reactions of certain probes and amplicons where a homology threshold is exceeded. Methods of correcting a fluorescent image using a background map, where the particles also contain an optical encoding system, are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a systematic process for the creation of functionally organized, spatially patterned assemblies of polymer-microparticle composites including the AC electric field-mediated assembly of patterned, self-supporting organic (polymeric) films and organic-polymer-microparticle composites of tailored composition and morphology. The present invention further relates to the incorporation of said assemblies into other structures. The present invention also relates to the application of such functional assemblies in materials science and biology. Additional areas of application include sensors, catalysts, membranes, and micro-reactors, and miniaturized format for generation of multifunctional thin films. This invention also provides simple methods and apparatus for synthesizing thin films of tailored composition and morphology.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided the autocentering, autofocusing, acquiring, decoding, aligning, analyzing and exchanging among various parties, images, where the images are of arrays of signals associated with ligand-receptor interactions, and more particularly, ligand-receptor interactions where a multitude of receptors are associated with microparticles or microbeads. The beads are encoded to indicate the identity of the receptor attached, and therefore, an assay image and a decoding image are aligned to effect the decoding. The images or data extracted from such images can be exchanged between de-centralized assay locations and a centralized location where the data are analyzed to indicate assay results. Access to data can be restricted to authorized parties in possession of certain coding information, so as to preserve confidentiality.