Abstract: Methods, compounds, and kits are provided for derivatizing organometallic halide compounds. The methods include reacting an organometallic halide with a reagent to produce an analyte having desired properties. In a preferred form, the analyte has properties that render it more susceptible to chemical analysis in relation to its respective organometallic halide. The compounds include the analyte product of the derivatization reaction. The kits include a reagent and, preferably, some or all of the tools that may be used to perform the derivatization reaction.

Abstract: Methods and devices for determining a quality of a substrate surface are provided. Embodiments of the subject methods include producing a plurality of droplets on the surface of a substrate, illuminating the droplet-coated surface, observing a resultant optical property from the surface; and evaluating a quality of the substrate based on the observed optical property. In certain embodiments, an evaluated substrate is one which is to be used in the fabrication of an array assembly and the evaluation is performed prior to fabricating an array on the subject surface. In certain embodiments, an evaluated substrate is one which includes one or more arrays thereon and the evaluation is performed subsequent to the fabrication of the array on the substrate, e.g., to evaluate the quality of the features of the fabricated array. Also provided are apparatuses, systems and kits for use in practicing the subject methods.

Abstract: Calibration devices for optical scanners and methods for their use are provided. The subject devices are characterized by having a polymeric coating with at least one fluorescent agent, where the devices have minimal local and global nonuniformities. The subject device may also include one or more photobleached regions. In using the subject devices, a surface is illuminated with at least one light source, fluorescence data is obtained from the surface and the optical system is calibrated based upon the obtained fluorescence data. The subject invention finds use in a variety of optical scanners, including biopolymeric array optical scanners. Also provided are kits for use in verifying and calibrating optical scanners.

Abstract: Methods for treating at least one member of a backing element/microarray assembly structure are provided. The subject methods include at least one of: (1) depositing a component on the at least one member, (2) extracting a component from the at least one member, and (3) surface modifying the at least one member, to treat the at least one member of a backing element/microarray assembly structure. Embodiments of the subject invention also include treated microarray structure members, e.g., produced in accordance with the subject methods, as well as methods for using treated microarray structure members in array assay protocols. Also provided are systems and kits for use in the subject methods.