Matrices with memories and uses thereof
First Claim
1. A system for writing and reading data from an optical memory device, comprising:
- (a) a decoder/encoder instrument having a memory for storing data;
(i) relating to one or a plurality of process steps, to the identity of a molecule or biological particle, or information categorizing or tracking the molecule or biological particle;
(ii) identifying one or a plurality of unique indicators representative of each of the process steps or the identity or category of a molecule or biological particle; and
(iii) for generating a data signal representative of each unique indicator;
(b) optical writing means for receiving a data signal and writing an optically-encoded symbol on a surface, the optically-encoded symbol comprising a plurality of optically-contrasting symbols in a write sequence and having a decode orientation for decoding the optically-encoded symbol according to the write sequence;
(c) a matrix material in contact with a solution containing a molecule or a biological particle or in contact with a molecule or biological particle, the matrix material comprising;
a write surface formed from a material on which a contrast can be created by the optical writing means so that the optically-encoded symbol can be written thereupon;
a binding surface for retaining molecules or biological particles;
(d) an optical detector for detecting the optically-encoded symbol, generating an electrical signal representative of the detected optically-encoded symbol, and providing the electrical signal to the decoder/encoder.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Combinations, called matrices with memories, of matrix materials that are encoded with an optically readable code are provided. The matrix materials are those that are used in as supports in solid phase chemical and biochemical syntheses, immunoassays and hybridization reactions. The matrix materials may additionally include fluophors or other luminescent moieties to produce luminescing matrices with memories. The memories include electronic and optical storage media and also include optical memories, such as bar codes and other machine-readable codes. By virtue of this combination, molecules and biological particles, such as phage and viral particles and cells, that are in proximity or in physical contact with the matrix combination can be labeled by programming the memory with identifying information and can be identified by retrieving the stored information. Combinations of matrix materials, memories, and linked molecules and biological materials are also provided. The combinations have a multiplicity of applications, including combinatorial chemistry, isolation and purification of target macromolecules, capture and detection of macromolecules for analytical purposes, selective removal of contaminants, enzymatic catalysis, cell sorting, drug delivery, chemical modification and other uses. Methods for tagging molecules, biological particles and matrix support materials, immunoassays, receptor binding assays, scintillation proximity assays, non-radioactive proximity assays, and other methods are also provided.
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Citations
19 Claims
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1. A system for writing and reading data from an optical memory device, comprising:
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(a) a decoder/encoder instrument having a memory for storing data; (i) relating to one or a plurality of process steps, to the identity of a molecule or biological particle, or information categorizing or tracking the molecule or biological particle; (ii) identifying one or a plurality of unique indicators representative of each of the process steps or the identity or category of a molecule or biological particle; and (iii) for generating a data signal representative of each unique indicator; (b) optical writing means for receiving a data signal and writing an optically-encoded symbol on a surface, the optically-encoded symbol comprising a plurality of optically-contrasting symbols in a write sequence and having a decode orientation for decoding the optically-encoded symbol according to the write sequence; (c) a matrix material in contact with a solution containing a molecule or a biological particle or in contact with a molecule or biological particle, the matrix material comprising; a write surface formed from a material on which a contrast can be created by the optical writing means so that the optically-encoded symbol can be written thereupon; a binding surface for retaining molecules or biological particles; (d) an optical detector for detecting the optically-encoded symbol, generating an electrical signal representative of the detected optically-encoded symbol, and providing the electrical signal to the decoder/encoder. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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Specification