Systems for Filling a Sample Array by Droplet Dragging

Abstract

A method and an array filling system for loading a plurality of disparate sample containers, the sample containers comprising an integral structure. Each receptacle is characterized by a hydrophilic surface,, and the receptacles are separated by a hydrophobic surface. The system has a liquid transfer device capable of holding liquid and adapted for motion to cause sequential communication of liquid held in the liquid transfer device with successive receptacles of the array by dragging the liquid across the hydrophobic surface.

1 .- 8 . (canceled) 
     
     
         9 . A system for performing a biological assay, comprising
 a first spool configured to unwind a sheet comprising a plurality of containers for holding a biological solution;   a second spool configured to wind the sheet;   a dispenser configured to load the containers;   wherein the dispenser loads the containers when the sheet is unwound from the first spool.   
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 9 , further comprising a sheet comprising a plurality of containers for holding a biological solution. 
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein the sheet comprises a plurality of registration holes. 
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 10 , further comprising a mixing area for mixing liquid into at least some of the containers. 
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 9 , further comprising an optical detector configured to detect at least one of a fluorescence or a chemi-luminescence of a biological solution contained within at least some of the containers. 
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 9 , wherein the plurality of containers comprises an array of through-holes. 
     
     
         15 . The system of  claim 14 , wherein sheet comprises a hydrophobic exterior and hydrophilic through-holes. 
     
     
         16 . A method of performing a biological assay, comprising
 providing a plurality of containers for holding a biological solution;   unwinding the sheet from a first spool;   winding the sheet onto a second spool;   loading a biological solution into the containers from a dispenser as the sheet is unwound from the first spool.   
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 16 , further comprising mixing liquid into at least some of the containers. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 16 , further comprising detecting at least one of a fluorescence or a chemi-luminescence of a biological solution contained within at least some of the containers.