Abstract: A microfluidic system for fluid transfer to a microarray includes a liquid transfer needle having a fluid conduit therein within which is defined a withholding pressure P1, and a microcompartment defined within the microarray, the microcompartment being configured to generate a capillary pressure P2 therein. The capillary pressure P2 is less than the withholding pressure P1, such that a defined amount of liquid is transferred from the liquid transfer needle into the microcompartment when the liquid transfer needle and the microcompartment are disposed in fluid flow communication. A method of delivering multiple solutions to a plurality of microcompartments in an microarray while avoiding cross-contamination between the solutions is also provided.

Abstract: Provided are microfluidic designs and methods for rapid generation of monodisperse nanoliter volume droplets of reagent/target (e.g., molecule or cell) mix in emulsion oil. The designs and methods enable high-throughput encapsulation of a single target (e.g., DNA/RNA molecules or cells) in controlled size droplets of reagent mix. According to various embodiments, a microfabricated, 3-valve pump is used to precisely meter the volume of reagent/target mix in each droplet and also to effectively route microparticles such as beads and cells into the device, which are encapsulated within droplets at the intersection of the reagent channel and an oil channel. The pulsatile flow profile of the microfabricated pumps provides active control over droplet generation, thereby enabling droplet formation with oils that are compatible with biological reactions but are otherwise difficult to form emulsions with.

Abstract: An array of electro-actuated fluid dispensers (200, 465, 500, 670) for metering out liquid reagents includes a support member (230); and a plurality of discrete electro-actuated fluid-dispensing die (220, 460) disposed on the support member (230), each of the die (220, 460) being configured to receive a supply of fluid (130, 300, 447, 454, 456, 665) being deposited thereon and dispense the fluid (130, 300, 447, 454, 456, 665) as needed for assay testing.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides apparatus, systems and method for detecting separately and substantially simultaneously light emissions from a plurality of localized light-emitting analytes. A system according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure comprises a sample holder having structures formed thereon for spatially separating and constraining a plurality of light-emitting analytes each having a single nucleic acid molecule or a single nucleic acid polymerizing enzyme, a light source configured to illuminate the sample holder, an optical assembly configured to collect and detect separately and substantially simultaneously light emissions associated with the plurality of light emitting analytes. The system may further include a computer system configured to analyze the light emissions to determine the structures or properties of a target nucleic acid molecule associated with each analyte.

Abstract: A device, method and system for ensuring proper orientation and installation of trays for processing biological sensors in an automated and flexible system are provided. The system comprises an instrument handling robot that transfers a plurality of arrays mounted on pegs on a strip to liquid reaction stations. In particular, the method comprises a first orientation marking on a tray and a second orientation marking on a deck, indicating the proper station in which the tray is placed for a specific process.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for protein patterning and fabrication of biomolecule microarrays, based on the selective biomolecule adsorption on hydrophilic versus hydrophobic patterns created by selective plasma deposition of fluorocarbon film.

Abstract: An embodiment of a method for generating an interference pattern at a probe array is described that comprises directing light at a first waveguide and second waveguide, wherein the first and second waveguides are positioned adjacent to each other and the output from the first and second waveguides produce an interference pattern; and directing the interference pattern at the probe array.

Abstract: Improved electrochemical biosensor arrays and instruments are disclosed herein. Methods of making and using the electrochemical biosensor instruments are also disclosed. An electrochemical biosensor array can include an array of microelectrodes disposed on a substrate. Each microelectrode can include a conducting electrode material disposed on a portion of the substrate, a first polymeric layer disposed on at least a portion of the conducting electrode material, a second polymeric layer disposed on at least a portion of the first polymeric layer, and a capture molecule that is in physical communication with the second polymeric layer.

Abstract: A device (1) for housing a scientific sample comprising at least one sample well (2) and an on-board buffering substance (3) wherein the onboard buffering substance (3) at least partly surrounds the sample well (2). The on-board buffering substance (3) may be in the form of a matrix, such as a gel-like matrix. The device (1) may further comprise an insulating means. Also described is a substance for use in culturing and/or assaying a sample whereby the substance provides atmospheric and thermal buffering. The invention further provides a lid for a single-well or multi-well sample plate, the lid being configured to facilitate delivery of a sample through the lid into a well, and for sealing the well. The lid comprises moveable portions (52, 53) that have at least one orifice (54, 57) formed through the moveable portions (52, 53) such that a conduit is formed by alignment of the orifices (54, 57) of both the lid portions (52, 53).

