DEPOSITING FLUID SPECIMENS ON SUBSTRATES, RESULTING ORDERED ARRAYS, TECHNIQUES FOR ANALYSIS OF DEPOSITED ARRAYS

摘要

A deposit device (12) cooperating with a fluid source defines a precisely sized drop of fluid (DF) of small diameter on a drop carrying surface (20). Transport mechanism (17) positions the device (12) precisely over the receiving surface (20) and drive mechanism (17) moves the deposit device (12) toward and away from the surface (20). The deposit device (12) is compliant in the direction of deposition motion. When depositing, the deposit device (12) is laterally constrained to a reference position by flexure mounting. A mobile-fluid storage device resupplies the deposit device along the array. Mobile annular storage rings (14) are lowered and raised to obtain a supply of fluid, or a mobile multiwell plate is used. Cleaning mechanism, sampling plans, and array products on microscope slides and fragile or soft membranes are disclosed as are many types of fluids and uses, e.g. in biotechnology, analysis and process control.