Image differentiated multiplex assays

Inventors

Tsao, Dean • Huang, Chin-Shiou • CHUNG, Yao-Kuang

Assignees

PlexBio Co Ltd

Abstract

Provided herein are encoded microcarriers for analyte detection in multiplex assays. The microcarriers are encoded with an analog code for identification and include a capture agent for analyte detection. Also provided are methods of making the encoded microcarriers disclosed herein. Further provided are methods and kits for conducting a multiplex assay using the microcarriers described herein.

Core Innovation

The invention provides an encoded microcarrier for multiplex analyte detection in which a first substantially transparent polymer layer has parallel first and second surfaces. A substantially non-transparent polymer layer forms a two-dimensional shape that represents an analog code and is affixed to the first transparent polymer layer so that it encloses a center portion of the first substantially transparent polymer layer. A capture agent is coupled to at least one of the first and second surfaces of the first transparent polymer layer in at least the center portion of the first substantially transparent polymer layer.

The microcarrier further includes a magnetic, substantially non-transparent layer that encloses the center portion of the first substantially transparent polymer layer between the substantially non-transparent polymer layer and the center portion. The magnetic, substantially non-transparent layer is affixed to the first surface or the second surface of the substantially transparent polymer layer, and the microcarrier is less than about 50 b5m in thickness. The non-transparent two-dimensional shape provides an analog-code representation associated with the microcarrier.

In multiplex assays, the analog code is decoded from an analog-coded light pattern associated with the microcarrier by illuminating light passing through transparent portions to generate analog-coded light patterns and analog-coded images. Analog shape recognition is used to match the analog-coded image to the analog code, and analyte detection is performed using a signal-emitting detection agent coupled to analytes captured by the capture agent on the microcarrier.

Claims Coverage

The document includes one independent claim directed to a structural encoded microcarrier and dependent claims that refine its geometric, material, and functional features and extend to decoding and detection for multiplex assays. Across the family, the inventive features center on a transparent polymer layer with an encoded two-dimensional non-transparent analog-code shape, capture-agent placement at a center portion, and a magnetic non-transparent layer enclosing that center portion, combined with analog-coded light generation and analog shape recognition for decoding.

Overall, the claim set provides an encoded microcarrier architecture combining a transparent polymer substrate with an encoded non-transparent two-dimensional analog-code shape, capture-agent coupling at a center portion, and a magnetic non-transparent layer enclosing that center portion, with an explicit thickness limit. The dependent claims refine geometry, layering, and materials, and extend to decoding by producing analog-coded light patterns through transparent portions, imaging them, and using analog shape recognition to match to analog codes.

Stated Advantages

Documented Applications