Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation

Ge Healthcare Bio-sciences Ab

Sangeet Singh-Gasson

Roland D Green

Frederick R Blattner

Francesco Cerrina

Michael Richard Sussman

Clifford Anderson

Roberta Druyor-Sanchez

Roy Taylor Mast

Yongjian Yue

Roland Green

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.

Biochip holder and method of collecting fluid

The synthesis of arrays of DNA probes sequences, polypeptides, and the like is carried out using a patterning process on an active surface of a substrate. An image is projected onto the active surface of the substrate utilizing reflective projection optics. The projection optics project a light image onto the active surface of the substrate to deprotect linker molecules thereon. A first level of bases may then be applied to the substrate, followed by development steps, and subsequent exposure of the substrate utilizing a different light image, with further repeats until the elements of a two dimensional array on the substrate surface have an appropriate base bound thereto.

Methods for the synthesis of arrays of DNA probes

A flow cell which can be used in the synthesis of DNA probes on an active surface of the substrate includes a base having a central window opening and a registration surface against which the substrate may be mounted. A gasket having a central opening defining an active area is mounted on the active surface of the substrate and has inlet and output extension openings which extend away from the central opening. A press block is engaged against the gasket to fully enclose an active volume between the press block, the peripheral walls of the central opening in the gasket, and the active surface of the substrate. A press is mounted to the base to selectively press the press block against the gasket and hold it in position. Channels in the press block extend to the extension openings in the gasket to allow flow of reagent into and out of the active volume, which is confined to the thickness of the gasket and can thus be minimized. The press may include a press screw which can be turned to engage against the press block to hold it into position, and which can be turned to release the press block from the gasket, allowing rapid and easy replacement of substrates.

Flow cell for synthesis of arrays of DNA probes and the like

The synthesis of arrays of DNA probes sequences, polypeptides, and the like is carried out using a patterning process on an active surface of a substrate. An image is projected onto the active surface of the substrate utilizing an image former that includes a light source that provides light to a micromirror device comprising an array of electronically addressable micromirrors, each of which can be selectively tilted between one of at least two positions. Projection optics receives the light reflected from the micromirrors along an optical axis and precisely images the micromirrors onto the active surface of the substrate, which may be used to activate the surface of the substrate. The first level of bases may then be applied to the substrate, followed by development steps, and subsequent exposure of the substrate utilizing a different pattern of micromirrors, with further repeats until the elements of a two dimensional array on the substrate surface have an appropriate base bound thereto. The micromirror array can be controlled in conjunction with a DNA synthesizer supplying appropriate reagents to a flow cell containing the active substrate to control the sequencing of images presented by the micromirror array in coordination of the reagents provided to the substrate.

Method and apparatus for synthesis of arrays of DNA probes

Growing community of inventors

Madison, WI, United States of America

Sangeet Singh-Gasson