Diffraction grating-based encoded microparticle assay stick
First Claim
1. An assay device comprising:
- a plurality of microbeads, each microbead having at least one diffraction grating disposed therein, the grating providing an output optical signal indicative of a code when illuminated by an incident light signal; and
a reaction vessel having a cavity extending a length therein, the reaction vessel being configured to hold the microbeads within the cavity.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
Abstract
An assay stick 7 includes a transparent reaction vessel or tube 14 having one or more microbeads 8 disposed therein. The microbeads 8 have a plurality of unique identification digital codes based on a diffraction grating 12 disposed therein that are detected when illuminated by incident light 24. The incident light 24 may be directed transversely onto the side or onto an end of the tube 14 with a narrow band (single wavelength) or multiple wavelength source, in which case the code is represented by a spatial distribution of light or a wavelength spectrum, respectively. The assay stick 7 may be reused or disposed upon completion of the assay. Alternatively, the beads may be attached to a strip or planar surface. The encoded beads can also provide traceability, quality-control, and authenticity of each bead 8 to its source and/or to the chemistry on each bead 8. Also, the low sample volume of the assay stick allows for faster reactions and better sensitivity.
441 Citations
20 Claims
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1. An assay device comprising:
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a plurality of microbeads, each microbead having at least one diffraction grating disposed therein, the grating providing an output optical signal indicative of a code when illuminated by an incident light signal; and a reaction vessel having a cavity extending a length therein, the reaction vessel being configured to hold the microbeads within the cavity. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. A method of performing an assay, the method comprising:
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obtaining a reaction vessel having a cavity extending a length therein, the reaction vessel including a plurality of microbeads held within the cavity, each microbead having at least one diffraction grating disposed therein; illuminating the microbeads with an incident light signal, the grating of each microbead providing an output light signal indicative of a code; and reading said output light signal and detecting the code therefrom. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification