Abstract: A microsystems technology (MST) device for contactless spotting of oligonucleotide probes onto a surface, the probes having nucleic acid sequences that are complementary to target nucleic acid sequences to be identified in a biological sample, the MST device having a monolithic substrate having a reservoir side and an ejector side opposite the reservoir side, an array of reservoirs formed in the reservoir side, and, an array of ejectors formed on the ejector side, each of the ejectors being configured for fluid communication with a corresponding one of the reservoirs respectively, wherein, the ejectors are configured to eject droplets containing the oligonucleotide probes from the corresponding reservoir onto the surface.

Abstract: A microfluidic device for amplifying nucleic acid sequences, the microfluidic device having an inlet for receiving a sample containing genetic material, a plurality of reagent reservoirs containing reagents for addition to the sample, a first nucleic acid amplification section for amplifying nucleic acid sequences in the genetic material, and, a second nucleic acid amplification section for amplifying nucleic acid sequences in the genetic material in parallel with the first nucleic acid amplification section.

Abstract: A biochemical deposition device for contactless deposition of biochemicals on a surface, the biochemical deposition device having a supporting substrate, an array of reservoirs on one side of the substrate, the reservoirs being configured for containing a plurality of biochemicals, and, an array of ejectors on the other side of the supporting substrate, the ejectors being in fluid communication with the reservoirs, and configured to eject droplets containing the biochemicals onto the surface with a density greater than 1 droplet per square millimeter.

Abstract: An oligonucleotide spotting device for contactless spotting of probes onto a surface, the probes having nucleic acid sequences that are complementary to target nucleic acid sequences to be identified in a biological sample, the oligonucleotide spotting device having an array of ejectors, each having an actuator for ejecting droplets of liquid containing the probes, CMOS circuitry for providing each of the actuators with a drive pulse for droplet ejection, wherein during use, the array of ejectors spot the probes onto the surface at a rate greater than 100 probe spots per second.

Abstract: A system for microarray spotting and genetic analysis, the system having containers with probes for hybridization with different target nucleic acid sequences, an integrated circuit secured to each of the containers respectively, each of the integrated circuits have a container digital memory storing probe specification data related to probes in that container, a microfluidic device for supporting an array of probes selected from the containers, the selected probes corresponding to a desired genetic test assay, the microfluidic device having a device digital memory, an oligonucleotide spotting robot for spotting the selected probes onto the microfluidic device to form the array of probes, the oligonucleotide spotting robot having a control microprocessor for downloading the specification data to the device digital memory, and, a device reader for accessing the specification data from the device digital memory in order to analyze hybridization data from the microfluidic device.

Abstract: Provided is a cell chip, a method of manufacturing the same, and a device for manufacturing the same. The cell chip includes a substrate on which a plurality of cell fixing materials having a predetermined area are arranged, a plurality of single cells fixed by the plurality of cell fixing materials, respectively, and a plurality of cell scattering materials formed of a porous material and provided in the form of droplets combined with the plurality of cell fixing materials and surrounding the single cells, respectively. The device for manufacturing the cell chip includes a first inkjet head discharging a cell fixing material having a predetermined area onto a substrate, and a second inkjet head including an internal channel having one or more curved portions, and discharging a plurality of cells, contained in a cell scattering material passing through the internal channel, individually to the cell fixing material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a reactor array for producing and/or analysing products, comprising a plurality of vessels in which products can be produced on a preparative or analytical scale.

Abstract: Fluidic methods and devices for conducting parallel chemical reactions are disclosed. The methods are based on the use of in situ photogenerated reagents such as photogenerated acids, photogenerated bases, or any other suitable chemical compounds that produce active reagents upon light radiation. The present invention describes devices and methods for performing a large number of parallel chemical reactions without the use of a large number of valves, pumps, and other complicated fluidic components. The present invention provides microfluidic devices that contain a plurality of microscopic vessels for carrying out discrete chemical reactions.

Abstract: The invention provides tools for management of patients diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis and prior to the initiation of therapy with an anti-TNFalpha agent. The tools are specific markers and algorithms of predicting response to therapy based on standard clinical primary and secondary end-points using serum marker concentrations. In one embodiment the baseline level of leptin or osteocalcin is used to predict the response at Week 14 after the initiation of therapy. In another embodiment, the change in a serum protein biomarker after 4 weeks of therapy is used such as complement component 3.

