Devices and methods for imaging biomolecules

Abstract

The present disclosure provides devices and methods enabling the analysis of biomolecules. In some embodiments, the biomolecules may be DNA, RNA, protein, peptide, small molecule, catalyst, precursor, nucleotide, antibodies, or other biomolecules of interest.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A detection instrument comprising a first optical path, wherein the first optical path comprises:
 a laser light source;   a pair of beam splitters;   an objective;   an emission filter;   a focusing lens; and   a first detector configured to detect light emitted or reflected from the single substrate.   
     
     
         2 . The detection instrument of  claim 1 , wherein the first optical path further comprises a dual-band emission filter for distinguishing between fluorescent emitted light and phosphorescent emitted light. 
     
     
         3 . The detection instrument of  claim 1 , wherein the first wavelength is selected from the group consisting of: 488 nm, 520 nm, 658 nm, and 784 nm. 
     
     
         4 . The detection instrument of  claim 1  further comprising a photomultiplier tube if the laser light source emits light at 488 nm or 520 nm. 
     
     
         5 . The detection instrument of  claim 1  further comprising an avalanche photodiode if the laser light source emits light at 658 nm or 784 nm. 
     
     
         6 . The detection instrument of  claim 1 , wherein the first optical path is housed within a first scan head. 
     
     
         7 . A biological imaging instrument configured to distinguish between at least two types of molecules in a single substrate, the biological imaging instrument comprising:
 a first excitation light source for illuminating a substrate;   a second excitation light source for illuminating the substrate;   a first detector for detecting light reflected or emitted by the substrate from the first excitation light source; and   a second detector for detecting light reflected or emitted by the substrate from the second excitation light source.   
     
     
         8 . The biological imaging instrument of  claim 7 , wherein the first excitation light source is a laser or LED light. 
     
     
         9 . The biological imaging instrument of  claim 7 , wherein the second excitation light source is a laser or LED light. 
     
     
         10 . The biological imaging instrument of  claim 7 , wherein the detector is a CCD camera. 
     
     
         11 . The biological imaging instrument of  claim 7 , wherein the CCD camera is joined with an associated processor to isolate and scan the portion of a substrate emitting or reflecting light from an LED light source. 
     
     
         12 . The biological imaging instrument of  claim 7  further comprising an objective through which light from the first excitation light source and the second excitation light source pass before illuminating the substrate. 
     
     
         13 . The biological imaging instrument of  claim 7  further comprising a first pair of dichroic beam splitters through which light from the first excitation light source passes before illuminating the substrate. 
     
     
         14 . The biological imaging instrument of  claim 7  further comprising a second pair of dichroic beam splitters through which light from the second excitation light source passes before illuminating the substrate. 
     
     
         15 . The biological imaging instrument of  claim 7  further comprising a first focus lens through which light reflected from the substrate passes before reaching the first detector. 
     
     
         16 . The biological imaging instrument of  claim 7  further comprising a second focus lens through which light reflected from the substrate passes before reaching the second detector. 
     
     
         17 . The biological imaging instrument of  claim 7  further comprising a first emission filter through which light reflected from the substrate passes before reaching the first detector. 
     
     
         18 . The biological imaging instrument of  claim 7  further comprising a second emission filter through which light reflected from the substrate passes before reaching the second detector. 
     
     
         19 . The biological imaging instrument of  claim 7  further comprising a first cleanup filter through which light from the first excitation light source passes before illuminating the substrate. 
     
     
         20 . The biological imaging instrument of  claim 7  further comprising a second cleanup filter through which light from the second excitation light source passes before illuminating the substrate.