Abstract: An instrument for detecting signal from a biological sample includes a pipettor module configured to hold a plurality of pipettes in respective pipette positions, to hold liquid in one or more pipette tips, and to pipette liquid in and out of the one or more pipette tips. Each of the one or more pipette tips has a pipette tip point. The instrument further includes one or more magnets positioned such that each of the one or more pipette tips is adjacent one of the one or more magnets.

Abstract: An instrument for detecting signal from a biological sample includes a pipettor module configured to hold a plurality of pipettes in respective pipette positions, to hold liquid in one or more pipette tips, and to pipette liquid in and out of the one or more pipette tips. Each of the one or more pipette tips has a pipette tip point. The instrument further includes one or more magnets positioned such that each of the one or more pipette tips is adjacent one of the one or more magnets.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel assays for detecting target molecules. The assays employ small size, detectably labeled, magnetic nanoparticles associated with a capture molecule. The detection assay is accelerated by applying magnetic field during the assay. The assays of the invention can be used to enhance the efficiency of the detection step in dot blot, Western blot and ELISA.

Abstract: Horizontal gel electrophoresis devices and methods of extracting a gel from a gel housing are provided. The devices allow for extraction of gels without having to open the housing comprising the gel. The devices include gel cassettes that simplify the automation of gel electrophoresis and electroblotting of proteins. Also provided are devices that allow for horizontal gel electrophoresis without the need to from a liquid seal between the buffer reservoir and the gel housing. Also described are methods for extracting a gel from a housing without opening the housing.

Abstract: A tip for use in an optical detection system to analyze an analyte in a fluid sample drawn into the tip, using light reflected from a detection surface inside the tip that the analyte binds to, comprising a first detection surface and a second detection surface located in a same flow path with no controllable valve separating them, wherein the first and second detection surfaces have different surface chemistries.

Abstract: A tip for use in an optical detection system to analyze an analyte in a fluid sample drawn into the tip, using light reflected from a detection surface inside the tip that the analyte binds to, comprising a first detection surface and a second detection surface located in a same flow path with no controllable valve separating them, wherein the first and second detection surfaces have different surface chemistries.

Abstract: Horizontal gel electrophoresis devices and methods of extracting a gel from a gel housing are provided. The devices allow for extraction of gels without having to open the housing comprising the gel. The devices include gel cassettes that simplify the automation of gel electrophoresis and electroblotting of proteins. Also provided are devices that allow for horizontal gel electrophoresis without the need to from a liquid seal between the buffer reservoir and the gel housing. Also described are methods for extracting a gel from a housing without opening the housing.

Abstract: A tip for use in an optical detection system to analyze an analyte in a fluid sample drawn into the tip, using light reflected from a detection surface inside the tip that the analyte binds to, comprising a first detection surface and a second detection surface located in a same flow path with no controllable valve separating them, wherein the first and second detection surfaces have different surface chemistries.

Abstract: Provided is a method for determining one or more kinetic parameters of binding between a first binding member and a second binding member. The method includes adsorbing the first binding member to a surface at a plurality of microspots. The second binding member is then presented to the first binding member at each of the microspots, there being a plurality of combinations of first binding member surface density and second binding member concentration among the plurality of microspots. Data indicative of a binding reaction between the first of microspots are then obtained and analyzed so as to obtain one or more kinetic parameters of the binding between the first and second binding members. Also provided is a system for carrying out the method. A method for localizing a molecular species at microspots on a surface, and a probe array produced by the method are also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides a binding layer comprising a polysaccharide substituted by carboxylic groups or derivatives thereof exhibiting high performance in the binding of ligand molecules and in the interaction thereof with analyte molecules. A method for the preparation of the binding layer and for the assaying of various analyte molecules is also provided.

Abstract: A method of determining a normalized quantity of an analyte adhering to beads in a detection area of a bead-based assaying system, the method comprising: a) causing a complex of the analyte to fluorescently or chemically emit a first light, or to release a dye; b) measuring an integrated intensity of the first light emitted from the beads in the detection area, or a concentration of the dye released from the beads in the detection area, or both; c) causing light to interact with the beads in the detection area, the interaction not depending on whether or how much analyte is adhering to the beads; d) measuring a second light resulting from the interaction with the beads which does not depend on the analyte; and e) determining the normalized quantity of analyte from the integrated intensity of the first light or concentration of the dye or both, and from the measured second light.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel assays for detecting target molecules. The assays employ small size, detectably labeled, magnetic nanoparticles associated with a capture molecule. The detection assay is accelerated by applying magnetic field during the assay. The assays of the invention can be used to enhance the efficiency of the detection step in dot blot, Western blot and ELISA.

