Abstract: An assay device and method of use thereof, include a multiwell chip and a microarray slide printed with capture molecules. The chip contains shallow wells for holding liquid samples and, optionally, shoulders for receiving the slide. The slide, when placed on the chip, can contact the top of the liquid sample and draw the liquid sample upwards onto the capture molecules. The microarray slide and multiwell chip are capable of forming a closed incubation chamber preventing outside contamination and liquid evaporation. Patterning of the slide can be carried out by direct write lithography or nanolithography, including DPN printing. Small liquid volumes can be used.

Abstract: An assay device and method of use thereof includes a sample tray comprising a plurality of sample wells having a first volume, and a slide tray comprising a slide, and a liquid dispenser. The slide comprises a plurality of reaction sites on a bottom surface of the slide. The liquid dispenser is configured to dispense a plurality of liquid samples into the sample wells. The sample wells are configured to hold the liquid samples. Each of the liquid samples has a second volume such that the second volume exceeds the first volume and each of the liquid sample sits within and above one of the sample wells. The slide tray and the sample tray are configured such that the slide tray can be placed onto the sample tray, at least one of the reaction sites can be positioned directly above at least one of the sample wells containing a liquid sample, and the liquid sample can be drawn onto the reaction site upon the liquid sample contacting the bottom surface of the slide.

Abstract: Cantilever design for patterning from a cantilever tip can be improved with, for example, a recessed area surrounding the cantilever tip. A device for printing nanoscopic and microscopic patterns includes at least one cantilever having a front surface, a first side edge, a second side edge, and a first end which is a free end and a second end which is a non-free end.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in fabricating structures and depositing materials from tips to surfaces for patterning in direct-write mode, providing ability to travel macroscopic distances and yet provide for nanoscale patterning. Useful in small scale fabrication and nanolithography. The instrument can be compact and used on a laboratory bench or desktop. An apparatus comprising: at least one multi-axis assembly comprising a plurality of nanopositioning stages, at least one pen assembly, wherein the pen assembly and the multi-axis assembly are adapted for delivery of material from the pen assembly to a substrate which is positioned by the multi-axis assembly, at least one viewing assembly, at least one controller. Nanopositioning by piezoelectric methods and devices and motors is particularly useful. The apparatus can include integrated environmental chambers and housings, as well as ink reservoirs for materials to be delivered. The viewing assembly can be a microscope with a long working distance.

Abstract: Devices for leveling an object for patterning a substrate surface, including an array of scanning probe tips, are provided. A device may include a support structure adapted to mount an object, the object having a plurality of protrusions adapted to form a pattern on a surface of a substrate upon contact of the object to the surface; and at least one flexible joint assembly mounted to the support structure and adapted to allow the object to achieve a parallel orientation with respect to the surface upon contact of the object to the surface. Also provided are apparatuses and kits incorporating the devices and methods of making and using the devices and apparatuses.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in fabricating structures and depositing materials from tips to surfaces for patterning in direct-write mode, providing ability to travel macroscopic distances and yet provide for nanoscale patterning. Useful in small scale fabrication and nanolithography. The instrument can be compact and used on a laboratory bench or desktop. An apparatus comprising: at least one multi-axis assembly comprising a plurality of nanopositioning stages, at least one pen assembly, wherein the pen assembly and the multi-axis assembly are adapted for delivery of material from the pen assembly to a substrate which is positioned by the multi-axis assembly, at least one viewing assembly, at least one controller. Nanopositioning by piezoelectric methods and devices and motors is particularly useful. The apparatus can include integrated environmental chambers and housings, as well as ink reservoirs for materials to be delivered. The viewing assembly can be a microscope with a long working distance.