Method for tagging and screening molecules

In a non-radioactive energy transfer proximity assay, the improvement comprising adding a combination to the assay, the combination comprising:

• a) an optically-readable symbol comprising a unique identifier;
• b) a matrix comprising a matrix material selected from the group consisting of a solid continuous surface, wherein a first portion of the surface is for linking biological particles or molecules and a second portion of the surface is imprinted with the optically-readable symbol, and a plurality of particles for linking biological particles or molecules contained inside a microvessel, wherein an outer surface of the microvessel is imprinted with the optically-readable symbol;
• c) at least one moiety linked to the first portion of the surface of the solid continuous surface or to the plurality of particles, the at least one moiety selected from a molecule, a biological particle, a mixture of molecules, a mixture of biological particles, or a mixture of molecules and biological particles,
• wherein the at least one moiety comprises at least one fluorescent moiety.

In a non-radioactive energy transfer proximity assay, the improvement comprising adding a combination to the assay, wherein the combination comprises:

• a) a matrix material that forms a continuous surface, a first portion of the continuous surface adapted for use as a support matrix to which biological particles or molecules can be linked;
• and
• b) an optically-readable symbol imprinted on a second portion of the continuous surface, wherein the optically-readable comprises a unique identifier;
• wherein at least one fluorescent moiety is linked to the first portion of the continuous surface.

In a scintillation proximity assay, the improvement comprising:

• (a) adding a radiolabel to the matrix material in a combination comprising:
• (i) an optically-readable symbol that comprises a unique identifier;
• (ii) a matrix comprising a matrix material selected from the group consisting of a solid continuous surface, wherein a first portion of the surface is for linking biological particles or molecules and a second portion of the surface is imprinted with the optically-readable symbol, and a plurality of particles for linking biological particles or molecules contained inside a microvessel, wherein an outer surface of the microvessel is imprinted with the optically-readable symbol;
• (iii) at least one moiety linked to the first portion of the surface of the solid continuous surface or to the plurality of particles, the at least one moiety selected from a molecule, a biological particle, a mixture of molecules, a mixture of biological particles, or a mixture of molecules and biological particles;
• (b) coating the matrix with a ligand and recording an association between an identity of the ligand and the optically-readable symbol imprinted on the matrix;
• (c) linking a receptor to a second matrix particle that contains a scintillant;
• and
• (d) reacting the receptor with the radio-labeled matrix, whereby light is produced.

In a scintillation proximity assay, the improvement comprising:

• (a) adding a radiolabel to a matrix material in a combination comprising:
• (i) a matrix material that forms a continuous surface, a first portion of the continuous surface adapted for use as a support matrix to which biological particles or molecules can be linked;
• and
• (ii) an optically-readable memory comprising a optically-readable symbol imprinted on a second portion of the continuous surface;
• wherein the optically-readable memory is readable by an optical detector;
• (b) coating the matrix material with a receptor and recording an association between an identity of the receptor with data contained within the optically-readable memory imprinted on the matrix material;
• (c) linking a ligand to a second matrix that contains a scintillant;
• and
• (d) reacting the ligand with the radio-labeled matrix, whereby light is produced.

In a scintillation proximity assay, the improvement comprising:

• (a) adding a radiolabel to the matrix material in a combination comprising:
• (i) a matrix material that forms a continuous surface, a first portion of the continuous surface adapted for use as a support matrix to which biological particles or molecules can be linked;
• and
• (ii) an optically-readable memory comprising a optically-readable symbol imprinted on a second portion of the continuous surface;
• wherein the optically-readable memory is readable by an optical detector;
• (b) coating the matrix material with a ligand and recording an association between an identity of the ligand with data contained within the optically-readable memory imprinted on the matrix material;
• (c) linking a receptor to a second matrix that contains a scintillant;
• and
• (d) reacting the receptor with the radio-labeled matrix, whereby light is produced.