EP0765480A1 - Automated analysis with comb-like support - Google Patents

Automated analysis with comb-like support

Info

Publication number
EP0765480A1
EP0765480A1 EP95905244A EP95905244A EP0765480A1 EP 0765480 A1 EP0765480 A1 EP 0765480A1 EP 95905244 A EP95905244 A EP 95905244A EP 95905244 A EP95905244 A EP 95905244A EP 0765480 A1 EP0765480 A1 EP 0765480A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
multiplicity
reactive zones
tab
comb
analyte
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP95905244A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Max Herzberg
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Orgenics International Holdings BV
Original Assignee
Orgenics International Holdings BV
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Orgenics International Holdings BV filed Critical Orgenics International Holdings BV
Publication of EP0765480A1 publication Critical patent/EP0765480A1/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
    • B01L3/00—Containers or dishes for laboratory use, e.g. laboratory glassware; Droppers
    • B01L3/50—Containers for the purpose of retaining a material to be analysed, e.g. test tubes
    • B01L3/508—Rigid containers without fluid transport within
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N33/00—Investigating or analysing materials by specific methods not covered by groups G01N1/00 - G01N31/00
    • G01N33/48—Biological material, e.g. blood, urine; Haemocytometers
    • G01N33/50—Chemical analysis of biological material, e.g. blood, urine; Testing involving biospecific ligand binding methods; Immunological testing
    • G01N33/53—Immunoassay; Biospecific binding assay; Materials therefor
    • G01N33/543—Immunoassay; Biospecific binding assay; Materials therefor with an insoluble carrier for immobilising immunochemicals
    • G01N33/54366—Apparatus specially adapted for solid-phase testing
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N35/00—Automatic analysis not limited to methods or materials provided for in any single one of groups G01N1/00 - G01N33/00; Handling materials therefor
    • G01N35/00029—Automatic analysis not limited to methods or materials provided for in any single one of groups G01N1/00 - G01N33/00; Handling materials therefor provided with flat sample substrates, e.g. slides
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
    • B01L2300/00—Additional constructional details
    • B01L2300/08—Geometry, shape and general structure
    • B01L2300/0809—Geometry, shape and general structure rectangular shaped
    • B01L2300/0819—Microarrays; Biochips

