Abstract: The present invention comprises devices and methods for performing channel-less separation of cell particles by dielectrophoresis, DC high voltage-pulsed electronic lysis of separated cells, separation of desired components from crude mixtures such as cell lysates, and/or enzymatic reaction of such lysates, all of which can be conducted on a single bioelectronic chip. A preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a cartridge (10) including a microfabricated silicon chip (12) on a printed circuit board (14) and a flow cell (16) mounted to the chip (12) to form a flow chamber. The cartridge (10) also includes output pins (22) for electronically connecting the cartridge (10) to an electronic controller. The chip (12) includes a plurality of circular microelectrodes (24) which are preferably coated with a protective permeation layer which prevents direct contact between any electrode and a sample introduced into the flow chamber.

Abstract: Histamine may be quantitatively measured by performing the following steps. First, an oocyte that expresses histamine receptors is held in a recess formed at the bottom of a vessel. Then, first and second electrodes are inserted into the oocyte. Subsequently, the membrane potential of the oocyte is measured by using the first electrode to stabilize this membrane potential at a predetermined level by driving a current through the second electrode using circuitry for clamping the membrane potential of the oocyte. A sample is then infused into a fine reacting tube having an antigen immobilized on its inner surface together with some buffer solution to promote a histamine releasing reaction. The solution containing histamines that is released in the fine reacting tube is transferred to the vessel to make contact with the oocyte in the vessel.

Abstract: A gene sequencer, bio-compact disk and sample preparation methodology is described. Constant length oligonucleotides are prepared and, in conjunction with the bio-compact disk and apparatus described, used in gene sequencing and strategies therefor.

Abstract: A method for the detection of point mutation and polymorphisms in nucleic acids or for sequencing of unknown nucleic acids by a simple procedure using arrays uses nucleic acid analoges as sequence discriminators. This procedure simplifies the working mode in complex problematic cases.

Abstract: The disclosed invention provides a novel method for analyzing genomic DNA and expressed sequences using auxiliary oligonucleotides, preannealed to the single-stranded target nucleic acid to form a partially duplex target molecule, offers several advantages in the analysis of nucleic acid sequences by hybridization to genosensor arrays or “DNA chips”. Also provided is a method for directly analyzing and comparing patterns of gene expression at the level of transcription in different cellular samples.

Abstract: The ultra-wide band rf-enhanced chemotherapy for treatment of cancer and other intracellular diseases provides for increasing drug effectiveness. It also provides a means of treatment of inoperable cancers. The invention uses ultra-wide band short pulses to provide high electric field strength in diseased areas of a patient to induce electroporosis preferentially in the region to be treated by chemotherapy. The effect is to make the interiors of the cells in the affected region open to the chemotherapeutic agent. The treatment can be enhanced in its effectiveness thereby. It also enables treatment with reduced doses of the therapeutic agent and reduces side effects in other areas of the patient through the reduction of the total dosage. The invention makes specific use of the polarization of UWB fields and the very short duration of the pulsed electromagnetic fields induced into the region to be treated to minimize the absorbed rf energy associated with the treatment, making the heating of tissue negligible.

Abstract: An electroporation system and method for directing high-voltage currents to a suspension of cells contained in a cuvette. A high-voltage switch controls the coupling of a charge control to a high-voltage capacitor and, additionally, controls the coupling of the high-voltage capacitor to the cuvette. A current diverter diverts current away from the sample whenever an arc condition commences or a low sample resistance is detected across the cuvette. The current diverter includes a current diverter switch, which is triggered when a sense resistor measures a second predetermined voltage indicative of an arc-over event (or a low sample resistance condition).

Abstract: Methods of manufacture and devices for performing active biological operations utilize various structures to advantageously collect and provide charged biological materials to an array of microlocations. In one embodiment, a device includes focusing electrodes to aid in the direction and transport of materials from a collection electrode to an array. Preferably, one or more intermediate transportation electrodes are utilized, most preferably of monotonically decreasing size between the collection electrode and the array, so as to reduce current density mismatches. In another aspect, a flow cell is utilized over devices to provide containment of solution containing materials to be analyzed. Preferably, the volume of the flow cell is more advantageously interrogated through use of relatively large collection and return electrodes, such as where the area of those electrodes relative to the footprint of the flowcell is at least 40%.

Abstract: A new and useful apparatus for producing cell electrofusion is provided. The apparatus comprises: a. a chamber with a substrate disposed therein, b. means for directing the cells to be fused toward one side of the substrate in so that the cells in the fluid medium are retained against the one side of the substrate with a significant portion of the cells in cell-to-cell contact with each other along said one side of the substrate, and c. a device for inducing fusion of the portion of the cells in cell-to-cell contact with each other along the predetermined portion of the one side of the substrate.

Abstract: A structure including a substrate. A first electrode and a second electrode are arranged spaced apart from each other on the substrate. A polymer string is positioned on the substrate between the two electrodes, the polymer line has a width of less than about 50 nm.