Affymetrix of Santa Clara, Calif., has received US Patent No. 8,586,312, "Methods of using an array of pooled probes in genetic analysis." The patent describes arrays of polynucleotide probes patterned in three discrete regions. A first region bears a pool of polynucleotide probes consisting of first and second probe sets. A second region contains the first probe set without the second probe and a third region bears the second probe set without the first probe set. According to the inventors, a target nucleic acid having segments complementary to both the first and second probes shows stronger normalized binding to the first region than to the aggregate of binding to the second and third regions due to cooperative binding of pooled probes in the first region. They claim the arrays can be used for linkage analysis, sequence analysis, and expression monitoring.
MBio Diagnostics of Boulder, Colo., has received US Patent No. 8,586,347, "System and method for detecting multiple molecules in one assay." The patent describes a system capable of delivering a panel of serologic assay results using a small amount of blood, serum, or plasma. According to the patent, the system includes a disposable cartridge and a reader instrument based on planar waveguide imaging technology. The cartridge incorporates a microarray of recombinant antigens and antibody controls in a fluidic channel, providing multiple parallel fluorescence assay results for a single sample.
STMicroelectronics has received US Patent No. 8,586,351, "Electronic detection of biological materials." The patent describes a hybridization detection device. It consists of a body of semiconductor material integrating both a probe cell and an electronic high-frequency circuit. According to the patent, the probe has a body of semiconductor material forming a diaphragm, a first electrode on the diaphragm, a piezoelectric region on the first electrode, a second electrode on the piezoelectric region and a detection layer on the second electrode.
Intel of Santa Clara, Calif., has received US Patent No. 8,586,385, "Method and device for biomolecule preparation and detection using magnetic array." The patent relates to a device for detecting an analyte in a sample. It consists of a fluidic network and an integrated circuitry component. The fluidic network is made up of a sample zone, a cleaning zone, and a detection zone. The network also contains a magnetic particle and a signal particle. A sample containing an analyte is introduced, and the analyte interacts with the magnetic particle and the signal particle through affinity agents. A microcoil array or a mechanically movable permanent magnet is then functionally coupled to the fluidic network in order to generate a magnetic field within a portion of the fluidic network, and to move the magnetic particle from the sample zone to the detection zone. Optical or electrical signals are detected from the signal particle, indicating the presence of the analyte.
Illumina of San Diego has received US Patent No. 8,586,947, "Compensator for multiple surface imaging." A method is claimed for imaging biological samples on multiple surfaces of a support structure. According to the patent, the support structure may be a flow cell through which a reagent fluid is allowed to flow and interact with the biological samples. Excitation radiation from at least one radiation source may be used to excite the biological samples on multiple surfaces. In this manner, fluorescent emission radiation may be generated from the biological samples and subsequently captured and detected by detection optics and at least one detector. The detected fluorescent emission radiation may then be used to generate image data.