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to apparatus, method and systems for automated chemical and biological analysis.
  • markers may include, for example, genetic markers, cancer mark ⁇ ers, autoimmune disease markers etc. In biological and biochemical testing, each marker is associated with an analyte.
  • U.S. Patent 5,126,276 describes an analytical system for simultaneously assaying a plurality of samples for at least one analyte and including a comb-like ana ⁇ lyte support and a multi-compartment reaction container.
  • the present invention seeks to provide an improved and automated " system employing a comb-like analyte support generally as described in the aforesaid U.S. Patent 5,126,276, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.
  • a relatively small sample of body fluid can be used simultaneously to test for a large number of markers or analytes.
  • an automat ⁇ ed analysis system including a comb-like analyte support having at least one tab including a. multiplicity of reactive zones arranged in a two dimensional array of predetermined configuration and automatic apparatus for reading the multiplicity of reactive zones.
  • the comb-like device has a plurality of tabs.
  • a comb-like analyte support having at least one tab and preferably a plurality of tabs, each including a multiplicity of reactive zones arranged in a two dimensional array of predetermined configuration.
  • a method for producing a comb-like analyte support having at least one tab and preferably a plurality of tabs, each includ ⁇ ing a multiplicity of reactive zones arranged in a two dimensional array of predetermined configuration comprising the steps of: providing a comb-like analyte support blank having a plurality of tabs; and automatically dispensing onto each tab of the blank, analyte material in a two dimensional array of predetermined configuration.
  • an automat ⁇ ed analysis method including the steps of: dispensing analytes at a multiplicity of reac ⁇ tive zones arranged in a two dimensional array of prede ⁇ termined configuration on at least one tab of an analyte support, carrying out a test using the analytes; and following the test, automatically reading the multiplicity of reactive zones.
  • the multiplicity of reactive zones includes at least a plurality of different analytes.
  • the automatic apparatus for reading the multiplicity of reactive zones comprises a color scanner and comparator for comparing the scanning image of the multiplicity of reactive zones with at least one reference image.
  • FIG. 1 is an illustration of a preferred embod ⁇ iment of an analyte bearing support constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention
  • Fig. 2 is a simplified block diagram illustra ⁇ tion of an analysis system constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
  • Fig. 3 is a simplified block diagram illustra ⁇ tion of a method and apparatus for producing the analyte bearing support of Fig. 1.
  • Fig. 1 is a pictorial illustration of an analyte bearing support 10 constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
  • the support 10 comprises a blank typically formed of paper, of nitrocel ⁇ lulose, glass fibers or high impact polystyrene including a handle portion 12 and at least one and preferably a plurality of generally parallel tabs 14 depending there ⁇ from.
  • each of the tabs 14 there is formed on each of the tabs 14 at least one closely spaced two-dimensional array 16 of analytes 18, each analyte defining a reactive zone.
  • each analyte appears as a round drop. It is appreciated that any other suitable shape, such as a stripe or triangle may alternatively be employed.
  • a support 10 may be used to conduct a test, such as a chemical, biochemical, biological or other suitable test, preferably in association with a multi- chambered container 20, such as that described in assign ⁇ ee's U.S. Patent 5,126,276, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.
  • the analyte support is supplied to a scanner 22, such as a scanner described and claimed in assignee's copending Israel Patent Application 108301 the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference, or any other suitable scanner.
  • Scanner 22 is operative to provide an output indication of the colors of each of the analytes 18 in each array 16 on the sup ⁇ port 10.
  • the scanner is preferably responsive to both the spectral frequency and the intensity of the colors.
  • the output indication from scanner 22 is sup- plied to analysis apparatus 24, which preferably com ⁇ prises a comparator 26which is operative to compare the output indication with at least one reference.
  • the refer ⁇ ence may be a stored reference which corresponds to a given test result or alternatively may be a reference which is read simultaneously from an adjacent array on the same or a different tab 14.
  • the comparator may provide an output indicative of the test results to a operator interface 28 which may comprise a display or printer as well as to data storage and processing apparatus 30.
  • FIG. 3 is a simplified block diagram illustration of a method and apparatus for producing the analyte bearing support of Fig. 1.
  • Support blanks 40 are prepared from suitable substrate by a die cutter 42 and are supplied to a pre ⁇ cise dispenser 44, employing a three-dimensional posi ⁇ tioner such as those commonly used in the electronic industry, for example the Dot Master system commercially available from Diraa SMT Systems NL BV of Deurne, the Netherlands.
  • the dispenser 44 is operative to dispense on at least one tab at least one closely spaced two-dimen ⁇ sional array 16 of analytes 18, each analyte defining a reactive zone.

Landscapes

  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Immunology (AREA)
  • Analytical Chemistry (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Hematology (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Molecular Biology (AREA)
  • Biochemistry (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Pathology (AREA)
  • Urology & Nephrology (AREA)
  • Biomedical Technology (AREA)
  • Microbiology (AREA)
  • Cell Biology (AREA)
  • Biotechnology (AREA)
  • Clinical Laboratory Science (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • Food Science & Technology (AREA)
  • Medicinal Chemistry (AREA)
  • Measuring Or Testing Involving Enzymes Or Micro-Organisms (AREA)
  • Apparatus Associated With Microorganisms And Enzymes (AREA)
  • Automatic Analysis And Handling Materials Therefor (AREA)

Abstract

This invention discloses an automated chemical or biological analysis system comprising a comb-like support (10) having at least one tab (14) including a multiplicity of reactive zones (18) arranged in a two dimensional array (16) of predetermined configuration and an automatic reader (22) for reading the multiplicity of reactive zones.

