Agilent Technologies, Inc.

Jacqueline M Tso

Sally A Swedberg

Paul K Wolber

Jay K Bass

Joseph P Fredrick

Methods and compositions for detecting cross-contamination between samples contacted with different arrays of a multi-array substrate are provided. The methods involve contacting sample to arrays of a multi-array substrate that contains cross-contamination probes in each of its arrays, and evaluating the resultant sample contacted arrays for cross-contamination between the samples. In many embodiments, the arrays of the multi-array substrate contain a set of cross-contamination probes for a corresponding set of cross-contamination targets in the sample(s). Kits and systems are provided for performing the invention. The subject methods may be used in a variety of different applications, such as gene expression analysis, DNA sequencing, mutation detection, as well as other genomics and proteomics applications.

Methods to detect cross-contamination between samples contacted with a multi-array substrate

Methods, devices and apparatus are disclosed for carrying out multiple chemical reactions, such as in situ synthesis of polynucleotides, on a surface comprising an array of discrete sites. Molecules are deposited at a predetermined number of the discrete sites on the surface for reaction at the discrete sites. The surface is positioned relative to an outlet of a fluid ejection device, which is activated to dispense a small volume of a fluid through the outlet to the surface to provide uniform coating of a continuous region of the surface comprising a multiple of the discrete sites. The fluid is dispensed as uniform particles having a diameter such that the uniform particles form a sheet to coat the continuous region of the surface. In one embodiment of the present invention, liquid is dispensed as uniform particles through a fluid ejection device activated by means of ultrasonic energy. The invention has particular application to the in situ synthesis of polynucleotides in arrays on a surface.

Methods for applying small volumes of reagents

A microanalytical device is provided for conducting chemical processes using small amounts of fluid. The devices include microstructures, e.g., microcavities, microchannels and the like, that are laser ablated or otherwise formed in a support substrate, and can be used in a variety of chemical and biochemical methods, including chromatographic, electrophoretic and electrochromatographic separations, screening and diagnostics, and chemical and biochemical synthesis. The devices are formed from a material that is thermally and chemically stable and resistant to biofouling, significantly reducing electroosmotic flow and unwanted adsorption of solute. Preferred materials are polymeric.

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Los Gatos, CA, United States of America

Jacqueline M Tso