A method for holding samples for analysis and an apparatus thereof includes a testing plate with a pair of opposing surfaces and a plurality of holes. Each of the holes extends from one of the opposing surfaces to the other one of the opposing surfaces. The holes are arranged in groups, where each group has at least two rows and two columns of holes. The groups are arranged in sets, where each set has at least two rows and two columns of groups. To analyze samples, at least one of the opposing surfaces of the testing plate is immersed in a solution to be analyzed. A portion of the solution enters openings for each of the holes in the immersed opposing surface. Once the holes are filled with solution, the testing plate is removed and is held above a supporting surface. Surface tension holds the solution in each of the holes. The solution in one or more of the holes is then analyzed and the solution in one of these holes is identified for further study. The location of the identified solution is marked based upon its location within a particular set and group of holes.

A device for performing biological sample reactions may include a plurality of flow cells configured to be mounted to a common microscope translation stage, wherein each flow cell is configured to receive at least one sample holder containing biological sample. Each flow cell also may be configured to be selectively placed in an open position for positioning the at least one sample holder into the flow cell and a closed position for reacting biological sample contained in the at least one sample holder. The plurality of flow cells may be configured to be selectively placed in the open position and the closed position independently of each other.

A microscope slide staining system has a chamber, a plurality of slide support elements, a plurality of spreading devices positionable in association with microscope slides supported on the slide support elements so the spreading devices define a gap between the spreading device and the microscope slide and so the spreading device and the microscope slide are movable relative to one another to spread at least one reagent on the microscope slide independent of the other spreading devices and microscope slides.

An apparatus for spreading at least one reagent on at least a portion of a microscope slide includes a spreading device positionable in association with a microscope slide in a way that the spreading device defines a gap between the spreading device and the microscope slide and in a way that the spreading device and the microscope slide are movable relative to one another to spread at least one reagent on at least a portion of the microscope. The spreading device has a reservoir in which the at least one reagent is stored in a way that the at least one reagent is dischargeable from the reservoir onto the microscope slide when the spreading device is positioned in association with the microscope slide.

Some embodiments described herein relate to a substrate with a surface comprising a silane or a silane derivative covalently attached to optionally substituted cycloalkene or optionally substituted heterocycloalkene for direct conjugation with a functionalized molecule of interest, such as a polymer, a hydrogel, an amino acid, a nucleoside, a nucleotide, a peptide, a polynucleotide, or a protein. In some embodiments, the silane or silane derivative contains optionally substituted norbornene or norbornene derivatives. Method for preparing a functionalized surface and the use in DNA sequencing and other diagnostic applications are also disclosed.

An automated microscope slide staining system and staining apparatus and method that features a plurality of individually operable miniaturized pressurizable reaction compartments or a pressurizable common chamber for individually and independently processing a plurality of microscope slides. The apparatus preferably features independently movable slide support elements each having an individually operable heating element.

The present disclosure provides a cover sheet for a microarray reaction device. In one aspect, the present cover sheet or device ensures the reaction units/volumes are stable and/or consistent among assay samples and assay runs, allowing samples (e.g., reaction solutions) to be conveniently added and distributed uniformly.

Provided is a method of magnetically controlling a magnetic structure, the method including: providing a solution containing magnetic structures, each including a magnetic axis in which magnetic nanoparticles are arranged; and controlling movements of the magnetic structures by applying an external magnetic field to the solution.

Some embodiments described herein relate to a substrate with a surface comprising a silane or a silane derivative covalently attached to optionally substituted cycloalkene or optionally substituted heterocycloalkene for direct conjugation with a functionalized molecule of interest, such as a polymer, a hydrogel, an amino acid, a nucleoside, a nucleotide, a peptide, a polynucleotide, or a protein. In some embodiments, the silane or silane derivative contains optionally substituted norbornene or norbornene derivatives. Method for preparing a functionalized surface and the use in DNA sequencing and other diagnostic applications are also disclosed.

A dc heater comprising: a discrete heating area made of a heat conductive material disposed on a surface that is electrically non-conductive; and at least one conductive trace configured to be connected to a dc voltage source and to heat the discrete heating area to a uniform temperature when connected to the dc voltage source, the at least one conductive trace disposed in an undulating configuration on the surface at least partially around the discrete heating area.