Multiplexed Assay Using Spectrally-Encoded Solid Support Matrices

An assay for evaluating a plurality of molecules, comprising:

• linking each of the molecules to a separate support matrix particle having a spectrally-encoded identifier embodied in a photochemical medium within the support matrix particle, the spectrally-encoded identifier having a unique identity, wherein the unique identity is associated with the molecule linked to the support matrix particle;
• exposing each molecule and its linked support matrix particle to one or more reagents in suspension, wherein at least one of the one or more reagents is conjugated with a label;
• placing the plurality of support matrix particles into a vessel feeding into an optically-transparent tube disposed within the path of an optical detector comprising a light source for inducing activity in the photochemical medium and a photodetector adapted to read the spectrally-encoded identifier as the support matrix particle passes through the optically-transparent tube;
• and
• measuring biochemical processes on each support matrix particle by directing the support matrix particles past an analytical instrument adapted to detect the label.

An assay system, comprising:

• a plurality of support matrix particles, each support matrix particle adapted for linking a molecule of a plurality of molecules, wherein each support matrix particle has a spectrally-encoded identifier embodied in a photochemical medium embedded or encased therein, the spectrally-encoded identifier having a unique identity, wherein the unique identity is associated with the molecule linked to the support matrix particle;
• a particle identity reader adapted for reading the spectrally-encoded identifier for each support matrix particle and generating a signal corresponding to the spectrally-encoded identifier;
• an analytical instrument adapted to measure biochemical activity on each support matrix particle and generate a signal corresponding to measured biochemical activity;
• a vessel adapted for receiving a plurality of support matrix particles with linked molecules and directing the plurality of support matrix particles within a reading field of the particle identity reader and a detection field of the analytical instrument;
• and
• a system controller in communication with the particle identity reader and the analytical instrument for receiving the signal corresponding to the spectrally-encoded identifier and the signal corresponding to measured biochemical activity, wherein the system controller is operable to associate the measured biochemical activity with the spectrally-encoded identifier for the corresponding support matrix particle and, hence, with the molecule that is linked to the spectrally-encoded identifier.

An assay for evaluating a plurality of molecules, comprising:

• linking each of the molecules to a separate support matrix particle having a spectrally-encoded identifier comprising a photochemically-active medium embedded or encased therein, the spectrally-encoded identifier having a unique identity that is associated with the molecule linked to the support matrix particle;
• exposing the plurality of molecules and their corresponding support matrix particles to one or more reagents to produce processed molecules;
• placing a plurality of support matrix particles with linked processed molecules into a common vessel;
• measuring biochemical processes within the common vessel using analytical instrumentation;
• before, during or after the step of measuring, detecting the spectrally-encoded identifier for each support matrix particle, wherein the spectrally-encoded identifier comprises a plurality of different wavelengths;
• and
• associating the measured biochemical process for each support matrix particle with the spectrally-encoded identifier for that particle and, hence, with the processed molecule that is associated with the spectrally-encoded identifier.