Microarray detector and methods
First Claim
1. An analytic system for optical detection of a plurality of analytes that are bound to a biochip, the analytic system comprising:
- a platform coupled to a confocal microscope detector and movable along an x-coordinate, a y-coordinate, and optionally a z-coordinate relative to the detector, wherein the platform is configured to receive a biochip;
wherein the biochip has a registration marker and further has a plurality of analytes in predetermined positions relative to the registration marker;
a first light source that illuminates the registration marker to generate a registration marker signal, and further comprising a second light source that illuminates at least one of the plurality of analytes to generate an analyte signal; and
wherein a focal position for detection of the analyte signal by the detector is determined by the analytic system using the registration marker signal.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A detector for optical analysis of a biochip determines the focal position of a plurality of analytes on the biochip using one or more registration markers on the biochip, wherein the analytes and the registration marker are illuminated by different light sources. Therefore, contemplated configurations will significantly reduce overall focusing time and automate proper positioning of the biochip, while allowing to determine a focal position without photobleaching or other undesirable effects on optically labile compounds. Thus, automated analyses can be performed without manual user intervention.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. An analytic system for optical detection of a plurality of analytes that are bound to a biochip, the analytic system comprising:
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a platform coupled to a confocal microscope detector and movable along an x-coordinate, a y-coordinate, and optionally a z-coordinate relative to the detector, wherein the platform is configured to receive a biochip;
wherein the biochip has a registration marker and further has a plurality of analytes in predetermined positions relative to the registration marker;
a first light source that illuminates the registration marker to generate a registration marker signal, and further comprising a second light source that illuminates at least one of the plurality of analytes to generate an analyte signal; and
wherein a focal position for detection of the analyte signal by the detector is determined by the analytic system using the registration marker signal. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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- 14. An analytic system for micro-optical analysis of a biochip, the analytic system including a first light source and a second light source, wherein the first light source illuminates a registration marker on the biochip to provide a registration marker signal, wherein the second light source illuminates an analyte to provide an analyte signal, and wherein a focal position for detection of the analyte signal with a confocal microscope is determined using the registration marker signal.
- 18. An analytic system for optical analysis of a biochip, the analytic system comprising a first optical subsystem that uses a first light source that illuminates a registration marker on the biochip, and a first detector that detects a registration marker signal, and the system further comprising a second optical subsystem that uses a second light source that illuminates a probe or analyte on the biochip, and a second detector that detects a probe or analyte signal, wherein the first subsystem is used to determine a focal position for detection of the probe or analyte signal using the registration marker signal, and wherein the second subsystem is used to quantify the probe or analyte signal.
Specification