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 provides compositions and methods to facilitate the identification of compounds that are capable of interacting with a biological macromolecule of interest. A composition is provided that comprises an array of chemical compounds attached to a solid support, wherein the density of the array of compounds is at least 1000 spots per cm2. The inventive arrays are generated by: providing a solid support functionalized with a selected chemical moiety capable of interacting with a chemical compound to form an attachment and delivering compounds to the solid support having a density of at least 1000 spots per cm2. The present invention also provides methods for utilizing these arrays to identify small molecule partners for biological macromolecules of interest.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods for binding an analyte of interest in a sample are provided. The apparatus comprises a substrate with an exposed surface with an compound, that is electrostatically charged or capable of forming hydrogen bonds, provided bound to the solid substrate. A recombinant single chain antibody (scFv) molecule specific for the analyte of interest, having one or more amino acids with charged or hydrogen-bond forming sidechains in a linker polypeptide portion, is bound to the layer on the solid substrate. When the analyte of interest is present in the sample the scFv binds the analyte to the solid substrate. The apparatus can be used with an immunoglobulin layer to detect Fc receptors, so as to detect microorganisms such as Staphylococcus aureus having protein A or protein G.

Abstract: A substrate plate or device adapted for use with biological or chemical assays is disclosed. The device may take the form of a multi-well plate having a three-dimensional, porous layer as part of a support surface within each well for immobilizing probe species. The porous layer is characterized as having a plurality of interconnected voids defined by a matrix of contiguous solid material. A method and its variants are also described.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for real time, label-free imaging and quantitation of binding events at an array of positions are provided. Total internal reflection from a planar side wall of a well of a multiwell plate is used to create an evanescent field in the plane of a pattern of ligands immobilized on the wall. Embodiments include imaging and multiple analyte detection and quantitation of a single wall of a single well as well as the simultaneous imaging and multiple analyte detection and quantitation of a number of wells.

Abstract: Multiwell plates commonly used for immunoassay are increased in capacity and adapted for ease and speed of testing by forming a plurality of solid posts in each well of a plate. The posts and plate material and the dimensions of the posts are chosen to allow the immobilization of ligand patterns on an exterior wall of a post in a well and to permit a collimated beam of light directed to the post in a direction to achieve total internal reflection from a wall to generate an evanescent field in the plane of the ligands immobilized on the exterior wall of the post. The reflected light carries an image of localized intensity variations due to binding events between the ligand patterns and analytes in a sample introduced into a well. A cover plate seals the wells and provides for through holes for introducing sample material to the wells.

Abstract: An assay for measuring the amount of a first analyte in a sample, comprises the steps of: (i) contacting the sample with a device that comprises one or more first reaction sites which comprise a first ligand having affinity for the first analyte, and a series of second reaction sites each comprising different known concentrations of an immobilized second analyte; (ii) removing any unbound first analyte; (iii) contacting the device with a second ligand that is detectably labelled and which has affinity for the first analyte, and a third ligand that is detectably labelled and which has affinity for the second analyte; (iv) removing any unbound second and third ligands; and (v) measuring the amount of second and third ligands, wherein measurement of the third ligand is used to establish a calibration curve, used to determine the amount of first analyte present in sample.

Abstract: A method is provided for performing a reaction, such as the synthesis of concentrated cDNA, in the wells of a microplate while minimizing the volume of the solution of reagents required to perform the reaction. In the method, a pestle is inserted into the well of a microplate to which a substance has been immobilized. A volume of reagent solution is introduced into the well that is insufficient to cover the portion of the well onto which the substance is immobilized. The insertion of the pestle displaces reagent solution and increases the surface area of the solution in contact with the portion of the well to which the substance has been immobilized when the pestle is inserted.

