Abstract: The invention relates to a a microtiter plate and its use in a method of the invention, which microtiter plate comprises a plurality of containers, wherein the bottom of each container comprises a (semi-)permeable membrane capable of directly or indirectly binding an analyte, and wherein each container is separated from an adjacent container by a container dividing wall, wherein the containers are grouped in one or more clusters, each cluster comprising at least two containers, wherein said clusters are separated from adjacent clusters by a cluster dividing wall and wherein at least part of the container dividing wall is lower than the cluster dividing wall or wherein the container dividing wall contains at least one passageway connecting at least two adjacent containers within a cluster, said passageway being at a distance from the bottom of the container and at least partly below the top of the container.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of and an apparatus for separation and application of thin objects of a non-porous material or of a material of low porosity on a surface. The invention also relates to a package for the thin objects. With the aid of a pick up and lay down head on an application means a vacuum is applied on a part, preferably the middle, of the uppermost object in a stack of thin objects being in a recess of a package. The recess of the package for receiving the objects is at least areawise somewhat smaller than the exterior dimensions of the objects. With the aid of vacuum in the pick up and lay down head the uppermost object is lifted out of the package. The underlying objects in the stack remain in the package by the friction and scrape effects towards the interior walls of the package. Then the pick up and lay down head of the application means is lowered down so that the object is brought into contact with the surface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the manipulation of colloidal particles and biomolecules at the interface between an insulating electrode such as silicon oxide and an electrolyte solution. Light-controlled electrokinetic assembly of particles near surfaces relies on the combination of three functional elements: the AC electric field-induced assembly of planar aggregates; the patterning of the electrolyte/silicon oxide/silicon interface to exert spatial control over the assembly process; and the real-time control of the assembly process via external illumination. The present invention provides a set of fundamental operations enabling interactive control over the creation and placement of planar arrays of several types of particles and biomolecules and the manipulation of array shape and size. The present invention enables sample preparation and handling for diagnostic assays and biochemical analysis in an array format, and the functional integration of these operations.

Abstract: A laminated, integrated, analyte assay device and methods of using the device are described. The assay device is useful as an inexpensive, disposable assay device for detecting the presence and/or amount of a particular analyte in a body fluid or other sample.

Abstract: A test strip for conducting a lateral flow assay for detection of an analyte in a sample that contains cells and fluid is provided, as well as methods for making and using the test strip. This test strip is commercially usable, for example, in a diagnostic device at a point of care for detection of analytes in whole blood.

Abstract: The present invention involves a device for culturing cells on removable membranes/sponges for the purpose of transplantation. The device includes a base plate with snaps and a ring, which fits into the base plate. The membrane/sponge of choice for culturing cells is placed on the base plate and fixed by the ring, which fits tightly to the base. The device is placed inside a suitable culture vessel or receptacle and the cell suspension is added within the insert device. The cells are retained on the membrane, which enables cell attachment and proliferation. Alternatively, small tissue explants can be placed on the membrane enabling cell migration and proliferation. Cells are cultured under standard conditions with regular media changes. Following shipping to the hospitals under appropriate conditions, the insert device would be dismantled and the membrane lifted and placed at the site of transplantation.

Abstract: A device, system, and method are provided for thermally treating a fluid processing device. According to various embodiments, a system is provided that can include a thermal device and a fluid processing device holder. The thermal device can include a first block having a thermal conductivity greater than 0.5 Watt per centimeter Kelvin (W/cm·K), a second block having a thermal conductivity greater than 0.5 W/cm·K, and a heat-pump device disposed between the first block and the second block. The heat-pump device can transfer thermal energy from at least one of the first block and the second block to the other of the first block and the second block. The fluid processing device holder can hold a fluid processing device in a heat-transfer position with respect to the first block and the second block. The fluid processing device can be a microfluidic device.

Abstract: An apparatus for analyzing bacteria is described that includes an analyte sample preparing section for preparing an analyte sample from a specimen; a detector for detecting optical information from each particle in the analyte sample; and a controller for detecting non-fermentative bacteria on the basis of the detected optical information. A method for analyzing bacteria is also described.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for detecting biomolecular interactions. The use of labels is not required and the methods can be performed in a high-throughput manner. The invention also provides optical devices useful as narrow band filters.

