Abstract: This invention relates to an improvement in a method for detecting labeled molecules and especially biotinylated molecules and particularly relates to a method for reducing background signal problems in such detection methods.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for making a test element, such as an analytical test element. Compositions of matter, such as analyte specific receptors, are treated to carry a charge. These are then applied to test carriers treated to carry a charge opposite that of the composition of matter. Interaction of charge fixes the composition of matter to the test element.

Abstract: Microparticles formed by mixing a macromolecule with a polymer at a pH near the isoelectric point of the macromolecule and incubating the mixture in the presence of an energy source for a predetermined length of time. The microparticles are composed of homogeneously distributed, intertwined macromolecule and polymer. Each microparticle allows aqueous fluids to enter and allows solubilized macromolecule and polymer to exit the microparticle and may be formulated to provide a sustained release of macromolecule and polymer from the interior of the microparticle when placed in an appropriate aqueous medium, such as under physiological conditions. Methods of production and methods of use for research, diagnostics and therapeutics are provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to libraries of synthetic test compound attached to separate phase synthesis supports. In particular, the invention relates to libraries of synthetic test compound attached to separate phase synthesis supports that also contain coding molecules that encode the structure of the synthetic test compound. The molecules may be polymers or multiple nonpolymeric molecules. Each of the solid phase synthesis support beads contains a single type of synthetic test compound. The synthetic test compound can have backbone structures with linkages such as amide, urea, carbamate (i.e., urethane), ester, amino, sulfide, disulfide, or carbon--carbon, such as alkane and alkene, or any combination thereof. Examples of subunits suited for the different linkage chemistries are provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides labeled synthetic libraries of random oligomers and methods and apparatus for generating labeled synthetic oligomer libraries. Each member of such a library is labeled with a unique identifier tag that specifies the structure or sequence of the oligomer. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention the identifier tag is a microchip that is pre-encoded or encodable with information that is related back to a detector when the identifier tag is pulsed with electromagnetic radiation.

Abstract: The prevent invention relates to an integrated package-holder assay devices for detecting the presence of analyte in a sample. The device serves the dual roles of supporting and protecting an immunochromatographic assay. The device is compatible with any immunochromatographic assay format. The assay can be performed in a single apparatus for use in a laboratory or a field setting. In a specific example, the assay device is a nylon membrane formatted for an immunochromatographic assay for cotinine sealed between transparent adhesive tape and a stiff plastic strip. White tape placed over the plastic strip defined a window for observing the assay results.

Abstract: An assay device for detection or determination of an analyte in a sample uses opposable components and is suitable for assay of human chorionic gonadotropin and other protein or glycoprotein hormones.

Abstract: An ultrasonic energy source is used to provide a variable force for measuring the binding forces between molecular entities and for sensing the presence of an analyte in a test sample. The device includes a surface that has a first binding member attached thereto and one or more particles that have a second binding member attached thereto. A reaction vessel is provided for exposing the surface to the particles whereby, if the first binding member has a binding affinity for the second binding member, a complex is formed between individual first binding members and individual second binding members and the particles thereby become immobilized with respect to the surface. The ultrasonic energy source is positioned for applying a variable ultrasonic force onto the surface, and the position of the particles is monitored as the intensity of the ultrasonic force is varied.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods of performing a binding assay for an analyte of interest present in a sample based upon electrochemiluminescence at an electrode of interest. Particles are employed in the method, which are then collected in a zone at which electrochemiluminescence can be induced, wherein the amount of induced electrochemiluminescence is related to the amount of analyte in the sample.

Abstract: Methods of detecting antibody to GM1 ganglioside in a sample, comprising covalent linkage of GM1 ganglioside to a solid-phase reactant, are disclosed. The methods of detecting antibody to GM1 ganglioside can be used in methods of diagnosing motor neuropathies, such as multifocal motor neuropathy or immune-mediated motor neuropathy, in an individual. The amount of antibody specific to GM1 ganglioside in a test sample from a individual is measured; a titer of antibody to GM1 ganglioside that is greater than 1,800 is indicative of disease.

