Multiplexed Assay Using Encoded Solid Support Matrices

Abstract

In a multiplexed assay, each molecule of a plurality of molecules is attached to a support matrix with a substrate adapted for attachment and/or synthesis of molecules and an integrally-formed memory device with an optically-encoded identifier to uniquely identify the molecule attached to the substrate. The molecules are exposed to one or more processing conditions then placed within the path of an optical detector adapted to read the optically-encoded identifier and measure biochemical processes on each support matrix. The support matrices may be singulated to be read by the optical detector one at a time.

1 . A multiplexed assay, comprising:
 attaching each molecule of a plurality of molecules to one of a plurality of separate support matrices, each support matrix comprising a substrate adapted for attachment of a molecule and an integrally-formed pre-encoded memory device comprising an optically-encoded identifier to uniquely identify the molecule attached to the substrate;   exposing the plurality of molecules to one or more processing conditions in suspension;   placing the plurality of support matrices into a vessel having a constricted section feeding into an optically-transparent tube disposed within the path of an optical detector, the optical detector adapted to read the optically-encoded identifier as the support matrix passes through the optically-transparent tube; and   measuring biochemical processes on each support matrix.   
     
     
         2 . The assay of  claim 1 , wherein the support matrix substrate is formed from a material having a fluor incorporated therein. 
     
     
         3 . The assay of  claim 1 , wherein the optically-transparent tube causes the support matrices to flow past the detector one at a time. 
     
     
         4 . The assay of  claim 1 , wherein the optical detector comprises a laser. 
     
     
         5 . The assay of  claim 1 , wherein the optical detector comprises a plurality of lasers, each laser emitting at a different wavelength. 
     
     
         6 . The assay of  claim 1 , wherein the one or more processing conditions comprises attaching a fluorescent label to each molecule. 
     
     
         7 . The assay of  claim 6 , wherein the step of measuring comprises detecting an emission from the fluorescent label. 
     
     
         8 . The assay of  claim 1 , wherein the molecules are capture antibodies and the one or more processing conditions comprise:
 reacting the molecules with an analyte; and   further reacting the molecules with a detection antibody, wherein the detection antibody is conjugated with a detectable label.   
     
     
         9 . The assay of  claim 8 , wherein the analyte comprises a fluid comprising an antigen. 
     
     
         10 . The assay of  claim 1 , wherein the optically-encoded identifier is embedded or encased within the substrate. 
     
     
         11 . The assay of  claim 1 , wherein the optically-encoded identifier is an alphanumeric code or a bar code formed within the support matrix substrate and a remote memory stores the encoded data in association with information about the molecule attached to the support matrix. 
     
     
         12 . An assay for evaluating a plurality of molecules, comprising:
 linking each of the molecules to a separate support matrix having an integral optically-readable memory pre-encoded with a unique identity, wherein the unique identity is associated with the molecule linked to the support matrix;   exposing each molecule and its linked support matrix to one or more reagents in suspension, wherein at least one of the one or more reagents is conjugated with a label;   placing the plurality of support matrices into a vessel having a constricted section feeding into an optically-transparent tube disposed within the path of an optical detector, the optical detector adapted to read the optically-readable memory as the support matrix passes through the optically-transparent tube; and   directing the support matrices past an analytical instrument adapted to detect the label for measuring biochemical processes on each support matrix.   
     
     
         13 . The assay of  claim 12 , wherein the support matrix has a fluor incorporated therein. 
     
     
         14 . The assay of  claim 12 , wherein the optically-readable memory is embedded or encased within the support matrix. 
     
     
         15 . The assay of  claim 12 , wherein the optically-transparent tube directs the support matrices past two or more laser detectors one support matrix at a time. 
     
     
         16 . The assay of  claim 12 , wherein the one or more processing conditions comprises attaching a fluorescent label to each of the molecules. 
     
     
         17 . The assay of  claim 16 , wherein the step of measuring comprises detecting an emission from the fluorescent label. 
     
     
         18 . A multiplexed assay, comprising:
 linking each molecule of a plurality of molecules to a separate support matrix comprising a bead or particle having a unique optically-encoded identifier embedded or encased within the support matrix, wherein the optically-encoded identifier is associated with the molecule linked to the support matrix;   exposing the plurality of molecules and their corresponding support matrices to one or more processing steps in suspension to produce a plurality of processed molecules, wherein at least one of the one or more processing steps comprises attaching a detectable label for measuring biochemical activity within each processed molecule; and   placing the plurality of support matrices into a vessel having a constricted section feeding into an optically-transparent tube disposed within the path of an optical detector adapted to read the optically-encoded identifier and a detection path of an analytical instrument adapted to detect the detectable label for measuring biochemical activity on each support matrix, wherein the measured biochemical activity is associated with the optically-encoded identifier for the corresponding support matrix and, hence, with the processed molecule that is associated with the optically-encoded identifier.   
     
     
         19 . The assay of  claim 18 , wherein the molecules are capture antibodies and the one or more processing conditions comprise:
 reacting each molecule with an analyte; and   further reacting the molecule with a second antibody, wherein the second antibody is conjugated with the detectable label.   
     
     
         20 . The assay of  claim 18 , wherein the detectable label comprises a fluorescent label and the analytical instrument comprises a second optical detector.