Abstract: The present invention involves methods and devices which enable discrete objects having a conducting inner core, surrounded by a dielectric membrane to be selectively inactivated by electric fields via irreversible breakdown of their dielectric membrane. One important application of the invention is in the selection, purification, and/or purging of desired or undesired biological cells from cell suspensions. According to the invention, electric fields can be utilized to selectively inactivate and render non-viable particular subpopulations of cells in a suspension, while not adversely affecting other desired subpopulations. According to the inventive methods, the cells can be selected on the basis of intrinsic or induced differences in a characteristic electroporation threshold, which can depend, for example, on a difference in cell size and/or critical dielectric membrane breakdown voltage.

Abstract: A three-dimensional (3-D) culture “Petri-dish” for research in regenerative medicine, biotechnology and clinical translation is described. This 3-D perfusion culture dish is to advance in vitro culture tools from static 2-D to dynamic 3-D perfusion culture. Interwoven hollow fiber capillary membranes divide the “Petri-dish” culture space into a controllable 3-D pattern of different compartments, serving the functions of the organ's larger vasculature. These physically active scaffolds, which can be suitable for cell adhesion or cell aggregate immobilization, offer a supply of cells with high-performance mass exchange including gas supply and under perfusion conditions. In contrast to static and discontinuous medium supply, a dynamic culture can be achieved with continuous or alternating medium supply and integral oxygenation. They provide a more physiologic supply in the cell macro environment, including homeostasis of oxygen, pH, nutrition, soluble factors, and gradients of metabolites for the cells.

Abstract: Multiple-component integral-structure dual-test sterility indicator, method of assembling physical components, selected spores, and chemical constituents in solution, within the indicator and arranged to enable dual-evaluations of bacterial-lethality of a dry-goods load, resulting from exposure to a selected saturated-steam sterilizing cycle. The chemical constituents are formulated to chemically produce reaction-product, which is quantitatively responsive to the combined effect of cycle steam temperature and time of exposure at that temperature, for providing a promptly-available spectroscopic evaluation of bacterial-lethality. Absorption of narrow-band selected visible-light wavelength by reaction-product, if any, of chemical-constituent solution, is used to quantitatively measure that combined-effect exposure.

Abstract: The present invention includes devices, systems, and methods for assaying cells using cell-substrate impedance monitoring. In one aspect, the invention provides cell-substrate impedance monitoring devices that comprise electrode arrays on a nonconducting substrate, in which each of the arrays has an approximately uniform electrode resistance across the entire array. In another aspect, the invention provides cell-substrate monitoring systems comprising one or more cell-substrate monitoring devices comprising multiple wells each having an electrode array, an impedance analyzer, a device station that connects arrays of individual wells to the impedance analyzer, and software for controlling the device station and impedance analyzer. In another aspect, the invention provides cellular assays that use impedance monitoring to detect changes in cell behavior or state. The methods can be used to test the effects of compounds on cells, such as in cytotoxicity assays.

Abstract: The present invention provides a substrate that overcomes the performance limitations of conventional microscope slides, microarrays, or microtiter plates when optically interrogated through the thickness of the substrate. With conventional microscope slides, image quality and resolution are degraded as a result of distortions introduced by imaging through the thickness of the glass. Fiber Optic Interrogated Microslides (FOI) consist of many fiber optics that have been fused together. When sliced and polished to form microscope slides, the fibers effectively transfer optical images from one surface of the microslide to the other. The finished microslide is the optical equivalent of a zero thickness window. The image of an object on the top surface is transferred to the bottom surface allowing it to be viewed without focusing through the thickness of the slide. In addition to providing improved image quality, FOI microslides allow objects to be directly imaged without complex and expensive focusing optics.

Abstract: A biochemical analysis unit has a flow-through area in which plural spot areas are arranged, and probes are spotted onto the spot areas. The biochemical analysis unit is set into a chamber of a reaction vessel. A reaction solution containing a target is supplied through an inlet into the chamber. A flow rate is adjusted such that the pressure loss may be 80 kPa when the reaction solution flows through the flow-through area. When the pressure loss is increased, the reaction solution flows through the flow-through area after equivalently spreading into a lower side of the chamber. Thus the flowing speed is decreased.

