The University of Chicago

Uchicago Argonne, LLC

Gennadiy M Yershov

Alexander Kukhtin

Andrei D Mirzabekov

Oleg Alferov

Peter J Hesketh

Julia B Golova

Boris K Chernov

Alexander I Belgovskiy

Darrell P Chandler

Dmitry Yuryevich Guschin

Aleksei Drobyshev

Alexander Fotin

Yuri Lysov

Valentine Chik

Joel Pikarsky

Multiplexed affinity purification and thermal dissociation prior to biochip hybridization simplifies uncharacterized sample admixtures, thereby minimizing or eliminating sample interferents, improving hybridization specificity on a microarray detector, and minimizing or eliminating the need for post-hybridization thermal dissociation analysis. An integrated thermo-affinity sample preparation sub-circuit for sample purification and enrichment is described that is consistent with a field-portable form factor and analytical processes. Thermo-affinity sample preparation on model admixtures of varying complexity was efficacious.

Nucleic acid sample purification and enrichment with a thermo-affinity microfluidic sub-circuit

A modular, micro-scale, optical array and biodetection device for quantifying fluorescence intensities of a plurality of substantially separated, and dimensionally uniform elements of a bioarray that are located at known positions on a plain support includes a light guide that directs bioarray illumination light from a respective light source to opposing sides of the plain support. An optical module collecting light individually from the bioarray elements includes an optical member, a filter, and a sensor, such as a CCD chip. The optical member collects and transfers emitted light from the bioarray elements via the filter to the sensor. The filter transfers light from the elements having a predefined wavelength spectrum and blocks light outside the predefined wavelength spectrum. The sensor receives transferred light from the elements and produces a signal corresponding to respective elements of the bioarray.

Modular, micro-scale, optical array and biodetection system

A method of illumination and illumination apparatus are provided in a biochip reader. Illumination is provided by a non-collimated laser source or a light emitting diode (LED). The light is directed to opposing sides of a glass substrate by a pair of optical fiber bundles. The glass substrate carries a bioarray. Each of the optical fiber bundles are splayed out to make a fan, the fan being one fiber thick and defining a line of optical fiber faces. This process randomizes any non-uniformity in the illumination source, creating a more uniform illumination source. A respective divergent diffuser engages each row of optical fiber faces coupling and diffusing light substantially evenly through the opposing sides of the glass substrate to illuminate the bioarray supported by the glass substrate. The glass substrate functions as a secondary light guide. The divergent diffusers separate the optical fiber faces from the edges of the glass substrate, protecting the optical fibers from mechanical damage. A glass holder supports the glass substrate carrying the bioarray. The glass holder including a plastics springs member in spring contact engagement with the glass substrate for positioning said bioarray in a focal plane. Light also can be directed to opposing ends of the glass substrate by a second pair of optical fiber bundles. Also a single optical fiber bundle can be used to direct light in one side of the glass substrate or three optical fiber bundles can be used to direct light into the glass substrate. This method of illumination provides a superior signal to noise ratio as compared with conventional illumination systems.

Biochip reader with enhanced illumination and bioarray positioning apparatus

A device for producing microscopic arrays of molecules is provided, the device comprising a plurality of inverted cavities containing solutions, a substrate adapted to be received by the cavities for extracting the solutions, a substrate for depositing the extracted solutions onto a location on a matrix; and a quality control monitoring system for verifying that the solutions are deposited onto the location on the matrix. A process for producing an array of molecules also is provided, the process comprising providing a plurality of inverted solution cavities, wherein each cavity contains a solution; extracting each solution from its respective inverted cavity; loading each solution at a predetermined position in an array; and verifying that each solution is loaded onto its respective position in the array.

Device for producing microscopic arrays of molecules, a method for producing microscopic arrays of molecules

This invention relates to using customized oligonucleotide microchips as biosensors for the detection and identification of nucleic acids specific for different genes, organisms and/or individuals in the environment, in food and in biological samples. The microchips are designed to convert multiple bits of genetic information into simpler patterns of signals that are interpreted as a unit. Because of an improved method of hybridizing oligonucleotides from samples to microchips, microchips are reusable and transportable. For field study, portable laser or bar code scanners are suitable.

Customized oligonucleotide microchips that convert multiple genetic information to simple patterns, are portable and reusable

An improved pin array assembly and method of manufacture of the pin array assembly are provided. A pin array assembly includes a single crystal silicon wafer. The single crystal silicon wafer is formed to define a base and an array of pins. Each of the pins has a shaft and a tip surface. The pin shaft is hydrophobic and the pin tip surface is hydrophilic. The method of manufacture of the pin array assembly includes the steps of forming an initial shape of a single crystal silicon wafer to define a base and an array of pins. The initial shape of a single crystal silicon wafer is etched and the array of pins is polished. The step of forming an initial shape of a single crystal silicon wafer to define a base and an array of pins includes mechanically sawing the single crystal silicon wafer to define a base and an array of pins. Chemical treatment of the pins is performed to make the shaft of the pins hydrophobic and to make the pin tip surfaces hydrophilic.

Growing community of inventors

Willowbrook, IL, United States of America

Gennadiy M Yershov