Abstract: A screening system and method are described herein which provide a unique and practical solution for enabling label-free high throughput screening (HTS) to aid in the discovery of new drugs. In one embodiment, the screening system enables direct binding assays to be performed in which a biomolecular interaction of a chemical compound (drug candidate) with a biomolecule (therapeutic target) can be detected using assay volumes and concentrations that are compatible with the current practices of HTS in the pharmaceutical industry. The screening system also enables the detection of bio-chemical interactions that occurr in the wells of a microplate which incorporates biosensors and surface chemistry to immobilize the therapeutic target at the surface of the biosensors. The screening system also includes fluid handling and plate handling devices to help perform automated HTS assays.

Abstract: An optical reader system and method are described herein that directs a non-coherent light towards a biosensor, collects the non-coherent light which is reflected (or transmitted) from (or through) the biosensor, and then angularly filters the collected non-coherent light to obtain a narrow spectral response which can be analyzed to determine if a biological substance is located on the biosensor or if a biomolecular event took place on the biosensor.