Abstract: We describe assay modules (e.g., assay plates, cartridges, multi-well assay plates, reaction vessels, etc.), processes for their preparation, and method of their use for conducting assays. Reagents may be present in free form or supported on solid phases including the surfaces of compartments (e.g., chambers, channels, flow cells, wells, etc.) in the assay modules or the surface of colloids, beads, or other particulate supports. In particular, dry reagents can be incorporated into the compartments of these assay modules and reconstituted prior to their use in accordance with the assay methods. A desiccant material may be used to maintain and stabilize these reagents in a dry state.

Abstract: Multiwell plates commonly used for immunoassay are increased in capacity and adapted for ease and speed of testing by forming a plurality of solid posts in each well of a plate. The posts and plate material and the dimensions of the posts are chosen to allow the immobilization of ligand patterns on an exterior wall of a post in a well and to permit a collimated beam of light directed to the post in a direction to achieve total internal reflection from a wall to generate an evanescent field in the plane of the ligands immobilized on the exterior wall of the post. The reflected light carries an image of localized intensity variations due to binding events between the ligand patterns and analytes in a sample introduced into a well. A cover plate seals the wells and provides for through holes for introducing sample material to the wells.

Abstract: A fluid handling device including an eaves section of a first side wall engaged with a recess of a strip plate including a plurality of wells using concavity and convexity and an eaves section of a second side wall engaged with a recess of the strip plate using concavity and convexity. Slits are further formed in a corner section of the second side wall connecting to another side wall, so as to extend downwards from an upper end section. The second side wall also is partially cut away from the other side wall and is more easily deformed than the first side wall.

Abstract: Methods for forming cell arrays of multiple cell samples arranged substantially in a monolayer on a single substrate particularly suited for diagnostic analysis are disclosed. The cell arrays are formed with a high-speed dispensing apparatus capable of dispensing small volumes in precise, complex patterns. Also disclosed are substrates upon which cell arrays may be formed, and methods for conducting diagnostic analyses on the formed cell arrays.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device, for detecting an analyte in a sample, comprising a sample pad for collecting the sample, a test strip coupled to the sample pad, and a housing enclosing and allowing visualization of the test strip. The sample pad can include one or more markings for determining the amount of sample collected. The device can also include a run fluid container that fits over the sample pad and forms an air-tight seal around the housing. Further, the device can include a second sample pad/test strip combination for detection of a second analyte. Also disclosed are methods for detecting an analyte in a sample using the device.

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: The present invention relates to fluidic systems and, in particular, fluidic arrays and methods for using them to promote interaction of materials. In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to a microfluidic system. The microfluidic system includes a first fluid path and a second fluid path segregated from the first fluid path by a first convection controller at a first contact region, wherein at least one of the first fluid path and the second fluid path has a cross-sectional dimension of less than about 1 millimeter. In another aspect, the present invention is directed to a method of promoting interaction. In another aspect, the invention relates to a device and method for performing titrations.

Abstract: Sample processing devices that include transmissive layers and control layers to reduce or eliminate cross-talk between process chambers in the processing device are disclosed. The transmissive layers may transmit significant portions of signal light and/or interrogation light while the control layers block significant portions of signal light and/or interrogation light. Methods of manufacturing processing devices that include transmissive layers and control layers are also disclosed. The methods may involve continuous forming processes including co-extrusion of materials to form the transmissive layer and control layer in a processing device, followed by formation of the process chambers in the control layer. Alternatively, the methods may involve extrusion of materials for the control layer, followed by formation of process chambers in the control layer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for detecting and/or identifying bacteria present in a liquid or solid sample, characterized in that: a. the sample that may contain said bacteria is placed in a liquid culture medium, in a first container, b. a second container comprising at least one system for detecting said bacteria is provided, c. a means of transfer between the first container and the second container is provided, d. a temperature T1 is applied inside the second container, then e. a temperature T2 is applied inside the second container, f. the temperature T1 is higher than the temperature T2 such that a defined volume of culture medium is transferred from the first container to the second container, g. the presence or absence of bacteria is determined and/or the bacteria are identified within the detection system.

