Abstract: A process for identifying one or more target analytes present in a sample includes contacting a microarray with the sample. The microarray has at least two microbead subpopulations with randomly distributed spatial positions, each of the subpopulations comprising microbeads having a known active agent capable of binding with a respective target analyte. After contacting the microarray with the sample, the spatial positions of the microbeads which have undergone a change that is indicative of a respective one of the active agents being bound to a corresponding one of the target analytes are determined. At least one of the microbead subpopulations which has undergone the change is identified by comparing the determined spatial positions to recorded spatial positions of the microbeads of the microbead subpopulations stored in an encoding/decoding data table. The target analytes are identified based on the known active agents belonging to the at least one identified microbead subpopulation.

Abstract: There is provided a method of charging an array of micro-capillaries. The micro-capillaries have at least one end that is open for fluid communication. The method includes the steps of: (a) filling the array of micro-capillaries with an assay liquid; (b) controllably evaporating at least some of the assay liquid to remove it from the micro-capillary and create a void space in each of the capillaries between the assay liquid and the open end; and (c) filling the void space with a liquid that is immiscible with said assay liquid. There is also provided a use of the disclosed method and a device for charging an array of micro-capillaries.

Abstract: There is provided a method of charging an array of micro-capillaries. The micro-capillaries have at least one end that is open for fluid communication. The method includes the steps of: (a) filling the array of micro-capillaries with an assay liquid; (b) controllably evaporating at least some of the assay liquid to remove it from the micro-capillary and create a void space in each of the capillaries between the assay liquid and the open end; and (c) filling the void space with a liquid that is immiscible with said assay liquid. There is also provided a use of the disclosed method and a device for charging an array of micro-capillaries.

Abstract: A process for identifying one or more target analytes present in a sample includes contacting a microarray with the sample. The microarray has at least two microbead subpopulations with randomly distributed spatial positions, each of the subpopulations comprising microbeads having a known active agent capable of binding with a respective target analyte. After contacting the microarray with the sample, the spatial positions of the microbeads which have undergone a change that is indicative of a respective one of the active agents being bound to a corresponding one of the target analytes are determined. At least one of the microbead subpopulations which has undergone the change is identified by comparing the determined spatial positions to recorded spatial positions of the microbeads of the microbead subpopulations stored in an encoding/decoding data table. The target analytes are identified based on the known active agents belonging to the at least one identified microbead subpopulation.

Abstract: A process for making a micro-array. The process comprises the step of depositing a population of microbeads on a substrate having at least one fiducial. The population being comprised of at least two sub-populations, preferably multiple sub-populations, each comprising a known active agent capable of specific binding with at least one target analyte. The said subpopulations are deposited sequentially and at discrete periods of each other. The process also comprises the step of making images of the substrate after deposition of each subpopulation. The images are then compared using the fiducial as a reference to thereby determine the location of each microbead and to identify the subpopulation, and its known active agent, based on differences between each image. Also disclosed in a system for using the microarray.

Abstract: A device comprising: a capillary array of bundled micro-capillary wells; said bundle arranged into a close packed arrangement; a first end of said array forming a sample receiving surface; wherein said device is arranged to draw said sample into said capillary array through capillary action, so as to divide the sample into a plurality of sub-reactions in said wells.

Abstract: A process for making a micro-array. The process comprises the step of depositing a population of microbeads on a substrate having at least one fiducial. The population being comprised of at least two sub-populations, preferably multiple sub-populations, each comprising a known active agent capable of specific binding with at least one target analyte. The said subpopulations are deposited sequentially and at discrete periods of each other. The process also comprises the step of making images of the substrate after deposition of each subpopulation. The images are then compared using the fiducial as a reference to thereby determine the location of each microbead and to identify the subpopulation, and its known active agent, based on differences between each image. Also disclosed in a system for using the microarray.

Abstract: A process for making a micro-array. The process comprises the step of depositing a population of microbeads on a substrate having at least one fiducial. The population being comprised of at least two sub-populations, preferably multiple sub-populations, each comprising a known active agent capable of specific binding with at least one target analyte. The said subpopulations are deposited sequentially and at discrete periods of each other. The process also comprises the step of making images of the substrate after deposition of each subpopulation. The images are then compared using the fiducial as a reference to thereby determine the location of each microbead and to identify the subpopulation, and its known active agent, based on differences between each image. Also disclosed in a system for using the microarray.

Abstract: A process for making a micro-array. The process comprises the step of depositing a population of microbeads on a substrate having at least one fiducial. The population being comprised of at least two sub-populations, preferably multiple sub-populations, each comprising a known active agent capable of specific binding with at least one target analyte. The said subpopulations are deposited sequentially and at discrete periods of each other. The process also comprises the step of making images of the substrate after deposition of each subpopulation. The images are then compared using the fiducial as a reference to thereby determine the location of each microbead and to identify the subpopulation, and its known active agent, based on differences between each image. Also disclosed in a system for using the microarray.