Microdevices containing photorecognizable coding patterns and methods of using and producing the same

Abstract

This invention relates generally to the field of moiety or molecule analysis, isolation, detection and manipulation and library synthesis. In particular, the invention provides a microdevice, which microdevice comprises: a) a substrate; and b) a photorecognizable coding pattern on said substrate. Preferably, the microdevice does not comprise an anodized metal surface layer. Methods and kits for isolating, detecting and manipulating moieties, and synthesizing libraries using the microdevices are also provided. The invention further provides two-dimensional optical encoders and uses thereof. In certain embodiments, the invention provides a microdevice, which microdevice comprises: a) a magnetizable substance; and b) a photorecognizable coding pattern, wherein said microdevice has a preferential axis of magnetization. Systems and methods for isolating, detecting and manipulating moieties and synthesizing libraries using the microdevices are also provided.

1 . A microdevice which has a longest linear dimension of not more than 500 microns, which microdevice comprises:
 a) a substrate comprising a layer of silicon, silicon dioxide, silicon nitride, plastic, glass, ceramic, rubber or polymer;   b) a photorecognizable coding pattern constructed on the substrate; and   c) a magnetic layer.   
     
     
         2 . The microdevice of  claim 1 , wherein the substrate itself is patterned to form the photorecognizable coding pattern. 
     
     
         3 . The microdevice of  claim 1 , wherein the photorecognizable coding pattern is formed of a substance deposited or immobilized on the substrate. 
     
     
         4 . The microdevice of  claim 1 , wherein the photorecognizable encoding layer and magnetic layer do not overlap substantially. 
     
     
         5 . The microdevice of  claim 1 , which comprises three or four layers. 
     
     
         6 . The microdevice of  claim 5 , wherein the top and bottom layers are made of the same material. 
     
     
         7 . The microdevice of  claim 6 , wherein the top and bottom layers are both encoded with a photorecognizable coding pattern. 
     
     
         8 . The microdevice of  claim 1 , wherein the magnetic material is nickel or CoTaZr alloy. 
     
     
         9 . The microdevice of  claim 1 , which further comprises an orientation marker. 
     
     
         10 . The microdevice of  claim 2 , wherein the photorecognizable pattern is formed on the substrate by microfabrication. 
     
     
         11 . The microdevice of  claim 1 , wherein the photorecognizable coding pattern comprises numbers, letters, or a 1-D or 2-D barcode.