Readily automated microarray apparatus, useful for studying biological samples containing living cells, comprises non-porous carrier and porous membrane layer with separate sample receiving regions

摘要

A microarray apparatus comprising a non-porous carrier substrate (12) supporting a patterned membrane layer (16a - 16f) structured into porous thicker first and thinner second regions, where the first regions form receivers (i.e. wells) for biological sample material and are completely enclosed by annular walls of the coherent second porous region, is new. An independent claim is included for preparing a sample carrier for studying biological materials, by applying a pattern of biological cell-containing liquid points on a membrane layer with porous regions, supported on a non-porous substrate, using a spotting plant which also stores the spatial coordinates of the pattern for control purposes. The novel feature is that the pattern of samples is applied after a membrane layer decomposing liquid has been applied in the same pattern (optionally with an intermediate stage of washing the non-decomposed membrane regions).