Patent ID: 7070740

Claim:
An assembly for a microarray assay device, comprising: a microplate having a plurality of discrete array formation areas each formed of a flexible material and activated for immobilization of biorecognition materials, and barriers formed between the array formation areas to restrict fluid cross-flow therebetween; and a vacuum fixture defining a top surface and an interior chamber connectable to a vacuum source, wherein the microplate is mounted on the top surface of the vacuum fixture so that the array formation areas conform to the top surface of the vacuum fixture, the vacuum fixture defining a plurality of orifices connected to the interior chamber and opening at the top surface at locations corresponding to the array formation areas when the microplate is mounted on the top surface of the vacuum fixture, wherein each of the orifices connects directly to both the top surface and the interior chamber, wherein each of the orifices are directly below the array formation areas, wherein there is no fluid communication between the array formation areas and the orifices.