Abstract: Antibodies against Ins(1,4,5)P.sub.3 were raised by immunizing rabbits with two types of IP.sub.3 -BSA conjugates which were synthesized by covalently coupling Ins(1,4,5)P.sub.3 to the carrier protein via alkyl linkages. The anti-Ins(1,4,5)P.sub.3 antibodies were detected by an ELISA where Ins(1,4,5)P.sub.3 was covalently attached to a microplate well surface. Both antiserum preparations showed specific binding with Ins(1,4,5)P.sub.3. The specificity of these antibodies was enhanced by affinity purification for the antiserum through Ins(1,4,5)P.sub.3 -agarose chromatography. The affinity-purified antibodies have IC.sub.50 values of 12 nM and 73O nM for Ins(1,4,5)P.sub.3 and Ins(1,3,4,5)P.sub.4, respectively. These antibodies showed many properties similar to those of biologically relevant receptors for Ins(1,4,5)P.sub.3.

Abstract: A composition useful for preparing vesicles loaded with biological cell-structures, biopolymers and/or -oligomers is prepared by solubilizing amphiphatic material such as a phospholipid in a polar-protic solvent miscible with water, solubilizing biological cell-structures, biopolymers and/or -oligomers in an aqueous medium, mixing the polar-protic solvent containing the amphiphatic material with the aqueous medium containing the biological cell-structures, biopolymers and/or -oligomers, and lyophilizing the resultant mixture to form a dry product. The dry product is hydrated in an aqueous medium to form the loaded vesicles. The polar-protic solvent may be tert-butanol, and the aqueous medium may contain a salt such as sodium chloride, an isoosmotic cryoprotectant such as lactose, sucrose or trehalose, or a mixture of the salt and the cryoprotectant. A medicament for disease treatment is formed by mixing the loaded vesicles with a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle.

Abstract: A type IV collagen high molecular form having a higher molecular weight than the 7S domain of type IV collagen and including the 7S domain in its structure, is obtained from the supernatant being recovered from a collagen solution digested by pepsin in the following steps;1) salt precipitating with sodium chloride at a concentration no higher than 1.2 M,2) dissolving the precipitates,3) salt precipitating with sodium chloride at a concentration no higher than previous concentration. By reacting a sample with an antibody which reacts with this form, the type IV collagen high molecular form in the sample can be measured to allow diagnosis of the degree of liver fibrosis in patients with liver diseases.

Abstract: The invention is an improved single-step test device for detecting the presence of a pre-selected analyte in a urine stream. The device includes a hollow rectangular outer casing and an assay material disposed within co-joined upper and lower sections of the casing. The outer casing includes a urine inlet port; a viewing window in the upper section; at least the upper section consisting of transparent material; and may also include at least one drainage vent spaced about the urine inlet port. The assay material is a sorptive material including: a urine sample application region adjacent to, and in fluid communication with the urine inlet port; a capture region adjacent to the viewing window; and a fluid flow path for transporting a liquid sample between the urine sample application region and the analyte capture region. The flow of urine in the fluid path is observable through the transparent upper section for confirming a test is operative.

Abstract: The invention provides a monospecific antibody that is specifically reactive with enzymatically mediated degradation products of fibrin(ogen) (i.e., fibrin, fibrinogen, and related substances). The monospecific antibody of the invention is specifically reactive with an epitope defined by an amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO:1. The invention further provides compositions containing a monospecific antibody, optionally detectably labeled, for the performance of fibrinolytic or thrombolytic analyses. The invention further provides continuous cell lines (hybridomas) that produce monospecific antibodies as described.

Abstract: A non-competitive method for the determination of analytes. Initially the analyte is bound to a specific binding partner, after which the unoccupied binding sites of the binding partner are inactivated. The bound analyte is then dissociated from the binding partner and replaced by a labeled marker, after which the bound labeled marker is determined. The signal from the bound labeled marker is directly proportional to the initial amount of analyte in the sample, which makes the present method more favorable than the competitive assays.

Abstract: An immunoassay method in which blood can be measured even without pretreatment by a centrifuge etc. In the present invention, antibodies or antigens in a sample are subjected to agglutination reaction with insoluble carriers onto which antigens or antibodies specifically reacting with the antibodies or antigens in the sample have been imrobilized and the resulting agglutination mixture is determined for the change in its absorbance or in its scattered light by irradiation with light, wherein said sample is whole blood and the whole blood is forcibly lysed.

Abstract: A method for detecting mutations, such as a single base change or an addition or deletion of about one to four base pairs, is based on the use of an immobilized DNA mismatch-binding protein, such as MutS, which binds to a nucleic acid hybrid having a single base mismatch or unpaired base or bases, thereby allowing the detection of mutations involving as little as one base change in a nucleotide sequence. Such a method is useful for diagnosing a variety of important disease states or susceptibilities, detecting the presence of a mutated oncogene and for isolating or removing by affinity chromatography duplex DNA molecules containing mismatches such as error-containing molecules in PCR-amplified DNA samples. Also provided are kits useful for practicing the methods of the present invention.

