Bio-rad Laboratories, Inc.

Life Technologies Corporation

Robert Archer

Frank Hsiung

Richard P Haugland

David M Hagen

Daniel Y Chu

Joseph M Beechem

Rosaria Haugland

Teresa Rubio

Kelly Kroeger

Veronika Kortisova

Amber Iraeta

Paul J Patt

Nicholas Doe

Emmanuel Quiroz

Zuo Cheng Shen

The present invention relates in general to microscopy systems. In particular, the present invention relates to microscopes rendering digital images of samples, with the capability to digitally control the focus of the microscope system, and the software used to control the operation of the digital microscope system. Further, the present invention relates to a microscope structure that allows for compact and multi-functional use of a microscope, providing for light shielding and control with samples that require specific light wavelength characteristics, such as fluorescence, for detection and imaging. The microscope is adjustable, with a structure that can move along range(s) of motion and degree(s) of freedom to allow for ease of access to samples, shielding of samples, and manipulation of a display apparatus.

Adjustable digital microscope display

Adherent cells bearing characteristics that are detectable only in the adherent state can be sorted on the basis of these characteristics independently of their adherent state, by applying a transformable label to the entire population of cells, both those bearing the characteristics of interest and those not, in their adherent state and identifying the locations of the cells of interest on the adherent surface. The cells of interest, or all cells other than those of interest, are then selectively treated to transform the labels and achieve differentiation between the cells of interest and the remaining cells. All cells are then released from the adherent state and sorted in the same manner as non-adherent cells but on the basis of whether the labels are transformed or not transformed.

Sorting of adherent cells by selective transformation of labels

Provided are labeling reagents and methods for labeling primary antibodies and for detecting a target in a sample using an immuno-labeled complex that comprises a target-binding antibody and one or more labeling reagents. The labeling reagents comprise monovalent antibody fragments or non-antibody monomeric proteins whereby the labeling proteins have affinity for a specific region of the target-binding antibody and are covalently attached to a label. Discrete subsets of labeling reagent and immune-labeled complexes are provided that facilitate the simultaneous detection of multiple targets in a sample-complexes are distinguished by i) a ratio of label to labeling reagent, or ii) a physical property of said label, or iii) a ratio of labeling reagent to said target-binding antibody, or iv) by said target-binding antibody. This is particularly useful for fluorophore labels that can be attached to labeling reagents and subsequently immuno-labeled complexes in ratios for the detection of multiple targets.

Antibody complexes and methods for immunolabeling

The present invention provides novel immunolabeling complexes and certain components of such complexes, as well as methods of preparing and using such complexes, and kits for use in preparing labeling proteins and for immunolabeling. The pre-formed immunolabeling complexes of the invention comprise both a target-binding antibody and a labeling protein that contains covalently attached labels, where the labeling protein binds selectively and with high affinity to a selected region of the target-binding antibody. Novel labeling proteins of the invention include non-antibody peptides and proteins, such as a complex of protein G and a labeled albumin, and monovalent antibody fragments, such as labeled Fab fragments of an anti-Fc antibody. In methods of the invention, the preformed immunolabeling complexes are added to the sample alone or in combination, for purposes of labeling and optionally detecting the target of interest.

The present invention provides labeling reagents and methods for labeling primary antibodies and for detecting a target in a sample using an immuno-labeled complex that comprises a target-binding antibody and one or more labeling reagents. The labeling reagents comprise monovalent antibody fragments or non-antibody monomeric proteins whereby the labeling proteins have affinity for a specific region of the target-binding antibody and are covalently attached to a label. Typically, the labeling reagent is an anti-Fc Fab or Fab' fragment that was generated by immunizing a goat or rabbit with the Fc fragment of an antibody. The present invention provides for discrete subsets of labeling reagent and immuno-labeled complexes that facilitate the simultaneous detection of multiple targets in a sample wherein the immuno-labeled complexes are distinguished by i) a ratio of label to labeling reagent, or ii) a physical property of said label, or iii) a ratio of labeling reagent to said target-binding antibody, or iv) by said target-binding antibody. This is particularly useful for fluorophore labels that can be attached to labeling reagents and subsequently immuno-labeled complexes in ratios for the detection of multiple targets.

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Eugene, OR, United States of America

Robert Archer