Abstract: Described is a method for discriminating complex biological samples using an array of discrete biological sensing elements immobilized onto a solid support in which constituents bound to the sensor array is directly determined by measuring the mass increase on the surface; data analysis of said method is performed using neutral network or statical based pattern recognition techniques. In a preferred embodiment the liquid sample is tested for the presence of soluble constituent(s) by contacting said sample with said sensor array under specific conditions, removing unbound sample constituent(s), determining the mass increase on the surface and comparising said mass increase data with a reference standard using pattern recognition software.

Abstract: A membrane-based assay device for detecting the presence or quantity of an analyte residing in a test sample is provided. The device utilizes a chromatographic zone on which is disposed a plurality of microporous particles. The chromatographic zone can effectively reduce the “hook effect” in a simple, efficient, and relatively inexpensive manner. In particular, the plurality of microporous particles allows larger-sized analyte/probe complexes to reach the detection zone before the uncomplexed analyte. Because the uncomplexed analyte is substantially inhibited from competing with the complexes for the binding sites at the detection zone, the incidence of “false negatives” may be limited, even at relatively high analyte concentrations.

Abstract: A system for the rapid characterization of analytes in saliva. In one embodiment, a system for detecting analytes includes a light source, a sensor array, and a detector. The sensor array is formed from a supporting member, in which a plurality of cavities may be formed. A series of chemically sensitive particles, in one embodiment, are positioned within the cavities. The particles may produce a signal when a receptor, coupled to the particle, interacts with the cardiovascular risk factor analyte and the particle-analyte complex is visualized using a visualization reagent. Using pattern recognition techniques, the analytes within a multi-analyte fluid may be characterized. In an embodiment, each cavity of the plurality of cavities is designed to capture and contain a specific size particle. Flexible projections may be positioned over each of the cavities to provide retention of the particles in the cavities.

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: A membrane-permeation test for evaluating pharmaceutical compositions is described. The method comprises the following steps: (1) providing a microporous membrane having a plurality of pores, the membrane having a feed side and a permeate side, wherein the feed side of the membrane is in fluid communication with the feed solution, and wherein the permeate side of the membrane is in fluid communication with a permeate solution; (2) administering a pharmaceutical composition to an aqueous solution to form a feed solution; and (3) measuring the concentration of drug in the permeate solution; wherein the feed side of the membrane is hydrophilic, and/or wherein the permeate solution comprises an organic fluid.

Abstract: Substrates (100) are described for receiving a plurality of samples, especially for the preservation of biological samples at cryotemperatures comprising a plurality of substrate plates (11, 12, 13) arranged on top of one another as a stack (10) and comprising an anchoring axis (20) to which the substrate plates (11, 12, 13) are connected. Processes for the preservation of biological samples at cryotemperatures are also described.

Abstract: Hydrophobic coating compositions are provided as are processes to coat articles with the compositions. Extremely hydrophobic coatings are provided by the compositions. Durable, weatherable and scratch-resistant coatings are provided by compositions comprising a fluorinated component and an adhesion promoter compound. The adhesion promoter compound can include an alkoxy group, a furfuryl-containing ring structure, and a reactive group.

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: Disclosed herein is a modular test tube rack. The rack contains multiple sub-racks that can be coupled together to form the test tube rack. The sub-rack can be designed to fit into a variety of scientific instrumentation including a fixed rotor centrifuge. The assembled test tube rack can be of a format and size that allows use of standard array pipetters. Thus, a system is provided allowing use of standard array pipetters and high g centrifugation.

Abstract: The invention provides reagents and methods for inhibiting or enhancing interactions between proteins in hematopoietic cells and other cells involved in the mediation of an immune response. Reagents and methods provided are useful for treatment of a variety of diseases and conditions mediated by immune system cells.

Abstract: Disclosed are devices for amplifying a preselected polynucleotide in a sample by conducting a polynucleotide polymerization reaction. The devices comprise a substrate microfabricated to define a sample inlet port and a mesoscale flow system, which extends from the inlet port. The mesoscale flow system includes a polynucleotide polymerization reaction chamber in fluid communication with the inlet port which is provided with reagents required for polymerization and amplification of a preselected polynucleotide. In one embodiment the devices may be utilized to implement a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in the reaction chamber (PCR chamber).