Abstract: Methods of calculating the platelet count of an individual, by measuring the amount of a released platelet granule protein of interest in a sample of whole blood or of platelet-rich plasma from the individual, are described. The platelet granule protein of interest is either thrombospondin or .beta.-thromboglobulin. The amount of released platelet granule protein of interest in the whole blood sample or platelet-rich plasma sample is measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay; radioimmunoassay; sandwich assay; a quantitative immunochromatographic assay; or non-solid phase nephelometry. The platelet count is directly related to the amount of released platelet granule protein of interest in the sample, and can be determined from the amount of platelet granule protein of interest that is released from a known number of platelets.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for the direct detection of analytes using color changes that occur in immobilized biopolymeric material in response to selective binding of analytes to their surface. In particular, the present invention provides methods and compositions related to the encapsulation of biopolymeric material into metal oxide glass using the sol-gel method.

Abstract: Novel compounds are provided which are useful as linking groups in chemical synthesis, preferably in the solid phase synthesis of oligonucleotides and polypeptides. These compounds are generally photolabile and comprise protecting groups which can be removed by photolysis to unmask a reactive group. The protecting group has the general formula Ar--C(R.sub.1)(R.sub.2)--O--C(O)-- wherein:Ar is an optionally substituted fused polycyclic aryl or heteroaromatic group or a vinylogous derivative thereof;R.sub.1 and R2 are independently H, optionally substituted alkyl, alkenyl or alkynyl, optionally substituted aryl or optionally substituted heteroaromatic, or a vinylogous derivative of the foregoing; andX is a leaving group, a chemical fragment linked to Ar--C(R.sub.1)(R.sub.2)--O--C(O)-- via a heteroatom, or a solid support; provided that when Ar is 1-pyrenyl and R.sub.1 =R.sub.2 =H, X is not linked to Ar--C(R.sub.1)(R.sub.2)--O--C(O)-- via a nitrogen atom.

Abstract: A self-addressable, self-assembling microelectronic device is designed and fabricated to actively carry out and control multi-step and multiplex molecular biological reactions in microscopic formats. These reactions include nucleic acid hybridizations, antibody/antigen reactions, diagnostics, and biopolymer synthesis. The device can be fabricated using both microlithographic and micro-machining techniques. The device can electronically control the transport and attachment of specific binding entities to specific micro-locations. The specific binding entities include molecular biological molecules such as nucleic acids and polypeptides. The device can subsequently control the transport and reaction of analytes or reactants at the addressed specific micro-locations. The device is able to concentrate analytes and reactants, remove non-specifically bound molecules, provide stringency control for DNA hybridization reactions, and improve the detection of analytes. The device can be electronically replicated.

Abstract: Combinatorial libraries are disclosed which are represented by Formula I: ##STR1## wherein: ##STR2## is a solid support; T'--L-- is an identifier residue; and --L'--II' is a ligand/linker residue. These libraries contain dihydrobenzopyrans of the formula ##STR3## which interact (i.e., as agonists or antagonists) with .alpha. adrenergic receptors, dopamine receptors, .sigma.-opiate receptors, and K.sup.+ channels and are inhibitors of carbonic anhydrase isozymes. They are useful in the treatment of ocular diseases such as glaucoma.

Abstract: The invention provides a new method for antiglobulin testing from serum of a potential blood transfusion recipient in which warm autoantibodies are removed from serum so as to allow identification of alloantibodies present. The method involves contacting serum from a patient with one or more ligands that bind warm autoantibodies but do not bind alloantibodies, separating the non-bound serum components from the bound warm autoantibodies, and using the warm autoantibody-depleted serum in antiglobulin testing. Suitable ligands include phospholipids, the polar head groups of phosphoglycerides, and naturally occurring and synthetic analogues of these molecules.

Abstract: A material is provided for immobilization of biologically active substances which are reactive with a carbodiimide group. The material contains a carbodiimide group-containing polymer supported on a carrier such as a plastic, an inorganic polymer, a metal, a natural polymer or a ceramic. The carbodiimide group-containing polymer has 2 to 100 carbodiimide groups per molecule and a molecular weight of 1,000 to 100,000, and is prepared by carbodiimidization of an organic polyisocyanate in the presence of a catalyst. The polymer may be supported as a film on part or the whole area of the carrier. Biologically active substances that may be immobilized include enzymes, hormones, antibodies, antigens, heptenes, peptides, DNAs and RNAs.

