Method and device for the detection of molecular interactions

Abstract

The invention relates to devices and methods for the detection of specific interactions between probe and target molecules. In particular, the invention relates to methods for the qualitative and/or quantitative detection of targets, including: introducing a sample containing targets into a reaction chamber formed between a first surface of the device and a second surface of a device, which is preferably located opposite to the first surface, wherein the distance between the first and the second surface is variable; and detecting the targets.

1 - 20 . (canceled) 
     
     
         21 . A device, comprising:
 a detection zone defined at least in part between a first surface and a second surface, the detection zone being configured to accommodate a mixture including (a) a liquid, (b) a first complex including a first analyte and a first portion of a first optical label, and (c) a second portion of the first optical label, the second portion being in an uncomplexed state with respect to the first analyte, wherein the second portion has a greater mobility than the first complex;   an actuator configured to vary a distance between the first surface and the second surface and thereby displace at least a portion of the mixture from between the first surface and the second surface without introducing a liquid free of the first optical label between the first surface and the second surface; and   a detector configured to detect the optical label in the detection zone.   
     
     
         22 . The device of  claim 21 , wherein the first analyte is immobilized on the first surface. 
     
     
         23 . The device of  claim 22 , wherein the first analyte includes a nucleic acid, a
 peptide, a protein, an antigen, an antibody, a carbohydrate, a low molecular weight chemical compound, or a cell.   
     
     
         24 . The device of  claim 23 , wherein the first analyte includes a nucleic acid. 
     
     
         25 . The device of  claim 24 , further comprising a microarray immobilized on the first surface. 
     
     
         26 - 31 . (canceled) 
     
     
         32 . The device of  claim 21 , wherein the actuator is configured to vary the distance between the first surface and the second surface in a range from substantially 0 mm to 1 mm. 
     
     
         33 - 49 . (canceled) 
     
     
         50 . The device of  claim 21 , wherein the distance between the first surface and the second surface is a capillary gap. 
     
     
         51 . The device of  claim 50 , wherein the capillary gap has a thickness in a range of about 0 f.lm to about 100 f.lm. 
     
     
         52 . (canceled) 
     
     
         53 . The device of  claim 52 , wherein the capillary gap includes at least two subchambers, the sub-chambers being in fluid connection with each other in a first, non-compressed state, and no fluid connection existing between the sub-chambers in a second, compressed state. 
     
     
         54 . The device of  claim 53 , wherein each sub-chamber is assigned to a defined zone of said micro-array. 
     
     
         55 - 62 . (canceled)