Description

AUTOMATED ANALYSIS WITH COMB-LIKE SUPPORT
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to apparatus, method and systems for automated chemical and biological analysis.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Various apparatus and systems are known for automated chemical and biological analysis.
Scientific work relating inter alia to cancer and genetic diseases has demonstrated that many diseases are associated with one or more markers. These markers may include, for example, genetic markers, cancer mark¬ ers, autoimmune disease markers etc. In biological and biochemical testing, each marker is associated with an analyte.
Presently automatic test apparatus is known for simultaneously testing a multiplicity of samples of body fluid, such as blood or urine for a single marker or analyte. Examples of such apparatus include Elisa, com¬ mercially available from Ortho Diagnostic Systems, Abbot Laboratories and other suppliers.
U.S. Patent 5,126,276 describes an analytical system for simultaneously assaying a plurality of samples for at least one analyte and including a comb-like ana¬ lyte support and a multi-compartment reaction container. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention seeks to provide an improved and automated "system employing a comb-like analyte support generally as described in the aforesaid U.S. Patent 5,126,276, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.
It is a particular feature of the present invention that a relatively small sample of body fluid can be used simultaneously to test for a large number of markers or analytes.
There is thus provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention an automat¬ ed analysis system including a comb-like analyte support having at least one tab including a. multiplicity of reactive zones arranged in a two dimensional array of predetermined configuration and automatic apparatus for reading the multiplicity of reactive zones.
Preferably the comb-like device has a plurality of tabs.
Additionally in accordance with a preferred there is provided a comb-like analyte support having at least one tab and preferably a plurality of tabs, each including a multiplicity of reactive zones arranged in a two dimensional array of predetermined configuration.
Further in accordance with a preferred embodi¬ ment of the present invention there is provided a method for producing a comb-like analyte support having at least one tab and preferably a plurality of tabs, each includ¬ ing a multiplicity of reactive zones arranged in a two dimensional array of predetermined configuration, the method comprising the steps of: providing a comb-like analyte support blank having a plurality of tabs; and automatically dispensing onto each tab of the blank, analyte material in a two dimensional array of predetermined configuration.
There is also provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention an automat¬ ed analysis method including the steps of: dispensing analytes at a multiplicity of reac¬ tive zones arranged in a two dimensional array of prede¬ termined configuration on at least one tab of an analyte support, carrying out a test using the analytes; and following the test, automatically reading the multiplicity of reactive zones.
In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the multiplicity of reactive zones includes at least a plurality of different analytes.
Further in accordance with a preferred embodi¬ ment of the present invention the automatic apparatus for reading the multiplicity of reactive zones comprises a color scanner and comparator for comparing the scanning image of the multiplicity of reactive zones with at least one reference image.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The present invention will be understood and appreciated more fully from the following detailed de¬ scription, taken in conjunction with the drawings in which:
Fig. 1 is an illustration of a preferred embod¬ iment of an analyte bearing support constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 2 is a simplified block diagram illustra¬ tion of an analysis system constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and
Fig. 3 is a simplified block diagram illustra¬ tion of a method and apparatus for producing the analyte bearing support of Fig. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Reference is now made to Fig. 1, which is a pictorial illustration of an analyte bearing support 10 constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The support 10 comprises a blank typically formed of paper, of nitrocel¬ lulose, glass fibers or high impact polystyrene including a handle portion 12 and at least one and preferably a plurality of generally parallel tabs 14 depending there¬ from.
In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is formed on each of the tabs 14 at least one closely spaced two-dimensional array 16 of analytes 18, each analyte defining a reactive zone. In the illustrated embodiment, each analyte appears as a round drop. It is appreciated that any other suitable shape, such as a stripe or triangle may alternatively be employed.
Referring now additionally to Fig. 2, it is seen that a support 10 may be used to conduct a test, such as a chemical, biochemical, biological or other suitable test, preferably in association with a multi- chambered container 20, such as that described in assign¬ ee's U.S. Patent 5,126,276, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.
Following the test, the analyte support is supplied to a scanner 22, such as a scanner described and claimed in assignee's copending Israel Patent Application 108301 the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference, or any other suitable scanner. Scanner 22 is operative to provide an output indication of the colors of each of the analytes 18 in each array 16 on the sup¬ port 10. The scanner is preferably responsive to both the spectral frequency and the intensity of the colors.
The output indication from scanner 22 is sup- plied to analysis apparatus 24, which preferably com¬ prises a comparator 26which is operative to compare the output indication with at least one reference. The refer¬ ence may be a stored reference which corresponds to a given test result or alternatively may be a reference which is read simultaneously from an adjacent array on the same or a different tab 14.
The comparator may provide an output indicative of the test results to a operator interface 28 which may comprise a display or printer as well as to data storage and processing apparatus 30.
Reference is now made to Fig. 3, which is a simplified block diagram illustration of a method and apparatus for producing the analyte bearing support of Fig. 1. Support blanks 40 are prepared from suitable substrate by a die cutter 42 and are supplied to a pre¬ cise dispenser 44, employing a three-dimensional posi¬ tioner such as those commonly used in the electronic industry, for example the Dot Master system commercially available from Diraa SMT Systems NL BV of Deurne, the Netherlands. The dispenser 44 is operative to dispense on at least one tab at least one closely spaced two-dimen¬ sional array 16 of analytes 18, each analyte defining a reactive zone.
It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited by what has been particularly shown and described hereinabove. Rather the scope of the present invention is defined only by the claims which follow:

