Agilent Technologies, Inc.

Richard O Hilson

Edward P Donlon

Donald J Schremp

Carol T Schembri

Eric M Leproust

Bill J Peck

Joseph P Fredrick

Laurence R Shea

Douglas G Summers

Lawrence R Shea

Array assay devices and methods for using the same in array based assays are provided. The subject devices are characterized by having a base dimensioned to hold a substrate having at least one array, a cover dimensioned to cover the substrate and a snap-fit for holding the cover and the base together to enclose a space between the base and the cover. The subject invention also includes methods for performing an array assay. In the subject methods, a subject device is provided and a substrate having at least one array is positioned on the base. The snap-fit is engaged to hold the cover and the base together to enclose a space between the base and the cover. Next, a sample is contacted with the at least one array and an array assay is performed. The subject invention also includes kits which include the subject devices.

Array assay devices and methods of using the same

Devices and methods are disclosed for containing and processing samples on the surface of supports. Biopolymer features are attached to the surfaces of the supports. A device in accordance with the invention comprises a housing and a support confined by the housing. The housing comprises a well having walls and at least one wall extending from the edge of the well. The height of the walls of the well is at least great enough, and the design of the at least one wall is such, that liquid contained in the well is not drawn out of the well to any substantial degree by surface tension or small movements or small mechanical vibrations. In one embodiment, the at least one wall is designed such that corners thereof are curved or are distant from the edge of the well to substantially eliminate wicking of liquid from the well. Also disclosed are methods for mixing materials on the surface of a support. A sample is incubated with the surface of the support of the aforementioned device. The sample is removed from the surface, a residual amount of the sample remaining on the surface. The surface is contacted with a wash solution. A stream of gas is directed at the surface of the support. The pressure of the stream and the angle of the stream create a vortex on the surface sufficient to mix the sample and the wash solution. The wash solution is then removed from the surface. Also disclosed are methods for conducting binding reactions using the devices of the invention.

Containers for supports comprising biopolymers

Apparatus and methods are disclosed for processing samples on the surface of supports that are contained in support housings. Biopolymer features are attached to the surfaces of the supports. An apparatus comprises an input element, a holding device for holding a plurality of support housings, one or more fluid dispensing stations, and an output element. Each of the support housings contains a support having attached thereto a plurality of biopolymer features. The holding device is movably mounted with respect to other components of the apparatus. The holding device is adapted to receive a support housing from the input element. The output element is adapted to receive a support housing from the holding device. The apparatus is adapted to index each support housing for a predetermined operation. In use, each of the support housings is moved to one or more processing stations by means of the movable holding device. The location and identity of each of the support housings is indexed. Fluid is applied to the surface of each of the supports at the processing stations to process the samples. Each of the support housings is moved away from the fluid dispensing stations, and fluid is physically removed from each of the supports within the support housings.

Sample processing apparatus and methods

Apparatus and methods are disclosed for storing a plurality of supports having a plurality of chemical compounds bound to the surfaces of the supports. In the apparatus, a mechanism for diffusively introducing pressurized gas into the apparatus is in fluid communication with an outlet element comprising a plurality of openings. A holding chamber for the supports is in fluid communication with the outlet element. The outlet element and the holding chamber are disposed such that gas flow through the chamber is substantially uniform and unidirectional. The holding chamber comprises an opening sufficient to permit movement of the supports to and from the holding chamber and comprises a plurality of holding elements for holding the supports.

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Sunnyvale, CA, United States of America

Richard O Hilson