Microparticle-based methods and systems and applications thereof
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Abstract
Microparticle-based analytical methods, systems and applications are provided. Specifically, the use of resonant light scattering as an analytical method for determining either or both a particle'"'"'s identity and the presence and optionally, the concentration of one or more particular target analytes is described. Applications of these microparticle-based methods in biological and chemical assays are also disclosed.
168 Citations
77 Claims
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1-70. -70. (canceled)
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71. A microparticle based measuring system comprising:
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(a) at least two substantially spherical identifiable particles in solution, each particle comprising a capture probe affixed to the outer surface of the particle;
wherein;
1) each particle is characterized by a unique resonant light scattering signature when scanned over an analytical wavelength range having a window spanning about 1 to about 20 nanometers, over a range of optical wavelengths from about 275 to about 1900 nanometers;
2) each particle is about 75 micrometers in diameter or less;
3) each particle has a refractive index between about 1.45 and about 2.1 over the analytical wavelength range; and
4) each particle has an outer optical region which is substantially transparent to light over said analytical wavelength range;
(b) a tunable diode laser for scanning the particle over the analytical wavelength range;
(c) an optical cell for holding the particles in a position such that the scanning diode laser efficiently illuminates said particles and scattered light is minimized;
(d) a particle handling means for placing the at least two particles into the optical cell; and
(e) an imaging means for detecting resonant light scattering from the particles and converting said light to an electrical signal. - View Dependent Claims (72, 73, 74, 75, 76)
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77. A microparticle based measuring system comprising:
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(a) at least two substantially spherical identifiable particles in solution, each particle comprising;
a capture probe affixed to the outer surface of the particle;
wherein;
1) each particle is characterized by a unique structural resonant light scattering signature when scanned over an analytical wavelength range having a window spanning about 1 to about 20 nanometers, over a range of optical wavelengths from about 275 to about 1900 nanometers;
2) each particle is about 75 micrometers in diameter or less;
3) each particle has a refractive index between about 1.45 and about 2.1 over the analytical wavelength range; and
4) each particle has an outer optical region which is substantially transparent to light over said analytical wavelength range;
(b) a tunable diode laser light source;
(c) an optical cell for holding the particles in a position such that the scanning diode laser efficiently illuminates said particles and scattered light is minimized;
(d) a means for contacting microparticles with analytes and reagents;
(e) a microscope;
(f) a digital camera and monitor;
(g) digital image acquisition hardware;
(h) a computer operably linked to the elements of (b)-(g); and
(i) software suitable for controlling the elements of (b)-(g), capturing data, and processing the data.
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Specification