Method and device for the detection of molecular interactions

Abstract

The invention relates to devices and methods for the detection of specific interactions between probe and target molecules. In particular, the invention relates to methods for the qualitative and/or quantitative detection of targets, including: introducing a sample containing targets into a reaction chamber formed between a first surface of the device and a second surface of a device, which is preferably located opposite to the first surface, wherein the distance between the first and the second surface is variable; and detecting the targets.

1 - 62 . (canceled) 
     
     
         63 . A device for qualitatively and/or quantitatively detecting molecular interactions between probe molecules and target molecules in a sample solution, said device comprising:
 a micro-array having a substrate, on which probe molecules are immobilized on array elements, said micro-array being arranged on a first surface of the device; and   a reaction chamber formed between the first surface having said micro-array arranged thereon, and a second surface, wherein the distance between said micro-array and said second surface is variable such that the sample solution between said micro-array and said second surface can be essentially removed without removing the sample solution from the reaction chamber.   
     
     
         64 . The device according to  claim 63 , wherein the device further comprises a means for varying the distance between said micro-array and said second surface in such a way that the sample solution between said micro-array and said second surface can be essentially removed. 
     
     
         65 . The device according to  claim 64 , wherein the distance between said micro-array and the second surface is variable in a range of about 0 to about 1 mm. 
     
     
         66 . The device according to  claim 63 , wherein the device further comprises a temperature control unit and/or temperature regulating unit for controlling and/or regulating the temperature within the reaction chamber. 
     
     
         67 . The device according to  claim 63 , wherein the device comprises a detection system and a fluorescence-optical system. 
     
     
         68 . The device according to  claim 67 , wherein said fluorescence-optical system is a fluorescence microscope without an autofocus. 
     
     
         69 . The device according to  claim 67 , wherein said detection system is connected to a spacer which, when resting upon the second surface, adjusts a spacing between the detection system and the second surface. 
     
     
         70 . The device according to  claim 67 , wherein laterally limiting compensation zones are provided for the reaction chamber formed between the first and second surfaces, said compensation zones keeping the volume within the reaction chamber upon a reduction of the spacing between said micro-array and the second surface essentially constant. 
     
     
         71 . The device according  claim 63 , wherein the second surface is made of an optically transparent material. 
     
     
         72 . The device according to  claim 63 , wherein the first surface is configured at least in the zone below said micro-array such that said micro-array may be guided relative to the second surface so that the distance between said micro-array and the second surface is variable. 
     
     
         73 . The device according to  claim 72 , wherein the first surface is elastically deformable at least in the zone below said micro-array, and wherein the first surface is made of elastic plastics. 
     
     
         74 . The device according to  claim 63 , wherein said micro-array may be guided relative to the second surface by said means for varying the distance between said micro-array and said second surface, and wherein said micro-array is guided relative to the second surface by said means acting upon the first surface by compression and/or tension and/or wherein the first surface is set into vibration by said means. 
     
     
         75 . The device according to  claim 63 , wherein the second surface may be guided relative to the first surface so that the distance between said micro-array and the second surface is variable, wherein the second surface is guided relative to the first surface by said spacer acting upon the second surface by compression and/or tension so that the distance between said micro-array and the second surface is variable. 
     
     
         76 . The device according to  claim 63 , wherein the probe molecules and/or target molecules are biopolymers selected from the group consisting of nucleic acids, peptides, proteins, antigens, antibodies, carbohydrates and/or analogs thereof, and/or copolymers of the above-mentioned biopolymers.