Method and apparatus for the delivery of samples to a chemical sensor array

• US 20020045272A1
• Filed: 01/31/2001
• Published: 04/18/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 01/31/2000
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Board of Regents of the University of Texas System (University of Texas System)
• Original Assignee: Board of Regents of the University of Texas System (University of Texas System)
• Inventors: Neikirk, Dean P., Anslyn, Eric V., McDevitt, John T., Shear, Jason B.
• Granted Patent: US 6,713,298 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 436/518
• CPC Class Codes: B01J 2219/005 Beads
• CPC Class Codes: B01J 2219/00576 fluorophore
• CPC Class Codes: B01J 2219/00648 by the use of solid beads
• CPC Class Codes: B01J 2219/00659 Two-dimensional arrays
• CPC Class Codes: B01J 2219/00702 Processes involving means for analysing and characterising the products
• CPC Class Codes: B01J 2219/00722 Nucleotides
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 2200/027 for microfluidic devices
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 2200/0657 Pipetting powder
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 2200/0668 Trapping microscopic beads
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 2200/12 Specific details about manufacturing devices
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 2300/0636 Integrated biosensor, microarrays
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 2400/0415 electrical forces, e.g. electrokinetic
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 2400/049 vacuum
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 2400/0633 with moving parts
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 2400/0638 membrane valves, flap valves
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 3/0289 Apparatus for withdrawing or distributing predetermined quantities of fluid B01L3/02 takes precedence; sample taking G01N1/00; sample taking within automatic analysers G01N35/00; volume measuring in general G01F
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 3/5025 for parallel transport of multiple samples
• 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 3/502707 characterised by the manufacture of the container or its components by shaping or joining plastic parts B29C59/00, B29C65/00; by laminating B32B37/00; manufacture of microstructural devices in general B81C
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 3/502715 characterised by interfacing components, e.g. fluidic, electrical, optical or mechanical interfaces
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 3/50273 : characterised by the means or forces applied to move the fluids micropumps F04B19/006, of the membrane type F04B43/043
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 3/502738 : characterised by integrated valves microvalves F16K99/0001
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 3/502761 : specially adapted for handling suspended solids or molecules independently from the bulk fluid flow, e.g. for trapping or sorting beads, for physically stretching molecules investigating characteristics of particles G01N15/00
• CPC Class Codes: C07B 2200/11 : Compounds covalently bound to a solid support
• CPC Class Codes: C12Q 1/34 : involving hydrolase
• CPC Class Codes: C12Q 1/37 : involving peptidase or proteinase
• CPC Class Codes: C40B 40/00 : Libraries per se, e.g. arrays, mixtures
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 2001/021 : Correlating sampling sites with geographical information, e.g. GPS
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 2021/6417 : Spectrofluorimetric devices
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 2021/6421 : Measuring at two or more wavelengths
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 2021/6432 : Quenching
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 2021/6439 : with indicators, stains, dyes, tags, labels, marks
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 2021/6441 : with two or more labels
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 2021/6482 : Sample cells, cuvettes
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 2035/00158 : Elements containing microarrays, i.e. "biochip"
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 2035/00564 : Handling or washing solid phase elements, e.g. beads
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 21/253 : for batch operation, i.e. multisample apparatus analytical automats G01N35/00
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 21/6428 : Measuring fluorescence of fluorescent products of reactions or of fluorochrome labelled reactive substances, e.g. measuring quenching effects, using measuring "optrodes" in vivo A61B5/00; immunoassay G01N33/53
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 21/6452 : Individual samples arranged in a regular 2D-array, e.g. multiwell plates
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 21/6454 : using an integrated detector array
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 21/6458 : Fluorescence microscopy fluorescence microscopes per se G02B21/0076 and G02B21/16
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 21/6486 : Measuring fluorescence of biological material, e.g. DNA, RNA, cells G01N21/6428 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 21/77 : by observing the effect on a chemical indicator
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 2201/062 : LED's
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 2201/0627 : Use of several LED's for spectral resolution
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 33/54313 : the carrier being characterised by its particulate form
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 33/54366 : Apparatus specially adapted for solid-phase testing
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 33/54373 : involving physiochemical end-point determination, e.g. wave-guides, FETS, gratings
• CPC Class Codes: Y02A 90/10 : Information and communication technologies [ICT] supporting adaptation to climate change, e.g. for weather forecasting or climate simulation
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 977/924 : using nanostructure as support of dna analysis
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 436/2575 : Volumetric liquid transfer

Abstract

A system for the rapid characterization of multi-analyte fluids, in one embodiment, includes a light source, a sensor array, and a detector. The sensor array is formed from a supporting member into which a plurality of cavities may be formed. A series of chemically sensitive particles are, in one embodiment positioned within the cavities. The particles may be configured to produce a signal when a receptor coupled to the particle interacts with the analyte. Using pattern recognition techniques, the analytes within a multi-analyte fluid may be characterized.

Claims

1. A system for detecting an analyte in a fluid comprising:

a light source;

a sensor array, the sensor array comprising a supporting member comprising at least one cavity formed within the supporting member;

a particle, the particle positioned within the cavity, wherein the particle is configured to produce a signal when the particle interacts with the analyte during use; and

a detector, the detector being configured to detect the signal produced by the interaction of the analyte with the particle during use;

wherein the light source and detector are positioned such that light passes from the light source, to the particle, and onto the detector during use.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the system comprises a plurality of particles positioned within a plurality of cavities, and wherein the system is configured to substantially simultaneously detect a plurality of analytes in the fluid.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the system comprises a plurality of particles positioned within the cavity.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the light source comprises a light emitting diode.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the light source comprises a white light source.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the sensor array further comprises a bottom layer and a top cover layer, wherein the bottom layer is coupled to a bottom surface of the supporting member, and wherein the top cover layer is coupled to a top surface of the supporting member;

and wherein both the bottom layer and the top cover layer are coupled to the supporting member such that the particle is substantially contained within the cavity by bottom layer and the top cover layer.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the sensor array further comprises a bottom layer and a top cover layer, wherein the bottom layer is coupled to a bottom surface of the supporting member, and wherein the top cover layer is coupled to a top surface of the supporting member;

and wherein both the bottom layer and the top cover layer are coupled to the supporting member such that the particle is substantially contained within the cavity by bottom layer and the top cover layer, and wherein the bottom layer and the top cover layer are substantially transparent to light produced by the light source.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein the sensor array further comprises a bottom layer coupled to the supporting member, and wherein the supporting member comprises silicon, and wherein the bottom layer comprises silicon nitride.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein the sensor array further comprises a sensing cavity formed on a bottom surface of the sensor array.

10. The system of claim 1, wherein the supporting member is formed from a plastic material, and wherein the sensor array further comprises a top cover layer, the top cover layer being coupled to the supporting member such that the particle is substantially contained within the cavity, and wherein the top cover layer is configured to allow the fluid to pass through the top cover layer to the particle, and wherein both the supporting member and the top cover layer are substantially transparent to light produced by the light source.

11. The system of claim 1, further comprising a fluid delivery system coupled to the supporting member.

12. The system of claim 1, wherein the detector comprises a charge-coupled device.

13. The system of claim 1, wherein the detector comprises an ultraviolet detector.

14. The system of claim 1, wherein the detector comprises a fluorescence detector.

15. The system of claim 1, wherein the detector comprises a semiconductor based photodetector, and wherein the detector is coupled to the sensor array.

16. The system of claim 1, wherein the particle ranges from about 0.05 micron to about 500 microns.

17. The system of claim 1, wherein a volume of the particle changes when contacted with the fluid.

18. The system of claim 1, wherein the particle comprises a metal oxide particle.

19. The system of claim 1, wherein the particle comprises a metal quantum particle.

20. The system of claim 1, wherein the particle comprises a semiconductor quantum particle.

21. The system of claim 1, wherein the particle comprises a receptor molecule coupled to a polymeric resin.

22. The system of claim 1, wherein the particle comprises a receptor molecule coupled to a polymeric resin, and wherein the polymeric resin comprises polystyrene-polyethylene glycol-divinyl benzene.

23. The system of claim 1, wherein the particle comprises a receptor molecule coupled to a polymeric resin, and wherein the receptor molecule produces the signal in response to the pH of the fluid.

24. The system of claim 1, wherein the particle comprises a receptor molecule coupled to a polymeric resin, and wherein the analyte comprises a metal ion, and wherein the receptor produces the signal in response to the presence of the metal ion.

25. The system of claim 1, wherein the particle comprises a receptor molecule coupled to a polymeric resin, and wherein the analyte comprises a carbohydrate, and wherein the receptor produces a signal in response to the presence of a carbohydrate.

26. The system of claim 1, wherein the particle comprises a receptor molecule coupled to a polymeric resin, and wherein the particles further comprises a first indicator and a second indicator, the first and second indicators being coupled to the receptor, wherein the interaction of the receptor with the analyte causes the first and second indicators to interact such that the signal is produced.

27. The system of claim 1, wherein the particle comprises a receptor molecule coupled to a polymeric resin, and wherein the particles further comprises an indicator, wherein the indicator is associated with the receptor such that in the presence of the analyte the indicator is displaced from the receptor to produce the signal.

28. The system of claim 1, wherein the particle comprises a receptor molecule coupled to a polymeric resin, and wherein the receptor comprises a polynucleotide.

29. The system of claim 1, wherein the particle comprises a receptor molecule coupled to a polymeric resin, and wherein the receptor comprises a peptide.

30. The system of claim 1, wherein the particle comprises a receptor molecule coupled to a polymeric resin, and wherein the receptor comprises an enzyme.

31. The system of claim 1, wherein the particle comprises a receptor molecule coupled to a polymeric resin, and wherein the receptor comprises a synthetic receptor.

32. The system of claim 1, wherein the particle comprises a receptor molecule coupled to a polymeric resin, and wherein the receptor comprises an unnatural biopolymer.

33. The system of claim 1, wherein the particle comprises a receptor molecule coupled to a polymeric resin, and wherein the receptor comprises an antibody.

34. The system of claim 1, wherein the particle comprises a receptor molecule coupled to a polymeric resin, and wherein the receptor comprises an antigen.

35. The system of claim 1, wherein the analyte comprises phosphate functional groups, and wherein the particle is configured to produce the signal in the presence of the phosphate functional groups.

36. The system of claim 1, wherein the analyte comprises bacteria, and wherein the particle is configured to produce the signal in the presence of the bacteria.

37. The system of claim 1, wherein the system comprises a plurality of particles positioned within a plurality of cavities, and wherein the plurality of particles produce a detectable pattern in the presence of the analyte.

38. The system of claim 1, wherein the supporting member comprises silicon.

39. The system of claim 1, wherein the sensor array further comprises a top cover layer, wherein the top cover layer is coupled to a top surface of the supporting member such that the particle is substantially contained within the cavity by the top cover layer.

40. The system of claim 1, wherein the sensor array further comprises a bottom layer coupled to the supporting member, and wherein the bottom layer comprises silicon nitride.

41. The system of claim 1, wherein the particles produce a detectable pattern in the presence of the analyte.

42. The system of claim 1, wherein the cavity is configured such that the fluid entering the cavity passes through the supporting member during use.

43. The system of claim 1, wherein the light source comprises a red light emitting diode, a blue light emitting diode, and a green light emitting diode.

44. The system of claim 1, wherein the sensor array further comprises a cover layer coupled to the supporting member and a bottom layer coupled to the supporting member, wherein the cover layer and the bottom layer are removable.

45. The system of claim 1, wherein the sensor array further comprises a cover layer coupled to the supporting member and a bottom layer coupled to the supporting member, wherein the cover layer and the bottom layer are removable, and wherein the cover layer and the bottom layer include openings that are substantially aligned with the cavities during use.

46. The system of claim 1, wherein the sensor array further comprises a cover layer coupled to the supporting member and a bottom layer coupled to the supporting member, wherein the bottom layer is coupled to a bottom surface of the supporting member and wherein the cover layer is removable, and wherein the cover layer and the bottom layer include openings that are substantially aligned with the cavities during use.

47. The system of claim 1, wherein the sensor array further comprises a cover layer coupled to the supporting member and a bottom layer coupled to the supporting member, wherein an opening is formed in the cover layer substantially aligned with the cavity, and wherein an opening is formed in the bottom layer substantially aligned with the cavity.

48. The system of claim 1, wherein the cavity is substantially tapered such that the width of the cavity narrows in a direction from a top surface of the supporting member toward a bottom surface of the supporting member, and wherein a minimum width of the cavity is substantially less than a width of the particle.

49. The system of claim 1, wherein a width of a bottom portion of the cavity is substantially less than a width of a top portion of the cavity, and wherein the width of the bottom portion of the cavity is substantially less than a width of the particle.

50. The system of claim 1, wherein the sensor array further comprises a cover layer coupled to the supporting member and a bottom layer coupled to the supporting member, wherein the bottom layer is configured to support the particle, and wherein an opening is formed in the cover layer substantially aligned with the cavity.

51. The system of claim 1, further comprising a removable cover layer.

52. The system of claim 1, wherein the supporting member comprises a plastic material.

53. The system of claim 1, wherein the supporting member comprises a silicon wafer.

54. The system of claim 1, wherein the supporting member comprises a dry film photoresist material.

55. The system of claim 1, wherein the supporting member comprises a plurality of layers of a dry film photoresist material.

56. The system of claim 1, wherein an inner surface of the cavity is coated with a reflective material.

57. The system of claim 1, further comprising channels in the supporting member, wherein the channels are configured to allow the fluid to flow through the channels into and away from the cavity.

58. The system of claim 1, wherein the sensor array further comprises a pump coupled to the supporting member, wherein the pump is configured to direct the fluid towards the cavity, and wherein a channel is formed in the supporting member, the channel coupling the pump to the cavity such that the fluid flows through the channel to the cavity during use.

59. The system of claim 1, wherein the sensor array further comprises a pump coupled to the supporting member, wherein the pump is configured to direct the fluid towards the cavity, and wherein a channel is formed in the supporting member, the channel coupling the pump to the cavity such that the fluid flows through the channel to the cavity during use, and wherein the pump comprises a diaphragm pump.

60. The system of claim 1, wherein the sensor array further comprises a pump coupled to the supporting member, wherein the pump is configured to direct the fluid towards the cavity, and wherein a channel is formed in the supporting member, the channel coupling the pump to the cavity such that the fluid flows through the channel to the cavity during use, and wherein the pump comprises a diaphragm pump, and wherein the pump comprises an electrode pump.

61. The system of claim 1 wherein the sensor array further comprises a pump coupled to the supporting member, wherein the pump is configured to direct the fluid towards the cavity, and wherein a channel is formed in the supporting member, the channel coupling the pump to the cavity such that the fluid flows through the channel to the cavity during use, and wherein the pump comprises a diaphragm pump, and wherein the pump comprises a piezoelectric pump.

62. The system of claim 1, wherein the sensor array further comprises a pump coupled to the supporting member, wherein the pump is configured to direct the fluid towards the cavity, and wherein a channel is formed in the supporting member, the channel coupling the pump to the cavity such that the fluid flows through the channel to the cavity during use, and wherein the pump comprises a diaphragm pump, and wherein the pump comprises a pneumatic activated pump.

63. The system of claim 1, wherein the sensor array further comprises a pump coupled to the supporting member, wherein the pump is configured to direct the fluid towards the cavity, and wherein a channel is formed in the supporting member, the channel coupling the pump to the cavity such that the fluid flows through the channel to the cavity during use, and wherein the pump comprises a diaphragm pump, and wherein the pump comprises a heat activated pump.

64. The system of claim 1, wherein the sensor array further comprises a pump coupled to the supporting member, wherein the pump is configured to direct the fluid towards the cavity, and wherein a channel is formed in the supporting member, the channel coupling the pump to the cavity such that the fluid flows through the channel to the cavity during use, and wherein the pump comprises a diaphragm pump, and wherein the pump comprises a peristaltic pump.

65. The system of claim 1, wherein the sensor array further comprises a pump coupled to the supporting member, wherein the pump is configured to direct the fluid towards the cavity, and wherein a channel is formed in the supporting member, the channel coupling the pump to the cavity such that the fluid flows through the channel to the cavity during use, and wherein the pump comprises a diaphragm pump, and wherein the pump comprises an electroosmosis pump.

66. The system of claim 1, wherein the sensor array further comprises a pump coupled to the supporting member, wherein the pump is configured to direct the fluid towards the cavity, and wherein a channel is formed in the supporting member, the channel coupling the pump to the cavity such that the fluid flows through the channel to the cavity during use, and wherein the pump comprises a diaphragm pump, and wherein the pump comprises an electrohydrodynamic pump.

67. The system of claim 1, wherein the sensor array further comprises a pump coupled to the supporting member, wherein the pump is configured to direct the fluid towards the cavity, and wherein a channel is formed in the supporting member, the channel coupling the pump to the cavity such that the fluid flows through the channel to the cavity during use, and wherein the pump comprises a diaphragm pump, and wherein the pump comprises an electroosmosis pump and an electrohydrodynamic pump.

68. The system of claim 1, wherein the particle comprises a receptor molecule coupled to a polymeric resin, and wherein the particle further comprises a first indicator and a second indicator, the first and second indicators being coupled to the receptor, wherein the interaction of the receptor with the analyte causes the first and second indicators to interact such that the signal is produced.

69. The system of claim 1, wherein the particle comprises a receptor molecule coupled to a polymeric resin, and wherein the particle further comprises an indicator, wherein the indicator is associated with the receptor such that in the presence of the analyte the indicator is displaced from the receptor to produce the signal.

70. The system of claim 1, wherein a portion of the supporting member is substantially transparent to a portion of light produced by the light source.

71. The system of claim 1, wherein the particle is coupled to the supporting member with via an adhesive material.

72. The system of claim 1, wherein the particle are coupled to the supporting member via a gel material.

73. The system of claim 1, wherein the particle is suspended in a gel material, the gel material covering a portion of the supporting member, and wherein a portion of the particle extends from the upper surface of the gel.

74. The system of claim 1, wherein the sensor array further comprises a cover coupled to the supporting member, positioned above the particle, wherein a force exerted by the cover on the particle inhibits the displacement of the particle from the supporting member.

75. The system of claim 1, wherein the supporting member comprises glass.

76. The system of claim 1, wherein the supporting member is composed of a material substantially transparent to ultraviolet light.

77. The system of claim 1, further comprising a conduit coupled to the sensor array, wherein the conduit is configured to conduct the fluid sample to and away from the sensor array;

and a vacuum chamber coupled to the conduit, wherein the vacuum chamber comprises a breakable barrier positioned between the chamber and the conduit, and wherein the chamber is configured to pull the fluid through the conduit when the breakable barrier is punctured.

78. The system of claim 1, further comprising a conduit coupled to the sensor array, wherein the conduit is configured to conduct the fluid sample to and away from the sensor array;

and a vacuum chamber coupled to the conduit, wherein the vacuum chamber comprises a breakable barrier positioned between the chamber and the conduit, and wherein the chamber is configured to pull the fluid through the conduit when the breakable barrier is punctured, and further comprising a filter coupled to the conduit and the sensor array, wherein the fluid passes through the filter before reaching the sensor array.

79. The system of claim 1, further comprising a conduit coupled to the sensor array, wherein the conduit is configured to conduct the fluid sample to and away from the sensor array;

and a vacuum chamber coupled to the conduit, wherein the vacuum chamber comprises a breakable barrier positioned between the chamber and the conduit, and wherein the chamber is configured to pull the fluid through the conduit when the breakable barrier is punctured, and further comprising a filter coupled to the conduit and the sensor array, wherein the fluid passes through the filter before reaching the sensor array, and wherein the fluid is a blood sample, and wherein the filter comprises a membrane for the removal of particulates.

80. The system of claim 1, further comprising a conduit coupled to the sensor array, wherein the conduit is configured to conduct the fluid sample to and away from the sensor array;

and a vacuum chamber coupled to the conduit, wherein the vacuum chamber comprises a breakable barrier positioned between the chamber and the conduit, and wherein the chamber is configured to pull the fluid through the conduit when the breakable barrier is punctured, and further comprising a filter coupled to the conduit and the sensor array, wherein the fluid passes through the filter before reaching the sensor array, and wherein the fluid is a blood sample, and wherein the filter comprises a membrane for removal of white and red blood cells from the blood.

81. The system of claim 1, wherein the particle comprises a biopolymer coupled to a polymeric resin, and wherein the biopolymer undergoes a chemical reaction in the presence of the analyte to produce a signal.

82. The system of claim 1, wherein the particle comprises a biopolymer coupled to a polymeric resin, and wherein the biopolymer undergoes a chemical reaction in the presence of the analyte to produce a signal, and wherein the chemical reaction comprises cleavage of the biopolymer by the analyte.

83. The system of claim 1, wherein the particle comprises a biopolymer coupled to a polymeric resin, and wherein the biopolymer undergoes a chemical reaction in the presence of the analyte to produce a signal, and wherein the biopolymer comprises a peptide, and wherein the analyte comprises a protease, and wherein the chemical reaction comprises cleavage of the peptide by the protease.

84. The system of claim 1, wherein the particle comprises a biopolymer coupled to a polymeric resin, and wherein the biopolymer undergoes a chemical reaction in the presence of the analyte to produce a signal, and wherein the biopolymer comprises a polynucleotide, and wherein the analyte comprises a nuclease, and wherein the chemical reaction comprises cleavage of the polynucleotide by the nuclease.

85. The system of claim 1, wherein the particle comprises a biopolymer coupled to a polymeric resin, and wherein the biopolymer undergoes a chemical reaction in the presence of the analyte to produce a signal, and wherein the biopolymer comprises an oligosaccharide, and wherein the analyte comprises an oligosaccharide cleaving agent, and wherein the chemical reaction comprises cleavage of the oligosaccharide by the oligosaccharide cleaving agent.

86. The system of claim 1, wherein the particle comprises a biopolymer coupled to a polymeric resin, and wherein the biopolymer undergoes a chemical reaction in the presence of the analyte to produce a signal, and wherein the particle further comprises a first indicator and a second indicator, the first and second indicators being coupled to the biopolymer, and wherein the chemical reaction of the biopolymer in the presence of the analyte causes a distance between the first and second indicators to become altered such that the signal is produced.

87. The system of claim 1, wherein the particle comprises a biopolymer coupled to a polymeric resin, and wherein the biopolymer undergoes a chemical reaction in the presence of the analyte to produce a signal, and wherein the particle further comprises a first indicator and a second indicator, the first and second indicators being coupled to the biopolymer, and wherein the chemical reaction of the biopolymer in the presence of the analyte causes a distance between the first and second indicators to become altered such that the signal is produced, and wherein the first indicator is a fluorescent dye and wherein the second indicator is a fluorescent quencher, and wherein the first indicator and the second indicator are within the Foster energy transfer radius, and wherein the chemical reaction of the biopolymer in the presence of the analyte causes the first and second indicators to move outside the Foster energy transfer radius.

88. The system of claim 1, wherein the particle comprises a biopolymer coupled to a polymeric resin, and wherein the biopolymer undergoes a chemical reaction in the presence of the analyte to produce a signal, and wherein the particle further comprises a first indicator and a second indicator, the first and second indicators being coupled to the biopolymer, and wherein the chemical reaction of the biopolymer in the presence of the analyte causes a distance between the first and second indicators to become altered such that the signal is produced. wherein the first indicator is a fluorescent dye and wherein the second indicator is a different fluorescent dye, and wherein the first indicator and the second indicator produce a fluorescence resonance energy transfer signal, and wherein the chemical reaction of the biopolymer in the presence of the analyte causes the positions of the first and second indicators to change such that the fluorescence resonance energy transfer signal is altered.

89. The system of claim 1, wherein the particle comprises a biopolymer coupled to a polymeric resin, and wherein the biopolymer undergoes a chemical reaction in the presence of the analyte to produce a signal, and further comprising an indicator coupled to the biopolymer, and wherein the chemical reaction of the biopolymer in the presence of the analyte causes the biopolymer to be cleaved such that a portion of the biopolymer coupled to the indicator is cleaved from a portion of the biopolymer coupled to the polymeric resin.

90. The system of claim 1 wherein the particle comprises a biopolymer coupled to a polymeric resin, and wherein the biopolymer undergoes a chemical reaction in the presence of the analyte to produce a signal, and wherein the particle further comprises an indicator coupled to the particle, and wherein the chemical reaction causes a change to a biopolymer such that the interaction of the indicator with the biopolymer is altered to produce the signal.

91. The system of claim 1, wherein the particle comprises a biopolymer coupled to a polymeric resin, and wherein the biopolymer undergoes a chemical reaction in the presence of the analyte to produce a signal, and wherein the particle further comprises an indicator coupled to the particle, and wherein the chemical reaction causes a change to the biopolymer and the indicator to produce the signal.

92. The system of claim 1, wherein the particle comprises a receptor coupled to a polymeric resin, and a probe molecule coupled to the polymeric resin, and wherein the probe molecule is configured to produce a signal when the receptor interacts with the analyte during use.

93. The system of claim 1, wherein the particle comprises a receptor coupled to a polymeric resin, and a probe molecule coupled to the polymeric resin, and wherein the probe molecule is configured to produce a signal when the receptor interacts with the analyte during use, and wherein the particles further comprises an additional probe molecule coupled to the polymeric resin, wherein the interaction of the receptor with the analyte causes the probe molecules to interact such that the signal is produced.

94. A system for detecting an analyte in a fluid comprising:

a light source;

a sensor array, the sensor array comprising;

a supporting member;

wherein a first cavity and a second cavity are formed within the supporting member;

a first particle positioned within the first cavity;

a second particle positioned within the second cavity, wherein the second particle comprises a reagent, wherein a portion of the reagent is removable from the second particle when contacted with a decoupling solution, and wherein the reagent is configured to modify the first particle, when the reagent is contacted with the first particle, such that the first particle will produce a signal when the first particle interacts with the analyte during use;

a first pump coupled to the supporting member, wherein the pump is configured to direct the fluid towards the first cavity;

a second pump coupled to the supporting member, wherein the second pump is configured to direct the decoupling solution towards the second cavity;

wherein a first channel is formed in the supporting member, the first channel coupling the first pump to the first cavity such that the fluid flows through the first channel to the first cavity during use, and wherein a second channel is formed in the supporting member, the second channel coupling the second cavity to the first cavity such that the decoupling solution flows from the second cavity through the second channel to the first cavity during use; and

a detector, the detector being configured to detect the signal produced by the interaction of the analyte with the particle during use;

wherein the light source and detector are positioned such that light passes from the light source, to the particle, and onto the detector during use.

95. The system of claim 94, wherein the sensor array further comprises a plurality of additional particles positioned within a plurality of additional cavities, and wherein the system is configured to substantially simultaneously detect a plurality of analytes in the fluid, and wherein the second cavity is coupled to the additional cavities such that the reagent may be transferred from the second particle to the additional cavities during use.

96. The system of claim 94, wherein the first particle comprises an indicator molecule coupled to a first polymeric resin, and the second particle comprises a receptor molecule coupled to a second polymeric resin.

97. The system of claim 94, wherein the first particle comprises a first polymeric resin configured to bind to the receptor molecule, and wherein the second particle comprises the receptor molecule coupled to a second polymeric resin.

98. The system of claim 94, wherein the sensor array further comprises a reservoir coupled to the second pump, the reservoir configured to hold the decoupling solution.

99. A system for detecting an analyte in a fluid comprising:

a light source;

a sensor array, the sensor array comprising at least one particle coupled to the sensor array, wherein the particle is configured to produce a signal when the particle interacts with the analyte; and

a detector configured to detect the signal produced by the interaction of the analyte with the particle;

wherein the light source and detector are positioned such that light passes from the light source, to the particle, and onto the detector during use.

100. A sensor array for detecting an analyte in a fluid comprising:

a supporting member;

wherein at least one cavity is formed within the supporting member;

a particle positioned within the cavity, wherein the particle is configured to produce a signal when the particle interacts with the analyte.

101. The sensor array of claim 100, further comprising a plurality of particles positioned within the cavity.

102. The sensor array of claim 100, wherein the particle comprises a receptor molecule coupled to a polymeric resin.

103. The sensor array of claim 100, wherein the particle has a size ranging from about 0.05 micron to about 500 microns in diameter.

104. The sensor array of claim 100, wherein the particle has a size ranging from about 0.05 micron to about 500 microns in diameter, and wherein the cavity is configured to substantially contain the particle.

105. The sensor array of claim 100, wherein the supporting member comprises a plastic material.

106. The sensor array of claim 100, wherein the supporting member comprises a silicon wafer.

107. The sensor array of claim 100, wherein the cavity extends through the supporting member.

108. The sensor array of claim 100, wherein the supporting member comprises a silicon wafer, and wherein the cavity is substantially pyramidal in shape and wherein the sidewalls of the cavity are substantially tapered at an angle of between about 50 to about 60 degrees.

109. The sensor array of claim 100, wherein the supporting member comprises a silicon wafer, and further comprising a substantially transparent layer positioned on a bottom surface of the silicon wafer.

110. The sensor array of claim 100, wherein the supporting member comprises a silicon wafer, and further comprising a substantially transparent layer positioned on a bottom surface of the silicon wafer, wherein the substantially transparent layer comprises silicon dioxide, silicon nitride, or silicon oxide/silicon nitride multilayer stacks.

111. The sensor array of claim 100, wherein the supporting member comprises a silicon wafer, and further comprising a substantially transparent layer positioned on a bottom surface of the silicon wafer, wherein the substantially transparent layer comprises silicon nitride.

112. The sensor array of claim 100, wherein the supporting member comprises a silicon wafer, and wherein the silicon wafer has an area of about 1 cm² to about 100 cm².

113. The sensor array of claim 100, further comprising a plurality of cavities formed in the silicon wafer, and wherein from about 10 to about 10⁶ cavities are formed in the silicon wafer.

114. The sensor array of claim 100, further comprising channels in the supporting member, wherein the channels are configured to allow the fluid to flow through the channels into and away from the cavity.

115. The sensor array of claim 100, further comprising an inner surface coating, wherein the inner surface coating is configured to inhibit dislodgment of the particle.

116. The sensor array of claim 100, further comprising a detector coupled to the bottom surface of the supporting member, wherein the detector is positioned below the cavity.

117. The sensor array of claim 100, further comprising a detector coupled to the bottom surface of the supporting member, wherein the detector is positioned below the cavity, and wherein the detector is a semiconductor based photodetector.

118. The sensor array of claim 100, further comprising a detector coupled to the bottom surface of the supporting member, wherein the detector is positioned below the cavity, and wherein the detector is a Fabry-Perot type detector.

119. The sensor array of claim 100, further comprising a detector coupled to the bottom surface of the supporting member, wherein the detector is positioned below the cavity, and further comprising an optical fiber coupled to the detector, wherein the optical fiber is configured to transmit optical data to a microprocessor.

120. The sensor array of claim 100, further comprising an optical filters coupled to a bottom surface of the sensor array.

121. The sensor array of claim 100, further comprising a barrier layer positioned over the cavity, the barrier layer being configured to inhibit dislodgment of the particle during use.

122. The sensor array of claim 100, further comprising a barrier layer positioned over the cavity, the barrier layer being configured to inhibit dislodgment of the particle during use, and wherein the barrier layer comprises a substantially transparent cover plate positioned over the cavity, and wherein the cover plate is positioned a fixed distance over the cavity such that the fluid can enter the cavity.

123. The sensor array of claim 100, further comprising a barrier layer positioned over the cavity, the barrier layer being configured to inhibit dislodgment of the particle during use, and wherein the barrier layer comprises a substantially transparent cover plate positioned over the cavity, and wherein the cover plate is positioned a fixed distance over the cavity such that the fluid can enter the cavity, and wherein the barrier layer comprises plastic, glass, quartz, silicon oxide, or silicon nitride.

124. The sensor array of claim 100, further comprising a plurality of particles positioned within a plurality of cavities formed in the supporting member.

125. The sensor array of claim 100, wherein the system comprises a plurality of particles positioned within a plurality of cavities, and wherein the plurality of particles produce a detectable pattern in the presence of the analyte.

126. The sensor array of claim 100, further comprising channels in the supporting member, wherein the channels are configured to allow the fluid to flow through the channels into and away from the cavities, and wherein the barrier layer comprises a cover plate positioned upon an upper surface of the supporting member, and wherein the cover plate inhibits passage of the fluid into the cavities such that the fluid enters the cavities via the channels.

127. The sensor array of claim 100, further comprising a cover layer coupled to the supporting member and a bottom layer coupled to the supporting member, wherein the bottom layer is coupled to a bottom surface of the supporting member and wherein the cover layer is removable, and wherein the cover layer and the bottom layer include openings that are substantially aligned with the cavities during use.

128. The sensor array of claim 100, further comprising a cover layer coupled to the supporting member and a bottom layer coupled to the supporting member, wherein an opening is formed in the cover layer substantially aligned with the cavity, and wherein an opening is formed in the bottom layer substantially aligned with the cavity.

129. The sensor array of claim 100, wherein the cavity is substantially tapered such that the width of the cavity narrows in a direction from a top surface of the supporting member toward a bottom surface of the supporting member, and wherein a minimum width of the cavity is substantially less than a width of the particle.

130. The sensor array of claim 100, wherein a width of a bottom portion of the cavity is substantially less than a width of a top portion of the cavity, and wherein the width of the bottom portion of the cavity is substantially less than a width of the particle.

131. The sensor array of claim 100, further comprising a cover layer coupled to the supporting member and a bottom layer coupled to the supporting member, wherein the bottom layer is configured to support the particle, and wherein an opening is formed in the cover layer substantially aligned with the cavity.

132. The sensor array of claim 100, further comprising a removable cover layer coupled to the supporting member.

133. The sensor array of claim 100, wherein the supporting member comprises a dry film photoresist material.

134. The sensor array of claim 100, wherein the supporting member comprises a plurality of layers of a dry film photoresist material.

135. The sensor array of claim 100, wherein an inner surface of the cavity is coated with a reflective material.

136. The sensor array of claim 100, further comprising channels in the supporting member, wherein the channels are configured to allow the fluid to flow through the channels into and away from the cavity.

137. The sensor array of claim 100, further comprising a pump coupled to the supporting member, wherein the pump is configured to direct the fluid towards the cavity;

and a channel formed in the supporting member, the channel coupling the pump to the cavity such that the fluid flows through the channel to the cavity during use.

138. The sensor array of claim 100, further comprising a pump coupled to the supporting member, wherein the pump is configured to direct the fluid towards the cavity;

and a channel formed in the supporting member, the channel coupling the pump to the cavity such that the fluid flows through the channel to the cavity during use, and wherein the pump comprises a diaphragm pump.

139. The sensor array of claim 100, further comprising a pump coupled to the supporting member, wherein the pump is configured to direct the fluid towards the cavity;

and a channel formed in the supporting member, the channel coupling the pump to the cavity such that the fluid flows through the channel to the cavity during use, and wherein the pump comprises an electrode pump.

140. The sensor array of claim 100, further comprising a pump coupled to the supporting member, wherein the pump is configured to direct the fluid towards the cavity;

and a channel formed in the supporting member, the channel coupling the pump to the cavity such that the fluid flows through the channel to the cavity during use, and wherein the pump comprises a piezoelectric pump.

141. The sensor array of claim 100, further comprising a pump coupled to the supporting member, wherein the pump is configured to direct the fluid towards the cavity;

and a channel formed in the supporting member, the channel coupling the pump to the cavity such that the fluid flows through the channel to the cavity during use, and wherein the pump comprises a pneumatic activated pump.

142. The sensor array of claim 100, further comprising a pump coupled to the supporting member, wherein the pump is configured to direct the fluid towards the cavity;

and a channel formed in the supporting member, the channel coupling the pump to the cavity such that the fluid flows through the channel to the cavity during use, and wherein the pump comprises a heat activated pump.

143. The sensor array of claim 100, further comprising a pump coupled to the supporting member, wherein the pump is configured to direct the fluid towards the cavity;

and a channel formed in the supporting member, the channel coupling the pump to the cavity such that the fluid flows through the channel to the cavity during use, and wherein the pump comprises a peristaltic pump.

144. The sensor array of claim 100, further comprising a pump coupled to the supporting member, wherein the pump is configured to direct the fluid towards the cavity;

and a channel formed in the supporting member, the channel coupling the pump to the cavity such that the fluid flows through the channel to the cavity during use, and wherein the pump comprises an electroosmosis pump.

145. The sensor array of claim 100, further comprising a pump coupled to the supporting member, wherein the pump is configured to direct the fluid towards the cavity;

and a channel formed in the supporting member, the channel coupling the pump to the cavity such that the fluid flows through the channel to the cavity during use, and wherein the pump comprises an electrohydrodynamic pump.

146. The sensor array of claim 100, further comprising a pump coupled to the supporting member, wherein the pump is configured to direct the fluid towards the cavity;

and a channel formed in the supporting member, the channel coupling the pump to the cavity such that the fluid flows through the channel to the cavity during use, and wherein the pump comprises an electroosmosis pump and an electrohydrodynamic pump.

147. The sensor array of claim 100, wherein a width of a bottom portion of the cavity is substantially less than a width of a top portion of the cavity, and wherein the width of the bottom portion of the cavity is substantially less than a width of the particle.

149. The sensor array of claim 148, wherein the first particle comprises a receptor molecule coupled to a first polymeric resin, and wherein the second particle comprises an indicator molecule coupled to a second polymeric resin.

150. The sensor array of claim 148, wherein the first particle comprises an indicator molecule coupled to a first polymeric resin, and the second particle comprises a receptor molecule coupled to a second polymeric resin.

151. The sensor array of claim 148, wherein the first particle comprises a first polymeric resin configured to bind to the receptor molecule, and wherein the second particle comprises the receptor molecule coupled to a second polymeric resin.

152. The sensor array of claim 148, further comprising a reservoir coupled to the second pump, the reservoir configured to hold the decoupling solution.

154. The sensor array of claim 153, wherein the particle is coupled to the supporting member with via an adhesive material.

155. The sensor array of claim 153, wherein the particle are coupled to the supporting member via a gel material.

156. The sensor array of claim 153, wherein the particle is suspended in a gel material, the gel material covering a portion of the supporting member, and wherein a portion of the particle extends from the upper surface of the gel.

157. The sensor array of claim 153, further comprising a cover positioned above the particle.

158. The sensor array of claim 153, further comprising a cover coupled to the supporting member, positioned above the particle, wherein a force exerted by the cover on the particle inhibits the displacement of the particle from the supporting member.

159. The sensor array of claim 153, wherein the particle comprises a receptor molecule coupled to a polymeric resin.

160. The sensor array of claim 153, wherein the supporting member comprises glass.

162. The method of claim 161, wherein forming the cavity comprises anisotropically etching the silicon wafer.

163. The method of claim 161, wherein forming the cavity comprises anisotropically etching the silicon wafer with a wet hydroxide etch.

164. The method of claim 161, wherein forming the cavity comprises anisotropically etching the silicon wafer such that sidewalls of the cavity are tapered at an angle from about 50 degrees to about 60 degrees.

165. The method of claim 161, wherein the silicon wafer has an area of about 1 cm ²to about 100 cm².

166. The method of claim 161, further comprising forming a substantially transparent layer upon a bottom surface of the silicon wafer below the cavity.

167. The method of claim 161, further comprising forming a substantially transparent layer upon a bottom surface of the silicon wafer, wherein the cavity extends through the silicon wafer and wherein the substantially transparent layer is positioned to support the particle.

168. The method of claim 161, wherein the substantially transparent layer comprises silicon nitride.

169. The method of claim 161, wherein the cover comprises plastic, glass, quartz, silicon nitride, or silicon oxide.

170. The method of claim 161, wherein forming the cover comprises coupling the cover to the silicon wafer at a distance above the silicon wafer substantially less than a width of the particle.

171. The method of claim 161, further comprising etching channels in the silicon wafer prior to forming the cover on the silicon wafer, wherein forming the cover comprises placing the cover against the upper surface of the silicon wafer, and wherein the channels are configured to allow the fluid to pass through the silicon wafer to and from the cavities.

172. The method of claim 161, further comprising coating an inner surface of the cavity with a material to increase adhesion of the particle to the inner surface of the cavity.

173. The method of claim 161, further comprising coating an inner surface of the cavity with a material to increase reflectivity of the inner surface of the cavity.

174. The method of claim 161, further comprising forming an optical detector upon a bottom surface of the supporting member below the cavity.

175. The method of claim 161, further comprising forming a sensing cavity upon a bottom surface of the supporting member below the cavity.

176. The method of claim 161, further comprising forming a sensing cavity upon a bottom surface of the supporting member below the cavity, and wherein forming the sensing cavity comprises:

forming a barrier layer upon a bottom surface of the silicon wafer;

forming a bottom diaphragm layer upon the barrier layer;

forming etch windows extending through the bottom diaphragm layer;

forming a sacrificial spacer layer upon the bottom diaphragm layer;

removing a portion of the spacer layer;

forming a top diaphragm layer; and

removing a remaining portion of the spacer layer.

177. The method of claim 161, further comprising forming an optical filter upon the bottom surface of the supporting member.

178. The method of claim 161, further comprising forming a plurality of cavities in the silicon wafer.

179. The method of claim 161, wherein from about 10 to about 10⁶ cavities are formed in the silicon wafer.

180. The method of claim 161, wherein the formed cavity is configured to allow the fluid to pass through the supporting member.

181. The method of claim 161, further comprising forming a substantially transparent layer upon a bottom surface of the supporting member below the cavity, wherein the bottom layer is configured to inhibit the displacement of the particle from the cavity while allowing the fluid to pass through the supporting member.

182. The system of claim 161, wherein a width of a bottom portion of the cavity is substantially less than a width of a top portion of the cavity, and wherein the width of the bottom portion of the cavity is substantially less than a width of the particle.

183. The method of claim 161, further comprising forming channels in the supporting member wherein the channels are configured to allow the fluid to pass through the supporting member to and from the cavity.

184. The method of claim 161, further comprising forming a pump on the supporting member, the pump being configured to pump the fluid to the cavity.

185. The method of claim 161, further comprising forming a cover, wherein forming the cover comprises:

forming a removable layer upon the upper surface of the supporting member;

forming a cover upon the removable layer;

forming support structures upon the supporting member, the support structures covering a portion of the cover; and

dissolving the removable layer.

186. The method of claim 161, wherein forming the cover further comprises forming openings in the cover, wherein the openings are substantially aligned with the cavity.

187. The method of claim 161, wherein the particles are placed in the cavities using a micromanipulator.

188. The method of claim 161, further comprising forming additional cavities within the supporting member, and further comprising placing additional particles in the additional cavities, wherein placing the additional particles in the additional cavities comprises:

placing a first masking layer on the supporting member, wherein the first masking layer covers a first portion of the additional cavities such that passage of a particle into the first portion of the additional cavities is inhibited, and wherein the first masking layer a second portion of the cavities substantially unmasked;

placing the additional particles on the supporting member;

moving the additional particles across the supporting member such that the particles fall into the second portion of the cavities;

removing the first masking layer;

placing a second masking layer upon the supporting member, wherein the second masking layer covers the second portion of the cavities and a portion of the first portion of the cavities while leaving a third portion of the cavities unmasked;

placing additional particles on the supporting member; and

moving the additional particles across the supporting member such that the particle fall into the third portion of the cavities.

189. The method of claim 161, wherein forming the cover comprises coupling the cover to the supporting member at a distance above the supporting member substantially less than a width of the particle.

190. The method of claim 161, wherein the supporting member comprises a dry film photoresist material.

191. The method of claim 161, wherein the supporting member comprises a plurality of layers of a dry film photoresist material.

192. The method of claim 161, wherein forming the cavity comprises:

etching a first opening through a first dry film photoresist layer, the first opening having a width substantially less than a width of the particle;

placing a second dry film photoresist layer upon the first dry film photoresist layer;

etching a second opening through the second dry film photoresist layer, the second opening being substantially aligned with the first opening, wherein a width of the second opening is substantially greater than the width of the first opening;

wherein the second dry film photoresist layer comprises a thickness substantially greater than a width of the particle;

and further comprising forming a reflective layer upon the inner surface of the cavity.

193. The method of claim 161, wherein the supporting material comprises a plastic material.

194. The method of claim 161, wherein the supporting material comprises a plastic material, and wherein the cavity is formed by drilling the supporting material.

195. The method of claim 161, wherein the supporting material comprises a plastic material, and wherein the cavity is formed by transfer molding the supporting member.

196. The method of claim 161, wherein the supporting material comprises a plastic material, and wherein the cavity is formed by a punching device.

198. The method of claim 197, wherein the spectroscopic change comprises a change in absorbance of the particle.

199. The method of claim 197, wherein the spectroscopic change comprises a change in fluorescence of the particle.

200. The method of claim 197, wherein the spectroscopic change comprises a change in phosphorescence of the particle.

201. The method of claim 197, wherein the analyte is a proton atom, and wherein the spectroscopic change is produced when the pH of the fluid is varied, and wherein monitoring the spectroscopic change of the particle allows the pH of the fluid to be determined.

202. The method of claim 197, wherein the analyte is a metal cation, and wherein the spectroscopic change is produced in response to the presence of the metal cation in the fluid.

203. The method of claim 197, wherein the analyte is an anion, and wherein the spectroscopic change is produced in response to the presence of the anion in the fluid.

204. The method of claim 197, wherein the analyte is a DNA molecule, and wherein the spectroscopic change is produced in response to the presence of the DNA molecule in the fluid.

205. The method of claim 197, wherein the analyte is a protein, and wherein the spectroscopic change is produced in response to the presence of the protein in the fluid.

206. The method of claim 197, wherein the analyte is a metabolite, and wherein the spectroscopic change is produced in response to the presence of the metabolite in the fluid.

207. The method of claim 197, wherein the analyte is a sugar, and wherein the spectroscopic change is produced in response to the presence of the sugar in the fluid.

208. The method of claim 197, wherein the analyte is a bacteria, and wherein the spectroscopic change is produced in response to the presence of the bacteria in the fluid.

209. The method of claim 197, wherein the particle comprises a receptor coupled to a polymeric resin, and further comprising exposing the particle to an indicator prior to passing the fluid over the sensor array.

210. The method of claim 197, wherein the particle comprises a receptor coupled to a polymeric resin, and further comprising exposing the particle to an indicator prior to passing the fluid over the sensor array, and wherein a binding strength of the indicator to the receptor is less than a binding strength of the analyte to the receptor.

211. The method of claim 197, wherein the particle comprises a receptor coupled to a polymeric resin, and further comprising exposing the particle to an indicator prior to passing the fluid over the sensor array, and wherein the indicator is a fluorescent indicator.

212. The method of claim 197, further comprising treating the fluid with an indicator prior to passing the fluid over the sensor array, wherein the indicator is configured to couple with the analyte.

213. The method of claim 197, wherein the analyte is bacteria and further comprising breaking down the bacteria prior to passing the fluid over the sensor array.

214. The method of claim 197, wherein monitoring the spectroscopic change is performed with a CCD device.

215. The method of claim 197, further comprising measuring the intensity of the spectroscopic change, and further comprising calculating the concentration of the analyte based on the intensity of the spectroscopic change.

216. The method of claim 197, wherein the supporting member comprises silicon.

217. The method of claim 197, wherein the spectroscopic change comprises a change in reflectance of the particle.

218. The method of claim 197, wherein the cavity is configured such that the fluid entering the cavity passes through the supporting member.

219. The method of claim 197, wherein monitoring the spectroscopic change comprises:

directing a red light source at the particle;

detecting the absorbance of red light by the particle;

directing a green light source at the particle;

detecting the absorbance of green light by the particle;

directing a blue light source at the particle; and

detecting the absorbance of blue light by the particle.

220. The method of claim 197, wherein the sensor array further comprises a vacuum chamber coupled to a conduit and the sensor array, and wherein the chamber is configured to provide a pulling force on the fluid in the sensor array.

221. The method of claim 197, wherein the fluid is blood.

222. The method of claim 197, further comprising passing the fluid through a filter prior to passing the fluid over the sensor array.

223. The method of claim 197, further comprising passing the fluid through a reagent reservoir prior to passing the fluid over the sensor array.

224. The method of claim 197, wherein the particles are initially stored in a buffer, and further comprising removing the buffer prior to passing the fluid over the sensor array.

225. The method of claim 197, wherein the particle comprises a polymeric resin, a biopolymer coupled to the polymeric resin, and wherein the biopolymer undergoes a chemical reaction in the presence of the analyte to produce a signal.

226. The method of claim 197, wherein the particle comprises a polymeric resin, a biopolymer coupled to the polymeric resin, and wherein the biopolymer undergoes a chemical reaction in the presence of the analyte to produce a signal, and wherein the signal comprises an absorbance of the particle.

227. The method of claim 197, wherein the particle comprises a polymeric resin, a biopolymer coupled to the polymeric resin, and wherein the biopolymer undergoes a chemical reaction in the presence of the analyte to produce a signal, and wherein the signal comprises a fluorescence of the particle.

228. The method of claim 197, wherein the particle comprises a polymeric resin, a biopolymer coupled to the polymeric resin, and wherein the biopolymer undergoes a chemical reaction in the presence of the analyte to produce a signal, and wherein the signal comprises a phosphorescence of the particle.

229. The method of claim 197, wherein the particle comprises a polymeric resin, a biopolymer coupled to the polymeric resin, and wherein the biopolymer undergoes a chemical reaction in the presence of the analyte to produce a signal, and wherein the chemical reaction comprises cleavage of the biopolymer induced by the analyte.

230. The method of claim 197, wherein the particle comprises a polymeric resin, a biopolymer coupled to the polymeric resin, and wherein the biopolymer undergoes a chemical reaction in the presence of the analyte to produce a signal, and wherein the biopolymer comprises a peptide, and wherein the analyte comprises a protease, and wherein the chemical reaction comprises cleavage of the peptide b y the protease.

231. The method of claim 197, wherein the particle comprises a polymeric resin, a biopolymer coupled to the polymeric resin, and wherein the biopolymer undergoes a chemical reaction in the presence of the analyte to produce a signal, and wherein the biopolymer comprises a polynucleotide, and wherein the analyte comprises a nuclease, and wherein the chemical reaction comprises cleavage of the polynucleotide by the nuclease.

232. The method of claim 197, wherein the particle comprises a polymeric resin, a biopolymer coupled to the polymeric resin, and wherein the biopolymer undergoes a chemical reaction in the presence of the analyte to produce a signal, and wherein the biopolymer comprises an oligosaccharide, and wherein the analyte comprises an oligosaccharide cleaving agent, and wherein the chemical reaction comprises cleavage of the oligosaccharide by the oligosaccharide cleaving agent.

233. The method of claim 197, wherein the particle comprises a polymeric resin, a biopolymer coupled to the polymeric resin, and wherein the biopolymer undergoes a chemical reaction in the presence of the analyte to produce a signal, and wherein the particle further comprises a first indicator and a second indicator, the first and second indicators being coupled to the biopolymer, and wherein the chemical reaction of the biopolymer in the presence of the analyte causes a distance between the first and second indicators to become altered such that the alteration of the signal is produced.

234. The method of claim 197, wherein the particle comprises a polymeric resin, a biopolymer coupled to the polymeric resin, and wherein the biopolymer undergoes a chemical reaction in the presence of the analyte to produce a signal, and wherein the particle further comprises a first indicator and a second indicator, the first and second indicators being coupled to the biopolymer, and wherein the chemical reaction of the biopolymer in the presence of the analyte causes a distance between the first and second indicators to become altered such that the alteration of the signal is produced, and wherein the first indicator is a fluorescent dye and wherein the second indicator is a fluorescent quencher, and wherein the first indicator and the second indicator are within the Foster energy transfer radius, and wherein the chemical reaction of the biopolymer in the presence of the analyte causes the first and second indicators to move outside the Foster energy transfer radius such that the alteration of the signal is produced.

235. The method of claim 197, wherein the particle comprises a polymeric resin, a biopolymer coupled to the polymeric resin, and wherein the biopolymer undergoes a chemical reaction in the presence of the analyte to produce a signal, and wherein the particle further comprises a first indicator and a second indicator, the first and second indicators being coupled to the biopolymer, and wherein the chemical reaction of the biopolymer in the presence of the analyte causes a distance between the first and second indicators to become altered such that the alteration of the signal is produced, and wherein the first indicator is a fluorescent dye and wherein the second indicator is a different fluorescent dye, and wherein the first indicator and the second indicator produce a fluorescence resonance energy transfer signal, and wherein the chemical reaction of the biopolymer in the presence of the analyte causes the positions of the first and second indicators to change such that the fluorescence resonance energy transfer signal is altered producing the alteration in the signal.

236. The method of claim 197, wherein the particle comprises a polymeric resin, a biopolymer coupled to the polymeric resin, and wherein the biopolymer undergoes a chemical reaction in the presence of the analyte to produce a signal, and further comprising an indicator coupled to the biopolymer, and wherein the chemical reaction of the biopolymer in the presence of the analyte causes the biopolymer to be cleaved such that a portion of the biopolymer coupled to the indicator is cleaved from a portion of the biopolymer coupled to the polymeric resin.

237. The method of claim 197, wherein the particle comprises a receptor coupled to a polymeric resin, and a probe molecule coupled to the polymeric resin, and wherein the probe molecule is configured to produce a signal when the receptor interacts with the analyte during use.

238. The method of claim 197, wherein the particle comprises a receptor and an indicator coupled to a polymeric resin, wherein the indicator is configured to produce a signal when the receptor interacts with the analyte during use.

239. The method of claim 197, wherein the particle comprises a receptor and an indicator coupled to a polymeric resin, wherein the indicator is configured to produce a signal when the receptor interacts with the analyte during use, and wherein the receptor is coupled to the polymeric resin by a first linker and wherein the indicator is coupled to the polymeric resin by a second linker.

240. The method of claim 197, wherein the particle comprises a receptor and an indicator coupled to a polymeric resin, wherein the indicator is configured to produce a signal when the receptor interacts with the analyte during use, and wherein the receptor is coupled to the polymeric resin by a first linker and wherein the indicator is coupled to the polymeric resin by a second linker, and wherein the particle further comprises an additional indicator coupled to the polymeric resin by a third linker, wherein the interaction of the receptor with the analyte causes the indicator and the additional indicator to interact such that the signal is produced.

241. The method of claim 197, wherein the particle comprises a receptor and an indicator coupled to a polymeric resin, wherein the indicator is configured to produce a signal when the receptor interacts with the analyte during use, and wherein the receptor is coupled to the polymeric resin by a first linker and wherein the indicator is coupled to the receptor.

242. The method of claim 197, wherein the particle comprises a receptor and an indicator coupled to a polymeric resin, wherein the indicator is configured to produce a signal when the receptor interacts with the analyte during use, and wherein the receptor is coupled to the polymeric resin by a first linker and wherein the indicator is coupled to the receptor, and wherein the particle further comprises an additional indicator coupled to the receptor, wherein the interaction of the receptor with the analyte causes the indicator and the additional indicator to interact such that the signal is produced.

243. The method of claim 197, wherein the particle comprises a receptor and an indicator coupled to a polymeric resin, wherein the indicator is configured to produce a signal when the receptor interacts with the analyte during use, and wherein the receptor is coupled to the polymeric resin by a first linker and wherein the indicator is coupled to the receptor by a second linker.

244. The method of claim 197, wherein the particle comprises a receptor and an indicator coupled to a polymeric resin, wherein the indicator is configured to produce a signal when the receptor interacts with the analyte during use, and wherein the receptor is coupled to the polymeric resin by a first linker and wherein the indicator is coupled to the receptor by a second linker, and wherein the particle further comprises an additional indicator coupled to the receptor, wherein the interaction of the receptor with the analyte causes the indicator and the additional indicator to interact such that the signal is produced.

245. The method of claim 197, wherein the particle comprises a receptor and an indicator coupled to a polymeric resin, wherein the indicator is configured to produce a signal when the receptor interacts with the analyte during use, and wherein the receptor is coupled to the polymeric resin by a first linker and wherein the indicator is coupled to the first linker.

246. The method of claim 197, wherein the particle comprises a receptor and an indicator coupled to a polymeric resin, wherein the indicator is configured to produce a signal when the receptor interacts with the analyte during use, and wherein the receptor is coupled to the polymeric resin by a first linker, and wherein the indicator is coupled to the first linker by a second linker.

247. The method of claim 197, wherein the particle comprises a receptor and an indicator coupled to a polymeric resin, wherein the indicator is configured to produce a signal when the receptor interacts with the analyte during use, and wherein the receptor is coupled to the polymeric resin by a first linker, and wherein the indicator is coupled to the first linker by a second linker, and wherein the particle further comprises an additional indicator coupled to the receptor, wherein the interaction of the receptor with the analyte causes the indicator and the additional indicator to interact such that the signal is produced.

248. The method of claim 197, wherein the particle comprises a receptor and an indicator coupled to a polymeric resin, wherein the indicator is configured to produce a signal when the receptor interacts with the analyte during use, and wherein the receptor is coupled to the polymeric resin by a first linker, and wherein the indicator is coupled to the first linker by a second linker, and wherein the particle further comprises an additional indicator coupled to the first linker by a third linker, wherein the interaction of the receptor with the analyte causes the indicator and the additional indicator to interact such that the signal is produced.

249. The method of claim 197, wherein the particle comprises a receptor and an indicator coupled to a polymeric resin, wherein the indicator is configured to produce a signal when the receptor interacts with the analyte during use, and wherein the indicator interacts with the receptor in the absence of an analyte.

250. The method of claim 197, wherein the particle comprises a receptor and an indicator coupled to a polymeric resin, wherein the indicator is configured to produce a signal when the receptor interacts with the analyte during use, and wherein the particle further comprises an additional indicator coupled to the polymeric resin, and wherein the indicator is a first fluorescent dye and wherein the additional indicator is a second fluorescent dye, and wherein the indicator and the additional indicator produce a fluorescence resonance energy transfer signal, and wherein the interaction of the analyte with the receptor causes the distance between the indicator and the additional indicator to become altered such that the fluorescence resonance energy transfer signal is altered.

251. The method of claim 197, wherein the particle comprises a receptor and an indicator coupled to a polymeric resin, wherein the indicator is configured to produce a signal when the receptor interacts with the analyte during use, and wherein the particle further comprises an additional indicator coupled to the polymeric resin, wherein the indicator is a fluorescent dye and wherein the additional indicator is a fluorescence quencher, and wherein the indicator and the additional indicator are positioned such that the fluorescence of the indicator is at least partially quenched by the additional indicator, and wherein the interaction of the analyte with the receptor causes the distance between the indicator and the additional indicator to become altered such that the quenching of the fluorescence of the indicator by the additional indicator is altered.

252. The method of claim 197, wherein the particle comprises a biopolymer coupled to a polymeric resin, and wherein the biopolymer undergoes a chemical reaction in the presence of the analyte to produce a signal, and wherein the biopolymer undergoes a chemical reaction in the presence of the analyte such that the signal is altered.

254. The particle of claim 253, wherein the particle ranges from about 0.05 micron to about 500 microns.

255. The particle of claim 253, wherein a volume of the particle changes when contacted with the fluid.

256. The particle of claim 253, wherein the chemical reaction comprises cleavage of the biopolymer by the analyte.

257. The particle of claim 253, wherein the biopolymer comprises a peptide, and wherein the analyte comprises a protease, and wherein the chemical reaction comprises cleavage of the peptide by the protease.

258. The particle of claim 253, wherein the biopolymer comprises a polynucleotide, and wherein the analyte comprises a nuclease, and wherein the chemical reaction comprises cleavage of the polynucleotide by the nuclease.

259. The particle of claim 253, wherein the biopolymer comprises an oligosaccharide, and wherein the analyte comprises an oligosaccharide cleaving agent, and wherein the chemical reaction comprises cleavage of the oligosaccharide by the oligosaccharide cleaving agent.

260. The particle of claim 253, wherein the particle indicator system comprises a first indicator and a second indicator, and wherein the chemical reaction of the biopolymer in the presence of the analyte causes a distance between the first and second indicators to become altered such that the signal is produced.

261. The particle of claim 253, wherein the first indicator is a fluorescent dye and wherein the second indicator is a fluorescent quencher, and wherein the first indicator and the second indicator are within the Foster energy transfer radius, and wherein the chemical reaction of the biopolymer in the presence of the analyte causes the first and second indicators to move outside the Foster energy transfer radius.

262. The particle of claim 253, wherein the first indicator is a fluorescent dye and wherein the second indicator is a different fluorescent dye, and wherein the first indicator and the second indicator produce a fluorescence resonance energy transfer signal, and wherein the chemical reaction of the biopolymer in the presence of the analyte causes the positions of the first and second indicators to change such that the fluorescence resonance energy transfer signal is altered.

263. The particle of claim 253, wherein the indicator system comprises at least one indicator coupled to the biopolymer, and wherein the chemical reaction of the biopolymer in the presence of the analyte causes the biopolymer to be cleaved such that a portion of the biopolymer coupled to the indicator is cleaved from a portion of the biopolymer coupled to the polymeric resin.

265. The particle of claim 264, wherein the analyte comprises a metal ion, and wherein the probe molecule produces the signal in response to the interaction of the metal ion with the receptor.

266. The particle of claim 264, wherein the particles further comprises an additional probe molecule coupled to the polymeric resin, wherein the interaction of the receptor with the analyte causes the probe molecules to interact such that the signal is produced.

267. The particle of claim 264, wherein the receptor comprises a polynucleotide.

268. The particle of claim 264, wherein the receptor comprises a peptide.

269. The particle of claim 264, wherein the receptor comprises an enzyme.

270. The particle of claim 264, wherein the receptor comprises a synthetic receptor.

271. The particle of claim 264, wherein the receptor comprises an unnatural biopolymer.

272. The particle of claim 264, wherein the receptor comprises an antibody.

273. The particle of claim 264, wherein the receptor comprises an antigen.

274. The particle of claim 264, wherein the analyte comprises phosphate functional groups, and wherein the particle is configured to produce the signal in the presence of the phosphate functional groups.

275. The particle of claim 264, wherein the analyte comprises bacteria, and wherein the particle is configured to produce the signal in the presence of the bacteria.

276. The particle of claim 264, wherein the receptor comprises an antibody, an aptamer, an organic receptor, or an enzyme.

277. The particle of claim 264, wherein the probe molecule comprises an indicator, a dye, a quantum particle, or a semi-conductor particle.

279. The particle of claim 278, wherein the receptor comprises a polynucleotide.

280. The particle of claim 278, wherein the receptor comprises a peptide.

281. The particle of claim 278, wherein the receptor comprises a compound of the general formula:

282. The particle of claim 278, wherein the receptor comprises an enzyme.

283. The particle of claim 278, wherein the receptor is coupled to the first linker by a second linker and wherein the indicator is coupled to the first linker by a third linker.

284. The particle of claim 278, wherein the receptor is coupled to the first linker by a second linker and wherein the indicator is coupled to the first linker by a third linker, and wherein the indicator interacts with the receptor in the absence of an analyte.

285. The particle of claim 278, wherein the particle further comprises an additional indicator coupled to the first linker, wherein the interaction of the receptor with the analyte causes the indicator and the additional indicator to interact such that the signal is produced.

286. The particle of claim 278, wherein the particle further comprises an additional indicator coupled to the receptor, wherein the interaction of the receptor with the analyte causes the indicator and the additional indicator to interact such that the signal is produced.

287. The particle of claim 278, wherein the particle further comprises an additional indicator coupled to the first linker, and wherein the indicator is a first fluorescent dye and wherein the additional indicator is a second fluorescent dye, and wherein the indicator and the additional indicator produce a fluorescence resonance energy transfer signal, and wherein the interaction of the analyte with the receptor causes the distance between the indicator and the additional indicator to become altered such that the fluorescence resonance energy transfer signal is altered.

288. The particle of claim 278, wherein the particle further comprises an additional indicator coupled to the first linker, wherein the indicator is a fluorescent dye and wherein the additional indicator is a fluorescence quencher, and wherein the indicator and the additional indicator are positioned such that the fluorescence of the indicator is at least partially quenched by the additional indicator, and wherein the interaction of the analyte with the receptor causes the distance between the indicator and the additional indicator to become altered such that the quenching of the fluorescence of the indicator by the additional indicator is altered.

289. The particle of claim 278, wherein the particle further comprises an additional indicator coupled to the first linker, wherein the indicator is a fluorescence quencher and wherein the additional indicator is a fluorescent dye, and wherein the indicator and the additional indicator are positioned such that the fluorescence of the additional indicator is at least partially quenched by the indicator, and wherein the interaction of the analyte with the receptor causes the distance between the indicator and the additional indicator to become altered such that the quenching of the fluorescence of the additional indicator by the indicator is altered.

290. The particle of claim 278, wherein the particle further comprises an additional indicator coupled to the receptor, and wherein the indicator is a first fluorescent dye and wherein the additional indicator is a second fluorescent dye, and wherein the indicator and the additional indicator produce a fluorescence resonance energy transfer signal, and wherein the interaction of the analyte with the receptor causes the distance between the indicator and the additional indicator to become altered such that the fluorescence resonance energy transfer signal is altered.

291. The particle of claim 278, wherein the particle further comprises an additional indicator coupled to the receptor, wherein the indicator is a fluorescent dye and wherein the additional indicator is a fluorescence quencher, and wherein the indicator and the additional indicator are positioned such that the fluorescence of the indicator is at least partially quenched by the additional indicator, and wherein the interaction of the analyte with the receptor causes the distance between the indicator and the additional indicator to become altered such that the quenching of the fluorescence of the indicator by the additional indicator is altered.

292. The particle of claim 278, wherein the particle further comprises an additional indicator coupled to the receptor, wherein the indicator is a fluorescence quencher and wherein the additional indicator is a fluorescent dye, and wherein the indicator and the additional indicator are positioned such that the fluorescence of the additional indicator is at least partially quenched by the indicator, and wherein the interaction of the analyte with the receptor causes the distance between the indicator and the additional indicator to become altered such that the quenching of the fluorescence of the additional indicator by the indicator is altered.

293. The particle of claim 278, wherein the particle further comprises an additional indicator coupled to the first linker, wherein the receptor is coupled to the first linker by a second linker, the indicator is coupled to the first linker by a third linker and the additional indicator is coupled to the first linker by a fourth linker, and wherein the indicator is a first fluorescent dye and wherein the additional indicator is a second fluorescent dye, and wherein the indicator and the additional indicator produce a fluorescence resonance energy transfer signal, and wherein the interaction of the analyte with the receptor causes the distance between the indicator and the additional indicator to become altered such that the fluorescence resonance energy transfer signal is altered.

294. The particle of claim 278, wherein the particle further comprises an additional indicator coupled to the first linker, wherein the receptor is coupled to the first linker by a second linker, the indicator is coupled to the first linker by a third linker and the additional indicator is coupled to the first linker by a fourth linker, wherein the indicator is a fluorescent dye and wherein the additional indicator is a fluorescence quencher, and wherein the indicator and the additional indicator are positioned such that the fluorescence of the indicator is at least partially quenched by the additional indicator, and wherein the interaction of the analyte with the receptor causes the distance between the indicator and the additional indicator to become altered such that the quenching of the fluorescence of the indicator by the additional indicator is altered.

295. The particle of claim 278, wherein the particle further comprises an additional indicator coupled to the first linker, wherein the receptor is coupled to the first linker by a second linker, the indicator is coupled to the first linker by a third linker and the additional indicator is coupled to the first linker by a fourth linker, wherein the indicator is a fluorescence quencher and wherein the additional indicator is a fluorescent dye, and wherein the indicator and the additional indicator are positioned such that the fluorescence of the additional indicator is at least partially quenched by the indicator, and wherein the interaction of the analyte with the receptor causes the distance between the indicator and the additional indicator to become altered such that the quenching of the fluorescence of the additional indicator by the indicator is altered.

296. The particle of claim 278, wherein the particle further comprises an additional indicator coupled to the receptor, wherein the receptor is coupled to the first linker by a second linker, the indicator is coupled to the first linker by a third linker and the additional indicator is coupled to the receptor by a fourth linker, and wherein the indicator is a first fluorescent dye and wherein the additional indicator is a second fluorescent dye, and wherein the indicator and the additional indicator produce a fluorescence resonance energy transfer signal, and wherein the interaction of the analyte with the receptor causes the distance between the indicator and the additional indicator to become altered such that the fluorescence resonance energy transfer signal is altered.

297. The particle of claim 278, wherein the particle further comprises an additional indicator coupled to the receptor, wherein the receptor is coupled to the first linker by a second linker, the indicator is coupled to the first linker by a third linker and the additional indicator is coupled to the receptor by a fourth linker, wherein the indicator is a fluorescent dye and wherein the additional indicator is a fluorescence quencher, and wherein the indicator and the additional indicator are positioned such that the fluorescence of the indicator is at least partially quenched by the additional indicator, and wherein the interaction of the analyte with the receptor causes the distance between the indicator and the additional indicator to become altered such that the quenching of the fluorescence of the indicator by the additional indicator is altered.

298. The particle of claim 278, wherein the particle further comprises an additional indicator coupled to the receptor, wherein the receptor is coupled to the first linker by a second linker, the indicator is coupled to the first linker by a third linker and the additional indicator is coupled to the receptor by a fourth linker, wherein the indicator is a fluorescent dye and wherein the additional indicator is a fluorescence quencher, and wherein the indicator and the additional indicator are positioned such that the fluorescence of the indicator is at least partially quenched by the additional indicator, and wherein the interaction of the analyte with the receptor causes the distance between the indicator and the additional indicator to become altered such that the quenching of the fluorescence of the indicator by the additional indicator is altered.

299. The particle of claim 278, wherein the particle further comprises an additional indicator coupled to the receptor, wherein the receptor is coupled to the first linker by a second linker, the indicator is coupled to the first linker by a third linker and the additional indicator is coupled to the receptor by a fourth linker, wherein the indicator is a fluorescence quencher and wherein the additional indicator is a fluorescent dye, and wherein the indicator and the additional indicator are positioned such that the fluorescence of the additional indicator is at least partially quenched by the indicator, and wherein the interaction of the analyte with the receptor causes the distance between the indicator and the additional indicator to become altered such that the quenching of the fluorescence of the additional indicator by the indicator is altered.

300. The particle of claim 278, wherein the polymeric resin comprises polystyrene-polyethylene glycol-divinyl benzene.

148. A sensor array for detecting an analyte in a fluid comprising:

a supporting member;

wherein a first cavity and a second cavity are formed within the supporting member;

a first particle positioned within the first cavity;

a second particle positioned within the second cavity, wherein the second particle comprises a reagent, wherein a portion of the reagent is removable from the second particle when contacted with a decoupling solution, and wherein the reagent is configured to modify the first particle, when the reagent is contacted with the first particle, such that the first particle will produce a signal when the first particle interacts with the analyte during use;

a first pump coupled to the supporting member, wherein the pump is configured to direct the fluid towards the first cavity;

a second pump coupled to the supporting member, wherein the second pump is configured to direct the decoupling solution towards the second cavity;

wherein a first channel is formed in the supporting member, the first channel coupling the first pump to the first cavity such that the fluid flows through the first channel to the first cavity during use, and wherein a second channel is formed in the supporting member, the second channel coupling the second cavity to the first cavity such that the decoupling solution flows from the second cavity through the second channel to the first cavity during use.

153. A sensor array for detecting an analyte in a fluid comprising:

at least one particle coupled to a supporting member, wherein the particle is configured to produce a signal when the particle interacts with the analyte.

161. A method for forming a sensor array configured to detect an analyte in a fluid, comprising:

forming a cavity in a supporting member, wherein the supporting member comprises a silicon wafer;

placing a particle in the cavity, wherein the particle is configured to produce a signal when the particle interacts with the analyte; and

forming a cover upon a portion of the supporting member, wherein the cover is configured to inhibit dislodgment of the particle from the cavity.

197. A method of sensing an analyte in a fluid comprising:

passing a fluid over a sensor array, the sensor array comprising at least one particle positioned within a cavity of a supporting member;

monitoring a spectroscopic change of the particle as the fluid is passed over the sensor array, wherein the spectroscopic change is caused by the interaction of the analyte with the particle.

253. A particle for detecting an analyte in a fluid comprising:

a polymeric resin;

a biopolymer coupled to the polymeric resin; and

an indicator system coupled to the biopolymer, the indicator system producing a signal, and wherein the biopolymer undergoes a chemical reaction in the presence of the analyte such that the signal is altered.

264. A particle for detecting an analyte in a fluid comprising:

a polymeric resin;

a receptor coupled to the polymeric resin; and

a probe molecule coupled to the biopolymer, the probe molecule configured to produce a signal when the receptor interacts with the analyte during use.

278. A particle for detecting an analyte in a fluid comprising:

a polymeric resin;

a receptor coupled to the polymeric resin by a first linker; and

an indicator coupled to the first linker, the indicator configured to produce a signal when the receptor interacts with the analyte during use.

301. A particle for detecting an analyte in a fluid comprising:

a polymeric resin;

a biopolymer coupled to the polymeric resin; and

an indicator system coupled to the biopolymer, the indicator system producing a signal during use, and wherein the biopolymer undergoes a chemical reaction in the presence of the analyte such that the signal is altered during use.

302. The particle of claim 301, wherein the chemical reaction comprises cleavage of at least a portion of the biopolymer by the analyte.

303. The particle of claim 301, wherein the biopolymer comprises a polynucleotide, and wherein the analyte comprises a nuclease, and wherein the chemical reaction comprises cleavage of at least a portion of the polynucleotide by the nuclease.

304. The particle of claim 301, wherein the biopolymer comprises an oligosaccharide, and wherein the analyte comprises an oligosaccharide cleaving agent, and wherein the chemical reaction comprises cleavage of at least a portion of the oligosaccharide by the oligosaccharide cleaving agent.

305. The particle of claim 301, wherein the particle indicator system comprises a first indicator and a second indicator, and wherein the chemical reaction of the biopolymer in the presence of the analyte causes a distance between the first and second indicators to become altered such that the signal is produced.

308. The particle of claim 301, wherein the indicator system comprises at least one indicator coupled to the biopolymer, and wherein the chemical reaction of the biopolymer in the presence of the analyte causes the biopolymer to be cleaved such that at least a portion of the biopolymer coupled to the indicator is cleaved from at least a portion of the biopolymer coupled to the polymeric resin.

306. The particle of claim 689, wherein the first indicator is a fluorescent dye and wherein the second indicator is a fluorescence quencher, and wherein the first indicator and the second indicator are positioned such that the fluorescence of the first indicator is at least partially quenched by the second indicator, and wherein the chemical reaction of the biopolymer in the presence of the analyte causes the first and second indicators to move such that the quenching of the fluorescence of the first indicator by the second indicator is altered.

307. The particle of claim 689, wherein the first indicator is a fluorescent dye and wherein the second indicator is a different fluorescent dye, and wherein the first indicator and the second indicator produce a fluorescence resonance energy transfer signal, and wherein the chemical reaction of the biopolymer in the presence of the analyte causes the positions of the first and second indicators to change such that the fluorescence resonance energy transfer signal is altered.

309. A system for detecting an analyte in a fluid comprising:

a light source;

a sensor array, the sensor array comprising a support layer, a spacer layer, a sensor layer and a cover layer, wherein the spacer layer is disposed upon at least a portion of the support layer, and wherein the sensor layer is disposed upon the spacer layer such that a first channel is formed between the sensor layer and the support layer, and wherein at least one cavity is formed within the support layer, and wherein the cavity is configured to allow at least a portion of the fluid to pass through the cavity during use, and wherein the cover layer is positioned above the sensor layer such that the cover layer substantially inhibits the particle from being displaced from the cavity during use, and wherein the cover layer defines a second channel between the sensor layer and the cover layer;

a particle, the particle positioned within the cavity, wherein the particle is configured to produce a signal when the particle interacts with the analyte during use; and

a detector, the detector being configured to detect the signal produced by the interaction of the analyte with the particle during use;

wherein the light source and detector are positioned such that light passes from the light source, to the particle, and onto the detector during use.

310. The system of claim 309, wherein the sensor layer comprises a plurality of particles positioned within a plurality of cavities, and wherein the system is configured to substantially simultaneously detect a plurality of analytes in the fluid.

311. The system of claim 309, wherein the support layer comprises glass.

312. The system of claim 309, wherein the support layer comprises a plastic material.

313. The system of claim 309, wherein the support layer comprises a dry film photoresist material.

314. The system of claim 309, wherein the spacer layer supports the outer portion of the sensor layer.

315. The system of claim 309, wherein the sensor layer comprises silicon.

316. The system of claim 309, further comprising a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, wherein the fluid inlet is coupled to the cover layer, and wherein the fluid inlet is configured to allow the transfer of fluids through the cover layer to the second channel during use, and wherein the fluid outlet is coupled to the first channel, and wherein the fluid outlet is configured to allow the transfer of fluids from the first channel through the support layer during use.

317. The system of claim 309, wherein portions of an inner surface of the first and second channels are coated with a hydrophilic material, and wherein portions of the first and second channels are coated with a hydrophilic material.

318. The system of claim 309, wherein portions of an inner surface of the first and second channels are coated with a hydrophilic material, and wherein portions of the first and second channels are coated with a hydrophilic material, and wherein the hydrophilic material comprises silicon.

319. The system of claim 309, wherein portions of an inner surface of the first and second channels are coated with a hydrophilic material, and wherein portions of the first and second channels are coated with a hydrophilic material, and wherein the hydrophilic material comprises hexamethyldisilane.

320. The system of claim 309, wherein portions of an inner surface of the first and second channels are coated with a hydrophilic material, and wherein portions of the first and second channels are coated with a hydrophilic material, and wherein the hydrophobic material comprises silicon dioxide.

321. The system of claim 309, wherein portions of an inner surface of the first and second channels are coated with a hydrophilic material, and wherein portions of the first and second channels are coated with a hydrophilic material, and wherein the hydrophobic material comprises silicon nitride.

322. The system of claim 309, wherein portions of an inner surface of the first and second channels are coated with a hydrophilic material, and wherein portions of the first and second channels are coated with a hydrophilic material, and wherein the hydrophobic material comprises silicon dinitride.

323. The system of claim 309, wherein portions of an inner surface of the first and second channels are coated with a hydrophilic material, and wherein portions of the first and second channels are coated with a hydrophilic material, and wherein the hydrophobic material comprises siloxane.

324. The system of claim 309, wherein portions of an inner surface of the first and second channels are coated with a hydrophilic material, and wherein portions of the first and second channels are coated with a hydrophilic material, and wherein the hydrophobic material comprises silicon oxynitride.

325. The system of claim 309, wherein a portion of the second channel is coated with a hydrophobic compound, such that the hydrophobic portion of the channel is configured to capture air bubbles during use.

326. The system of claim 309, wherein the sensor layer comprises a plurality of particles positioned within a plurality of cavities, and wherein the system is configured to substantially simultaneously detect a plurality of analytes in the fluid.

327. The system of claim 309, wherein the light source comprises a light emitting diode.

328. The system of claim 309, further comprising a fluid delivery system coupled to the supporting member.

329. The system of claim 309, wherein the detector comprises a charge-coupled device.

330. The system of claim 309, wherein the particle ranges from about 0.05 micron to about 500 microns.

331. The system of claim 309, wherein a volume of the particle changes when contacted with the fluid.

332. The system of claim 309, wherein the particle comprises a receptor molecule coupled to a polymeric resin.

333. The system of claim 309, wherein the particle comprises a receptor molecule coupled to a polymeric resin, and wherein the polymeric resin comprises polystyrene-polyethylene glycol-divinyl benzene.

334. The system of claim 309, wherein the particle comprises a receptor molecule coupled to a polymeric resin, and wherein the particles further comprises a first indicator and a second indicator, the first and second indicators being coupled to the receptor, wherein the interaction of the receptor with the analyte causes the first and second indicators to interact such that the signal is produced.

335. The system of claim 309, wherein the particle comprises a receptor molecule coupled to a polymeric resin, and wherein the particles further comprises an indicator, wherein the indicator is associated with the receptor such that in the presence of the analyte the indicator is displaced from the receptor to produce the signal.