Spatial Positioning of Spectrally Labeled Beads

Abstract

Devices, systems, kits, and methods for detecting and/or identifying a plurality of spectrally labeled bodies well-suited for performing multiplexed assays. By spectrally labeling the beads with materials which generate identifiable spectra, a plurality of beads may be identified within the fluid. Reading of the beads is facilitated by restraining the beads in arrays, and/or using a focused laser.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A spectral label identification method comprising:
 spatially restraining a first spectrally labeled body at a site in an array of sites;   spatially restrained a plurality of labeled bodies behind the first body so as to define an array;   dispersing a plurality of spectra from the spatially restrained bodies simultaneously across the sensor surface; and   identifying the array of bodies from the spectrum, wherein the plurality of spectrally labeled bodies are simultaneously spatially restrained as an array when the first body is restrained.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the array of bodies are restrained within an array of openings in a multi-well plate. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the array of openings in the multi-well plate are spaced to avoid excessive overlap of the dispersed spectra such that each of the bodies can be identified from the associated spectrum. 
     
     
         4 . The method in  claim 2 , wherein the array of openings in the multi-well plate are spaced in a staggered pattern so as to increase the array density while avoiding excessive overlap among the dispersed spectra. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the array of openings in the multi-well plate are deep enough to contain a set of labeled bodies. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 5 , wherein the labeled bodies are moved into the array of openings in the multi-well plate by vacuum action. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the labeled body is restrained by a restraining energy beam which is configured to restrain a single body. 
     
     
         8 . A spectral label identification method comprising:
 spatially restraining a first spectrally labeled body at a site in an array of sites;   spatially restraining a plurality of labeled bodies behind the first body so as to define an array.   sensing a first and second spectra with a scanning system by moving a sensing field between the bodies of the array; and   identifying the array of bodies from the spectrum, wherein the plurality of spectrally labeled bodies are simultaneously spatially restrained as an array when the first body is restrained.   
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the array of bodies are restrained within the array of openings in a multi-well plate. 
     
     
         10 . The method in  claim 9 , wherein the array of openings in the multi-well plate are spaced to avoid excessive overlap to dispersed spectra such that each of the bodies can be identified from the associated spectrum. 
     
     
         11 . The method in  claim 9 , wherein the array of openings in the multi-well plate are spaced in a staggered pattern so as to increase the array density while avoiding excessive overlap among the dispersed spectra. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the array of openings in a multi-well plate are deep enough to contain a set of labeled bodies. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the labeled bodies are moved into the array of openings in a multi-well plate by vacuum action. 
     
     
         14 . A spectral label identification method comprising:
 spatially restraining a first spectrally labeled body at a site in an array of sites in an array of sites;   spatially restraining an array of bodies in the array by an array of discrete binging sites, the binding sites comprising material capable of binding bodies;   sensing a first and second spectra with a scanning system by moving a sensing field between the bodies of the array; and   identifying the array of bodies from the spectrum, wherein the plurality of spectrally labeled bodies are simultaneously spatially restrained as an array when the first body is restrained.   
     
     
         15 . A spectral label identification method comprising:
 spatially restraining a first spectrally labeled body at a site in an array of sites in an array of sites;   spatially restraining an array of bodies in the array by an array of discrete bringing sites, the binding sites comprising material capable of binding bodies;   dispersing a plurality of spectra from the spatially restrained bodies simultaneously across the sensor surface; and   identifying the array of bodies from the spectrum, wherein the plurality of spectrally labeled bodies are simultaneously spatially restrained as an array when the first body is restrained.   
     
     
         16 . A multiplex assay system comprising:
 A plurality of bodies released in a fluid, the bodies having labels for generating identifiable spectra;   An energy transmitter coupled to the fluid so as to spatially restrain an array of bodies with a restraining energy beam; and   A sensor oriented to receive the spectrum which is simultaneously dispersed from the plurality of spatially restrained bodies across the sensor surface.