Matthew B Reese

US Patent:

20030148539, Aug 7, 2003

Filed:

Nov 4, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/288248

Inventors:

R. van Dam - Pasadena CA, US
Stephen Quake - San Marino CA, US
Axel Scherer - Laguna Beach CA, US
Matthew Reese - New Haven CT, US

Assignee:

California Institute of Technology - Pasadena CA

International Classification:

B01L003/02
G01N001/10

US Classification:

436/180000, 422/058000, 422/100000, 216/002000

Abstract:

A fluid dispensing system for at least biological applications, e.g., oligonucleotides, peptide nucleic acids (“PNA”), proteins, polysaccharides, polypeptides, inorganic solutions, microelectromechanical systems (MEMS), optical sensors, and other applications. The dispensing system includes a fluid dispensing apparatus for applying selected fluids in a predetermined manner to form a plurality of spots based upon one or more of the selected fluids on a surface of a substrate. The apparatus comprises an elongated member having at least a tip portion, which extends from the elongated member. The apparatus also has an etched trench extending along a portion of a length of the elongated member to the tip to form an opening defined on the tip portion and coupled to the etched trench. A flexible region is defined within the elongated member to allow the tip to adjust in position upon contact with the surface of the substrate. A fluid is disposed within the etched trench. The fluid is output through the opening on the tip to form more than one spots on the surface of the substrate.