Computer-assisted methods and apparatus for identification and characterization of biomolecules in a biological sample
First Claim
1. A computer-assisted method for selecting and directing the isolation of one or more biomolecules present in a two-dimensional array, comprising:
- imaging said two-dimensional array or a replica thereof to generate a computer-readable output comprising, for each of a plurality of biomolecules detected in said two-dimensional array, a pair of x,y coordinates and a signal value;
processing said output in at least one computer to select one or more of said detected biomolecules in accordance with previously ordained or operator-specified criteria; and
generating machine-readable instructions that direct a robotic device to isolate at least one of said selected biomolecules from said two-dimensional array.
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Abstract
The present invention provides computer-assisted methods and apparatus for identifying, selecting and characterizing biomolecules in a biological sample. A two-dimensional array is generated by separating biomolecules present in a complex mixture. A computer-readable profile is constructed representing the identity and relative abundance of a plurality of biomolecules detected by imaging the two dimensional array. Computer-mediated comparison of profiles from multiple samples permits automated identification of subsets of biomolecules that satisfy pre-ordained criteria. Identified biomolecules can be automatically isolated from the two dimensional array by a robotic device in accordance with computer-generated instructions. A supported gel suitable for electrophoresis is provided that is bonded to a solid support such that the gel has two-dimensional spatial stability and the solid support is substantially non-interfering with respect to detection of a label, such as a fluorescent label, associated with one or more biomolecules in the gel.
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Citations
26 Claims
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1. A computer-assisted method for selecting and directing the isolation of one or more biomolecules present in a two-dimensional array, comprising:
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imaging said two-dimensional array or a replica thereof to generate a computer-readable output comprising, for each of a plurality of biomolecules detected in said two-dimensional array, a pair of x,y coordinates and a signal value; processing said output in at least one computer to select one or more of said detected biomolecules in accordance with previously ordained or operator-specified criteria; and generating machine-readable instructions that direct a robotic device to isolate at least one of said selected biomolecules from said two-dimensional array. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
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19. Apparatus for computer-assisted isolation of one or more selected biomolecules present in a two-dimensional array, comprising:
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a detector capable of imaging said two-dimensional array to generate a computer-readable output comprising, for each of a plurality of biomolecules in said two-dimensional array, a pair of x,y coordinates and a signal value; one or more computers programmed to select one or more biomolecules represented in said output in accordance with previously ordained or operator-specified criteria and to generate machine-readable instructions that direct a robotic device to isolate at least one of said selected biomolecules; and a robotic device capable of isolating at least one of said selected biomolecules in accordance with said instructions, wherein said detector is operably connected to at least one of said one or more computers, and at least one of said one or more computers is operably connected to said robotic device. - View Dependent Claims (20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26)
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Specification