Methods for concurrently processing multiple biological chip assays
AssigneeAffymetrix, Inc.
InventorsRichard P. Rava, Stephen P. A. Fodor, Mark Trulson, Vernon A. Norviel
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Methods for concurrently processing multiple biological chip assays by providing a biological chip plate comprising a plurality of test wells, each test well having a biological chip having a molecular probe array; introducing samples into the test wells; subjecting the biological chip plate to manipulation by a fluid handling device that automatically performs steps to carry out reactions between target molecules in the samples and probes; and subjecting the biological chip plate to a biological chip plate reader that interrogates the probe arrays to detect any reactions between target molecules and probes.
Claims31
A method for concurrently processing multiple biological chip assays comprising the steps of:
- (a) providing a biological chip plate comprising a plurality of probe arrays and, surrounding the probe arrays, material resistant to the flow of liquid, thereby forming a plurality of test wells, each test well defining a space for the introduction of a sample;
- (b) introducing into each test well test samples from a plurality ofdifferent patients, wherein each test sample contains target molecules;
- (c) manipulating the biological chip plate with a fluid handling device that automatically performs steps to carry out reactions between target molecules in the test samples and probes in a plurality of the test wells, wherein the fluid handling device controls temperature, sample handling, substrate handling and washing of the test wells;
- and
- (d) interrogating the probe arrays of the biological chip plate with a biological chip plate reader to detect reactions between target molecules and probes in a plurality of the test wells to generate assay results.
A method for concurrently processing multiple biological chip assays, comprising the steps of:
- (a) providing a biological chip plate comprising a plurality of probe arrays and, surrounding the probe arrays, material resistant to the flow of liquid, thereby forming a plurality of test wells, each test well defining a space for the introduction of a sample;
- (b) introducing into each test well test samples from a plurality of diffcrcnt patients, wherein each test sample contains target molecules;
- (c) manipulating the biological chip plate with a fluid handling device that automatically performs steps to carry out reactions between target molecules in the test samples and probes in a plurality of the test wells, wherein the fluid handling device controls temperature, sample handling, substrate handling and washing of the test walls;
- and
- (d) interrogating the probe arrays of the biological chip plate with a biological chip plate reader to detect reactions between target molecules and probes in a plurality of the test wells to generate assay results, wherein the interrogating step comprises the steps of:
- (i) directing excitation light through a bottom surface of said plate;
- and
- (ii) detecting where targets bound on said probe arrays.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.