Abstract: Vessel systems for treating and/or storing liquids are provided. The vessel systems comprise a two-dimensional vessel arrangement with a plurality of vessels which are open at the top and which are interconnected to form a unit, and a two-dimensional closure arrangement which has an arrangement of closure elements corresponding to the vessel arrangement and by means of which the openings of the vessels can be closed. Each vessel of the vessel arrangement is connected to at least one other vessel of the vessel arrangement via a preferably flexible connecting member. Each of the closure elements is connected to at least one other closure element of the closure arrangement via a flexible connecting member which allows a change of the distance between the closure elements.

Abstract: A method and an arrangement for preparing a biological specimen (20), where the biological specimen (20), prior to being examined in e.g. a microscope, is dried, embedded in wax and optionally sliced, and where the biological specimen (20) is placed in a container (1) with a lid/clamping member (2) that is closed, in which it is retained by a biasing element (6), the specimen (20) remaining in the same closed container/lid (1, 2) during the subsequent drying and embedment operations, whereupon the container (1) is removed from the lid (2) and the specimen (20) prior to any slicing operations.

Abstract: The invention relates, generally, to a method of removing sharp edges from a microscope coverslip comprising grinding down the edges and polishing the edges The invention also relates to a device for determining cell motility comprising a slide, a coverslip, comprising at least one edge that has been smoothed and a chamber, created by the slide and the coverslip and which is tangential to the coverslip, such that motile cells entering the chamber are substantially undamaged. The invention also relates to a method for using the device to determine cell motility.

Abstract: A BUN (blood urea nitrogen) sensor containing immobilized carbonic anhydrase and immobilized urease for the in vitro detection of urea nitrogen in blood and biological samples with improved performance and precision characteristics.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to integrated chemiluminescence devices and methods for monitoring molecular binding utilizing these devices and methods. These devices and methods can be used, for example, to identify antigen binding to antibodies. The devices include both a chemiluminescence material and a detector integrated together.

Abstract: A method for performing chemically analyzing samples (e.g. bodily fluids) dispensed with an acoustic ejection device is disclosed. A method preparing a sample for analysis by centrifuging the sample in a sample collection device in fluid communication with an acoustic ejection device is disclosed. A method for laboratory analysis of biological and/or other fluids, wherein a single electromechanical pump including an acoustic ejection device draws and ejects fluids is disclosed. A device for dispensing a fluid, where a ratio between a reservoir of the device and an ejection chamber is between 50 and 4,000 is disclosed. A system including a plurality of acoustic ejection devices in an environmentally enclosed housing is disclosed.

Abstract: A plate and method for positioning functional elements in a system for working with fluid-containing samples includes a horizontal work field having a lengthwise dimension and a perpendicularly extending transverse dimension, as well as a robot arm with a functional element, aligned essentially perpendicularly to the work field in a Z direction. The robot arm can move the functional element in at least a partial region of the work field in the X and/or Y direction. The plate includes two light barriers which intersect inside the partial region, each having a transmitter and receiver whose scanning or detection beams each extend in a direction deviating from the X direction and/or from the Y direction.

Abstract: The electroporation array is comprised of three technologies: microwire glass electrodes, microelectronic multiplexer stimulator chips and microfluidic flow chamber. Various substances, such as genes, gene silencing RNAi, gene inhibition agents or drugs, can be perfused into the microfluidic flow chamber. The entry of the various substances into the cells will be facilitated by electroporation. An applied electric potential causes nanoscale pores to open in the cell membrane allowing substances in the solution to freely diffuse into the cell. The specific cells selected for electroporation are defined using the computer controlled microelectronic stimulator array. An “image” of which electrodes within the array to apply the electric potential to, and thus electroporate, is de-multiplexed onto the array. All the selected electrodes deliver a current pulse varied by the intensity of the de-multiplexed “image”.

Abstract: Method and device to simultaneously detect different antibodies and antigens via immunoenzimatic tests and ELISA (Enzyme Linked ImmunoSorbent Assay) constituted by small absorbent cylinders, on which the immunocomplexes are formed, blocked at a modular distance on a probe; that carries a label to identify the sample under examination.

Abstract: Array scanning methods that focus on the far side and devices configured for use in the same are provided. In reading arrays according to the subject methods, an array is placed in a reading position of a scanning device so that the nominal focal plane of the scanning device is present within the array substrate at a predetermined fixed substrate thickness fraction distance from the far-side of the array, and the array is then read by the device. As such, the subject scanner devices of the present invention are configured to hold an array substrate in a reading position of the device in which the device's nominal focal plane is present within the array substrate. The subject methods and devices find use in a variety of different applications, including both genomic and proteomic applications.

