Abstract: A biochip holder is disclosed, the holder including a means to receive a biochip, a vacuum port in communication with the received biochip, and a vacuum source connected to the vacuum port. Liquid from flushing of the biochip is pulled by vacuum force into a vacuum port and can be collected in order to prevent cross-contamination of the biochip. A method of collecting fluid from such a biochip is also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention provides a system that allows a user to assemble a chamber apparatus that prohibits samples from leaking or mixing with other samples or chamber array wells, when they are inserted into an array well of the chamber apparatus. In addition, the chamber frame design allows for easy assembly and disassembly for simplified use and slide substrate scanning on conventional microarray scanners. Chamber apparatus includes a chamber frame with an upper integrated gasket and a lower integrated gasket, a substrate, and a substrate frame that positions and captures the substrate. The lower integrated gasket provides a single sealing surface between the chamber frame and the substrate. The upper integrated gasket interfaces with a chamber cover forming a compression seal that prevents sample loss due to evaporation during the hybridization process.

Abstract: A biochip holder is disclosed, the holder including a means to receive a biochip, a vacuum port in communication with the received biochip, and a vacuum source connected to the vacuum port. Liquid from flushing of the biochip is pulled by vacuum force into a vacuum port and can be collected in order to prevent cross-contamination of the biochip. A method of collecting fluid from such a biochip is also disclosed.

Abstract: A biochip holder is disclosed, the holder including a means to receive a biochip, a vacuum port in communication with the received biochip, and a vacuum source connected to the vacuum port. Liquid from flushing of the biochip is pulled by vacuum force into a vacuum port and can be collected in order to prevent cross-contamination of the biochip. A method of collecting fluid from such a biochip is also disclosed.

Abstract: A biochip holder is disclosed, the holder including a means to receive a biochip, a vacuum port in communication with the received biochip, and a vacuum source connected to the vacuum port. Liquid from flushing of the biochip is pulled by vacuum force into a vacuum port and can be collected in order to prevent cross-contamination of the biochip. A method of collecting fluid from such a biochip is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides microfluidic devices and methods for enhancing mixing and hybridization kinetics in microfluidic assays. More particularly, the present invention is a device and method wherein changing the volume of a gas pocket within a microfluidic device enhances mixing and reaction kinetics therein. In an embodiment sonic frequency is applied to the gas pocket resulting in microstreaming phenomena, thereby resulting in enhanced mixing and reaction kinetics. In another embodiment, the gas pocket is fluidly connected to a microfluidic channel and the volume of the pocket is changed (e.g., by heating and cooling of the gas therein), which cause oscillating flow within the microfluidic channel, thereby resulting in enhanced mixing and reaction kinetics therein.

Abstract: A radiopaque marker that is incorporated into an implantable biocompatible device for precise imaging as the device is delivered and deployed within a body vessel. The radiopaque marker can take on a variety of forms which can be excised from a thin foil made of radiopaque metal or from an ePTFE sheet that has been coated on one or both surfaces with a radiopaque metal. The radiopaque markers, in forms such as rings, strips, disks, rectangles or spheres are encapsulated or contained within the implantable device to prevent the radiopaque metal from dissolving or escaping into the blood stream. Strategic placement of the radiopaque markers at each end of the implantable device enables the physician to fluoroscopically view its exact location prior to deployment and in subsequent follow-up examinations.