Abstract: An SPR sensor comprising a thin conducting layer comprising at least one conductive element formed on a surface of a transparent substrate, a light source that illuminates an interface between the conducting layer and the substrate, a photosensitive surface that generates signals from light reflected from the interface, a flow cell formed with at least one flow channel having a lumen defined by a wall formed from an elastic material and from a region of the conducting layer, and at least one hollow fluid-providing flow control apparatus having a lumen and an orifice communicating with its lumen. Fluid flow is enabled between the flow channel and the lumen of the flow control apparatus by forcing an end of the flow control apparatus through the elastic material so that the orifice communicates with the flow channel lumen.

Abstract: An SPR sensor comprising a thin conducting layer comprising at least one conductive element formed on a surface of a transparent substrate, a light source that illuminates an interface between the conducting layer and the substrate, a photosensitive surface that generates signals from light reflected from the interface, a flow cell formed with at least one flow channel having a lumen defined by a wall formed from an elastic material and from a region of the conducting layer, and at least one hollow fluid-providing flow control apparatus having a lumen and an orifice communicating with its lumen. Fluid flow is enabled between the flow channel and the lumen of the flow control apparatus by forcing an end of the flow control apparatus through the elastic material so that the orifice communicates with the flow channel lumen.

Abstract: A tip for use in an optical detection system to analyze an analyte in a fluid sample drawn into the tip, using light reflected from a detection surface inside the tip that the analyte binds to, comprising a first detection surface and a second detection surface located in a same flow path with no controllable valve separating them, wherein the first and second detection surfaces have different surface chemistries.

Abstract: An SPR sensor comprising a thin conducting layer comprising at least one conductive element formed on a surface of a transparent substrate, a light source that illuminates an interface between the conducting layer and the substrate, a photosensitive surface that generates signals from light reflected from the interface, a flow cell formed with at least one flow channel having a lumen defined by a wall formed from an elastic material and from a region of the conducting layer, and at least one hollow fluid-providing flow control apparatus having a lumen and an orifice communicating with its lumen. Fluid flow is enabled between the flow channel and the lumen of the flow control apparatus by forcing an end of the flow control apparatus through the elastic material so that the orifice communicates with the flow channel lumen.

Abstract: Provided is a method for determining one or more kinetic parameters of binding between a first binding member and a second binding member. The method includes adsorbing the first binding member to a surface at a plurality of microspots. The second binding member is then presented to the first binding member at each of the microspots, there being a plurality of combinations of first binding member surface density and second binding member concentration among the plurality of microspots. Data indicative of a binding reaction between the first of microspots are then obtained and analyzed so as to obtain one or more kinetic parameters of the binding between the first and second binding members. Also provided is a system for carrying out the method. A method for localizing a molecular species at microspots on a surface, and a probe array produced by the method are also provided.

Abstract: An SPR sensor comprising a thin conducting layer comprising at least one conductive element formed on a surface of a transparent substrate, a light source that illuminates an interface between the conducting layer and the substrate, a photosensitive surface that generates signals from light reflected from the interface, a flow cell formed with at least one flow channel having a lumen defined by a wall formed from an elastic material and from a region of the conducting layer, and at least one hollow fluid-providing flow control apparatus having a lumen and an orifice communicating with its lumen. Fluid flow is enabled between the flow channel and the lumen of the flow control apparatus by forcing an end of the flow control apparatus through the elastic material so that the orifice communicates with the flow channel lumen.

Abstract: An SPR sensor comprising a thin conducting layer comprising at least one conductive element formed on a surface of a transparent substrate, a light source that illuminates an interface between the conducting layer and the substrate, a photosensitive surface that generates signals from light reflected from the interface, a flow cell formed with at least one flow channel having a lumen defined by a wall formed from an elastic material and from a region of the conducting layer, and at least one hollow fluid-providing flow control apparatus having a lumen and an orifice communicating with its lumen. Fluid flow is enabled between the flow channel and the lumen of the flow control apparatus by forcing an end of the flow control apparatus through the elastic material so that the orifice communicates with the flow channel lumen.

Abstract: A method for determining one or more kinetic parameters of binding between a first binding member and a second binding member. The method comprises adsorbing the first binding member to a surface at a plurality of microspots. The second binding member is then presented to the first binding member at each of the microspots, there being a plurality of combinations of first binding member surface density and second binding member concentration among the plurality of microspots. Data indicative of a binding reaction between the first of microspots are then obtained and analyzed so as to obtain one or more kinetic parameters of the binding between the first and second binding members. The invention also provides a system for carrying out the method. A method for localizing a molecular species at microspots on a surface, and a probe array produced by the method are also provided.