Abstract: A device for measuring an extracellular potential of a test cell includes a substrate having a well formed in a first surface thereof and a first trap hole formed therein. The well has a bottom. The first trap hole includes a first opening formed in the bottom of the well and extending toward a second face of the substrate, a first hollow section communicating with the first opening via a first connecting portion, and a second opening extending reaching the second surface and communicating with the first hollow section via a second connecting portion. The first connecting portion has a diameter smaller than a maximum diameter of the first hollow section, greater than a diameter of the second connecting portion, and smaller than a diameter of the test cell. The device can retain the test cell securely and accept chemicals and the test cell to be put into the device easily.

Abstract: The present invention provides microfluidic devices that comprise a body structure comprising at least a first microscale channel network disposed therein. The body structure has a plurality of ports or wells disposed in the body structure, where each port is in fluid communication with one or more channels in the first channel network. The devices also include a cover layer comprising a plurality of apertures disposed through the cover layer. The cover layer is mated with the body structure whereby each of the apertures is aligned with a separate one of the plurality of ports. First and second rings are preferentially disposed between the cover layer and the body structure and located circumferentially around each of the apertures of the cover layer. An annular groove is also preferentially disposed between the ring structures to help further minimize the leakage of adhesive or other bonding material into the ports or wells of the device when the cover layer is mated to the body structure.

Abstract: A biosensor includes a substrate with areas of active receptive material disposed thereon. The receptive material is specific for an analyte of interest. A pattern of the active areas is defined on the substrate by an oxidizing photo-masking process.

Abstract: Various methods of using Raman-active or SERS-active probe constructs to detect analytes in biological samples, such as the nucleic acid and/or protein-containing analytes in a body fluid are provided.

Abstract: An automated in situ heat induced antigen recovery and staining method and apparatus for treating a plurality of microscope slides. The process of heat induced antigen recovery and the process of staining the biological sample on the microscope slide are conducted in the same apparatus, wherein the microscope slides do not need to be physically removed from one apparatus to another. Each treatment step occurs within the same reaction compartment. The reaction conditions of each reaction compartment for treating a slide can preferably be controlled independently, including the individualized application of reagents to each slide and the individualized treatment of each slide. The reagents are preferably held in a reagent dispensing strip similar to a “blister pack”.

Abstract: Methods and cassettes for cell-based toxin detection and organ localization are disclosed. The cassettes includes an array containing cells and a matrix of openings or depressions, wherein each region of the substrate enclosed by the opening or depression in the matrix forms a domain individually addressable by microfluidic channels in the device.

Abstract: A sample processing system that may be configured to achieve rapid sample processing such as rapid histochemical processing may involve a wave element that can use angular microscopic slide movements to cause repeated elimination and reapplication of a fluidic substance perhaps through the action of capillary motion in order to refresh a microenvironment adjacent to a sample such as a biopsy or other such sample. Through such refreshing of a microenvironment, depletion of the microenvironment is avoided and the time necessary for slide processing may be dramatically shortened from a more common 60 to 120 minute to perhaps less than 15 minutes so as to permit use of such a system in an intraoperative or surgical environment such as recommended by the College of American Pathologists intraoperative guidelines or the like. Patients may thus avoid a need to be subjected to an additional surgical procedure when lab results become available to see if tumors or the like were fully removed in a prior procedure.

Abstract: A device for detecting cells and/or molecules on an electrode surface is disclosed. The device detects cells and/or molecules through measurement of impedence changes resulting from the cells and/or molecules. A disclosed embodiment of the device includes a substrate having two opposing ends along a longitudinal axis. A plurality of electrode arrays are positioned on the substrate. Each electrode array includes at least two electrodes, and each electrode is separated from at least one adjacent electrode in the electrode array by an expanse of non-conductive material. The electrode has a width at its widest point of more than about 1.5 and less than about 10 times the width of the expanse of non-conductive material. The device also includes electrically conductive traces extending substantially longitudinally to one of the two opposing ends of the substrate without intersecting another trace. Each trace is in electrical communication with at least one of the electrode arrays.