Abstract: A reagent composition comprising (a) liposomes encapsulating a marker therein, immobilizing a hapten on liposome membranes and having a size in the range of 100 to 500 nm in terms of mean particle size plus twice the standard derivation, and (b) an antibody to the hapten is effective for measuring human complement activity easily and precisely with excellent storage stability.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of carrying out an immunoassay in a multiphase system. Particularly, a sample containing an analyte is brought into contact with a receptor A and a tracer. The analyte can either from a complex with the tracer, or counteract the formation of a complex of receptor A and tracer by competing with the tracer for binding to receptor A, or counteract the formation of a complex of receptor A and tracer by competing with receptor A. Receptor B is added and the signal is determined. In this method, receptor A and receptor B are suitably immobilized, ensuring that the tracer either cannot enter into any binding involving the simultaneous participation of receptors A and B or can enter into such a binding to only such a slight extent that it is nevertheless possible to detect and differentiate differing analyte concentrations.

Abstract: A method is provided, in one embodiment, for the determination of an analyte in a biological fluid sample in the presence of a substance interfering with an assay for the analyte. This embodiment is implemented by using antibodies to cause the selective immunoreaction of at least one of the analyte or the interfering substance and then conducting an assay for the analyte in at least one of the immunoreactants or the non-reactants. Another embodiment provides a disposable reaction device to implement the method. The invention is applicable to the detection of a wide variety of analytes, including cholesterol in a targeted lipoprotein class in the presence of cholesterol in another class; to targeted isozymes of enzymes such as creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase, amylase, and alkaline or acid phosphatases in the presence of other isozymes; as well as to targeted immunoglobulins in the presence of non-targeted immunoglobulins.

Abstract: A method of preparing cyclic peptide mixtures via side chain or backbone and solid phase synthesis. The cyclic peptide mixtures form libraries that are useful for screening purposes featuring the attachment of an amino acid to a solid support through its side chain or backbone in order to mimic solution cyclization procedures with linear peptides. In the preferred embodiment, Boc chemistry is used for peptide synthesis, wherein the initial attachment of a trifunctional amino acid is by the aspartyl side chain (with OFm for alpha-carboxyl protection). Cyclization is performed using uronium reagents with racemization suppressant, and a strong acid (HF) is used for deprotection and cleavage. The strategy has been used for the preparation of a series of cyclic peptide mixtures. The procedure is expandable to include at least twenty different amino acids at each position (except the resin linked position where most attachments are by Asp, Lys, Glu, or Orn).

Abstract: Disclosed are devices and methods for performing an assay which determines the presence or quantity of an analyte in a fluid sample by detecting binding of the analyte to at least one immobilized analyte capture reagent and washing unbound material from the immobilized analyte capture reagent. The devices and methods an elongated solid phase flow matrix, including capillary channels capable of driving capillary fluid movement, and further including (i) a first region adapted for receipt of the fluid sample, (ii) a second region at which the analyte capture reagent is immobilized, (iii) a third region for application of a wash reagent capable of removing unbound substances from the second region; and (iv) an absorbent reservoir of high volume capacity. The second region is positioned intermediate to the first region and the third region and intermediate to the absorbent reservoir and the third region. The device also includes means to detect analyte bound at the second region.

Abstract: The invention relates to fluorescent dyes that are substituted or unsubstituted derivatives of 1-(isoindolyl)methylene-isoindole that are bound through both isoindole nitrogens to a boron difluoride moiety, forming a fluorescent dibenzopyrrometheneboron difluoride compound ##STR1## that is further substituted by bathochromic substituents that are aryl or heteroaryl moieties further substituted by an additional aryl or heteroaryl, that is itself optionally further substituted by an additional aryl or heteroaryl. These aryl and heteroaryl groups are separated by a covalent bond, or by an ethenyl, butadienyl or hexatrienyl linkage. The dyes of the invention are particularly useful as labels for carriers, particularly polymeric microparticles. The resulting microparticles have a long-wavelength fluorescence emission, and possess utility for tracing flow in biological systems, particularly in tracing blood flow.

Abstract: The present invention relates to libraries of compounds based upon a N-(4-alkoxyphenyl)-N-acyl-benzylamine, N-(4-alkoxyphenylmethyl)-N-acyl-benzylamine and N-[2-(4-alkoxyphenyl)ethyl]-N-acyl-benzylamine template, to processes for the preparation of such libraries and their use as a screening tool in biological assays for identifying new chemical leads.

