Abstract: The present disclosure relates general to devices, systems, and methods of using such devices in creating and handling hanging drops of fluid. The present disclosure also relates to cell culture devices, methods and/or systems of using such devices as well as the use of cell culture devices, for example, for research and high throughput screening.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method of forming a pattern having pattern elements with a plurality of sizes on a substrate surface with a tilted pen array that includes choosing a tilt geometry for a pen array with respect to a substrate, inducing the tilt geometry between the pen array and the substrate surface, and forming a pattern having pattern elements on the substrate surface with the titled pen array, whereby the size of the formed pattern elements varies across the substrate surface along the tilted axis or axes. For example, the tilt geometry is in reference to the substrate surface and comprises a first angle with respect to a first axis of the substrate and a second angle with respect to a second axis of the substrate, the second axis being perpendicular to the first axis, and at least one of the first and second angles being non-zero.

Abstract: A method for immobilizing a self-organizing material or fine particles on a substrate, and a substrate whereupon the self-organizing material or the fine particles are immobilized. More specifically, the method for immobilizing the fine particles including a nucleic acid (for instance, DNA or RNA) or a metal oxide on the substrate, and the substrate whereupon the nucleic acid (for example, DNA or RNA) or the metal oxide is immobilized.

Abstract: A tetrapod article and its uses are disclosed whereby such tetrapod article comprises an apex base nanomaterial and X leg base nanomaterial protruding from the apex, wherein X is an integer. In an aspect, the tetrapod article can comprise Y nanomaterial layers overcoating the apex base material and the leg base nanomaterial protruding from the apex, wherein Y is an integer. In yet another aspect, disclosed is an assay kit comprising a set of hydrophobic coated tetrapod articles coupled to K pairing moieties that are paired to L predefined targeting items to form a set of tetrapod conjugates that that correspond to M biological parameters and luminesce at respective wavelengths that correspond to the respective predefined target cell types, wherein K, L, and M are integers.

Abstract: A microfluidic device includes a first substrate, and a phase change ink deposited on a surface of the first substrate. The phase change ink includes an ink vehicle including a polymeric material having one or more hydroxyl groups, and an optional colorant, wherein the phase change ink is solid at room temperature but is liquid at a jetting temperature of from about 60 to about 150° C., and a hydroxyl group mass percentage, measured as a total mass of hydroxyl groups to an entire weight of the ink, is from about 1% to about 35%.

Abstract: Systems and methods that facilitate magnetic collection and/or manipulation of individual micropallets are provided. The embodiments provided herein are directed to a new method for collecting micropallets once released from a substrate. It is accomplished by endowing the micropallets with magnetic properties by incorporating ferromagnetic or superparamagnetic nanoparticles into the photoresist material or otherwise incorporating magnetically responsive material into the micropallet structure. The magnetic particles, which posses magnetic qualities, e.g., ferromagnetism, ferrimagnetism, paramagnetism, and are composed of iron, nickel, and/or other magnetic materials, are mixed into the bulk photoresist prior to its use in the fabrication of microstructures. Also covered are other methods of incorporating magnetically-attractable material into the micropallet structure, such as plating of the micropallets with a material that is magnetically responsive, such as nickel.

Abstract: A method and device for the rapid detection of biomolecules (320) diffusing in a nanometer-confined slit (204) is claimed. In particular, the present invention relates to a novel concept of fluidic side apertures (205) that facilitates the filling of the device, the surface coating with biomolecules and that measures the affinity between fluorescently labeled biomolecules in aqueous solution with other biomolecules immobilized on surfaces.

Abstract: Cell co-culturing methods and arrays providing versatility and high resolution. A method comprising: providing at least one substrate; providing at least one first tip with at least one first cell-adhesion material disposed thereon, and at least one second tip with at least one second cell-adhesion material disposed thereon, wherein the first cell-adhesion material is different from the second cell-adhesion material; depositing the first cell-adhesion material from the first tip to the substrate to form at least one first deposit, and depositing the second cell-adhesion material from the second tip to the substrate to form at least one second deposit; and wherein the first and second deposits are capable of providing selective binding to at least one first cell so that the first cell selectively binds to the first deposit, and wherein the second deposit is capable of binding to at least one second cell.