Abstract: Devices and methods for performing an array assay are provided. Embodiments of the subject array assay devices include (1) a base, (2) a cover, and (3) a clamping member for holding the cover to the base, wherein when the cover is operatively held to the base about a structure that includes an array assembly spaced-apart from a backing element, the array assembly and the backing element are deflected to substantially the same curvature. Embodiments of the subject methods include contacting a sample with a backing element and placing the backing element supported sample in contact with an array assembly to form a structure that includes the backing element and array assembly. The structure is then held together using a subject array assay device and the array substrate and the backing element are deflected to substantially the same curvature.

Abstract: A miniaturized assembly is provided whereby a fluid sample can be divided into a plurality of sample portions in retaining wells and the sample fluid can be displaced from open ends of the wells while simultaneously being sealed in the wells. A method of dividing a fluid sample using the assembly is also provided.

Abstract: A device, appropriate process units and/or systems for providing a gap-shaped hybridization space to hybridize nucleic acid samples, proteins or tissue sections over a slide. Said items of device are able to move in relation to the slide and comprise an annular sealing surface to seal the hybridization space by application to a surface of the slide. Said items of device additionally comprise lines to introduce media to and remove them from the hybridization space. Said items of device furthermore comprise a specimen supply line and preferably an agitation device to move fluids in relation to the samples immobilized on the surface of the slide. The devices according to the invention are characterized in that they limit a hybridization space that features relief structures to conduct and/or block air bubbles on at least one surface of the device and the slide directed at the interior of this hybridization space.

Abstract: The present invention relates to multi-well platforms, lids, caddies and any combination thereof. The multi-well platforms comprise a plurality of wells that can be of any shape and can be arranged in any ornamental pattern. The lid comprises an area corresponding to the well field. The caddy has a footprint approximately that of a standard 96-well microtiter plate. When the multi-well platform is engaged with the caddy, the wells of the well-field of the multi-well platform are preferably not obscured by the caddy when viewed from the bottom of the combination.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dispensing device for droplets comprising a first channel (8, 10), known as main channel, for circulation of a first fluid flow, a second channel (12, 13) for circulation of fluid, which forms with the first channel an intersection zone (27) and terminates in an ejection orifice (20), means (4) for measuring a physical property particles or cells in the first channel (18), and means for engendering a pressure wave in the second channel (12, 13).

Abstract: A contact plate for growing cell cultures, bacteria cultures, and the like, comprising a base and a cover. The base has a bottom wall for holding the culture medium and the like, and a circumferential sidewall extending upwardly from the bottom wall and attached thereto. The base further incorporates a flange extending outwardly from the outer periphery of the sidewall. The cover has a top wall, which has a larger diameter than the base sidewall, and a circumferential sidewall extending downwardly from the top wall and attached thereto. The contact plate has a locking means for securely holding the cover to the base of the contact plate in the locked position, wherein the locking means comprises an inter-engaging rib and groove arrangement.

Abstract: Devices and methods for performing assays on materials, particularly biological materials, are provided. The devices and methods make use of self-sealing members, which can be applied to a flat surface to form wells to facilitate immobilization of materials on the flat surface, then removed to yield a flat surface that facilitates the performance of processes on and/or detection of the immobilized material.

Abstract: The invention aims to efficiently collect microorganisms from a test sample and accurately detect and quantify the collected microorganisms. A microorganism-collecting chip of the invention basically comprises a filter for removing contaminants and a filter for trapping microorganisms. A microorganism-collecting kit comprises the foregoing microorganism-collecting chip and a suction filtration unit. The suction filtration unit is, for example, a negative pressure tube provided at an opening with a rubber stopper. The microorganism-collecting chip has a liquid specimen injection container for injecting a liquid specimen and a hollow needle capable of penetrating the rubber stopper mounted at the opening of the negative pressure tube. The liquid specimen injected into the liquid specimen injection container is suction-filtered with a pressure of the negative pressure tube.

