Apparatus for assay, synthesis and storage, and methods of manufacture, use, and manipulation thereof

A method of loading a platen having opposing surfaces and a plurality of through-holes extending between the surfaces, the method comprising:

• (a) providing a sample mixture to be loaded into the through-holes;
• (b) dipping the platen into the mixture, thereby loading at least some of the through-holes with the sample and leaving a portion of the mixture on at least one surface of the opposing surfaces;
• and
• (c) retaining at least some of the loaded sample in (b) within at least one of the through-holes while passing the platen through a fluid that has an affinity for the at least one surface but that is immiscible with the mixture, thereby wiping the portion of the mixture from the at least one surface.

A method of loading a platen having opposing surfaces and a plurality of through-holes extending between the surfaces, the method comprising:

• a) providing a liquid comprising a sample to be loaded into the through-holes;
• b) dipping the platen into the liquid, thereby loading at least some of the through-holes with the sample and leaving a portion of the liquid on at least one surface of the platen;
• and
• c) subsequent to dipping the platen, passing the platen through a wiping fluid to wipe at least some of the portion of the liquid from the at least one surface of the opposing surfaces.