Abstract: Provided are methods of screening and identification of bioactivities and bioactive molecules of interest using a capillary array system. More specifically, disclosed are methods of using optical detection and capillary array-based techniques for screening libraries and recovering bioactive molecules having a desired activity or a nucleic acid sequence encoding such bioactive molecules.

Abstract: A sample screening platform, system and method for screening and recovery of detectable samples. The platform includes a capillary array including a plurality of capillaries. Each capillary includes at least one wall defining a lumen for retaining the detectable sample. The detectable sample is introduced to and retained in the lumen by capillary forces. In a method of incubating the sample, a second liquid is introduced into the capillary containing the sample. A detection and recovery system includes an optical system for detecting the sample, and a recovery mechanism adapted to contact a capillary containing the sample. The recovery mechanism is further adapted to recover the sample from the capillary, and expel the recovered sample for analysis.

Abstract: A device for positioning the tip of an elongated probe at a selected station of a holding plate includes motors to move the holding plate and a supporting stage within a coordinate plane (mxy). The elongated probe is also moveable along a probe axis that is oriented normal to the coordinate plane (mxy). A camera creates a pixel image of an optical marker placed on the stage. The image defines a coordinate plane (pxy). To relate the coordinate plane (pxy) to the coordinate plane (mxy), the optical marker is moved to successive locations in the mxy plane and a pixel image is obtained at each location. Using the pixel images, a computer calculates the relationship between coordinate planes and uses the relationship to signal the motors to move the holding plate in the mxy plane and position the selected station on the probe axis for interaction with the probe.

Abstract: Provided is a method of screening or enriching a sample containing polynucleotides from a mixed population of organisms. The method includes creating a DNA library from a plurality of nucleic acid sequences of a mixed population of organisms and separating clones containing a polynucleotide sequence of interest on an analyzer detects a detectable molecule on a probe or bioactive substrate. The analyzer includes FACS devices, SQUID devices and MCS devices. The separated or enrich library can then be further process by activity based screening or sequence based screening. In addition, the enriched sequence can be compared to a database and to identify sequences in the database which have homology to a clone in the library thereby obtaining a nucleic acid profile of the mixed population of organisms.

Abstract: Provided are methods of screening and identification of bioactivities and bioactive molecules of interest using a capillary array system. More specifically, disclosed are methods of using optical detection and capillary array-based techniques for screening libraries and recovering bioactive molecules having a desired activity or a nucleic acid sequence encoding such bioactive molecules.

Abstract: A sample screening platform, system and method for screening and recovery of detectable samples. The platform includes a capillary array including a plurality of capillaries. Each capillary includes at least one wall defining a lumen for retaining the detectable sample. The detectable sample is introduced to and retained in the lumen by capillary forces. In a method of incubating the sample, a second liquid is introduced into the capillary containing the sample. A detection and recovery system includes an optical system for detecting the sample, and a recovery mechanism adapted to contact a capillary containing the sample. The recovery mechanism is further adapted to recover the sample from the capillary, and expel the recovered sample for analysis.

Abstract: A sample screening platform, system and method for screening and recovery of detectable samples. The platform includes a capillary array including a plurality of capillaries. Each capillary includes at least one wall defining a lumen for retaining the detectable sample. The detectable sample is introduced to and retained in the lumen by capillary forces. In a method of incubating the sample, a second liquid is introduced into the capillary containing the sample. A detection and recovery system includes an optical system for detecting the sample, and a recovery mechanism adapted to contact a capillary containing the sample. The recovery mechanism is further adapted to recover the sample from the capillary, and expel the recovered sample for analysis.

Abstract: A device for positioning the tip of an elongated probe at a selected station of a holding plate includes motors to move the holding plate and a supporting stage within a coordinate plane (mxy). The elongated probe is also moveable along a linear probe axis that is orientated normal to the coordinate plane (mxy). A camera creates a pixel image of an optical marker placed on the stage. The image defines a coordinate plane (pxy). To relate the coordinate plane (pxy) to the coordinate plane (mxy), the optical marker is moved to successive locations in the mxy plane and a pixel image is obtained at each location. Using the pixel images, a computer calculates the relationship between coordinate planes and uses the relationship to signal the motors to move the holding plate in the mxy plane and position the selected station on the probe axis for interaction with the probe.

Abstract: A GigaMatrix plate for holding a large number of small-volume fluid samples includes a base for supporting a plurality of substantially parallel, elongated capillary tubes. Each tube defines a lumen that extends through the base, and each lumen has an aspect ratio greater than about 5:1. Dimensionally, each lumen has an inner diameter that is less than approximately five hundred microns and it has a length greater than about five millimeters. Further, each tube acts to optically distinguish light that is directed toward it from the sample whenever the sample fluoresces inside the tube lumen. Also, however, light from the sample that is directed axially through the tube is emitted therefrom for optical detection of the tube and the sample therein.

Abstract: A sample screening platform, system and method for screening and recovery of detectable samples. The platform includes a capillary array including a plurality of capillaries. Each capillary includes at least one wall defining a lumen for retaining the detectable sample. The detectable sample is introduced to and retained in the lumen by capillary forces. In a method of incubating the sample, a second liquid is introduced into the capillary containing the sample. A detection and recovery system includes an optical system for detecting the sample, and a recovery mechanism adapted to contact a capillary containing the sample. The recovery mechanism is further adapted to recover the sample from the capillary, and expel the recovered sample for analysis.

Abstract: A device, and a method for using the device, to generate discrete information about an environmental event includes an array of sensors. All sensors in the array have a determinable detection capability and, preferably, some of these detection capabilities are redundant while others are overlapping. The individual sensors are positioned in the particular environment to detect characteristics of the event from different perspectives. The outputs which are generated by the various sensors in the array are selectively segmented and joined to create a convolved pattern of data which explicitly and implicitly includes information about the characteristics of the event. The convolved pattern is then presented to a pattern recognition unit, such as a neural network, where the characteristics are interpreted from the convolved pattern to generate the desired discrete information about the environmental event.

Abstract: An optical fiber security system includes an optical emitter connected to one end of an optical fiber and a detector connected to the other end. A random signal generator triggers the emitter to output a light pulse signal through the fiber. This generator also simultaneously triggers the detector to receive the light pulse signal. A comparator compares the light pulse signal that is received by the detector with an optimum reference to adjust and conform the emitter output with the reference. Also, a monitor determines whether a particular identifiable characteristic of the light pulse signal is within a predetermined range of values. Whenever there is not a simultaneous emission and detection of the light pulse signal, or whenever the light pulse characteristic is outside the predetermined range of values, the system alarms.