Low fluorescence assay platforms and related methods for drug discovery

Abstract

One aspect of the present invention is a multi-well platform for fluorescence measurements, comprising a plurality of wells within a frame, wherein the multi-well platform has low fluorescence background. Another aspect of the present invention is a system for spectroscopic measurements, comprising reagents for an assay and a multi-well platform for fluorescence measurements. A further aspect of the present invention is a method for detecting the presence of an analyte in a sample contained in a multi-well platform by detecting light emitted from the sample. Another aspect of the present invention is a method from identifying a modulator of a biological process or target in a sample contained in a multi-well platform by detecting light emitted from the sample. Another aspect of the present invention is a composition identified by this method. A further aspect of the present invention is a method to identify a therapeutic. A further aspect of the present invention is a method of testing a therapeutic for therapeutic activity and toxicology by identifying a therapeutic using a method of the present invention and monitoring the toxicology and efficacy of the therapeutic in an in vivo model.

1 . A composition identified by the method comprising the steps of: 
 a) contacting a test chemical suspected of having modulating activity of a biological process or target with a biological process or target in a multi-well platform comprising: 
 i) a plurality of wells, each well comprising: 
 a) a wall having less fluorescence than a polystyrene-wall of at least about 90 percent of said wall's thickness and  
 b) a bottom;  
 
   b) exciting said sample with radiation of a first wavelength, and    c) measuring the emission of radiation of a second wavelength emitted from said sample, wherein said test chemical has a modulating activity with respect to said process or target.    
     
     
         2 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein said multi-well platform further comprises a frame, wherein said wells are disposed in said frame.  
     
     
         3 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein said multi-well platform further comprises a recessed groove surrounding said plurality of wells, said recessed groove being filled with a fluid.  
     
     
         4 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein said multi-well platform further comprises an identification structure.  
     
     
         5 . The composition of  claim 4 , wherein said identification structure includes a barcode, numbering or lettering.  
     
     
         6 . The composition of  claim 1 , further comprising comparing said measured emission of radiation to a background or control level of emission.  
     
     
         7 . The composition of  claim 19 , further comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.  
     
     
         8 . A composition identified by the method comprising the steps of: 
 a) contacting a test chemical suspected of having modulating activity of a biological process or target with a biological process or target in a multi-well platform comprising: 
 i) a plurality of wells, each well comprising: 
 a) a wall; and  
 b) a bottom formed of a cycloolefin material;  
 
   b) exciting said sample with radiation of a first wavelength; and    c) measuring the emission of radiation of a second wavelength emitted from said sample; wherein said test chemical has a modulating activity with respect to said process or target.    
     
     
         9 . The composition of  claim 8 , wherein said well wall has less fluorescence than a polystyrene-wall of at least about 90 percent of said wall's thickness  
     
     
         10 . The composition of  claim 8 , wherein said multi-well platform further comprises a recessed groove surrounding said plurality of wells, said recessed groove being filled with a fluid.  
     
     
         11 . The composition of  claim 8 , wherein said multi-well platform further comprises an identification structure.  
     
     
         12 . The composition of  claim 8 , wherein said identification structure may include a barcode, numbering or lettering.  
     
     
         13 . The composition of  claim 8 , further comprising comparing said measured emission of radiation to a background or control level of emission.  
     
     
         14 . A therapeutic identified by the method comprising the steps of: 
 a) identifying a therapeutic using the method comprising the steps of: 
 i) contacting a test chemical suspected of having modulating activity of a biological process or target with a biological process or target in a multi-well platform comprising: 
 a) a plurality of wells, each well comprising: 
 (1) a wall having less fluorescence than a polystyrene-wall of at least about 90 percent of said wall's thickness;  
 (2) a bottom, and  
 
 b) a frame, wherein said wells are disposed in said frame,  
 
 ii) exciting said sample with radiation of a first wavelength, and  
 iii) measuring the emission of radiation of a second wavelength emitted from said sample, wherein said test chemical has a modulating activity with respect to said process or target;  
   b) monitoring the toxicology of said therapeutic in an in vitro or in vivo model; and    c) monitoring the efficacy of said therapeutic in an in vitro or in vivo model.    
     
     
         15 . The composition of  claim 14 , wherein said well bottom formed of a cycloolefin material  
     
     
         16 . The composition of  claim 14 , wherein said multi-well platform further comprises a recessed groove surrounding said plurality of wells, said recessed groove being filled with a fluid.  
     
     
         17 . The composition of  claim 14 , wherein said multi-well platform further comprises an identification structure.  
     
     
         18 . The composition of  claim 17 , wherein said identification structure may include a barcode, numbering or lettering.  
     
     
         19 . The composition of  claim 14 , further comprising comparing said measured emission of radiation to a background or control level of emission.  
     
     
         20 . The therapeutic of  claim 14 , further comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.