Abstract: A biochip includes a plurality of microchannels; and a plurality of probes disposed in an inner wall of each of the plurality of microchannels forming a one-dimensional array. The one-dimensional array of probes are configured to react with a sample in the microchannel. The plurality of microchannels are arranged such that the plurality of probes of the plurality of microchannels form a two-dimensional or three-dimensional array.

Abstract: Highly reactive functionalized substrates and linker molecules for use in the detection of molecular targets and other analytes of interest are provided as are kits, reaction mixtures and methods utilizing the same.

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: Embodiments disclosed herein relate to methodology, and kits thereof for identifying particular disease-associated antibodies partially based on comparative binding to a mimotope array. Isolation of identified disease-associated antibodies and uses thereof are also described.

Abstract: A system or device includes an evaluation module for automatically evaluating, remotely from a health care facility, a biological sample acquired from a subject for a presence or an absence of at least one pathogen in the biological sample; an electronic memory for queuing a first result of the evaluation for transmission to an off-site entity; and a reporting module for reporting a second result of the evaluation to the subject after queuing the first result of the evaluation for transmission.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for identification of genes related to cancer cell growth. In particular, the present invention provides functional genomic profiling of primary patient cells for identification of targeted and efficacious patient and cell-specific treatment modalities by employing a cancer biochip system (CBCS) which demonstrates improved plating efficiency, improved transfection efficiency and improved silencing efficiency. The present invention also provides a method of classifying a cancer patient based on response of cancer cells of the patient to a plurality of active agents for prediction of efficacious treatment of the cancer patient.

Abstract: A system for classifying a patient's cancer as belonging to one or more Cancer Modules of 1 of 15 different cancer types is provided. The Cancer Modules are useful to identify patient populations and individual patients demonstrating specific prognosis, risk of metastasis and/or recurrence, response or lack of response to drugs, and the like.

Abstract: A sensor device is disclosed, which depends on discrimination in time between groups of binding events of target particles to nano-electrodes. The target particles may be in the liquid phase or in suspension. The nano-electrodes form part of a sensor arrangement having a plurality of sensors. The sensor device is arranged such that different species of target particles arrive at the nano-electrodes at different times, using techniques such as chromatography or application of a field such as an electric, magnetic, or gravitational field. The particles may be labelled or unlabeled. The invention is particularly suited, but not limited, to sensing bioparticles.

Abstract: A probe array base including probe-holding portions which are periodically arranged on a solid base member and which have grooves is prepared by anisotropically etching a single-crystalline silicon substrate. Probe solutions are supplied to the probe-holding portions by capillary action from a plurality of tank arrays having a certain cylinder period. This allows a probe array to be completed. The probe array is used as, for example, a DNA or antigen chip, has a high degree of integration, and is capable of holding a constant and sufficient number of probe molecules.

Abstract: Described are methods for producing libraries of cells expressing at least two separate single polypeptide chain binding proteins, in which the binding proteins have different target epitopes. Such libraries are made by integration of the nucleic acid sequences encoding the polypeptide chains into the genome of the host cell, and selecting for cells that have successfully integrated these nucleic acids. The selected cells are preferably subjected to a cloning step. Mixtures of binding proteins are produced without having to individually produce each of the components of the mixture. A library of cells wherein essentially each cell encodes at least two single polypeptide chain binding proteins having different target epitopes is also herewith provided, as well as methods for producing a composition comprising at least two separate single polypeptide chain binding proteins having different target epitopes.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a universal substrate for attaching biomolecules, including sequencing features and the resulting substrate. A method of direct detection of analytes utilizes a Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) sensor with the substrate.

Abstract: This invention provides high unit density arrays of microparticles and methods of assembling such arrays. The microparticles in the arrays may be functionalized with chemical or biological entities specific to a given target analyte. The high unit density arrays of this invention are formed on chips which may be combined to form multichip arrays according to the methods described herein. The chips and/or multichip arrays of this invention are useful for chemical and biological assays.