Abstract: A device for biochip hybridization or washing is provided, which comprises a carousel (12), a translational movement controller, a revolving movement controller, and optionally a heating chamber (13). The revolving movement controller controls the revolving movement of the carousel and allows it to move in a wobbling fashion, allowing liquid movement of the hybridization or washing boxes (11) during hybridization and/or washing of biochips on the carousel. The translational movement controller brings the carousel back to horizontal position once the revolving movement controller stops, thereby ensures that the liquid do not spill out. The heating chamber circulates hot air within the device, thereby ensures that the hybridization and washing in a thermostatic condition.

Abstract: A method and system for describing a cell tray are described. The method and system includes providing a first layer and a second layer. The first layer is of an optically transparent substrate material. The second layer is on top of the first layer, the second layer includes a plurality of cell wells, each of the plurality of cell wells being formed by penetrating the second layer to a preselected depth.

Abstract: Certain embodiments disclosed herein relate to compositions, methods, devices, systems, and products regarding frozen particles. In certain embodiments, the frozen particles include materials at low temperatures. In certain embodiments, the frozen particles provide vehicles for delivery of particular agents. In certain embodiments, the frozen particles are administered to at least one biological tissue.

Abstract: The sensitivity and durability of fluorescent assays may be increased through structures and methods using plasmon fluorescence augmentation and sealing of the structure against degradation by reagents used in the assay. The resulting structures make practical extremely sensitive fluorescent assays for DNA and other biological analytes.

Abstract: A method for electrochemical removal of acid-labile protecting groups on an electrode microarray using an organic solution is disclosed. The solution comprises a hydrazine derivative and a salt in an organic solvent. The hydrazine derivative has at least one hydrazine group having at least one hydrogen. The hydrazine derivative provides acidic reagent when an electrode is active and isolates the acidic reagent to the area around the active electrode. The salt is an organic salt or ionic liquid having a concentration sufficient to provide electrochemical conductivity under an applied voltage. During the applied voltage, acidic reagent is generated, which removes acid-labile protecting groups thereby allowing continued addition of monomers to build a custom microarray of oligonucleotides, peptides, or other polymers.

Abstract: Certain embodiments disclosed herein relate to compositions, methods, devices, systems, and products regarding frozen particles. In certain embodiments, the frozen particles include materials at low temperatures. In certain embodiments, the frozen particles provide vehicles for delivery of particular agents. In certain embodiments, the frozen particles are administered to at least one biological tissue.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for automating laboratory protocols utilizing modular processing components to allow systems to be reconfigured for processing a wide variety of disparate laboratory protocols are provided. In one aspect, a sample processing module is provided, including a housing configured to accommodate a pre-identified sample process, a standardized temperature input capable of interfacing with a temperature controller, a standardized fluid input capable of interfacing with an input fluid controller, and a standardized agitation connector capable of interfacing with an agitator. These standardized components provide interchangeability of the module with a module having a housing configured to accommodate a different pre-identified sample process in a sample processing system.

Abstract: Provided is a PNA (Peptide Nucleic Acid) chip in which a probe PNA containing a desired DNA sequence is immobilized on a plastic substrate coated with an epoxy group-containing polymer. Therefore, single-stranded PNAs can be immobilized on a transparent plastic substrate by means of an epoxy group-containing polymer layer in an efficient and cost-effective manner. Fluorescence signal detection based on PNA/DNA hybridization enables identification of SNP (Single Nucleotide Polymorphism).

Abstract: A fluidic system and method for processing biological sensors. The fluidic system includes a fluidic component including at least a first container and a second container. The first container is capable of holding a first volume of a first fluid, and the second container is capable of holding a second volume of a second fluid. Additionally, the fluidic system includes a support component configured to support at least the first container and the second container. The first container and the second container are substantially stationary with respect to the support component. Moreover, the fluidic system includes a transport component configured to move a first sensor, with respect to the support component, into the first container and in contact with the first volume of the first fluid, and move a second sensor, with respect to the support component, into the second container and in contact with the second volume of the second fluid.

Abstract: A heat block assembly and an organic compound synthesizing apparatus using the heat block assembly are provided. The heat block assembly includes one or more heat blocks provided with grooves in which reaction containers are inserted, and a temperature adjustor for adjusting the temperature of the heat block.

Abstract: A method for archiving sample devices such as microarray slides and membranes is described using an optically clear, solidifying solution. Also described are related methods and kits.