Claims

C L A I M S
1. An automated analysis system comprising: a comb-like analyte support having at least one tab including a multiplicity of reactive zones arranged in a two dimensional array of predetermined configura¬ tion; and an automatic reader for reading the multiplic¬ ity of reactive zones.
2. A comb-like analyte support having at least one tab including a multiplicity of reactive zones arranged in a two dimensional array of predetermined configura¬ tion; and an automatic reader for reading the multiplici¬ ty of reactive zones.
3. A method for producing a comb-like analyte support having at least one tab including a multiplicity of reactive zones arranged in a two dimensional array of predetermined configuration, the method comprising the steps of: providing a comb-like analyte support blank having a plurality of tabs; and automatically dispensing onto each tab of the blank, analyte material in a two dimensional array of predetermined configuration.
4. An automated analysis method including the steps of: dispensing analytes at a multiplicity of reac¬ tive zones arranged in a two dimensional array of prede¬ termined configuration on at least one tab of an analyte support; carrying out a test using the analytes; and following the test, automatically reading the multiplicity of reactive zones.
5. Apparatus according to either of claims 1 and 2 and wherein the multiplicity of reactive zones includes at least a plurality of different analytes.
6. Apparatus according to any of claims 1, 2 and 5 and wherein the automatic reader comprises a color scan¬ ner and comparator for comparing a scanned image of the multiplicity of reactive zones with at least one refer¬ ence image.
7. A method according to either of claims 3 and 4 and wherein the multiplicity of reactive zones includes at least a plurality of different analytes.
8. A method according to either of claims 4 and 7 and wherein the automatic reading step comprises color scanning and comparing a scanned image of the multiplici¬ ty of reactive zones with at least one reference image.
9. Apparatus according to any of claims 1, 2, 5 and 6 and wherein said at least one tab comprises a plurality of tabs.
10. A method according to any of claims 3, 4, 7 and 8 and wherein said at least one tab comprises a plurality of tabs.
EP95905244A 1994-01-19 1995-01-17 Automated analysis with comb-like support Withdrawn EP0765480A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
IL10837794A IL108377A0 (en) 1994-01-19 1994-01-19 Automated analysis with comb-like analyte support
IL10837794 1994-01-19
PCT/NL1995/000023 WO1995020164A1 (en) 1994-01-19 1995-01-17 Automated analysis with comb-like support

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0765480A1 true EP0765480A1 (en) 1997-04-02

Family

ID=11065718

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP95905244A Withdrawn EP0765480A1 (en) 1994-01-19 1995-01-17 Automated analysis with comb-like support

Country Status (4)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0765480A1 (en)
JP (1) JPH09508462A (en)
IL (1) IL108377A0 (en)
WO (1) WO1995020164A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
AU748061B2 (en) * 1994-10-18 2002-05-30 Regents Of The University Of California, The The combinatorial synthesis of novel materials
US6660233B1 (en) 1996-01-16 2003-12-09 Beckman Coulter, Inc. Analytical biochemistry system with robotically carried bioarray
ES2125833B1 (en) * 1997-04-23 1999-11-16 Garrido Lestache Javier Subiza PROCEDURE FOR THE ASSESSMENT AND PROCESSING OF EPICUTANEOUS ALLERGIC TESTS.
WO2001069249A1 (en) * 2000-03-17 2001-09-20 Unitec Co., Ltd. Supporter for substance to be detected, method and device for processing the same, and method and device for manufacturing the same
WO2012122536A2 (en) * 2011-03-09 2012-09-13 Magarray, Inc. Systems and methods for high-throughput detection of an analyte in a sample

Family Cites Families (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
AR231590A1 (en) * 1981-04-29 1984-12-28 Ciba Geigy Ag IMMUNOLOGICAL ANALYSIS DEVICE AND PROCEDURE TO OBTAIN IT
WO1983003677A1 (en) * 1982-04-16 1983-10-27 Boquet, Patrice Analysis device for biological symbols
IL75464A (en) * 1984-06-12 1990-08-31 Orgenics Ltd Method and apparatus for multi-analyte assay
JPH0823558B2 (en) * 1984-11-27 1996-03-06 オ−ジエニクス リミテツド Verification device
GB8809611D0 (en) * 1988-04-22 1988-05-25 Darougar S Deposition apparatus
US5075077A (en) * 1988-08-02 1991-12-24 Abbott Laboratories Test card for performing assays

Non-Patent Citations (1)

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Title
See references of WO9520164A1 *

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO1995020164A1 (en) 1995-07-27
IL108377A0 (en) 1994-04-12
JPH09508462A (en) 1997-08-26

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