Method and apparatus for performing biological reactions on a substrate surface

An apparatus for performing biological reactions, comprising:

• (a) a substrate having a first surface and a second surface opposite thereto,
• (b) an array of biomolecules positioned on the first surface of the substrate,
• (c) a flexible, gas permeable layer affixed to the first surface of the substrate by an adhesive, wherein the adhesive is deposited on the first surface of the substrate and encloses an area thereupon, and wherein the flexible, gas permeable layer, the adhesive, and the first substrate surface enclose a reaction chamber;
• (d) a port extending through the substrate from the first surface to the second surface thereof and having a first opening and a second opening, wherein the first opening of the port is provided within the area bounded by the adhesive and covered by the flexible, gas permeable layer and the second opening of the port is provided on the second surface of the substrate;
• (e) a removable cover positioned over the second opening of the port;
• (f) a layer of a water-soluble compound that is a solid at a first temperature and a liquid at a second, higher temperature, the layer being positioned in the reaction chamber between the first surface of the substrate and the flexible, gas permeable layer;
• and
• (g) a means for facilitating diffusion of gas bubbles across the flexible, gas permeable layer, wherein the diffusion-facilitating means creates a pressure gradient or concentration gradient across the flexible, gas permeable layer thereby increasing the rate of diffusion of gas bubbles from the reaction chamber across the flexible, gas permeable layer.