Chemical Analysis in a Planar Geometry: Elements of a Functionally Integrated System

Bio Array Solutions (BAS) proposes to apply its novel platform technology of light-controlled Electrokinetic Assembly of Particles near Surfaces (LEAPS) to develop an analytical system in a planar, "on-chip" format. Combining AC (and/or DC) electric fields with interactive light control, LEAPS provides a tool set of fundamental operations to control the transport and positioning of particles and biomolecules in a solution confined between two planar electrodes. In particular, planar colloidal arrays may be formed in designated areas of the electrode surface, and these dynamic plannar arrays may be subjected to operations such as: place-and-hold; translocate; split; merge; etc. This technology permits a novel approach to fluid and matter transport that is functionally integrated with the spatial confinement and concatenation, respectively, of conconccurent and sequential analytical procedures. The phase I effort will focus on the introduction of an integrated analytical system based on the novel methology of dynamic planar arrays that is native to the planar geometry of on-chip chemical analysis. A selection of essential functional system components will be demonstrated: in-situ sample purification; mixed-phase activity assay for a critical enzyme in the eucaryotic signal transuction pathway; and the automated, real-time parallel processing of dynamic planar arrays by externally imposed patterns of illumination from a spacially addressable source array.