Abstract: A device and methods for monitoring status of at least one cell, wherein the cell has a membrane forming a substantially enclosed structure and defining an intracellular space therein. In one embodiment of the present invention, the device includes a first substrate having a first surface and an opposite second surface, a second substrate supported by the first substrate, the second substrate having a first surface, an opposite second surface, a body portion between the first surface and the second surface, a first side surface and an opposite second side surface, wherein the body portion defines a first passage between the first side surface and the second side surface and an opening on the first surface of the second substrate and in fluid communication with the first passage, and sidewalls positioned above the first surface of the second substrate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for the cross-referencing of identification (1) of tissue slice supports (2), for microtomised analytical samples still to be mounted thereon, with identification information (3) of a tissue sample holder (4) of a tissue sample (5) which is not yet microtomised. The conventional problem of cross-referencing is improved in a simple manner, whereby the identification information (3) for the tissue sample holder (4) is automatically detected when positioned in the microtome (6) and an identification (1) corresponding thereto is automatically transferred to at least one tissue slice support (2) and that tissue slice support (2), provided with the identification (1), is dispensed for application of the tissue sample slice at the moment when a tissue sample slice must be applied to a tissue slice support (2).

Abstract: A device for monitoring leukocyte migration is provided. The invention also provides a method of using the device to monitor leukocyte migration in the presence of physiological shear flow and therefore simulate physiological conditions of a blood vessel in vivo. The invention further provides a method of using the device to high-throughput screen a plurality of test agents. The present invention further provides a flexible assay system and numerous assays that can be used to test biological interactions and systems. Laminar flow gradients are employed that mimic gradient situations present in vivo.

Abstract: New applications for the use of distinguishable particulate labels available in a variety of hues and sized in the submicron range are described. These applications include profiling of cellular components, obtaining secretion patterns, identifying a multiplicity of components in chromatographic or electrophoretic techniques and identification of desired immunoglobulin secreting cells.

Abstract: Device having a flat macroporous support material made of silicon and having surfaces, a plurality of pores each having a diameter in a range of from 500 nm to 100 ?m distributed over at least one surface region of the support material and extending from one surface through to the opposite surface of the support material, at least one region having one or more pores with SiO2 pore walls, and a frame of walls with a silicon core surrounding the at least one region and arranged essentially parallel to longitudinal axes of the pores and open towards the surfaces, wherein the silicon core merges into silicon dioxide over a cross section towards an outer side of the walls forming the frame.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for detecting a biological molecule associated with enzyme activity in a sample. The invention is applicable to detecting a microorganism associated with an enzyme in a sample such as water, food, soil, or a biological sample. According to a preferred embodiment of the method of the invention, a sample containing an enzyme of interest or a microorganism associated with the enzyme is combined with a suitable substrate, and a fluorescent product of the enzyme-substrate reaction is selectively detected. The fluorescent product is detected with a partitioning element or optical probe/partitioning element of the invention. In one embodiment the partitioning element provides for partitioning of only the fluorescent product molecule into the probe. The invention also provides an automated system for monitoring for biological contamination of water or other samples.

Abstract: A system of flow-through cells is obtained by assembling a body with a base plate. The body has a first spring element and a first stop, disposed on opposite end sections of the body, at least one second spring element and a corresponding second stop, disposed on opposite faces of the body, and at least one support element and at least one retaining element, which are adapted for the exact positioning of the body in the receiving openings of a support in three directions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for preparing a test sample for detecting a predetermined target nucleic acid. The method includes the steps of providing a test probe comprising an oligonucleotide attached to a nanoparticle and providing a hybridization unit containing the test sample and the test probe, wherein said hybridization unit further includes a target sample substrate and a distribution manifold coupled to a first side of the substrate. The method further includes the steps of clamping a processing fluids manifold to the distribution manifold of the hybridization unit, denaturing the test sample and preparing the test sample for detecting the predetermined target nucleic acid by pumping a plurality of processing fluids between the processing fluids source manifold and distribution manifold to hybridize the test probe and predetermined target nucleic acid to the target sample substrate, to wash the hybridized sample and to amplify a detectable parameter of the hybridized sample.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the manipulation of colloidal particulates and biomolecules at the interface between an insulating electrode such as silicon oxide and an electrolyte solution. Light-controlled electrokinetic assembly of particles near surfaces relies on the combination of three functional elements: the AC electric field-induced assembly of planar aggregates; the patterning of the electrolyte/silicon oxide/silicon interface to exert spatial control over the assembly process; and the real-time control of the assembly process via external illumination. The present invention provides a set of fundamental operations enabling interactive control over the creation and placement of planar arrays of several types of particles and biomolecules and the manipulation of array shape and size. The present invention enables sample preparation and handling for diagnostic assays and biochemical analysis in an array format, and the functional integration of these operations.