NU 2006-022

Inventors

Abhishek Mathur

David M. Kelso*

Short Description

Novel system and method for performing high throughput bead-based assays for multiple analytes simultaneously

Abstract

Northwestern researchers have developed a method for performing high throughput bead-based assays by establishing a fluorophore-based bar coding system for microbeads. While fluorescent labels are a staple of biological research, they cannot be used simultaneously in high throughput screens, as overlapping emission spectra can confound experimental results. To avoid this issue, most assays utilize a limited number of colored fluorophores at one time. The bar-coding method developed by Prof. Kelso's laboratory may improve how bead-based high throughput biological assays are performed. Each microbead is labeled with multiple flouorophores, generating a barcode that can be read and distinguished from those of other microbeads. This novel reagent can be combined with a complementary microscopy system and image analysis algorithm to analyze a high number of samples for multiple analytes of interest. By enabling collection of both qualitative and quantitative data, this new technology may be utilized in both high throughput diagnostic tests and cutting-edge research efforts.

Applications

• Multiplexed suspension based assays (proteome analysis, functional genomics etc.)
• Fluorescent image analysis

Advantages

• Reduced imaging and analysis time
• Full automation
• High accuracy (97%)

Publications

Mathur A, Kelso DM (2010) Multispectral Image Analysis of Binary Encoded Microspheres for Highly Multiplexed Suspension Arrays, Cytometry Part A. 4: 356-365.

IP Status

Issued US patent 7,764,361