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for electronically addressing and interrogating microarrays are disclosed. The described microarrays include a plurality of features disposed on a substrate. Each of the features has a first electrode disposed on the substrate, a second electrode disposed on the substrate, and a probe disposed between the first electrode and second electrode. The substrate also includes addressing circuitry in operable relation to the features. Method of using the microarrays are also described.

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: Disposable units in current use for performing PCR are limited by their heat block ramping rates and by the thermal diffusion delay time through the plastic wall as well as by the sample itself. This limitation has been overcome by forming a disposable plastic chip using a simple deformation process wherein one or more plastic sheets are caused, through hydrostatic pressure, to conform to the surface of a suitable mold. After a given disposable chip has been filled with liquid samples, it is brought into close contact with an array of heating blocks that seals each sample within its own chamber, allowing each sample to then be heat treated as desired.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods of detecting binding of molecules to a biosensor. Compositions of the invention comprise a multiwell plate with an integrated biosensor and a membrane.

Abstract: Flexible array substrates having a flexible support, a flexible base, a reflective layer, and a transparent layer, in that order, are taught. Methods of forming the flexible array substrates, devices incorporating flexible array substrates, and arrays having probes arranged on a surface of the flexible array substrate are also taught.

Abstract: A novel nucleotide derivative, in case of existing as a member of a single-stranded sequence, undergoing a change in the fluorescent signal intendity depending on the corresponding base type in the partner strand with which the single-stranded sequence is hybridized, and which is a thymin/uracil derivative (1) emitting light most intensely when a confronting base in the partner strand with which the single-stranded nucleotide sequence is hybridized is adenine; a cytosine derivative (2) emitting light most intensely when the confronting base is guanine; an adenine derivative (3) emitting light most intensely when the confronting base is cytosine; a guanine derivative (4) emitting light most intensely when the confronting base is cytosine or thymine/uracil; and an adrnine derivative (5) emitting light most intensely when the confronting base is thymine/uracil/.

Abstract: A substrate plate or device adapted for use with biological or chemical assays is disclosed. The device may take the form of a multi-well plate having a three-dimensional, porous layer as part of a support surface within each well for immobilizing probe species. The porous layer is characterized as having a plurality of interconnected voids defined by a matrix of contiguous solid material. A method and its variants are also described.

Abstract: Packaged fluid receptacles include: a plurality of fluid receptacles arranged one next to the other to form a composite structure having a top surface, bottom surface and end walls at a first end and a second end and having a longitudinal axis which extends through the end walls; and a removable support which contacts at least the top surface, bottom surface and end walls, the removable support including an attachment for applying a force to remove the support, preferably in a direction along the longitudinal axis. In a preferred embodiment, the support is one-piece and has a single attachment. Preferably, the packaged fluid receptacles are cuvettes usable in a clinical analyzer.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and compositions for identifying subjects having, or predisposed to having, gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and gestational hypertension. The methods are applicable to urine and/or blood samples and can be conducted prior to the third trimester of pregnancy.

Abstract: The present invention relates a process of quality examining for microarray of biological material. More particularly, the present invention is directed to a process of quality examining for microarray of biological material, which comprises 1) a step for mixing probe and a compound which emits light or heat and does not react with said probe, 2) a step for microarraying the mixture obtained in step 1) on a substrate, and 3) a step for measuring light or heat emitted by the scanning of each spots of the microarray mixture.

Abstract: A substrate for testing a carrier liquid for biomolecules using SPR or other techniques provides a metallic island surrounded by a hydrophobic layer, the islands being a location for the attachment of probe molecules. The hydrophobic layer may also be a dielectric material providing improved sensitivity in SPR imaging.

