Abstract: A method and system for improving throughput of a fluidic system such as a biopolymer analysis system by cleaning accumulated or clogging biopolymer from the fluidic system is disclosed. The method and system utilize a light energy source to photocleave the biopolymer molecules that may accumulate or aggregate in the fluidic system or clog a passageway. The accumulated biopolymer may be exposed to a light energy source for a sufficient period of time such that the biopolymer molecule is dosed with sufficient energy to photocleave the biopolymer molecules, thereby restoring the efficiency of and flow through the system.

Abstract: A method and system for improving throughput of a fluidic system such as a biopolymer analysis system by cleaning accumulated or clogging biopolymer from the fluidic system is disclosed. The method and system utilize a light energy source to photocleave the biopolymer molecules that may accumulate or aggregate in the fluidic system or clog a passageway. The accumulated biopolymer may be exposed to a light energy source for a sufficient period of time such that the biopolymer molecule is dosed with sufficient energy to photocleave the biopolymer molecules, thereby restoring the efficiency of and flow through the system.

Abstract: A method and system for improving throughput of a fluidic system such as a biopolymer analysis system by cleaning accumulated or clogging biopolymer from the fluidic system is disclosed. The method and system utilize a light energy source to photocleave the biopolymer molecules that may accumulate or aggregate in the fluidic system or clog a passageway. The accumulated biopolymer may be exposed to a light energy source for a sufficient period of time such that the biopolymer molecule is dosed with sufficient energy to photocleave the biopolymer molecules, thereby restoring the efficiency of and flow through the system.

Abstract: A slotted pin tool, a delivery system containing the pin tool, a substrate for use in the system and methods using the pin tool and system are provided. The slotted pin tool contains a plurality of pins having slotted ends designed to fit around each loci of material deposited on a surface, such as a microarray, without contacting any of the deposited material. Sample is delivered by contacting the pin tool with the surface; the amount delivered is proportional to the velocity of the pin tool as it contacts the surface or the velocity of the liquid when movement of the pin is halted.

Abstract: A slotted pin tool, a delivery system containing the pin tool, a substrate for use in the system and methods using the pin tool and system are provided. The slotted pin tool contains a plurality of pins having slotted ends designed to fit around each loci of material deposited on a surface, such as a microarray, without contacting any of the deposited material. Sample is delivered by contacting the pin tool with the surface; the amount delivered is proportional to the velocity of the pin tool as it contacts the surface or the velocity of the liquid when movement of the pin is halted.

Abstract: A method composition and apparatus for the hybridization and separation of molecules having a desired target sequence in a sample by contacting a sample of single stranded nucleic acids with a detectable PNA probe having a sequence complementary to the target sequence so that the target sequence, if present, will hybridize with the detectable probe to form a detectable duplex, and then separating the duplex in a denaturing medium from unbound sample components by electrophoresis. The invention also relates to methods compositions and apparatus for the hybridization and separation of molecules having a desired target sequence in a mixed sample of single stranded nucleic acids and their complementary strands by contacting the sample with a detectable PNA probe.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods have been developed to deliver automatically a sample to a reaction vessel, an analytical device or any location where sample introduction or deposition is desired. A sample delivery system of the invention generally includes a housing defining a channel, e.g., a capillary, and a volume controller, which is a temperature control device, in thermal communication with the channel. The channel preferably is closed at one end, and contains an opening for introduction of a sample. The closed end of the channel is associated thermally with the temperature control device. The temperature control device heats and cools a thermally expandable fluid in the channel which controls movement of a sample into, within and out of the channel.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process line system for handling biological samples. The system includes a control computer that controls the movement of a sample material plate along the process line. The control computer accepts user inputs that define handling of the biological samples. The system further includes a plurality of modules arranged along the process line. Each module includes at least one work station that performs at least one task associated with the handling of the biological samples. The control computer adjusts the movement of the sample material plate along the process line so that the sample material plate is transported to only those modules that are to handle the biological sample, and so that the sample material plate bypasses any module that should not handle the biological sample, as defined by the user inputs.

Abstract: A slotted pin tool, a delivery system containing the pin tool, a substrate for use in the system and methods using the pin tool and system are provided. The slotted pin tool contains a plurality of pins having slotted ends designed to fit around each loci of material deposited on a surface, such as a microarray, without contacting any of the deposited material. Sample is delivered by contacting the pin tool with the surface; the amount delivered is proportional to the velocity of the pin tool as it contacts the surface or the velocity of the liquid when movement of the pin is halted.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for fluid transportation includes a fluid reservoir and a pump that supplies fluid to a microfluidic device. The microfluidic device has an opening and an electrode positioned proximate the opening. The pump pressurizes fluid within the microfluidic device to form a droplet at the opening. When a desired volume of droplet is formed, a potential difference is generated between an electrode and a target plate. The potential difference causes the drop to form a fluid delivery therebetween. The fluid delivery may take many shapes, including a Taylor cone or a stream of droplets.

Abstract: A method composition and apparatus for the hybridization and separation of molecules having a desired target sequence in a sample by contacting a sample of single stranded nucleic acids with a detectable PNA probe having a sequence complementary to the target sequence so that the target sequence, if present, will hybridize with the detectable probe to form a detectable duplex, and then separating the duplex in a denaturing medium from unbound sample components by electrophoresis. The invention also relates to methods compositions and apparatus for the hybridization and separation of molecules having a desired target sequence in a mixed sample of single stranded nucleic acids and their complementary strands by contacting the sample with a detectable PNA probe.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and apparatus for performing highly sensitive enzyme-amplified assays using channel electrophoresis of an enzyme having a biorecognition moiety. Combining a binding reaction of an analyte and an enzyme having a biorecognition moiety, and an electrophoretic separation which uses enzyme-amplified detection methodology, assay methods and apparatus are provided that offer simplicity, quantitative sensitivity and rapid analysis. Also disclosed are highly sensitive catalytically-amplified assays using a capillary electrophoresis format in which the binding reaction prior to electrophoresis is heterogeneous or homogeneous, and direct or competitive. The methods and apparatus for conducting sensitive automated catalytically-amplified assays using electrophoresis may be conducted in a microscale format.