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 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 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: 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.