Electronically-indexed solid-phase assay for biomolecules

A solid phase for use in fluorescence assays for biomolecules comprising:

• a. a transponder manufactured on a single silicon wafer and comprising of memory elements, a radio-frequency transmitter and one or more photovoltaic cells, and
• b. a first member of a biomolecular binding pair attached directly or indirectly to an outer surface of the transponder,
• wherein,
• i. the memory elements contain an index number identifying the solid phase,
• ii. the photovoltaic cell(s) provide a source of electrical power for the memory elements and transmitter when illuminated by laser light,
• iii. the biomolecular binding pair member specifically binds to the biomolecule,
• iv. the biomolecular binding pair member directly or indirectly binds fluorescently labeled molecules which are detected by measuring fluorescence induced by the laser light, and
• v. the memory elements are decoded by means of illumination with light.