Abstract: A three-dimensional cell culture system is provided comprising one or more cell types of interest incorporated in a natural or synthetic hydrogel. An apparatus for high-throughput drug screening is also provided comprising a plurality of three-dimensional cell culture systems and a dispenser for placing at least one three-dimensional cell culture system into a pre-determined well of a multiwell plate. A method for high-throughput drug screening is also provided that comprises providing a test agent, providing a three-dimensional cell culture system, determining a first cellular response of the cell of interest before culturing in the presence of the agent, culturing the cell of interest in the cell culture system in the presence of the agent, determining a second cellular response of the cell of interest after culturing in the presence of the agent, and comparing the first and second cellular responses.

Abstract: Devices, containers, and methods are provided for performing biological analysis in a closed environment. Illustrative biological analyses include high density nucleic acid amplification and detection and immuno-PCR.

Abstract: A method for assaying a sample for each of multiple analytes is described. The method includes contacting an array of spaced-apart test zones with a liquid sample (e.g., whole blood). The test zones are disposed within a channel of a microfluidic device. The channel is defined by at least one flexible wall and a second wall which may or may not be flexible. Each test zone comprising a probe compound specific for a respective target analyte. The microfluidic device is compressed to reduce the thickness of the channel, which is the distance between the inner surfaces of the walls within the channel. The presence of each analyte is determined by optically detecting an interaction at each of multiple test zones for which the distance between the inner surfaces at the corresponding location is reduced. The interaction at each test zone is indicative of the presence in the sample of a target analyte.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for encoding a microsphere comprising the steps of i) providing a layer of a polyionic polymer to the microsphere, ii) coating the layer with quantum dots, iii) providing a layer of a transparent polyionic polymer to the coated polymer layer and iv) coating the transparent layer with the same and/or different quantum dots and, optionally, repeating steps iii) and iv) whereby to characterise the microsphere by the wavelength and/or intensity of its photoemission spectrum on excitation at a predetermined wavelength of incident light.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for implementing non-destructive quality control of substrates and printed biological microarrays. A method and apparatus are provided for implementing quality control of gel-based microarrays prepared by dispensing a gel-forming composition on a solid substrate. The method utilizes the difference between the wettability properties of a supporting substrate and a gel, where the gel is hydrophilic. Condensation of vapor of a chemically inert water-soluble liquid, such as water or glycerol, on the surface of a substrate under inspection creates a layer of tiny droplets that affect both transmission and scattering of light on the surface. A pattern of condensation, characterized by spatial distribution, average size of the droplets and spacing between the droplets, reflects variation in wetting properties of the substrate. The pattern of condensation circumscribes printed microarray features to be non-destructively imaged and analyzed.

Abstract: Provided are analysis cassettes that include removable sealing layers and deformable connector layers that place various channels, chambers, and reservoirs on the cassettes into fluid communication with one another. The cassettes are suitable for use in self-contained, immunoassay devices that may be operated in an automated fashion. Also disclosed are methods for analyzing samples by use of the disclosed cassettes.

Abstract: A method for determining oxidation stability for a plurality of different lubricating oil composition samples is provided. The methods can advantageously be optimized using combinatorial chemistry, in which a database of combinations of lubricating oil compositions is generated. As market conditions vary and/or product requirements or customer specifications change, conditions suitable for forming desired products can be identified with little or no downtime.

Abstract: An apparatus for enhancing the contact frequency between two reactants capable of binding to one another, preferably between an analyzer molecule and an analyte molecule, especially for enhancing the binding effectiveness in bioanalysis arrays with the aid of micro- or nanomagnetic particles (75) set in motion in a controlled manner in the fluid reaction medium by means of magnetic fields generated by variably feedable electromagnets (3, 2, 20) arranged on both sides of the reaction fluid film.

Abstract: A microfluidic system.

Abstract: At each lattice point 2 of pantographs 1, a capillary 3 is held perpendicular to the pantograph lattice. The pantograph 1 includes: rings 4 and 5 to serve as lattice points; and shafts 6 linking the rings with one another. Each of the capillaries 3 is supported by the two rings 4 and 5. The shafts are free to rotate about an intersection 7. The ring 5 is fixed to the capillary 3, but the ring 4 is a movable ring being moveable freely up and down in the axial direction of the capillary 3 in conjunction with the pantograph 1. The lattice distance can be determined accomplished by moving up or down the movable ring at an arbitrarily-chosen lattice point in a pantograph 1. Accordingly, all the capillaries move in parallel to one another, and the ends of all the capillaries always stay within a single plane.

