Chemical arrays

• US 20030082820A1
• Filed: 10/18/2001
• Published: 05/01/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 10/18/2001
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.
• Inventors: Schembri, Carol T., Kanemoto, Roy H., Lefkowitz, Steven M., Perbost, Michel G.M.
• Granted Patent: US 7,300,798 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 436/86
• CPC Class Codes: B01J 19/0046 Sequential or parallel reactions, e.g. for the synthesis of polypeptides or polynucleotides; Apparatus and devices for combinatorial chemistry or for making molecular arrays synthesis methods per se C40B50/00
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 436/110833 Utilizing a moving indicator strip or tape
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 436/143333 Saccharide [e.g., DNA, etc.]
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 436/25 including sample preparation

Abstract

A method and apparatus for using arrays of polymers each having a pattern of features over a corresponding array region on a surface of a flexible elongated web. In this method each array region may be exposed to a corresponding continuous volume of a sample fluid. A method and apparatus are also provided for reading arrays disposed along a surface of a flexible elongated web. In one such method the web with the arrays thereon may be transported in a lengthwise direction past a reading location at which a characteristic of the features is read, while restraining the web on both surfaces on either side of the reading location to assist in maintaining the reading location flat.

Claims

1. A method of using arrays of polymers each having a pattern of features over a corresponding array region on a surface of a flexible elongated web, comprising exposing each array region to a corresponding continuous volume of a sample fluid.

2. A method according to claim 1 additionally comprising reading the exposed array.

3. A method according to claim 1 wherein multiple array regions are exposed simultaneously to respective isolated sample fluid volumes.

4. A method according to claim 1 wherein the arrays are biopolymer arrays.

5. A method according to claim 1 wherein the arrays are exposed to a sample containing polynucleotides under hybridizing conditions.

6. A method according to claim 4 wherein the arrays are protein arrays.

7. A method according to claim 1 wherein the web is curved around a member carrying multiple chambers with an opening which seals against the web about each array, with the sample fluids being present in respective chambers.

8. A method according to claim 1 wherein the web is wound as a helix around a cylindrical member.

9. A method of reading arrays of chemical moieties which arrays are disposed along a front surface of a flexible elongated web, comprising transporting the web and the arrays thereon in a lengthwise direction past a reading location at which a characteristic of the features is detected while supporting the elongated web on a back surface at a position immediately opposite the reading location.

10. A method according to claim 9 wherein the web is supported at a position immediately opposite the reading location by being bent over a roller so as to maintain a linear region flat against the roller.

11. A method of reading arrays of chemical moieties which arrays are disposed along a surface of a flexible elongated web, comprising transporting the web and the arrays thereon in a lengthwise direction past a reading location at which an optical characteristic of the features is read, while restraining the web on both surfaces on either side of the reading location to assist in maintaining the reading location flat.

12. A method according to claim 11 wherein the arrays have been previously exposed to a sample.

13. A method according to claim 12 wherein the optical characteristic is dependent upon an amount of a sample component which has bound to the feature.

14. A method according to claim 12 wherein the optical characteristic is a fluorescence.

15. A method of reading arrays of chemical moieties each having a pattern of features over a corresponding array region on a surface of a flexible elongated web, comprising transporting the web and the arrays thereon in a lengthwise direction past a magnetic reading head at which a magnetic characteristic of the features is read.

16. A method according to claim 15 wherein the arrays have been previously exposed to a sample carrying targets which bind to respective array features and which targets carry magnetically readable labels.

17. A method of reading arrays of chemical moieties which arrays are disposed along a surface of a flexible elongated web, comprising transporting the web and the arrays thereon in a lengthwise direction past a reading location at which an optical characteristic of the features is read, wherein the web is transported in a path by one or more guides each contacting a web surface along opposite edge margins while not contacting a central portion of the web intermediate the edge margins.

18. A method of reading arrays of chemical moieties which arrays are disposed along a flexible elongated web, comprising transporting the web and the arrays thereon in a lengthwise direction past a reading location at which an optical characteristic of the features is read, wherein the web is supported at the reading location on a surface opposite that carrying the arrays.

19. A method according to claim 18 wherein the web is supported by a roller at the reading location on a surface opposite that carrying the arrays.

20. An apparatus for using arrays of chemical moieties which arrays are disposed along a surface of a flexible elongated web, comprising at least one member having a series of openings and a conduit communicating with the opening, so that the openings can seal against the web about respective arrays to together define chambers including respective arrays into which fluid can be introduced through respective conduits.

21. An apparatus according to claim 20 wherein each array extends across at least one half of the width of the flexible web.

22. An apparatus according to claim 20 wherein the at least one member comprises a curved member with the openings around the member such that the web is curved around the member to define the chambers.

23. An apparatus according to claim 22 wherein the member is cylindrical with the openings arranged in a helical form thereon such that the web is wound as a helix around the member to define the chambers.

24. An apparatus for reading arrays of chemical moieties each having a pattern of features which arrays are disposed along a flexible elongated web, the apparatus comprising a detector to detect a signal from array features positioned at a detecting location in the apparatus, and a web transport system to move the web in a lengthwise direction past the detecting location which transport system includes a support which supports the web at the reading location on a surface opposite that carrying the arrays.

25. A method according to claim 24 wherein the support comprises a roller at the reading location on a surface opposite that carrying the arrays.

26. An apparatus for reading arrays of chemical moieties each having a pattern of features which arrays are disposed along a flexible elongated web, the apparatus comprising:

(a) a detector to detect a signal from array features positioned at a detecting location in the apparatus;

(b) a web transport system to move the web in a lengthwise direction past the detecting location;

(c) a detector to read a code carried by the substrate; and

(d) a processor which retrieves information relating to one or more arrays based on the read code.

27. An apparatus according to claim 26 wherein the apparatus includes a light source to illuminate array features at the detecting location, and wherein the detector detects fluorescence in response to the illumination.

28. An apparatus according to claim 26 additionally comprising a processor which forms a signal image of an array and identifies feature locations in the signal image.

29. An apparatus according to claim 28 wherein the information retrieved by the processor comprises a characteristic of an array features.

30. An apparatus according to claim 29 wherein the characteristic is a composition of each of the features.

31. An apparatus according to claim 28 additionally comprising restraints which contact both surfaces of the web on either side of the detecting location to assist in maintaining the web flat at the detecting location.

32. An apparatus for reading arrays of chemical moieties each having a pattern of features which arrays are disposed along a flexible elongated web, the apparatus comprising a detector to detect a signal from array features positioned at a detecting location in the apparatus, and a web transport system to move the web in a lengthwise direction past the detecting location, wherein the detector detects a changing magnetic field.