Abstract: The invention features compositions and methods that are useful for the detection of a target analyte, such as a pathogen, in a sample.

Abstract: Methods of treating disorders such as neurofibromatosis-1 are provided, including methods in which catalytic antioxidants such as metalloporphyrins are administered. Methods of regulating longevity, and methods and systems for screening for modulators of aging or longevity, are also provided. In addition, related transgenic animals are described.

Abstract: Assay plate assemblies are disclosed. The assemblies include an assay plate that has a top side, a bottom side, and at least one well accessible from the top side of the plate. The well includes a side surface and a bottom surface, with at least one secondary container protruding through the bottom surface and into an interior volume of the well. The assemblies further include a dispenser plate that is adapted to be positioned adjacent to the top side of the assay plate. The dispenser is further configured to provide one or more reagents to one or more secondary containers of at least one well of the assay plate.

Abstract: Microfluidic devices are described that include a rigid base layer, and an elastomeric layer on the base layer. The elastomeric layer may include at least part of a fluid channel for transporting a liquid reagent, and a vent channel that accepts gas diffusing through the elastomeric layer from the flow channel and vents it out of the elastomeric layer. The devices may also include a mixing chamber fluidly connected to the fluid channel, and a control channel overlapping with a deflectable membrane that defines a portion of the flow channel, where the control channel may be operable to change a rate at which the liquid reagent flows through the fluid channel. The devices may further include a rigid plastic layer on the elastomeric layer.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for determining aneuploidy and/or fetal fraction in maternal samples comprising fetal and maternal cfDNA by massively parallel sequencing. The method comprises a novel protocol for preparing sequencing libraries that unexpectedly improves the quality of library DNA while expediting the process of analysis of samples for prenatal diagnoses.

Abstract: The present invention relates to computer science, molecular biology and microfluidics technique which provides a DNA molecular computer based on microfluidic chip. The objective is to provide a DNA molecular computer which uses the microfluidic chip as a operation platform, mainly including: using DNA molecules as operation media, using the microfluidic chip as the operation platform of a DNA molecular operator; using DNA molecules as storage media, using the microfluidic chip as the operation platform of a DNA molecular storage; using a electronic computer and a detector as the kernel of a controller; said microfluidic chip includes a DNA molecular computation region and a DNA molecular storage region. The microfluidic chip consists of digestion, ligation, PCR amplification and chip electrophoresis unit connected by microchannels in turn, and carries out the liquid control through micropumps and microvalves.

Abstract: An SBS-formatted microfluidic device where the geometry of the plate defines an array of interrogation areas, and where each interrogation area encompasses at least one reaction site.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method, a PCR droplet device and a PCR droplet device array. The steps of the method comprise that a liquid comprising an analyzer is dropped on the heating coil disposed on the droplet device to form a droplet, then dropping a hydrophobic solution to prevent the droplet from evaporating. When an electric current or a voltage is supplied through at least one conducting wire to heat the heating coil, the inside of the droplet can generate buoyancy to drive the analyzer to move to the top of the inside of the droplet. Subsequently, the analyzer is moved to a periphery of the inside of the droplet so as to form a thermal cycle. Therefore the template is amplified by recycling the thermal cycle.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention provides container for thermal cycling a plurality of samples in a microfluidic array. The container includes a plurality of walls defining an interior volume and a conductive member for heating the interior volume. Another aspect of the invention provides container for thermal cycling a plurality of samples in a microfluidic array. The container includes a plurality of walls defining an interior volume and a plurality of conductive members for heating an interior volume. Another aspect of the invention provides a container for thermal cycling a plurality of samples in a microfluidic array. The container includes a plurality of walls defining an interior volume and a first conductive member located in the interior volume and adapted to contact a first end of the microfluidic array.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods useful in the analysis of tissues and cells. More specifically, the invention provides compositions, referred to as “pseudo-tissue samples,” which comprise aggregated fixed cells embedded in an embedding medium. The invention also provides histological specimens comprising pseudo-tissues, as well as histological specimen-substrate compositions, such as microscope slides upon which pseudo-tissues and histological specimens prepared therefrom are placed. The histological specimen-substrate compositions may comprise arrays (or microarrays) of pseudo-tissues and/or histological specimens. The invention also provides methods for preparing pseudo-tissues, histological specimens, and histological specimen-substrate compositions containing the same.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for developing diagnostic tests (e.g., detection, screening, monitoring, and prognostic tests) based on biomarker information from legacy clinical sample sets, for which only small sample volumes (e.g., about 0.05 to about 1.0 mL or less per sample) are typically available. For example, biomarkers (e.g., about 10, 50, 100, 150, 200, 300, or more) may be detected in the clinical samples through the use of single molecule detection and each biomarker may be detected in an assay that includes about 1 ?L or less of a legacy clinical sample.