Abstract: This invention provides methods and systems for identifying and typing toxicity of chemical compositions, as well as for screening new compositions for toxicity. The invention involves detecting alterations in gene or protein expression and hence establishing molecular profiles in isolated mammalian LSCs contacted with various chemical compositions of known and unknown toxicities, and correlating the molecular profiles with toxicities of the chemical compositions.

Abstract: The present invention newly identified a missense mutation in the MYH14 gene as a cause responsible for a complex phenotype of peripheral neuropathy, myopathy, hearing loss, and hoarseness. Further, the present invention provides a method for diagnosing inherited neuromuscular disorders showing a complex phenotype of peripheral neuropathy, myopathy, hearing loss, and hoarseness via detection of the mutated MYH14 gene or the protein encoded thereby, and a diagnostic kit therefor. According to the present invention, simple examination of the gene allows early diagnosis of inherited neuromuscular disorders showing the complex phenotype of peripheral neuropathy, myopathy, hearing loss, and hoarseness, which shows high inheritance and is caused by a single gene defect, and accurate diagnosis of the disease makes it possible to tailor therapy.

Abstract: A metal nanoantenna for use in a biosensing device is disclosed. The metal nanoantenna is arranged to exhibit at least two particle plasmon resonances or surface plasmon resonances (SPRs). The nanoantenna is for use in a sensor and allows detection at low concentration of biological components. In one aspect, the nanoantenna can have an asymmetric structural configuration and spectrally separated resonances. In one aspect, there is a location in its structure providing local electromagnetic field enhancement at all of the SPRs. The metal nanoantenna can be used for background free measuring of a quantity of a biological component.

Abstract: An oligomer probe array with improved signal-to-noise ratio and desired detection sensitivity even when a reduced design rule is employed includes a substrate, a plurality of probe cell active regions formed on or in the substrate, each of the plurality of probe cell active regions having a three-dimensional surface and being coupled with at least one oligomer probe with its own sequence, and a probe cell isolation region defining the probe cell active regions and having no functional groups for coupling with the oligomer probes on a surface.

Abstract: The embodiments described herein provide for compositions and methods for genome-wide mapping of chromosome fragile sites in cellular chromosomal material. More specifically, a method of genome-wide detection of regions of single-stranded DNA and double stranded breaks in DNA, the hallmarks of chromosome fragility, comprises embedding a plurality of cells in a matrix and subsequently directly labeling the single-stranded DNA and/or double stranded DNA breaks; eluting or isolating the labeled chromosomal material from the matrix; and performing analysis to detect the location of the chromosome fragility sites.

Abstract: Methods, compositions, and kits for nucleic acid detection.

Abstract: Methods of manufacturing cards, strips and multiwell plates for use in diagnostic assays are described. The methods employ the use of synthetic constructs of the generic structure F-S-L (where F is an antigen for a reactive antibody, S is a spacer covalently linking F to L, and L is a lipid) as “ink” in inkjet printers. The cards, strips and multiwell plates provide a number of advantages including efficiency of manufacture and improved accuracy in determining and recording assay results.

Abstract: Natural and/or synthetic antibodies for specific proteins are adhered to nanoparticles. The nanoparticles are adhered to a substrate and the substrate is exposed to a sample that may contain the specific proteins. The substrates are then tested with surface enhanced Raman scattering techniques and/or localized surface plasmon resonance techniques to quantify the amount of the specific protein in the sample.

Abstract: A composition can include a nanostructure, and a linker associated with the nanostructure, wherein the linker is configured to interact with a capture protein. The nanostructure can include a single-walled carbon nanotube. A plurality of the compositions can be configured in an array.

Abstract: The invention provides a liquid cell for an atomic force microscope. The liquid cell includes a liquid cell housing with an internal cavity to contain a fluid, a plurality of conductive feedthroughs traversing the liquid cell housing between the internal cavity and a dry side of the liquid cell, a cantilevered probe coupled to the liquid cell housing, and a piezoelectric drive element disposed on the cantilevered probe. The cantilevered probe is actuated when a drive voltage is applied to the piezoelectric drive element through at least one of the conductive feedthroughs. A method of imaging an object in a liquid medium and a method of sensing a target species with the liquid cell are also disclosed.

Abstract: The subject invention concerns materials and methods for detecting a target cell in a population. Methods of the invention comprise internally labeling cells via fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) using probes that target rRNA, followed by binding of capture antibodies targeted (CAT) for specific cell surface epitopes on the target cells. In one embodiment, the target cells are bacterial cells.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a cell chip including: an upper substrate having a plurality of biometrics spaced therefrom by fillers, the biometrics fixing a biomaterial thereinto; a first hydrophobic coating layer formed on the upper substrate; and a lower substrate combined with the upper substrate and having a plurality of wells formed therein, the well storing fluid provided to the biometrics therein. The cell chip includes two substrates functionally separated from each other to implement a three dimensional cell chip, solves a cross contamination problem, and provides a similar environment to a bio environment, thereby making it possible to increase the accuracy of a test.

Abstract: Described herein are RNA-protein fusion production methods which involve a high salt post-translational incubation step.

Abstract: The present application 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. In addition, the present invention provides a procedure for the creation of material surfaces with desired properties and for the fabrication of surface-mounted optical components.

Abstract: Disclosed is a composition comprising a nucleic acid and a chemical compound, said composition forming a star structure defining 3 or more stems extending from a reaction center. The stems are formed by a nucleic acid duplex and the chemical compound has been formed in the reaction center as the reaction product of 3 or more chemical groups. The advantage of the composition is that a close proximity is provided between the chemical groups in the reaction center, thereby promoting a reaction. The invention also relates to a method for preparation of the composition. The advantage of the method is that it does not require the pre-synthesis of a large number of templates and that it is not dependent upon codon/anti-codon recognition for an encoded molecule to be formed.

Abstract: A slide-loader system for preparing a microarray slide having a hybridized reaction area for washing, and which includes an immersion tray which contains a volume of wash buffer fluid, and a stripping jig that holds the microarray slide during removal of a reaction chamber housing that is mounted about the hybridized reaction area.

Abstract: The invention features compositions and methods that are useful for precisely determining the amount of one or more analytes present in a sample. In one aspect, the invention provides a composition for measuring the abundance of one or more target analytes in a sample, where the composition contains a set of detection units for each analyte fixed to a substrate (e.g.,a membrane, bead, filter, chip, polymer-based film or glass slide, or other printable surface), where each detection unit contains a discrete amount of a capture agent that specifically binds the target analyte, and the amount of capturing agent varies over the set to form a concentration gradient.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods, systems, devices, panels, and software for determining values for two or more markers in order to characterize a subject's risk of developing cardiovascular disease or experiencing a complication thereof (e.g., within the ensuing one to three years), and for identifying subjects in need of preventative therapy (e.g., statins). In certain embodiments, the markers are selected from: hs-CRP, ACR, Lp-Pla2, MPO, fibrinogen, KIF6, and F2 isoprostanes.

Abstract: A method of providing a prognosis of breast cancer is conducted by analyzing the expression of a group of genes. Gene expression profiles in a variety of medium such as microarrays are included as are kits that contain them.

Abstract: Magnetic nanoparticles and methods for their use in detecting biological molecules are disclosed. The magnetic nanoparticles can be attached to nucleic acid molecules, which are then captured by a complementary sequence attached to a detector, such as a spin valve detector or a magnetic tunnel junction detector. The detection of the bound magnetic nanoparticle can be achieved with high specificity and sensitivity.

Abstract: A sensor for detecting of an analyte in a solution phase comprises a plurality of functionalised silver nanoplates wherein a functionalising agent is directly bonded to the surfaces of the nanoplates. The nanoplates provide a detectable wavelength shift change in their local surface plasmon resonance spectrum in response to the binding of an analyte. Two or more of the nanoplates may be electromagnetically coupled.

