Microarray detector and methods
First Claim
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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:
- a platform functionally 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 plurality of registration markers and further has a plurality of analytes in predetermined positions relative to the registration markers;
a first light source that is configured to illuminate the registration markers at a first angle relative to the z-coordinate to generate registration marker signals, and further comprising a second light source that is configured to sequentially illuminate at least two of the plurality of analytes at a second angle relative to the z-coordinate to generate at least two individual analyte signals, respectively;
a computer configured to determine the position of the biochip with respect to a given x-coordinate value and a given y-coordinate value using the registration marker signals; and
wherein the first and the second angles are different.
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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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13 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 functionally 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 plurality of registration markers and further has a plurality of analytes in predetermined positions relative to the registration markers; a first light source that is configured to illuminate the registration markers at a first angle relative to the z-coordinate to generate registration marker signals, and further comprising a second light source that is configured to sequentially illuminate at least two of the plurality of analytes at a second angle relative to the z-coordinate to generate at least two individual analyte signals, respectively; a computer configured to determine the position of the biochip with respect to a given x-coordinate value and a given y-coordinate value using the registration marker signals; and wherein the first and the second angles are different. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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Specification