Test strips including flexible array substrates and method of hybridization

• US 7,364,896 B2
• Filed: 10/31/2002
• Issued: 04/29/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 10/31/2002
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.
• Inventors: Schembri, Carol T.
• Primary Examiner(s): LU, FRANK WEI MIN
• Application Number:
  US10/286,117
• Publication Number:
  US 20040086871A1
• Time in Patent Office: 2,007 Days
• Field of Search: 435/6, 435/91.1, 435/183, 435/283.1, 435/287.1, 435/287.2, 435/7.1, 422/50, 422/68, 536/23.1, 536/24.3, 536/24.33, 536/25.3, 530/300, 530/350
• US Class Current: 435/287.1
• CPC Class Codes: B01J 19/0046 Sequential or parallel reactions, e.g. for the synthesis of polypeptides or polynucleotides; Apparatus and devices for combinatorial chemistry or for making molecular arrays synthesis methods per se C40B50/00
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 1/52 Transportable laboratories; Field kits
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 2300/0636 Integrated biosensor, microarrays
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 3/5027 by integrated microfluidic structures, i.e. dimensions of channels and chambers are such that surface tension forces are important, e.g. lab-on-a-chip B01L3/5023 takes precedence; micromixers B01F33/30; microreactors for synthesis B01J19/0093; microcapillary devices in general B81B1/00
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 3/505 flexible containers not provided for above
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 3/5085 for multiple samples, e.g. microtitration plates
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 7/00 Heating or cooling apparatus autoclaves B01J3/04; Heat insulating devices
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 2035/00158 Elements containing microarrays, i.e. "biochip"
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 35/00009 provided with a sample supporting tape, e.g. with absorbent zones

Abstract

Individual and aggregate test strip arrays having a backing strip supporting a flexible array substrate which supports an addressable collection of probes are taught. Hybridization cells for use with the individual test strip arrays are also disclosed, and in particular embodiments the hybridization cells closely fit a portion or all of the individual test strip arrays. Array hybridization systems that include test strip arrays and hybridization cells are disclosed with methods for performing a hybridization assay on a sample solution.

Claims

1. A structure comprising a plurality of individual test strips and a plurality of perforations, wherein the plurality of individual test strips are connected each other and each of the plurality of perforations is disposed between two of the plurality of individual test strips so that each individual test strip is configured to be removed from its adjacent individual test strip along the perforation, each individual test strip includes a backing strip, a flexible array substrate, and an addressable collection of probes, the backing strip supporting the flexible array substrate, the flexible array substrate supporting the addressable collection of probes, a portion of the backing strip is a grip portion that is not overlaid by the flexible array substrate, and the grip portion is a surface to handle the individual test strip without contact to the flexible array substrate.

2. The structure of claim 1, wherein the backing strip is flexible.

3. The structure of claim 1, wherein the backing strip comprises a flexible support and the flexible array substrate comprises a flexible base, and the flexible base supports the addressable collection of probes.

4. The structure of claim 1, wherein the flexible array substrate comprises a flexible support supporting a flexible base, and the flexible base supports the addressable collection of probes.

5. The structure of claim 1, wherein the flexible array substrate comprises, in order, a flexible base, a reflective layer, and a transparent layer.

6. The structure of claim 1, wherein the flexible array substrate comprises, in order, a flexible support, a flexible base, a reflective layer, and a transparent layer.