Devices and methods for performing array based assays

Abstract

Array coverslip devices and methods of using the same are provided. The subject coverslip devices are characterized by having an array coverslip and at least one wall structure having at least one orifice therein on a planar surface of the coverslip. In certain embodiments, more than one wall structure is present. The wall structures may be flexible or rigid. The subject methods include joining an array coverslip having at least one wall structure having at least one orifice on a planar surface of the coverslip with a ligand array, performing an array assay using the coverslip joined with the ligand array, and reading the ligand array to obtain a result. Also provided are systems and kits for use in the subject methods.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . An array coverslip device comprising: 
 an array coverslip; and    at least one wall structure comprising at least one orifice on a planar surface of said coverslip.    
     
     
         2 . The device according to  claim 1 , wherein said at least one orifice is a discontinuity in one or more locations of said wall structure.  
     
     
         3 . The device according to  claim 1 , wherein said at least one orifice is located at a corner of said wall structure.  
     
     
         4 . The device according to  claim 1 , wherein said at least one orifice is sealable.  
     
     
         5 . The device according to  claim 4 , wherein said at least one orifice is self-sealing.  
     
     
         6 . The device according to  claim 1 , wherein said wall structure is rigid.  
     
     
         7 . The device according to  claim 1 , wherein said wall structure is flexible.  
     
     
         8 . The device according to  claim 1 , wherein said array cover slip has two or more wall structures on said planar surface.  
     
     
         9 . The device according to  claim 1 , wherein said at least one wall structure and said planar surface define a bounded area having a volume that ranges from about 1 μl to about 1000 μl.  
     
     
         10 . The device according to  claim 1 , wherein said planar surface is hydrophobic.  
     
     
         11 . The device according to  claim 1 , wherein said planar surface is hydrophilic.  
     
     
         12 . The device according to  claim 1 , wherein said coverslip is dimensioned to be joined with an array to provide a defined assay area bounded by said array, said planar surface and said wall structure.  
     
     
         13 . The device according to  claim 12 , wherein said wall structure is commensurate with said planar surface's perimeter.  
     
     
         14 . The device according to  claim 1 , wherein said wall structure is not commensurate with said planar surface's perimeter.  
     
     
         15 . The device according to  claim 14 , wherein said coverslip has a rectangular configuration.  
     
     
         16 . The device according to  claim 1 , wherein said wall structure forms a bounded area.  
     
     
         17 . An array coverslip device comprising: 
 an array coverslip; and    at least one rectangular rigid wall structure on a planar surface of said coverslip.    
     
     
         18 . An array assay device comprising: 
 (a) an array coverslip comprising at least one wall structure having at least one orifice on a planar surface of said coverslip; and    (b) a substrate having at least one array, which substrate is joined to said array coverslip.    
     
     
         19 . An array assay device comprising: 
 (a) an array coverslip comprising at least one rectangular rigid wall structure on a planar surface of said coverslip; and    (b) a substrate having at least one array, which substrate is joined to said array coverslip.    
     
     
         20 . A method of assaying a sample for the presence of at least one analyte, said method comprising: 
 (a) joining an array coverslip comprising at least one wall structure having at least one orifice on a planar surface of said coverslip with a ligand array,    (b) performing an array assay using said coverslip joined with said ligand array; and    (c) reading said ligand array to obtain a result.    
     
     
         21 . The method according to  claim 20 , further comprising contacting said ligand array with a sample, wherein said ligand array and said coverslip are joined together prior to contacting said array with said sample.  
     
     
         22 . The method according to  claim 20 , further comprising contacting said ligand array with a sample, wherein said ligand array and said coverslip are joined together subsequent to contacting said array with said sample.  
     
     
         23 . The method according to  claim 22 , further comprising introducing said sample to said ligand array through said at least one orifice.  
     
     
         24 . The method according to  claim 23 , further comprising removing said sample from said ligand array using said at least one orifice.  
     
     
         25 . The method according to  claim 20 , wherein said ligand array is a nucleic acid array.  
     
     
         26 . The method according to  claim 25 , wherein said analyte is a nucleic acid.  
     
     
         27 . The method according to  claim 20 , wherein said ligand array is a polypeptide array.  
     
     
         28 . The method according to  claim 27 , wherein said analyte is a polypeptide.  
     
     
         29 . The method according to  claim 20 , wherein said wall structure is rigid.  
     
     
         30 . A method comprising transmitting a result obtained by a method of  claim 20  from a first location to a second location.  
     
     
         31 . The method according to  claim 30 , wherein said second location is a remote location.  
     
     
         32 . A method comprising receiving said result obtained by the method of  claim 30 .  
     
     
         33 . A kit for performing an assay, said kit comprising: 
 (a) an array coverslip device according to  claim 1;  and    (b) instructions for using said array coverslip device to perform an array assay.    
     
     
         34 . The kit according to  claim 33 , wherein said kit further comprises a ligand array.