Abstract: A method for removing a selected contaminant from a liquid food product is disclosed. A special application of the method is for removing an antibiotic from milk. The method comprises the steps of contacting the milk with a matrix-antibody composition, wherein the antibody has a specific affinity for the selected contaminant, for a time and at a temperature sufficient for the contaminant to bind to the antibody to form a complex, and separating the complex from the food product. The matrix-antibody composition is regenerable by treating the complex with high ionic strength solution to release bound contaminants from the antibodies.

Abstract: Assay methods utilizing the response of a magnetically responsive reagent to the influence of a magnetic field to qualitatively or quantitatively measure binding between specific binding pair members. According to the invention, the presence of an analyte mediates whether or not the magnetically responsive reagent binds to a mobile solid phase reagent. The extent of binding will modulate the response of the magnetically responsive reagent or that of the mobile solid phase reagent, or both, to the influence of a magnetic field. Hence, by measuring the response to the magnetic field of the magnetically responsive reagent, or that of the mobile solid phase reagent, the presence or amount of analyte contained in a test sample can accurately be determined. The invention utilizes various devices to carry out the assay methods described.

Abstract: A slide having a portion thereof provided with transparent adhesive which adheres to a test sample. The slide and adhesive may be transparent. Specific types of infection and particularly fungal infections can be detected in the test sample using immunotest-methods. In a special embodiment the adhesive slide is fashioned with a peripheral lip or well to contain a test sample and a reagent.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of diagnosing Alzheimer's disease. The method utilizes presenilin-1, whose level is found to be substantially decreased in Alzheimer's patients. Included in the invention are diagnostic kits for Alzheimer's disease and methods of screening for effective therapeutics for the disease. The invention also provides a method of studying the function and regulation of presenilin-1 in brain by the use of primate retinoblastoma cells.

Abstract: A device and related method for performing one or more immunoassays to detect the presence of respective analytes in a sample. The device involves the use of a unitary bibulous material providing one or more flow paths having a common origin site and a plurality of respective reagent zones providing the reagents necessary for performing a visual readout, competitive immunoassay for the presence of the respective analyte.

Abstract: Microparticles formed by mixing a macromolecule with a polymer at a pH near the isoelectric point of the macromolecule and incubating the mixture in the presence of an energy source for a predetermined length of time. The microparticles are composed of homogeneously distributed, intertwined macromolecule and polymer. Each microparticle allows aqueous fluids to enter and allows solubilized macromolecule and polymer to exit the microparticle and may be formulated to provide a sustained release of macromolecule and polymer from the interior of the microparticle when placed in an appropriate aqueous medium, such as under physiological conditions. Methods of production and methods of use for research, diagnostics and therapeutics are provided.

Abstract: This method and apparatus for detecting target molecules in a liquid phase. The apparatus monitors whether the target molecule has selectively bound to recognition agents on the surface of a magnetic field sensor by monitoring the output of the sensor. The recognition agents which selectively bind target molecules are covalently bound to microfabricated magnetic field sensors. These sensors are then exposed to a sample suspected of containing the target molecules, whereupon the recognition agents bind to and immobilize any target molecules present. Depending on the embodiment, recognition agents that selectively bind the target molecule, or recognition agents that selectively bind the sensor-bound recognition agents, are covalently bound to magnetizable particles. These particles are then added to the sensors and, again depending on the embodiment, attach either to any immobilized target molecules or to sensor-bound recognition agents.

Abstract: An enzyme sandwich immunoassay, device and cassette therefor for determining a target analyte are described. The enzyme sandwich immunoassay cassette (B) comprises a microporous membrane support (m) having coated thereon a conductive metal layer overlaid with a capture antibody layer (e).

Abstract: A method is provided using centrifugation to prepare a seal of solidified wax, grease or polymer mix over an aqueous reagent in a reaction container such that the reagent is separated from contact with the atmosphere. The amount of solidified wax, grease or polymer mix is not sufficient when melted to a liquid to separate the reagent from contact with the atmosphere under gravity. A reagent and solidified wax, grease or polymer mix are combined in a container. During centrifugation and heating, the solidified wax, grease or polymer mix melts to a liquid, and centrifuging causes the liquid to form over the reagent a layer that completely separates the reagent from the atmosphere. As centrifugation continues, the liquid is cooled and solidified to form the seal. Additional reagents are preferably added on top of the seal such that when the container is heated and the seal melted the upper and lower reagents mix for reaction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for measuring endogenous cytokines in blood. The method accurately measures the cytokines in the blood in the presence of substances that bind the cytokines thereby causing the measurement of the cytokines by conventional methods to give inaccurate results. The present invention also includes the non-invasive measurement of cytokines in biological fluids such as saliva and nasal secretions. Finally, the present invention allows one to monitor the level of cytokines in the blood during treatment of a human or animal with cytokines.

