Abstract: An apparatus including an LED excitation source and module useful for full plate imaging fluorescence instruments as well as methods for calibrating such instruments. The apparatus may include a light source operative to provide simultaneous illumination of a first wavelength selected to a plurality of samples to excite the fluorescent emission of light of a second wavelength by said plurality of samples wherein the light source is an LED array; and an optical sensor, responsive to light at said second wavelength.

Abstract: The invention provides a system and method for synthesizing chemicals onto supports in a parallel manner to produce a combinatorial collection of compounds. The system includes a plurality of middle plates, with each middle plate defining a plurality of reaction zones arranged in a two dimensional array. The reaction zones are adapted to receive a solid support, such as a sheet of membrane, and the middle plates are stackable on each other to form a three dimensional array of reaction zones. The system also includes a pair of end plates, where the middle plates are located between the end plates, and where the end plates include an array of fluid guides corresponding to the array of reaction zones, to allow for selective routing of reagents through the reaction zones.

Abstract: The invention provides systems and methods for processing a plurality of solid supports which preferably have chemical compounds synthesized thereon. According to one exemplary method, the solid supports (12) are held in a common storage location (10). At least some of the solid supports (24) are attracted from the storage location to selected areas within a defined receiving region (20) so that the solid supports which are attracted to the selected areas within the receiving region are separated and spaced apart from each other.

Abstract: The invention provides exemplary testing devices, systems, and methods for evaluating the permeation of various chemicals through different types of cells. In one exemplary embodiment, a testing device is provided which comprises a plate defining at least one well having an open top end. At least one membrane is insertable into the well in a generally vertical orientation to divide the well into separate chambers. The membrane is removable from the well to allow the cells to be grown on the membrane before insertion into the well.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and apparatus for transporting articles held within a liquid medium from one location to another. Apparatus according to the invention comprise a hopper having a top end, a bottom end, and at least one side wall extending therebetween. The bottom end includes an opening therein, and the hopper is adapted to receive the articles and the liquid medium. A means is provided for injecting an amount of the liquid medium into the hopper to fluidize the articles while held within the liquid medium. The apparatus further includes a container which may be aligned with the opening at the bottom end of the hopper. The container is sized to receive a known quantity of at least one of the articles.