Abstract: The invention relates to improved molecular-biological processing equipment and an improved method of processing biological samples. The invention combines the provision of biologically functional molecules such as nucleic acids and peptides and of derivatives or analogs of these two classes of molecules in miniaturized flow cells with the sequential addition of reagents or fluids and serves for the processing of biological samples, such as proteins, nucleic acids, biogenic small molecules such as e.g. metabolites, viruses or cells, which for this purpose are introduced into the miniaturized flow cells.

Abstract: System, including method and apparatus, for performing droplet-based assays. In the method, an emulsion may be obtained that includes droplets packed closely together in a three-dimensional packing arrangement. Data related to an analyte may be collected from individual droplets of the reacted emulsion as such droplets travel serially through a detection region.

Abstract: A system for thermal cycling a plurality of samples. The system includes a case having a fluid-tight cavity defining an interior volume. A microfluidic array is disposed in the interior volume, the array including a sheet of material having a pair of opposed surfaces, a thickness, and a plurality of through-holes running through the thickness between the surfaces. A thermal cycler having at least one thermally controlled surface is adapted to thermally contact the case.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for creating a binding protein that recognizes a rationally chosen recognition sequence in which a first amino acid has been substituted for a second amino acid using site-directed mutagenesis of a member protein of a set of proteins at an identified position or positions correlated with recognition of a chosen specified target module in the recognition sequence. A system is provided for automating the storage and manipulation of the correlations between positions and types of amino acid residues in the binding protein with specific modules at specified positions in the target recognition sequence and for designing and creating proteins with novel specificities.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of pooling samples to be analyzed for a categorical variable, wherein the analysis involves a quantitative measurement of an analyte, said method of pooling samples comprising providing a pool of n samples wherein the amount of individual samples in the pool is such that the analytes in the samples are present in a molar ratio of x0:x1:x2:x(n?1), and wherein x is equal to a positive value other than 1 representing the pooling factor.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel microfluidic devices and methods that are useful for performing high-throughput screening assays and combinatorial chemistry. Such methods can include labeling a library of compounds by emulsifying aqueous solutions of the compounds and aqueous solutions of unique liquid labels on a microfluidic device, which includes a plurality of electrically addressable, channel bearing fluidic modules integrally arranged on a microfabricated substrate such that a continuous channel is provided for flow of immiscible fluids, whereby each compound is labeled with a unique liquid label, pooling the labeled emulsions, coalescing the labeled emulsions with emulsions containing a specific cell or enzyme, thereby forming a nanoreactor, screening the nanoreactors for a desirable reaction between the contents of the nanoreactor, and decoding the liquid label, thereby identifying a single compound from a library of compounds.

Abstract: An apparatus and system for contacting a mobile elongate solid phase, e.g. a ribbon with a flowing fluid phase, and a method for using the same in, for example solid phase synthesis. A particular apparatus comprises (i) a conduit which is of circular or non-circular transverse cross section and which defines a lumen to contain both the flowing fluid phase and the mobile elongate solid phase; (ii) fluid phase ports in communication with the lumen to allow the fluid phase to enter the lumen, flow through it and exit it; and (iii) solid phase ports in communication with the lumen to allow the mobile solid phase to enter the lumen, move through it and exit it, the apparatus being adapted to prevent fluid egress from its interior through the solid phase ports.

Abstract: A reactor system includes a housing and a plurality of reactors at least partially contained in the housing. The reactors each have a containment structure enclosing an internal space in the reactor. The containment structure including a circumferential sidewall having opposite ends and surrounding at least a portion of said internal space. The sidewall has a thermal mass and a sidewall heater adjacent an exterior surface of the sidewall. The ratio of the thermal mass of the sidewall to a volume of the portion of the internal space that is surrounded by the sidewall is relatively low.