Abstract: This invention provides methods, compositions, and kits for detecting the presence of toxigenic strains of C. difficile in a biological sample. One embodiment provides methods for C. difficile detection that involve assaying for both C. difficile glutamate dehydrogenase and C. difficile toxin A or toxin B. In another embodiment, the invention provides a highly sensitive assay for C. difficile toxin A that is useful for determining whether a C. difficile strain is toxigenic. This embodiment involves binding of toxin A to a moiety that reversibly binds to a capture moiety present on a magnetic bead. A magnetic field is applied to the sample to concentrate the toxin A, after which the magnetic beads are dissociated and removed from the solution to obtain a highly concentrated preparation of toxin A, thus making possible a very sensitive assay.

Abstract: Compounds and methods are provided for use in purification of CD34.sup.+ cells and specific surface antigens thereof. The present invention discloses methods for releasing CD34.sup.+ cells, as well as compounds having a carbohydrate epitope of the CD34 surface antigen, from an affinity matrix, using carbohydrates having the structure:Neu5Ac.alpha.2-3Gal.beta.1-4(X)wherein (X) is GlcNAc, or a monosaccharide or a cyclohexane derivative that is structurally similar to GlcNAc.

Abstract: Disclosed is apparatus for detecting the presence of an analyte of interest in a sample, comprising an immobilised binding partner comprising a solid support and a reversibly binding receptor which is capable of binding to the analyte of interest thereby causing a measurable change in a property of the immobilised partner, and detection means for detecting the measurable change and a method for detecting the presence of an analyte of interest.

Abstract: A method of using a reaction plenum in the presence or absence of paramagnetic beads to perform chemical syntheses resulting in separation and recovery of a final desired reaction product is provided. The reaction plenum comprises a reaction plate, a reaction vessel for mounting in the reaction plate, a reaction plate holder, a screw-like rod, a mounting block attached to the reaction plate holder for operably receiving the screw-like rod, a motor, a sonication region in a temperature controllable water bath and a magnetic separation region in the water bath. Paramagnetic beads having reaction sites are introduced into the reaction vessels along with the appropriate solvent and one or more reactants. The contents of the reaction vessel are sonicated, then moved to the magnetic separation region where the paramagnetic beads are tightly held against the reaction vessel while the solvent is aspirated off. Once the desired reaction product is attained, the reaction product is cleaved off the paramagnetic bead.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods, apparatus, reagents, and kits for performing a binding assay for an analyte of interest present in a sample based upon electrochemiluminescence at an electrode of interest. In the method, reagents and kits particles can be employed; for instance, for settling upon the electrode surface by gravity, centrifugation or magnetic attraction. The apparatus can include a magnet for generating a magnetic field in a region proximate the electrode.

Abstract: Combinations, called matrices with memories, of matrix materials that are encoded with an optically readable code are provided. The matrix materials are those that are used in as supports in solid phase chemical and biochemical syntheses, immunoassays and hybridization reactions. The matrix materials may additionally include fluophors or other luminescent moieties to produce luminescing matrices with memories. The memories include electronic and optical storage media and also include optical memories, such as bar codes and other machine-readable codes. By virtue of this combination, molecules and biological particles, such as phage and viral particles and cells, that are in proximity or in physical contact with the matrix combination can be labeled by programming the memory with identifying information and can be identified by retrieving the stored information. Combinations of matrix materials, memories, and linked molecules and biological materials are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel processes for the large scale preparation of arrays of polymer sequences wherein each array includes a plurality of different, positionally distinct polymer sequences having known monomer sequences. The methods of the invention combine high throughput process steps with high resolution photolithographic techniques in the manufacture of polymer arrays.

Abstract: A biosensor apparatus for detecting a binding event between a ligand and receptor. The apparatus includes an electrode substrate coated with a high-dielectric hydrocarbon-chain monolayer, and having ligands attached to the exposed monolayer surface. Binding of a receptor to the monolayer-bound ligand, and the resultant perturbation of the monolayer structure, causes ion-mediated electron flow across the monolayer. In one embodiment, the monolayers have a coil--coil heterodimer embedded therein, one subunit of which is attached to the substrate, and the second of which carries the ligand at the monolayer surface.