Microarray reader based on evanescent wave detection
First Claim
1. A microarray reader, comprising:
- a light source that emits light;
beam shaping elements positioned near the light source to direct the light;
a moving stage supporting the light source and beam shaping elements;
a microarray that includes an optical substrate and a reaction chamber in contact with the optical substrate;
a buffer solution encapsulated by the optical substrate and the reaction chamber;
a holder that aligns the microarray relative to the light source such that when light hits the buffer solution certain molecules in the buffer solution are excited to emit fluorescent light;
a temperature control component thermally engaged with the holder such that the temperature control component adjusts the temperature of the buffer solution;
a sensor that receives the fluorescent light emitted by the excited molecules in the buffer solution to generate a signal;
wherein the holder includes a first baffle that engages a first side of the microarray when the microarray is appropriately positioned within the holder;
wherein the holder includes a second baffle that engages a second side of the microarray when the microarray is appropriately positioned within the holder; and
wherein the holder includes a third baffle that engages a third side of the microarray when the microarray is appropriately positioned within the holder.
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Accused Products
Abstract
The disclosure relates to a microarray reader that includes a light source which emits light and beam shaping elements positioned near the light source to direct the light. The microarray reader further includes a microarray that is at least formed of an optical substrate and a reaction chamber in contact with the optical substrate. A buffer solution is encapsulated by the optical substrate and the reaction chamber and a holder aligns the microarray relative to the light source such that when light hits the buffer solution molecules in the buffer solution are excited to emit fluorescent light. A temperature control component is thermally engaged with the holder such that the temperature control component adjusts the temperature of the buffer solution. The microarray reader further includes a sensor that receives the fluorescent light emitted by the excited molecules in the buffer solution to generate a signal.
52 Citations
13 Claims
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1. A microarray reader, comprising:
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a light source that emits light; beam shaping elements positioned near the light source to direct the light; a moving stage supporting the light source and beam shaping elements; a microarray that includes an optical substrate and a reaction chamber in contact with the optical substrate; a buffer solution encapsulated by the optical substrate and the reaction chamber; a holder that aligns the microarray relative to the light source such that when light hits the buffer solution certain molecules in the buffer solution are excited to emit fluorescent light; a temperature control component thermally engaged with the holder such that the temperature control component adjusts the temperature of the buffer solution; a sensor that receives the fluorescent light emitted by the excited molecules in the buffer solution to generate a signal; wherein the holder includes a first baffle that engages a first side of the microarray when the microarray is appropriately positioned within the holder; wherein the holder includes a second baffle that engages a second side of the microarray when the microarray is appropriately positioned within the holder; and wherein the holder includes a third baffle that engages a third side of the microarray when the microarray is appropriately positioned within the holder. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5)
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6. A microarray reader, comprising:
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a light source that emits light; beam shaping elements positioned near the light source to direct the light; a moving stage supporting the light source and beam shaping elements; a microarray that includes an optical substrate and a reaction chamber in contact with the optical substrate; a buffer solution encapsulated by the optical substrate and the reaction chamber; a holder that aligns the microarray relative to the light source such that when light hits the buffer solution certain molecules in the buffer solution are excited to emit fluorescent light; a temperature control component thermally engaged with the holder such that the temperature control component adjusts the temperature of the buffer solution; a sensor that receives the fluorescent light emitted by the excited molecules in the buffer solution to generate a signal; and a pin that compresses the microarray against the holder. - View Dependent Claims (7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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Specification