Abstract: Methods and devices for producing an assembly, and the thus produced assembly, are provided. The assembly may be used in screening applications. In various embodiments, the assembly may comprise a first portion and a second portion. The first portion and second portion may be co-formed or may be separately formed. The assembly may be formed as a blank or may be formed with wells therein. The assembly may be further processed, for example via thermal processing, to form or modify wells in the assembly. In some embodiments, wells in the assembly may have custom volumes, custom shapes, or be arranged in a custom pattern.

Abstract: A method for forming a structured polymeric film having a plurality of longitudinally spaced structured on both sides of the structured polymeric film is described. The method includes: providing a rotatable tool having an outer circumferential surface, the outer circumferential surface including a plurality of tool projections; providing a nip roll having a smooth conformable outer circumferential surface opposed to the outer circumferential surface of the tool; introducing a polymer layer into a nip between the tool and the nip roll; pressing the polymer layer between the tool and the nip roll to form web recesses into a first side of the polymer layer and web projections extending away from an opposing second side of the polymer layer, with the tool projections on the circumferential surface of the tool and form a structured web; and removing the structured web from the tool. Sample processing articles are also described.

Abstract: Method for determining deposit formation tendencies for a plurality of fluid samples of different compositions is provided. Each sample includes one or more lubricating oil compositions containing at least one or more base oils of lubricating viscosity and one or more lubricating oil additives. The methods can advantageously be optimized using combinatorial chemistry, in which a database of combinations of lubricating oil compositions are generated. As market conditions vary and/or product requirements or customer specifications change, conditions suitable for forming desired products can be identified with little or no downtime.

Abstract: The invention relates to sensor compositions comprising a composite array of individual arrays, to allow for simultaneous processing of a number of samples. The invention further provides methods of making and using the composite arrays. The invention further provides a hybridization chamber for use with a composite array.

Abstract: This invention provides a system that allows a user to assemble a chamber apparatus that prohibits samples from leaking or mixing with other samples or chamber array wells, when they are inserted into an array well of the chamber apparatus. In addition, the chamber frame design allows for easy assembly and disassembly for simplified use and slide substrate scanning on conventional microarray scanners. Chamber apparatus includes a chamber frame with an upper integrated gasket and a lower integrated gasket, a substrate, and a substrate frame that positions and captures the substrate. The lower integrated gasket provides a single sealing surface between the chamber frame and the substrate. The upper integrated gasket interfaces with a chamber cover forming a compression seal that prevents sample loss due to evaporation during the hybridization process.

Abstract: A device for a hybridization chamber includes a support including an engagement receiving member which receives a microarray, the engagement receiving member engages with the microarray, a hybridization chamber frame which forms the hybridization chamber when in contact with the microarray, a sealing member disposed on the hybridization frame, the sealing member defines a region of the hybridization chamber and a cover coupled with the support and the hybridization chamber frame, wherein one end of the cover is coupled with the support using a hinge, and an opposite end of the cover includes a compression coupling means.

Abstract: A bioreactor for cultivating living cells in a liquid medium. In one embodiment of the present invention, the bioreactor includes a first substrate having a first surface, an opposite second surface and edges. The bioreactor further includes a second substrate having a first surface and an opposite second surface, defining a cavity with a bottom surface, where the bottom surface is located therebetween the first surface and the second surface. The first surface of the first substrate is received by the second surface of the second substrate to cover the cavity so as to form a channel for receiving cells and a liquid medium. In forming the bioreactor, the channel is sized to allow the growth of a layer of cells on a biocompatible coating layer and a flow of liquid in the channel. The flow of liquid is controlled so as to provide a known shear force to the layer of cells. The flow of liquid can be further controlled so as to provide an environment that simulates a vascular space in the channel.

Abstract: A method for determining storage stability for a plurality of fluid lubricant samples of different compositions is provided. Each sample includes one or more lubricating oil additives, or a combination of one or more lubricant base oils and one or more lubricating oil additives. The methods can advantageously be optimized using combinatorial chemistry, in which a database of combinations of lubricating oil additives or lubricating oil compositions containing such additives are generated. As market conditions vary and/or product requirements or customer specifications change, conditions suitable for forming desired products can be identified with little or no downtime.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for use in separation, especially isoelectric focusing employing “pH sink regions”, whereby the direction of change in pH is reversed.