Abstract: A novel nucleotide derivative, in case of existing as a member of a single-stranded sequence, undergoing a change in the fluorescent signal intensity depending on the corresponding base type in the partner strand with which the single-stranded sequence is hybridized, and which is (1) a thymine/uracil derivative emitting light most intensely when a confronting base in the partner strand with which the single-stranded nucleotide sequence is hybridized is adenine; (2) a cytosine derivative emitting light most intensely when the confronting base is guanine; (3) an adenine derivative emitting light most intensely when the confronting base is cytosine; and, (4) a guanine derivative emitting light most intensely when the confronting base is cytosine or thymine/uracil.

Abstract: The invention is based on the development of several sensitive and simple methods for detecting erythropoietin and the erythropoietin receptor and associated antibodies. The methods and reagents are useful for differential diagnosis in Epo and EpoR related clinical problems. Methods and kits for simultaneous measurement of erythropoietin and erythropoietin receptor in a biological sample are described.

Abstract: Methods 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 relates to optical devices.

Abstract: A simple easy to manufacture analytical device capable of performing membrane based immunoassays on batch of samples within 3 to 10 minutes wherein the method permits focused application of samples, costly labeled immunoassay and signal amplification reagents, said device includes an antibody-immobilized micro porous membrane, breadth corner layer of which is directly attached to a semi-rigid liquid-impervious body with water insoluble adhesive; absorbent body is provided separately and is not attached to analytical device during manufacture, absorbent body is wetted and is placed proximal to the lower surface of the membrane thereby forming networks of capillary channels with the absorbent body; flow of samples or reagents is always kept downwards and focused without application of any force to the absorbent body and the use of disposable adsorbent body permits stepwise addition of signal amplification reagents for ultra sensitive detection of diagnostically important molecules by visual examination of the m

Abstract: Methods 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 relates to optical devices.

Abstract: The instant invention provides compositions and methods for determining cell interactions that are faster than conventional methods and that require the use of fewer reagents than conventional methods.

Abstract: Methods and devices for producing a polymer at a location of a substrate are provided. In the subject methods, a fluid droplet containing a first monomer labeled with a first detectable label is deposited from a fluid deposition device onto a location of a substrate surface having a second monomer labeled with a second detectable label. The first and second detectable labels are then detected to determine any misalignment between the fluid deposition device and the location of the substrate surface during deposition. Also provided are algorithms that perform the subject methods, as well as fluid deposition devices that include the subject algorithms. The subject invention also includes arrays produced according to the subject methods and kits that include the subject arrays.

Abstract: Arrays of protein-capture agents useful for the simultaneous detection of a plurality of proteins which are the expression products, or fragments thereof, of a cell or population of cells in an organism are provided. A variety of antibody arrays, in particular, are described. Methods of both making and using the arrays of protein-capture agents are also disclosed. The invention arrays are particularly useful for various proteomics applications including assessing patterns of protein expression and modification in cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device (1) and a method for determining parameters of fluid-containing samples (2) in a system (3) for individually irradiating the samples (2) with light (4) of a light source (5) in an essentially vertical irradiation direction (6). In this case, this system (3) includes a detector (7) for measuring the light (8) coming from a single sample, and this detector (7) has a detection direction (9?), which lies on an optical axis (9) that is essentially parallel to the optical axis (6) of the light source (5). This device (1) includes at least one reflective surface (10), using which the light (4) coming essentially vertically out of the light source (5) may be at least partially deflected in an essentially horizontal irradiation direction (11).

Abstract: The invention provides in vitro methods of detection using human antibodies. The methods are particularly useful for analyzing human samples containing HAMA or heterophilic antibodies. A human antibody can bind to an analyte in such samples without binding to HAMA or heterophilic antibodies present in the samples. The methods can be effected using a sandwich format among others.

Abstract: Provided herein are polypeptides designated CVSP14 polypeptides that exhibit protease activity as a single chain or as an activated two chain form. Methods using the polypeptides to identify compounds that modulate the protease activity thereof are provided. The polypeptides also serve as tumor markers.