Illumina Corporation

Tufts University

Todd Alan Dickinson

David R Walt

Mark S Chee

Kevin L Gunderson

Don O'Neil

John R Stuelpnagel

Edward Scott Carlson

Kenneth D Coblentz

Steven Mark Barnard

Bahram Ghaffarzadeh Kermani

Anthony W Czarnik

Shawn O Meade

Gan G Wang

James Bierle

Richard J Pytelewski

The invention relates generally to methods and apparatus for conducting analyzes, particularly microfluidic devices for the detection of target analytes.

Use of microfluidic systems in the detection of target analytes using microsphere arrays

Disclosed herein are compositions and methods for combining the output obtained from redundant sensor elements in a sensor array.

Self-encoding sensor with microspheres

The invention relates generally to methods and apparatus for conducting analyses, particularly microfluidic devices for the detection of target analytes.

The invention relates to methods of detecting a target analyte in a biological sample using composite microsphere arrays having first and second assay locations. Preferred target analytes include nucleic acid, and more specifically, nucleic acid having one or more single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs).

Methods of detecting targets on an array

A microsphere-based analytic chemistry system is disclosed in which self-encoding microspheres having distinct characteristic optical response signatures to specific target analytes may be mixed together while the ability is retained to identify the sensor type and location of each sensor in a random dispersion of large numbers of such sensors in a sensor array using an optically interrogatable encoding scheme. An optical fiber bundle sensor is also disclosed in which individual microsphere sensors are disposed in microwells at a distal end of the fiber bundle and are optically coupled to discrete fibers or groups of fibers within the bundle. The identities of the individual sensors in the array are self-encoded by exposing the array to a reference analyte while illuminating the array with excitation light energy. A single sensor array may carry thousands of discrete sensing elements whose combined signal provides for substantial improvements in sensor detection limits, response times and signal-to-noise ratios.

Self-encoding microspheres having distinct characteristic optical response signatures to specific target analytes may be mixed together while the ability is retained to identify the sensor type and location of each sensor in a random dispersion of large numbers of such sensors in a sensor array using an optically interrogatable encoding scheme, resulting in a microsphere-based analytic chemistry system. Individual microsphere sensors are disposed in microwells at a distal end of a fiber bundle and are optically coupled to discrete fibers or groups of fibers within the bundle to form an optical fiber bundle sensor. The identities of the individual sensors in the array are self-encoded by exposing the array to a reference analyte while illuminating the array with excitation light energy. A single sensor array may carry thousands of discrete sensing elements whose combined signal provides for substantial improvements in sensor detection limits, response times and signal-to-noise ratios.

Self-encoding fiber optic sensor

The invention relates methods of improving signal detection from an array and methods for background subtraction in an array. The invention provides for novel array compositions including arrays with wells with different shapes, or surfaces coated with reflective or selectively absorptive coatings. In addition, the array include a signal transducer element.

Array compositions for improved signal detection

The invention relates to sensor compositions comprising a composite array of individual arrays, to allow for simultaneous processing of a number of samples. The invention further provides methods of making and using the composite arrays. The invention further provides a hybridization chamber for use with a composite array.

Array compositions and methods of making same

A holder for an array of bundles containing multiple fiber optic strands provides a pattern of openings into which one each of each bundle is fit. The openings may (but need not) penetrate the full holder thickness to permit working with bundles from either bundle end. In one embodiment the holder thickness equals the bundle length, and the holder is sized similarly to a microscope slide. An alternative embodiment temporarily retains bundles in a desired registration and subjects the retained bundles to molten material such as wax that is allowed to harden around the bundles and become the holder. A modular holder comprises laminates that each contain parallel grooves sized to receive a bundle. A holder for a single bundle includes cooperating grip-like members, one of which is pivotably attached and biased toward the other member. A common form factor may be used for each holder type to facilitate retaining holders in a common docking station.

Growing community of inventors

San Diego, CA, United States of America

Todd Alan Dickinson