Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and compositions for evaluating genomic content using encoded particles to evaluate multiple samples in parallel.

Abstract: Detection apparatus for performing surface plasmon resonance (SPR) measurements on a sample includes a support having side walls and a bottom wall defining a plurality of adjacent wells. The bottom wall has integrated therein SPR detectors underlying the wells for detecting the refractive indexes of samples deposited in the wells. Each SPR detector includes a prism having an exterior entrance surface, an exterior exit facet and an interior sensing surface located at the bottom of the overlying well, and a thin metal layer coated on the sensing surface. The prism may be molded from a transparent polymer into the bottom of a standard-format microplate structure. That structure may be used in conjunction with an SPR measuring or reading instrument to perform label-less assay measurements on various samples in an efficient and reliable manner. A method of acquiring the assay measurements is also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and compositions for multiplexed assays using magnetic and non-magnetic particles. Also disclosed are methods and compositions for performing multi-step assays within a single assay vessel.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods and compositions useful in detecting enzymatic activity. Also featured are methods for diagnosing enzyme deficiencies such as metabolic disorders.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and compositions for evaluating genomic content using encoded particles to evaluate multiple samples in parallel.

Abstract: The methods described herein can be used, e.g., for detecting at least two target molecules in a sample (e.g., a single sample). Exemplary methods include using a target-specific switch probe attached to a substrate and using zip codes to associate holographically encoded particles with a target-specific probe.

Abstract: A system and method for developing and utilizing particle-based n-multiplexed assays that include three or more reporters utilizes n particle sets that are associated with particle identification images or labels (IDs) that differ between sets. The encoded particles for a given set are coated with a specific binding member, or in the case of the sandwich assay with coupled capture and detector binding pair members, to form particle types. The sets of particle types are then pooled, and aliquots of the particle types are removed to assay vessels. Next, samples with three or four reporter molecules are supplied to the respective vessels. After one or more incubation periods, the particles are supplied to a reader system, which determines the particle IDs to identify the particle types and also detects the reporter signals. The reader system includes multiple excitation lasers that excite the various reporters in sequence or in parallel, to supply associated signals to one or more detectors.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems, methods and kits for performing multiplexed assays for glycoproteins using encoded particles as supports for glycoprotein specific binding agents.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus for interrogating an optical biosensor. The apparatus includes (a) locating means for positioning one or more optical biosensors; (b) calibration means for generating a reference measurement; (c) one or more biosensors for generating one or more sample measurements, the biosensors being substantially planar and removable from the apparatus; (d) a reading means for interrogating biosensor and calibration means, and (e) a transport means for moving one or more of a biosensor, the calibration means and the reading means, whereby the reading means is positioned to interrogate the biosensor and the calibration means.

Abstract: The present invention describes a system and method for separation of proteins, peptides and glycans by one-dimensional or two-dimensional electroosmosis-driven planar chromatography. Separation is performed using amphiphilic polymeric membranes, amphiphilic thin-layer chromatography plates or other planar amphiphilic surfaces as the stationary phase with a combination of organic and/or aqueous buffers as the mobile phase. Systematic selection of stationary phase supports, mobile phase buffers and operating conditions allow for the adaptation of the invention to a broad range of applications in proteomics, mass spectrometry, drug discovery and the pharmaceutical sciences.

Abstract: Detection apparatus for performing surface plasmon resonance (SPR) measurements on a sample includes a support having side walls and a bottom wall defining a plurality of adjacent wells. The bottom wall has integrated therein SPR detectors underlying the wells for detecting the refractive indexes of samples deposited in the wells. Each SPR detector includes a prism having an exterior entrance surface, an exterior exit facet and an interior sensing surface located at the bottom of the overlying well, and a thin metal layer coated on the sensing surface. The prism may be molded from a transparent polymer into the bottom of a standard-format microplate structure. That structure may be used in conjunction with an SPR measuring or reading instrument to perform label-less assay measurements on various samples in an efficient and reliable manner. A method of acquiring the assay measurements is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for automatically sensing the presence (or absence) of spot dispensers such as pins in various possible mounting locations in the printhead of a microarray spotting instrument. Pin-location data obtained by the method and apparatus is provided to the computer controller of the instrument, which uses the data to control the motion of the printhead during operation of the instrument. A pin detection apparatus includes one or more sensor elements that automatically sense possible pin locations in the printhead for the presence of pins. The sensor elements are preferably arranged in an array corresponding to the array of pin locations in the printhead so that pin detection at each pin location can be performed simultaneously. Various types of sensor elements can be used to locate pins in a printhead. For example, sensors can be used that are remote from or attached to a printhead.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed that include an optical device for providing information about one or more samples. The system includes well(s) for holding the sample(s), and in one embodiment, the optical device(s) have non-parallel sidewalls optically contacting the well(s) for providing the information about the sample(s) in the well(s). In some embodiments the optical devices may be truncated prism(s). In some embodiments the optical devices are part of a unibody structure with the well(s).

Abstract: An imaging system comprises a radiation device for providing excitation radiation of at least two different wavelengths, an objective lens for focusing the excitation wavelengths onto a sample to produce fluorescent emission, and a mirror, configured as a geometric beam splitter, disposed in the transmission path of the emission radiation and excitation radiation subsequent to reflection from the sample and collimation by the lens, wherein the mirror is utilized to reflect one of the collimated excitation and emission radiation such that the emission is directed to a detector and the collimated excitation is directed away from the detector.

Abstract: An imaging system comprises three or more sources for providing exitation radiation of different wavelengths, an objective lens for focusing one or more of the exitation wavelengths onto a sample to produce fluorescent emission, and a mirror, configured as a geometric beamsplitter, disposed in the transmission path of the emission radiation and exitation radiation subsequent to reflection from the sample and collimation by the lens, wherein the mirror is utilized to reflect one of the collimated exitation and emission radiation such that the emission is directed to a detector and the collimated exitation is directed away from the detector.

Abstract: An imaging system comprises three or more sources for providing excitation radiation of different wavelengths, an objective lens for focusing one or more of the exitation wavelengths onto a sample to produce fluorescent emission, and a mirror, configured as a geometric beamsplitter, disposed in the transmission path of the emission radiation and excitation radiation subsequent to reflection from the sample and collimation by the lens, wherein the mirror is utilized to reflect one of the collimated exitation and emission radiation such that the emission is directed to a detector and the collimated exitation is directed away from the detector.

Abstract: A system for scanning biochip arrays includes a unique image array identifier recorded for each array, and a computer-stored record corresponding to each identifier and containing the parameters of the experiment in the array identified by the identifier. The system further includes means for accessing a protocol library to retrieve the scanning protocols associated with the identified arrays and then scanning the arrays in accordance with the respective protocols. The resulting image maps generated by the scanners are stored in locations corresponding to the associated identifiers.

Abstract: An optical scanning system includes a power meter that during calibration operations is illuminated by an attenuated excitation beam. The power meter measures optical power in the attenuated excitation beam at various index settings of a variable optical attenuator, and the system constructs a lookup table that relates incident excitation beam power to the index settings of the attenuator. The system then uses the table to select the appropriate setting for the attenuator in order to deliver to the sample an excitation beam of a specified optical power. The system calibrates the gain of a detector by redirecting, or reflecting, the excitation beam of known intensity to the detector. A photometric device in the detector produces a signal that is proportional to the intensity of the beam at various gain settings. The system then produces a lookup table that relates the gain settings to the actual gain of the detector, that is, to the ratio of the known incident power to the detector readings.