Abstract: A method is described for determining the sequence of nucleic acids. The method employs small solid phase particles having transponders, with a primary layer of an oligonucleotide of known sequence attached to the outer surface of the particle. A read/write scanner device is used to encode and decode data on the transponder. The stored data includes the sequence of the oligonucleotide immobilized on the transponder. The sequence of sample nucleic acids is determined by detecting annealing to an oligonucleotide bound to a particle, followed by decoding the transponder to determine the sequence of the oligonucleotide.

Abstract: Disclosed are materials and methods for performing multiplex assays for nucleic acids, in which a transponder is associated with the bead(s) forming the solid phase used in the assay, nucleic acid probes are bound to the surface of the particles, and data concerning the assay is encoded on the transponder. A dedicated read/write device is used to remotely encode or read the data.

Abstract: A method is described for determining the sequence of nucleic acids. The method employs small solid phase particles having transponders, with a primary layer of an oligonucleotide of known sequence attached to the outer surface of the particle. A read/write scanner device is used to encode and decode data on the transponder. The stored data includes the sequence of the oligonucleotide immobilized on the transponder. The sequence of sample nucleic acids is determined by detecting annealing to an oligonucleotide bound to a particle, followed by decoding the transponder to determine the sequence of the oligonucleotide.

Abstract: The invention provides a method to rapidly screen chemical compounds by delivering the compounds to the assay as a coating on transponders, rather than as powder or solution. The transponder's function is to store data that identify the compound. The data can be decoded in any moment of the assay, and the identity of the desired compound established.