Multianalyte molecular analysis using application-specific random particle arrays

Abstract

The present invention provides a method for the generation of novel libraries of encoded magnetic particles from sub-libraries of by the generation of novel sub-libraries of magnetic nanoparticles and encoded particles. The sub-libraries are functionalized on demand are useful in the formation of arrays. The present invention is especially useful for performing multiplexed (parallel) assays for qualitative and/or quantitative analysis of binding interations of a number of analyte molecules in a sample.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An encoded particle composition comprising
 a polystyrene bead with a diameter of between 0.2 and 200 microns
 wherein the bead is magnetic 
 and is stained with two or more fluorophores,
 wherein the fluorophores are distinguishable by emission wavelength and 
 
 generate an optical signature; and 
   an oligonucleotide probe with a length of 15-25 bases
 wherein the sequence of the probe is selected to bind to a labeled amplicon generated from a genomic sample, and 
 wherein the probe is attached to the bead via its 5′ terminus; and 
   
       wherein the optical signature uniquely corresponds to the probe. 
     
     
         2 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the bead is labeled with two fluorophores. 
     
     
         3 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the sequence of the probe is complementary to a mutant allele, a polymorphic allele, or a wild-type allele. 
     
     
         4 . A method of forming a planar array of beads, comprising
 subjecting particles according to claim  62  to an electromagnetic field.