Abstract: A microfluidic network provides active control of characteristics of at least one micro-droplet. The microfluidic network includes at least one junction of at least one first channel and at least one second channel; and an electrically controlled actuator at or adjacent the junction to induce a change in the characteristics of the at least one micro-droplet. A corresponding method employs an electrically controlled actuator at or adjacent a junction to induce a change in the characteristics of a micro-droplet.

Abstract: Synthesis of chain molecules such as DNA is carried out in a conduit having an interior channel with an inlet end and an outlet end. At least one wall of the conduit is substantially transparent to selected wavelengths of light. Solid carrier particles are contained within the interior channel of the conduit. A plurality of controllable light sources are mounted at spaced locations along the length of the transparent wall of the conduit to allow selective illumination of separated sections of the particles within the conduit. When a light source is turned on, a photodeprotecting group is removed from the carrier particles in the section that is illuminated by the light source. A reagent containing a selected base is flowed through the conduit so that the base will attach to the carrier particles in those sections which have been exposed to light and deprotected.

Abstract: Systems including apparatus, methods, compositions, and kits for multiplexed analysis of biological systems using nonpositional and/or positional arrays of coded carriers.

Abstract: A continuous temperature-gradient incubation apparatus designed to solve the problem of moving of liquid vapor generated on the high-temperature side toward the low-temperature side to thereby cause condensation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for performing light-directed reactions in spatially addressable channels within a plurality of channels. One aspect of the invention employs photoactivatable reagents in solutions disposed into spatially addressable flow streams to control the parallel synthesis of molecules immobilized within the channels. The reagents may be photoactivated within a subset of channels at the site of immobilized substrate molecules or at a light-addressable site upstream from the substrate molecules. The method and apparatus of the invention find particularly utility in the synthesis of biopolymer arrays, e.g., oligonucleotides, peptides and carbohydrates, and in the combinatorial synthesis of small molecule arrays for drug discovery.

Abstract: This invention provides method and apparatus for performing chemical and biochemical reactions in solution using in situ generated photo-products as reagent or co-reagent. In particular, the present invention provides methods and devices for generating a photogenerated reaction in solution on a substrate comprising generating a light beam using an optical device system comprising a light source and a computer-controlled spatial optical modulator comprising a digital micromirror device and using the spatial optical modulator to direct light to fluidly isolated reaction sites under conditions such that a photogenerated reaction takes place. The method and apparatus of the present invention have applications in parallel synthesis of molecular sequence arrays on solid surfaces.

Abstract: The present inventions provides an apparatus and method for the parallel loading of multiple samples in a microarray containing a plurality of sub-arrays. The method makes use of a microarray containing multiple sub-arrays, a loading channel array, and a fluid handling robot or an assembly robot or machine.

Abstract: Described herein are platforms and consumables for performing gene/siRNA/protein/peptide delivery screens in high throughput, including an automation-compatible transfection methodology that can be used to gain entry of oligonucleotides, proteins, peptides and other non-permeable molecules (e.g., some small organic compounds) into cells. Electrical stimulation is provided to cells, e.g., neurons or myocytes, in culture through application of pulsed fields directly to the cells in culture. The plate design is used in conjunction with a custom-designed circuit that allows the user to select pulse type, duration, etc.

Abstract: This invention provides method and apparatus for performing chemical and biochemical reactions in solution using in situ generated photo-products as reagent or co-reagent. In some embodiments, the present invention provides methods and devices for generating one or more selected multimers at specific reaction sites on a substrate comprising contacting the substrate with a liquid solution comprising photo-reagent precursors, isolating the reaction sites, selectively irradiating the reaction sites with a digital micromirror device, and contacting the substrate with monomers. The method and apparatus of the present invention have applications in parallel synthesis of molecular sequence arrays on solid surfaces.

Abstract: A microfluidic device for isolating genomic DNA from human leukocytes, simultaneously capturing and measuring the DNA for simplifying genetic analysis. The device contains a fluid inlet port, a fluid outlet port, and a DNA binding channel in contact with the fluid inlet port wherein at least a portion of at least one surface within the DNA binding channel is modified with a binding reagent such that DNA is preferentially bound to the surface.

Abstract: A biochip holder is disclosed, the holder including a means to receive a biochip, a vacuum port in communication with the received biochip, and a vacuum source connected to the vacuum port. Liquid from flushing of the biochip is pulled by vacuum force into a vacuum port and can be collected in order to prevent cross-contamination of the biochip. A method of collecting fluid from such a biochip is also disclosed.