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: A method for coimmobilizing two or more biomolecules on a substrate in a defined ratio is disclosed. The method uses a copolymer conjugated to a number, N, of different types of oligonucleotides. The copolymer can be adsorbed to the surface of the substrate. N types of oligonucleotides complementary to the copolymer-bound oligonucleotides can be conjugated to N types of biomolecules. The types of the copolymer-bound oligonucleotides can be mixed in a defined ratio then adsorbed to the surface. The biomolecule-bound complementary oligonucletides can be conjugated to the copolymer-oligonucleotides to create a substrate with the biomolecules coimmobilized in a defined ratio. The invention also relates to a substrate prepared by the method of the invention.

Abstract: “Pristine” stem cells are provided by a process of precise selection wherein stem cells exhibiting ideal behavior, good morphology and proper gene expression are selected. Stem cells are divided into pools and observed for optimum speed of growth, proper gene expression levels, and other tests indicative of healthy cell function due to lack of mutation or misrepair of genes. Autologous pools of such “pristine” stem cells provide a source of stem cells having the genome least affected by mutation, and therefore in a more pristine state.

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: A method and apparatus for thin film fluid processing of biological samples without rinsing between treatments is provided. An apparatus having a treatment zone for treating a biological sample with a liquid reagent, comprising first and second substrates having facing surfaces defining a space therebetween in which the biological sample may be treated with the liquid reagent, wherein the first substrate comprises a relatively fluid impermeable element while the second substrate comprises a relatively flexible gas permeable element.

Abstract: A polyelectrolyte having multiple exposed functional groups, each such group being capable of covalently bonding to a molecule, is immobilized on a surface for the purpose of bonding to a biomolecule. The biomolecule can be, for example, a nucleic acid, e.g., an amine functionalized oligonucleotide. The polyelectrolyte can include, e.g., BSA (Bovine Serum Albumin) which is bound to a functionalized surface using a covalent immobilization strategy, e.g., reaction with the surface of a tosyl-activated microparticle. Following such reaction, exposed reactive functional groups on the protein, such as amine, carboxyl, thiol, hydroxyl groups can further be utilized to covalently couple the oligonucleotide of interest using suitable chemistry.

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: Apparatus and methods are described for split synthesis combinatorial chemistry that provides candidate libraries where an even distribution of theoretical products is obtainable through even mixing during the pooling step, followed by controlled redistribution of the mixed pooled products from the prior addition step into separate synthesis columns, one for each different specie of subunit to be added.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for creating a binding protein that recognizes a rationally chosen recognition sequence in which a first amino acid has been substituted for a second amino acid using site-directed mutagenesis of a member protein of a set of proteins at an identified position or positions correlated with recognition of a chosen specified target module in the recognition sequence. A system is provided for automating the storage and manipulation of the correlations between positions and types of amino acid residues in the binding protein with specific modules at specified positions in the target recognition sequence and for designing and creating proteins with novel specificities.

Abstract: A high throughput preparation of a plurality of different lubricating oil compositions for combinatorial libraries and subsequent high throughput screening for lubricant performance is provided. 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: This invention provides libraries of expression constructs having different untranslated regions (UTR) from a genome. The expression constructs include transcription regulatory sequences operably linked with a reporter gene and a 5? UTR, a 3? UTR or both, wherein the translation of the reporter gene is under the regulatory control of control regions in the UTR sequence. The libraries of this invention are useful for determining the impact of regulatory sequences in the UTRs on translation of open reading frames under a variety of conditions, such as different cellular environments.

Abstract: The present embodiments relate to a system and method of measuring the methylation level of DNA. Some embodiments relate to a system and method of measuring methylation level of DNA with a gene array.

Abstract: A detector for optical analysis of a biochip determines the focal position of a plurality of analytes on the biochip using one or more registration markers on the biochip, wherein the analytes and the registration marker are illuminated by different light sources. Therefore, contemplated configurations will significantly reduce overall focusing time and automate proper positioning of the biochip, while allowing to determine a focal position without photobleaching or other undesirable effects on optically labile compounds. Thus, automated analyses can be performed without manual user intervention.