Abstract: The present invention provides a microplate-based assay kit that incorporates all assay reagents and standards in a simple and efficient format and may be used in biochemical assays. The assay kit includes pre-filled, pre-sealed and barcoded microplates with a standard physical footprint for use in a microplate-based automated analyzer system which enables simple and efficient operation by an unskilled user via per-use factory-sealed and barcoded reagent and calibrator microplates. Such microplates allow the user to run a broad test menu without the need to monitor the arrangement and supply of internally stored reagents and standards, thus greatly simplifying the user experience and eliminating the need for highly skilled users.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for detecting an analyte in a sample by multiplexing FRET (Förster Resonance Energy Transfer) analysis, the method comprising the following steps: providing a sample containing an energy transfer donor, several spectrally different quantum dot species, and an analyte, wherein the analyte is configured to mediate an energy transfer within a first energy transfer donor-acceptor pair provided by the energy transfer donor and a first quantum dot specie, the energy transfer donor is configured to act as energy transfer donor in the first energy transfer donor-acceptor pair, and the first quantum dot specie is configured to act as energy transfer acceptor in the first energy transfer donor-acceptor pair, irradiating excitation light from an excitation light source to the sample, in the first energy transfer donor-acceptor pair, transferring excitation energy from the energy transfer donor excited by the excitation light to the first quantum dot specie, the energy transfer being media

Abstract: An array for bringing two or more reagents in contact with one or more biological targets comprising, two or more reagents; and one or more barriers adapted to at least temporarily maintain said reagents in at least one arrangement of two or more reagent portions so that said portions do not commingle with each other, wherein each said portion is maintained at a predefined locale in said arrangement so that each of said portions is adapted to be brought into contact with one or more biological targets; and methods for making and using same.

Abstract: The invention is directed to compositions, e.g., cell-based and multiplexed platforms, to screen for small molecule drugs that inhibit enzymes such as proteases, e.g., viral proteases, e.g., HIV proteases; and methods for making and using these compositions. The invention provides compositions and methods for identifying compositions, e.g., drug molecules, that can inhibit proteases, e.g., viral proteases such as HIV proteases. In alternative embodiments, the invention provides cell-based platforms or assays to screen for compositions, e.g., small molecules or drugs, that inhibit or modify the activity of enzymes such as calcium-dependent protein convertases involved in HIV envelope protein processing, including cleavage of the HIV gp160 envelope precursor, resulting in gp120 and gp41 envelope products. In one embodiment, the invention provides a cell-based or multiplexed platform for monitoring the activity of enzymes, e.g., proteases such as viral proteases.

Abstract: The present invention relates to optical confinements, methods of preparing and methods of using them for analyzing molecules and/or monitoring chemical reactions. The apparatus and methods embodied in the present invention are particularly useful for high-throughput and low-cost single-molecular analysis.

Abstract: A microarray system is disclosed. The microarray system includes a microarray formed on a planar substrate and an incubation chamber formed around the microarray. The incubation chamber has a plurality of interior surfaces including a bottom surface on which the microarray is formed and a top surface that faces the bottom surface and is generally parallel to the bottom surface. At least one of a plurality of interior surfaces is a hydrophilic surface.

Abstract: The present invention comprises compositions and methods useful as a system for efficiently determining conditions that result in the formation of crystals of membrane proteins from solutions containing a membrane protein in a purified and soluble state. The system is comprised of two primary components, a solubility screen and a crystallization screen. Each component is a set of solutions. The present invention further provides a kit comprising solutions of the invention and an instructional material for the use thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods, reagents, and substrates that can be used for, for example, immobilizing biomolecules, such as nucleic acids and proteins. In an embodiment, the present invention relates to surfaces coated with a polymer according to the present invention. In an embodiment, the present invention relates to methods for thermochemically and/or photochemically attaching molecules to a surface at a high density.

Abstract: A microfluidic device includes a first substrate, and a phase change ink deposited on a surface of the first substrate. The phase change ink includes a non-polar polymeric material and an optional colorant, wherein the phase change ink is solid at room temperature but is liquid at a jetting temperature of from about 60 to about 150° C., and a water contact angle on the deposited phase change ink is from 90° to about 175°.