Methods, compositions and systems for sample deposition

Abstract

Methods, compositions, systems, apparatus, and kits are provided for depositing samples onto surfaces. The samples can include one or more particles, and the surface can include one or more reaction chambers. In some embodiments, the depositing can include the use of companion particles in combination with sample particles.

What is claimed: 
     
         1 . A method of analyzing a nucleic acid, the method comprising:
 applying at least a portion of a sample solution to an array, the sample solution comprising a particle substrate coupled to a plurality of copies of the nucleic acid;   centrifuging the array while in the presence of the at least a portion of the sample, the array including a plurality of wells in cooperative association with a plurality of sensors, the array disposed at an angle relative to a radial vector in a rang eof 0° to 90° during centrifuging, the particle substrate depositing into a well of the plurality of wells; and   repeating applying and centrifuging.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein applying includes pipetting the at least a portion of the sample into a flow cell formed over the array. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein repeating includes withdrawing and reapplying the at least a portion of the sample to the array. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein repeating includes applying another portion of the sample to the array. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein applying includes pipetting an amount of the sample that is not greater than the volume of a flow cell formed over the array. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein applying includes pipetting an amount of the sample that is greater than the volume of a flow cell formed over the array and collecting a pass-through portion of the sample.