Abstract: The present invention provides methods for improving the a&esion of gels to metalcoated substrates. In particular, the present invention provides a method comprising the steps of forming a thiol or disulfide self-assembled monolayer on the metal-coated substrate prior to deposition of the gel structures. The invention further provides devices fabricated according to the methods of the invention, comprising a substrate having a surface, a noble metal layer deposited on the substrate surface, a self-assembled monolayer comprised of bifunctional molecules having a thiol or disulfide end and a polymerizable end formed on the noble metal layer, and a plurality of gel pads a&Bred to the self-assembled monolayer. The devices of the invention are advantageously used for performing assays using optical and/or electrochemical detection methods.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and an improved apparatus for removing gas bubbles from a reaction chamber comprising a flexible layer removably affixed to a substrate layer having a multiplicity of oligonucleotide binding sites disposed thereon, in which biological reactions are performed. The invention specifically relates to methods and apparatus for removing gas bubbles from a reaction chamber wherein target molecules contained in a sample fluid are reacted with probe molecules immobilized on a substrate having an array of oligonucleotide binding sites. The arrays are covered with a flexible, gas permeable layer that permits mixing of the sample fluid on the biochip and removal of gas bubbles from the fluid by use of a means for facilitating diffusion of gas bubbles across the flexible, gas permeable layer.

Abstract: The present invention provides solid supports (e.g., glass) and polymer hydrogels (particularly polymer hydrogel arrays present on a solid support) comprising one or more reactive sites for the attachment of biomolecules, as well as biomolecules comprising one or more reactive sites for attachment to solid supports and polymer hydrogels. The invention further provides novel compositions and methods for the preparation of biomolecules, solid supports, and polymer hydrogels comprising reactive sites. The invention also provides for preparation of crosslinked solid supports, polymer hydrogels, and hydrogel arrays, wherein one or more biomolecules is attached by means of the reactive sites in a photocycloaddition reaction. Advantageously, according to the invention, crosslinking of the hydrogel and attachment of biomolecules can be done in a single step.

Abstract: This invention provides efficient methods for producing a covalent linkage having improved chemical stability between an amine-containing biomolecule and a solid support or hydrogel surface containing an aldehyde moiety.

Abstract: Methods and devices for detecting nucleic acid and protein targets on hydrogel microarrays are disclosed. Fluorophores are incorporated into the targets and detected. A linear correlation between target concentration and signal amplitude is maintained through the elimination of active enzyme amplification.

Abstract: The present invention provides solid supports (e.g., glass) and polymer hydrogels (particularly polymer hydrogel arrays present on a solid support) comprising one or more reactive sites for the attachment of biomolecules, as well as biomolecules comprising one or more reactive sites for attachment to solid supports and polymer hydrogels. The invention further provides novel compositions and methods for the preparation of biomolecules, solid supports, and polymer hydrogels comprising reactive sites. The invention also provides for preparation of crosslinked solid supports, polymer hydrogels, and hydrogel arrays, wherein one or more biomolecules is attached by means of the reactive sites in a photocycloaddition reaction. Advantageously, according to the invention, crosslinking of the hydrogel and attachment of biomolecules can be done in a single step.

Abstract: An attachment kit with swiveling wheel for converting a self-propelled rotary tiller with rear tines and motor driven wheels into a towing machine. The attachment kit is secured to the tiller in place of the drag stake. A mounting bracket (8) allows for the assembly to be easily mounted to the rotary tiller without removing either tines (11) or the tine guard (12). The attachment kit with swiveling wheel (9) adds versatility and stability to the rotary tiller by converting it into a towing machine which can be used to tow many different types of trailers, nut harvesters, garden carts, etc. A towing tower (10a) and (10b) to facilitate towing a nut harvester easily connects to the attachment kit. The attachment kit also accepts ball-type hitches and drop-pin hitches.

Abstract: A first sensor (18) for electrically sensing a molecular binding event includes a receptor-supporting element (20) into which a reagent is diffusable, at least one molecular receptor (22) supported by the receptor-supporting element (20), and a first electrode (24) embedded in the receptor-supporting element (20). A second sensor for electrically sensing a molecular binding event includes a receptor-supporting element (130), at least one molecular receptor (132) supported by the receptor-supporting element (130), an electrode (134) coupled to the receptor-supporting element (130), and a porous electrode (136) coupled to the receptor-supporting element (130).